The 12 Best Insoles of 2023: Comfortable, Supportive, and Approved by Experts

Powerstep's Original Orthotic Shoe Insoles are ideal for all different arch types—no trimming needed

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Best Insoles

Verywell / Sabrina Jiang

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."

And they're not just for making new shoes easier to walk in—a fresh pair of insoles can also help you get more wear out of your favorite, well-loved pairs. To find the best insoles, we researched dozens of pairs and evaluated them based on material, price, cushioning, support, and more.

We also had an RRCA- and USATF-certified running coach from our Review Board review this article for accuracy surrounding what to look for in insoles and how best to use them. Whether you're at the office or training at the gym, these insoles will keep you feeling light on your feet.

Best Overall

Powerstep Original Insoles

4.8
Powerstep Soles

Amazon

Pros
  • Available in a wide range of sizes

  • Suitable for different arch types

  • No trimming needed

Cons
  • May be too firm for some

Powerstep's Original Insoles check all of our boxes: We like that they're pre-sized, supportive, and they work for most arch types, making them our top pick. They can also help if you're suffering from plantar fasciitis or other types of heel and arch pain because they have semi-rigid arch support, which gives support and stability.

The insoles' heel cradles will cushion your feet, providing shock absorption with each step. With an ultra-thin, low-profile design, these insoles fit most athletic, casual, and dress shoes without trimming and are easily moveable from shoe to shoe. Choose from a wide range of men's and women's sizes.

However, they're firmer than other insoles on our list, which may not feel as comfortable for all wearers.

Price at time of publication: $40

Key Specs:
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

Dr. Scholl's Athletic Series Running Shoe Insoles

Amazon

Pros
  • Available in a wide range of sizes

  • Customizable

  • Shock-absorbing

Cons
  • May be too thick for some shoes

If you're brand new to insoles and not quite sure where to start, you may want to try out a budget-friendly pair before springing for a pricier option. This pair from Dr. Scholl's features a deep heel cup to help with shock absorption and padding that cushions the ball of your foot to help distribute pressure.

We like the reinforced arch support, which helps you transition your weight from landing to push-off for a better stride. Users also love this pair's SweatMax Technology, which helps eliminate foot odors.

These insoles are available in a range of both men's and women's sizes. But they're on the thicker side, so they may not fit comfortably in every pair of shoes.

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

Best for High Arches

Superfeet Green Insoles

Superfeet Green Insoles

Amazon

Pros
  • Available in a wide range of sizes

  • Ideal for high arches

  • Deep heel cup

Cons
  • Expensive

A powerhouse in the insole market, Superfeet offers a variety of options, so it's important to choose the right pair for your foot type, preferences, and needs. Their Green Full-Length Insole is our recommendation 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 at work.

The insoles' deep, wide heel cups provide maximum support and stability, which helps control the motion and position of your feet. We also like that they have a taller, more prominent arch—a feature that's helpful for anyone with high arches.

They're a bit pricier than some other insoles, but they're extremely durable, so we think they're well worth the money.

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

Best for Plantar Fasciitis

EasyFeet Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles

EasyFeet Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles

Amazon

Pros
  • Deep heel cup

  • Thick, plush padding

  • Shock-absorbing

Cons
  • May squeak while you walk

Dr. Jackie Sutera, DPM, New York-based podiatrist and Vionic Innovation Lab member, says that insoles can help relieve plantar fasciitis pain through solid arch support. "Insoles for people with heel pain and fasciitis should have a heel cup and cushioning, and provide shock absorption," she adds. Our pick for a pair that has all of these features (and more) is EasyFeet's Plantar Fasciitis Insoles.

These insoles are crafted from plush memory foam and designed with a deep heel cradle that supports and stabilizes your feet while you walk. We love that they offer ample arch support, giving structure to flat feet and rising up to meet high arches. And since they're antibacterial, you don't have to worry about unpleasant odors—even after wearing them for days on end.

Also nice is that these insoles come lined with air pockets for even better shock absorption. However, some users have noticed that they tend to squeak.

Price at time of publication: $50

Key Specs:
Sizes
: 5 to 13 (women's), 6 to 13 (men's) | Arch Type: Low, high | Anti-Odor: Yes

Best for Flat Feet

Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles

Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles

Amazon

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 worn by anyone with very low to medium arches, as well as people with flat feet. The forefoot cushion is crafted from plush foam, which promises to absorb shock and offer excellent energy return. This combination makes the shoes cushioned and comfortable, but also springy enough to wear during sports, giving you the rebound you need to walk, run, and jump comfortably.

We like that each insole has an antimicrobial cover, which promises to keep them smelling fresh. Since the insoles are designed to be lightweight and low-profile, they also help prevent blisters and chafing.

But they're not as firm as other insoles on our list, so some wearers may need more support.

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

Best for Shin Splints

Dr. Scholl's Athletic Series Running Shoe Insoles

Dr. Scholl's Athletic Series Running Shoe Insoles

Amazon

Pros
  • Budget-friendly

  • Great shock absorption

  • Odor-resistant

Cons
  • May be too tall for some shoes

These insoles from Dr. Scholl's are designed to combat shin splints. Divided into three zones, each with a different type of support and cushioning, they feature a deep heel cup and padding in the forefoot to help distribute pressure evenly.

We love how well they absorb shock, using targeted technology where your feet need it the most. Plus, the top layer neutralized odors to prevent sweat and bacteria from building up.

Although we like the budget-friendly price, it's worth noting that these insoles may be too tall to fit in some shoes. Still, they're a solid pick if you're struggling with sore shins.

Price at time of publication: $30

Key Specs:

Sizes
: 5.5 to 9 (women's), 7.5 to 14 (men's) | Arch Type: Low, medium, high | Anti-Odor: Yes

Best for Running

Currex RunPro Running Insoles

Currex RunPro Running Insoles

Amazon

Pros
  • Three levels of arch support

  • Good rebound

  • Lightweight and low-profile

Cons
  • Expensive

  • May be too firm for some

Currex's RunPro Insoles were crafted with runners in mind, and it shows. They boast a three-zone design that supports your stride, even on long trail runs. Still, they're thin and lightweight, so they'll fit inside most running shoes.

The middle of the insole is designed to cushion your foot, while the heel offers support and absorbs shock. Meanwhile, we love that the front of the insole feels 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, they come in three different styles, so you can choose whether you want low, medium, or high arch support. However, they're on the firmer side.

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

Best for Achy Feet

Dr. Scholl's Comfort & Energy Massaging Gel Insoles

Dr. Scholl's Comfort & Energy Massaging Gel Insoles

Amazon

Pros
  • Textured to massage your feet

  • Budget-friendly

  • Low-profile

Cons
  • Only comes in a few sizes

  • Not as much arch support

Dr. Scholl's Comfort & Energy Massaging Gel Insoles are a budget-friendly option for tense, achy feet. These rubber insoles conform to the shape of your feet. They're lined with textured gel cushions that are designed to massage your feet while providing support and shock absorption.

Since the insoles are lower-profile than most, we think they're a great option for those who don't need a ton of arch support. They'll also fit in most pairs of shoes. But it's worth noting that they come in a smaller size range than other pairs on our list.

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

Best for Work Boots

Walk-Hero Comfort and Support Plantar Fasciitis Insoles

Walk-Hero Comfort and Support Plantar Fasciitis Insoles

Amazon

Pros
  • Deep heel cup

  • Good shock absorption

  • Solid arch support

Cons
  • May be too thick for some shoes

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 silicone and foam padding cushions every step. They're also designed with a 3.5-centimeter arch support, to gently align your feet and ankles.

With solid shock absorption, these insoles are built for heavy wear. We also like that they offer great energy return, meaning they'll feel springy even after hours of walking.

However, these insoles aren't as low-profile as others on our list, so they might not fit in all types of shoes.

Price at time of publication: $25

Key Specs:
Sizes
: 4 to 16.5 (men's), 6 to 14.5 (women's) | Arch Type: Low, medium, high | Anti-Odor: No

Best for Walking All Day

Brison Orthotics Inserts

Brison Orthotics Insoles
Pros
  • Good shock absorption

  • Plenty of heel cushioning

  • Low-profile

Cons
  • Surface may be too grippy for some

Brison's Orthotics Inserts are our top pick if you need supportive insoles for many hours of walking. This pair has perforations to encourage airflow and prevent sweat from building up. We also like that they use a combination of foam and rubber to offer both cushioning and support.

An additional heel pad helps absorb shock, while extra layers of padding under the ball of your feet relieve pressure. And the deep heel cup stabilizes your feet, to keep them in the proper alignment while you walk.

These insoles are easy to trim to fit almost any shoe. And the low-profile design means you won't have to go up a size in your footwear. However, some wearers have found that the insoles' grippy, non-slip top layer makes it more difficult to slip their shoes on and off.

Price at time of publication: $30-$40

Key Specs:
Sizes
: 6 to 14.5 (women's), 4.5 to 13 (men's | Arch Type: Low, medium, high | Anti-Odor: No

Best for Dress Shoes

Vionic Slimfit Orthotic Insoles

Vionic Slimfit Orthotic Insoles

Amazon

Pros
  • Low-profile

  • Shock-absorbing

  • Anti-odor

Cons
  • Not as 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.

They're 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. And we like that the cloth lining the top of the insole is antimicrobial, to prevent the buildup of odor-causing bacteria.

Despite their low profile, the insoles still offer plenty of support. The curve of these inserts helps realign your foot to its natural position, preventing aching and toe crowding. But since they're so thin, they don't have as much arch support as others on our list.

Price at time of publication: $33-$42

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

Best Athletic

Superfeet Carbon Insoles

Superfeet Carbon Insoles

Amazon

Pros
  • Breathable

  • Structured heel cup

  • Lightweight and low-profile

Cons
  • Expensive

Superfeet's ultra-thin Carbon insoles are our top pick for athletes because they can be trimmed to fit inside any shoe or cleat. Their lightweight design is also ideal for any athlete who's on their feet on the field.

We like the structured heel cup, which provides additional support without adding too much cushioning, for a barely-there feel. And the beveled edges make it easy to slip these insoles into even narrow shoes, while odor-resistant fabric gets rid of bacteria that can cause unpleasant smells.

We also love that they're perforated, to promote better airflow and prevent your feet from overheating. They're more expensive than other insoles on our list, but we think their superior breathability and sport-friendly features make them a solid buy.

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

How We Selected the Best Insoles

To choose the best insoles, we asked the experts for their advice on which features every pair should have. We spoke with:

  • John Huenink, founder of custom insole company BioMoto
  • Jackie Sutera, DPM, podiatrist at City Podiatry in New York City
  • Marcia Graddon, ATC, BOCPD, athletic trainer and certified pedorthist at The Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center in Virginia
  • Steven Neufeld, MD, orthopaedic surgeon and founder of The Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center in Virginia

Then, 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 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. "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.

Price

Off-the-shelf orthotic insoles are less expensive than custom-made insoles. If price is a factor, it's best to start with store-bought options and move your way to custom 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 which 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 with most shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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.

  • 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.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

A certified personal trainer, running coach, gym buff, and fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, spends countless hours researching and testing the latest exercise gear and gadgets. She only recommends products that she can genuinely stand behind and that she believes would be good investments for her readers.

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.

1 Source
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  1. Main types of insoles described in the literature and their applicability for musculoskeletal disorders of the lower limbs: A systematic review of clinical studies. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2020;24(4):29-36.