The 11 Best Insoles for Running, According to a Running Coach

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Foot pain can be extremely annoying and may even sideline you from running for an extended period of time. Putting insoles in your running shoes is an effective step to fend off pain before a problem develops. Insoles vary greatly in terms of thickness, rigidity, and materials, so it’s important to get familiar with the various features and choose ones that best suit your specific needs. Someone with flat feet, for example, would need different insoles than a runner with high arches.

Here is a list of the best insoles for running—for all different types of feet—according to a running coach.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall for Women:

Superfeet Women’s Berry Insoles at Amazon

Made for women so you can take the guesswork out of finding the right fit, the insole features a slimmer heel and a deep heel cup.

Best Overall for Men:

Sof Sole Men’s Airr Insole at Amazon

If you prefer maximum cushioning, this option provides just that while its air bubbles are made to absorb impact from running.

Best for Plantar Fasciitis:

SOLE Active Insoles at REI

If you have plantar fasciitis, run and walk easier with a shock-absorbent insole that has a moldable base.

Best for High Arches:

Superfeet Green Insoles at Amazon

Perfect for those with medium-to-high arches, this pick benefits the spine and knees in addition to your feet and ankles.

Best for Long-Distance Running:

Wernies Running Shoe Inserts at Amazon

The elevated arch support provides stability for when you're going to be standing for a while or embarking on a long hike or run.

Best with Cushioning:

Currex RunPro Running Insoles at Amazon

Made with bamboo to keep your shoes odor-free, the insoles are complete with padding to absorb high impact from running.

Best for Overpronation:

Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx Insole at Amazon

Designed to prevent stress on your heel, the angled platform reduces foot pain and keeps overpronation in check.

Best for Shin Splints:

Dr. Scholl’s Running Insoles at Amazon

With a unisex insole, this pick is ideal for those with runner’s knee or shin splints, and can be used for daily support.

Best for Road Running:

Physix Gear Sport Orthotic Inserts at Amazon

If you prefer hitting the road over treadmills, this non-slip option provides stability so you can perform at your best.

Best for Flat Feet:

Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles at Amazon

Lightweight and made to prevent blisters, Spenco's insoles are especially ideal for those with flat feet.

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look for
Why Trust Verywell Fit

If you’ve had trouble with unisex insoles, you may want to try these Superfeet Berry insoles that are designed especially for women. They have a slimmer heel, a women-specific arch length, and a deep, narrow heel cup to help hold the foot in place.

The high-impact foam forefoot provides long-lasting comfort and extra shock absorption that’s especially good for running on hard, unforgiving surfaces. Your feet will smell and feel fresh, thanks to the all-natural, organic coating that inhibits bacterial growth.

Runners need cushioning and support throughout the entire foot, and that’s exactly what these Sof Sole insoles deliver. With a combination of gel and air cushioning, they provide soothing comfort to minimize the impact and effects of pounding the pavement. The Coolmax fabric cover keeps your foot cool, comfortable, and dry while the antibacterial coating helps prevent odors.

Plantar fasciitis is common among runners, but wearing the right insoles can help reduce their risk. These tried-and-true insoles from SOLE have the sturdy yet flexible support and excellent shock absorption that those with plantar fasciitis need. The deep heel cup helps keep the foot in place, preventing lateral movement and promoting natural foot alignment.

Made of recycled materials, these eco-friendly insoles are moldable, so you can get a custom fit. They’re also moisture-wicking and have an odor-fighting coating to keep your feet smelling fresh.

Another superb product from Superfeet, these Green Insoles are designed to provide support, shock absorption, and stability, and are ideal for runners with medium-to-high arches. They’re made of high-density foam with exceptional cushioning, yet they’re still lightweight and won’t weigh you down.

The wide, deep heel cup cradles your heel to help prevent your foot from rolling, while also reducing impact. The elevated middle part, providing additional support, is especially helpful for those with high arches. Although they at first feel a bit stiffer than some other insoles, they’re comfortable after a few minutes.

These insoles are manufactured using a combination of foam and gel, which provide the support, cushioning, and shock absorption that long-distance runners need. The reinforced arch support, deep heel cup, and anti-slip top layer increase support, comfort, and stability, while the honeycomb design distributes the pressure to minimize stress to your feet.

Whether you’re going for a long run or expect to be on your feet all day, these insoles will go the distance.

These Currex RunPro running insoles have the right amount of padding and support to absorb impact and re-distribute pressure around the foot, allowing you to run comfortably. They’re available in low, medium, and high arch profiles, as well as in a wide range of sizes, so you can get a custom fit.

Additionally, they’re made with bamboo for moisture-wicking and charcoal to eliminate odors.

Ideal for overpronators, Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx insoles have a firm yet flexible shell that helps support and stabilize your feet. They’re designed with shock-absorbing cushioning in the heel to reduce the stress on that area. With an antimicrobial and resilient mesh outer fabric, they also help keep your feet odor-free and dry, reducing your risk of blisters.

From trusted brand, Dr. Scholl’s, these insoles are designed specifically for runners and help protect them from common injuries such as shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and runner’s knee. The insoles’ gel cushioning helps reduce the shock and repetitive impact of running, while reducing wear and tear on legs and feet. Affordable yet durable, they also feature SweatMax technology to reduce foot odor.

These popular and affordable insoles from Physix Gear are ergonomically designed with the right amount of support and cushioning that road runners need. Made with a high-quality, medical-grade EVA foam, they deliver maximum shock absorption to provide injury protection and reduce muscle fatigue in your legs and feet.

The semi-rigid arch support and heel cup provide additional stability, while the non-slip heel holds the insole in place, so you don’t have to worry about it sliding around.

Designed for anyone with very low-to-medium arches, these Spenco insoles work especially well for people with flat feet. The soft Eva forefoot cushion provides excellent shock absorption and energy return, so they’re ideal for running and other high-impact activities that may put stress on your feet and joints.

Available in a variety of sizes to fit both women and men, they’re also made of an antimicrobial material to help prevent blisters and control odor.

If you need insoles for your low-profile trail running shoes, these Superfeet Carbon insoles are a superb choice. They’re slimmer and lighter than most insoles, so they easily fit into a wider variety of shoes.

Although they’re made with ultra-lightweight foam, they still have a firm arch, providing trail runners with the support and comfort they need. Like other Superfeet insoles, they’re extremely durable, hold their shape, and can be trimmed for a custom fit.

Final Verdict

When choosing the right insole for running, everything from the size and shape of your foot, your arch height, concerns like shin splints and plantar fasciitis, and what type of running you prefer weighs in your decision. Most runners won't go wrong with our best overall pick for women, Superfeet Berry Insoles, or our best overall pick for men, Sof Sole Men’s Airr Insole.

What to Look for When Buying an Insole for Running

Purpose:

When shopping for insoles, you need to consider exactly why you need them. If you have flat feet or are prone to foot issues such as plantar fasciitis, you’ll need firm arch support. Runners who suffer from shin splints or run a lot on pavement may need some more cushioning. Make sure that the insoles you choose are suitable for your feet, running gait, and any potential injury risk.

Support:

Running insoles should provide durable, firm support to counteract all the pounding that runners experience.

Fit:

Look for insoles that come in multiple arch heights so that you can get more of a custom fit.

Cushioning:

Insoles for running should have ample cushioning for shock absorption and comfort, but also provide the firmness that runners need for good support.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Running coach and marathon runner Christine Luff has recommended running insoles to many runners she coaches, and she swears by her Superfeet Green Insoles for keeping her high-arched feet free from plantar fasciitis.

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