Just like buying the best shoes, buying the best inserts is not an easy task. The goal of this guide is to clear up any confusion around shoe inserts and to point you in the right direction so that you can be sure to buy the best shoe inserts your money can buy.
When searching for the best shoe inserts on the market, make sure you pick a reputable company. Know what type of inserts you want: biomechanical, gel, or orthotic. Try them out: take them for a test run before purchasing. Make sure the sizing is correct. Give them time to mold to your feet as the company claims.
We spend a lot of time on our feet every day. With the above tips in mind, you can rest assured that the next time you are in the market for shoe inserts, you will be able to make an educated and confident decision.
Name | Category | Product |
---|---|---|
BIRKENSTOCK Blue Footbed Casual | Best Overall | ![]() |
Envelop Gel Insoles | Budget Pick | ![]() |
Superfeet GREEN Insoles | Upgrade Pick | ![]() |
1. BIRKENSTOCK Blue Footbed Casual
Pros:
- Comfortable to wear
- The orthopedic sandals offer great arch support
- Available in many different styles
The iconic German company BIRKENSTOCK is one of the best orthopedic shoe companies in the world.
That is why many chiropractors, doctors and healthcare professionals recommend BIRKENSTOCK shoes to their patients.
These shoes are made to be comfy, supportive and to improve your health in general. You can wear these orthopedic sandals for a long time without any side effects.
2. Superfeet GREEN Insoles
Pros:
- Highly recommended by podiatrists and medical professionals
- Reduces the risk of injury
3. Sof Sole Insoles Men's ATHLETE Performance Full-Length Gel Shoe Insert.
4. Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Athletic Cushioning Arch Support Shoe Insoles
Pros:
- Very comfortable for the lifespan of the sole
- Arch support
- Great cushioning
These shoes are quite versatile, but they’re not as hardy as the Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Marine.
That’s because the Marine contains a bit more hard plastic, and a bit less soft cushioning.
If you’re looking for a shoe you can wear for countless hours a day fairly comfortably for a fairly long span of time, then these are a reasonable choice for you.
5. Dr. Scholl's WORK Massaging Gel Advanced Insoles
Pros:
- Great for long work days
- The gel massage does wonders for tired feet
Helping tired and achy feet is a passion for Dr. Scholl's and with shoe insoles like these, it becomes fairly obvious why. And if they're good enough for professional athletes and runners, they're good enough for you.
Dr. Scholl's inserts are not just ordinary insoles. They're comfortable, plush and seriously durable.
6. Timberland PRO Men's Anti-Fatigue Technology Replacement Insole
Pros:
- Affordable
- Does what it's intended to do; provides support throughout the day
- It has a sturdy outer sole
- Breathable
- Has replaceable foam
- Fits Timberland boots
- Available at a reasonable price
- Provides support
- Cushions feet
Very lightweight for an anti-fatigue insole, the Timberland PRO Insole has fewer backs and no layers of foam in contact with your feet, yet it manages well even when you wear it for a full day.
It does not sink at all nor does it cause discomfort on the very end of your foot.
It works to keep your feet from tiring. Studies show that standing on your feet for long hours can affect your body’s overall health, causing foot pain, leg pain, and even back aches.
7. ViveSole Orthotic Inserts
Heel Cup – Deep Heel Cushioning – Helps Relieve Shin Splints, Heel Pain – Night Splint, 1/2 Sizes, Men's and Women's – Made in the USA.
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, the ViveSole Orthotic Arch supports may be the solution to your comfort woes. They help to improve foot function by supporting it from heel to arch. This will improve your overall balance and posture and will help relieve heel pain and support your arch.
Engaging in regular exercise is not only good for your mental health but also for your physical health. However, suffering from heel, arch, or foot pain can make it incredibly difficult for you to push yourself to the limit and grow stronger. Plus, walking long distances or standing for long hours at work can make the pain worse.
8. Physix Gear Full Length Orthotic Inserts
Pros:
- Great for people with lower back pain
- People with knee and leg issues also say it helps
- Arch support system makes it more comfortable to stand
Physix Gear is the best heel pain relief inserts that are great for people who are on their feet all day long and suffer from lower back pain.
The main reason why people prefer these Physix Gear orthotic inserts over the rest is the quality of its arch support and heel support. These inserts give you the added structure to your shoes and excellent support to the heels as well as the midfoot and forefoot, which is extremely difficult to find in other products which may cause pain on the arches of high-arched feet.
These specialized insoles have been approved by chiropractors and Podiatrists as one of the most durable, ergonomically designed products the market, giving you the perfect balance to stay pain-free and comfortable all day long.
9. Samurai Insoles Instant Relief Orthotics
These Insoles from Samurai are pretty comfortable and very versatile. They are perfect for those with flat feet. They will reduce your foot pain and eliminate the usual aches associated with having flat feet. The insoles provide excellent shock absorption and comfort to your feet.
Samurai Insoles for Flat Feet provides instant relieve by reducing the weight of your body on your feet thus reducing the work your feet are put under. These insoles are made of EVA and are very durable.
The insole is lightweight and comes with an advanced moisture wicking technology thus keeping your feet dry and at their optimal temperature while wearing them. The insole also helps relieve the odors that are often present in the shoes due to sweat thus leaving behind a fresh scent. In fact, if you follow their instructions carefully then you will be able to get rid of foot odor after wearing a pair for just 3 months.
10. Envelop Gel Insoles
Hiking Boots, Casual Shoes, Sneakers, Dress Shoes.
11. DJMed Orthotic Shoe Insoles
Pros:
- These insoles are made out of quality materials and will last a long time
- Padding is sized to protect the heels of people with high and flat arches
- They are very cheap for a product that so many people spend big bucks on to relieve heel pain
- Most customers report being able to wear this insole in their regular shoe to relieve heel pain they were experiencing in just a few hours
- This product comes with a 30-day money back guarantee and a 1-year replacement warranty
12. New Balance Insoles 3030 Pressure Relief Insole-with Metatarsal Pad Shoe
Pros:
- Available in three sizes
- Available in four colors
- Made with a direct mold technique
The New Balance 3030 is a fantastic arch support. It gives you the extra support you need and is perfect for someone looking for relief from achy feet. This is a high-end model that works well with many shoe types and it is easy to remove the insoles as they are attached by small tabs. You get three sizes to choose from so you will have the right fit.
It’s a breathable design that wraps around your foot so you won’t have sweaty shoes and it is available in four colors: black, gray, brown, and blue.
It has a thin profile and is made with a direct mold technique which is a fancy way of saying it will last for ages and will be able to provide you with consistent support every time you take it for a ride.
13. Dycarfell Shoe Insole Orthotics
Pros:
- Highly recommended for people who have foot pains
- Blocks stiffness and swelling
- Increases blood flow
- 4 rows of great shock absorption
- Comfortable for long hours of use
Dycarfell has been a brand that provides the best in foot care and comfort for more than 80 years. Dycarfell only uses the most advanced technology available in order to keep your feet well ventilated and comfortable.
When you wear Dycarfell you don’t feel the foot pain that’s caused by long hours of standing, walking and running. The main purpose of this product is to support the arches, heels, and toes of your feet.
The Dycarfell insoles cover your entire feet with padding and cushioning, to match every step you take while you step on hard surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best insoles for standing all day?
Wearing well-made shoe inserts for prolonged periods of standing is one of the best ways to prevent foot, leg, and back pain. These shoe inserts are specially designed to provide good support and relief from the myriad aches and pains associated with standing all day.
How long should shoe inserts last?
The longer the inserts last, the better. Typically, the less expensive the inserts, the less they'll cost you in the long run. So although you'd like to buy the most expensive quality inserts, price is often an important consideration beyond comfort.
Some people have found that their inserts only last for a few months, but other people have been able to use the same pair for years. So it's hard to say how long they'll last for you or for most people.
What are the best insoles for work shoes?
The best insoles for work shoes help to reduce foot and leg pain, minimize foot swelling, and increase energy levels.
Looks for shock-absorbing insoles with advanced ergonomic support to minimize foot fatigue and foot injury. These insoles work well for both men and women and for all shoes, including dress, casual, sneakers, and work boots.
Whichever inserts you choose, it’s important to consider their cost because they wear out over time and are a finite investment. Before you buy, check them out in person, because they have different widths and thicknesses.
The height of the arch is also a very important factor. As a general rule, high arches do best with 3-4mm insoles, whereas people with low arches will perform better with 5mm insoles.
Do insoles help with big shoes?
Yes! In fact, I see that as one of their biggest benefits. Of course, they improve the fit of your existing shoes, but they also relieve foot pain by adding support and cushioning.
In addition to that, inserts for shoes are inexpensive, and you can use the exact size that fits your feet. Finally, inserts for shoes are useful because they have a broad range of price, material, and color options.
Conclusion
They enhance the health and wellness of an individual whether you are an active person or sit at a desk for hours. Yet they simply don’t get the attention they deserve. Thankfully we are here to help with some reviews of the top shoe inserts allowing you to lean back and relax (and not worry about aching feet) so you can get on with your day.
Our Recommendation
Name | Category | Product |
---|---|---|
BIRKENSTOCK Blue Footbed Casual | Best Overall | ![]() |
Envelop Gel Insoles | Budget Pick | ![]() |
Superfeet GREEN Insoles | Upgrade Pick | ![]() |