10 Best Insoles For Wading Boots 2023

Wading boots often come with crappy insoles and shoe inserts. These insoles then need a replacement, and you have to be considerate while shopping for one. The best insoles for wading boots take the stress off your feet. They can be the difference between a fun or a flop day at fishing.

I tested tonnes of fly fishing boots insoles and found ten that performed best. Here I present honest reviews for each of the best insoles for wading boots with a helpful buying guide at the end.

Carhartt Footbed CMI9000 Insoles tops the list of best insoles for wading boots. And  Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit Orthotic Inserts as a runner-up. Both are best for painful feet and are suited for both freshwater and saltwater conditions.

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Best Insoles For Wading Boots

Here are some of the best wading boots insoles I have tried.

1. Carhartt Insite Technology Footbed CMI9000 Insole – Best Value

The makers of these insoles claim they designed them after getting 120,000 three-dimensional feet prints—such a claim needed testing. So I ordered these insoles for wading boots to see if they are that comfortable. And to my surprise, they were pretty satisfactory!

The suede fabric on top of the foam is very ergonomic. Your feet will stay in place and won’t get warmed up due to unnecessary movement, all thanks to the suede. Beneath, there are two layers of foam. The top layer works to deliver the motion energy back to your feet. And the PU foam in the bottom is high-density and compressible and works well with the top layer. 

Lastly, the underside of this insole distributes the stress coming from the feet in all directions. So you get no sore spots on your feet when you take off your boots.

While I liked them a lot, I’ve heard some people complaining about the vast space they take up in your boots that could make your feet hurt. But I guess it all depends on how broad your feet are. If they aren’t too wide, these insoles will work great for you.

2. Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit Orthotic Inserts – For Painful Feet

Dr. Scholl’s custom fit inserts are my favorite and best wader boots insoles on day-2 of my fly fishing trips. When my feet are hurting from wading through challenging surfaces, the next day these insoles provide the necessary pain relief.

What I love the most about these shoe inserts is their universal fit, works with saltwater, hiking, and as well as wading boots. These insoles for wader boots are as compatible with my wading boots as they are with my regular running shoes. The three-dimensional design supports the arches nicely.

The only bad thing about them is the fact that they cost a lot. But they’re durable and can last longer than six months, so I guess it is a worthy investment for your sore feet.

3. Sport Athletic Shoe Insoles Men Women – For Sporty Souls

Wading requires quite a lot of excursion. You need to jump over rocks and walk in knee-deep water. All of this excursion puts pressure on the angler’s feet. The right insoles for wading boots will provide support and stability to avoid leg and back pain.

These insoles by Easyfeet are specific to such high-intensity activities. They are flexible to support your movements and soft to keep you comfortable. The arch support is excellent. Also, the gel pads in the heels and forefoot area provide cushioning and shock absorption. Suitable for a wide variety of athletic shoes and even women’s wading boots, I recommend these insoles to all sporty souls!

But my recommendation isn’t complete without one warning. These insoles are not for someone with Plantar Fasciitis. The arch support is for ordinary-footed people. However, for flat feet, it is considerably low.

4. Dr. Scholl’s Performance Sized Insoles for Men & Women – Specifically For Running

With leading shock-absorbent technology, these insoles are perfect for use in sports footwear. The cushioning in these insoles reduces as much as 40% of the impact energy from running, jumping, etc.

The arch support is excellent too. These insoles are pretty helpful for anglers with Plantar Fasciitis, Runner’s knee, and similar health issues. You can also avoid numbness and hot toes because of the padding on these insoles. They promote a natural walking posture and minimize stress on your feet. Plus, the energy distribution across the whole insole surface is pretty decent.

But they are not that great for plus-sized people. I recommended these insoles for wading boots to a 250+ lbs runner, and they complained of their calves hurting after running with these.

5. KEEN Utility Men’s K-30 Gel Insole for Neutral Arches – Best For Medium Arches

If your arches are neither too high nor flat, Keen Utility may have the best insoles for fishing boots. The medium arch support prevents aching feet. The insoles have shock-absorbent pads, and together with energy-rebound foam, your feet will be grateful for them.

Furthermore, the edges of the insole are raised around the heel area to form a cup. This cup ensures that the heel is centered securely in place. A stable heel makes up for better alignment of the feet with the rest of the body. 

But what impressed me the most about them was their odor-neutralizing technology. These insoles use certain microbes that produce enzymes that target sweat and break down its odor-producing molecules. The result; fresh feet! How very sciency!

These are my favorite insoles for wading boots, but they could have a bit more cushioning. They are okay right now too, but a bit more foam could have made them perfect.

6. Timberland PRO Men’s Anti-Fatigue Technology Replacement Insole – For Tired Feet

When I need the best heavy-duty footwear and related accessories, Timberland is my go-to. The Pro insoles for wading boots are comfortable enough to keep you on your feet the whole day. 

The fatigue-relieving foam in these insoles absorbs the energy you release when you jump off a rock and then return it to your feet once you land on the ground. This equilibrium keeps your feet energetic throughout the day. Then, the geometrical pattern on the insole isn’t just to please your eyes. It works to help relax your feet. The synthetic material is supportive and comfortable to accompany you on a challenging day at the river.

But, the fabric of the insole started to peel off after only two uses. They’re fine after I glued the material back to the foam, but I was a bit disappointed considering the price I paid for them.

7. Happystep Plantar Fasciitis Orthotics Memory Foam Insoles – Most Affordable

Memory foams are a great technology since it can adapt to the anatomy of your feet and provide cushioning accordingly. The Happystep insoles offer this technology at insanely cheap rates. You can place these insoles in your wading boots, and the thick insoles will take the shapes of your feet and provide support where it is most required.

Hence, these are the best fly fishing boots insoles for someone with flat feet or Plantar Fasciitis. The high-density PU foam is a treat for weary feet. Plus, you can trim it to fit in your boots easily. 

These insoles for waders could be the best budget insoles for boots when you are standing for 2 or 3 hours. But any more than that, they are most likely to fail. So if your wading day is longer than that, I won’t recommend these to you.

8. Superfeet merinoGREY Winter Shoe Insoles – For Temperature Regulation

When you are wading through icy cold water, wool can make the best insoles for boots. It keeps your feet warm even in subzero temperatures. 

These Merino wool boots insoles are high-profile plus high-density to give your feet optimum support and comfort. The soft foam cushions your feet to help them feel comfortable. And the arch support provides the support you need to fight off stress on your lower body. Also, the edges of these insoles are not hemmed. So, you can easily trim them to customize the fit according to your size.

The stabilizing caps give strength to the foam structure from below. They’re sturdy, super-warm, and the heel cup is deep too. Plus, the arch support is fantastic for flat feet. However, they may feel a bit rigid to some. 

9. Protalus M100 Max Series – For Ankle Alignment

These insoles for wading boots look straight out of the future due to their attractive design. But they don’t only “look” impressive. The performance is satisfactory as well. The insole specifically targets the joint between your ankle and your foot, called the subtalar joint. What this insole does is, aligns this joint with the rest of your body. Great technology! When the joint is in line with the body, there is no extra strain on it, and your feet won’t ache.

Moreover, the use of quality materials makes these insoles even more effective. The soft foam throughout the sole is flexible and comfortable, great for wading and fly fishing. Plus, it removes the moisture, so your feet don’t stink after wearing your wading boots for the whole day. And there is this one feature that I don’t find in many insoles for wading boots. The bottom of these insoles have ridges that keep them in place in your shoes. No more slipping and rolling of the sole beneath your feet!

No doubt, these insoles for wading boots are a beneficial product. But they have some downsides too. First, they are squeaky. You may hear some rubbery sounds while walking in them. Next, they are pretty broad. And last, they need some getting used to before they start to do their job. 

10. Danner Men’s DXT Comfort Footbed – For Feet Fungus

Fungal infections are pretty common in athletes who wear boots all day long. The sweat and body heat provides the perfect environment for fungus to grow in. I have had my share of these infections between my toes. That is why I was sold when I read the work “antifungal” in the description for these Danner orthotic insoles.

These wading boots’ insoles have a special kind of lining that lets your feet breathe and prevent the buildup of fungal spores. Also, these insoles feature a heel cup that absorbs the shocks and stabilizes the feet.

The memory foam adapts to the anatomy of your feet and provides cushioning where you need it the most. Sadly, my pair of Danner insoles for wading boots started to break apart after only two months of use. Too soon, isn’t it?

Buying Guide For Best Shoe Inserts:

The best insoles for wading boots have an emphasis on the following features:

1. Feet Relaxation

The best insoles for fishing boots have the comfort of feet as their utmost priority. The soles need to be soft enough to keep your feet relaxed and also rigid to support them. This combination of softness and hardness is the key to preventing sore feet. Orthotic insoles are a good option for ankle support.

2. Arch Support

People with flat feet need to take a good look at the arch type an insole is providing. Even neutral arches need proper support. Flat feet or not, look carefully at what kind of arch your insole can support before purchasing.

3. Compatibility With Sports

Some insoles have a design that can only support regular daily movements, while some can withstand high-energy sports. Check before buying if your insole can survive your jumps and sprints while wading.

Also Check our Guides on:

• 10 Best Wading Boots For Saltwater
• 10 Best Wading Boots For Fly Fishing
• Best Fishing Waders
• Best Waders For Women

FAQs

Q. What is the best budget insole for boots?

While the market is full of cheap options, I think the Carharrt Insite Technology Footbed won’t dig a hole in your pocket and will also be the best value for your money and the best shoe insert for wading boots in the market.

Q. How often do the fishing boots’ insoles need a replacement?

An average insole for wading boots can last almost six months. But replace it sooner if the sole starts to show signs of wear.

Conclusion

The Wading Kit provides the best fishing gear reviews, and after using tons of insoles for wading I think  Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit Orthotic Inserts takes the crown among these ten best insoles for wading boots. They are comfortable, support medium arches well, and give relief to aching legs and back. 

Do try them for your next wading trip, and let me know if you agree.