Unless you have plantar fasciitis, you likely don’t think about the bottoms of your feet much. However, when that band of tissue that connects your toes to your heel becomes a constant source of pain in your daily life, it becomes a significant concern. One of the solutions to alleviate plantar fasciitis is to use supportive insoles or orthotics in your shoes. By lifting the arches of your feet, these devices relieve pressure on the plantar fascia, enabling it to heal and prevent further inflammation.
According to Michael Fishkin, a pedorthist at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialist, “Insert-style insoles are pre-made and generic devices that offer support to a person’s feet. On the other hand, orthotics are personalized arch supports that are created by using a mold, scan, or foam impression of the feet.”
According to Fishkin, most podiatrists advise individuals who experience recurrent or severe plantar fasciitis to obtain custom orthotics. This is because premade inserts are identical and cannot adapt to the individual variations between both feet. Nonetheless, custom orthotics may not always be a viable option due to financial constraints.
If you are searching for ready-made insoles, you must find a pair that fits and is the right size, provides firm support, and is suitable for the arch of your foot. We conducted extensive research on over twenty arch support insoles specifically designed to relieve pressure from the plantar fascia. Our criteria focused on finding insoles that offer both comfort and support as a substitute for pricier orthotics. Here, we present the top insoles available on the market today for plantar fasciitis.
Spenco Total Support Max Shoe Insoles
If you’re new to insoles for plantar fasciitis, you might not know where to begin or what kind of support to seek. The Spenco Total Support Max insoles are beneficial because they are mostly a one-size-fits-all insert. Whether you’re running, walking, weightlifting, or hiking, these insoles can accommodate all activities, eliminating the need to find multiple insoles for different shoes.
The Spenco insoles are designed to support the entire length of your foot as they are full-length inserts. They have a rigid structure that keeps your feet in place, yet they also have multiple zones on the bottom that can accommodate different levels of pressure based on your movements throughout the day.
After consulting with both podiatrists, we were advised to choose the Spenco brand. They not only provide great overall comfort, but they are also made of a durable material similar to neoprene polyester. Due to this quality, it is expected that these insoles will last for a significant period of time. Despite being slightly more expensive, they are still within an affordable range. This makes them a suitable choice for individuals seeking an all-purpose, long-lasting insole.
Walk Hero Plantar Fasciitis Insoles
It can be difficult to justify spending $40 or more on an insole when you’re unsure of its ability to provide the necessary support for your plantar fasciitis. Conversely, spending too little can also be problematic as it may result in inadequate support and less durable materials, ultimately worsening your condition.
Our selection for the best budget option is the Walk Hero insoles. They are less expensive compared to the other insoles mentioned here, but they do not compromise on comfort and support. These insoles are specifically designed to offer foot stabilization, minimize impact stress, and provide cushioning for the entire foot. Additionally, they are suitable for all kinds of activities, including running, eliminating the need to purchase multiple pairs (although you could still consider it since they are less expensive).
Physix Gear Sport Full Length Orthotic Inserts with Arch Support
Physix Gear mentions that although these insoles are advertised as “sport” insoles, they are also suitable for work boots. Therefore, the term “sport” can be interpreted to encompass any activity that involves a significant amount of physical exertion and motion, which includes demanding occupations. It is worth mentioning that these insoles are equally beneficial for running and hiking as well.
The Physix Gear Sport insoles have a slim and inconspicuous design that does not hinder your activities or alter the way your feet fit in your preferred sneakers or boots. They come with a useful trimming guide for achieving the perfect fit and have a nonslip bottom to prevent them from shifting. A notable feature is their deep heel cup, which enhances stability while moving and offers potential relief for conditions such as heel spurs, foot strains, and Achilles tendonitis.
We appreciate the fact that these insoles are made using fabric that wicks away moisture and prevents odor, thus avoiding the accumulation of sweat and the consequent impact on the overall quality of the insole.
Samurai Insoles Ninjas Plantar Fasciitis Relief Arch Support Shoe Insoles
Finding insoles that fit into sandals can be a challenge, especially with their open design. It becomes even more difficult to find ones that not only stay in place but also don’t attract attention to the fact that you’re using orthotic devices.
That’s the reason why we chose the Samurai Insoles Ninjas as our top pick for sandals: These slim insoles made of plastic are designed to be inserted under the existing insole of your shoe, effectively concealing themselves to offer subtle support to the heel and arch. However, the Ninjas not only have a stealthy appearance, but they also provide a comfortable experience, particularly for individuals with flatter feet or those who do not require intense arch support. The plastic material utilized in their construction is both firm and flexible, possessing a natural grip that ensures they stay securely in position beneath your insole.
If you only require a slight lift when wearing summer sandals and have normal to moderate arches, the Ninjas can be a discreet and beneficial option, though they may not be ideal for individuals with very high arches.
Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Insoles
Karen Litzy, the owner of Karen Litzy Physical Therapy, recommends these orthotics as they can fit into almost any type of shoe. These insoles have a contoured heel cup and special cushioning that absorbs shock, making them stand out from other options. Additionally, they aid in stabilizing the plantar fascia and prevent it from stretching further.
Litzy explains that the inserts are reasonably priced and can be conveniently purchased from drug stores or online retailers. They are associated with a reputable brand. While more expensive inserts might provide additional support or shock absorption, they may not be accessible to most individuals. Therefore, the affordability of these inserts is advantageous. They are simple to adjust to fit one’s footwear and are comfortable to wear. Additionally, they have received a high rating from customers, with over 45,000 ratings on Amazon. Despite not offering extensive support, they still offer enough to create a slight impact, which is often sufficient.
A nurse who puts these inserts into her shoes comments, “The orthotic offers a comfortable padding to absorb the impact of every step, resulting in alleviation of the severe pain in the heel.”
Heel That Pain Heel Seats
Looking for a less squishy option? These heel cups are crafted from a combination of rubber materials, granting rigid cushioning. Additionally, the patented fascia bar exerts pressure on your plantar fascia ligament, delivering assistance to the rear section of your arch. You can select from three variants: solid rubber, a blend of rubber and gel for moderate firmness, and a gentle gel option. Furthermore, they are available in four sizes ranging from small to extra-large.
ViveSole Silicone Gel Heel Cups
These silicone insoles have a self-adhesive base that keeps them in place all day, regardless of whether you’re wearing sandals or ballet flats. They’re crafted from a soft, malleable gel that not only massages your heels but also conforms to the shape of your foot. By offering extra cushioning around the heel, they effectively absorb pressure and reduce discomfort, ultimately minimizing knee pain. Despite the surprisingly affordable price, rest assured that this pair is effective.
According to an Amazon reviewer, the inexpensive insoles surpassed expectations in terms of performance, allowing them to comfortably walk long distances in boots that were previously uncomfortable. The reviewer labeled them as a literal game-changer and expressed reluctance in trying any other potentially less comfortable option.
Powerstep Pinnacle Breeze Insole
If you have a passion for running or engaging in intense workouts, it is likely that you are susceptible to developing plantar fasciitis. Each time you take a step, jump, or skip, your heel experiences the force. These inserts feature a rigid, yet adaptable, structure to provide support and stabilize your arches, along with a heel that absorbs shocks. Additionally, the outer fabric of these inserts prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria due to its antimicrobial properties.
Sof Sole 3/4 Length Insoles
These gel insoles have a distinctive three-quarter length that makes them suitable for fitting into any type of shoe. Users highly appreciate the extremely comfortable heels that reduce the impact on the heels, as well as the strong arch support that is particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis.
One Amazon shopper is so impressed with the product that they state uncertainty about needing to buy it again. They attest to its effectiveness, particularly for treating their plantar fasciitis and its positive impact on their running routine. They further mention purchasing three pairs and combining them with physical therapy, resulting in the resolution of their plantar fasciitis condition.
Superfeet Green High Arch Insert
Different from the other insoles on this list, this particular pair contains a stabilizer cap that serves as a foundation to support the back of the foot. Additionally, they offer stability to the foam layer and feature a deep heel cup that securely holds the foot in place to avoid any rolling. Although they have a larger size, known as a high volume profile, it is possible to adjust them to fit comfortably by trimming them.
Litzy typically suggests these to patients. It is simple to adjust them to match the size of your shoes, ensuring a comfortable fit. These orthotics are more stable and stiff, therefore you will need to gradually get used to them by following a specific wear schedule. On the first day, I advise wearing them for 1 hour while walking, then increasing to 2 hours on the second day, 3 hours on the third day, and so forth. Eventually, on days 5-6, you should be wearing them full-time. These orthotics are ideal for wearing in sneakers and other flat shoes. They are not suitable for heels.
How to choose the best plantar fasciitis insoles
When considering arch support, it is important to acknowledge its significance whether you possess high arches or flat feet. Studies indicate that utilizing insoles and indoor comfort shoes, particularly those that provide arch support, can enhance the effectiveness of treating plantar fasciitis.
When looking for plantar fasciitis insoles, Dr. Jung and Kamran Hamid, M.D., M.P.H., an ankle and foot surgeon at Midwest Orthopedics at Rush University in Chicago, advise finding a cushioned insole with support under the arch and heel. The cushioning will offer additional support and redistribute pressure that may lead to discomfort.
When considering the material, the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM) suggests that plastic and graphite insoles have enough flexibility to reduce the forces that cause pain, while neoprene, with its softer texture, can provide a balance of comfort and support.
According to Dr. Hamid, M.D., M.P.H., your personal comfort should be given priority as it is the most crucial factor. He emphasizes that it is essential to consider how certain things make you feel, as they can either be beneficial or worsen your condition.
Discovering the right fit and balance for your needs may require some experimentation, but the search is definitely worthwhile.
Do insoles for plantar fasciitis work?
According to Dr. Hamid, there is limited research on the effectiveness of store-bought inserts and it is difficult to determine which ones work the best. However, Dr. Jung suggests that using over-the-counter insoles is a recommended initial approach before considering custom orthotics, which typically need a doctor’s prescription.
In addition, it should be emphasized that purchasing inserts from a store is only one possible method of addressing plantar fasciitis discomfort. It is advisable to consider acquiring shoes specifically designed for plantar fasciitis, as well as exploring the option of using a night splint. Despite the fact that store-bought inserts can be obtained without a prescription, it is still recommended to consult with a doctor prior to attempting to alleviate foot pain on your own. Dr. Hamid suggests that it is wise to verify your diagnosis before investing a substantial amount of money in inserts.
