Fitness Gear Footwear The 9 Best Insoles for Your Shoes of 2022 Powerstep's Original Orthotic Shoe Insoles come in a wide range of sizes By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Luff, ACE-CPT LinkedIn Twitter Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Updated on September 12, 2022 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by John Honerkamp Reviewed by John Honerkamp LinkedIn Twitter John Honerkamp is an RRCA and USATF certified running coach, celebrity marathon pacer, and recognized leader in the New York City running community. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Shereen Lehman, MS Fact checked by Shereen Lehman, MS Shereen Lehman, MS, is a healthcare journalist and fact checker. She has co-authored two books for the popular Dummies Series (as Shereen Jegtvig). Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell / Sabrina Jiang Whether you're standing for long periods of time, running the trails, or taking a long walk, your feet need to feel supported. Insoles—usually made with soft gel, foam, leather, or pressured air—are designed to deliver comfort and stability through cushioning. Reviewed & Approved Powerstep's Original Length Orthotic Shoe Insoles come in a wide range of sizes and don't require trimming. For a budget-friendly buy, try Dr. Scholl's Athletic Series Running Shoe Insoles, which are customizable and shock-absorbant. Look for insoles with structure, since the padding of a shoe might not fit an individual's 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." We researched dozens of insoles and evaluated them for material, price, suitability for different arch types, trimming, and firmness. Each of the insoles chosen in this article was determined to be the best of these factors. Here are the best insoles on the market today. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Powerstep Original Full Length Orthotic Shoe Insoles at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Dr. Scholl's Athletic Series Running Shoe Insoles at Amazon Jump to Review Best for High Arches: Superfeet Green Insoles at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Plantar Fasciitis: EasyFeet Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Flat Feet: Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Achy Feet: Dr. Scholl's Comfort & Energy Massaging Gel Insoles at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Dress Shoes: Vionic Slimfit Orthotic Insoles at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Boots: Protalus Protalus M100 Max Series Shoe Insoles at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Running: Currex RunPro Running Insoles at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For What Experts Say Best Overall: Powerstep Original Full Length Orthotic Shoe Insoles 4.8 Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Available in a wide range of sizes Suitable for different arch types No trimming needed Cons May need to be broken in May be too firm for some What do buyers say? 86% of 22,600+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. 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. These insoles also work wonders for those 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. A bonus is that they're very well-priced, so you'll definitely get a lot of bang for your buck. Price at time of publish: $32 Sizes: 5 to 15 (women's), 3 to 16 (men's) | Arch Type: Low, medium, high | Anti-Odor: Yes Best Budget: Dr. Scholl's Athletic Series Running Shoe Insoles Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon Pros Available in a wide range of sizes Customizable Promise to be shock-absorbing Cons Built-in arch support may not be a universal fit 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 kinds 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 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 publish: $14 Sizes: 5.5 to 9 (women's), 7.5 to 14 (men's) | Arch Type: Not listed | Anti-Odor: Yes Best for High Arches: Superfeet Green Insoles Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Dick's Pros Available in a wide range of sizes Customizable Cons May squeak when you walk 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. 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 publish: $41 Sizes: 4.5 to 16 (women's), 2.5 to 17 (men's) | Arch Type: High | Anti-Odor: Yes Best for Plantar Fasciitis: EasyFeet Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Available in a wide range of sizes Customizable Promise to be shock-absorbing Cons May need to be broken in Built-in arch support may not be a universal fit 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. The insoles 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. 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? 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 publish: $30 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, cushioning, and provide shock absorption. These are all important for treatment of plantar fasciitis." 8 Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis of 2022 for Walking in Comfort Best for Flat Feet: Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Zappos Pros Available in a wide range of sizes Feel cushioned but springy Shock-absorbing Cons May feel too soft for some 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. Each insole comes inside an antimicrobial cover, which promises to keep your insoles smelling fresh—even after you've worn them for days. And since the insoles are designed to be lightweight and low-profile, they promise to help prevent blisters and other discomforts. Price at time of publish: $25 Sizes: 5 to 12.5 (women's), 6 to 15.5 (men's) | Arch Type: Low, medium | Anti-Odor: Yes The Best Insoles for Flat Feet That a Personal Trainer Recommends Best for Achy Feet: Dr. Scholl's Comfort & Energy Massaging Gel Insoles Courtesy of Target View On Amazon Pros Textured to massage your feet Customizable Feel cushioned but springy Flatter and lower-profile than other options Cons Available in only a small range of sizes May not offer much arch support 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 promise to conform to the shape of your feet. And they're lined with textured gel cushions that are designed to provide support, shock absorption, and comfort in equal measure. Since the insoles are lower-profile than most, they're a great option for those who don't need a ton of arch support. So if what you're looking for is a cushioned insole that won't put pressure on your feet—and that won't demand a ton of space in your shoe—you've found it. That said, there is one caveat worth mentioning: Since these insoles are much less expensive than some other options, they may not be very durable. But they're still a good value for the price. Price at time of publish: $11 Sizes: 6 to 10 (women's), 8 to 14 (men's) | Arch Type: Not listed | Anti-Odor: No Best for Dress Shoes: Vionic Slimfit Orthotic Insoles Zappos View On Amazon View On Zappos Pros Fit inside many kinds of shoes Shock-absorbing Flatter and lower-profile than other options Cons Best for dress shoes May not offer much arch support 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. 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. But despite their low profile, the insoles still promise to offer plenty of support. The curve of these inserts helps realign the foot to its natural position, preventing aching and toe crowding. And you won't have to worry about foot odor either. The cloth lining the top of the insole promises to be antimicrobial, helping you prevent the buildup of odor-causing bacteria. Price at time of publish: $35 Sizes: 4 to 8 and 10.5 to 12 (women's), 9.5 to 11 (men's) | Arch Type: Not listed | Anti-Odor: Yes The 11 Best Orthotics of 2022 Best for Boots: Protalus Protalus M100 Max Series Shoe Insoles Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Protalus.com Pros Great for boots and other wide shoes Moisture-wicking Shock-absorbing Cons May need to be broken in May squeak when you walk 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 the coverage you need to fill out your boots. And this design feature makes them a great pick for other wide shoes—like high tops and basketball shoes—too. The insole's footbed is contoured to reduce pressure on your feet, allowing you to stand for long periods of time more comfortably. And the insoles come lined with padding that promises to absorb shock, helping you feel less strain on your joints as you walk. To make matters even better, the insoles promise to wick moisture as you wear them—helping you cut down on the sweat that tends to accompany a day spent in boots. Price at time of publish: $16 Sizes: 6.5 and 9.5 (men's) | Arch Type: Low, medium, high | Anti-Odor: Yes Best for Running: Currex RunPro Running Insoles Amazon View On Amazon Pros Available in a wide range of sizes Available in three different styles Cushions and absorbs shock Lightweight and low-profile Cons May need to be broken in May be too firm for some 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. And they boast a three-zone design that promises to help you run with ease. 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. And 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 publish: $50 Sizes: 4.5 to 16 (women's), 3 to 14.5 (men's) | Arch Type: Low, medium, high | Anti-Odor: No The Best Insoles for Running, According to a Running Coach Final Verdict If you're looking for a go-to set of insoles, Powerstep's Original Full-Length Orthotic Shoes Insoles are a solid choice. The insoles promise to be comfortable and supportive. And thanks to their versatile design, you should be able to pair them with most of the shoes in your closet—dress shoes and casual shoes included. What to Look for in an Insole 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, says that individuals need to look for a variety of characteristics in their insoles, including size, arch height, rigidity, and the ability to add accommodations like metatarsal pads. 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 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," says Graddon. "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 those models will typically work on most shoe options. Frequently Asked Questions How do I clean insoles? After a few days of wear, insoles can get smelly. Thankfully, they're pretty easy to clean.To clean your insoles, start by removing them from your shoes. Then, wipe them down with soap or laundry detergent. (You can do this with a washcloth or an old toothbrush.) Once they're clean, wipe them down with water. (Try to avoid getting them too wet.) Then, let them air-dry.And remember, you can always cut down on insole stench by snagging a pair that's odor-resistant or antimicrobial. 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 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 that insole 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. To figure out how much to trim your insoles, you can use the insole 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 much do quality insoles cost? You can usually expect to pay between $10-50 for a quality pair of insoles. You may see cheaper insoles on the market, but they might not offer enough support for your needs. And 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, was $32 when we published this list. 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 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. The 11 Best Orthotics of 2022 2 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Baravarian B. How to Treat the High Arched Cavus Foot. Podiatry Today. 2012 Jan;25(1):74-75. Lim AT, How CH, Tan B. Management of plantar fasciitis in the outpatient setting. Singapore Med J. 2016;57(4):168–171. doi:10.11622/smedj.2016069 See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit