The most comfortable blisters I've had - Synergy footbeds

[c670809]

Howdy All,

This is my first post so don't be too hard on me ;-) . . . I usually lurk but I thought I would share my experience and ask for some wisdom from the group.

I first read of Lathrop and Son's many years ago on the Kifaru forum. I've put off purchasing the footbeds for a long time. I finally decided that the time was right and ordered a pair.

I'll try to be as fair as possible but at the same time be honest.

For the last five years I've used the Cabela's Perfekt footbeds from Meindl. I've never had a blister and they've been comfortable however at the end of the day my feet were always a little sore and 'tired'. I just assumed it was normal but I've always been looking for something better. I've heard so much about the Synergy, I thought I would finally try them.

My family was headed for Disney World so I had them shipped 3rd day shipping so I would make sure to have them in time to give them a test on the long but easy walk that is Disney. I guess I'm spoiled by Amazon because I'm used to getting everything in 2 days and not paying for shipping. I was surprised to see that standard shipping was $11 and all the upgrades were a lot more. Since I needed it sooner, I payed. I never received an email confirmation of my order so I wasn't sure if it went through or not. After a day and no confirmation email or notice of shipment or tracking number, I called. No answer, no voice mail. I called again later and the same, no answer and no voice mail. Not off to a good start.

The day before I left they showed up. My first reactions were mixed. The seem to be made of the same material the $7 gel ones at Walmart are made from. However, they were a little stickier on the bottom and the 'wings' held them in place MUCH better. When I first put them in my boots they felt good. Quite a bit of cushion which was really nice.

We walked between 8-12 miles most days. The walking was flat and easy. I did have a 10 lb backpack on and about half of the time I had my daughter who weighs 50 lbs on my back. After the first day I had a tiny blister on my right foot just behind my big toe. Like an idiot I left my Meindl Perfekt footbeds at home. So, I put my shoes back on the went for the second day. On day two the blister grew to about the size of a dime and developed a blister in the same place on my left foot. On day three I also developed a blister on the toe next to the little toe on my right foot. After eight days of walking I had three blisters. Two the size of nickles and one about the size of your pinky nail.

I feel really mixed about these footbeds. I've never gotten blisters with the Perfekt's but after all day walking in the Perfekt's my feet were always sore. With the Synergy footbeds my feet felt good. If the blisters weren't there I would have loved them. I don't know if any of this makes sense but normally my feet are sore all over. They hurt a lot after a day of walking and none of that was there. The only hurt was from the blisters.

I only wear Woolpower socks and the only thing that changed were the footbeds. Since my feet didn't feel sore I'm inclined to try to make them work out but I'm looking for advice.

Is it possible that my feet were just used to the other footbed since that's what I used for five years and once they get used to these I'll be fine? Or, . . .

Feel free to ask any questions and thanks for your help.

Matt

 

[doverpack12]

I would let the blisters heal and once they do try a gradual breakin with your feet and the insoles maybe a few hours a day for a couple weeks. 8-12 miles a day with a brand new insole when you were using ones that molded to your feet before is a pretty drastic change. The blisters are in an odd spot to me but that is what I would try.

 

[Becca]

My guess is at Disney your were walking almost all of your miles on pavement? Have you walked those kinds of distances on pavement in the same boots with your other insoles? I ask because pavement/concrete are a really hard surface, and a lot of times hiking boots sacrifice some shock absorption for support. I have 200+ miles on my Hanwag Alaska Lady's with the synergy footbeds and have never had even a hotspot, but those miles were all off trail on surfaces that are generally softer than pavement. Every individual's feet are different, so what works for me might not be what works for you--with regard to boots and insoles. But if it were me, I think I would give my feet a rest and then try out the boots and insoles in a situation more like how you will be hiking/hunting in them. See if your experience is different, or if you have the same issue.

If headed to a place like Disney where I expect to walk long distances on pavement, my first choice would be a sturdy sneaker or tennis shoe with lots of cushion, but that's just me.

 

[todd kelly]

try out Sole footbeds. Best insole I have tried to date. They have a variety of different styles depending on activity and footwear type.

 

[edg1967]

try out Sole footbeds. Best insole I have tried to date. They have a variety of different styles depending on activity and footwear type.

X2 on the Sole. Never had an issue with blisters in any of my shoes or boots. Cured my PF that I developed a couple years ago and have suffered through. My feet definitely feel it when I wear shoes without Sole footbeds. Now, when I buy a pair of shoes or boots, I throw the stock food beds in a a box in the garage and only use Soles.

 

[RockChucker30]

I went through two different kinds of super feet, sole heat moldavles, and the synergy. After my arches got stronger from wearing minimal running shoes I don't need the footbeds anymore.

 

[c670809]

I wanted to say thank you to everyone for the responses and the suggestions. My feet have finally healed and I haven't had any further issues. Of course, I haven't been walking those kinds of miles.

I guess it's time to get out there and try it again now that my feet are more used to them.

To answer a few questions: Yes all of the walking was on asphalt or concrete. I've walked those kinds of distances with my previous footbeds but I would have only walked that far for one day not 8 days. So, I guess the quick answer is I've not walked that many miles on pavement ;-)

To those who suggested Sole footbeds - which ones? I looked at their site and they have quite a few available.

Thanks again,
Matt

 

[chippewawarrior]

On the cheap, I use Spenco Cross Trainer insoles for around $15 a pair. They seem to be the best, I have never got a blister in them! I also have a pair of Sole "Dean Karnazes" but they were like $45. They are fine as well, but I'll save the money from now on...

 

[Daniel_M]

My guess is at Disney your were walking almost all of your miles on pavement? Have you walked those kinds of distances on pavement in the same boots with your other insoles? I ask because pavement/concrete are a really hard surface, and a lot of times hiking boots sacrifice some shock absorption for support. I have 200+ miles on my Hanwag Alaska Lady's with the synergy footbeds and have never had even a hotspot, but those miles were all off trail on surfaces that are generally softer than pavement. Every individual's feet are different, so what works for me might not be what works for you--with regard to boots and insoles. But if it were me, I think I would give my feet a rest and then try out the boots and insoles in a situation more like how you will be hiking/hunting in them. See if your experience is different, or if you have the same issue.

If headed to a place like Disney where I expect to walk long distances on pavement, my first choice would be a sturdy sneaker or tennis shoe with lots of cushion, but that's just me.

Becca did you go through the rounds of a custom sized footbed or the generic sizing? I've been wanting to order a set of Synergy's for my giant hooves.

 

[Becca]

Becca did you go through the rounds of a custom sized footbed or the generic sizing? I've been wanting to order a set of Synergy's for my giant hooves.

I didn't do the truly custom sized set up in the sense that we didn't cast or formally measure my feet. The guys at lathrop were second to none in their customer service though, as I recall they did have me measure my own feet and a pair of insoles in my old boots, and send the measurements with photos to them when they helped me with boot sizing. I have exceptionally small feet even for a woman (size 6) and so they really went the extra mile to make sure the smallest size the Hanwags offered were going to work for me. Have been very pleased with both my boots and the synergy footbeds....

 

[Daniel_M]

I didn't do the truly custom sized set up in the sense that we didn't cast or formally measure my feet. The guys at lathrop were second to none in their customer service though, as I recall they did have me measure my own feet and a pair of insoles in my old boots, and send the measurements with photos to them when they helped me with boot sizing. I have exceptionally small feet even for a woman (size 6) and so they really went the extra mile to make sure the smallest size the Hanwags offered were going to work for me. Have been very pleased with both my boots and the synergy footbeds....

Outstanding. Thanks for the intel. My hooves are #1 in my book, and, having a tall frame and a prior broken leg I pay special attention to my feet (not that I'm particular or easily have foot problems). I think a new set of footbeds is in order.

 

[gelton]

Just recently purchased soles and for some weird reason prefer my old super feet greens which is odd since I used the heating method on the soles to customize it to my foot.

 

[MattB]

One thing folks should consider is that adding a footbed can take up volume in the boot and change the way the boot fits. The Synergy footbeds (especially the originals) take up a fair bit of volume, which might cause you to have friction in places where you did not with the stock insole (or vice versa). This could be one of those cases where a top notch product just doesn't work for your application. I use the synergies with my Lowa Tibets and Hunters and actually need that volume to raise my heel up enough for the boot to fit just right, as there is too much heel slop with the stock insoles. With that combination, my feet are always comfortable.

 

[SDHNTR]

I felt the same when I ordered them. Money wasted on me. Any drug store sells the same thing if you want gel for cushioning or filling volume. I don't get the hype. I've tried all sorts and have had the best insole luck with Powerstep insoles. They are a great combination of cushioning and arch and heel support. I have bouts of plantar fasciatis and insoles are very important to me. I too have strengthened my feet with excercises and minimalist shoes, but still find myself needing arch support for long hikes with a loaded pack.

 

[todd kelly]

To those who suggested Sole footbeds - which ones? I looked at their site and they have quite a few available.

Thanks again,
Matt

I'm using the Softec Ultra. As MattB stated insole will change the volume and fit of the boot. That's why I picked insoles before getting my current pair of boots. I then brought the insoles with me while I tried on different boots to make sure everything fit the way I wanted it to.

Sole insoles have a little higher arch support then any other insole I tried so they do take a little bit to get use to.

 

[Biggs300]

The footbeds that work best for me are the Spenco Earthbound's. I've tried 3 different, popular, brands before settling on the Earthbound's. I have a high arch and the support they provide is the best I've found. They aren't cheap but, they are well made. I have a pair in my Kenetrek Mountain Extremes and I will be getting another pair for my Asolo Sasslongs, now that I have put some miles on them.