Post by snappypepper on Apr 21, 2016 12:48:04 GMT -8
I have an upcoming trip to Zion right around the corner and I am starting to second guess my shoe choices.
Typically on day hikes of 15-16 miles, I go with trail runners. However, after trying backpacking in the same shoes, I realized I needed more sole to handle the extra weight load. I have a great pair of hiking boots that I like a lot, but, well, they are BOOTS.
My latest brainstorm is to invest in some Smartfeet or similar insoles for my proven trail shoes to provide extra support. Has anyone tried this and did the insoles give you enough extra support or is it a losing battle? I know it won't give my shoes a stiffer sole, but maybe it will help keep my feet more stable on uneven terrain? Up until last year I never hiked in boots, but the terrain in Yosemite kicked my ass and convinced me to get a pair, and now I don't want to hike in them (even though they are comfortable and supportive- my feet like to breath and they just feel heavy/clunky/hot in boots). I know the terrain at Zion is less challenging than Yosemite, and I have previously hiked 32+ miles in 2 days in Zion with no problems in the shoes I am thinking of adding the insoles to, but that was with a daypack, not a 30lb backpack. However, I will suck it up and wear them if it's going to be a complete failure with the insole idea. Thanks in advance!
Typically on day hikes of 15-16 miles, I go with trail runners. However, after trying backpacking in the same shoes, I realized I needed more sole to handle the extra weight load. I have a great pair of hiking boots that I like a lot, but, well, they are BOOTS.
My latest brainstorm is to invest in some Smartfeet or similar insoles for my proven trail shoes to provide extra support. Has anyone tried this and did the insoles give you enough extra support or is it a losing battle? I know it won't give my shoes a stiffer sole, but maybe it will help keep my feet more stable on uneven terrain? Up until last year I never hiked in boots, but the terrain in Yosemite kicked my ass and convinced me to get a pair, and now I don't want to hike in them (even though they are comfortable and supportive- my feet like to breath and they just feel heavy/clunky/hot in boots). I know the terrain at Zion is less challenging than Yosemite, and I have previously hiked 32+ miles in 2 days in Zion with no problems in the shoes I am thinking of adding the insoles to, but that was with a daypack, not a 30lb backpack. However, I will suck it up and wear them if it's going to be a complete failure with the insole idea. Thanks in advance!
