Reducing the likelihood of blisters
Finally, the choice of insole may be influenced by the desire to avoid a problem experienced by numerous hikers: blisters. Blisters generally appear when our skin has been damaged by friction caused either by our shoes, socks or a foreign body. Humidity (caused by perspiration or external elements) may also play a role as it weakens our skin and therefore makes it more susceptible to this type of friction.
But we mustn't overlook the importance of insoles in helping to prevent the development of blisters. "If there's any give inside your boots, your foot is going to move. These repeated micro-movements can cause rubbing and over-heating. In extreme cases, you can get a second-degree burn, called a phlyctaena, more commonly known as a blister. An enveloping insole, designed to fit the shape of your foot will reduce this risk," explains Julien Ettel.
Think about the material your insole is made of.
If you use a smooth leather, city insole rather than a technical product, designed for hiking, you'll experience rubbing.
Our hiking insoles, just like our boots and socks, are designed specifically for this activity.
At Quechua, we made the decision to use open-cell foam to absorb humidity inside the boot.
In fact, when the foot comes into contact with moisture in cold conditions, it leads to a rapid drop in temperature and the risk of blisters.