Hiking Testimonials - SOLE Custom Footbeds

Read the success story of Jim Uffelmann, boot fitting guru, and discover how SOLE has made his hiking clients more comfortable.

"My husband and I wanted to tell you about how much we loved the Sole Ultras we used on our 6 month hiking trip on the Pacific Crest Trail. We actually didn't know about your footbeds until we happened upon adventure racers Paul Romero and Karen Lundgren in Big Bear City, CA. They told us our insoles were not sufficient for the 2650+ mile PCT trek that we had undertaken and told us about Sole Ultra insoles. The difference we felt in our foot comfort after changing from our DownUnders was incredible! I used your footbeds from Big Bear City, CA to Crater Lake, OR (1550 miles) and my husband used them from Big Bear City, CA to the end of the trail at Manning Park, BC, Canada (2382 miles). The only reason I wasn't able to continue using my Ultras into Canada was because my foot grew a full size on the trip and they didn't fit properly in my bigger shoes. I had to do without for the remaining 832 miles and boy did my feet regret it! We told everyone along the way how great the insoles were and won't hike again without them. Thanks for such a great product. "
- Sheila & Tom Pearson, Satisfied Customers

"I hiked the entire Inca Trail from bottom to top and back wearing SOLE Orthotics, my feet never felt better! After four straight days of hiking a very rugged trail my feet couldn't tell the difference. Other people in my group experienced severe blistering while my feet felt like they were walking on the clouds. I'll never hike without them again!"
- Jimmy Casavan, Satisfied Customer

My wife and I had been been planning an extended backcountry pack trip in the Grand Canyon for several months. Weeks before the trip the footbeds in my La Sportiva Makalu boots gave out. I tried replacing them with several other brands of insoles, but none really fit just right. One set of footbeds (vendor name withheld) caused my feet to hurt so badly that my toes were numb for several days after one of our training hikes.

With only a week before our trip, I was afraid that we may have to postpone, or worse, cancel our trip. That’s when I found your website. I located a retailer in my area and purchased a set of Soles custom footbeds (4mm). That was the best purchse I have ever made! My feet felt fantastic after I put them in my boots! I liked them so much I got a set for my wife too.

We did end up taking our trip to the Grand Canyon and hiked 22 miles from the South Rim to the Colorado River, and back again with not one bit of foot pain. Thanks,

Travis Rushing - Charlotte, NC

The Grand Canyon is no match for SOLE Custom Footbeds!

Travis and his wife in the Grand Canyon. Thanks Travis!

"Question:
When was the last time a product testimonial actually lived up to reality?
Answer:
When it's a testimonial for the SOLE Custom Footbed!

I'm an active 53-year-old living in beautiful British Columbia.
I overdid it on a couple of extended hikes this past summer and developed significant foot arch pain, something I had never experienced before. Being an avid hiker, skier, and mountain biker, I was pretty bummed out. I had resigned myself to a period of enforced rest and the purchase of expensive orthotics when the folks at my local Valhalla Pure store suggested I give the Sole footbed a try. I did, and I'm not making this up when I tell you the sense of relief was virtually immediate. I installed the footbeds in my running shoes on Friday, wore them around the house Saturday, and went golfing with my son on Sunday, pain free! I plan to get another pair for my ski boots as well. Thank you."
- Geoff Prescott, Satisfied Customer

"The product is great, it has really helped keep a neutral position on dryland training, and hiking. Even soccer feels better."
- Eric Kraan, Satisfied Customer

"In the past I have tried "Superfeet" with horrible results, basically crippling results. However...I slipped your pair in my LaSportiva Trango Ice boots and logged 13 trail miles, 3500 feet of elevation gain and a 1200 foot alpine climb. The results - no foot pain at all!! I was tired but my feet were in great shape. You've got a winner. Thanks."
- Steven J. Durgo, Satisfied Customer

"HI Kevin,
Sorry not to have gotten a response to you sooner. We luv 'em! I had them in a pair of soft sport shoes mostly, but then when I got out my old K2 inlines to do some blading I found my arches were in sceaming pain only after 1 mile. I had not worn these skates since last fall, but they gave me the same problem back then, too. I think due to breaking my ankle my left arch had really changed. So, instantly I tore out the K2 skate footbed and replaced it with the SOLE's, and ...WHOAH LA! I skated another 6-8 miles with comfy feet. I did 20 miles a week later and again me feet felt great!

My husband, Eric uses them daily switching between his NB trail running shoes & his hiking boots. He trains a good 2-3 hours a day in them, and really likes them."
- Kimberly Kraun, Satisfied User

Brian Philips, New Balance (San Antonio) on SOLE Custom Footbeds:

Brian: I use the ultra cushioning in my cowboy boots. My wife and I go two-stepping every so often and, instead of after the evening my feet and my knees are hurting, I can keep on going all night!
SOLE: Do you have them in any other shoes?
Brian: I wear them in all my shoes.
SOLE: Why is that?
Brian: Because they feel good.
SOLE: Do you do any sports?
Brian: I do some backpacking. I put them in my hiking boots and it does make a difference.
SOLE: What's the best tip that you tell people about when you're talking about the product?
Brian: Best tip is the cushioning. It adds extra cushioning and the custom moldable feature is really nice.
SOLE: What about the arch support?
Brian: I love the arch support. Most arch supports are fixed - you can't really adjust them in any way, but when you put the molding process on there it really helps!

"Thanks so much for my Ultra Cushioning insoles! I tried SuperFeet in two sizes, but the arch was too far forward for my foot and hurt when I walked. Your insole had a smoother, less abrupt arch, and felt great even before I heated it. My oven dial was inaccurate, so the heat indicator was very helpful. Now my low-volume foot fills my hiking boots with only one pair of socks."
- John D. Gibbs, Satisfied Customer

I have one pair of SOLE Custom Footbeds for my Ecco hunting boots and Im very pleased with the way they have helped my feet. So, I'm ordering more. Thanks.
- Paul Gignac, Satisfied Customer