[A self-paying comparison review without any consideration] He is truly an unsung hero. We compared all 8 models of mountain climbing insoles.
written by Keroppa
The insoles interface between your soles and shoes.
Needless to say, shoes are important when climbing where you can only use your own feet to move forward, but insoles are an important part that brings out the performance of those shoes and supports your own feet and body.
If the foundation is not solid, the upper parts will become unstable, right?
By using an insole that suits your feet to support the arches on the soles of your feet, you can often solve the various problems you may experience when walking in the mountains. Its existence is truly an unsung force. It's not that you can't walk without this, but once this changes, your posture changes, which will surprise you if you're new to it! If you have any of you who have never bothered you, please come and join us for a moment.
However, using insoles that don't suit you can actually hurt your body more, so be careful about this. First, use it thoroughly in the city and realize there is no problem before using it in the field.
table of contents
A review of the comparison of insoles for mountain climbing
Select a comparison candidate
You can enter the mountains in a variety of ways, such as traverse, fast packing, and trail running, so you want to find an insole that can be used as many times as possible! With that in mind, I searched for insoles that I could currently find, mainly online.
This time we will introduce all the insoles designed by each manufacturer using their own theory based on the skeleton of the foot and its movements. I've tested eight of them from there. The main types are those that support the arch using plates, but each brand has been studied in a variety of ways, such as those that can create a shape that suits your arch by heat molding, and those that support the arch using their own theory.
- SIDAS Run 3D Protect JP
- ZAMST Footcraft STANDARD CUSHION+
- Bane Insole Athlete Grip
- Superfeet COPPER
- Spenco Ground Control
- Formthotics Hike Dual
- BMZ Cal Power Smart Sport CL-K364
- SHOCK DOCTOR Ultra 2
Test environment
From June to September 2021, I first put them in sneakers and tried them on every day at work. Then I put it in my fast packing shoes and tested it. Furthermore, I climbed mainly in the traverse of the Northern Alps, and tested on weekends when I couldn't get to the mountains when I was wearing it when I was running at a 10k run. Anyway, I always wear shoes and use insoles every day when I'm active.
Points of evaluation
- Support: How much will it support the three arches: inside, outside, and side?
- Shock absorption: It's a great addition to mountaineering boots with less cushions, but with running shoes, check the rebound strength of kicking.
- Fit: Contact with the top sheet. Check the grip strength of the toe to check how force is transmitted
- Comfort: You often wear it for a long time, so check for breathability and stuffiness
I personally don't have any qualifications regarding feet, but since I sell shoes, I wear more shoes than the average person and I think I have more knowledge.
Still, fitting-related products such as insoles really vary widely from person to person, and my ratings and everyone's opinions may not necessarily match. In that sense, I never think that the results of this review apply to everyone. However, I think there is some point in comparing multiple models under almost the same conditions for one individual, so I hope you will find this useful if you like.
Incidentally, my feet are actually 25.2cm tall. The height of the arch is medium, closer to the high arch. The size of the shoes I use is 26.5cm, and all the insoles I use this time are adjusted to fit 26.5cm, and medium sizes are used for those with a choice of arch height.
Immediately announce the results (impressions of each model)
1st overall! SIDAS Run 3D Protect JP
Very well-balanced arch support type
This is the place
- It provides solid support for the three arches.
This is △
- The top sheet may be a little slippery
Cedus is a French insole manufacturer.
Personally, I first came across this for skiing, and for the past 10 years I've been using thermoformed models to use for a variety of activities. This time we picked up and tested a ready-made running insole for the general public.
The shock absorbing is made of gel-like pads on the heel, and the forefoot is made of EVA-based sheet material. The forefoot side also gives a good impression, as it shows the rebound when kicking. When I was climbing, the gel-like parts on the heel worked well, which was a relief. Arch support is provided with plates located on the back.
Of the eight items we tested this time, this insole gave me the most support from the outer arch. The inner arch is also raised from the base of the arch, which is relatively close to the heel, so the entire arch seems to have some room. The lateral arch also lifts the base that is closer to the heel, so there is space in the forefoot itself and the arch functions firmly.
When moving sideways, the outer arch firmly supports your feet, reducing unnecessary fatigue without shaking the upper body, and the inner arch supports the base that is closer to the heel, so it does not interfere with the movement of the arch as a shock absorber.
The textile top sheet seems a little slippery, but it has solid unevenness and ventilation holes, making it less likely to feel stuffy.
If you've never used an arch support type insole, you may be surprised at the stimulation of the inner and outer arches, but personally, this is the most balanced insole. This model was a reliable and recommended model for trail running and mountain climbing.
2nd overall: ZAMST Footcraft STANDARD CUSHION+
No. 1 in value performance! This is recommended for first-time users
This is the place
- This performance is enough for this price
This is △
- I would be happy if the top sheet material and unevenness were improved.
Zamst is a Japanese brand that focuses on care items such as supporters and bandages. You don't often see them at mountaineering equipment stores, but they have corners at general sports stores. Personally, I'm a brand that's out of its scope, but after trying it out, it's really good! After all, you need to have a broad perspective.
The design of the plate and the method of using shock absorbers are similar to that of sedus, but the materials used are the parts that appear due to differences in price. In particular, shock absorbing components are not compatible with Sidas.
However, it is sufficient for functionality. You can feel it thoroughly, so you can rest assured, but I think it will make a big difference when used for a long period of time. On the other hand, for plates, the plates are made of materials with different hardness, so it seems like this one costs more money...
As for arch support, it is no different from that of a sedal in terms of supporting the three arches, but each one gives a slightly softer impression. On the other hand, I think this is a better option for beginners insoles.
Personally, I'm disappointed with the design of the top sheet (weave method, size of the unevenness). The difference is due to the ease of drying and the difficulty of getting stuffy, so if this changes, I think the impression will change significantly. It is highly recommended for mountain climbing. It can also be used for trail running, but you may be a little worried about the descent. If you think the arch fits well, it's fine. The top sheet is a little slippery, so if the arches don't fit, it will likely slip forward.
3rd place overall: Bane insole Athlete grip
For grip, this model. It really doesn't slip!
This is the place
- Strong support for three arches
This is △
- It needs breathability for long-term use
A Japanese insole brand. I've seen it in the store for a while now, but this was the first time I've used it.
Of the two models with the same insole and different top sheet designs, this time we've picked out the athlete grip, but perhaps it would have been better to compare the basic ones... Still, the support section remains the same, so please give a review.
Shock absorption is placed on the entire forefoot and on the heel, making it functioning well. Support is about the same as Sidas. You can feel solid support through the three arches. The flex of the plate is softer than that of ferns, so the key to the spring is that it provides resilience from the plate. Combined with the grip of the top sheet, the feeling when running is strong is strong.
The extremely high grip makes landing on the descent so that it puts strength directly on your feet. It's called an athlete grip so it can withstand that, but for average people, it's probably better to absorb the shock with the entire shoe, even though it's a bit off. In that sense, I might recommend the basic one. However, there are many parts that make the grip work, such as sideways and kicking, so if you're able to do well, it also has good arch support, making this a recommended model.
Another thing that caught my eye was the stuffiness. The top sheet looks like this, so if you use it for a long time it will get quite stuffy. People who sweat a lot will be tough if they don't care about their socks.
It's hard to say because I don't use a basic model, but if the feeling of stuffiness has been eliminated to some extent, this is an item that I recommend for mountain climbing or trail running. There are models that can be used for a variety of activities, and it may be the best option if you are using it when skiing.
Superfeet COPPER
A world-class top brand known for its mountaineering equipment stores. If you wear shoes that are more than mid-cut, it's fine.
This is the place
- High shock absorption and support for inner arches
This is △
- The heel piece is too expensive after all
Super Feet, an American insole manufacturer. This is a brand that is often seen at mountaineering equipment stores, and many people actually use it. Personally, I have one, but to be honest, I don't really get the chance to use it. But they have a lot of patents and are used by people all over the world. It's sure to be a good product for those who fit it.
Super feet are often the heel cups of the shoe, with the plates at the heart too large for low-cut shoes. I tried out a copper with a smaller plate as a test model.
Although it is small, the heel part of the large plate is still high, which makes it highly impact-absorbing, but with low-cut shoes, the heel feels like it can be removed and cannot be used.
There is also a drop of about 2mm, so if you are using a model with a larger drop in the shoe itself, it will feel quite leaning forward.
The copper has a forefoot thickness of 6mm, and the material is arranged to remember the shape of your fingers, so the kicking feeling is very good. The overall shock absorption is thick and works well.
The only thing that feels arch support is the inner arch, and the base on the heel side of the arch is lifted up. The arch moves firmly. However, there are outer and horizontal arches, but it didn't feel like the type mentioned above.
The top sheet has excellent textile material and weaving, and it has little sweating and gives a good impression. Personally, I don't really recommend this brand's products for low-cut models. Insoles that change the fit of shoes are not shadowy, but rather one of the most impressive lead roles. Even so, I think mid-cut and high-cut shoes with uppers up to the ankles will be a stage where you can make full use of the main role. This is one of the great products on its own, so it is a brand that can be recommended as long as you don't use it correctly.
Spenco Ground Control
Artificial plantar muscles!!! Maybe they've been powered up
This is the place
- My feet feel like I've improved my strength
This is △
- Don't expect too much support
Spenco is an American insole brand. It may not be very well known, but we have a variety of insoles available. I personally knew about it, but it was a brand I've never used before so it was refreshing!
To be honest, this is the weakest model in terms of arch support. However, this is interesting in its own way when you know that, choosing a place to use it. It is originally an item for general sports, so it is thin and fits comfortably on any type of shoe.
In terms of shock absorption, the forefoot has the most resilience, and the plate is softer. The heel also absorbs shock. There are all three arch support, but the overall insole is soft so you don't get strong support. The top sheet has good material and unevenness, and there are ventilation holes throughout the insole, making it the most breathable model we tested this time.
The arch's support is lifted even if it is weak. On the other hand, this does not interfere with the movement of the arch itself, so if you want to use it for a long time, this may be better. If the support is too strong, some people feel that it hurts when they get tired.
During the downhill trail running, my support was weak and my legs were shifted forward. However, the high breathability and cushioning make it a good impression if you wear it for a long time. The insoles that make them more agility were a fun model that made them a little excited.
Formthotics Hike Dual
I will dye it in your colour and follow you everywhere.
This is the place
- A sense of unity through heat molding
This is △
- It might hurt a little if you use it for a long time
Formthotics is a New Zealand insole manufacturer. Approved by a doctor. Of course, this was my first time using it from a manufacturer I found online.
Insoles that match your foot shape using heat molding are common in medical fields, but I've recently stopped looking at them in sports fields. I'll be reviewing how this type of insole will turn out when used in sports.
It's light, but it's my first impression. The base, which still retains its shape without crushing, and the surface part that changes shape by heat. It is not very noticeable in terms of shock absorption and does not have rebound force. The arch support is inner arch, the outer arch is solid, and there are no horizontal arches. The top sheet is rough and has a high grip, and the toes sink in due to heat molding, so the strength of the toes can be transmitted firmly.
This model is for mountain climbing, but when actually used for mountain climbing, it lacks cushioning, and in the second half of the arch support felt like it was thrust up the arch from below, making it painful. I didn't mind when I was using it normally in the city, but if I'm exercising for a long time, it might be tough if I don't play moderately.
When wearing in town or running, the kicks are strong, giving a good impression.
BMZ Cal Power Smart Sport CL-K364
Insoles based on the original theory of CCLP. The arches are supported by bones!
This is the place
- The CCLP theory after all. Supports the bones.
This is △
- It depends on your muscle strength after all?
Japanese insole manufacturer. We also patent our own theory. A long time ago, when I bought and used an introductory model to try it out, I couldn't feel the effect, so this time I chose a higher price and tried again.
For more information, please check the manufacturer's website. My understanding is that by lifting part of the bone of the foot (heel bone and next to it) from below, it supports the entire bone of the foot. Apparently, the three arches can be supported by this as well. When you actually place your foot on the insole, the inner arch lifts up firmly.
Shock absorption is placed throughout the insole, allowing you to feel the effect of this. The arch support is certainly visible the moment you wear it, but once you start moving it becomes somewhat vague. Is my feet bad, does it go bad with shoes, or does it wear shoes badly? It should have been until I tightened the shoelaces, but after a while I lost track of what they were. In the end, I got a bruise on my fingernails... The grip on the surface is very good. Its solid feel is one of the best of all this time.
There were vents so there was no feeling of intense stuffiness.
With this model, it will not work unless a certain point remains in its place. I'm really sorry if I simply need to practice a little about the shoes I use and how to wear them, but if I'm not studying enough. However, in my case this time, I didn't really feel the effect as an arch support.
SHOCK DOCTOR Ultra 2
But it feels really high specs.
This is the place
- Multifunctional. I thought about it and put a lot of stuff on it.
This is △
- Sorry, it's too big for my feet
Shock Dockter, an American insole brand. This one also has a variety of insoles. Like Spenco, this is one of the brands I know but have never used.
First off, this insole has a large heel size and the heel part of my feet is off, so it is not eligible for evaluations on mountaineering boots. Even with the same American brand, Spenko was fine, but this model had gaps and I didn't feel like using it in the mountains. However, I used it on the streets and on the streets, so I gave it a feel for the time.
The shock absorption works well on both the forefoot and heel. As for arch support, this part is also not the right size, so the inner and horizontal arches are OK, but what about the outer arches? That's how it is. The top sheet is in good condition, and the protrusions that convey the force of the fingers work well when kicking.
Test results and spec comparison table
| comprehensive evaluation | AAA | AAA | AAA | AAA | AA | AA | AA | AA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| item | SIDAS Run 3D Protect JP | ZAMST Footcraft STANDARD CUSHION+ | Bane Insole Athlete Grip | Superfeet COPPER | Spenco Ground Control | Formthotics Hike Dual | BMZ Cal Power Smart Sport CL-K364 | SHOCK DOCTOR Ultra 2 |
| This is ◎ |
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| This is △ |
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| Support | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shock absorption | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Fit | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Review of the evaluation items
From here, we will compare and review each model for each evaluation item.
Support
The arch support type insole supports the three arches on the sole of the foot (heel, ball of the thumb, and base of the little toe) that support the entire sole of the foot in the shape that a person should naturally have.
This will correct the displacement and tilt of the body, supporting your body moving in a way that is not too strong. Using this type of insole makes you feel like you've grown taller when the inner arch is crushed and the knees are tilted inward. Supporting the inner arch will bring the movement of the ankle and knees closer to their original movement, so people who have felt pain may also be relieved.
The ones who feel this support the most are Sidas, followed by Bane and ZAMST. Formthtics also has quite a strong support, but with just support, there are problems when exercising.
The arch serves as a shock absorber, so if there is no space for the arch to move, it will return to pain. Considering this in mind, plate-type insoles are probably the best choice for now.
Shock absorption
One of the incentives for changing the insole is to increase the shock absorption capacity. Each model has shock absorbing materials on the forefoot and heel. Recently, many materials not only absorb this power, but also output that power as a repulsive force, and there are models that use that. In this regard, Spenco and Cedus have good shock absorption and rebound force, and if you only consider shock absorption, you can fully experience the effects of BMZ and superfeet.
Fit
The material of the top sheet, which actually connects the foot and the insole, has a big impact on the fit. If the strength is not transmitted properly when you start kicking, you will be exhausted. The closer you are to your foot shape, the more force from your fingertips will be transmitted as is, reducing loss. Superfeet, Formthotics, and Schock doctors are the types that allow you to directly transmit the strength of your fingers. The material of the Bane and Forthotics' top sheets has a strong grip and you can feel the difference in how you feel when kicking.
Comfort
Finally, it's about comfort. If you often wear it for a long time, you will inevitably experience sweating problems. Above all, you don't have to be too nervous with a well-breathable trail running shoe, but for trekking shoes with GORE-TEX membranes, we recommend using as much breathable insoles as possible. You want to enjoy walking by preventing it from getting stuffy and weakening the surface of your feet, making it easier to form pests. The models that were breathable this time include Spenco, Cerdas, and Superfeet.
I'm sure there are some people who are also concerned about the smell, but as a prerequisite to discussing this, we'll confirm. Have you all removed the insoles and dried thoroughly?
If you let it dry thoroughly in sunlight, you won't be too concerned even if it has not been treated with antibacterial treatment. In my case, when I come down from the mountains, I first remove the insoles from my shoes, and if the sun is out, I just let it dry. Moisture is the cause of all deterioration, so dry it as often as possible.
summary
This time I compared eight models, and it is roughly divided into three types. In my own experience, I was able to get the most satisfying results from a model using plates. Even models that use plates also show that the impression actually differs greatly due to the different concepts of each model. I don't think the content of this review will be what you think of, but we would appreciate your understanding of the differences between each model to some extent.
Personally, I've been interested in knee pain and have tried out various insoles, but these products really vary from person to person. This review is only a reference, and please check it on your own feet and try using it little by little. I would be very grateful if this could help you travel in the mountains.
Now, have a fun mountain trip with new tools!
Keroppa
It's been over 30 years since I started to wander around the mountains and wander. I didn't join a mountain club, but I was enjoying the book, magazines, and web information by examining it with my own body, and for some reason I started working for a certain outdoor gear manufacturer. The style of playing in the mountains on weekends all year round, and we enjoy not only peak hunting and traverse climbing, but also fly fishing in the basement, river climbing, BC skiing, trail running, fast packing, orienteering, and more, depending on the season. I love gear, and I can't help but sample items that interest me! I was making excuses and bought it, but by chance I decided to write about it here. I am grateful for your continued support in this industry, but I will review it from the perspective of a first user without any consideration. I will do my best to contribute to all the activities that spread out from new gear!
