Insoles were never something that were on my radar as a young hunter. I mean, why buy insoles when boots already come with them, right? These were my thoughts until I ran into a pair of boots that came with an insole that literally rubbed my foot raw.
Since then, I’ve tried my fair share of aftermarket insoles, with some being better than others. Tread Labs Pace insoles have been supporting and cushioning my feet on hunts and hikes for the last 3 years, and I’ve got some thoughts on those that I’d like to share with you.
In short: Those looking for a versatile insole specific to their feet who don’t mind paying a little extra for comfort and support will be more than happy with Tread Labs insoles. They are an upgrade your feet deserve and worth the price for outdoors adventurers who put in the miles.
- Foam: Open-cell polyurethane
- Fabric: 100% recycled polyester with PURE antimicrobial
- Arch: Polypropylene+
Pros
- Environmentally friendly
- 1 million mile guarantee
- Lots of different variations to appease the user
Cons
- On the pricey side when compared to other over-the-counter aftermarket insoles
Tread Labs Insoles Review
Overview
Tread Labs was started by Mark Paigen, the inventor of the highly successful company Chaco Sandals. In 2015, he decided to dive into the world of insoles and out came Tread Labs. Tread Labs offers over-the-counter removable orthotic insoles as well as a collection of sandals. The sandals look pretty sweet, but we’re here to talk about insoles, though, so let’s get to it.
Tread Labs offers three main insoles based on firmness: the Ramble (Firm), Pace (Extra Firm), and Dash (Ultra Firm). Within those firmness options, there are also thin and short options available for all. The Pace also offers a wide version. Tread Labs offers both men’s and women’s sizing.
Each insole is made with open-cell polyurethane foam and 100% recycled polyester. The arch support is made of polypropylene+ for the Ramble and Pace, but 100% carbon fiber for the Dash. Along with that, they are all backed by the Tread Labs’ “1 Million Mile Guarantee.” If for any reason your arch support breaks in any way, Tread Labs will send you a new pair — no questions asked.
The Key Perks and Parts to Tread Labs Insoles
Removable Top Cover
What I’d call the big cheese of these insoles is the fact that they have a removable top cover. Through time, the open-cell foam will break down from use. When it does simply peel the top off of the molded arch support and replace it with a new one — a fantastic feature that keeps you from having to buy a whole new set of insoles every time one wears out.
PURE Antimicrobial
If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you’re no stranger to burning boot leather and building up a sweat. Through doing so, it’s inevitable for our boots to build up a stink. You know what I’m talking about.
In order to help on that front, Tread Labs insoles have a PURE antimicrobial treatment to help keep the stench down. This basically means it’s harder for bacteria and fungi to grow which is where the stink comes from. Much appreciated, Tread Labs.
Precise Arch Height: 4 Different Heights
Another feature that can’t go without mention is the different arch heights available. There are four different arch heights that Tread Labs offers: low, medium, high, and extra high. This is a massive benefit to the product for folks as it adds even more customization to the insole.
My Experience
In all honesty, I had never heard of Tread Labs before seeing them in my local archery pro shop here in Phoenix. After hearing great things about them from some of the employees, I decided to try them out. I’m glad that I did.
I have a rather flat foot, so insoles for me have been somewhat of a rough area. Most of them I’ve tried, and I have tried a bucket load, never quite felt right. It’d feel like I was standing on top of a small mound of sand where my arch is.
That is not the case with my Tread Labs Pace insoles. I went with the low arch version and have been very pleased. No more mound of sand.
For the last 3 years, I’ve run the Pace insoles in various styles of hunting boots in a wide range of terrain and climates. From the arid and rocky desert floors to towering jagged mountains in the high country where inclement weather is a norm, they’ve served me well.
And I’m not someone who is doing one hunt each fall. I’m hunting all fall long across multiple states. These offer a perfect blend of support and comfort.
Most of these adventures were backpack hunts where just getting into camp under load was rough enough. Add an animal at the end of the trip, and you’re talking about next-level weight that demands support for the foot. Suffice it to say, I finally just got a new pair of Pace insoles from Tread Labs and have zero worries about how they’ll perform from here on out.
What’s Wrong?
When compared to other over-the-counter aftermarket insoles, there is a bit of a downside to going with Tread Labs. It’s the price. Most aftermarket insoles are going to set you back in the $50-60 range. Tread Labs insoles are anywhere from $50 for a short Ramble model clear up to $115 for the Dash.
The Pace sits in the middle at $75. All of that said, I believe they are worth the price. Happy feet go a long way on hunting trips, literally.
Final Thoughts on Tread Labs Insoles
The well-being of my feet is something that I don’t take lightly as an avid backcountry hunter. When my feet are in good condition, I can hike farther and for longer. This not only means that I can hunt harder without worry, but it also boosts my morale.
Hunting trips can be hard enough as they are. Add in sore fatigued feet and you’re brewing a recipe that can deflate motivation in a hurry. These Tread Labs insoles are great and haven’t done anything of the sort. I’ve put them through the wringer and will continue to do so worry-free.
