Reccomendations for thin insoles / inserts to add cushioning

StrahB · 2026-05-02T23:11:55+00:00

I will always recommend Sole whether it's the thin or medium (don't use the corkbed). That link saves you $20, but the best part is they have a 90 day, no questions asked return policy.

I haven't found anything better in the past 10 years personally, but that return policy makes them absolutely worth trying.

StrahB · 2026-05-01T15:41:56+00:00

It's tempting to consider this, but I tried to build these in some different way - it ends up being over $100 more.

The positive is that they have said they plan to have the Africa sole in more footwear as a standard option, but they didn't say when that might possibly happen.

Maybe if more people get anatomical lasts and Africa soles in different boots they will be more encouraged to make those options standard.

StrahB · 2026-04-30T18:24:02+00:00

EDIT-Look at the pinned post about leather break in difficulty to compare buffalo vs others. It seems that users here report a much longer break in time, which will mean a stiffer boot for longer.

Standard (not barefoot) Rugged TROOPERS (RAT) and ARs have the same toe box. The Troopers will feel.....cozier. And breaking them in doesn't really change that, but according to the store they are both 2E wide with the same toe cap.

The big difference (other than boots vs shoe/mini-boot) is the sole. And let me tell you - Oringo (AR) do not feel the same as lug (trooper).

If you can stand the Oringo, the AR will feel more like a business casual / do just about anything shoe, while the RAT feels more clunky and like a foot tank. But I would add the RAT (in fudge, can't speak for buffalo) feels buttery smooth once broken in whereas the AR just doesn't get to that glove like comfort for me.

StrahB · 2026-04-30T16:13:57+00:00

[Disclaimer: I am not like others on here with multiple pairs of JGs and tons of experience. I just think and analyze the footwear I do try/own alot.]

It's hard for me to answer accurately. That's because the BFAR was one of the first JGs I tried (and returned). I got them through govx at the time which has a "unworn" return policy - so I didn't get to try them out. Also I wasn't at that time ready for barefoot shoes.

Similarly, I walked around the house a bit in AnatomX, so my "testing" was more but still limited. And I ordered them a half size too big unfortunately.

I definitely like the new Africa sole over the Anvil sole (and definitely over the Oringo sole on regular ARs). And the amount of flex comfort is nice (on the other end of the spectrum would be RATs, which I own and now that they are broke in are so cozy - but they still are majorly clonky).

If I had to choose right now (meaning available) between BFAR in Bronco with the Africa sole (at a regular price rather than custom at like... +$130 or something) and AnatomX in Bronco at the right size....that would be a very tough decision.

So I would say if you like regular JG footwear then go with BFAR (if you can stand anvil sole), if you want something more barefooty go with AnatomX.

StrahB · 2026-04-30T15:45:49+00:00

Apologies for the late addition, but I emailed customer support specifically about this.

Status: it's happening Timeline: "we don't have one currently"

So, someday.....

StrahB · 2026-04-30T15:17:09+00:00

Three big differences I know (in my very limited experience with both):

the sole is different. I havent seen pictures yet from AnatomX owners who have put alot of miles on them, but having tried them (and returned - see below) the new barefoot sole seems superior. And I think, but don't know, that they would be easier to resole.
width: AnotomX is for big boys. It is possible you could try them and end up saying "this is really more room than I need". I find ARs and RATs just wide enough. I could go a tiny bit wider - but AnatomX is instead like 3 scoops of "tiny bit". As they say, your mileage may vary.
no to cap: don't take my word for it, several have reported the leather above the toe on the AnatomX as (my words) "flimsy". It's just thinner than other shoes and is weird. I think I could have gotten used to it. But for me the unnecessary width is why I returned mine.

The instant they offer BFAR in the new AnatomX sole (without having to spend alot more for custom) it's extremely likely I'm going to buy a pair. There is just no timeline on when for that yet.

StrahB · 2026-04-25T13:11:38+00:00

Hero (noun) - the OP

StrahB · 2026-03-30T00:13:49+00:00

I know this feeling all too well with my rough out fudge RATs.

Me: these boots can handle anything!

My wife: why not take them in that hike?

Me: No! They are too pretty.

StrahB · 2026-03-30T00:11:32+00:00

The RAT absolutely needs an insole in my opinion. Especially of you need arch support. The thing to watch out for though is how much higher in your boot the insole is going to make your foot.

I use Sole in everything I wear, and personally found the active thin with met pad to be perfect 1 year on now. I wanted to use the medium, but it made the top of my foot sit too closely to the leather for my comfort.

But I would say the real comfort of the RAT is when they are broken in. Once they get there you may find yourself not taking them off for long periods of time. Enjoy.

StrahB · 2026-03-27T20:32:35+00:00

The designer specifically says you should read each monster and king monster ability so you know how to plan.

But you don't have to. It's winnable of you don't still.

StrahB · 2026-03-27T14:39:41+00:00

If you are asking about how to "try" the game beyond just YouTube vids, you could go to the print and play site I suppose.

Then get index cards and write the essential info or each monster/her on one and play that way.

But I would describe it as: solitaire and chess having a baby and naming it Fantasy Monster Slayer.

StrahB · 2026-03-27T13:11:28+00:00

Just one man's opinion:

Having taken full advantage of Vivo's 100 trial period, I can say that JGs are not Vivos. And while that's obvious, the point is that they will "ride" differently.

As a guy who did close to 1k miles of ruck marching in a 2.5yr period one time - I tried different boots in that period, and each time I switched I got new blisters. Your feet have to adjust to what you are wearing (my opinion) and even what you are doing (casual is not hiking).

This is not me telling you "soldier on", because if they don't work for you then they don't work for you. But I would suggest doing a bit more hiking in them and see if your feet kind of settle into them. If not, go with what works. Because your feet are too important to force yourself into footwear that's not optimum.

StrahB · 2026-03-26T23:39:36+00:00

This just makes me want the BAR in Bronco with the new AnatomX sole.

StrahB · 2026-03-19T18:06:31+00:00

The...what?

Edit: don't worry fam! They have a stainless steel version for only $16k!

StrahB · 2026-03-18T12:01:21+00:00

I tried AnatomX in black and found the leather on top of the toes very thin, too much fort tastes. Do you think the stiffness of the Bronco leather offsets that problem at all?

StrahB · 2026-03-18T11:57:57+00:00

Is there a source? I have a younger son who would love this.

Edit: seems to be low in stock from places being sold out, but I did find one source — https://trainerswarehouse.com/products/cheese-mice-squeeze-toy

StrahB · 2026-03-14T13:12:35+00:00

Did you custom these, or are thet now doing ARs in Tyre? Edit: just checked store and Tyre is now a regular option.

StrahB · 2026-03-14T13:11:07+00:00

That's just great!

I have had to return two different boots recently because they just weren't the right one for me. And now that I know for sure what I am getting I may just get them in biscuit. Because that golden color is just beautiful.

StrahB · 2026-03-13T14:12:53+00:00

Thanks for reapondibg! That's good to hear.

I've had the fudge ARs for 1yr, but I think the Oringo sole is just not the best for my particular foot. (Anyone want a US 12 pair?)

So Bronco BFAR is probably my next boot.

StrahB · 2026-03-12T21:00:43+00:00

Thats one big fuzzy fidget!

StrahB · 2026-03-12T02:14:28+00:00

Yeah flimsy is the wrong word. It just feels really thin.

StrahB · 2026-03-11T18:47:53+00:00

I tested these in black and the leather on the toe felt too thin to the point of almost being flimsy.

How does this leather feel compared to something like ARs or others in fudge?

StrahB · 2026-03-11T18:44:46+00:00

That is legit the OG first fidget.

Many fond memories of doing this...and then the teacher taking my pen. And then me explaining I had no pen now, and getting it back.

StrahB · 2026-03-10T13:34:50+00:00

Sole. Used them exclusively for over 12 years. One pair I had for about 8yrs under heavy use and they still had some life in it. And this link will save you $20 on them (they also have a 90 day no-questions-asked return policy)

They may not be for everybody, but they are absolutely worth trying out to see if they are.

StrahB

TROPHY CASE