Whether you’re standing all day at work, hiking steep trails, or even just walking the dog, foot pain shouldn’t slow you down. Insoles—usually made with soft gel, foam, leather, or pressured air—are designed to deliver comfort and stability through cushioning. Research shows that they can also help reduce foot pain and promote proper foot alignment.
“Individuals with flat feet who feel pain or soreness when wearing shoes should consider an insole with arch support built in,” says Dr. Steven Neufeld, a foot and ankle surgeon at the Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics. “A cushioned insole can help to compensate for the loss of the foot’s natural cushion that happens with aging. Also, people with a callus on the ball of foot, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, or a deformity in the foot or ankle may also benefit from insoles.”
Reviewed & Approved
Powerstep’s Original Length Orthotic Shoe Insoles are our top pick, because they come in a wide range of sizes and don’t require trimming. For a budget-friendly buy, we recommend Dr. Scholl’s Athletic Series Running Shoe Insoles, which are customizable and offer good shock absorption.
To find the best insoles, we researched dozens of pairs and evaluated them based on material, price, cushioning, support, and more. Whether you’re hiking or training at the gym, these insoles will keep you feeling light on your feet.
The Powerstep Original Full-Length Orthotic Shoes Insoles check all of our boxes: They’re comfortable, supportive, and reasonably priced, which is why they’re our top pick. Whether you run regularly or spend many hours on your feet at work, these insoles provide the cushioning and protection that your feet need.
Best Overall
Powerstep Original Full Length Orthotic Shoe Insoles
Available in a wide range of sizes
Suitable for different arch types
No trimming needed
May need to be broken in
May be too firm for some
These insoles also work wonders for those who are suffering from plantar fasciitis, as well as other types of heel and arch pain, because they feature semi-rigid arch support, which gives support and stability. The insoles’ heel cradles will cushion your feet, giving you more support and shock absorption with each step. With an ultra-thin, low-profile design, these insoles fit most athletic, casual, and dress shoes and are easily moveable from shoe to shoe. One bonus is that they’re very well-priced, so you’ll definitely get a lot of bang for your buck.
Price at time of publication: $29
Key specs:Sizes: 5 to 15 (women’s), 3 to 16 (men’s) | Arch Type: Low, medium, high | Anti-Odor: Yes
If you’re brand new to insoles and not quite sure you’ll even benefit from them, you may want to try out an inexpensive pair before you sink money into a pricier option.
Best Budget
Dr. Scholl’s Athletic Series Running Shoe Insoles
Available in a wide range of sizes
Customizable
Shock-absorbing
Built-in arch support may not be a universal fit
These insoles from Dr. Scholl’s are perfect for those kinds of trial runs, since they are cheaper than many other insoles but still a quality product. They feature a deep heel cup to help with shock absorption, and they have padding to cushion the ball of your foot and distribute pressure.
They also have reinforced arch support to help you transition weight from landing to push-off. Users also love the SweatMax Technology, which helps to eliminate foot odors. They’re available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Price at time of publication: $19
Key specs:Sizes: 5.5 to 9 (women’s), 7.5 to 14 (men’s) | Arch Type: Not listed | Anti-Odor: Yes
A powerhouse in the insole market, Superfeet offers a variety of insole options, so it’s important that you choose carefully to get the right ones for your foot type, preferences, and needs. Their Green Full-Length Insole is an excellent option for those with high arches, whether you want to wear them for support during exercise or when you’re on your feet for long periods of time.
Best for High Arches
Superfeet Green Insoles
Available in a wide range of sizes
Customizable
Deep heel cup
May squeak when you walk
The insoles’ deep and wide heel cups provide maximum support and stability, which helps control the motion and position of your feet. They also feature an elevated middle part, which is especially helpful for those with high arches.
These insoles fit into all types of footwear with removable insoles, from walking shoes to work shoes. They’re a bit pricier than some other insoles, but they’re extremely durable and worth the money for a quality, high-performance pair.
Price at time of publication: $55
Key specs:Sizes: 4.5 to 16 (women’s), 2.5 to 17 (men’s) | Arch Type: High | Anti-Odor: Yes
If you have plantar fasciitis, you need an insole that will take some of the pressure off your heel,and that’s exactly what EasyFeet’s Plantar Fasciitis Insoles promise to do. They are crafted from plush memory foam, and they’re designed with a deep heel cradle that promises to lend support and stability to your feet in equal measure.
Best for Plantar Fasciitis
EasyFeet Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles
- May need to be broken in
- Built-in arch support may not be a universal fit
The insoles offer ample arch support, giving structure to flat feet and rising up to meet high arches. And since they’re antibacterial, you shouldn’t have to worry about stench—even after wearing them for days on end. Also nice is that the insoles come lined with air pockets.
These pockets promise to make the memory foam insoles even more comfortable, and since they’re shock-absorbing, they make the insoles a particularly great pick for those with plantar fasciitis.
Price at time of publication: $40
Key specs:Sizes: 5 to 13 (women’s), 6 to 13 (men’s) | Arch Type: Low, high | Anti-Odor: Yes
Quick Tip
“Insoles can help with fasciitis by providing arch support,” Dr. Jackie Sutera, D.P.M., New York-based podiatrist and Vionic Innovation Lab member, says. “Insoles for people with heel pain and fasciitis should have a heel cup and cushioning, and provide shock absorption. These are all important for treatment of plantar fasciitis.”
These insoles from Spenco can be used by anyone with very low to medium arches, and they work especially well for people with flat feet. The forefoot cushion is crafted from plush EVA foam, which promises to absorb shock and offer excellent energy return. This combination makes the shoes cushioned and comfortable but also bouncy enough to wear during sports,giving you the springy rebound you need to walk, run, and jump comfortably.
Best for Flat Feet
Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles
Available in a wide range of sizes
Feel cushioned but springy
Shock-absorbing
May feel too soft for some
Each insole comes inside an antimicrobial cover, which promises to keep your insoles smelling fresh, even after you’ve worn them for days. Since the insoles are designed to be lightweight and low-profile, they promise to help prevent blisters and other discomforts.
Price at time of publication: $25
Key specs:Sizes: 5 to 12.5 (women’s), 6 to 15.5 (men’s) | Arch Type: Low, medium | Anti-Odor: Yes
Dr. Scholl’s is another leader in the insole industry, and the brand’s Comfort & Energy Massaging Gel insoles are an excellent and budget-friendly option for anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet. These rubber insoles promise to conform to the shape of your feet. They’re lined with textured gel cushions that are designed to provide support, shock absorption, and comfort in equal measure.
Best for Achy Feet
Dr. Scholl’s Comfort & Energy Massaging Gel Insoles
Textured to massage your feet
Feel cushioned but springy
Low-profile
Available in only a small range of sizes
May not offer much arch support
Since the insoles are lower-profile than most, they’re a great option for those who don’t need a ton of arch support. If what you’re looking for is a cushioned insole that won’t put pressure on your feet—and won’t demand a ton of space in your shoe—you’ve found it.
There is one caveat worth mentioning: Since these insoles are much less expensive than some other options, they might not be very durable, but they’re still a good value for the price.
Price at time of publication: $15
Key specs:Sizes: 6 to 10 (women’s), 8 to 14 (men’s) | Arch Type: Not listed | Anti-Odor: No
Currex’s RunPro Insoles were crafted with runners in mind, and it shows. The insoles are designed to replace the inserts in your go-to sneakers, helping you get the support you want, without crowding your shoes. They boast a three-zone design that promises to help you run with ease.
Best for Running
Currex RunPro Running Insoles
- Available in three different styles
- Cushions and absorbs shock
- Lightweight and low-profile
The middle of the insole is designed to cushion your foot, while the heel offers support and absorbs shock. Meanwhile, the front of the insole promises to feel springy, giving you plenty of rebound every time you take a step.
The insoles are available in a wide range of sizes, so it shouldn’t be hard to find an option that suits you. Even better, the insoles come in three different styles, so you can choose whether you want low, medium, or high arch support.
Price at time of publication: $50
Key specs:Sizes: 4.5 to 16 (women’s), 3 to 14.5 (men’s) | Arch Type: Low, medium, high | Anti-Odor: No
Most insoles are designed to slide inside sneakers and athletic shoes. But what if you want a set of insoles that suits dressier footwear, like your favorite flats or your go-to high heels? These Slimfit Insoles from Vionic promise to be up to the task.
Best for Dress Shoes
Vionic Slimfit Orthotic Insoles
Low-profile
Shock-absorbing
Lightweight
Best for dress shoes
Might not offer much arch support
The insoles are particularly lightweight, so they make an easy addition to most casual and dress shoes. They’re also shorter and narrower than many other insoles, helping you cut down on unnecessary bulk.
Despite their low profile, the insoles still offer plenty of support. The curve of these inserts helps realign the foot to its natural position, preventing aching and toe crowding. You won’t have to worry about foot odor either. The cloth lining the top of the insole is antimicrobial, helping you prevent the buildup of odor-causing bacteria.
Price at time of publication: $35
Key specs:Sizes: 4 to 8 and 10.5 to 12 (women’s), 9.5 to 11 (men’s) | Arch Type: Not listed | Anti-Odor: Yes
Superfeet’s ultra-thin Carbon insoles are our top pick for athletes, because they are customizable and can be trimmed to fit inside any shoe or cleat. Their lightweight design is ideal for any athlete who’s on their feet on the field. A structured heel cup provides additional support without adding too much cushioning, for a barely-there feel.
Best Athletic
Superfeet Carbon Insoles
Lightweight and low-profile
Structured heel cup
Customizable
May not have enough arch support for some
A beveled edge makes it easy to slip these insoles into even narrow shoes, while odor-resistant fabric gets rid of bacteria that can cause unpleasant smells. We like that they’re perforated, to promote better airflow and prevent your feet from overheating. However, since these insoles are so thin, they might not provide enough arch support for some wearers.
Price at time of publication: $60
Key specs:Sizes: 2.5 to 15 (men’s), 4.5 to 14 (women’s) | Arch Type: Low, medium, high | Anti-Odor: Yes
If your work boots aren’t delivering the support you need, we recommend Walk-Hero’s insoles. The deep heel cup helps stabilize your foot, while silicon and foam padding cushions every step. They’re also designed with a 3.5-centimeter arch support, to gently align your feet and ankles.
Best for Work Boots
Walk-Hero Comfort and Support Plantar Fasciitis Insoles
Deep heel cup
Good shock absorption
Solid arch support
Not as low-profile
With solid shock absorption, these insoles are built for heavy wear. They also offer great energy return, meaning they’ll feel springy even after hours of walking.
These insoles aren’t as low-profile as others on our list, so they might not fit in all types of shoes.
Key specs:Sizes: 4 to 16.5 (men’s), 6 to 14.5 (women’s) | Arch Type: Low, medium, high | Anti-Odor: No
How We Selected the Best Insoles
To choose the best insoles, we asked John Huenink, founder of custom insole company BioMoto, Dr. Jackie Sutera, D.P.M., a podiatrist, Marcia Graddon, a certified orthotist, and Dr. Steven Neufeld, a foot and ankle surgeon, for their expert opinions about which features every pair should have.
We researched dozens of insoles from the most popular and trusted brands. We considered the type of insole, the structure, which materials it was made out of, and how much it cost. We also examined how much cushioning the insole provided and what kind of wearer it would be best for.
What to Look for in Insoles
Type
Insoles are designed to provide your foot with support. Some are crafted with comfort in mind, while others are heavily focused on support or relief from foot pain. Marcia Graddon, certified orthotist at the Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics, recommends checking each insole’s size, arch height, rigidity, and ability to add accommodations, like metatarsal pads.
Look for contoured insoles, since your shoe’s existing padding may not fit your foot correctly, according to John Huenink, founder of custom insole company BioMoto. “Make sure that there’s some sort of structure to the insole,” he says. “With over-the-counter insoles, they’re inexpensive enough that you can try two or three different brands to find the one you like.”
Volume
Graddon notes the importance of volume because different models are designed for different shoe types. “Sport models are designed to give you a lot more shock absorption, and they’re designed to be more rugged and hold up to a lot of stress,” she says. On the contrary, she explains that dress models (like Vionic’s Slimfit Orthotics Insoles) are about half the length and are designed to be super-thin—allowing you to wear them in shoes that don’t have high volume.
Material
Cork, plastic, foam, and combination materials are used as the main support for insoles. Each material reacts differently to the foot, so it’s advisable to understand why you need an insole in the first place.
“A cork-and-foam orthotic is not going to be as stiff and is going to mold more to the foot than a typical plastic-based orthotic,” Graddon says. “Foam would be the softest and, most often, least supportive.” She says that someone with diabetes or neuropathy (loss of feeling in their feet) should use a softer, more accommodative material.
Cost
Off-the-shelf orthotic insoles are less expensive than custom-made insoles. If cost is a factor, it’s best to start with store-bought options and move your way to orthotics if you don’t experience relief from foot pain or discomfort. It’s always a good idea to visit a podiatrist if you’re unsure what insole will suit your needs.
Versatility
Some insoles are on the more expensive side, so being able to swap them in and out of different shoes can save you money. “Most people can get away with a sport-style insole and a dress insole,” says Graddon. She explains that these models will typically work on most shoe options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I wear insoles in shoes?
- Before adding an insole to your shoe, take a look at your shoe. Does it already have an insole? And if so, what does it look like? If the insole is flat and removable, Dr. Sutera recommends removing it and replacing it with a better insole. If the insole is flat but not removable, she recommends placing the new insole on top of the old one.Many insoles come in different sizes, so you can choose the size that best suits your shoe. Some others are designed to be trimmed to fit your shoe more precisely, like Superfeet’s Carbon Insoles. To figure out how much to trim your insole, you can use the one that was already in your shoe as a guide. (Remove it from the shoe, hold it up to your new insole, and cut the new insole to be the same size as the old one.)
- How long do insoles last?
- “Generally, insoles last about a year, depending on use and wear,” Dr. Sutera says. Your insoles may need to be replaced sooner if they’re flattening or peeling, if they have holes in them, or if they look generally worn out.
- How much do quality insoles cost?
- You can usually expect to pay between $10 to $50 for a quality pair of insoles. You may see cheaper insoles on the market, but they might not offer enough support for your needs. More expensive options might come with more pairs than you need, or with additional technology that doesn’t actually enhance the comfort of the insoles. The cheapest insoles on our list, Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Advanced Insoles, are often available for under $12. Our top recommendation, Powerstep’s Original Full Length Orthotic Shoe Insoles, cost $32 when we published this list.
Before adding an insole to your shoe, take a look at your shoe. Does it already have an insole? And if so, what does it look like? If the insole is flat and removable, Dr. Sutera recommends removing it and replacing it with a better insole. If the insole is flat but not removable, she recommends placing the new insole on top of the old one.
“Generally, insoles last about a year, depending on use and wear,” Dr. Sutera says. Your insoles may need to be replaced sooner if they’re flattening or peeling, if they have holes in them, or if they look generally worn out.
You can usually expect to pay between $10 to $50 for a quality pair of insoles. You may see cheaper insoles on the market, but they might not offer enough support for your needs. More expensive options might come with more pairs than you need, or with additional technology that doesn’t actually enhance the comfort of the insoles. The cheapest insoles on our list, Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Advanced Insoles, are often available for under $12. Our top recommendation, Powerstep’s Original Full Length Orthotic Shoe Insoles, cost $32 when we published this list.
Additional reporting contributed by Lindsey Lanquist
As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well reviewed by those who’ve tried them.
Additional reporting contributed by Sarah Felbin
With over two decades of dance experience, Sarah Felbin loves diving into the latest wellness research. As a health and fitness writer, she’s passionate about finding products that are a great value and make life easier.
