Now that the weather is warming up, it means more time spent outside. Whether you enjoy taking long walks, playing pickleball or going on runs, regardless of the shoes you plan on wearing, they should benefit the overall health of your feet.
If you struggle with foot pain, now might be a good time to think of ways you can take care of your feet — like investing in a quality pair of shoe inserts.
"Having the proper foot and ankle support in your shoes will help to reduce pain, support proper foot alignment and keep you comfortable," Jacqueline M. Sutera, DPM, tells Shop TODAY. "Inserts help to reduce excessive pronation, which is a contributing factor to flat feet," she adds.
But which one is the right insert for your feet — and do you need them? We spoke to podiatrists about how to choose inserts and who would benefit the most from having them.
Who needs shoe insoles? | TODAY Wellness Award-winning insole | Podiatrist-recommended insoles | Shopper- recommended insoles | How we chose | Meet the experts
Who needs shoe insoles?
"I think typically, if somebody is doing totally fine in their regular shoe, I don't think you have to get an orthotic or an insert, whether it is custom or over the counter," orthopedic surgeon Dr. Bonnie Chien says. "I think it's mainly for comfort, like accommodation of somebody's foot or sort of functional support."
For those who do need shoe inserts, we asked podiatrists for their top recommendations so you can treat your feet with care. Read on to see their top picks, as well as Shop TODAY's own recommendations based on our research, bestsellers and customer reviews.
Start TODAY x Shop TODAY Wellness Awards 2023: Best shoe insole
Vionic Active Insole
- Great arch support
- No padding on the toes
Size: XS-L | Good for: Arch support | Materials: EVA orthotic with re-enforced, hardened plastic (PE)
“Vionic insoles are very well constructed, durable and provide good comfort with orthotic support,” says Dr. Carl Giordano, co-founder and chief science officer of Rebesana, of these insoles that earned Best Overall in the Insole category during the inaugural Start TODAY x Shop TODAY Wellness Awards.
Production associate Jill Ortiz slipped these into a pair of sneakers that “desperately” needed them, noting that she wore them on a regular basis while commuting to work and on the weekends.
Made with an EVA plastic shell on the outsole for stability and a cushioned sock on the upper for comfort, these insoles fit right in her shoe, integrating comfort into her everyday routine. Best of all, this pair has been granted the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance.
The best shoe insoles, according to podiatrists
Walk Hero Comfort and Support Insoles
- Sturdy arch support
- Heel area is high
Size: Men 4-16 and Women 6-13 | Good for: Plantar fasciitis | Material: Ethylene vinyl acetate
The current No. 1 bestselling shoe insert on Amazon, this insole is made with three layers of foam and cushioned material to keep feet cool and comfortable. They're suitable for a wide range of activities and shoppers have awarded them over 39,000 verified five-star ratings. What's more, two podiatrists vouch for this affordable pick, as well.
"They look to be durable and have a good combination of support and cushion," Sutera tells us, adding that the insert's deep heel cup is good for those dealing with heel pain, overpronation or plantar fasciitis.
Stephen Pribut, an assistant clinical professor of surgery at George Washington University School of Medicine, echoes, "They look like a good combination of structure [and] shape and are soft enough to be comfortable."
Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer
- Good with Brooks running shoes
- Foam can disintegrate
Size: 5-12 | Good for: Plantar fasciitis | Material: PolySorb PU foam
Dr. Tracey Vlahovic, clinical professor of podiatry at Temple University in Philadelphia, recommends these insoles from Spenco, especially for those with generalized foot pain or conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
"I recommend the full-length version and always remind patients to wear them in both shoes — sometimes people think you should only wear them on the foot that is painful — and to remove the sock liners in the sneakers prior to placing the insoles in the shoes."
Spenco Rx Orthotic Insole
- Provides comfort for post running
- They feel stiff
Size: Men 6-15.5 and Women 7-12.5 | Good for: Arch support | Material: 100% nylon
Whether you enjoy running or leisurely walks, comfort is key when it comes to your feet. Sutera recommends these insoles from Spenco for enhanced arch support.
“Choose an insert that is durable, thin and supportive,” Sutera explains. “Take the original flat insole out of the sneaker that it came with and replace it with one with more arch support,” he adds.
Redi-Thotics Flex Orthotic Insoles
- Hold arches in place
- Run a bit large
Size: Men 5-15 and Women 6-14 | Good for: Arch support | Material: N/A
Sutera recommends insoles from Redi-Thotics for foot pain. They're made with a foam base, a plush top layer and extra cushion for comfort and stabilization, the brand says.
"If you have a flatter arch type foot, increased arch support can help to reduce the likelihood of plants fasciitis and offer pain relief," Sutera says. She adds, "Sometimes, however, custom-made orthotics may be necessary, which can be made by your podiatrist."
Superfeet Green Insoles
- Great for low arches
- Doesn't fit in all shoes
Size: 5.5-13 | Good for: Shock absorption | Material: Closed-cell foam
Sutera also likes this popular option from Superfeet, which makes several kinds of insoles for different sports and athletic needs.
The green inserts are made with a high-density foam that can be trimmed to fit into your shoes. With a stabilizer cap, a deep heel cup and the signature Superfeet shape, they help with natural shock absorption and offer comfort, according to the brand.
Bestselling shoe insoles, according to shoppers
Dr. Scholl's Ball of Foot High Heel Cushions
- Ideal for heels
- Support only one area
Size: N/A | Good for: Ball of foot | Material: Gel
Make high heels more comfortable with these cushions that are placed right below your top half of your foot. These gel insoles work to prevent the infamous 'toe scrunch' that often comes with bearing weight while wearing heels, and they also work to help keep your feet in place rather than sliding down the shoe.
"This helps with metatarsal pain without being uncomfortable to wear," one reviewer said. "I chose to put the pads underneath my shoe insole and it's very comfortable and they do not slip around."
Basmile Shoe Insoles
- Great shock absorption
- Not enough arch length
Size: S-L | Good for: Arch support | Material: Mesh
Add some soft and lightweight support with these memory foam insoles. According to the brand, the mesh fabric offers more air circulation which helps keep your feel smelling fresh instead of trapping sweat and stench in the material. They can also be trimmed as needed to secure the best possible fit.
Dr. Scholl’s Running Insoles
- Great for medial arch support
- Not thick enough around toes
Size: Men 8-14 and Women 6-10 | Good for: Running | Material: Polygiene StayFresh technology
For those who don’t want to sacrifice speed in addition to comfort while running, turn to these insoles from Dr. Scholl’s, which were made specifically for active individuals. According to the brand, these insoles help to prevent runner’s knee, shin splints and plantar fasciitis.
“I run a 5K almost daily and have found the insole to be very helpful in reducing pain,” gushed one reviewer.
Dr. Scholl’s Comfort & Energy Work Massaging Gel Advanced Insoles
- Great for standing all day
- Not enough thickness
Size: 6-10 | Good for: Heel pain | Materials: Gel
With over 15,000 verified five-star ratings from shoppers, these designed for people who work on hard surfaces all day and help to provide extra cushioning and arch support, according to the brand. They can be worn in most work boots, casual shoes and sneakers.
Dr. Scholl’s Energizing Comfort Massaging Gel Insoles
- They don't slip around
- Everyday comfort
- Need to trim
Size: Men 8-14 and Women 6-10 | Good for: Achy feet | Material: Gel
The massaging gel on the insoles are meant to keep your legs and feet feeling energized so you can stay on the move as long as you need to with as little pain as possible. One verified five-star Amazon reviewer said these insoles made almost every pair of their unsupportive and uncomfortable shoes a feasible option for an entire day spent on their feet.
Spenco Rx Comfort Insole
- Reduce friction
- They feel thin
Size: Men 6-15.5 and Women 5-12.5 | Good for: Overall comfort | Material: Nylon
This budget-friendly option offers a comfortable stretch and is crafted with an antimicrobial coating that helps prevent odor. While it might not feature as much cushion as other insoles, it is a perfect option for anyone who prefers a thin layer with just enough comfort. They’ve earned over 3,000 verified five-star ratings from Amazon shoppers, who praise them for the cushion they provide in flat shoes.
Dr. Marten's Cushion Shoe Insoles
- Great for half sizes
- Not enough arch support
Size: Men 6-14 and Women 5-12 | Good for: Use with Dr. Martens | Material: Plant-oil based EVA foam base
These insoles have a textured footbed, aiming to make your pair of Doc Martens much more comfortable, especially during the breaking-in period. These inserts target those with a low arch, specifically. One reviewer used them as a hack to better fit into her pair of shoes, as Doc Martens don't run half sizes.
Dr. Scholl’s Heavy Duty Support Orthotics
- All-day support
- Provide great comfort
- They can be noisy
Size: Men 8-14 | Good for: Foot pain | Material: Plastic
These heavy-duty support inserts are designed to support people over 200 pounds. According to the brand, the arch guard and shock guard technology distribute weight and reduce impact as a means to relieve lower back pain and foot and leg fatigue. One very active reviewer said they were skeptical at first because of the low price point, but were pleasantly surprised and planned to order more for other pairs of shoes.
New Balance Orthotic Inserts
- Contoured heels
- They need to be cut to fit
Size: Men 5-17 and Women 5-14 | Good for: Plantar fasciitis | Material: Plush foam
Designed with two layers of foam, these inserts feature an orthotic shape, meaning they act as an artificial support to the limbs or spine. These are meant to replace the current insole in your well-loved, most worn pair of shoes. Simply trim them to match the dimensions of the pair.
"I have trouble with my feet and these supports are the best I've found to help," said one reviewer. "They make my favorite shoes fit even better."
PowerStep ComfortLast Insoles
- Provide great arch support
- Can lose elasticity
Size: Men 3-14.5 and Women 5-12 | Good for: Foot pain | Materials: 100% polyester
With little to average amounts of arch support, this insole makes up for it with ample amounts of cushioning, thanks to its two layers of foam. One reviewer has worn these for over six years, noting that their quality doesn’t change when switching them from shoe to shoe.
“They are very flexible,” they said, adding that they still remain supportive, no matter how long she’s worn them or what shoe they’re in.
Samurai Ninjas Insoles
- Easy to wear
- Fit in most shoes
- Eventually lose the curves
Size: Men 4-16.5 and Women 6-18.5 | Good for: Plantar fasciitis | Material: polypropylene (plastic)
With promises to help relieve common leg and foot pain, such as shin splints and plantar fasciitis, these insoles are made of what seems like "hard plastic," according to one reviewer, which came as a shock to many who've also used other insoles.
Although made with different materials, reviewers still rave about these insoles, as they "helped tremendously," as one put it, when it comes to dealing with leg and foot problems.
Timberland Pro Anti-Fatigue Insoles
- Don't get as stinky
- Great support
- Thick midsection
Size: 5-13 | Good for: Use with boots | Material: OrthoLite
Designed specifically for work boots and athletic work shoes, these insoles help address symptoms of fatigue that is often accumulated throughout the work day.
“They are the best,” raved one reviewer, adding that the pair “keeps my feet, knees and back from aching, and they last a good long time.”
PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles
- Great for pain relief
- Arch is a bit low
Size: Men 3-16 and Women 5-12 | Good for: Pronation and plantar fasciitis | Material: 100% polyester
PowerStep's insoles have garnered 18,000+ verified five-star ratings from Amazon shoppers. Currently, they rank among the top 10 shoe insoles on the site and reviewers have praised them for their arch support.
"Love the arch support and heel cradle," wrote one verified reviewer. "Have been wearing them in my walking shoes for weeks and very comfy."
Fulton Athletic Insole
- Doesn't slide
- Great arch support
- Top fabric can wear off
Size: Men 8-14 and Women 5-12 | Good for: Plantar fasciitis | Materials: Cork and organic cotton
For those who are constantly putting miles on their running shoes but aren’t ready to give them up quite yet, slide these insoles into them for more shock absorption, added stability and alignment.
With a deeper heel cup compared to others, it’s more than just a fancy design choice- it works to provide stability when running and walking. Available in standard and wide options, you can even choose between male and female to fit a more petite or larger shoe.
Jannely Espinal, a commerce writer at Shop TODAY, has these shoe insoles and recommends them, saying they're "the best pair of insoles" she's tried. Espinal continues, "I wear them with a pair of boots and they provide extra support when walking. The cork construction helps a lot in not allowing them to slip. I have early signs of plantar fasciitis and they have really alleviated my foot pain when I wear them."
Currex RunPro Insole
- Great support and pain relief
- Not as cushioned
Size: S-XXL | Good for: Runners | Materials: Foam
If your favorite shoes just don't feel as comfortable anymore, these insoles from Currex can replace the existing liners in your shoe. Also, you can order a half size up if you are adding an additional layer, according to the brand.
Currex's insoles are available in three different styles: high, low and medium profiles. It's also offered in six different sizes, from XS to XXL.
Superfeet Carbon Lightweight Support Insoles
- Helps with posture
- Slightly thin
Size: Men 5.5-15 and Women 4.5-14 | Good for: Runners | Material: EVOLyte (nylon and carbon fiber)
Superfeet's insoles are made with a carbon fiber-reinforced stabilizer and an ultralight foam layer. They provide support along the bones in your feet to help reduce pain and stress and relieve common problems. Since they are lightweight, they can easily slip into your favorite shoe or sneaker to upgrade the footbed.
Tread Labs Pace Insoles
- Ideal for plantar fasciitis
- Great for overpronators
- Need a roomy shoe interior
Size: Men 4-14.5 and Women 5-12.5 | Good for: Pain relief | Materials: Open-cell polyurethane foam topped with 100% recycled polyester fabric
A brand that prides itself on never needing to purchase another pair of inserts for the rest of your life (literally, with their lifetime "million mile" guarantee), Tread Labs insoles come recommended for those suffering from over pronation and plantar fasciitis.
To ensure you're receiving the best fit possible, these inserts come in four different arch sizes, between low, medium, high and extra high.
How we chose
We selected the best insoles based on experts' advice and recommendations. Also, we added award-winning options and shoppers' favorites based on the best materials advised by professionals.
Meet the experts
- Jacqueline M. Sutera, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist at City Podiatry in New York City specializing in women’s foot care. She previously spoke to Shop TODAY on whether Hokas are good for your feet.
- Dr. Bonnie Chien is an orthopedic surgeon at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center specializing in foot and ankle conditions. She previously spoke to Shop TODAY on how to shop for high-quality shoes if you're a nurse.
- Ernest L. Isaacson, DPM PC, is a New York-based podiatrist and and a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons. He previously shop to Shop TODAY on features that go into high-quality socks.
- Stephen Pribut is an assistant clinical professor of surgery at George Washington University School of Medicine.
- Dr. Tracey Vlahovic is clinical professor of podiatry at Temple University in Philadelphia.
- Dr. Carl Giordano is the co-founder and chief science officer of Rebesana. He's also double board-certified in spine surgery and orthopedics.
