Plantar fasciitis pain is a nightmare. I know firsthand that suffering from plantar fasciitis can make simple tasks like walking much more challenging. Luckily, there are lots of ways to treat PF, including many simple remedies you can try at home. In this article, I’ll share my best picks for over-the-counter insoles for plantar fasciitis.
As a doctor who often works with athletes, I know how important proper shoewear can be. Shoes are great, but sometimes you still need some extra support. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or you simply walk a lot as part of your job, you might consider trying out some shoe inserts for plantar fasciitis.
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Best Shoe Inserts For Plantar Fasciitis
Here is my list of the best plantar fasciitis shoe inserts. Remember to keep the below-mentioned considerations in mind as you search for the ideal shoe insole.
Natural Foot Orthotics Inserts for Plantar Fasciitis
Key Features
- A clear upgrade over your original insoles
- Available in multiple shoe sizes.
- Provides additional comfort for those with Achilles tendonitis
- Adds as sturdy foam layer for shoe stability
Superfeet GREEN Full Length Insole
This insole is a bit on the pricier side, but it’s a popular choice among plantar fasciitis sufferers. It’s also recommended by many people who suffer from knee pain.
Key Features
- Cushioned insole measures 2 inches high and 4 inches wide
- Deep heel cup provides shock absorption and support
- Biomechanical design corrects issues in the foot
- Odor-eliminating foam
- Stabilizer cap to support the heel
What People Love
- They provide pain relief and support for flat feet
- They also provide nice support for people with high arches
- Slide easily into and out of a pair of shoes
- Provide comfort and pain relief for people suffering from knee issues
- A less expensive alternative to customized orthotics
What People Hate
- They take a while to break in
- Some durability issues
- Squeak inside the shoe
- Uncomfortable in the arches for some
- Caused discomfort in the toe area for some
Recommended For
- Wide feet
- Most arch types
- Running
Not Recommended For
- Very high arches
- Sensitive feet
ProFoot Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis Insole
This 2-pack (2 pairs) of insoles for plantar fasciitis features a gel heel cup in each insert. They’re reasonably priced and represent good value for money.
Key Features
- Arch support designed to target the plantar fascia and heel pain
- Deep heel cup for stability and support
- Gel insert in heel protects feet and absorbs shock
What People Love
- Very versatile, can be worn in many different kinds of shoes
- Soft sole is comfortable
- Can be switched out easily and don’t leave any sticky residue
- Provided PF pain relief for many wearers
- Heel padding is very comfortable, especially for people with heel spurs
What People Hate
- Can take some time to break in and get used to
- Wore down quickly for some wearers
- Not full-length and therefore don’t provide full support/cushioning
- Arch support not enough for some wearers
Recommended For
- Running
- Shorter periods on feet
Not Recommended For
- People requiring more arch support
- All-day wear
Vionic Full Length Relief Orthotic Insole
This insole features an odor-eliminating topcloth and a deep heel cup, which might make it a good choice for athletic use. However, it is a bit on the pricier side.
Key Features
- Medium level of support
- Designed for wear in casual shoes and walking boots
- Medium-density EVA base for comfort and support
- Deep heel cup to help with heel positioning
- Can be trimmed to fit
- EcoFresh topcloth to eliminate odor and bacteria
What People Love
- Very comfortable and make a big difference from many PF sufferers
- Design helps with correcting gait and stride
- Slim supports fit into most kinds of shoes
- Lightweight without sacrificing cushioning and shock absorption
What People Hate
- Too wide for some people with narrower feet
- Not enough cushioning for some people
- Caused blisters and discomfort for some wearers
- Wore down too quickly for some people
- Some people were not impressed with the quality of the materials and said they felt cheap
Recommended For
- Low arches
- High arches
- Walkers
Not Recommended For
- Narrow feet
- Flat feet
SOUL Insole Micro-Size Premium Orthotic Insole
These orthotic inserts with gel padding are available in small, medium, or large sizes. They might be a good pick if you’re looking for something to wear with sandals or dressier shoes.
Key Features
- Designed to reduce pressure on feet by redistributing weight
- Designed to prevent overpronation
- Hand-washable and reusable
- Medical-grade gel with antibacterial and odor-fighting properties
What People Love
- Great support for all-day wear
- Can be easily moved from one pair of shoes to another
- Odor reduction works really well
- Sticky back means they stay in place well for most users
What People Hate
- The sticky back can collect dirt
- Sticky back wore out after a few washes for some wearers
- Uncomfortable and caused pinching for some
- Arch support too high for some
- Can take a while to get the position just right
Recommended For
- Flat feet
- Use in sandals
Not Recommended For
- High arches
- Athletic use
Powerstep Pinnacle Shoe Insoles
These are an extremely popular choice among plantar fasciitis sufferers. Many people found that they provided good cushioning and stability.
Key Features
- EVA foam with a plush top layer for durability and enhanced comfort
- Rigid arch support for stability and motion control
- Deep heel cradle for support
- Antimicrobial material to keep feet hygienic and cool
- Insole designed to support low, neutral, and high arches
What People Love
- Provided PF pain relief for many wearers
- Comfortable cushioning for all-day wear
- Supportive for ankle stability
- Easy to swap them in and out of different pairs of shoes
What People Hate
- Some quality issues with the insoles falling apart very quickly
- Caused toe blisters and discomfort for some wearers
- Fabric didn’t rid of odors, stunk after a while
- Bulky and don’t always fit well into non-athletic shoes
- Not enough cushioning for many wearers
Recommended For
- High arches
- Flat feet
Not Recommended For
- Sensitive Feet
- People with odor issues
Nazaroo Orthotic Insoles for Flat Feet
These insoles are on the lower end of the price range. They feature antimicrobial materials and are available in three colors.
Key Features
- Arch support designed to minimize pressure placed on the foot
- Deep heel cradle for added stability
- Latex cushioning for shock absorption
- Antimicrobial composite materials to keep feet cool and dry
- Can fit in most footwear
What People Love
- Comfortable with good cushioning
- Keep feet nice and cool and don’t cause sweating
- Firm support means good heel positioning
- Fit well into shoes with minimal/no slipping
- Good quality with durable materials
What People Hate
- Can be uncomfortable because the cushioning is too firm
- Didn’t always fit into smaller/narrower women’s shoes, maybe not the best choice for smaller women’s feet
- Color leaked onto some people’s socks
- A bit bulky for some people
- Sizing a bit tricky to get right
Recommended For
- Athletic use
- Fallen arches/flat feet
Not Recommended For
- Smaller feet
- People wanting a springier step/feel
Dr. Scholl’s Pain Relief Orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis
These Dr. Scholl’s inserts are very reasonably priced and might be a good choice for moderate cases of plantar fasciitis.
Key Features
- Specifically designed to address plantar fasciitis pain
- Shock Guard Technology for pain relief
- Reinforced arch and heel cushion for shock absorption
- Can be trimmed to fit shoes
What People Love
- Option to trim is convenient and can be cut to fit shoes perfectly
- Lightweight with springy cushioning
- A comfortable amount of heel cushioning
- Alleviated heel pain for many wearers
What People Hate
- Sizing runs a bit small
- Too flimsy for some
- Durability issues with the top fabric peeling off quickly
- Not enough support for flat feet or fallen arches
- Didn’t always align properly
- Heel pad not soft enough for some people
Recommended For
- Lighter cases of PF
- Casual walking
Not Recommended For
- More serious cases of PF
- All-day wear/long walks or runs
- Flat feet/fallen arches
Footminders COMFORT Orthotic Arch Support Insoles for Sports Shoes and Work Boots
These arch support inserts are in the middle of the price range and might be a good choice for workwear or exercising. They come in a variety of men’s and women’s shoe sizes.
Key Features
- Designed to provide pain relief
- Firm arch support
- Designed to be worn in lace-up athletic shoes and work boots
- Deep heel cups for additional stability through the ankle
What People Love
- Many people found that they were long-lasting and durable
- Firm support good for PF
- Reduced pain for many wearers
- Design helps correct overpronation
- Great arch support
What People Hate
- Insole not thick enough for some heavier people
- Arch support is high, but the insole lacks cushioning in the rest of the foot
- Wore down too quickly for some wearers
- Pad is too wide for many women’s shoes
- Too stiff and uncomfortable for some wearers
Recommended For
- Wide feet
- Flat feet
Not Recommended For
- Narrow feet
- Heavier people
- People wanting more cushioning in the heel
Choosing Plantar Fasciitis Inserts
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common problems my patients have. This painful condition occurs when the tissue along the bottom of the foot, known as the plantar fascia ligament, becomes torn and inflamed. If you’re here, you probably already know how painful this can be.
Orthotic inserts, or insoles, can be a great tool in the fight against PF pain. A good pair of plantar fasciitis insoles should provide cushioning and support your feet. Insoles are designed to help reduce pain. Some inserts can even help correct your gait, which also reduces pain over time.
Some people do need customized orthotic insoles. You can talk about this option with your doctor. However, many people can purchase a pair right off the shelf (or the internet!).
Why Wear Orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis?
Although buying a pair of supportive shoes is a very wise idea, you might find you still require extra support for plantar fasciitis relief.
There might also be times when your most comfortable shoes don’t cut it, and you need to wear a less supportive pair. For instance, maybe you need to wear a dressier but less supportive shoe for a fancy occasion or an important meeting. This is where insoles come in.
How To Choose The Best Plantar Fasciitis Insoles For Your Feet
A good pair of insoles should provide cushioning, arch support, and heel support. They should fit properly in your shoe and be comfortable to walk around in.
Before you buy, consider these things:
Cushioning
A good insole might take a while to break in, but ultimately it should feel very comfortable. Good cushioning will not only keep your foot comfortable, but it will also aid stability and alignment.
Arch Support
This is important for comfort and pain reduction. Make sure to consider your specific needs. Some insoles work better for people with low or fallen arches, while others work better for high arches. Either way, the arch support should completely cradle your arch to take the pressure off your heel.
Heel Support
A deep heel cup will help with shock absorption. It will also help with stability and alignment.
Material
If you want to use the insoles for athletic wear, look for breathable, antimicrobial material. If your PF pain is severe, you might want to look for an insole that features a gel cushion. This will add extra spring to your step and reduce heel pain.
Popular Shoe Insert Brands
- Superfeet
- ProFoot
- Vionic
- SOUL
- Powerstep
- Nazaroo
- Dr. Scholl’s
- Footminders
Common Questions About Insoles
And those are my top picks for orthotic insoles for plantar fasciitis.
If you’re still trying to make up your mind, I’d recommend the Superfeet GREEN Full Length Insole. They are a little expensive, but they tick all the boxes: good arch support, a deep heel cup, and odor-eliminating materials.
If you need something a little more subtle to wear with sandals or dress shoes, I recommend the SOUL Micro-Size Insole. It provides discrete arch support and has antimicrobial properties to keep your feet fresh.
If you’re looking for something to wear in work boots, the Footminders COMFORT insoles might be a good choice. These are designed specifically for workwear and athletic shoes, and they feature really nice arch support.
If you have severe pain, consider contacting your primary care Physician or Podiatrist – they might recommend custom orthotics. I do suggest that you try exercising and over-the-counter insoles before taking the custom orthidic route.
The right type of shoe can also go a long way.
I hope this list has helped you decide which insoles are right for you!
