Kenetrek Mountain Guide killing my arches!?!?!?!?!?!

[DenRuyter]

I bought a pair of new Kenetrek Mountain Guide 400's a couple months ago. I'm trying to get them broken in a bit better, but they are killing the arches of my feet!!! Seriously, I only walked a mile in, and I took them off for the walk back my arches hurt so bad. It feels like it is the insole though as I took them out and the lump in my foot felt like it went away, but I didn't walk around like this so I can't be 100% sure. The boot fits like it's custom made to my feet, and I'm loving the fit and feel of it outside of this arch lump

Has anyone noticed this with their Kenetrek's, and if so was it the insoles? What did you swap out to or recommend to try, as I've never used anything other than what came with the boots I buy.

 

[BackcountryMT]

Sounds to me like you need a new set of insoles. I had to go aftermarket on my kenny's.

 

[rodney482]

Yep!!! Hated mine. Ended up selling them

 

[Gumbo]

I have a pair of the 400s and uninsulated in the same size (10). The uninsulated ones fit slightly large and I have no arch pain but the 400s occasionally give me arch pain, I think because they are tighter. I also had a pair of La Sportiva hiking boots that KILLED my arches and I threw them away. My suggestion (at least it works for me) is to try loosening them slightly over the top of your arch (i.e. the couple of buckles right before the transition from foot to ankle). I find that if I throw a granny knot (the first step in tying shoelaces) between the last foot eyelets and the tongue lace holder and another after the first ankle eyelet the lace tension stays pretty much where I want it. I have had arch issues my entire life and slightly looser boots alleviate most of my pain. I think the reason the 400s hurt sometimes and the uninsulated ones don't is that the boots are sized the same but the 400s fit tighter because of the insulation. The bummer is that downhilling in slightly loose boots can also be painful if your toes are slamming forward, so for me it becomes a balancing act. I actually wear custom insoles and have a flat, "spacer" insole underneath which makes my feet slip forward less downhilling and minimizes heel slip. Another possibility is to wear thinner socks, which will also reduce volume and make them slightly looser.

Anyway, these ideas are worth a shot. Boots are tough because what feels great at home can be miserable in the field. Good luck!

 

[DenRuyter]

It feels weird because now that I've put a few miles on them, it's gotten worse feeling in the sole as soon as I put them on. I thought it would break in and get better. I think I'm gonna try a pair of my cheap work boot insoles and figure it out.

If this does I'll know to just replace them. Any advice on what brands to try first to find a pair I like?

 

[Peter K]

Go to Russell Moccasin in Berlin and have them make you a pair for your feet! http://www.russellmoccasin.com/

 

[KenetrekBill]

It feels weird because now that I've put a few miles on them, it's gotten worse feeling in the sole as soon as I put them on. I thought it would break in and get better. I think I'm gonna try a pair of my cheap work boot insoles and figure it out.

If this does I'll know to just replace them. Any advice on what brands to try first to find a pair I like?

Hello DenRuyter,

I'm the Online Customer Service Relations Manager. We have a few options for you insole wise. Please take a look at the following options: http://www.kenetrek.com/Performance-Insoles/products/18/. Let me know if I can assist you further.

KenetrekBill

 

[KenetrekBill]

DenRuyter,

The arch support that was included with your boot may be to high for you. Please contact our customer service and request a pair of cushion insoles to try at no charge and see if that fixes the arch issues you are experiencing.

Kenetrek Customer Service
E-mail: [email protected]
or via telepone
(855) 585-3040
Mon-Fri 9:00 - 5:00 Mountain Standard Time

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Kenetrek Bill

 

[ElkNut1]

Kenetreks are the best boot I've purchased to date out of asolo, crispi, lowa, u/a, etc. I too had heel slip in all these boots but it was easily fixed with the 1/2 insole in one boot & a full insole & a 1/2 insole on the other on top of the factory ones in both boots. The boots are perfect, it was my two different sized feet that needed the adjustment! Best boot my feet have used in 60 years! My son swears by his as well.

ElkNut1