Comfort is always key when wearing shoes, but having the right pair of insoles might help you enjoy more miles and an extra few hours of standing. Whether you enjoy taking long walks, playing pickleball or going on runs (and regardless of the shoes you plan on wearing), insoles should benefit the overall health of your feet.
If you struggle with foot pain, it night be a good idea to consider ways to take care of the soles of your feet, such as investing in a quality pair of shoe inserts or custom insoles.
“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.
But which one is the right insert for your feet — and do you need them? We spoke to several podiatrists about how to choose inserts and who would benefit the most from shoe insoles. From customer orthotics to cushioned inserts for runners, experts share why your tootsies can benefit from this added product in your footwear repertoire.
What are the benefits of shoe insoles? | Who needs shoe insoles? | TODAY Wellness Award-winning insole | Podiatrist-recommended insoles | Athlete-recommended insoles | Editor-approved insoles | How we chose | Meet the experts
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 bodies 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.
Start TODAY x Shop TODAY Wellness Awards 2023: Best shoe insole
First place goes to: 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
Your joints will thank you: 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.”
Foot pain, no more: Walk Hero Comfort and Support Insoles
- Sturdy arch support
- Heel area is high
Size: Men 4-16 and Women 6-14 | 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 41,600 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."
Hold your arches: 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.
Ideal for race days: 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.
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.
Time to flex: 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."
Athlete-loved shoe insoles
Correct your balance: X-MUSCLE All-Round Shock Absorption Sport Insoles
- Very comfortable
- Easy to walk in
- Some say not for flat feet
Size: Sports or walk | Good for: Muscle fatigue | Material: Ethylene vinyl acetate
"I like these insoles because when playing softball, we wear metal spikes for hours," says University of Pittsburgh athlete Kendall Brown. "The insoles give my feet lasting comfortability to play throughout the day," she says.
These sports insoles feature all-around shock absorption and are designed to strengthen the muscles, according to the brand.
Run like the wind: Move Game Day Performance Insoles
- Very comfortable
- Works well for flat feet
- Provides added support
- Expensive
Size: Men 4-17.5 and Women 5-19 | Good for: Foot pain | Material: Foam
"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.
Editor-approved insoles
Shoe and life hack: Dr. Scholl’s Work All-Day Superior Comfort Insoles
- Improves comfort
- Customizable
- Replace after 6 months
Size: Men 8-14 and Women 6-10 | Good for: joint impact | Material: Polygiene StayFresh Technology
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.
For the active lifestyle: Dr. Scholl's Prevent Pain Lower Body Protective Insoles
- Helps with joint pain
- Has shock absorbant technology
- Can wear with boots/sneakers
- Trim to adjust the size
Size: Men 8-14 and Women 6-10 | Good for: Lower body pain, joint strain | Material: Foam
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 in a review article.
Cork to the rescue: The Classic Insole
- Supportive for high-activity
- Thick for narrow shoes
Size: Men 8-14 and Women 5-12 | Good for: arch pain | Material: Vegan cactus leather
"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.
Support elevated: Protalus T-100 Elite
- Great for arches
- Cushioning
- Very thick
Size: Men 5.5-18 and Women 5.5-12.5 | Good for: arch pain | Material: Polyurethane
If arch support is what you're looking for, these insoles will be a hit during your next run. You can wear them in boots, sneakers and other closed-toe shoes. Espinal also owns this pair and she says, "These insoles are for tired feet that need extra cushioning and support. I only wear them in slip-on sneakers and spacious boots, as these have a thicker construction. They are better paired with shoes that feature a wider toe-box and interior."
"While I have a higher instep, they really leverage the comfort of my shoes," she adds. They come in half and full sizes for both men and women. Plus, they are designed for pain relief and to fix body alignment.
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
- 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.”
- Kendall Brown plays softball for the University of Pittsburgh.
- Nwana Okafor is a K-12 school counselor, basketball coach, author, and speaker. He is the founder and CEO of NCO Encourage Services LLC.
