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, like Superfeet's Carbon Insoles. 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 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 $10-50 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.

The Best Insoles of 2023 for Every Pair of Shoes

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. Plus, research shows that they can also help reduce foot pain and promote proper foot alignment.

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.

"Individuals with flat feet who feel pain or soreness when wearing shoes should consider an insole with arch support built in," Dr. Steven Neufeld, a foot and ankle surgeon at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics, says. "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."

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.

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 Running:

Currex RunPro Running Insoles at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Dress Shoes:

Vionic Slimfit Orthotic Insoles at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Athletic:

Superfeet Carbon Insoles at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Work Boots:

Walk-Hero Comfort and Support Plantar Fasciitis Insoles at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.8

Courtesy of 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

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 publication: $29

Sizes: 5 to 15 (women's), 3 to 16 (men's) | Arch Type: Low, medium, high | Anti-Odor: Yes

Courtesy of Walmart

Pros

Available in a wide range of sizes
Customizable
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 publication: $19

Sizes: 5.5 to 9 (women's), 7.5 to 14 (men's) | Arch Type: Not listed | Anti-Odor: Yes

Amazon

Pros

Available in a wide range of sizes
Customizable
Deep heel cup

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 publication: $55

Sizes: 4.5 to 16 (women's), 2.5 to 17 (men's) | Arch Type: High | Anti-Odor: Yes

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Available in a wide range of sizes
Customizable
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 publication: $40

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."

Walmart

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 publication: $25

Sizes: 5 to 12.5 (women's), 6 to 15.5 (men's) | Arch Type: Low, medium | Anti-Odor: Yes

Courtesy of Target

Pros

Textured to massage your feet
Feel cushioned but springy
Low-profile

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 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. 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 publication: $15

Sizes: 6 to 10 (women's), 8 to 14 (men's) | Arch Type: Not listed | Anti-Odor: No

Amazon

Pros

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 publication: $50

Sizes: 4.5 to 16 (women's), 3 to 14.5 (men's) | Arch Type: Low, medium, high | Anti-Odor: No

Zappos

Pros

Low-profile
Shock-absorbing
Lightweight

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 publication: $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

Amazon

Pros

Lightweight and low-profile
Structured heel cup
Customizable

Cons

May not have enough arch support for some

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.

A beveled edge makes it easy to slip these insoles into even narrow width shoes, while odor-resistant fabric gets rid of bacteria that can cause unpleasant smells. And we like that they're perforated, to promote better airflow and prevent your feet from overheating.

However, since these insoles are so thin, they may not have enough arch support for some wearers.

Price at time of publication: $60

Sizes: 2.5 to 15 (men's), 4.5 to 14 (women's) | Arch Type: Low, medium, high | Anti-Odor: Yes

Amazon

Pros

Deep heel cup
Good shock absorption
Solid arch support

Cons

Not as low-profile

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.

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.

Just note that these aren't as low-profile as other insoles on our list, so they may not fit in all types of shoes.

Price at time of publication: $25

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.

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, certified orthotist at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics, recommends checking each insole's size, arch height, rigidity, and the 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.

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 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, like Superfeet's Carbon Insoles. 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 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 $10-50 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.

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 a good investment 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.

The 11 Best Orthotics of 2023

The 9 Best Insoles of 2023

Reviewed & Approved

Best Overall

Powerstep Original Full Length Orthotic Shoe Insoles

Best Budget

Dr. Scholl's Athletic Series Running Shoe Insoles

Best for High Arches

Superfeet Green Insoles

Best for Plantar Fasciitis

EasyFeet Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles

Quick Tip

Best for Flat Feet

Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles

Best for Achy Feet

Dr. Scholl's Comfort & Energy Massaging Gel Insoles

Best for Running

Currex RunPro Running Insoles

Best for Dress Shoes

Vionic Slimfit Orthotic Insoles

Best Athletic

Superfeet Carbon Insoles

Best for Work Boots

Walk-Hero Comfort and Support Plantar Fasciitis Insoles

How We Selected the Best Insoles

What to Look for in Insoles

Type

Volume

Material

Cost

Versatility

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Verywell Fit