Choosing the best insoles for your plantar fasciitis situation can be a bit confusing. There are literally hundreds of different inserts from dozens of brands to choose from. But which one gives you the best support for your feet? That’s tough to say, since there isn’t a universal fix for heel pain across the board.
But just as a shoe that has the proper support can benefit your stability and improve your walking motion, orthotics can provide additional arch support and comfort that your shoes may lack.
Inserts are a supplement to your footwear, and aid in maintaining a good posture. The additional support has been documented to assist in helping with over-pronation and supination issues, which may be degenerative if left without treatment or support.
Typical Shoe Insert 
Insert With Arch Support
Benefits Of Wearing Insoles For Plantar Fasciitis
Orthotics, or insoles, offer great value for anyone looking to take care of their feet. It’s not just for those with heel pain, Achilles tendonitis and other related foot issues.
Some of the benefits you get from over-the-counter inserts with arch support are…
- You can typically use them in any type of shoe – boots, casual footwear, running shoes and in a variety of arch support slippers Simply remove the old inserts and put in your new ones.
- The deeper heel cup in a good orthotic provides comfort, added shock absorption with each step you take, and helps to reduce the overall stress on your feet, ankles and knees. This is especially helpful for those looking to improve their plantar fasciitis condition.
- They actually WORK in relieving pain over time, and sometimes very quickly. Many heel pain sufferers have documented their experience with the use of a prefabricated (OTC) orthotic, and have continued to use them faithfully.
- Depending on the quality of your shoes, they’re typically better than the ones that come standard in your normal footwear, which probably do very little and may well exacerbate your condition.
- Simply buying insoles for plantar fasciitis will be less expensive than buying a brand new pair of shoes.
What To Look For In A Good Orthotic
When looking for the ideal plantar fasciitis insole, you want to make sure it fits a certain criteria. While not imperative, these guidelines may help you minimize the “buyer’s remorse” when you pick out any random orthotic on the market, only to find out later that your premium insole is designed for runners, or for those with a wider foot than you, etc.
Here are some of the things you may want to take into consideration…
- Reviews. Do other plantar fasciitis sufferers use this product? While not a guarantee that it will work for you, it never hurts to read up on those who have already tried and tested the ones that DON’T work.
- A name brand synonymous with arch and heel support. Perhaps a brand in partnership with a qualified podiatrist or chiropractor. Some companies spend more to design a tailored insole – such as for those with bunions, diabetic foot ulcers or plantar fasciitis. Experts design these to maximize efficiency.
- Is the insert you are buying specific for Pronators, Over-Pronators or Supinators? Under-Pronators (Supinators) have high arches, and since the majority of people are Pronators, most products will be designed for them. You’ll want to consider buying the orthotic that conforms to your specific foot type.
Video Reviews Below On All Insoles
Common Complaints With Orthotic Inserts For Plantar Fasciitis
1. Break-in Period. A few people find that the rigid arch support is not easy to adapt to and you may need a few days to get used to walking around in them.
2. Some insoles can get fairly expensive. Your money may be better spent simply investing in a pair of shoes with good arch support that will last longer. So you can finally ditch those dirty old shoes that you love but aren’t doing much for your condition.
3. Some reports on durability are a concern. Since insoles are in direct contact with your feet all day, every day, they tend to wear down quicker. You may need to invest in another pair sooner rather than later.
Studies And Data: Stretching and Insoles For Heel Pain Relief
A good orthotic insole is often one of the first treatment options given to you by your healthcare professional, and for good reason – they work. There have been multiple studies over the years that include the successful incorporation of orthotics in their test groups.
For example, in an 8-week study of 246 patients to test the efficacy of Custom and Pre-Fabricated orthotic inserts, it was determined that pre-fabricated inserts were more likely to produce improvement in symptoms than a custom device. In fact, the pre-fabricated orthotic group out-performed a group that used a custom insert AND a stretching routine.
Another study to determine the clinical efficacy of foot orthoses in the treatment of plantar fasciitis concluded that a group assigned to wear functional (versus accommodative) orthotics had experienced a significant decrease in foot pain, and an increase in foot function after only 4 weeks. The final conclusion was determined that, although slightly more expensive, having the correct orthotic assisted in returning a better quality of life.
…a group assigned to wear functional (versus accommodative) orthotics had experienced a significant decrease in foot pain and an increase in foot function after only 4 weeks.
Group Study – ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
How We Rate The Orthotics
2022 PLANTAR FASCIITIS INSOLES
(Click Image to Enlarge – Link for Amazon Reviews)
1. Powerstep Pinnacle
As far as over-the-counter orthotics go, not many can match the reputation of the Powerstep brand of replacement insoles. The Powerstep Pinnacle offers semi-rigid plush cushioning and firm support geared to increase comfort while providing maximum stability at the same time. This insert is also ideal for alleviating the pain associated with plantar fasciitis, as evidenced by many satisfied customers.
- Best mix of high arch support and semi-rigid cushioning
- Fits nicely in shoe
- Long time in business
- Effective in relieving pain for many
- May take a bit to get used to the support
- A bit too rigid for some
- Not returnable
2. Spenco Total Support
The Spenco Total Support Original Insole is branded as Spenco’s “best replacement insole” due to its stability, support and cushioning. Included in its top-choice design are deep heel cups, semi-rigid cradle for arch support, a metatarsal dome to alleviate pressure from the ball of foot, and a forefoot “crash pad” to enhance comfortability. It’s almost universally rated as one of the best inserts for heel pain.
- Great support for high arches
- Works well in activity and work shoes
- A little bit of cushion
- Good fit in shoe
- Seems durable for the most part
- May take a bit to get used to the arch
- No return policy (even if you get the sizing wrong)
3. Superfeet Green
The Superfeet Green insole is possibly the most well-known insert on the market, and was originally introduced in 1977. It has helped many desperate plantar fasciitis sufferers and is recommended for those with mid-to-high arches. It is built with a stabilizer cap to provide a strong rearfoot base, a deep heel cup for support and it is made out of a high-density foam layer for additional comfort.
Note: While the Superfeet Green insole offers more support overall, a sizable minority will opt for the Blue Superfeet Insole. They rate as one of the top insoles for flat feet and have a lower profile (with smaller arch support) and would likely take up less space in your shoe.
- The best plantar fasciitis insoles score by the most amount of sufferers
- Strong Arch Support
- Durable and Long Lasting
- Easy to trim into shape
- Seem to work well for many people
- Trusted Brand
- One of the priciest inserts on the market
- A bit more rigid than others (harder to get into shoe)
- Couple people received fakes (manufacturer replied directly to address situation)
4. WalkHero Insole
While WalkHero is not a big-name brand like others on the list, they have still managed to produce affordable insoles that get the job done for many. The WalkHero insoles for plantar fasciitis come with a deep heel cup, EVA shock-absorbing material and a design that provides support for your feet where you need it. These orthotics are recommended to be used in a variety of styles of shoes, and even offer a refund policy if you are not satisfied.
- Nice price point
- Good fit
- Strong arch support
- Seller responds to all negative reviews
- Some complaints that there is actually no return policy (seller responds, but solution is unknown)
- May have to trim if it doesn’t fit
- Multiple complaints that it is uncomfortable
5. Physix Gear Sport
Physix Gear Sport is another growing brand in the health and wellness products category. The Physix insert for plantar fasciitis is designed with a lower-profile design, so it offers a bit more foot room in your running, walking or your all-day shoe. It is designed with pronounced arch support, a deep heel cup, durable EVA foam material for comfort and stability and is fitted with an antimicrobial top-layer fabric. Physix Gear Sport offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee to “replace or refund” your purchase if you are not satisfied.
- Rigid arch support
- Affordable price point
- Specifically mentions for flat feet
- Manufacturer does respond to critical reviews
- Not much cushion support
- May take a bit to get used to
- Not a great shock absorber like they claim
- Arch is too high for some
6. Sof Sol Mens Athlete and Womens Athlete
Sof Sole has been around for many years and has provided a number of products in the athletic footwear field. These particular Athlete Performance Inserts are billed as ‘ideal for wear during rigorous athletic activities’ per their website. They are constructed with their own foam technology, gel in the heel and forefoot to absorb shock as well as moisture wicking technology to keep your feet dry. The Sof Sole Athlete is available in Mens and Womens sizes.
- Good arch support
- One of the more comfortable inserts for heel pain
- Good reviews from plantar community
- Being used successfully for work and daily activity
- Customer support is recently responsive to negative reviews
- May not be enough arch support for some
- Might be too thick for your sporting activities
- Couple instances of gel eventually breaking through and ruining shoes
7. ProFoot Mens and Womens Insoles
ProFoot was started by a chiropractor years ago with a goal to help his clients get some relief from their foot pain. While these aren’t the highest rated on the list, they do come in with many positive reviews. They offer designs specific for Men and Women to better fit their feet. ProFoot’s gel heel mold helps absorb shock and provide comfort, while the orthotic is also designed to fit the entire width of your plantar fascia, which they claim will reduce stress. This is a 3/4 length insert and will likely leave room in the toe box, but at the same time not provide support for the balls of your feet.
- Great value for a heel spur insert
- Fits in most types of shoes
- Good heel cushioning
- Pretty good results from plantar community
- Top cloth peels from the insert with increased use
- Not as rigid support as you may be looking for
- 3/4 length inserts bother many people
- No return policy
8. Dr. Scholl’s Work Massaging Insole
Dr. Scholl’s is possibly the most well known brand of inserts on the market, as they’ve been around for decades. They offer many different styles of insoles, but this one seems to be rated as one of their best inserts for plantar fasciitis. They come with considerable amount of arch support, but offer less rigidity and more focus on gel comfort. They fit many styles of shoes and can be cut to adjust your specific shoe size. These insoles come in Mens and Womens sizes, so make sure to choose the right one.
- Cheapest insole on the list
- Money back guarantee (but cost to send back)
- Feel soft and comfortable if you want less rigidity and arch
- Heel too high (making shoe fit tight)
- Seems to be more cushiony than arch rigidity
- May only last a couple months
- Arch support not strong enough for many
9. Timberland PRO Anti-Fatigue
While Timberland is well known for its work shoes and boots, they also have a line of replacement insoles that deliver additional comfort to their brand of work footwear. These Timberland Pro Anti-Fatigue inserts have been positively reviewed by members of the plantar fasciitis community. Their cone foam technology is made to absorb shock, while also providing support in key areas of the foot such as your heel, arch and forefoot.
- Good orthotic for work boots
- Nice option for bigger guys and girls
- Comfortable fit
- Easy to trim and fit in your shoe
- Has cushion and not so rigid like others
- May not last a long time when used for sporting or hard use activities
- Multiple complaints of top layer peeling from insert
- Arch support not strong
- Mixed reviews good/bad on heel support
Conclusion
As you can see there are many options available for shoe inserts, and they range from a variety of foot types and feel. But these are the ones we rated as the best plantar fasciitis insoles specifically. However, they also rate highly for related foot issues like flat feet and high arches.
If you’ve performed a footprint analysis and know which insole you would be best suited for, even better. Every one of the inserts listed aboe has been highly rated by other plantar fasciitis and heel pain sufferers. That gives you the benefit of knowing that other people have already gone through the trial and error of buying insert after insert, and recommend to you only the best options.
Purchasing an orthotic to be worn for the majority of time that you are on your feet should be one of the first things you do. Make sure to get yourself a quality insert, as the one you are currently wearing might just be exacerbating your condition and prolonging your heel pain woes.
