Insoles Designed to Improve Your Hiking From DownUnders Footbeds

Do You Hike?

All things considered you can't find an environment more difficult to keep the foot functioning properly, and comfortable than "on the trail". It's true that hiking boot are the Mercedes of footwear with countless types of protective fabrics and materials. However you would be very disappointed to see the "factory insoles" that come with your hiking boots. "DownUnders Green", a self-customizing orthotic with natural cork granules injected into the core material, moves your boot performance and comfort to a new level.

Foam Cork . . .
Provides exceptional support and long lasting supple underfoot comfort

Honeycomb heel stabilizer . . .
Keeps the heel positioned over tough uneven terrain

Two Way Molding . . .
Custom shapes to your foot and inner boot

Testimonials from Hikers

I have used the Walkabout DownUnder Footbeds for about five years. The durable material lasts forever, much longer than any sponge insert. I had a Morton’s neuroma, a painful condition from a pinched nerve in the foot that feels like you have a rock in your shoe. The DownUnder has the proper arch support and mid sole support to help relieve the pressure so the irritated nerve area can heal. Although improper support is not always the cause of neuroma, it is often a key source of the problem. I highly recommend the DownUnder insole that will work for most as well as any expensive custom-fitted orthotic.

– Michael

Insoles Model: Green - GO1

Top Cover: Moisture wicking, durable
Core: Foam and Natural Cork
Stabilizer: Honeycomb EVA
Profile: Low
Sizes Available: Mens 3 - 16 and Womens 2 - 12

Product Review

SNEWS May 1998

DownUnders

The insoles feature a deep heel pocket, full-length tear drop shape that encourages foot alignment, forefoot inserts that add stability, a honeycomb heel stabilizer, and shock absorbent Double Bubble.

One tester writes: "They proved a good thing for me to test since I have some foot problems and already wear corrective orthotics. I first used them in some cross country ski boots that have always been a little uncomfortable and fit poorly. The DownUnders improved the fit tremendously, and I actually enjoyed skiing in boots that frequently caused some foot pain on any tour over 5 miles. I think they really help my foot to relax and act naturally.

"Next I used them in a favorite but fast wearing out pair of running shoes. It was like the shoes were new again! I got a couple runs of 5.5 miles in and feel the insoles add a lot my comfort level.

"I also used them in my hiking/approach shoes at the Owens River Gorge. I found them to improve foot control when the trail was sketchy, and where I was carrying a heavy pack over terrain with bad consequences if I lost my footing. I've tried a number of different insoles and these are by far the most sophisticated. I did tow pitches of 5.9 in my approach shoes and found them to improve the fit so much that I could climb comfortably at that level.

"I'd give the DownUnders a 5 star rating, especially since I didn't need to trim them at all to fit any of my shoes."

Even our most cynical tester, who usually launches into a tirade on the problems with a product he's tried, had good things to say: "A few weeks ago I went for a run in a brand new pair of running shoes. After a mere 40 minutes, I had nickel sized blisters on both heels. After the blisters healed, I went on another run. Same shoes, same socks, but this time with DownUnders footbeds. That time I ran for just over an hour, and at the end – no blisters. It had to have been the footbeds that made the difference, because all the other variables were the same, even the trail."

Product Review

The Bulletin

Footbeds offer comfort, support
DownUnders come in a variety of styles

By Scott Staats
The Bulletin

I've learned at least one thing while out hunting or hiking – the ground is rarely soft or level.

I can handle the animals giving me a beating, but my feet aren't as forgiving. When your feet are comfortable, you can stay in the field longer and have a more enjoyable outing.

There are many kinds of footbeds and insoles available but most insoles are nothing more than squishy little sponges with a half-life of a wet paper bag. The stiffer footbeds make your feet conform to a pre-molded shape and create more pain.

DownUnders made by Walkabout International in Sunriver, are made with EVA and natural cork stabilizers. These light-weight, durable footbeds actually self-mold to your unique foot shape and also wick moisture away from your feet. They are available in men's sizes 3 to 16 and women's sizes 2 to 12 and can be trimmed to fit any shoe or boot.

There are six styles of DownUnders, depending on the type of activity or sensitivity of people's feet. An arch support custom aligns the foot's arch with every step while a deep help cup absorbs impact shock. The footbeds are made in Italy, which is renowned for making the best footwear in the world. DownUnders retail for about $43. They are available at Walkabout International

Or local outdoor or footwear retail stores.