While a good pair of shoes can take you far, when you're walking miles upon miles or standing all day, sometimes you need a little something more to keep your feet comfortable and pain-free.
That's where insoles come in. Shoe inserts can be used to add support, boost cushioning, relieve aches and more, so your feet stay feeling their best through any activity.
“Insoles are absolutely everything for the stability and structure of our feet,” says Dr. Brad Schaeffer, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon at Central Park SOLE.
Below, we asked experts to walk us through the benefits of adding insoles to your go-to shoes and how to know which ones are right for you. Plus, they shared some of their favorite options on the markets and our editors added their go-to insoles as well.
What are the benefits of shoe insoles?
When it comes to shoe insoles, there are, no doubt, many benefits for your feet. “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.
“Our feet are our body's natural shock absorbers and stabilizers, so it is very important to get a good shoe/sandal and especially insole,” says Schaeffer.
“If you have the appropriate insole, you will feel supported and also feel comfortable throughout your activity and day,” Schaeffer suggests.
Who needs shoe insoles?
“I think typically, if somebody is doing 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.
The best shoe insoles, according to experts
This insole is made with three layers of foam and cushioned material to keep feet cool and comfortable. Amazon reviewers seem to love them, and 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.”
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.”
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.
“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 in our 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.
“These insoles are something that I would recommend to my basketball players or for anyone that is having any form of discomfort with their flat feet,” says Nwana Okafor, men’s basketball coach and motivational speaker. “If you have an active lifestyle, this insole would provide that additional support to be successful on and off the court,” he says.
Sutera also likes this popular option from Superfeet, which makes several kinds of insoles for different sports and athletic needs.
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.
Commerce writer Jannely Espinal also owns a pair of customized Superfeet insoles and they are her favorite. “I added them on my current running shoes and wore them for the first time on a 4-mile race. They supported my arches until the finish line and have been a constant need during my training days,” says Espinal.
Sutera recommends insoles from Redi-Thotics for foot pain.
“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.”
Editor-approved insoles
Production associate Audrey Ekman wears her insoles every day and can’t live without them.
“I’ve waxed poetic about these insoles many times. They’re designed for people who work on their feet all day to help absorb impact on hard surfaces and combat fatigue. I put them in every pair of boots I own and they make every pair exponentially more comfortable — even on days when I’m running around the city and far exceeding 10,000 steps,” says Ekman.
Espinal was looking for a pair of insoles that worked with her active lifestyle and came across this option from Dr. Scholl’s, and they soon became another favorite. “Aside from providing extra support and cushioning to my feet, wearing the insoles has prevented reoccuring pain,” she wrote.
“I never liked the idea of wearing insoles until I tried a pair from Fulton. These are so great, especially if you have plantar fasciitis and constant foot pain. The cork is very sturdy and I’ve worn them on busy days when walking is involved. Because they follow the natural shape of your feet, I love how these cup your heels to perfection,” says Espinal.
These are ideal if you’re looking to eliminate overpronation and supination, plus require a supportive base for heavy activities.
Frequently asked questions
There are two types of inserts: those that you can purchase over the counter or at the store, and those that you need a custom consultation for, says Chien. But if you don't want to break your bank with a custom insert, you can also opt for a store-bought insole.
When recommending sneaker inserts, our experts mentioned durability, comfort and cushion as the main pillars of what makes a good insert. In addition, ones that will last a long time, hold their shape and structure after miles of use and provide ample amounts of support are also key features to keep an eye out for.
"Shoe inserts come in many different styles and materials," Sutera comments. "The type that is best varies from one person to another, and really does depend on the shoe and activity as well."
Chien gets a little bit more specific, by adding that "I see foot arch, for example, like a spectrum, like hair — like curly hair and straight hair. So, some people have really curly hair, and it may be that sometimes they have to take care of their hair a little bit more," Chien says, noting that it's a parallel scenario when it comes to flat feet. "Some people have really flat arches, and that can sometimes be more of an issue that they have to focus on."
"You want to look for materials that are semi-resistant, materials that actually provide support," New York-based podiatrist Ernest L. Isaacson , DPM PC, says, adding, "You want something that actually contours the arch and resists bending."
Isaacson suggests that people with a higher arch use a less rigid type of insert. They should also look for an insert that will contour the arch and essentially bring the ground up. On the other hand, those with flat feet might want an insole with a bit more structure, the podiatrist explains.
But in general, Sutera recommends materials that are semi-rigid or semi-flexible, "like graphite with a cushioned top cover made from Poron or EVA are durable, comfortable and give the most support without so much bulk."
"The best materials include polypropylene as a base, because it gives a good mix of stability but is not too rigid like carbon fiber can be," says Schaeffer. "I also like the top coat being spenco, or something that gives a little cushion to go along with the support and stability of the polypropylene," he says.
How we chose
We selected the best insoles based on experts’ advice and recommendations. Additionally, we selected award-winning options and shoppers’ favorites based on the best materials advised by professionals.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are provided independently and without any undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- 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.
- Dr. Brad Schaeffer is a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon at Central Park SOLE and star of TLC’s “My Feet Are Killing Me.”
- Nwana Okafor is a K-12 school counselor, basketball coach, author, and speaker. He is the founder and CEO of NCO Encourage Services LLC.
