Quizience is supported by you the audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
After researching over 50 pairs of insoles, our expert gear testers rounded up 9 of the best available today to give you an extensive look at what each pair has to offer. These small inserts for your shoes can make a big difference, and for runners, athletes, people with jobs that require them to be on their feet all day, or those who suffer from common injuries like plantar fasciitis or overpronation, we’re sure to help you find a pair of insoles to suit your unique needs and budget. The way that insoles fit and feel can be a very subjective experience dependent on foot shape, size, needs, and medical conditions, so let this review serve as more of a guideline to the best features of each brand.
1. Best Overall Insoles – Superfeet Green
REASONS TO BUY
Fits well into multiple shoes
Simple, supportive design
Deep heel cup
REASONS TO AVOID
Low cushion
Expensive
At first glance, the Superfeet Green might not seem that impressive. They lack the advanced padding and appearance of other support insoles. However, in our tests, we discovered that this classic style provides superior daily support that works with nearly all shoes. If you spend long hours on your feet working in a restaurant or hospital, need extra arch support to keep plantar fasciitis at bay, or simply want better supportive foot care than your built-in insoles, the Superfeet Green is our top choice. We love that the narrow shape fits well into running shoes, casual shoes, and hiking boots while leaving enough room for a good fit, and since they’re not overly padded, they’re almost unnoticeable. Their classic foam forefoot and strong plastic arch and heel support kept our feet well-supported and feeling good during testing.
2. Best Bang for Your Buck – Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer
REASONS TO BUY
Forefoot and heel pad for shock-absorption
Thin with high cushion
Inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
Foam construction equals lower durability
Very flexible, hard to fit easily into shoes
The Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer insoles are specially constructed for athletic users. However, they are also a great option for budget-minded folks seeking additional comfort and who want to reduce impact on their feet in day-to-day scenarios. The forefoot and heel both feature extra built-in padding, allowing them to take on additional shock in the area of the foot most impacted when running and doing other sports.
3. Great Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis – Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis
REASONS TO BUY
Heel cushion and reinforced arch for support to the areas affected by plantar fasciitis
High cushion for comfort
Reputable company
REASONS TO AVOID
Large insole, not good for tight-fitting shoes
High volume
The Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis pain relief orthotics are designed to specifically target the areas affected by plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the plantar fascia — a fibrous tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. This inflammation causes intense heel pain and is common for runners, athletes, or those who spend a lot of time on their feet for work or other activities. A highly cushioned heel cup absorbs shock to the sensitive heel area, and semi-rigid arch support helps stabilize and prevent further stretching in the plantar fascia.
4. Best Insoles for Tight-fitting Shoes – Superfeet Carbon
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Carbon fiber stabilizer cap
Beveled foam edge to fit easily into tight shoes
REASONS TO AVOID
Low-cushion
The Superfeet Carbon are a low-volume, low-profile pair of insoles made for performance athletic shoes and tight-fitting casual shoes. With thin, lightweight, yet high-density foam and a hard, carbon fiber stabilizer cap, these insoles are high-quality and help give your feet extra comfort and support. With moderate arch support, these are excellent for those with flat feet and can slip easily into any shoe. The perforated forefoot is also a unique touch that enhances breathability and decreases weight.
5. Best Insoles for Runners – Currex RunPro
REASONS TO BUY
Bamboo and charcoal for moisture-wicking and odor control
Triple support for the ball of foot, arch, and heel
High-quality
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
The Currex RunPro are German-designed insoles made specifically for running. Runners who often suffer from foot and knee injuries such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, runner’s knee, and other issues due to participating in the high-impact activity require extra support to alleviate their pain. The Currex have triple support for the areas impacted the most by running with rigid arch support, a cushion for the ball of the foot, as well as one for the heel for shock absorption. Made of high-quality materials, they also have a bamboo and charcoal mid-layer for help with moisture-wicking and odor control.
6. Best for Hard Arch Support – EasyFeet Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles
REASONS TO BUY
Hard arch support for those suffering from plantar fasciitis and other foot-related pain
Made for any age, gender, footwear, or activity
Impressive quality for the price
Great combination of support and comfort
REASONS TO AVOID
Hard arch support may not be the best for everyone
The EasyFeet Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles boast a unique, hard arch design made of thermoplastic polyurethane. Unlike other insoles made with regular polyurethane, which tends to lose its shape over time, the EasyFeet arches are sturdy and durable, providing support and pain relief directly to the heel and the plantar fascia. They also include a thin yet very comfortable layer of memory foam cushion for comfort and an odor-neutralizing top layer. By providing direct support to the arch, these insoles are designed to help relieve pain associated with plantar fasciitis and other foot-related issues, as well as keep the feet in proper alignment for reduced foot pressure and muscle fatigue for hard activity or long days on your feet.