The Best Insoles

The 9 Best Insoles of 2020

Keep foot pain at bay with these affordable inserts

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Shereen Lehman, MS, is a healthcare journalist and fact checker. She has co-authored two books for the popular Dummies Series (as Shereen Jegtvig).

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Our Top Picks

"Heel cradles will cushion your feet."

"Feature a deep heel cup to help with shock absorption."

"Fit in all types of footwear with removable insoles."

Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Walk Hero Insoles at Amazon

"Cushions and protects your heel."

"Provides excellent energy return during high-impact activities."

"Provide maximum support for your feet from a variety of angles."

"Conform to the shape of your feet."

"Realigns the foot to its natural position."

"Reduces pressure on your feet."

Whether you’re at work, hitting the trails for a long run, or just out for a leisurely walk, wearing comfortable footwear is key to keeping foot pain at bay. While most shoes come with a few added features to keep you comfy, sometimes a little extra cushioning or arch support from a quality shoe insert can help you make it through the day. To help you find a pair of shoe inserts that work for your feet, our experts share the best insole.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Powerstep Original Full Length Orthotic Shoe Insoles

If you’re looking for insoles that are comfortable, supportive, and reasonably-priced, the Powerstep Original Full-Length Orthotic Shoes Insoles check all those boxes and more. Whether you run regularly or spend many hours on your feet at work, these insoles provide the cushioning and protection that your feet need.

These insoles also work wonders for those suffering from plantar fasciitis, as well as other types of heel and arch pain.   They feature semi-rigid arch support that gives you just the right amount of 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. An added bonus is that they’re very well-priced, so you’ll definitely get a lot of bang for your buck.

Best Budget: Dr. Scholl's Athletic Series Running Shoe Insoles

If you’re brand-new to insoles and you’re not quite sure if you’ll even benefit from them, you may want to try out an inexpensive pair before you sink money into a pricier option. These insoles from Dr. Scholl’s are perfect for those type of trial runs since they’re cheaper than many other insoles, but still a quality product. They feature a deep heel cup to help with shock absorption and also 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.

Best for High Arches: Superfeet Green Full Length Insoles

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 FullLength 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.  

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 in 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 insole.

Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Walk Hero Plantar Fasciitis Insoles

These insoles from WalkHero are made of EVA foam to cushion and protect your feet from impact. The deep heel cup protects your heel and increases shock absorption, meaning less pain for you. They're designed for everyday use and WalkHero can last for up to two years. No need to worry about finding a great fit: They come in more than a dozen men’s and women’s sizes and fit in most shoes.

Best for Flat Feet: Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles

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 Eva forefoot cushion provides excellent shock absorption and energy return during high-impact activities, so they’re great for running and other exercises that may put stress on your feet and joints. These insoles are also made of an antimicrobial material to help prevent blisters and control odor. They come in a variety of sizes to fit both women and men.

Best for Running: New Balance IUSA3810 Supportive Cushioning Insoles

New Balance is well known for its running shoes, but they also make high-quality, supportive insoles that can be worn with New Balance or other athletic shoes. These insoles are especially useful for runners who deal with foot issues such as plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, and ​metatarsalgia.  

With a separate heel and forefoot cushion, as well as molded arch support, these insoles provide maximum support for your feet from a variety of angles. Another great feature is the urethane/synthetic material that helps minimize friction and prevent blisters, while also keeping your feet dry and cool during runs or just walking around during the day.​​

Best for Achy Feet: Dr. Scholl's Comfort & Energy Massaging Gel Insoles

Dr. Scholl’s is another leader in the insole industry and their Comfort & Energy Massaging Gel insoles are an excellent and inexpensive option for anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet. These rubber insoles conform to the shape of your feet and use soft blue gel cushions to provide nice arch support and additional comfort. They are available in men’s and women’s sizes and can be trimmed to fit various shoe sizes. One caveat is that since these insoles are much less expensive than some other brands, they may not be as durable, but they’re still a good value for the price.

Best for Dress Shoes: Vionic Slimfit Orthotic Insoles

These Slimfit Insoles from Vionic are the perfect solution to the discomfort that often comes with spending the day in a pair of high heels. The 3/4 length is designed to fit most shoes and the thin width prevents added bulk. 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 topcloth has EcoFresh® earth-friendly microbe shield technology to prevent the buildup of odor-causing bacteria.

Best for Boots: Protalus M100 Insoles

If you're someone who wears work boots for most of the day, give the Protalus M100 Insoles a try. They're wider than standard insoles, giving you great coverage. The footbed is contoured to reduce pressure on your feet, allowing you to stand for long periods of time more comfortably and the padded material provides premium shock absorption, so you'll feel less strain on your joints as you walk.

What to Look for in an Insole

End goal: When shopping for a pair of insoles, you should always consider your end goal. If you want to cushion, then padding is important. Some insoles are made just for arch support, with a varying degree of support from low to high. Also, consider how often you plan on wearing them. If you plan on putting a lot of miles on these insoles, opt for a heavy-duty pair that is built to last.

Cost: Off-the-shelf orthotic insoles are less expensive the custom-made insoles. Start with store-bought insoles. If you do not feel relief from pain or discomfort, see a podiatrist or foot and ankle doctor. They can do a thorough evaluation and help you determine if a customized insole is appropriate.

Versatility: Some insoles are quite pricey, so being able to swap them in and out of different shoes is a plus. For example, can you use the same pair in your running shoes and cross-training shoes? Can you buy one pair just for work, but change it out with a few types of shoes? Ask yourself these questions before settling on a style and brand.

What Experts Say

“There are a variety of reasons why purchasing an insole may be beneficial. Individuals with flat feet who feel pain or soreness when wearing shoes should consider an insole with arch support built-in. 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.”—Dr. Steven Neufeld, a foot and ankle surgeon at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics