Altra Lone Peak arch support inserts : how important?

REI Loves to sell inserts.  You’ll know if you need them. Kinda kills the point of barefoot shoes.

If you have a neutral arch, then insert modification isn’t needed.

In the unlikely event that you need inserts, don’t be afraid to modify them and experiment with different setups. In your case, chopping off the front part might give you enough toe room, while loosening the laces might relieve the rest of your foot.

I’ve worn custom orthotics for about 20 years, and they all end just behind the balls of my feet. My toes get plenty of room and looser laces helps with the rest. Sometimes I like the shoemaker-supplied insert on top of the orthotic, sometimes it goes in the trash. Experiment to see what works.

— Rex

Having high arches I had the same issue with Altras. I had a pair of arch supports from some cycling shoes that help a lot. Ironically, a good friend recently got a job with Superfeet. He recommended their Trailblazer insole for Altras. Also, I tested a pair of Topo Terraventures, which are wide but have much more arch support. I liked the feel a bit more than Altras because of arch support.

The salesperson at REI indicated that it is quite important for arch support to use them since they are zero drop and don’t provide arch support on their own.

Zero drop means the heel and toe are the same height, i.e., no “drop” from heel to toe. What that’s got to do with inserts to give you arch support is a mystery to me.

Close Look at Orthotics Raises a Welter of Doubts
New York Times

https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/18/health/nutrition/18best.html

What do barefoot shoes have to do with it?

(Thread drift……you have been warned).

And the following does not constitute advice on anything – just my experience.

Altra Lone peak and “barefoot” shoes….

(But I’m no advocate of “barefoot” shoes either….whatever those are)

The last several iterations of the Lone Peak have had nothing to do with “barefoot” shoes. I remember wearing the Lone Peak 1.0 from way back when – they were zero drop and very poorly constructed. I gave up on Altra after the Lone Peak 2.0 due to serious durability and fit issues. I *have* tried the more recent Lone Peak models and find them lacking in fit etc. Altra seem to have resolved the poor construction issues that plagues their early Lone Peaks.

Soon after giving up on the Altras I found that the Topo Athletic shoes were a much better fit for me: I’ve now worn various models for at least four years and my feet love them for hiking, running and backpacking on all kinds of trails and off trail. I like the Terraventure (now on Terraventure 2).

For almost 7 years after suffering broken toes in 2003 I wore Superfeet insoles in all my shoes. Around 2010 I bought a new pair of Salomon trail running shoes right before a big backpacking trip where I was going to carry a 45+ lb pack. I realized at the store that the Superfeet wouldn’t fit so I chose to do the trip without insoles and I remember being very concerned.  My feet were fine – no issues. Since then I’ve never bought a pair of insoles and just use whatever the shoes come with.

YMMV.

You should know better that to take advice on insoles (or shoes) from a shoe sales person or from a BPL thread….

Only you walk in your feet…..and only you will know what’s best for you. So go out there and walk – shoes or or no shoes……

I’ll still say REI LOVES to push Superfeet inserts on everyone.

<p style=”text-align: left;”>I’ve worn Altra Lone Peaks for years with the stock inserts as both my every day shoes, and my hiking shoes. I have also used some Superfeet inserts in the last pair I’ve worn. They are not “necessary”, but may extend the life of a pair a little once the cushion is compressed. Let your feet tell you what you need, not the salesperson.</p>

Altra certainly would not consider supplementary arch support to be standard protocal.  It’s a personal decision based upon personal needs.  I’ve worn Altras for years for hiking, running, and casual wear.  I have high arches and never felt the need for anything extra.

I would not consider the REI salesperson any more of an expert on the subject than the REI sales rep who told me I “needed” a 5-lb pack (empty) to hike the AT.  They were probably working at Starbuck’s the week before.

Definitely need custom orthotics in all barefoot/zero drop shoes, otherwise where is the arch support going to come from?!!??! In fact you should wear orthotics even when you’re not wearing shoes, just tape them on with duct tape. This way they make great camp shoes and stream crossing shoes too! Multi-use SUL item. Don’t leave the store without them!

Orthotics taped to your soles …
Good one!

Cheers