Superfeet Hike Support Review

Our Analysis and Test Results

Comfort and Fit

When it comes to insoles, the Superfeet Hike Support quickly became one of our favorites and has continued to perform. These insoles come in sizes that range in 1.5 increments; ours were men's 9.5-11 and didn't require any trimming. The insoles fit inside different pairs of shoes without modification and felt natural on first use. The insole is rigid enough to slide into place easily and didn't require side-to-side adjustment. The Superfeet Hike Support adds height to the shoe's insole, but we didn't notice much of a change. It may be more noticeable if the old insoles are worn and flattened.

They fit the contours of our foot nicely, providing support in all the right places. The semi-rigid insole prevented midfoot movement and distributed weight, helping reduce soreness and fatigue. The Hike Support has a firm heel cup measuring 2.5 cm, which cradled the heel and prevented slipping or rubbing no matter what terrain we encountered.

Cushion

The Superfeet Hike Support uses Aerospring Rebound Dual Comfort foam that has two layers of cushioning throughout the insole for impact absorption to improve comfort. The heel has roughly 1 cm of foam, and the rest of the foot has 0.6 cm, to reduce jarring and stress on the joints. This insole is designed for hiking, but these were comfortable in many other settings, including the long nursing shifts our lead tester wore them for. We found these insoles offer the right amount of cushioning for use around town and for hikes or other high-impact activities.

The deep, padded heel cup absorbs heavy heel strikes, and the full padded insoles help absorb impact on uneven terrain or when jumping between rocks and landing on the forefoot.

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Arch Support

Comfort and cushioning matter, but the Superfeet Hike Support really stands out for support, with an arch height of 2.6cm. The Hike Support features a structured arch support with a top layer of padding that delivers a comfortable mix of structure and cushion. It follows the natural contour of the foot with enough stiffness to prevent flattening of the arch, but is not too rigid or uncomfortable. The carbon fiber and polymer blend is strong but lightweight, and distributes weight evenly across the foot to prevent muscle strain and fatigue.

The insoles are advertised as medium to high arch, and agreed with that. The taller arch support may be uncomfortable for those with flatter arches. We found the support firm but not uncomfortable, and it makes a difference when you stand for long periods. The Hike Support has more cushioning compared to some other insoles, which is appreciated because it absorbs a lot of the impact on tough surfaces. On longer hikes or working on our feet all day, our feet felt less fatigued and achy, which is a testament to the insoles' design.

Footbed Support

The Hike Support has an Evolyte carbon fiber stabilizer cap that covers from heel to midfoot. The rigid bottom provides support, evenly distributes weight across the foot, and helps transfer momentum forward in natural alignment. The stabilizer cap stops before the ball of the foot to allow for natural flexion of the forefoot.

The midsole cushion measures 0.6 cm, which is about average, but the foam is firmer than other models, so it feels like there is less impact on the joints. There is no side-to-side movement from heel to midfoot, and the forefoot cushioning is flexible and twists, allowing for agile movement when necessary. A deep heel cup locks the foot in place, and we found it prevents the foot from slipping on inclines; our toes weren't hitting the front of the shoe on descents.

Construction and Durability

We put a lot of miles on the Superfeet Hike Support, and it hasn't shown any type of deterioration or separation. These insoles are designed to handle abuse and come with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.

Superfeet recommends replacing them every 12 months or 500 miles, and based on how they fared in our month of testing, we have no doubt the combination of Aerospring Rebound Dual Comfort foam and carbon fiber stabilizing cap will hold up for that long. The insoles also sport a moisture-wicking top cover that lets your foot breathe. Even after a long day wearing these, our feet didn't feel damp or sweaty, and not nearly as odorous as with normal insoles. We also noticed our socks were dry and the insole didn't feel moist at all. We found the insole also dries quickly, even if you get it soaked after stepping into a puddle. And to top it off, they gain some cool points with the topographical design. Will these help you navigate the great outdoors? No, but it adds a little style to the typically boring appearance of insoles.

Should You Buy the Superfeet Hike Support?

Simply, yes. There is a reason the Superfeet Hike Support has been a favorite amongst our team for several years. The insoles' design and construction seem unrivaled right now, and we will keep watching for a better insole. $60 may seem steep, but they're made of materials that hold up to abuse. The dual-layer foam is dense and stands up to repeated impacts, and the carbon fiber reinforcement means lightweight stiffness and stability to reduce strain and fatigue. Keep in mind these insoles aren't only good for hiking; they perform just as well in our work shoes and when traveling. And if nothing else, you can brag to your friends that your insoles are so advanced, they contain carbon fiber.

What Other Insoles Should You Consider?

It's tough to beat these insoles, but those with different foot types may want to check out a few other designs. If you require insoles specific for high arches, the Superfeet All-Purpose Support High Arch scores very well in our metrics and is about the same price point. If you are on a budget but still want an insole with orthotic-like support, the Walk Hero All-Purpose Plantar Fasciitis Relief offers some similar benefits at a lower price. Superfeet also makes a women's version of the Hike Support for those with narrower feet.