The Best Insoles for Flat Feet, According to an Expert

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People with flat feet have a shallow arch or no arch, sometimes leading to foot, knee, leg, and back pain. While some people choose surgery, external interventions—like the right pair of insoles—may alleviate issues that come from flat feet.

There is no specific category of insoles for over supination, but looking for flexible materials is a good place to start. “There’s a stronger material that resists friction,” says John Huenink, Founder of custom insole company BioMoto. He notes that finding an insole with a metatarsal pad may help correct the issue of flat feet.

In addition to pain relief, insoles can make your shoes more comfortable and supportive. But before choosing a pair, consider the cushioning in the insole and what shoe types you’ll be wearing.

Here are the best insoles for flat feet on the market, according to a certified running coach.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall for Women:

Powerstep Pinnacle Pink Maxx Cushion Insole at Amazon

Ideal for women with flat feet, its encapsulated design, arch support, and deep heel cradle help with motion control.

Best Overall for Men:

Spenco Total Support Max Shoe Insoles at Amazon

Made to promote healthier biomechanical movement, these insoles work to counteract overpronation and absorb shock in the heel.

Best Budget:

Walk-Hero Comfort and Support Plantar Fasciitis Insoles at Amazon

The affordable choice offers semi-rigid, orthotic arch support that helps improve balance and alignments.

Best for Standing All Day:

Superfeet Unisex Black Premium Insoles at Amazon

A great option for those who stand for long periods, its flexible shape provides support, reducing stress on the feet and joints.

Best for Plantar Fasciitis:

SOLE Active Insoles at Amazon

Working to reduce the risk of plantar fasciitis, the insoles adapt to the shape of your foot for a custom, flexible fit.

Best for Running:

Superfeet Unisex Premium Blue Insoles at Amazon

While stiffer than other picks, it's ideal for runners with flat feet, thanks to its deep heel cup that prevents foot rolling.

Best for Hiking:

Vionic Unisex Full-Length Orthotic Shoe Insole at Amazon

They help to realign positioning of the feet and prevent excessive pronation, keeping you comfortable and pain-free while hiking.

Best for Work Boots:

Timberland Pro Anti-Fatigue Technology Insoles at Amazon

A solid option for work boots, they're designed with anti-fatigue technology, delivering all-day support and shock absorption.

Best for Overpronation:

Powerstep Original Full Length Orthotic Shoe Insoles at Amazon

With arch support and a deep heel cradle, it provides motion control for those prone to overpronation when walking or running.

Best for Walking:

Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles at Amazon

A solid pick for leisure walks or long hours standing, its stretch fabric promotes comfort while the heel plug enhances cushioning.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQs
Why Trust Verywell Fit?

Powerstep Pinnacle Pink Maxx Cushion Insole

Pros

Good support and cushioning
Durable
Antimicrobial, wicking fabric

Cons

Expensive

Ideal for women with flat feet, Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx insoles offer the right combination of foot support, control, and cushioning. They have a firm yet flexible shell that helps support and stabilize your feet, as well as shock-absorbing cushioning in the heel to reduce impact on the area.

Additionally, the encapsulated design, arch support, and deep heel cradle help with motion control. With an antimicrobial polyester outer layer, they also help keep your feet comfortable, odor-free, and dry by reducing friction and heat.

Materials: Polyester fabric | Cushioning: EVA foam base, Hypurcel foam | Care: Machine-washable, lay flat to dry

Pros

Great motion control
Flexible and breathable
Cushioning and shock absorption

Cons

May need a trim

Designed to promote healthier biomechanical movement, these Spenco insoles help to counteract overpronation and guide your stride for a more natural gait. They also have excellent support but don’t force a high arch, enhancing the overall comfort for people with flat feet.

The SpenCore heel plug adds cushioning and helps absorb shock in the heel area, a huge plus for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis or other heel pain.

Available in men’s sizes 6 to 17.5, these insoles also have anti-friction and anti-odor fabric to keep your feet blister-free and smelling fresh.

Materials: Polyester | Cushioning: EVA foam | Care: Hand wash

WalkHero Comfort and Support Plantar Fasciitis Insoles

Pros

Excellent shock absorption
Affordable
Durable but lightweight

Cons

Not machine-washable

Walk Hero Support Insoles are an affordable option, but there’s a lot more to like about them beyond the budget-friendly price. The semi-rigid orthotic arch support improves balance and alignments, while the deep heel cup also stabilizes your foot.

With a lightweight, shock-absorbing foam base and a full-length footbed, you also get supportive cushioning from toe to heel. The antimicrobial and moisture-wicking fabric is a nice bonus feature that’s not often found in inexpensive insoles.

Materials: Synthetic | Cushioning: EVA foam | Care: Hand wash with soap and water

Pros

Low-profile, supportive
Extremely durable
Can fit in all types of shoes

Cons

May feel stiff at first
Expensive

These versatile Superfeet insoles are a great option for people with flat feet who stand a lot during the day. The low-profile and flexible Superfeet shape provides stability and support, helping to reduce fatigue and stress on the feet, ankles, and knees. The reinforced rearfoot and heel cup add to the overall support and help reduce movement and shifting in your shoes.

With high-density foam cushioning throughout, these insoles will keep your feet feeling comfortable so you can get through your day pain-free. They come in a wide range of men’s and women’s sizes, for an accurate fit.

Materials: Moisture-wicking antimicrobial synthetic fabric | Cushioning: High-density foam | Care: Hand wash with mild soap and lukewarm water, then air dry

Pros

Good support and cushioning
Moldable for a custom fit
Good shock absorption

Cons

Expensive

Plantar fasciitis is common among people with flat feet, but wearing the right insoles can help reduce the risk. These durable insoles from Sole have the sturdy yet flexible support and excellent shock absorption that those with plantar fasciitis need. The deep heel cup allows for natural foot alignment, helping to prevent lateral movement and keep the foot in place.

These eco-friendly insoles adapt to the shape of your foot through wear or heat molding, so you get a custom fit. They’re also moisture-wicking and have an odor-control coating, so your feet stay dry and smelling fresh.

Materials: Synthetic material, Polygiene coating | Cushioning: EVA foam, Softec cushioning | Care: Hand wash

Pros

Durable
Shock absorption for repetitive impact
Not bulky, yet well-cushioned

Cons

Too stiff for some people

Another outstanding product from Superfeet, these Blue Insoles are designed to provide support, shock absorption, and stability, and are ideal for runners with flat feet. They’re made with high-density foam with exceptional cushioning, yet they’re lightweight and not bulky, so they don’t take up a lot of space.

The wide, deep heel cup provides extra cushioning and helps prevent your foot from rolling, while also reducing impact. Superfeet insoles are a bit stiffer than other inserts, but provide exceptional support and firm cushioning.

Materials: Moisture-wicking antimicrobial synthetic fabric | Cushioning: High-density foam | Care: Hand wash with mild soap and lukewarm water, then air dry

Pros

Very cushioned
Flexible
Motion control for hiking and walking

Cons

Not for low-profile shoes

These versatile insoles were designed by a podiatrist, so they have the cushioning, support, and stability right where those with flat feet need it most. With a sculpted EVA footbed, they provide moderate arch support, heel-cupping, and full-foot cushioning.

They also help to realign the positioning of the feet and prevent excessive pronation, keeping you comfortable and pain-free while hiking, walking, and doing other activities.

Available in both men’s and women’s sizes, they’re comfortable right out of the package, with no break-in period required.

Materials: Nylon | Cushioning: EVA foam footbed | Care: Hand wash

Pros

Good support and cushioning
Durable
Versatile

Cons

May need a trim

These versatile insoles from Timberland can easily slip into hiking boots or running shoes, but they’re also a good choice for work boots. They’re designed with anti-fatigue technology, delivering all-day support, comfort, and shock absorption.

The fabric top cover provides temperature regulation and anti-microbial odor control. Ideal for anyone who spends long days with their feet in work boots, they come in a wide range of men’s shoe sizes, from 5 to 15, and can be trimmed for an exact fit.

Materials: Ortholite fabric | Cushioning: EVA foam | Care: Hand wash with soap and water

Powerstep Original Full Length Orthotic Shoe Insoles

Pros

Good shock absorption
Reasonably-priced
Durable

Cons

Break-in period needed

A popular choice among people with flat feet, the PowerStep insole provides outstanding support and shock absorption. With built-in arch support and a deep heel cradle, it provides stability and motion control for those whose feet overpronate, or rotate in when they’re walking or running.

The antimicrobial polyester lining prevents bacterial buildup and wicks away moisture, keeping your feet dry and smelling fresh. Reasonably priced and easy to clean, they also feature a unisex design that will accommodate any type of foot.

Materials: EVA foam base, polyester top fabric | Cushioning: EVA foam | Care: Hand wash

Pros

Good support and shock absorption
Affordable
Lightweight yet durable

Cons

Not for low-profile shoes

If you have flat feet and walk for exercise or spend a lot of time on your feet, these Spenco insoles are a smart choice. They feature four-way stretch fabric for superb comfort and performance, as well as soft forefoot cushioning with excellent shock absorption and energy return with each step.

The lightweight PolySorb PU foam footbed offers additional support in the arches and heels, while the SpenCore heel plug enhances the overall cushioning and impact protection.

Available in a variety of sizes to fit both women and men, they’re also made with an antimicrobial material that reduces friction and helps to control odor.

Materials: Nylon | Cushioning: EVA foam | Care: Washing machine or hand wash, air dry

Final Verdict

With the perfect blend of cushioning and stability, the Spenco Total Support Max Shoe Insoles (view on Amazon) are ideal for men with flat feet who need an insole that’s good for both exercise and all-day comfort. For women, the Powerstep Pinnacle Pink Maxx Insoles (view on Amazon) are comfortable, supportive, control overpronation, and work well for active or casual wear.

If you’re looking for a less expensive, but still durable, high-quality option for flat feet, Walk Hero Comfort and Support Insoles (view on Amazon) are a solid choice.

What to Look for in an Insole for Flat Feet

Shoe Type

A huge factor in choosing your insoles is the shoes you’re planning to use them in. If you’re wearing them in walking or running shoes, you’ll most likely be able to remove the existing insole and replace it, so the thickness of the insole won’t be an issue. However, if you’re wearing dress shoes or low-profile ones, you should probably avoid more cushioned, thicker insoles.

Support

People with flat feet or those prone to foot issues such as plantar fasciitis need firm arch support. The severity of your flat feet should determine the level of support you need. If you have totally collapsed arches, you might need more corrective arch support, while those with a slight arch could use low-profile support.

Cushioning

Insoles for flat feet should have ample cushioning for shock absorption and comfort, but also enhance the overall support. If you experience shin splints or walk primarily on pavement, you may need some more cushioning.

FAQs

Do insoles help flat feet?

A good pair of insoles can support or raise the arch, giving people with flat feet relief from muscle strain and other foot pain. “Inserts can be beneficial to people with flat feet because the inserts can limit excessive pronation that can contribute to pain,” says Alex Kor, DPM, MS, a podiatrist in Lebanon, Ind. “By controlling this abnormal motion, the patient is usually able to perform normal daily activities with little to no pain.”

Why Trust Verywell Fit?

Certified running coach and fitness writer Christine Luff has spent years researching, testing, and recommending fitness and athletic products and knows that the right gear can tremendously improve performance and comfort.

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