Footwear Insoles & Fit Guide

A plain insole being fitted into a brown leather walking boot

Choose the right insole for fit and comfort

Compare replacement footbeds, cushioning, thermal insoles, heel grips and support options for boots and shoes.

The right insole depends on the footwear, the space available inside it and the problem you want to solve. A full-length footbed can replace a worn removable insole or add cushioning, while a half insole or heel grip can make a more targeted adjustment. This guide compares the current options in A Farley’s footwear insole range.

QUICK ANSWERRemove the existing footbed first if the footwear is designed for a replaceable insole. Match the new insole to the available internal space and never force a thick footbed into footwear that already feels tight. An insole can refine comfort and volume, but it cannot make footwear that is too short or the wrong shape fit correctly.

Choose an insole by the problem you want to solve

Start with fit and intended use rather than choosing only by brand.

Replace a footbed

Brand-specific and sized full-length options for compatible boots and shoes.

Add warmth

Thermal wool or fleece layers for cold-weather footwear with enough internal room.

Add support

Anatomical, heel and forefoot options for more targeted underfoot comfort.

Refine the fit

Heel grips or half insoles can reduce movement without filling the whole shoe.

Popular insoles and fit solutions compared

The leading established products are informed by A Farley sales from the last six months; newer Saphir options are included where they solve a distinct fit or comfort need.

Product	Best for	Type	Thickness / space	Important fit note	Shop
Härkila Footbed	Replacing a sized footbed in compatible footwear	Full length	Standard replacement	Available in individual EU sizes 36–48; compare with the original footbed	SHOP HÄRKILA
Ariat Pro Performance	Ariat women’s round-toe footwear	Cushioned full length	More structured cushioning	Round-toe shape; includes heel shock absorption and ventilation	SHOP ARIAT
Dubarry EVA Footbed	Compatible Dubarry boots and deck shoes	Sculpted EVA full length	Requires additional room	Dubarry advises allowing approximately a quarter size; check live size availability	SHOP DUBARRY
Saphir Luxury Leather & Charcoal	Smart shoes and everyday boots	Leather, latex and charcoal full length	Relatively slim	Charcoal helps absorb perspiration; check toe room after fitting	SHOP SAPHIR
Saphir Leather & Cork	A natural leather top layer with a firmer cork base	Leather and cork full length	Moderate volume	Best where the footwear has room for a complete replacement or additional footbed	SHOP LEATHER & CORK
Saphir Everest Thermal	Cold-weather boots with spare internal volume	Wool and latex full length	Warmer and thicker	Do not use if the extra thickness compresses the toes or restricts circulation	SHOP THERMAL
Saphir Anatomic	Structured metatarsal support	Anatomically shaped full length	More structured	Allow an adjustment period; this is a comfort insole, not a prescribed orthotic	SHOP ANATOMIC
Saphir Wide Heel Grips	Reducing heel movement and rubbing	Adhesive heel grip	Targeted; minimal forefoot effect	Fit to a clean, dry heel counter; it cannot correct footwear that is too long by a full size	SHOP HEEL GRIPS
Saphir 2mm Gel Cushion	Forefoot cushioning and reducing forward slide	Gel half insole	Targeted 2mm	Useful when a full insole would crowd the heel or toes	SHOP GEL CUSHION

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How to fit an insole correctly

Check the original

Confirm whether the existing footbed is removable and compare its shape, length and thickness.

Choose the purpose

Decide whether you need replacement cushioning, warmth, support or a small fit adjustment.

Fit without force

Lay the new insole flat with no curling. Remove the original first unless both products allow layering.

Test indoors

Wear the footwear with your usual socks and check heel hold, toe space and pressure before outdoor use.

Important: stop using an insole if it creates numbness, persistent pressure or pain. Anyone with diabetes, circulation concerns, an existing foot condition or prescribed orthotics should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional rather than treating an off-the-shelf insole as medical care.

Full-length, half-length or heel grip?

Full-length insole

Best for replacing a removable footbed or changing cushioning across the whole foot. It takes the most internal space, so check toe height and heel position carefully.

Half insole

Adds targeted forefoot cushioning or reduces forward movement while leaving more room around the heel. Thickness still changes the internal fit.

Heel grip

Attaches to the heel counter to reduce rubbing or minor heel movement. It is useful for a small adjustment, not for correcting substantially oversized footwear.

Thermal insole

Adds an insulating layer for cold conditions. Warmth should not come at the cost of compressed toes or restricted circulation.

Insole and footwear-fit FAQs

Should I remove the original insole?

Usually, yes, when it is removable and the replacement is a full-length footbed. Layering two full insoles can make footwear too tight and raise the heel. Follow the footwear and insole manufacturers’ instructions.

Can an insole make loose boots fit?

It can reduce a small amount of excess volume or improve heel hold, but it cannot correct footwear that is too long, too wide in the wrong place or fundamentally the wrong shape.

Can I trim an insole?

Only if the product is specifically designed to be trimmed. Use the original removable insole as a template and cut gradually; do not trim a shaped or brand-specific footbed unless its instructions permit it.

Which insole is best for cold wellies?

A thermal wool or fleece insole can help where the boot has sufficient room. If it makes the toes cramped, choose a thinner option or review the boot and sock combination instead.

What helps stop heel rubbing?

A heel grip may reduce minor movement, while a suitably shaped full insole can sometimes improve overall hold. Check that the boot is correctly laced or fastened and that the size and heel shape are appropriate.

How often should insoles be replaced?

Replace them when cushioning is compressed, the surface is damaged, odour persists after appropriate care or the footbed no longer lies flat. The interval depends on use, moisture and the material.

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Product specifications and availability can change. Check the product page and the footwear manufacturer’s current fitting guidance before use.