What conditions require orthotics?

Conditions that require orthotics include flat feet and high arches. Flat feet can lead to other conditions such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, and osteoarthritis. As well, if you have a leg length discrepancy (one leg slightly longer than the other) or a lateral pelvic tilt (hip hike with hip higher on one side), you may require an orthotic on one side.

How long do orthotics last?

Orthotics can last three to five years, but you may need to replace them sooner, depending on changes to your physiology. These changes can include weight loss or gain, pregnancy, or other physical reasons. If you notice wear and tear, it is best to replace your orthotics.

How should I clean orthotics?

Clean your orthotics according to brand instructions. In most cases, that will mean wiping them with a soft, damp cloth using a mild soap. Allow your orthotics to fully air dry before you place them back in your shoes to prevent bacteria build-up. Clean your orthotics regularly.

Should I wear orthotics all the time?

If you have custom orthotics, it is best to wear them every day to maintain their benefits. Orthotics correct issues that otherwise are not being addressed when you do not wear them. If you are concerned about wearing them every day, speak to your podiatrist about options that may be best for you.

The 11 Best Orthotics of 2023

If you need support that goes beyond that of over-the-counter insoles, try a pair of custom orthotics. Similar to over-the-counter insoles, orthotics sit inside your shoes—offering padding, support, and more. But the difference is that they're customizable and sometimes prescribed by a doctor.

“Over-the-counter insoles can be very affordable and are best for people with mild pain, average arches, or anyone who just would like to add some cushion and support,” says Jackie Sutera, DPM, a podiatrist at City Podiatry in New York City. Since orthotics are customized based on your foot length, arch height, and pain points, Brad Schaeffer, DPM, a podiatrist at SOLE Podiatry NYC in New York recommends consulting with a podiatrist.

We researched dozens of orthotics and evaluated them for fit, material, price, and support. We also consulted with experts, including Dr. Schaeffer and Dr. Sutera. Each of the orthotics chosen in this article was determined to be the best of these factors.

In addition, we had an RRCA- and USATF-certified running coach from our Review Board review this article for accuracy surrounding what to look for in orthotics and who should use them.

Here are the best orthotics on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Dr. Scholl's Custom Fit Orthotic Inserts at Drscholls.com

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Best Women's:

Superfeet Women’s Berry Insoles at Amazon

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Best Men's:

Superfeet Orange Premium Insoles at Amazon

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Best Budget:

NAZAROO Arch Support Orthotic Plantar Fasciitis at Amazon

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Best for Dress Shoes:

FootChair Slim Dress Shoe Orthotics at Amazon

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Best for Plantar Fasciitis:

Powerstep Pinnacle Insole at Amazon

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Best for High Arches:

FootChair Orthotics at Amazon

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Best for Flat Feet:

ProFoot Flat Fix Orthotic at Amazon

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Best for Wide Feet:

Powerstep Pinnacle Wide Fit Insoles at Amazon

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Best for Running:

Currex RunPro Running Insoles at Amazon

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4.9

Amazon

View On Drscholls.com

Pros

Online fit quiz
Good for multiple arch types
90-day refund policy

Cons

Time-consuming selection process

We chose Dr. Scholl's Custom Fit Orthotic Inserts as our top pick because they're supportive and customizable based on your arch type. They're available in 43 variations including 29 full-length and 14 three-quarters-length options—making finding the perfect set simple. To find your ideal pair of Custom Fit Orthotics, you can talk to an expert or visit a Dr. Scholl’s kiosk to get a personalized recommendation. You can also complete an online quiz if you'd like to find your fit from home.

The orthotics come recommended by one of our experts. “Ones I typically recommend are Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit Orthotic Inserts, which are matched for your unique foot geometry,” Dr. Schaeffer says. He notes that each insert is made up of three layers—a shock-absorbing cushioned layer, an arch support layer, and a soft cloth top layer. “Each is designed to reduce your overall foot pressure, and as a result, give you the energy to take even more steps every day,” he says.

Price at time of publication: $60

^{Key Specs:
Size Options: Custom Dr. Scholl's sizing | Length Options: Full-length and 3/4 length | Arch Height Options: Multiple}

4.6

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Dick's View On Ems.com

Pros

Available in various sizes
Narrower design
Finished with an anti-odor coating

Cons

Designed for one arch height

Many orthotic insoles are one-size-fits-all. But unlike their unisex counterparts, Superfeet’s Berry Women’s Orthotic Insert is designed specifically for women’s feet. The insoles have a narrower heel because women’s heels tend to be narrower than men’s heels. The arches are also crafted with this difference in mind to offer users a set of orthotics that fits more naturally inside women’s shoes.

Beyond these characteristics, the insoles feature a classic fit with a bouncy foam forefoot, a stabilizing heel cup, and an anti-odor top coating to keep your feet feeling fresh. The trimmable style is available in four different sizes, so you can customize the insoles to suit the size of your shoes. One thing to note is that these insoles aren't made for people with low arches or flat feet.

Price at time of publication: $42

^{Key Specs:
Size Options: Four (women’s 4.5-12) | Length Options: Multiple (trimmable) | Arch Height Options: One (high arches)}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Walmart

Pros

Available in various sizes
Trimmable for custom fit
Finished with an anti-odor top coating

Cons

Designed for one arch height
Some quality control issues

The Superfeet Orange Premium insoles are ideal for men's feet. They boast a wide toe box, a wide heel, and a long arch length that can also be found in most unisex styles. Designed to fill the full length of your shoes, the insoles should cover the entire bottom of the foot. But since they're trimmable, you can customize them to fit the exact shape and length of your shoes.

The front of each insole is padded with foam and designed to cushion the ball of your foot every time you take a step. The back comes equipped with a deep heel cup, which is designed to stabilize your foot and to keep your insoles in place as you walk. Since the insoles come in a wide size range, it shouldn't be too complicated to find one that suits your foot. But it's worth noting that they're only for people with high arches.

Price at time of publication: $60

^{Key Specs:
Size Options: Four (men’s 5.5-17, women’s 6.5 -14+) | Length Options: Multiple (trimmable) | Arch Height Options: One (high arches)}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Suitable for men and women
Available in various colors
Arch support may help various conditions

Cons

Not designed for specific arch heights
Not customizable

If you’re looking for a set of budget-friendly insoles that’ll make your shoes a little more comfortable, Nazaroo’s Shoe Insoles might be just what you need. Crafted from EVA foam, they're designed to cushion your feet every time you take a step. The deep cups lining the back of each insole also hug your heels for a supportive feel when you move.

While they don't offer much in the way of customization, they're available in a wide variety of sizes (suiting men’s 4-6.5 and women’s 6-14.5). They aren't designed to suit different arch types, but they come with some generically sculpted arch support, which is good for those with low and high arches alike. The budget-friendly price is a characteristic that will make your shoes feel more supportive, shock-absorbing, and comfortable, however, they won't be customized like typical orthotics.

Price at time of publication: $15

^{Key Specs:
Size Options: 13 (men’s 4-16.5, women’s 6-14.5+) | Length Options: Full-length | Arch Height Options: One (one-size-fits-all)}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Thefootchair.com

Pros

Narrow design
Evenly distributes weight
Adjustable arch support

Cons

Not trimmable
May feel stiff or hard to some

If you wear dress shoes daily, FootChair's Slim Dress Shoe Orthotics should be beneficial thanks to their slim-fitting silhouette. They are also ideal for narrower athletic shoes like cycling shoes and cleats. The full-length design offers shock-absorbing comfort from toe-to-heel. And since their footbeds are crafted from neoprene, the insoles promise long-lasting support that won’t fade after you spend a few days on your feet.

Whereas other insoles are designed to suit different arch types, FootChair’s Slim Dress Shoe Orthotics only come in one style. But since that single style is customizable, you can adjust your arch height to perfectly suit your feet (each insole comes equipped with a built-in pocket, which you can fill with an EVA foam pad to add arch support).

Price at time of publication: $43

^{Key Specs:
Size Options: Five (men’s 3-12.5, women’s 5-14.5) | Length Options: Full-length | Arch Height Options: Two (removable arch height pads)}

Expert Tip

If you wear many different kinds of shoes during the week, you may want to get a set of orthotics for each of them. “I advise patients to wear orthotics as often as possible in whatever shoes they fit into,” Dr. Sutera says. “Some patients have multiple types—a sports pair for sneakers and a thinner pair for dress shoes.”

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Walmart

Pros

Available in various sizes
Good for multiple arch types

Cons

Not trimmable
Minimal shock absorption

When buying orthotic insoles for plantar fasciitis (or any other condition), Dr. Schaeffer has one bit of advice. “I recommend looking for a product that indicates that its orthotics are clinically proven for the benefits they claim.” And since Powerstep’s Pinnacle Arch Support Insoles are clinically effective at providing plantar fasciitis relief, they’re a pretty great place to start your shopping process.

The insoles are made up of four layers starting at the bottom with a layer of plush EVA foam. On top of that, you’ll find a supportive heel cup designed to cradle and stabilize your foot as you walk, followed by another layer of EVA foam. To top things off, a soft layer of antimicrobial fabric keeps the insoles breathable and comfortable. Powerstep’s Pinnacle Arch Support Insoles are designed to suit those with medium arches. But they’re also available in low arch and high arch variations.

Price at time of publication: $31

^{Key Specs:
Size Options: 12 (men’s 3-16, women’s 5-12+) | Length Options: Full-length | Arch Height Options: Three (low, medium, high)}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Removable pads included
Trimmable for custom fit
30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

May feel thick or bulky to some
May feel stiff or hard to some

FootChair’s Orthotics take high arch support to the next level thanks to built-in pockets. The pockets can be filled with removable arch support pads, and the pads are included with the set. You should start by inserting the orthotics into your shoes without any additional padding. But if you're seeking more arch support, you can add the pads as needed.

Because arch support isn’t the only thing that matters, the insoles are crafted from shock-absorbing neoprene. The insoles are also available in six different sizes, and since they’re trimmable, you can customize their length and width to perfectly suit your shoes.

Price at time of publication: $46

^{Key Specs:
Size Options: Five (men’s 3-14.5, women’s 5-16.5) | Length Options: Multiple (trimmable) | Arch Height Options: Multiple (adjustable)}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On IHerb View On Walgreens

Pros

Shock-absorbing heel
Shorter length for less bulk

Cons

Limited size range
Not trimmable

ProFoot’s Flat Fix Orthotic is a shorter insole designed to cushion your arches and stabilize your heel. Crafted with plush foam, they contour your feet to give you personalized support with each step. Since they're designed to fill just three-quarters of your shoes, they deliver support where you need it most and free up space where you don't.

A flexible heel cup sits at the back of each insole—ProFoot calls this the "trampoline-effect heel." Helping cut down on pronation, the cup stabilizes the heel while cushioning your feet and absorbing shock. Since the insoles were designed with flat feet in mind, they’re available in just one style. That said, they do come in a men’s variation and a women’s variation.

Price at time of publication: $8

^{Key Specs:
Size Options: One (men’s 8-3, women’s 6-10) | Length Options: Full-length | Arch Height Options: One (designed for flat feet)}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Walmart

Pros

Good for wide-width shoes
Available in various sizes
Covered in antimicrobial fabric

Cons

Only designed for one arch height
May be too thick for some

Some insoles are designed to be trimmed shorter or narrower, but if you need them to be wider, you're better off buying a new set. Powerstep's Pinnacle Wide Fit Insoles ar extra-wide and designed to fill the full length of your shoes. Made with four layers, the insoles cushion with each step. At the base, you'll find a foam layer topped with a supportive heel cup lining the back of the insole. Another foam layer and soft fabric top the insoles—combining to create a balance of comfort and support.

Powerstep's insoles are available in 11 different sizes, suiting men’s sizes 3-16 and women’s sizes 5-12+. But it's important to note that they're specifically designed to suit wide-width shoes (ideally, those between 3E to 6E). One downside for some is that the insoles are designed with firm arch support, so you won’t have the option to adjust the arch support based on your preferences.

Price at time of publication: $28

^{Key Specs:
Size Options: 11 (men’s 3-16, women’s 5-12+) | Length Options: Full-length | Arch Height Options: One (recommended for flat feet)}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Features three support zones
Available in various sizes
Good for multiple arch types

Cons

Not as plush as other insoles
Not trimmable

Sleek, padded, and low-profile, Currex’s RunPro Insoles should slide inside most running shoes for a comfortable fit as you exercise, whether you're jogging outdoors or working out on a reliable elliptical indoors. they're crafted to support the front, middle, and back of your feet, and the padding is designed to cushion and elevate your arches. Naturally, some people need more arch support than others, so the insoles are available in low, medium, or high arch support.

Available in six different sizes, Currex's insoles are designed to fit men’s sizes 3-14.5 and women’s sizes 6-16. Currex recommends removing the existing liners from your shoes and replacing them with these insoles. And if you’re unable to do so, the brand recommends sizing up by a half-size.

Price at time of publication: $50

^{Key Specs:
Size Options: Six (men’s 3-14.5, women’s 6-16) | Length Options: Full-length | Arch Height Options: Three (low, medium, high)}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Walmart

Pros

Heel pad cuts down on slipping
Not bulky
Features support shell for extra support

Cons

Only designed for one arch height
May peel over time

Insoles can be a great way to cushion your shoes for comfort, but they can add some serious bulk to your shoes. And if you have bunions, anything that makes your shoes feel tight, cramped, or otherwise uncomfortable is a no-go. Thankfully Powerstep’s Thin Arch Support Insoles are a low-profile insole that won't take up much space.

The sleek set is designed to fill just three-fourths of your shoes and they aren't lined with much padding. Instead, they feature a layer of low-profile support, which should be firm enough to hold up over time (though you shouldn’t expect a ton in the way of cushioned arch support). With that said, the insoles should still be a step up from whatever removable liners are already inside your shoes.

Price at time of publication: $21

^{Key Specs:
Size Options: Six (men’s 4-13, women’s 6-12) | Length Options: 3/4 length | Arch Height Options: One (one-size-fits-all)}

Final Verdict

Although Dr. Scholl's Custom Fit Orthotics (view at Dr. Scholl's) don't have the same customization as orthotics prescribed by a doctor, they're a great over-the-counter alternative. “Dr. Scholl’s is the OG when it comes to orthotics, and they are available at your local drugstore,” says podiatrist Brad Schaeffer, DPM. “Their Custom Fit Orthotics deliver customized support and comprehensive pain relief.”

If you're looking for orthotics at a budget-friendly price, the NAZAROO Shoe Insoles (view at Amazon) should deliver comfort and support where you need it the most. The EVA foam footbed and heel cup offer structure and shock-absorption, and they're good for those with high or low arches.

What to Look for in Orthotics

Customization

“Perhaps the biggest factor that sets apart custom orthotics from over-the-counter orthotics is customization,” Dr. Schaeffer says. While over-the-counter orthotics aren’t quite as customizable as prescription orthotics, some options are more customizable than others. And customizable features can increase the likelihood that you’ll find a set of insoles that suits your feet.

First, look for adjustable arch support. Can you increase or decrease the amount of arch support your insoles offer? If not, can you choose how much arch support you want when you first buy the insoles? Then, keep an eye out for adjustable insole size. Can you choose the precise size that suits your foot? What about the width and length? Is the insole trimmable, so that you can alter its size and shape to suit your shoes?

With most over-the-counter orthotics, the customization stops there. But some are designed to accommodate specific pain points, daily habits, and shoe types as well.

Credibility

Buying orthotic insoles for a specific health condition or pain point? Try to find options that are “clinically effective” at solving your problem. “That’s a label assurance that the product has been tested and shown to provide the benefits claimed on the label,” Dr. Schaeffer says. When shopping, you’ll encounter a lot of different claims, but don’t count on those claims until you know they’re backed by research. Even then, you may want to look up the associated study to see what it actually found.

Size

Orthotic insoles come in many different sizes, lengths, and widths. First, you’ll want to make sure your orthotics are the right size. Some orthotics come in specific shoe sizes, while others are available in a size range. Those that come in a size range are often trimmable, so you can cut them down to suit your feet.

Second, you’ll want to make sure your orthotics are the right length. Orthotics are typically designed to either fill the full length of your shoe or to fill three-quarters of your shoe. A podiatrist can help you understand which option is right for you.

Finally, orthotics can come in different widths. While most will come in one standard width, there are some narrower and wider options available. If your insoles are trimmable, you can also cut them to be narrower as needed.

Arch Support

In addition to being available in different sizes, orthotics are often available with different levels of arch support. Some orthotic insoles come in multiple arch support styles, allowing you to customize the level of arch support when you buy. Others are available with arch support pads, which you can use to increase or decrease the arch support in your insoles after you’ve bought them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions require orthotics?

Conditions that require orthotics include flat feet and high arches. Flat feet can lead to other conditions such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, and osteoarthritis. As well, if you have a leg length discrepancy (one leg slightly longer than the other) or a lateral pelvic tilt (hip hike with hip higher on one side), you may require an orthotic on one side.
How long do orthotics last?

Orthotics can last three to five years, but you may need to replace them sooner, depending on changes to your physiology. These changes can include weight loss or gain, pregnancy, or other physical reasons. If you notice wear and tear, it is best to replace your orthotics.
How should I clean orthotics?

Clean your orthotics according to brand instructions. In most cases, that will mean wiping them with a soft, damp cloth using a mild soap. Allow your orthotics to fully air dry before you place them back in your shoes to prevent bacteria build-up. Clean your orthotics regularly.
Should I wear orthotics all the time?

If you have custom orthotics, it is best to wear them every day to maintain their benefits. Orthotics correct issues that otherwise are not being addressed when you do not wear them. If you are concerned about wearing them every day, speak to your podiatrist about options that may be best for you.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

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.