Insoles
On January 31, 2021 by NoeliaSince I transitioned to barefoot shoes, I have learned how to use insoles. In the past, I wouldn’t even notice if my shoes had them or not. Now, I use them as tools.
They can help with:
- Temperature control (both in winter and summer).
- Padding.
- Texture.
- Taking away some of the volume of the shoe.
- Protecting your shoes.
There are 4 types of insoles that I have worn constantly:
Wool
I was introduced to wool insoles by Wildling shoes when I bought the Crane model one size bigger than my usual. I knew I was going to have some extra space, so I got their “felty” insoles, which are made with 100% wool.
Wool is an amazing material because it regulates temperature, absorbing moisture but not odors. Wool is breathable, which means it lets moisture evaporate, keeping your feet warm in the winter and cooler during summer!
After wearing wool insoles in my cranes, I wanted to add them to all my other shoes! I bought 2 pairs from Amazon, I ordered a bigger size because I wanted a wider toe box. When I received them, they were longer and wider, but not on the toe box, but on the heel! I was not able to use them.
That’s when I decided I was going to make my own! You can find instructions here. I have made 6 pairs for different shoes, and different family members. They are the best because I was able to cut each one using the shoe’s shape. These also turned out to be the thickest.
Just be aware that they will flatten with use and will take your foot’s shape.
- Wildling felty: 5 – 7 mm (3-5 mm after use)
- Amazon wool insole: 4 mm
- Homemade: 6-8 mm (3-6 mm after use)
Sheepskin
I bought these insoles for my winter shoes. Our winters can be very cold and I wanted to keep wearing my barefoot shoes, so I knew I needed something warmer than wool.
I got my insoles on Amazon for $13. There are other companies that sell them like Softstar (US) and Posh Panda (Canada).
Sheepskin is breathable, moisture-wicking, and naturally anti-bacterial.
Sheepskin is very fluffy and takes a lot of space, so make sure your shoes can accommodate them. You might want to get a bigger size or shoes that are designed for high volume feet. They will flatten a little after use, but they still take a lot of space.
- 1 – 1.5 cm thick
Naboso
I bought these insoles second hand, new, from someone that got them and never took them out of the box!
I am a teacher and I stand on hard floors all day. My feet were killing me at the end of the day, and after doing a lot of research, I found this brand. I love Naboso 🙂
Naboso insoles provide stimulation to the soles of your feet to increase energy and offset fatigue. They are harder than my wool insoles so they have helped me with my transition to barefoot shoes.
They are non-toxic, latex-free, and 100% recyclable.
- 3 mm thick
10% discount with MAESTRA
Washi
These are also from Wildling shoes. Most of their summer models will come with this insole.
They are made out of Washi (75% paper, 25% polyester) and Lunatur (80% EVA*, 20% walnut shells).
What I like about them is that they have antibacterial properties so I can add them to any of my shoes and wear them without socks. This extra layer protects the shoe from sweat and dirt.
- 2.5 mm thick
Final thought
Insoles are a must when you wear barefoot shoes.
They can help you transition, adding padding and some stiffness to the shoe.
They help you keep your feet warm in the winter and dry in the summer.
After choosing the right barefoot shoe, you need to find the right insole for it.
Here are the reviews for shoes I have added insoles:
Good luck and let me know if you have any questions or comments.