When you’re choosing a pair of work boots, chances are you don’t think much about the insoles. You may be more concerned with whether the upper is waterproof, the midsole is comfortable for long hours of standing and walking, or the boots meet your workplace safety requirements.
All KEEN Utility work boots and shoes are built with contoured insoles that support the natural shape of your foot. But if your foot is a little more unique or you’re looking for some extra support, you may want to customize your pair with one of KEEN Utility’s specialty insoles. With the right pair of insoles, you can personalize the fit and make your work boots really yours.
To understand why you might need insoles, we need to talk about arches (the ones in your feet, not the golden ones near every freeway exit). Keep in mind that we’re not podiatrists or kinesiologists (though our designers have many years of experience in the field), so we’ll keep it simple.
The structure of the human foot is an engineering marvel. When you’re doing any high-impact activity such as running or jumping, the force on your feet can be equal to more than twice your bodyweight. That’s a lot, but your feet take it in stride. This is because the arches of your feet act like shock absorbers, helping you shift your weight around and stay stable as you move over uneven terrain (like a construction site).
Everyone’s feet are just a little bit different. Women tend to have higher, shorter arches than men. But that doesn’t mean you should assume anything about your own arches—find out for yourself!
One of the easiest ways to determine your foot’s arch type is to look at your own footprint. Get your bare foot wet in the shower (or the sink, or the hose . . .), then step onto a surface that will take an imprint of your foot (cardboard works great!).
Which one of these looks the most like your footprint?
No matter your arch height, the importance of arch support can’t be overstated. Arch support aligns your feet with the rest of your body (knees, hips, etc.). If you’re not wearing work boots with arch support, there will probably be consequences, including tight muscles, stiffness, pain when walking or standing, or corns and calluses.
Here at KEEN Utility, we love unique feet. Not only do we make work boots and shoes, but we also make insoles that help ensure our work boots and shoes (or any shoes!) feel more supportive for your type of feet.
If you have a low arch, check out these low-arch-support options:
Men’s Utility K-30 low arch insole
Made for shock-absorbing comfort, these insoles are a good choice when you need minimal arch support. They’re made of high-rebound foam that reduces foot fatigue. A special probiotic coating offers natural odor control.
Men’s and women’s Outdoor K-30 low arch insole
Perfect for those who need just a bit of support under the foot, these full-length insoles contour to the shape of your feet to absorb impact without sacrificing flexibility or stability. Designed for breathability and natural odor control, they’ll keep you feeling fresh all day.
Here are our picks for extra support for medium arches:
Men’s Utility K-30 medium arch insole
For feet that need medium support, these insoles come equipped with gel pads that absorb shock. A deep heel cup keeps feet centered for improved stability.
Men’s Utility K-20 cushion insole
Medium arch support, shock-absorbing pads, and a full-length layer of high-rebound foam help fight foot fatigue for long days on your feet. A special probiotic coating offers natural odor control.
If you have high arches, here are some options to consider:
Men’s Utility K-30 high arch insole
For high arches and extra support under the foot, these contoured insoles distribute pressure, absorb shock, and improve stability.
Men’s and women’s Outdoor K-30 high arch insole
These full-length insoles offer additional support for running and walking. They contour to the shape of your feet to absorb impact without sacrificing flexibility or stability. Breathability and natural odor control keeps feet cool and fresh.
Another tip? Foot arch insoles require a bit of break-in time. Give your feet time to adjust to the new support. You should take it slow with new insoles by wearing them for just a couple hours the first few days and then gradually wearing them longer as your feet adapt. You might feel a little discomfort at first, but your ‘pain level’ should stay low: no more than a 1 or 2 out of 10.
A good rule of thumb is to replace your work boot insoles every six to 12 months. But keep in mind that if you work on your feet or stand on hard surfaces for more than six hours a day, you may need to replace them every four to five months.
Here are four ways to tell that it may be time for new insoles:
Visible Wear
Visible wear or discoloration on the insoles’ surface may indicate that the foam padding inside may be losing its integrity.
Small Tears and Cracks
Tears and cracks in the surface of the insoles may put you at risk for blisters.
Odor
All of our insoles come equipped with a special probiotic coating that offers natural odor control. But if your insoles develop an unpleasant odor, it may signal the presence of bacteria and fungus, which can cause foot infections.
Compression
Over time, cushioning foam loses its spring, and the built-in structure of the arch support loses height. If your insoles feel flatter than they used to, you’re getting fewer benefits from them, and it’s time to replace them.
Once you’ve found the right pair of work boots, be sure to check out all of our insoles for extra support and cushioning to help you get the job done.
