Kenetrek Supportive Performance Insoles Review

Kenetrek Supportive Performance Insoles Review

Field Editor: Randy Johnson

Basic Description of item:

Supportive boot insoles developed by Kenetrek to offer hunters and hikers as close to a customized insole as you can get.

The Facts:
Kenetrek’s new supportive insoles feature critical arch and heel support along with the mold-ability that your feet demand for the high end boots you must wear to successfully complete your adventures out on the mountain. Also built into these insoles is a very important, third component, a gel system that provides you with extra shock absorption to help alleviate the discomfort of the nagging foot issues you may encounter after mile upon mile of mountain hunting/hiking.

Story:
Over the years I’ve destroyed countless boots backpacking, scouting, guiding and hunting out on the mountain in some of the meanest terrain that you could ever wish to test your stamina or “mettle” against. During that time my feet were subjected to incredible punishment, enduring extreme heat, cold while carrying heavy loads that put thousands of pounds of pressure on the delicate anatomical structure that comprises our feet. Having taken millions of steps in the mountains, the continual compression and friction on the flexible structure of bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles of my feet definitely caused me much unwanted pain, discomfort and foot fatigue. Contributing the abuse of my feet, add in the hours of training that I put on these incredible human architectural designs that allow us to stand, walk, jump, climb and run and it’s a wonder that my well worn “tires” (feet) are still functional. Over this timeframe, just like many of you, I’ve experienced numerous blisters, bruises, friction induced heat, corns, calluses, and worst of all for me, some painful neuroma’s!

Having the unique opportunity to field test many outstanding boots from such leading mountain hiking/hunting manufacturer’s as Kenetrek, Crispi, and Zamberlan, I’ve discovered that the factory insoles in these expensive investments just don’t stand up or protect our feet against the severe abuse we put our feet through. To adequately protect my feet and find relief I’ve spent a small fortune on more than one custom orthotic device and various insoles and hiking boots. Needless to say, very few of them have provided a “magic solution” for my aging, aching, feet. In almost every single boot review I’ve completed I’ve told the boot companies that what they could do better is “incorporate higher quality insoles into their boot designs.” I believe that Jim Winjium, of Kenetrek, must have been listening to my conversations with him as Kenetrek recently came out with their new Supportive Performance Insoles. Believe me, after field testing Kenetrek’s insoles in boots from both Zamberlan and Kentrek over the past two months, I’m a firm believer in their quality. Generally, through trial and error, I’ve found that to find the right insoles for my feet I’ve had to sacrifice either the arch and heel cup support, mold-ability, or the extra cushioning I demand. Well, Kenetrek’s new Supportive Insoles now offer you all three! Big difference!!!

After hiking countless miles I’ve found that these four-piece, three-layer insoles with durable, anti-microbial pads, feel just as comfortable as a customic orthotic insole. Kenetrek’s performance insoles wick away moisture from your feet and don’t smell or admit those nasty foot odors like some insoles do. After spending a tough day hiking on the mountain it is nice to take your boots off and camp and not have your feet “stink up the surrounding area.” Kenetrek’s insoles are designed on a 4mm high density moldable foam, that quickly takes on your unique foot shape. Under the foam they have combined a silicone gel insert that cushions the ball of your foot, with a firm, supportive base layer that stabilizes your arch and heel.

I highly recommend the purchase of Kenetrek’s Performance Insoles. Remove the existing insoles from whatever brand of high quality boot you have spent your hard earned money on for your mountain pursuits and you will notice a difference. At a retail price of $40.00 you can’t go wrong as the metatarsals and phalanges of your feet will thank you after every step, hunt and hiking trip you go on! You can purchase these insoles online at www.kenetrek.com or at the location of a dealer near your location.

What They Could Do Better
• At this point I wouldn’t change anything with Kenetrek’s Performance Insole. They have met my expectations and provided me with some well deserving foot relief. The only suggestion I would make to Jim Winjium at Kenetrek is to guarantee that I won’t wear his insoles out!