While testing, we noticed that these have just the right amount of support for flat feet. Even though they're thin, we appreciate that they feel soft underfoot, protecting our feet from uneven terrain. Plus, the suede-like upper looks and feels luxurious for a simple upgrade that can extend the life of your favorite shoes. Insoles come in all shapes and sizes, with some being geared toward providing more comfort, while others are geared towards providing more support or relief for foot-related pain. While this review can serve as a guideline for what the best insoles are like, if you suffer from foot pain, it should not be a replacement for medical advice from an expert in foot care. If you are not used to arch support, it is recommended that you give your feet time to adjust to your new insoles by wearing them for longer and longer each day before you decide they are not for you. A number of customers mentioned that the insole required a bit of a break in period. However, most of them only required between a few days to a week or two. The best insoles for plantar fasciitis wrap all the way around the heel and have some structure, preventing the heel from rolling in or out as you walk, says John Huenink, founder of insole company BioMoto. You should also pay attention to insole volume (high, medium, and low) as well as the materials the insole is made of, as these features determine feel and quality. Arch Support: The amount of arch support you need in an insole depends on your foot type and any conditions you might have. The right arch support can help relieve pain from flat feet, fallen arches, and high arches. Hummer says it can even reduce knee pain by gently correcting your feet and promoting proper alignment. Look for insoles with arch support that's firm enough, so they don't flatten out when you step on them, says Valencia, but not so firm that they're uncomfortable or cause your feet to cramp.

While the thought of standing on insoles with cushy, jelly-like pads seems nice, this is actually the kind of support you want to avoid, both podiatrists told us. The goal of an insert is to maintain your arch, says Sidney Weiser, DPM, Founder and President of Quality Podiatry Group, so it shouldn’t be so overly flexible that your arch collapses when you walk. I usually recommend an over-the-counter option at first, then progress to a custom option if symptoms persist or worsen,” says Sutera. We had to take Dr. Scholl’s Athletic Series Running Shoe Insoles off after just a few minutes. The arch was made from hard, uncomfortable plastic and didn't hit the right spot on our feet, causing cramping. Straight out of the box, most of our testers found these insoles took longer to break in than almost any other we tested for 2023. But that’s also their greatest strength. That break-in period is required due to the cork layer taking time to mold to your feet properly. After about a week, these were extremely comfortable—some of the comfiest in our roundup. Several of our most active panelists said these were also some of the most breathable, especially during high-intensity workouts and activities. Across the board, we also agreed that these were versatile enough to work with more arch heights than any other.According to Dr. Mendeszoon, these orthotics insoles from one of our favorites, Superfeet, are “one of the most common and best-selling insoles on the market which provide not only support but also functional control of the hind foot.” These are premium insoles with all of the most essential features, including a high-density foam footbed, a deep heel cup, and even built-in organic odor control to keep your feet and footwear smelling fresh. What truly sets these apart, however, is the unique design that’s purpose built for plantar fasciitis sufferers with high arches (although some reviewers find the arch a bit too aggressive). Wearing any new footwear or accessory (like insoles or heel cups) in your footwear can take some getting used to. But properly fitted insoles for plantar fasciitis should not hurt your feet, even at first. If you find your foot pain doesn’t improve or worsens with any insole, that’s your sign to consider other alternatives. Whether you have high or low arches, you'll love these customizable insoles that offer a plush layer between your foot and the hard surfaces you walk on. They are higher-priced than other options on our list, but an investment worth making if you have plantar fasciitis or other foot pain and discomfort.

Sizes: Men’s 4 to 16.5, Women’s 6 to 14.5 | Arch Type: Neutral, low | Anti-Odor: Yes | Materials: EVA foam, silicone, fabric | Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5 For those that supinate and have high arches, the WalkHero insert has as high an arch as any other insert. For many, this may also be a bit concerning… or the perfect fit. If you’ve narrowed down your options to a couple of insoles for plantar fasciitis, you can stand on the insole outside of the shoe to see if you feel an adequate amount of support. Afterward, you can move it to your shoe to ensure you feel stable and that the insole takes up the right amount of space in your shoe.Michael Fishkin, pedorthist at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialist, told Verywell, “Insert-style insoles are prefabricated devices that are generic and provide support to an individual's feet. While orthotics are custom fabricated arch supports that are made from a molding, scan, or foam impression of the feet.” Multiple insoles on our list are designed for people with flat feet or low arches. But Redi-Thotics' Flex Orthotic Insoles are our favorite by far for their superior arch support and impressive results. We love that they molded to our feet as we wore them, with responsive cushioning that feels like we're walking on air. Rave Review: “Probably my favorite insoles that I have tried. They mold to your feet so it is a custom fit. So much support and very comfortable. It's been a game changer for my plantar fasciitis.” Most podiatrists recommend that people with recurrent or severe plantar fasciitis be fitted for custom orthotics since, Fishkin explained, premade inserts are identical and can’t accommodate natural differences between your two feet. However, custom orthotics aren’t always a financially-feasible option.