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Table Of Contents
What to Look for in the Best Insoles for Heel Pain
How Do You Know if You Need Shoe Inserts for Heel Pain?
How Often Should You Wear Insoles for Heel Pain?
How We Selected the Best Insoles for Heel Pain
Meet the Experts
Meet the Author
Top Insoles for Heel Pain of 2023
Best insoles for standing all day With heel pain
Dr Scholl’s Orthotics for Heel Pain
Buy Now At Amazon$12
Best Insoles for Heel Pain and Arch Support
New Balance Casual Arch Support Insoles
Buy Now At Amazon$55
Best insoles for flat feet
Superfeet Green High Arch Orthotic Support Insoles
Buy Now At Amazon$55
Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis and heel pain
Aetrex Compete Posted Orthotics Insoles
Buy Now At Aetrex$65
Best work boot insoles for heel pain
Cruvheel Work Orthotic Insoles
Buy Now At Amazon$30
Best insoles for walking and standing all day
Superfeet Casual Easyfit Insoles
Buy Now At Zappos$35
Best running insoles for heel pain
Enertor Running Insoles
Buy Now At Enertor$50
Best heel cups
Vivesole Gel Heel Cups
Buy Now At Amazon$10
Powerstep Pinnacle Breeze Insoles
Buy Now At Amazon$40
Samarai Ninjas Arch Support Shoe Insoles
Buy Now At Amazon $30
Best insoles for heel and ball of foot pain
Dr. Scholl’s Ball of Foot Metatarsal Pain Relief Pad Insoles
Buy Now At Amazon$10
Best Orthopedic insoles for heel pain
Walk Hero Comfort and Support Shoe Insoles
Buy Now At Amazon$11
If you’re suffering with heel pain, you’ll know how much it can impact your day-to-day life — from your ability to exercise and work to enjoying the simple things in life. But what actually causes this, and how can insoles for heel pain help? According to Mayo Clinic, foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, flat feet, and heel spurs can all be a source of pain in the heel.
The best way of diagnosing the root cause of your heel pain is to visit a podiatrist who can make a detailed assessment. A professional can advise on whether an over-the-counter shoe insert for heels will suffice, or whether you need more prescriptive treatment and a custom-made insert. The best insoles can help in a number of ways, such as supporting your arches to relieve pressure on the plantar fascia, helping with shock absorption and alignment issues (which can also help to address stress on the heel), and assist with the redistribution of pressure on the footbed.
To put together our shortlist of the best shoe inserts for heels, we spoke to experts in the field, including Dr. Soheil Ashkani-Esfahani, MD, Principal Investigator, Director of FARIL at Massachusetts General Hospital and Faculty of Orthopaedic Surgery at Harvard Medical School; Dr. Liza Egbogah, one of North America’s leading fascia and posture experts and founder of Dr. Liza shoes; and foot specialist Joanne Atkinson.
We also spent hours researching the top insole brands such as Dr. Scholl’s, New Balance, and Aetrex, while taking into consideration the hundreds of online reviews available and conducting our own product testing. We’ve considered a range of day-to-day needs, too, including insoles for work boots, supination insoles, and insoles for plantar fasciitis. Ahead, find the 12 best shoe inserts for heel pain.
Best insoles for standing all day With heel pain
Dr Scholl’s Orthotics for Heel Pain
Size range: 8 to 12 men’s; 5 to 12 women’s
Materials: Not specified
Special features: Supportive heel cup, three-quarter length design
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.5/5 stars
On Sale 25% off
$12Buy Now At Amazon
If you have a job that involves standing all day, you probably find that your heel pain gets worse as the day progresses. A shoe insert like this one from Dr Scholl’s provides all-day comfort and helps with a number of causes of heel pain including plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. It does this with Shock Guard technology that absorbs impact, a supportive heel cup for added padding, and a three-quarter length design that ensures they fit into nearly all shoes.
What testers say: “They fit great, they’re very comfortable but most of all they work! I have not had any more heel pain since I started walking with them in my shoe.”
Priceuponpublishdate of this article: $12
Best Insoles for Heel Pain and Arch Support
New Balance Casual Arch Support Insoles
Size range: XS to XXL
Materials: Polyester Polyethylene Polypropylene
Special features: Deep, wide heel cup
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.5/5 stars
$55Buy Now At Amazon
These insoles from New Balance boast a deep heel cup to lessen the impact on the heel while providing stability and heel control — essential in reducing strain to the plantar fascia. The heel cup’s wide width also makes these insoles a great choice for those with wide feet, and testers note that they fit well in any pair of plantar fasciitis-friendly running shoes or walking shoes.
“They also feature great arch support so there’s less tension on the heel and high-density foam for shock absorption,” says Dr. Egbogah. “Many orthotic insoles offer too much cushioning to make the insole feel comfortable, and while all that cushioning and memory foam may feel great, they’re not helpful when it comes to treating plantar fasciitis or heel pain.” Dr. Egbogah notes that they also incorporate therapeutic features similar to what you’d get in a clinic with custom orthotics. “Thanks to these shock absorbing and supportive components these are helpful for all forms of heel pain,” Dr. Egbogah explains.
What testers say: “Worth every penny you pay for them… you think your feet and shoes are worn out but they put new life into both… and they make even old feet feel like new even in new shoes”.
Priceuponpublishdate of this article: $55
Best insoles for flat feet
Superfeet Green High Arch Orthotic Support Insoles
Size range: 5.5 to 15.5 men’s; 4.5 to 14 women’s
Materials: Polypropylene
Special features: Designed to be trimmed, deep heel cup, high-density foam
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.5/5 stars
$55Buy Now At Amazon
Flat feet can not only cause pain in the heels but also in the arches, hips and knees. A shoe insert with a supportive heel cup, like this one from Superfeet, can help to keep the foot more supported and stable and relieve you of some of that discomfort. If you’re very sporty and active,they’re also designed to protect the feet from repetitive impact and long distances, and they’re known to fit in all types of running shoes, including stability running shoes and cushioned running shoes. What’s more, extra arch support and a high-profile shape keeps the foot stable and supported.
What testers say: “I can not rave about this product enough. I started waitressing and very quickly (after 12 hour days) got awful foot pain. Not typical soreness but pain due to lack of arch support as I had high arches. I purchased these and after an initial 2 days to get used to them/break them in when they felt too hard — I have had no soreness like I did before. I am able to be on my feet for hours at a time with no soreness and the size fits perfectly into my trainers. No smell is kept on the insole and it’s easy to give it a quick wash/scrub in the sink. Will absolutely be purchasing again when these wear out.”
Priceuponpublishdate of this article: $55
Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis and heel pain
Aetrex Compete Posted Orthotics Insoles
Size range: 4 to 13
Materials: CopperGuard® antimicrobial lining, Pro-Shox® polyurethane
Special features: Medial rearfoot post
$65Buy Now At Aetrex
“I recommend the Aetrex Compete Posted Orthotics insole for those with heel pain or plantar fasciitis,” says Dr. Egbogah. “The key feature that earns my seal of approval is the medial rearfoot post. This feature helps keep your feet aligned and controls overpronation.” They also have great arch support, which is essential in reducing the strain on the plantar fascia and reducing heel pain. Dr. Egbogah explains that these insoles also use polyurethane for shock absorption, which makes it suitable for all types of heel pain. “Many orthotic insoles use memory foam which offers comfort but long term is not therapeutic and doesn’t help in treating heel pain in conditions like plantar fasciitis,” Dr. Egbogah adds.
What testers say: “These are the best orthopedic inserts. I have Posterior Tibial Tendonitis and can’t walk for long distances or stand in place for long. These have helped my endurance enormously and have kept the arches from collapsing.”
Priceuponpublishdate of this article: $65
Best work boot insoles for heel pain
Cruvheel Work Orthotic Insoles
Size range: 7 to 14.5 women’s; 6.5 to 13.5 men’s
Materials: Gel
Special features: Cushioning layer, optimal arch support, deep U-cup heel, and shock-absorbing cushioning pads
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.5/5 stars
$30Buy Now At Amazon
If you’re looking for insoles for work boots, these orthotic insoles from Cruvheel can help to protect your feet from daily impact. They’re designed to be trimmed to size and support the longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot while keeping your feet in the right position. Optimal arch support, a deep U-cup heel and shock-absorbing cushioning pads provide you with hours of relief, making any pair of boots some of the most comfortable shoes for men and women in your closet.
What testers say: “These insoles have been a game changer for my new pair of work shoes. It took a minute for them to conform to my feet but now that they have they are so much more comfortable than the stock insoles. I would purchase them again!”
Priceuponpublishdate of this article: $30
Best insoles for walking and standing all day
Superfeet Casual Easyfit Insoles
Size range: 8.5 to 12 women’s; 7.5 to 15 men’s
Materials: Suede top
Special features: Moisturewick, no trimming required, slim fit, slip-resistant edges
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.8/5 stars
$35Buy Now At Zappos
The best insoles for standing all day cushion the impact on the heels and keep the feet secure and stable. This Easyfit pair from Superfeet has a contoured shape to reduce stress on the feet and ankles, and a microsuede top to reduce rubbing. Most testers report that they don’t need any trimming (although you can trim them if needed), and they’re designed to slip straight into your shoes and deliver support for up to a year. The contoured, arch-supporting fit makes them an ideal pair for those who deal with plantar fasciitis flare ups.
What testers say: “Great inserts! I bought these for a pair of dress shoes that had very little room for inserts and these fit perfectly. They are super comfortable and provide excellent arch support. They do take some getting used to as there is a break-in period but they are otherwise very comfortable.”
Priceuponpublishdate of this article: $35
Best running insoles for heel pain
Enertor Running Insoles
Size range: 3 to 14
Materials: PX1 Shock absorbing material
Special features: Arch support, heel cup, shell feature supports the foot
$50Buy Now At Enertor
“Enertor insoles are, in my opinion, by far the best on the market,” says foot specialist Joanne Atkinson owner of ifoothealthcare. “I have used other companies and they do not compare. The shock absorbing property of PX1 technology that sits within both Enertor’s walking and running insoles gives comfort and confidence to those wearing them. Impact and vibrations are transmitted horizontally through the insole rather than vertically through the body, so great for sports people and anyone active on their feet.” These running insoles are relatively lightweight and thin, but still offer plenty of support across the full length of your feet.
What testers say: “Can’t recall how I came to know about these insoles but it was like winning the lottery for my legs and feet. Thought I was going to have to stop running until I discovered these insoles. Now…. I run longer. Thank you!”
Priceuponpublishdate of this article: $50
Best heel cups
Vivesole Gel Heel Cups
Size range: Small, medium, and large available
Materials: Silicone gel
Special features: Shock absorbing support heel, contouring fit
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.5/5 stars
$10Buy Now At Amazon
If you don’t want a full insole in your shoe, a heel cup is a great alternative. This silicone version from ViveSole has a self-adhesive base that secures to the heel of most shoes including men’s and women’s walking sneakers, dress shoes, and boots. They also help to relieve the pain of conditions such as tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and bone spurs by providing cushion and support. An added bonus? They’re less expensive than many full insoles.
What testers say: “As a first time buyer of heel cups and no idea of what to expect, these are awesome and easy to wear. Great fit with my sneakers and a great fit with my work boots. Very comfortable.. highly recommend”.
Priceuponpublishdate of this article: $10
Powerstep Pinnacle Breeze Insoles
Size range: 3 to 16 men’s; 5 to 12 women’s
Materials: Foam
Special features:Semi-rigid polypropylene support shell, odor control
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.5/5 stars
$40Buy Now At Amazon
Offering semi-rigid arch support and dual-layer shock absorption, Powerstep’s Pinnacle Breeze insoles are our top pick for high-impact exercise. They have a ventilated mesh top that keeps the feet cool and odor-free as your train, and the arch support and heel cradle keep the foot supported and cushioned. Ideal if you have plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.
What testers say: “My adult daughter recommended these to me. I was very skeptical that they would help problems I have with walking and knee pain. I was wrong and they really do help. My daughter had gone to “Good Feet Store” and said they were very expensive, she did however look at their products. She went online to Amazon and found these inserts that she thought looked comparable to the ones in the store. She told me how well they worked for her. So I tried as well. Glad I did”.
Priceuponpublishdate of this article: $40
Samarai Ninjas Arch Support Shoe Insoles
Size range: 3.5 to 15 men’s; 4 to 12.5 women’s
Materials: Polypropylene
Special features: Low profile, available in larger sizes
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.5/5 stars
$30Buy Now At Amazon
Running up to a size 16.5 for men and 12.5 for women, Samurai’s insoles are a great option if you have larger feet. They’re made from lightweight polypropylene and have a super-slim profile so they won’t take up unnecessary room in your shoes. They’re also specifically designed by a podiatrist for the needs of flat feet.
What testers say: “I have very flat feet, and these help a ton. I have tried a bunch of different ones and these have provided me with the best support. On my third pair now. However they are thin and hard, so if you’re looking for something soft to add cushion these aren’t it”.
Priceuponpublishdate of this article: $30
Best insoles for heel and ball of foot pain
Dr. Scholl’s Ball of Foot Metatarsal Pain Relief Pad Insoles
Size range: One size
Materials: Plastic
Special features: Adhesive backing, fits all shoes, raised foam cushioning, shock guard technology
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.5/5 stars
On Sale 23% off
$10Buy Now At Amazon
Many people with heel pain also suffer with discomfort in the ball of the foot, too. If this sounds familiar and you need instant relief, the nearly 2,000 five-star reviews of these pain relief pads are pretty impressive. They’re specifically designed to target the metatarsal area in the ball of the foot and secure easily into shoes with an adhesive backing. Wear them for interval training, walks, and everything in between.
What testers say: “I got into running about a year ago, and a few months ago I really started to push myself, and I pushed so hard that I did something to the ball of my foot. For the past few months I haven’t been able to run, and it’s been painful to even walk… after taking my dogs for a walk around the block, my feet are on fire. Not anymore, though!!!! I don’t know why it took me so long to find these things, they are complete and total life savers! I was on my feet all day yesterday, and I was fine. Took my dogs on a super long walk today, didn’t hurt at all. They are simple and work very very well”.
Priceuponpublishdate of this article: $10
Best Orthopedic insoles for heel pain
Walk Hero Comfort and Support Shoe Insoles
Size range: 5 to 13 men’s; 6.5 to 11.5 women’s
Materials: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
Special features: Deep heel cupping, semi rigid arch support, max cushioning, full-length footbed
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.5/5 stars
$11Buy Now At Amazon
Insoles can be expensive, so if you don’t want to make a major investment, these memory foam insoles from Walk Hero are a great pick. They have 14,000 five-star reviews on Amazon thanks to their many great features: Testers love the deep heel cup, semi-rigid arch support and max cushioning. They also don’t need to be trimmed to size and fit well in most standard shoes.
What testers say: “I’m on concrete between 8 to 12 hours a day and these inserts have been a foot saver! Several times before, I would have flare-ups of plantar fasciitis… Since wearing these has made my day alot more comfortable. No tired or sore feet anymore. Usually last about 6 to 8 months and well worth the low price compared to many that are over $29.”
Priceuponpublishdate of this article: $11
What to Look for in the Best Insoles for Heel Pain
- Cushioning: If you have a foot condition such as plantar fasciitis, look for insoles that have padding at the heel. This will help to reduce the pain you feel in your heel as the impact will be reduced. However it won’t necessarily cure the root cause of the problem (particularly for overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis, which also requires plantar fasciitis stretches and plenty of rest).
- Fit: “The insole should be specific to your foot condition, shape, and form,” explains Dr. Ashkani-Esfahani. “The insole should support the arch of your foot while distributing the load appropriately and offload and support the vulnerable areas of the foot.”
- Over the counter vs. custom insoles: “Insoles should be patient-specific and chosen based on every patient’s foot condition including shape, form, any pathologies in the feet, stance, and also type of activity,” says Dr Ashkani-Esfahani. The best way of getting to the root cause of your pain is by visiting a podiatrist who can examine your feet properly and advise on whether you need an over-the-counter or custom insole.
- Rigid vs. flexible insoles: A rigid insole is generally made from a material such as carbon fiber or hard plastic. These types of insoles are usually less comfortable than a flexible one, but they are designed to offer extra support and stability for those with more severe foot problems. Flexible insoles, however, are designed to bend and move with your feet, so they’re suitable for a wider range of foot conditions.
How Do You Know if You Need Shoe Inserts for Heel Pain?
We’ll say it again — if you’re suffering with heel pain, you should make an appointment with a podiatrist. These foot specialists will be able to examine your feet in detail and get to the bottom of what’s causing your pain. “Other than natural fatigue, heel pain can be caused by the abnormal position of the foot, malalignment, and abnormal position of the ankle and the foot,” says Dr. Ashkani-Esfahani. If you already know the cause of your heel pain, you should buy an insole suited to your condition.
How Often Should You Wear Insoles for Heel Pain?
In short, you’re cleared to wear your insoles on a daily basis to manage your heel pain and to help correct the underlying cause of it.
Dr. Ashkani-Esfahani says that appropriate insoles should always be worn when walking, jogging, running, and during any activity that puts weight on the feet. “Appropriate insoles can keep the feet in anatomical and natural form and support the feet and ankle against malposition-caused injuries, ankle sprains, stress-induced injuries and fractures, and also wounds and traumas, particularly in patients with reduced sensations.”
How We Selected the Best Insoles for Heel Pain
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
To create this round-up of the best insoles for heel pain we spoke to three experts, including a podiatrist and two foot specialists. We also spent hours researching into the market to find out which brands were the most popular and effective, while taking into consideration hundreds of online reviews. As our writer also suffers with heels pain and plantar fasciitis, we also have included brands she’s tested herself. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Soheil Ashkani-Esfahani, MD, is a Principal Investigator, Director of FARIL at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Faculty of Orthopaedic Surgery at Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Liza Egbogah is one of North America’s leading fascia and posture experts. She is also the designer and founder of Dr. Liza shoes, a fashionable line of orthopedic shoes.She’s also a manual osteopath, chiropractor, myofascial release therapist, and guest lecturer at OCAD university. She has a Doctor of Chiropractic, graduating with Summa Cum Laude and clinic honors from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, a diploma in manual osteopathic practice and also holds a Pharmacology degree with distinction from the University of Alberta. Dr. Liza is an award winning manual therapy expert, media contributor, speaker, human centered designer and a member of Harvard’s post graduate association.
Joanne Atkinson is a foot specialistowner of ifoothealthcare, who has over 30 years of experience in the foot care industry.
Meet the Author
Cat Hufton is a London-based journalist who has written for some of the world’s best luxury e-commerce companies and publications, including WWD, InStyle, Harper’s Bazaar, Byrdie. Hufton is an avid online shopper and has tested hundreds of products during her career giving her a keen eye for what’s worth your hard-earned dollars and what’s not. Hufton wrote this story on the best insoles for heel pain using her extensive knowledge in the space.
