Ok, so now I have decent boots. They just don't have much cushion in the insoles. I climb a lot of ladders and do considerable walking toting tools and repair parts for rooftop HVAC units. At the end of the day my feet are beat. I would appreciate real life experiences, the interweb is all over the place with reviews.

I have plantar fasciitis.

After spending a lot of time and money on custom orthotics, a PA told me to go to a good shoe store, step on the machine and get whatever semi-custom insole it recommended.

Problem solved for a fraction of the cost.

I suspect a similar solution would work for you.

I've had good luck with Aetrex insoles.

I've tried everything worth trying and walk on concrete a good part of the day.
These are by far the best. They can be had for less so shop around.

https://www.powersteps.com/pinnacle-maxx.html/

I've had good results with Superfeet insoles.

quote:

Originally posted by henryarnaud:
I've had good results with Superfeet insoles.

Superfeet are a good choice, for general insole use. I know a lot of guys who swear by them.

But if you have flat feet, there's no substitute for real custom orthotics from a podiatrist. Pricey (several hundred dollars), but worth it.

I have flat feet. Running, walking long distances, or standing for long periods used to kill my feet, ankles, and knees. Off-the-shelf insoles helped a little, but I only really got relief when I was measured by a podiatrist and had custom inserts made. Combined with a good motion-control running shoe, I can now run pain-free. And when inserted in my duty boots, I'm no longer in pain after long days on my feet.

I used to buy “decent” duty boots for $80-$100 and would put $30 Ariat insoles in them because my $200 Ariat Cowboy boots were the 2nd most comfortable pair of footwear I had ever worn.
Then got a $200 pair of Lowa hiking boots and my feet were happy.
So I ended up spending $300 on a pair of Lowa duty boots. My feet, back, and the rest of my body are much happier.
So if you have to buy insoles for them are they really decent boots??

Ecco Track boots and forget about the insoles.

Otherwise, Aetrax or PowerSteps are good products.

Here's a thread with several good options:
https://sigforum.com/eve/forums...0601935/m/2780044334

I also have Plantar Faciitis and also have a tendency to develop inflammation in the Metatarsals. Seems that if you spend nearly 40 years as a couch potato and then start distance walking and light jogging in your late 50's you'll find your feet are distinctly "fragile".

Tried Superfeet inserts at the suggestion of my personal physician and they didn't do diddly to protect my metatarsals. IMO Superfeet are all hype with no substance. What helped me was Doctor Scholls Athletic inserts with gel cushions at both the heel and ball of the foot.

BTW, what helped my the most with my Plantar Fasciitis was moving about 60-70% of my "road work" to an Elliptical Trainer. Specifically a Life Fitness Elliptical. The movement and motion of the footpad actually acts sort of like a message to the feet that help reduce the daily pain of this condition. Also spent about 9 months where the ONLY distance walking I did was walking the dog and did all of my other "road work" on the Elliptical. Now that my feet have improved my typical days exercise will be 4 miles on the Elliptical, 1.5 miles on a treadmill and taking the dog out for 1.5 miles after work when the weather permits.

One thing that might help when you climb ladders a lot is to get boots that have a steel or very rigid shank through the insole area.

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:
I used to buy “decent” duty boots for $80-$100 and would put $30 Ariat insoles in them because my $200 Ariat Cowboy boots were the 2nd most comfortable pair of footwear I had ever worn.
Then got a $200 pair of Lowa hiking boots and my feet were happy.
So I ended up spending $300 on a pair of Lowa duty boots. My feet, back, and the rest of my body are much happier.
So if you have to buy insoles for them are they really decent boots??

Which model did you get?

Power step pinnacle insoles.

Ditch the boots unless required by work. No way I'd be climbing up to RTUs wearing my boots. I wear sneakers, 99% of the time. My employer does not require any steel toes and we don't do new construction, so no OHSA site visits.

I've never understood why so many tradesmen wear boots.

quote:

Originally posted by houndawg:

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:
I used to buy “decent” duty boots for $80-$100 and would put $30 Ariat insoles in them because my $200 Ariat Cowboy boots were the 2nd most comfortable pair of footwear I had ever worn.
Then got a $200 pair of Lowa hiking boots and my feet were happy.
So I ended up spending $300 on a pair of Lowa duty boots. My feet, back, and the rest of my body are much happier.
So if you have to buy insoles for them are they really decent boots??

Which model did you get?

Lowa Zephyr GTX in sage for hunting and hiking. Sure wish they were making the wolf color when I bought them.
https://www.lowaboots.com/mens...l/zephyr-gtx®-mid-tf

Lowa Uplander GTX TF for Duty boots
https://www.lowaboots.com/mens...cal/uplander-gtx®-tf

I work in an old style shoe store & will be taking my board exam in March to become a foot
Pharmacist. I pick & properly fit shoes & orthotics specifically for their individual foot. The number 1 selling over the counter orthotic, in the world is Aetrex Lynco. They have different models. Any of their models ending with the 2nd to last number "2" is designed for flat feet. They also have specific models with metatarsal support. They also have a 30 return policy.

Most footwear has insoles designed for a neutral foot, so if your specific foot is not neutral, you may need to figure out what shoe/boot & insole combination works best for your specific foot. What works for 1 person may not work for someone else.

Whatever you do, get use to them gradually. Start with a couple of hours & increase by an hr or 2 each day as most people's feet aren't use to a lot of changes.
I also like the Birkenstock, full length, "sport" inserts.

Try the Walkfit insoles. There really work like a miracle for me.
https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=U..._sl_3tbukqad5a_e_p38

Superfeet are acceptable, but not really a great a difference. I probably have 30 different brands of insoles, searching for perfection. Most are just utterly worthless.

I agree with Magic Horse.

Another vote for Powerstep insoles. What 220-9er is truth. And as also said above, take another look at your boots. I've also heard good things about Aetrex insoles from lineman, splicers and locators I work with.

I've been working part-time in a run specialty store for the past 6+ years. I am a trained gait analyst and shoe specialist. We sell Superfeet, Currex, and used to sell Aetrex and another brand I can't remember.

First: running shoes are designed to give your feet the support they need. Inserts are only called for when additional support and/or stabilizing are needed. Second: the wrong insert will worsen, not improve foot issues. So choose carefully.

Superfeet Green are made by the USA's second-largest custom orthotic maker. Their 40 patents are available at a tenth the price of custom inserts, so I'd definitely look at them before going the custom route. However, the Green are designed for "high volume" shoes, such as running shoes, where you remove the sock liner and replace them with the insert. They will not benefit folks who wear cleats, spikes, etc. (Superfeet does make the Carbon for them).

If you just want cushioning, Dr. Scholls may be your answer. I'm leery of the "support" insoles made by them.

Of course, YMMV. Foot health and proper gear is crucial to a happier and healthy life. Do not ignore your feet, make sure you get properly fitted, and don't scrimp. Cheap footwear is cheap for a reason.

Ortholite insoles and heavy trekking wool socks from Smartwool works great for me.