Insoles for Winter Climbing

[Jason L.]

I've been doing my research on new winter boots since the current pairs I own aren't cutting it (Scarpa Mont Blanc and Kayland Hypertraction). However, instead of spending money on brand new boots, I'm trying to find ways of improving what I already have.

 

I already own a pair of smartwool mountaineering socks which I use in addition to a mid-weight pair of socks. I have enough room in my scarpas (and not too much either), while my hypertraction fits a little tight in my left boot.

 

Has anyone upgraded their insoles for winter climbing? Spenco makes a FLOW Warm but didn't know how well it works. Anything else out there that can be recommended? I searched the forums here but came up with nothing.

 

Thanks!

[B Deleted_Beck]

What about them is no bueno? Too cold? Don't fit right?

[wetslide]

Yes- Try the superfeet (red version). Very nice and comfortable and warm.

[ADKMan]

+1 on the red superfeet insoles

 

[Bob Loomis]

Dear All,

 

I support ADKMan. Over several days and a few pitches of ice climbing I would wear one boot with the manufacturer's insole, the other boot with the Red Superfoot insole, then compare against the green Spenco insole--again one boot with, the other boot without. There was a small positive difference. I estimate about a one or two degree difference, i.e. the Red Superfoot provided a small, but noticeable, positive difference. The downside is this is an expensive insole.

 

Cheers,

 

Bob Loomis, Spokane, Washington

[Luzak00]

Superfeet is now pushing the grey merino insoles for winter "fun." More support (built on the green, rather than the orange that the reds were built on), but I would think the wool will absorb some water/sweat content - bad for long routes.

[John Frieh]

Little off topic but the Lorpen Trekking Expedition Sock are by far and away the best sock I have ever used. Only thing I wear climbing now

[Pete_H]

I prefer Magnum XXXL condoms. Pretty much the only thing I use for sheep shagging right now.

[JDCH]

Wow! a 70$ sock. Is it actually worth the money? Do you use these in the cascades or only in AK?

 

[Jason L.]

Bob, 1 or 2 degree difference between the Red Superfeet and manufacturer's insole or was it between the Red Superfeet and green Spenco? Thanks for the input.

 

 

Dear All,

 

I support ADKMan. Over several days and a few pitches of ice climbing I would wear one boot with the manufacturer's insole, the other boot with the Red Superfoot insole, then compare against the green Spenco insole--again one boot with, the other boot without. There was a small positive difference. I estimate about a one or two degree difference, i.e. the Red Superfoot provided a small, but noticeable, positive difference. The downside is this is an expensive insole.

 

Cheers,

 

Bob Loomis, Spokane, Washington

[Jason L.]

Definitely expensive, but if they can keep my feet warm then that would be worth it. Do you wear them by themselves or in combination with another layer?

 

Little off topic but the Lorpen Trekking Expedition Sock are by far and away the best sock I have ever used. Only thing I wear climbing now

[Water]

i wear those $70 socks, but only on top of these:

 

http://www.customshirt1.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=2572000L

 

 

[gcap]

Best gear investment I've ever made (hands down) was a pair of custom insoles from a local boot fitter. $100 - pricey, but transfer between all boots, and make them all feel like slippers. They also increase the boot warmth (shaped out of closed cell foam ). Paired with mid-weight Darn Tough Vermont socks = winner

 

[montypiton]

superfeet corks - designed for downhill ski boots, but work GREAT in rigid mountaineering boots. spendy - yeah, about $200, but my first pair lasted 21 years, several pairs of alpine boots, and I happily replaced them last year. only usable in RIGID boots, though - you can downgrade one model for a custom-formed superfeet insole that may be used in more flexible footwear - about $150, and worth every penny.

[CaleHoopes]

Hey Monty Piton... who sells these anymore? I used to get em done at REI in Seattle... do you know if there's anyone in Seattle that does the cork superfeet?

[Jason L.]

Thanks everybody, this has given me several new ideas to try out. Right now I have the socks ordered and will upgrade my insoles. Hopefully this will work out and I can avoid spending the extra money on new boots.

[Bob Loomis]

Hi All,

 

Sorry for the delay in responding but my browser seemed to lock up each time I tried to get on this site. I am using another machine and another browser to key in these words. Someone asked a few days ago to expand on my limited and somewhat subjective field test. The short answer is that the Red Superfeet were a bit warmer compared to the manufacturer's insole as well as the green Spenco insole I was comparing to. It was not much but the warmth difference seemed real enough. So now the Red Superfeet are what I use in my ice climbing boots.

 

Cheers,

 

Bob Loomis, Spokane, WA.