Review: Blumaka Insoles

Foot pain and narrow feet are an awful combination. On the one hand, you need a wider toebox to let your feet spread out, relieving tension on the arch muscles and fascia. On the other, a secure fit prevents toe-bang on steep downhills and sudden stops. Up until now, I've had to choose one or the other. But with the Blumaka Nonslip FoamLock Performance Insoles, I can finally have my cake and eat it, too.

These sticky insoles grab my foot and hold it fast, no matter which sock I wear, when I'd otherwise be swimming in the oversized kicks I wear to relieve plantar-fasciitis pain. They come in various arch-support and cushion-level options, to match each person's particular anatomical characteristics and pain-relief needs. I chose the medium arch support and low-profile cushion, so they'll fit inside my daily hikers without making them too tight. It's no overstatement to call them transformative: without the risk of shoe-shift or toe-bang, I can move faster, farther, and with the freedom to leap wherever I like. Boulder-hopping is back on the table, at long last.

Blumakas are well-known in competitive athletic circles, and are now entering the arena of outdoor recreation, too. And for good reason—long days on the trail are hard on the feet, especially when you're sliding around in your boots. 

Available at blumaka.com; $60.