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We Tested the 13 Best Insoles for Peak Comfort and Pain Relief

We walked for over 5,000 hours and consulted five experts to find the top options

Person folding Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles during testing

Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson

Whether you're standing all day at work, hiking steep trails, or walking the dog, foot pain shouldn't slow you down. Insoles are designed to deliver comfort and stability through cushioning. According to Dr. Steven Neufeld, a foot and ankle surgeon at the Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics, they can also help relieve foot pain, soreness, and even compensate for the loss of your foot's natural cushion that happens as you age.

To find the best insoles, we spoke with five experts to learn which key features set high-quality insoles apart from the rest. Then, we tested 20 pairs and sliced all of them in half to examine their cushioning and support from the inside out. To date, we've spent over 5,000 hours walking, running, and training in our insoles while doing cardio and lifting weights at the gym. Our top picks have received high scores for support, comfort, pain relief, breathability, and overall value. We also had a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and an athletic trainer from our Review Board review this story for accuracy, plus how to shop for insoles based on your needs and arch type.

How do insoles help your feet?

Insoles work by gently aligning your feet and ankles to reduce pain and soreness. Specifically, they can reduce foot pain associated with flat feet and metetarsalgia, or pain in the knuckles of your feet, says Dr. Charles Hummer, MD, FAAOS, FACS, an orthopedic surgeon at Premier Orthopaedics. He adds that insoles with the right arch support can help with knee pain by correcting your arches into position. The right insoles can also provide heel support, another feature that promotes proper alignment.

Insole Testing By the Numbers

  • 20 pairs of insoles tested
  • 5,040 hours of testing
  • 13 winning pairs
  • 5 APMA-approved pairs
  • 5 medical and insole experts interviewed

Best Overall

Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles

Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Support
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Pain Relief
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Provides effective pain relief

  • Soft, responsive cushioning

  • Anti-odor

Cons
  • Not as breathable as other options

Key Specs

Sizes: Men’s 8 to 15.5, Women’s 5 to 14.5 | Arch Type: Neutral | Anti-Odor: Yes | Materials: Polyurethane foam, nylon, neoprene | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They're For

Best for runners, people with knee pain, and people with heel pain.

Why We Love Them

Spenco’s Polysorb Cross Trainer Insoles are our top overall pick because they offer the best combination of quality and price. We love that the foam cushioning and heel plug feels comfortable all day long, while the thin design is easy to trim to fit most shoes.

We found that the arches of these insoles are tall enough for most people with medium arches. The support helped us run longer and walk farther, effectively combatting our lower back and plantar fasciitis pain. We also like how responsive the Polysorb Insoles are, providing a soft push-off that made our favorite Hoka sneakers easier to wear.

Antimicrobial technology helps prevent odors from building up over time, while the four-way stretch fabric stops blisters before they start. And we love that these insoles are a solid value, at around a third of the cost of some of our other favorites.

Potential Flaws

  • These aren't as breathable as other insoles we tested, meaning they didn't excel at keeping our feet cool. However, they also didn't cause our feet to overheat during testing.

Most Valuable Insight

"I want another pair for my regular sneakers and will continue to put these in my running shoes going forward, based on the amount of knee relief I've had." —Mollie Pendexter, Verywell Fit product tester

Best Budget

Dr. Scholl’s Cushioning Insoles

Dr. Scholls Go Sockless! Cushioning Insoles

Target

Our Ratings
  • Support
    3/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Pain Relief
    4/5
  • Breathability
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Thin, low-profile design

  • Breathable

  • Anti-odor

Cons
  • May not be supportive enough for some

  • Not as secure as other options

Key Specs

Sizes: One size | Arch Type: Not listed | Anti-Odor: Yes | Materials: Terrycloth, foam | Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5

Who They're For

Best for people who wear casual shoes without socks often.

Why We Love Them

Comfort shouldn’t break the bank, which is why we love Dr. Scholl’s Go Sockless Cushioning Insoles. We like how comfortable the plush foam is, offering the same soft feel as other insoles on our list at a fraction of the price. Plus, they're our only top pick that comes in a three-pack, lowering the cost per pair even more.

The thin profile leaves plenty of room in your shoes' toe boxes, and we like that they live up to their name—they are ideal for going sockless in most casual shoes. We also appreciate that the top terrycloth layer wicks away moisture while cooling vents promote airflow, a combination that prevented our feet from getting too hot. And like our top overall pick, these are also anti-odor.

Potential Flaws

  • Since these insoles are so thin, they're not very supportive. But we found they make a great replacement insole for well-loved pairs of shoes.
  • We noticed that these insoles tend to slip when we remove our shoes. Still, they're easy to readjust as needed.

Best Arch Support

Superfeet All-Purpose Green Insoles

Superfeet All-Purpose Support High Arch Green Insoles

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Support
    4.7/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Pain Relief
    4.3/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Deep heel cup

  • APMA Seal of Approval

  • Helps improve posture

Cons
  • Pricier than other options

  • Heel cup adhesive feels low-quality

Key Specs

Sizes: Men’s: 5.5 to 17, Women’s 4.5 to 14 | Arch Type: High | Anti-Odor: Yes | Materials: Polyester, foam | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They're For

Best for people with high arches, especially if you experience foot pain after a long day of walking.

Why We Love Them

High-density foam runs through the entire length of Superfeet’s Green Insoles to provide support and stability for high arches. The shape and stiffness of these insoles' arches provided all-day comfort, even after we stood and walked for hours at a time in previously uncomfortable shoes. The deep heel cup helped distribute our weight evenly, improving our posture while reducing our knee, hip, and back pain.

Also worth noting: These insoles have earned the American Podiatric Medical Association's (APMA) Seal of Approval, meaning a group of podiatrists has determined that they help promote better foot health. An anti-odor coating prevents unpleasant smells from building up over time, keeping your shoes fresh. And we like that their slim, low-profile design allows them to fit in most shoes without any extra trimming.

Potential Flaws

  • These insoles are pricier than others on our list, but they last for a full year, making them worth the investment.
  • We noticed that the adhesive underneath the heel cup tended to crack as the insole bends. However, this didn't seem to make the insoles any less durable.

Most Valuable Insight

"Although they're pricier than competitors, these insoles outperform most others in this budget range. I have no issue spending the money, as no other product offers what I find in SuperFeet." —David Jean Louis, Verywell Fit product tester

Superfeet Green Insoles displayed on wooden floor next to shoes

Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph

Best for Plantar Fasciitis

Walk-Hero Comfort and Support Plantar Fasciitis Insoles

Amazon Walk-Hero Comfort and Support Plantar Fasciitis Insoles

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Support
    4/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Pain Relief
    5/5
  • Breathability
    3/5
  • Value
    3.8/5
Pros
  • Provides effective pain relief

  • Combats overpronation

  • Deep heel cup

Cons
  • Not as breathable

Key Specs

Sizes: Men’s 4 to 16.5, Women’s 6 to 14.5 | Arch Type: Neutral, low | Anti-Odor: Yes | Materials: EVA foam, silicone, fabric | Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5

Who They're For

Best for people with plantar fasciitis, especially if you overpronate.

Why We Love Them

For those dealing with plantar fasciitis, or painful irritation in your plantar fascia tissue, we recommend Walk-Hero's Comfort and Support Plantar Fasciitis Insoles. They helped revamp our old shoes, correcting overpronation while reducing the pain and pressure we felt in our arches. We also like the deep heel cup, which offers great stability.

Lightweight foam throughout cushioned our feet on long walks and errands, ultimately relieving pain in our ankles, shins, and knees, too. Available in a wide range of sizes, Walk-Hero's Insoles are our top pick for anyone who's looking for a cost-effective way to manage regular plantar fasciitis pain.

Potential Flaws

  • These insoles aren't very breathable, causing our feet to feel warm and sweaty. However, we think the trade-off is worth it, as these insoles allowed us to walk for full days in shoes that were previously too uncomfortable to wear.

Best for Standing All Day

Vionic Slimfit Orthotic Insoles

Vionic Slimfit Orthotic Insoles

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Support
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Pain Relief
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Easy to put in and take out

  • Comfortable and flexible

  • Thin, low-profile design

Cons
  • May not be supportive enough for some

Key Specs

Sizes: Women's 4.5 to 12 | Arch Type: Low | Anti-Odor: Yes | Materials: Foam | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They're For

Best for people with flat feet or fallen arches who are on their feet all day long.

Why We Love Them

With a slim design that allows them to fit in both casual and heeled shoes, Vionic's Slimfit Orthotic Insoles are our top pick for anyone who needs to be on their feet all day long, for work or for fun. As we wore them, we noticed less back pain after standing for long periods of time. Comfortable and flexible, these insoles are easy to put in and take out, so you can quickly switch one pair between multiple shoes as needed.

While testing, we noticed that these have just the right amount of support for flat feet. Even though they're thin, we appreciate that they feel soft underfoot, protecting our feet from uneven terrain. Plus, the suede-like upper looks and feels luxurious for a simple upgrade that can extend the life of your favorite shoes.

Potential Flaws

  • Vionic's insoles may not be supportive enough for people with neutral or high arches. But they're a great solution for people with flat feet or fallen arches.

Most Valuable Insight

"The Converse that I used for testing are about 7 years old and extremely worn out—but with these insoles added, they felt practically brand-new. I was able to wear my sneakers for long walks around the park and dance in them for hours at concerts without any discomfort, and my feet felt cushioned and supported the entire time." —Talya Phelps, Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Heel Pain

EasyFeet Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles

EasyFeet Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Support
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Pain Relief
    5/5
  • Breathability
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Two types of padding

  • Stable and supportive

  • Deep heel cup

Cons
  • Not as breathable as other options

Key Specs

Sizes: Men's 4.5 to 14.5, Women's 5.5 to 15.5 | Arch Type: High | Anti-Odor: Yes | Materials: Polyurethane foam, gel, plastic | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They're For

Best for people with high arches who suffer from heel pain.

Why We Love Them

Heel pain can develop from a number of factors, but we found that EasyFeet's Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles can help combat many of them. For starters, a deep heel cup promotes proper alignment and distributes your weight evenly. Additional gel padding underneath the balls of your feet and your heels adds comfort, for a lighter stride.

After a long day of wear, we were surprised by how well these insoles prevented numbness in our toes, pain in our lower back, and calf pain. We walked longer, stood longer, and generally lived it up in these insoles—everywhere from concerts to the office.

Potential Flaws

  • These insoles are thicker and less breathable than others we tested. But they're also absorbent, which we appreciate in warm weather.

Most Valuable Insight

"I always have pain in my feet because of my high arches, and these alleviated the pain almost instantly since they have so much support and gel cushioning." —Jenni May, Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Knee Pain

Spenco RX Comfort Insole

Spenco RX Comfort Insole

Target

Our Ratings
  • Support
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Pain Relief
    4.8/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5

Key Specs

Pros
  • Four-way stretch prevents blisters

  • Great shock absorption

  • APMA Seal of Approval

Cons
  • Not sweat-wicking

Sizes: Men’s 6 to 15.5, Women’s 5 to 12.5 | Arch Type: Low | Anti-Odor: Yes | Materials: Nylon, neoprene | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They're For

Best for runners with flat feet who also have knee pain.

Why We Love Them

The cushioning in Spenco’s RX Comfort Insole proved to be just what we needed to alleviate knee pain. The thin neoprene absorbs shock and impact well, while the arch offers gentle support. We also like that the top is covered with four-way stretch fabric to prevent blisters, even during long runs.

Fairly breathable, these insoles didn't attract any unpleasant odors. As we wore them, we also noticed less pain in our shins—another bonus for runners. Like many of our other top picks, they've earned the APMA's Seal of Approval. Whether we walked, ran, or tackled tough CrossFit workouts, these insoles protected our joints so we could go the distance.

Potential Flaws

  • These insoles aren't sweat-wicking, although we noticed that they are breathable enough to prevent our feet from overheating.

Most Valuable Insight

"On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being painful), I typically feel a 4-5 when I go on runs. These insoles changed that pain to about a 2-3 while wearing the same shoes." —Mike Navarro, Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Overpronation

Dr. Scholl’s Lower Body Protective Insoles

Dr. Scholl’s Prevent Pain Lower Body Protective Insoles

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Support
    4/5
  • Comfort
    4.8/5
  • Pain Relief
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Very breathable

  • Budget-friendly

  • Good shock absorption

Cons
  • May not have enough cushioning for some

Key Specs

Sizes: Men’s 8 to 14, Women’s 6 to 10 | Arch Type: Low | Anti-Odor: No | Materials: Not listed | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They're For

Best for people who overpronate, particularly if you're on a budget.

Why We Love Them

Overpronation occurs when your ankle rolls inward and downward, resulting in a collapsed arch that can be painful. For budget-friendly insoles that correct your arch in the opposite direction, Dr. Scholl's Prevent Pain Lower Body Protective Insoles are our top pick.

We love that, by aligning our feet properly, these insoles help relieve pressure in the balls of our feet and our toes. Excellent shock absorption and a cushioned heel also keep our feet feeling supported and comfortable. They improve our posture and even provide a boost during our workouts. Extra breathable, they also have a noticeable cooling effect inside our shoes—another plus.

Potential Flaws

  • We wish these insoles had a little more cushioning. Even so, they enable us to walk farther and spend more time on our feet each day.

Most Valuable Insight

"I like how comfortable these insoles are and how they make my shoes feel brand new. My lower body feels more supported when wearing these insoles—this translates to better posture and even better workouts." —Mike Navarro, Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Flat Feet

Redi-Thotics Flex Orthotic Insoles

Redi-Thotics Flex Orthotic Insoles

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Support
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Pain Relief
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Solid, firm arch support

  • Breathable

  • Responsive cushioning

Cons
  • Pricier than other options

  • May take time to get used to

Key Specs

Sizes: Men’s 5 to 13, Women’s 6 to 14 | Arch Type: Low, neutral | Anti-Odor: Yes | Materials: Foam, fabric | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They're For

Best for people with flat feet and fallen arches, especially if you overpronate.

Why We Love Them

Multiple insoles on our list are designed for people with flat feet or low arches. But Redi-Thotics' Flex Orthotic Insoles are our favorite by far for their superior arch support and impressive results. We love that they molded to our feet as we wore them, with responsive cushioning that feels like we're walking on air.

We also like how breathable these are, with a moisture-wicking top layer that cuts down on the amount of sweat in our shoes after tough workouts. And although they can be trimmed, we're pleased to report that they fit into our sneakers perfectly without any adjustments.

Potential Flaws

  • Since these insoles have so much arch support, it can take some time for flat feet to adjust to them. As a result, Valencia recommends wearing these for an hour a day at first until you're used to them. We did notice that they gradually felt more comfortable throughout the duration of the testing period.
  • These are more expensive than most of our other picks, but we think they're well worth the investment if you suffer from painful, fallen arches.

Best for Running

Superfeet Run Support Shoe Inserts

Superfeet Run Support Low Arch Shoe Inserts

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Support
    4.7/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Pain Relief
    4.3/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.8/5
Pros
  • Sturdy heel cup

  • Durable

  • Good shock absorption

Cons
  • Pricier than other options

Key Specs

Sizes: Men’s 5.5 to 15, Women’s 4.5 to 14 | Arch Type: Low | Anti-Odor: Yes | Materials: Carbon fiber, polymer | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who They're For

Best for runners with low arches or flat feet.

Why We Love Them

What stood out to us about Superfeet’s Run Support Low Arch Shoe Inserts was the deep, rounded heel cup because it supported our feet and ankles well. We also noticed less irritation in our heels and toes, even after spending long hours on our feet.

Lightweight, high-density foam provides soft cushioning and absorbs shock well, helping us pivot quickly. Although they're low-profile, the insoles' bases are made from a strong carbon fiber and polymer blend that helps stabilize the foam layer on top. They reinvigorated our old sneakers—even the anti-odor coating seems made to last.

Potential Flaws

  • We wish these insoles were higher-profile, although their slim design makes it easy to slide them into most shoes.

Most Valuable Insight

"These were able to really give my old boring sneakers new life. I typically feel irritation on the outside of my heel on my right foot and top of the big toe on my left, but these insoles really alleviated those pressure points and allowed me to stand and walk for longer." —David Jean Louis, Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Work Boots

Timberland Pro Anti-Fatigue Technology Insoles

Timberland Pro Anti-Fatigue Technology Insoles

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Support
    4/5
  • Comfort
    4.4/5
  • Pain Relief
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • APMA Seal of Approval

  • Lightweight

  • Anti-odor

Cons
  • May be too narrow for some

  • May not be supportive enough for some

Key Specs

Sizes: 5 to 15 (Unisex) | Arch Type: High, neutral, low | Anti-Odor: Yes | Materials: Recycled plastic, foam, synthetic | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They're For

Best for people who wear boots to work, especially if your boots have a hard, flat midsole.

Why We Love Them

Designed for people who have to stand on their feet all day, Timberland's Pro Anti-Fatigue Technology Insoles combine comfort and excellent arch support. The thick cushioning feels soft underfoot, and we love that the inverted cone design uses less material for a lighter insole that won't weigh down your (already) heavy boots.

An antimicrobial coating cuts down on unwanted odors, while the pain-free miles we walked speak for themselves. Plus, we love that they've earned the APMA's Seal of Approval, like some of our other top picks. Just note that they come in unisex sizes 5 to 15.

Potential Flaws

  • These insoles may be too narrow if you have wide feet. However, this means you likely won't have to trim them to get them to fit in your boots.
  • Since they're so thin, we also found that these insoles may not be supportive enough for some people. But we like that the cushioning is thick enough to absorb some additional shock while you walk.

Best for Hiking

Obōz O Fit Plus II Insoles

Obōz O Fit Plus II Insoles

REI

Our Ratings
  • Support
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Pain Relief
    5/5
  • Breathability
    4.9/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Deep, sturdy heel cup

  • Helps combat overpronation and plantar fasciitis

  • Good shock absorption

Cons
  • Not as breathable as other options

Key Specs

Sizes: Men's 7-14, Women's 5.5-12.5 | Arch Type: Neutral | Anti-Odor: Yes | Materials: EVA foam | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They're For

Best for hikers with neutral arches, especially if you overpronate or have plantar fasciitis.

Why We Love Them

When you're hitting the trails, adequate support and cushioning are key. Oboz’s O Fit Insole Plus II has both, offering arch support while cradling our feet and correcting our overpronation. The cushioning comes from pods in the forefoot and heel that also absorb shock well. But our favorite feature is the deep heel cup for its superior stability—plus, it even reduced symptoms for our tester with plantar fasciitis.

Since these insoles are on the thinner side, we like that they don't take up too much space in your shoes, leaving plenty of room for toes to spread. They also didn't dig into our arch—two features that are critical as you wander through uneven fields and rocky shores.

Potential Flaws

  • These insoles don't have any sweat-wicking technology, making them less breathable than others we tested. Even so, we didn't notice too much extra warmth or sweat in our shoes after a long day.

Best Custom

Fulton The Athletic Insole

Fulton The Athletic Insole

REI

Our Ratings
  • Support
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4.9/5
  • Pain Relief
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.8/5
Pros
  • Breathable

  • Suitable for all arch types

  • Provides effective pain relief

Cons
  • Takes time to mold to your feet

  • Difficult to trim

Key Specs

Sizes: Men's 8 to 14, Women's 5 to 12 | Arch Type: High, neutral, low | Anti-Odor: Yes | Materials: Cork, cotton, foam | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They're For

Best for people who have tried other insoles, but still haven't found a pair that meets their needs.

Why We Love Them

Searching for custom insoles that don't cost a fortune? We highly recommend Fulton's The Athletic Insoles. As you wear them, these durable cork and foam insoles mold to the shape of your feet to provide support exactly where you need it the most. We love that this feature makes them suitable for people with all arch types, whether yours are high, low, or neutral.

They were exceptional at relieving pain throughout our entire lower body—even after standing and walking for seven hours straight at a concert. And the top layer is made with breathable cotton that keeps our feet cool and dry. If you've had bad luck with pre-formed pairs in the past, Fulton's The Athletic could be the insoles you've been looking for.

Potential Flaws

  • While we love that these insoles conform to your specific foot shape, we noticed that it takes a few wears (up to 10 hours, according to the brand) before they soften and change shape.
  • Part of these insoles' superior support lies in their stiff cork construction, which can be difficult to trim to fit your shoes.

Most Valuable Insight

"As these softened up, I had a lot of relief in my heels and arch. I was able to survive the seven-hour ordeal that is Taylor Swift's Eras Tour with ZERO pain in my lower body, which I had greatly anticipated (literally—I had the ice bath ready)." —Mollie Pendexter, Verywell Fit product tester

Insoles We Also Tested

We tested 20 insoles, but only 13 earned a spot on our final list of recommendations. Although we liked some elements of these other pairs, they didn't score high enough to become a top pick:

Where We Stand

After testing 20 insoles, Spenco's PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles are our favorite because they feature soft, responsive cushioning and a simple design that's highly effective at relieving pain. We also love that they have an anti-odor coating to keep our shoes smelling fresh. We continue to test all of these insoles at home, and we'll update our recommendations if we notice anything new.

Person twisting an insole in The Verywell Testing Lab.

Verywell Fit/Jhett Thompson

What to Look for When Shopping for Insoles

  • Type: Some insoles are crafted with cushioning in mind, while others provide firm support or foot pain relief—consider your goals and concerns while shopping. For example, if you have conditions like plantar fasciitis or overpronation, it may be helpful to invest in a pair that's built specifically for your feet's needs. In addition, most insoles are designed to fit certain arch types. Whether you have low, medium, or high arches, it's also a good idea to keep your foot type in mind. Since feet are so unique, Valencia prefers heat moldable insoles, which can be customized to fit and support your anatomy.
  • Volume: Volume refers to how much space the insoles occupy inside your shoes. Insoles for athletes tend to have more volume because they need to absorb shock well and hold up to frequent wear, Graddon says. But dress models (like Vionic's Slimfit Orthotics Insoles) are about half as long and much thinner, so they can fit easily in low-profile shoes.
  • Materials: Insoles often rely on cork, plastic, foam, gel, or a combination of these to provide cushioning and support. Graddon explains that plastic insoles tend to be stiffer, while pairs made of cork and foam will mold to your feet more easily. She adds that foam is the softest and the least supportive, making it a good choice for wearers with diabetes or neuropathy (loss of feeling in your feet).
  • Arch Support: The amount of arch support you need in an insole depends on your foot type and any conditions you might have. The right arch support can help relieve pain from flat feet, fallen arches, and high arches. Hummer says it can even reduce knee pain by gently correcting your feet and promoting proper alignment. Look for insoles with arch support that's firm enough, so they don't flatten out when you step on them, says Valencia, but not so firm that they're uncomfortable or cause your feet to cramp.
  • Price: You can usually expect to pay between $15 and $60 for a high-quality pair of insoles. Less expensive pairs may not have enough support or durability, while more expensive pairs can have additional technology you don't need. Our most budget-friendly pick, Dr. Scholl's Go Sockless Insoles, is often available for under $14. Meanwhile, our top recommendation, Redi-Thotics Flex Orthotic Insoles, was $59 when we last updated this list.
  • Versatility: Some insoles are on the more expensive side, so being able to swap them in and out of different shoes can help save you money. Graddon notes that most people only need two pairs of insoles: a sport style and a dress style.
A variety of insoles cut in half.

Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson

How We Tested the Insoles

To find the best insoles, we've tested 20 options from some of the most trusted and popular brands. While testing, we keep track of how the insoles perform in each of these five key categories:

  • Support: After slicing the insoles in half in The Verywell Testing Lab to visually assess their arch support, we slip them into our shoes and try them on. We check to see if the arch support hits our feet in the correct spot and how comfortable it feels. Depending on our foot type, we assess how supportive the insoles are by noting how our feet, ankles, knees, and lower back feel throughout the testing period. Do they gently correct our feet to encourage proper alignment? Or are they too flimsy, without any real structure?
  • Comfort: As we wear the insoles over time, we note how they feel under our feet. Are they thick and plush or thin and firm? Do we notice them throughout the day, or do we forget they're in our shoes? We also try to see how far we can walk while wearing the insoles—ideally, they're comfortable enough to get some extra steps in.
  • Pain Relief: Some insoles are specifically marketed to relieve pain, whether just in your feet or throughout your entire lower body. During testing, we pay attention to how our feet, ankles, knees, and lower back feel, especially at the end of each day. The best insoles help combat discomfort and pain in as many problem areas as possible so you can walk farther.
  • Breathability: Breathability refers to how well the insoles regulate your shoes' temperature and moisture level. While wearing the insoles, we note how hot and sweaty our feet feel. We're looking for insoles that promote airflow to help cool our feet down—bonus points if they also wick sweat away to keep them dry.
  • Value: To assign each pair a value score, we didn't look at the price until we finished testing it and evaluating it in all other categories. Insoles that receive a high value score are often priced below what we would consider paying for them based on their performance.
The Verywell Fit Team Tests Insoles

Our Experts

  • Dr. Diana Valencia, DPM, a podiatrist
  • John Huenink, founder of custom insole company BioMoto
  • Jackie Sutera, DPM, podiatrist at City Podiatry in New York City
  • Marcia Graddon, ATC, BOCPD, athletic trainer and certified pedorthist at The Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center in Virginia
  • Steven Neufeld, MD, orthopedic surgeon and founder of The Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center in Virginia
Person in a lab coat preparing to trim an insole

Verywell Fit/Jhett Thompson

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I wear insoles in shoes?

First, Sutera recommends checking inside your shoe to assess the existing insoles—are they flat enough to layer new insoles on top, or will you need to remove them for more space? Once you've determined how much space your new insoles will take up vertically, you can decide whether or not you need to trim them by using your shoes' existing insoles as a guide.

How much do high-quality insoles cost?

Most insoles cost between $10 and $60, but it's worth noting that off-the-shelf orthotic insoles are often less expensive than custom-made insoles. It's always a good idea to visit a podiatrist if you're unsure which type of insole will suit your needs.

How long do insoles last?

Most insoles last about one year, Sutera says. Your insoles may need to be replaced sooner if they're flattening or peeling, if they have holes in them, or if they look generally worn out.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

A certified personal trainer, running coach, gym buff, and fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPTspends countless hours researching and testing the latest exercise gear and gadgets. She only recommends products that she can genuinely stand behind and that she believes are good investments for her readers.

Additional reporting contributed by Lindsey Lanquist, Jack Byram, and Sarah Felbin

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.

An exercise fanatic, Jack Byram is always looking for ways to improve his health through new knowledge and technology. He has written numerous articles about foot health, ranging from hiking boots to running sneakers, and he has spoken with podiatrists, orthopedists, and other specialists to make the best recommendations.

Sarah Felbin loves diving into the latest health and fitness research. With over two decades of dance experience, she knows how important it is to feel comfortable on your feet. She's passionate about finding products that are of great value and make life easier.

1 Source
Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Muchna A, Najafi B, Wendel CS, Schwenk M, Armstrong DG, Mohler J. Foot problems in older adults: associations with incident falls, frailty syndrome, and sensor-derived gait, balance, and physical activity measuresJournal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. 2018;108(2):126-139. doi:10.7547/15-186