Custom footbed?

[Topoguide]

I just got a new pair of Mountaineering/backpacking boots to replace a pair that had a defect (the Alico Guide). I have never purchased custom footbeds in the past, but am now considering. The boots themselves fit well and offer decent support by design, but I need a footbed to take up a little room, and perhaps a little extra support.

My questions are:
1)What type of [custom] footbed do you like?
2)Has anyone used the ‘Kork’ or ‘Superfit Winter’ by Superfeet for hiking boots, and did you like them?

My issues I am looking at overcoming with custom footbeds are as follows. I have a high arch which if improperly supported causes pain, and I have a tendency to supinate, so most non-custom footbeds will not work as they are designed for those who overpronate.

 

[spressomon]

Several years ago I had a custom pair of footbeds for my Scarpa T2 tele boots. Unbelievable comfort and performance! I had a very knowledgeable guy at a ski/outdoor shop in Incline Village NV (Tahoe) do them...he has done hundreds and came recommended. I would say that is key...to get someone experienced.

They are the SuperFeet Cork Holofiber model. The process took about 2-hours for him to heat and vac them around my feet.

I liked them so much I went back and had another set made for my backpacking and hunting boots. Can't do without them when hiking for more than a few miles.

I think I paid $120 plus a tip...but a pure bargain based on my experiences.

Dan

 

[Topoguide]

Hmmm... I think you are right about the experience of the technician being key. Two hours is a big differnece from what I was told buy a guy locally who said it would take about 10 minutes...

I was wondering about how the unweighted fitting of the superfeet customs would work for hiking, it sounds like they have worked good for you. Thanks for the input Dan.

-Mike

 

[Atoyot1031]

I have used custom footbeds for years in ski boots. AFAIC, they are a necessity. Recently, my chiropractor suggested I get them for my running shoes/hunting boots/etc. I think I will. My wife uses hers in all of her shoes and swears by them. I think the tech is key. I've bought them for my ski boots before from people who don't really know what they are doing, and the results were . If you have a good ski shop around, I'd check there...

P.S. Often health insurance will cover a chunk if prescribed/recommended by chiropractor/doctor.

 

[calphi27]

there are different types of superfeet. my cheaper set took 30 mins, but he used the wrong molds on the wrong feet. i did not find this out until i went to a bootfitter for my ski boots a year later. I wrote superfeet and they hooked me up with their top of the line footbeds. they took 2 hours to bake, mold, and shape. well worth it.

 

[96r50]

I used a pair of Sole footbeds. They are definitely more low-tech (and subsequently cheaper) than having a technician do the work, but I noticed a nice improvement in the comfort of my snowboard boots.