Military boots have come a long way in terms of comfort. But even if you’re wearing the most comfortable tactical boot, you’ll probably start feeling some pain and tiredness at the end of a long day. That’s why so many experts recommend having a good aftermarket insole to help reduce fatigue, prevent injury, and even help resolve some conditions like plantar fasciitis.
Don’t My Tactical Boots Come with Insoles?
Yes and no. Shoes like boots and sneakers come with a foam insole, which is typically removable. However, these insoles are usually made of thin foam and don’t really provide any arch support (although they may provide added cushioning depending on the boot). You can easily remove the foam insole and swap it out with an aftermarket insole.
But Do I Need Extra Insoles?
Everyone can benefit from a little extra support in their military boots, but if you have certain injuries or conditions then you’ll definitely want to consider a specially designed insole. Here’s how to choose one based on what your feet need.
Arch Support
Arch support insoles are a great choice for anyone who stands for multiple hours a day (looking at you service members and law enforcement officers), people who have very high or very low arches, and anyone who has been experiencing general foot pain.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis happens when the tissues that connect your heel to your toes become inflamed. You’ll know you have it because you’ll feel an ongoing pain in the heel of your foot that’s probably worse in the morning. It’s a common condition, but the good news is that plantar fasciitis insoles can usually help.
Look for an insole that has a deep heel cup, good cushioning, and arch support that matches your arch level. Brands like Form Insoles offer a variety of arch levels and are moldable so you can match your insole to your individual foot.
Flat Feet
If you’re in the military, you were probably screened for flat feet during your initial physical. This used to be a disqualifying condition, but today people with flat feet and no symptoms can typically serve with no problem.
If you do have flat feet, you’ll definitely want to look into orthotic insoles to ensure you can continue to serve with no medical issues. You can buy orthotic insoles, like Superfeet, off the shelf, but you can also get specially designed insoles for flat feet prescribed to you by a podiatrist.
Comfort
Even if you don’t have a medical condition that requires an insole, you can still use one just to make your boots more comfortable. Because we all know that when you’re on your feet all day, any extra comfort you can get is more than welcomed. A good choice for those individuals is a gel insole. These insoles will provide added cushioning and help you feel less fatigued at the end of the day. For the maximum impact, make sure you look for one that also provides some arch support as well.
Your job is tough, but that doesn’t mean you need to suffer. A good insole will make a huge difference in how you feel when you pull your boots off at the end of the day.
