Insole
The interior liner placed inside a shoe which is in contact with the plantar surface of the foot. Shoe insole is an integral part of your hiking shoes that acts as an insulating layer between the foot and the sole of the boot. Adding an insole inside the boot provides insulation and cushioning. It is usually made of fibreboard, nylon stretch, foam, leather or even laminated to the top of the foam core template. The insole needs to be flexible, durable, lightweight, anti-microbial or antibacterial, absorbent and to allow moisture to pass through it. Many Kacamata Rayban shoes are made with a removable insole that can be replaced with a insole designed for a specific purpose, such as controlling odor, humidity control, arch support, cushioning, reducing foot pain, or realignment foot.

There are several types of shoe insoles:
– Prefabricated templates, produced for odor and moisture control arch support, and extra-damping. They are mass produced and come in a variety of shapes and sizes that can be trimmed to fit a number of specific shoes and sneakers.
– Custom insoles, begin as a prefabricated template, but have added additional features based on the specific needs of the individual. Biomechanical minor changes can be made on foot by adding extra pillows or wedges to the template.
– Tailored insoles, made from a three-dimensional impression of the individual’s foot and require a prescription from a doctor.Tailored insoles are individualized for each patient and in order to alter the function and biomechanics of the foot.

Read More : Hiking Shoe Upper Part 2

Note that the synthetic templates do not absorb moisture while insoles made of other materials such as wool felt, leather and other materials absorb moisture and must be removed during drying of mountain boots.

There are 2 types of insoles :
– Shanks: 3-5mm thick insoles are sandwiched between a boot midsole and outsole to add rigidity to the load bearing midsole. They vary in length; some cover the entire length of the midsole, while others only cover half.
– Plates: These thin, semiflexible insoles are placed between the midsole and the outsole, and below the stem (if included). Protect the feet from getting hit by the roots or irregular rocks.