Custom Insoles Without the Podiatrist: Hiking in Groov Custom Insoles

After getting pile-driven during a middle school wrestling match, my back has never been the same. I get lower back muscle spasms after strenuous work and long periods of standing, and I thought that’s just how life would be, 20 years after a minor back injury.

However, after I started wearing my Groov Custom Insoles everywhere several months ago, I noticed the spasms occurred much less often. Still not quite convinced, I headed to Montana for a hiking, camping, and fishing adventure in the backcountry with these insoles.

Not only did they perform well in the backcountry, but they’re also a backsaver while in town. I’ve lost track of the number of miles I’ve walked with these custom insoles cushioning my feet, but every single one has been more comfortable than I expected.

In short: The last 6 months have been some of the most spasm-free times in my last 20 years, largely thanks to wearing my Groov Everyday Custom Insoles ($149) everywhere I go. They’re comfortable, fit in all of my shoes, and were much easier to get than I expected from a custom product.

While I love my custom insoles, they’re not the best choice for everyone, so keep reading my honest review before ordering a pair.

Editor’s Note: The results described in this review reflect one tester’s experience and shouldn’t be considered medical advice or evidence that this product will produce the same results for everyone. If you’re dealing with pain, an injury, or a diagnosed condition, consult a qualified healthcare professional before using insoles or other products as part of treatment.

Groov Custom Insoles Review

You get one of the biggest benefits before you even receive the insoles. You avoid taking time off to see a podiatrist. All that’s needed is:

“A simple iPhone foot scan using Groov’s ShapeSense technology — capturing 30,000+ data points across your foot shape, curvature, and movement. No app. No appointment. No trimming. No bulk. Just custom insoles that work with the shoes you actually want to wear.”

At first, I had a little trouble with the scanning process, but it was a technical issue that resolved itself when I tried again. Scanning my feet was painless and simple, but I’m an iPhone user, so I don’t know whether it works with Android phones.

The Everyday Custom Insoles arrived in premium packaging, with my name engraved on the bottoms (you choose the name). I appreciate how much Groov paid attention to the details and entire customer experience, but none of that matters if the insoles don’t deliver on their promise.

First Steps

Like the goofball I am, when I first slipped these insoles into my shoes, I forgot to remove the old insoles first, so my shoes were too tight. After removing the old ones, my shoes were snug and comfortable.

By the end of the first full day of wearing my Groov Custom Insoles, I could already tell my feet, knees, and back hurt less. I didn’t feel as worn out and tired as I typically did after a long day on my feet, which was a serious relief.

In-the-Shoe Performance

I’ve now lost track of how many miles I’ve walked on these insoles. However, one particular instance still lives vividly in my mind — hiking 6 miles in the Montana backcountry along the side of a mountain without a single day of preparation.

Living in Oklahoma, I don’t hike much in the summer (it’s too hot, and the ticks, chiggers, and mosquitoes make it even more miserable); the hiking I do is relatively short and flat. Although this hike was only 6 miles, it was in terrain my body wasn’t used to, and I expected to wake up the next day sore.

However, I woke up the next morning much less sore than expected, especially in my feet, and had no problems for the rest of the trip.

Since that trip, I’ve walked out to the dove field, stood at church on concrete floors for an hour at a time, and walked on pavement running errands with my wife. I have yet to encounter a situation where these insoles were even remotely uncomfortable.

Where the Groov Custom Insoles Excel

The at-home scanning is unbeatable. I’ve mentioned it, but it’s worth repeating: skipping a doctor’s office visit saves you time and money, which I love. That money savings doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing quality, versatility, or, most importantly, comfort.

It could just be a placebo effect, but I also have experienced much less pain, especially in my lower back during and after strenuous activities while wearing these insoles in my tennis shoes or boots.

The custom scans also mean you get exactly what you need; you’re not forced into another cookie-cutter insole that may or may not fit your foot.

Where I See Room for Improvement

The biggest area for improvement is that you need an iPhone to scan your feet. It didn’t affect me because I own an iPhone (I did initially have some trouble scanning, but that was likely user error), but more people could order custom insoles if it worked with both Android and iPhones.

I also mentioned that they’re expensive, and at just under $150, they are when compared to off-the-shelf insoles. Compared to other custom insoles, they’re actually priced very well.

Who Should Buy Them?

Anyone who walks a lot should order a pair, especially if you have foot, knee, or back pain after being on your feet for a few hours. They’re great for athletes, healthcare professionals, and everyone in between.

Final Thoughts: Groov Custom Insoles Review

There is definitely room for improvement when it comes to ordering, but my Groov Custom Insoles have been awesome. I feel more active, no matter what I’m doing when they’re in my shoes.

Lastly, I love that I only had to order one pair and can swap them between different shoes; it’s just another way to reduce the expense. To me, they’re worth every penny.