Dr. Scholl's Insoles and Orthotics for Comfort and Relief

Dr. Scholl's has a variety of insoles and orthotics, and you may wonder how to determine which are the best to help you with greater foot comfort and to relieve common foot pain complaints. While buying an insert off the shelf is a quick solution, that often is a matter of trial and error. You can use their website Insole Advisor to narrow it down, based on your needs.

You can get a more custom recommendation using a Dr. Scholl's FootMapping kiosk at a major retailer. For a step up, you can use an app to order Custom 3D Inserts, which take each foot into account so you get a truly custom fit.

Dr. Scholl's FootMapping Kiosk

Dr. Scholl's FootMapping kiosks are available to help you find the right insole for your arch type and foot pressure points. Up to 14 different insoles are provided at the kiosk to buy based on the recommendation.

He says that a similar device is the Aetrex iStep, which is found in many podiatrist's offices and at ​pedorthist stores. Some running shoe stores also use this sort of device to do a foot analysis. Developments in this technology have led to an improved understanding of footwear and running mechanics.

The FootMapping scanner takes a static look at the footprint. Dr. Schneider commented, "The mechanics of the foot are not taken into account." He considers the AMFIT system, which creates a custom insole from a static, weight-bearing model of the foot to be a step up from the FootMapping scanner and the Aetrex iStep.

Mapping Your Foot

You can get a foot mapping by locating a kiosk at a local store, such as a Walmart. You take off your shoes and step onto the platform. It takes only moments to map the pressure points on your feet. Then the kiosk instructs you to stand on one foot, in turn, while it maps each foot individually. At the end, it gives you a recommendation for an insole.

You can then buy one of their insoles, which are displayed in the kiosk. An insole might provide better cushioning and arch support than the insoles that come with athletic shoes, which generally do not have arch support or extra cushioning.

Custom Fit Orthotics

Dr. Scholl's insoles are labeled as "Custom Fit Orthotics." While they vary as to cushioning location and arch height in 14 different combinations, they are not the individualized custom orthotics that are built by a prescription from a podiatrist.

Dr. Schneider says, "These insoles are certainly better and more supportive than their general off-the-shelf insoles, but not nearly as supportive as a custom device. It is not as reliable as a custom orthotic made from a mold of the foot by a podiatrist."

Dr. Lisa Kleymeyer of the Aesthetic Family & Podiatry in Sarasota, Florida says, "I always recommend over-the-counter products to my patients before having them invest in a custom functional orthotic device. I generally advise spending $20 to $40 a pair. I also encourage them to go to stores that offer assistance from trained staff to choose which type is right for them."

Dr. Scholl's 3D-Printed Inserts

You can use a phone app to digitally map your feet, taking four photos. These photos are used by the app to map your feet at 400 points and create a 3D model of your foot shape and arch height of each foot. You can order Custom 3D Inserts in either 3/4 length or full length. They come in a variety of patterns and colors. The 3/4 length insoles are used over the top of the insoles already in your shoes, while the full-length insoles are used to replace the insoles in your shoes.

The measurements made by the app are used to 3D-print the insoles and deliver them to you in two weeks. They come with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not fully satisfied. The retail cost is $99, so this is a relatively expensive option, and the insoles should last about one year.

Custom-printed insoles are not a replacement for prescription orthotics created by a professional, but they can be a good solution otherwise. You will get custom arch support, a deep stabilizing heel cup, and high-performance foam. With good measurements, they may perform as well as custom heat-molded insoles that are available at some athletic shoe stores and specialized insole shops.

More Insole Options

You may get foot pain relief using either the Custom Fit Orthotic Inserts or the Custom 3D Inserts. But if you'd rather try less-expensive solutions, consider one of these options.

Pain Relief Orthotics

Dr. Scholl's Pain Relief Orthotics are specially designed and labeled for common foot pain problems. These types are available for under $15. You don't get a custom fit, but may be worth trying first before committing to a more expensive solution.

Insoles labeled "Lower Back Pain," "Heel Pain," and "Arthritis Pain" are designed to be shock absorbing so you will have less jarring of your back as you walk and less pressure on sore heels and joints.

Those insoles labeled "Plantar Fasciitis" and "Arch Pain," have a reinforced arch and shock-absorbing heel cushion which can reduce the impact associated with plantar fasciitis. The extra arch support can help those who have arch pain.

The "Heavy Duty Support" insoles can be useful if you are on your feet all day and experience foot and leg fatigue or lower back pain. These inserts are designed with a reinforced arch and shock-absorption.

The "Sore Soles" insoles are studded with little nubs that gently massage your feet all day. The "Ball of Foot Pain" inserts are a pad that you place in your shoes under the ball of your foot to provide extra cushioning.

Comfort and Energy Insoles

Gel insoles can be useful for those who are on their feet all day and have foot and leg fatigue. The Comfort & Energy line features massaging gel in various combinations with other features. For example, they have a "Memory Fit" version with memory foam that molds to your feet with use.

Their "Work Insoles" have massaging gel and extra cushioning for shock absorption, and their "Extra Support Insoles" have reinforced arch support. You can also find those that are extra thin or made of leather as can be better for different shoe styles. At one time they sold magnetic insoles, but these have been discontinued.

Athletic Series

These insoles are designed to handle the typical stresses of running, walking, and playing sports. The running insoles have shock absorption, aimed to help prevent the repetitive-stress injuries runners often sustain. The fitness walking insoles feature heel and arch support, cushioning, and the flexible toe bed walkers need for a good push-off. The sports insoles are general-purpose with shock-absorption and massaging gel.

Stylish Step Series

If you need greater comfort in your high heels or dress flats, these insoles are designed to provide it. They include leather insoles and gel insoles for high heels and flats. As well, they have hidden arch supports and cushioning insoles for flats.

A Word From Verywell

Insoles can provide benefits such as arch support and cushioning. If purchasing over-the-counter, a footmapping kiosk may help point you towards the right kind of insole.

You may want to search for a local athletic shoe store or Walking Co. store that will do foot analysis for free, and compare that with the results from Dr. Scholl's kiosk. They may offer custom-molded insoles they can create on the spot that will meet your personal needs, although they will probably be twice the price of Dr. Scholl's Custom Fit Orthotics.

Addressing foot problems can help you enjoy healthy physical activities as well as make your everyday tasks easier to perform. You might start with one of Dr. Scholl's inexpensive insoles, but if your foot pain continues it is worthwhile to see your doctor or a podiatrist. In the long run, staying active will reduce your health risks and that can be money well-spent.