The best replacement insole for Hi Tech 4:sys is Sole Slim Sport Insole (http://www.yoursole.com/products/footbeds/slim/sport/). All other insoles are too flexible to handle all sudden movements in different directions. Additionally all other insoles are too thick; so you can twist your ankle playing with them. Slim Sport is thin and very stiff. You can mold it to fit to your foot. I'm using it for half a year already and I think it's better than original insole. It is expensive but it'll last for more than a year. It's worth it.

Cheers,

mk

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Got myself a pair of Hi-Tec insoles at Milletts but missed out on the offer unfortunately.  Still, I am well pleased with them as they fit perfectly as you say ferris and feel more comfortable than the originals.  My brand new pair of 4:SYS shoes recently purchased are hence staying in their box for now as I am maximising the life of the current pair.  Good result!

Cheers

Jimbob

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Yes various sizes and 3 different types from what i could see but they hadn't got the full range of sizes in all 3 styles at the one in Birmingham where i went. All 3 styles looked fine - i got the custom ones which have a type of memory foam in them ( i think the others are custom tec and one other which i can't recall)

Each pair has a letter on it and the sizing on the back explains what size you need. At £9.99 for 2 pairs you can't go wrong!

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That's great Ferris, thanks for the info.  I will get myself down to Milletts ASAP then as I have not had the chance to as yet, especially if they are running a BOGOF.  Do they come in various sizes?  I'm a 12 so I hope they are available in the larger sizes.

Cheers

Jimbob

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Got some of the insoles from Millets. They were buy one pair , get one pair free actually so got 2 pairs for £10 and they're spot on! Actually more comfortable than the original ones and fit perfectly.

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Yes i emailed hitec too and they said the same thing about the custom comfort ones so will check them out. I reckon if i can get a very similar pair of insoles to the current ones, that should be ok and when they wear out the shoes will then be worn out too. (i too have bought another pair anyway which i'm breaking in around the house!!)

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I've had a reply from Hi-Tec UK, based in Southend.  They do not sell the exact insoles, but recommend their own insoles called 'Custom Comfort'.  They did a stockist search based on my location and the nearest outlet for me is Millets, a well known chain of outdoor specialists with branches all over the UK.  Go to www.millets.co.uk where there is a store locator.

Mike, thanks for the recommendations.  I will try to track Orthaheel down over here as well and take a look.

Hopefully, I will get some more life out of my current pair of 4:SYS using replacement insoles, but I have decided to reorder another pair of 4:SYS anyway as I have found a good price for them on EBay and they will be ready for me to use as and when my current pair wear out completely!

Cheers

Jimbob

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Jimbob, the Athletes Foot where I live has excellent service. I've twice bought after market insoles from them and they seem to know about the forces squash imposes on the feet and want to make sure that the insoles fit and are comfortable before I buy them (I take the shoes in).

The reason I mention this is because they seem to have a genuine interest in providing good footwear for sport, so I trust them to improve my shoe setup. My understanding is that you probably don't need a 'perfect' fit. As long as the insole sits properly inside the shoe, without sliding or being too thick it will work well.

I've had lightfeet and Orthaheel orthodic inserts (higher arch support). The latter aren't real cheap at $45 AUD (~ £21) but they are doing a good job.

The main difference in my experience is that the after market ones are usually thicker (though they do compress slightly with wear). If you can try them in the shoe before buying, and they don't take up too much room they should be good to go.

If you're lucky you'll find a good shop like the one I visit who've given me replacement manufacturer insoles for free (left overs when other customers have bought after market insoles).

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Hi Mike.  Don't you have to ensure that the insoles fit the shoe perfectly?  I would be concerned that they could move around in the shoe if not a perfect fit.  If this is an unjustified concern, fair enough and perhaps I should at least try some off the shelf ones.  Can you recommend a type or brand?

Cheers

Jimbob

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I don't know about you two, but I destroy insoles. (see this picture), and the manufacturer ones go a lot quicker than specially bought insoles. The ones pictured here are rubber, much thicker than standard insoles.

Anyway, is there a reason you want actual 4:SYS insoles? Would after-market ones not be just as good?

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I have just whacked off an email to Hi-Tec in the UK to ask the question.  I will let you know when I get a response!

Cheers

Jimbob

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Ferris, I have exactly the same issue with my pair of 4:SYS.  I was about to order a new pair but will now hold off until I see whether anyone knows where you can get hold of spare insoles.  I suppose we could ask Hi-Tec direct but I guess they would prefer that we just order more new pairs.  Pehaps it is a case of deliberate 'built-in obsolesence'?

Cheers

Jimbob

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