GARMONT PU FOOTBED 6/8 mm: Which Thickness Do You Need?
By Scarponi Trekking, Hiking, Escursionismo e Outdoor|... | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: 購買指南
Choosing between the 6 mm and 8 mm Garmont PU Footbed? Learn how thickness changes volume and fit, plus simple rules for sizing and replacement.
Quick answer
Choose the 6 mm GARMONT PU Footbed when your boots already feel snug or you want to keep the original fit; choose the 8 mm version when you need to fill extra volume in a roomy boot or want a slightly softer, more cushioned underfoot feel. Both are PU insoles from Garmont, so the main decision is how much space you want to take up inside the boot.
Why thickness changes more than cushioning
In a hiking boot, every millimeter under your foot affects how the upper wraps your instep, how your heel sits in the heel pocket, and how much room your toes have at the front. A thicker footbed raises your foot inside the boot, which can improve comfort in a loose fit but can also cause pressure points or heel slip in a boot that is already close-fitting.
The GARMONT PU Footbed is made of polyurethane and is designed for lasting comfort and performance during prolonged use. That makes it a practical replacement for a worn original footbed, but it also means you should treat thickness as a fit adjustment first and a comfort preference second.
When the 6 mm makes more sense
The 6 mm option adds less volume, so it is the safer choice if your boots fit well now and you only want to refresh the footbed. It is also the better starting point if you wear thin hiking socks, have a low-volume foot, or use boots that were already snug across the instep.
If you are replacing a worn footbed, compare the old one with the new one before trimming or swapping. A 6 mm footbed is less likely to change the boot's original fit, which matters if you have finally found a pair that does not cause heel lift or toe pressure.
When the 8 mm makes more sense
The 8 mm option takes up more space inside the boot. That can be useful if your boots feel slightly too roomy, if your heel lifts because the boot is a little large, or if you want a bit more cushioning underfoot on long days. It can also help if you wear thicker socks and need to reduce extra volume.
Be careful with boots that are already tight. Adding an 8 mm footbed can press your instep against the laces or push your toes toward the front, especially on descents. If you are between sizes, the 6 mm is usually the lower-risk choice.
Sizing and replacement timing
Garmont offers the PU Footbed in sizes S and L, so match the footbed to your boot size rather than guessing. If you are unsure, check the size printed on your original footbed or the boot tongue. A footbed that is too long can curl at the toe; one that is too short can slide forward.
Replace your footbed when the original one stays compressed after you press it, when the top surface is worn smooth, or when you feel a loss of cushioning under the ball of your foot. A fresh PU footbed can restore comfort without replacing the whole boot, but it will not fix a broken-down midsole or a worn outsole.
Decision rules for choosing 6 mm or 8 mm
- Boots fit well already: Choose the 6 mm GARMONT PU Footbed. It adds less volume and is less likely to change the fit you already like. If you are only replacing a worn footbed, stay with the thinner option unless you deliberately want a snugger fit.
- Boots feel slightly too roomy: Choose the 8 mm version to take up extra volume. Check for heel lift and toe pressure before committing to a long hike. Try the thicker footbed with the socks you normally hike in, not thin everyday socks.
- Instep feels tight or toes touch the front: Stick with the 6 mm or stay with your current footbed. Adding thickness can make pressure worse, especially on descents. If the boot is already tight across the top of your foot, a thicker footbed is not the fix.
- You are unsure of size: Check the size on your original footbed or boot tongue and choose S or L accordingly. Do not guess between sizes. A footbed that is too long can curl; one that is too short can slide forward.
- Original footbed is compressed or smooth: Replace it with a new GARMONT PU Footbed in the thickness that matches your fit needs. If the boot's midsole or outsole is worn out, a new footbed will not restore support. Inspect the whole boot, not just the insole, before spending on a replacement.
Product facts
- GARMONT PU FOOTBED 6/8 mm: Polyurethane (PU) construction designed for lasting comfort and optimal performance during prolonged use. A durable PU footbed is a sensible replacement when your original insole has compressed, without changing the boot itself.
GARMONT PU FOOTBED 6/8 mm - GARMONT PU FOOTBED 6/8 mm: Available in sizes S and L. You can match the footbed to your boot size, which helps avoid trimming mistakes and keeps the fit consistent.
Who should choose which thickness
Best for
- Hikers with well-fitting boots who want a durable replacement footbed (6 mm)
- Hikers with slightly roomy boots or heel lift who want to fill volume (8 mm)
- Anyone replacing a compressed original footbed in Garmont hiking boots
Not for
- Boots that are already tight across the instep or toes (avoid the 8 mm)
- Boots with a worn-out midsole or outsole, where a footbed will not fix support
- People who need a custom orthotic or medical-grade footbed
