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Best Insoles For Plantar Fasciitis 2024

Best Insoles For Plantar Fasciitis 2024

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot issue that can affect anyone, from active runners to older adults. It occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot, called the plantar fascia, gets irritated or inflamed, usually from too much pressure or overuse. And while many forms of treatment exist, insoles made for plantar fasciitis can help relieve that pain by supporting your arch and cushioning your step.

I searched high and low to find the best insoles for plantar fasciitis, and the Tread Labs Pace Insoles stand out as my top pick for their extra-firm support. If you’re looking for a slightly less expensive pair, consider Dr. Scholl’s Pain Relief Insoles for only $30. And if you need a pair for a different reason, keep reading—I’ve identified eight insoles that reduce the stress on your foot and help prevent further strain.

Tread Labs Pace Insoles

Materials: Polypropylene, foam | Arch support: Low, medium, high, extra high | Heel cup: Deep

It’s nearly impossible to crown one insole as the “best overall” for plantar fasciitis because every pair of feet is unique, but if I had to pick, the Tread Labs Pace Insole would be my top recommendation. It features extra-firm support to absorb repetitive forces, and a deep heel cup secures the back of your foot in place, where plantar fasciitis pain often occurs. I also really appreciate the two-part design that includes a solid base and a soft top cover that’s replaceable. Because insoles have a habit of wearing out if you run or stand on your feet all day, the ability to swap out the soft foam is a welcome concept. What’s more, Tread Labs will send you a new pair of insoles if they ever fall apart, no questions asked.

Finally, I like the Pace because it comes in four different arch heights—low, medium, high and extra high—meaning you can invest in the right pair for your feet. Sure, the customizability makes the Pace a little more expensive (it’s the priciest option in this guide at $75), but in my opinion, the long-term comfort and lifetime warranty are worth it.


Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Insoles

Materials: Foam | Arch support: Low | Heel cup: Deep

Dr. Scholl’s has been around for over a century, becoming the go-to insole brand among doctors and drugstores alike. And while they still make some decent insoles, plenty of other brands that offer solid alternatives have caught up. For that reason, I consider the brand’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Insoles a great option if you’re new to insoles or want a budget-friendly pair that might help with plantar fasciitis. They feature Shock Guard technology to keep your heel locked in place, and supportive foam absorbs impact. Dr. Scholl’s also infuses the foam with odor control technology to keep unwanted funk at bay.

While I would like to see Dr. Scholl’s match Tread Labs’ lifetime warranty, they do offer a 90-day money-back guarantee, so you’ve got plenty of time to decide if these are right for you.


PowerStep Pinnacle Low Insoles

Materials: Polyester, plastic, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) | Arch support: Low | Heel cup: Deep

I’ve heard a lot about PowerStep insoles over the years, and the Pinnacle Low Insoles are a go-to for anyone with plantar fasciitis who needs a bit of arch support. What I love about them is the way the heel cup fits snugly, giving you that perfect balance of cushioning and support right where the pain usually hits. The low arch is great too—it supports your midfoot but has enough flexibility to move naturally with your step. Granted, they’re not the thickest insoles out there, but that’s what makes them super versatile. They slip easily into your sneakers, dress shoes and pretty much anything else.

One thing you should keep in mind is the low arch support that’s better for small arches or flat feet. If you have high arches, consider the Pinnacle High Insoles that feature a more pronounced arch shape to cradle your foot and reduce supination.


Materials: Polypropylene, foam | Arch support: High | Heel cup: Deep

As a runner with flat feet, I’ve spent a lot of time chatting with shoe experts and physical therapists about proper footwear and the steps we flat-footed folk should take to reduce injury. The consensus? Arch-strengthening exercises are incredibly important, but insoles that prevent your foot from rolling inward can help too. For that reason, I’m a big fan of Redi-Thotics’ Flex Orthotic Insoles that offer minimal arch support and lots of cushioning to keep your foot in place. The top cover fabric also delivers a cooling effect to prevent your feet from getting hot and blisters from forming.

Again, this isn’t to say insoles will magically resolve plantar fasciitis if you have flat feet. The relationship between your feet, knees, hips, back and core is incredibly complex, and it only takes one misaligned region of your body to throw everything else out of whack. But if you adopt arch-strengthening exercises and need a little support for runs or hours on your feet, these are worth picking up.


SOLE Active Medium Insoles

Materials: Recycled EVA foam | Arch support: High | Heel cup: Deep

For those in need of support about the heel, where pain from plantar fasciitis often occurs, I recommend SOLE’s Active Medium Insoles. They feature a deep cup around the back to cradle and support your heel, thus preventing lateral movement, and padding under the heel absorbs impact. From there, additional padding around the ball of your foot relieves pressure by naturally aligning your toes, and the entire design is made with durable EVA foam. If the medium foam isn’t quite right, consider the thin or thick foam options that accommodate different footwear.


Materials: Polyester, polysorb polyurethane foam | Arch support: None | Heel cup: Deep

The Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Insoles can instantly make running and walking shoes feel way more comfortable. With cushioned support in the forefoot and heel, they help ease the shin and knee pain you might get from plantar fasciitis after long runs. Plus, they even help relieve that lower back soreness you can get from being on your feet all day. These insoles are designed to prevent injuries from high-impact sports like running, tennis, basketball and weightlifting, and they slide easily into most athletic shoes and are made from a soft polyester that holds up well over time. As with most insoles, the support, durability and fit will vary from person to person, so give them a try to see if they’re right for you.


Currex RunPro Insoles

Materials: Foam | Arch support: Low | Heel cup: Deep

Runners in need of additional support during long-distance efforts, tempo runs and everything in between can benefit from the Currex RunPro Insoles. They feature a deep heel to lock your foot in place, responsive cushioning to propel you forward and a breathable top layer to keep your feet cool as the run heats up. Ultimately, they check all the boxes runners are looking to check, and they don’t cost an arm and a leg like running shoes do nowadays. Like running shoes, Currex recommends replacing these insoles after 500 miles or a year of use, whichever comes first.


Superfeet All-Purpose Memory Foam Insoles

Materials: Memory foam | Arch support: Low | Heel cup: Deep

Insoles are designed to keep your feet comfortable, whether you’re wearing them to reduce the symptoms of plantar fasciitis or support your arches, but some models are better suited for all-day wear than others. For example, the Superfeet All-Purpose Memory Foam Insoles feature pressure-sensitive memory foam that shapes to your foot, and it adds stabilizing features to lock everything in place. As useful as the deep heel and low arch support are, the memory foam is the star of the show here—it relieves pressure and makes it easier to stand on your feet all day, whether you’re standing in place or moving about.


Why Trust Forbes Vetted

At Forbes Vetted, we’ve published many expertly researched gear articles that cover a range of health and wellness topics. These include dozens of fitness roundups for those who exercise regularly, and those who simply wish to improve their well-being.

  • All picks were approved by Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta, who has been covering outdoors and wellness topics for years and holds a degree in kinesiology from the University of Massachusetts.
  • We refresh this list regularly to ensure you’re up-to-date on insole availability and sales. This article was written and published in September 2024 by Vigliotta.

How We Chose The Best Insoles For Plantar Fasciitis

To identify and recommend the best insoles for plantar fasciitis, we relied on our own expertise, consulted others who use insoles and read customer reviews from those who bought insoles with their own money.

  • We gathered together a list of more than 15 insoles from a variety of brands, and then analyzed their features, taking into consideration durability, arch support, heel cup depth and pain points in the lower body. That list of 15 was then cut to a total of eight, all featured in this guide.
  • We read through countless consumer reviews, determining which insoles offer minimal relief from plantar fasciitis, and which are truly capable when it comes to supporting your feet.
  • We tapped internal sources to find out what features our editors look for in insoles, as well as which insoles they find most comfortable and helpful.
  • This final list reflects the insoles that reviewers, as well as our internal sources, consider to be the best on the market.

What To Consider When Shopping For Insoles For Plantar Fasciitis

Arch Support

The right arch support is key. Whether you’ve got low, neutral or high arches, you want insoles that help evenly spread out the pressure across your foot. That way, you’re not putting extra strain on your plantar fascia. Look for insoles that specifically target plantar fasciitis and offer solid, structured support.

Cushioning

Insoles with good cushioning, especially in the heel and under the ball of your foot, can really help reduce the impact of each step. Materials like memory foam or gel do a great job of absorbing shock and easing the pressure off your feet.

Heel Cup Design

A deep heel cup adds stability by holding your heel in place and keeping it aligned. This helps reduce stress on the plantar fascia, making it less likely you’ll aggravate the pain. It’s all about giving your heel the right kind of support to move comfortably.

Sustainability

You want insoles that last, especially if you’re on your feet a lot. Look for ones made from durable materials, like high-quality foam or gel, that won’t wear out quickly so you can rely on them to keep your feet feeling good for the long haul.

Fit and Compatibility

Insoles need to fit comfortably in your shoes without feeling too snug. Whether you’re wearing sneakers, work boots or dress shoes, make sure the insoles match your shoe size and style so they feel like a natural fit.