What to try when hiking insoles lose support?

TrailMixTony

My long hikes have stayed pain-free this year after switching to some basic aftermarket insoles with extra arch cushioning.

Used to get that sharp heel sting after anything over 12 miles, especially on rocky stuff, so I grabbed a pair on a whim before a recent 18-mile day and just kept using them. No flare-ups since, even with the same boots.

What should I try next if the support starts wearing out?

ecopack

TrailMixTony, have you looked into what those insoles are actually made from? A bunch of the basic aftermarket ones lean on virgin foams that aren’t exactly kind to the environment once they break down. When the arch starts flattening I’d check for replacements using recycled rubber or cork bases first, since they hold up better on rocky miles without the waste. Anyone else swapped to something more ethical and noticed the difference?

gadgetguru

TrailMixTony if the arch support starts going soft after more big days I’d check first for insoles that link up with foot pressure apps so you can see exactly where the load shifts on rocky sections before it turns into another heel issue. Those setups often last longer than plain foam ones too when you compare the sensor layers side by side. What apps do you already use for tracking mileage?

TrailMixTony

Haven’t used any mileage tracking apps, just note the distance from the trail map and my watch timer after each hike.