Now that the weather is warming up, it means more time spent outside. Whether you enjoy taking long walks, playing pickleball or going on runs, regardless of the shoes you plan on wearing, they should benefit the overall health of your feet.
If you struggle with foot pain, now might be a good time to think of ways you can take care of your feet — like investing in a quality pair of shoe inserts.
But which one is the right insert for your feet — and do you need them? We spoke to podiatrists about how to choose inserts and who would benefit the most from having them.
What are the benefits of shoe insoles? | Who needs shoe insoles? | TODAY Wellness Award-winning insole | Podiatrist-recommended insoles | Athlete-recommended insoles | How we chose | Meet the experts
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Best shoe insoles
When it comes to shoe insoles, there are, no doubt, many benefits for your feet. “Having the proper foot and ankle support in your shoes will help to reduce pain, support proper foot alignment and keep you comfortable,” Jacqueline M. Sutera, DPM, tells Shop TODAY. “Inserts help to reduce excessive pronation, which is a contributing factor to flat feet,” she adds.
"Insoles are absolutely everything for the stability and structure of our feet," says Dr. Brad Schaeffer, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon atCentral Park SOLE."Our feet are our bodies natural shock absorbers and stabilizers, so it is very important to get a good shoe/sandal and especially insole," he continues.
"If you have the appropriate insole, you will feel supported and also feel comfortable throughout your activity and day," Schaeffer suggests.
Who needs shoe insoles?"I think typically, if somebody is doing totally fine in their regular shoe, I don't think you have to get an orthotic or an insert, whether it is custom or over the counter," orthopedic surgeon Dr. Bonnie Chien says. "I think it's mainly for comfort, like accommodation of somebody's foot or sort of functional support."
For those who do need shoe inserts, we asked podiatrists for their top recommendations so you can treat your feet with care. Read on to see their top picks, as well as Shop TODAY's own recommendations based on our research, bestsellers and customer reviews.
Start TODAY x Shop TODAY Wellness Awards 2023: Best shoe insoleVionic Active Insole
Women's Active Insole
$
45.00
What we like
- Great arch support
Something to note
- No padding on the toes
Size: XS-L | Good for: Arch support | Materials: EVA orthotic with re-enforced, hardened plastic (PE)
“Vionic insoles are very well constructed, durable and provide good comfort with orthotic support,” says Dr. Carl Giordano, co-founder and chief science officer of Rebesana, of these insoles that earned Best Overall in the Insole category during the inaugural Start TODAY x Shop TODAY Wellness Awards.
Production associate Jill Ortiz slipped these into a pair of sneakers that “desperately” needed them, noting that she wore them on a regular basis while commuting to work and on the weekends.
Made with an EVA plastic shell on the outsole for stability and a cushioned sock on the upper for comfort, these insoles fit right in her shoe, integrating comfort into her everyday routine. Best of all, this pair has been granted the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance.
The best shoe insoles, according to podiatristsSpenco Polysorb Cross Trainer
What we like
- Good with Brooks running shoes
Something to note
- Foam can disintegrate
Size: 5-12 | Good for: Plantar fasciitis | Material: PolySorb PU foam
Dr. Tracey Vlahovic, clinical professor of podiatry at Temple University in Philadelphia, recommends these insoles from Spenco, especially for those with generalized foot pain or conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
“I recommend the full-length version and always remind patients to wear them in both shoes — sometimes people think you should only wear them on the foot that is painful — and to remove the sock liners in the sneakers prior to placing the insoles in the shoes.”
Walk Hero Comfort and Support Insoles
What we like
- Sturdy arch support
Something to note
- Heel area is high
Size: Men 4-16 and Women 6-14 | Good for: Plantar fasciitis | Material: Ethylene vinyl acetate
The current No. 1 bestselling shoe insert on Amazon, this insole is made with three layers of foam and cushioned material to keep feet cool and comfortable. They're suitable for a wide range of activities and shoppers have awarded them over 41,600 verified five-star ratings. What's more, two podiatrists vouch for this affordable pick, as well.
"They look to be durable and have a good combination of support and cushion," Sutera tells us, adding that the insert's deep heel cup is good for those dealing with heel pain, overpronation or plantar fasciitis.
Stephen Pribut, an assistant clinical professor of surgery at George Washington University School of Medicine, echoes, "They look like a good combination of structure [and] shape and are soft enough to be comfortable."
Spenco Rx Orthotic Insole
Size: Men 6-15.5 and Women 7-12.5 | Good for: Arch support | Material: 100% nylon
Whether you enjoy running or leisurely walks, comfort is key when it comes to your feet. Sutera recommends these insoles from Spenco for enhanced arch support.
“Choose an insert that is durable, thin and supportive,” Sutera explains. “Take the original flat insole out of the sneaker that it came with and replace it with one with more arch support,” he adds.
Superfeet Green Insoles
What we like
- Great for low arches
Something to note
- Doesn't fit in all shoes
Size: 5.5-13 | Good for: Shock absorption | Material: Closed-cell foam
Sutera also likes this popular option from Superfeet, which makes several kinds of insoles for different sports and athletic needs.
The green inserts are made with a high-density foam that can be trimmed to fit into your shoes. With a stabilizer cap, a deep heel cup and the signature Superfeet shape, they help with natural shock absorption and offer comfort, according to the brand.
Redi-Thotics Flex Orthotic Insoles
What we like
- Hold arches in place
Something to note
- Run a bit large
Size: Men 5-15 and Women 6-14 | Good for: Arch support | Material: N/A
Sutera recommends insoles from Redi-Thotics for foot pain. They're made with a foam base, a plush top layer and extra cushion for comfort and stabilization, the brand says.
"If you have a flatter arch type foot, increased arch support can help to reduce the likelihood of plants fasciitis and offer pain relief," Sutera says. She adds, "Sometimes, however, custom-made orthotics may be necessary, which can be made by your podiatrist."
Athlete-loved shoe insolesX-MUSCLE All-Round Shock Absorption Sport Insoles
What we like
- Very comfortable
- Easy to walk in
Something to note
Nothing to note at this time
Size: Sports or walk | Good for: Muscle fatigue | Material: Ethylene vinyl acetate
"I like these insoles because when playing softball, we wear metal spikes for hours," says University of Pittsburgh athlete Kendall Brown. "The insoles give my feet lasting comfortability to play throughout the day," she says.
These sports insoles feature all-around shock absorption and are designed to strengthen the muscles, according to the brand.
Move Game Day Performance Insoles
What we like
- Very comfortable
- Works well for flat feet
- Provides added support
Something to note
- Expensive
Size: Men 4-17.5 and Women 5-19 | Good for: Foot pain | Material: Foam
"These insoles are something that I would recommend to my basketball players or for anyone that is having any form of discomfort with their “flat” feet," says Nwana Okafor, men's basketball coach and motivational speaker. "If you have an active lifestyle, this insole would provide that additional support to be successful on and off the court," he says.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are two types of inserts: those that you can purchase over the counter or at the store, and those that you need a custom consultation for, says Chien. But if you don't want to break your bank with a custom insert, you can also opt for a store-bought insole.
When recommending sneaker inserts, our experts mentioned durability, comfort and cushion as the main pillars of what makes a good insert. In addition, ones that will last a long time, hold their shape and structure after miles of use and provide ample amounts of support are also key features to keep an eye out for.
"Shoe inserts come in many different styles and materials," Sutera comments. "The type that is best varies from one person to another, and really does depend on the shoe and activity as well."
Chien gets a little bit more specific, by adding that "I see foot arch, for example, like a spectrum, like hair — like curly hair and straight hair. So, some people have really curly hair, and it may be that sometimes they have to take care of their hair a little bit more," Chien says, noting that it's a parallel scenario when it comes to flat feet. "Some people have really flat arches, and that can sometimes be more of an issue that they have to focus on."
"You want to look for materials that are semi-resistant, materials that actually provide support," New York-based podiatrist Ernest L. Isaacson , DPM PC, says, adding, "You want something that actually contours the arch and resists bending."
Isaacson suggests that people with a higher arch use a less rigid type of insert. They should also look for an insert that will contour the arch and essentially bring the ground up. On the other hand, those with flat feet might want an insole with a bit more structure, the podiatrist explains.
But in general, Sutera recommends materials that are semi-rigid or semi-flexible, "like graphite with a cushioned top cover made from Poron or EVA are durable, comfortable and give the most support without so much bulk."
"The best materials include polypropylene as a base, because it gives a good mix of stability but is not too rigid like carbon fiber can be," says Schaeffer. "I also like the top coat being spenco, or something that gives a little cushion to go along with the support and stability of the polypropylene," he says.
We selected the best insoles based on experts' advice and recommendations. Also, we added award-winning options and shoppers' favorites based on the best materials advised by professionals.
Meet the experts- Jacqueline M. Sutera, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist at City Podiatry in New York City specializing in women’s foot care. She previously spoke to Shop TODAY on whether Hokas are good for your feet.
- Dr. Bonnie Chien is an orthopedic surgeon at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center specializing in foot and ankle conditions. She previously spoke to Shop TODAY on how to shop for high-quality shoes if you're a nurse.
- Ernest L. Isaacson, DPM PC, is a New York-based podiatrist and and a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons. He previously shop to Shop TODAY on features that go into high-quality socks.
- Stephen Pribut is an assistant clinical professor of surgery at George Washington University School of Medicine.
- Dr. Tracey Vlahovic is clinical professor of podiatry at Temple University in Philadelphia.
- Dr. Carl Giordano is the co-founder and chief science officer of Rebesana. He's also double board-certified in spine surgery and orthopedics.
- Dr. Brad Schaeffer is a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon at Central Park SOLEand star of TLC’s “My Feet Are Killing Me.”
- Kendall Brown plays softball for the University of Pittsburgh.
- Nwana Okafor is a K-12 school counselor, basketball coach, author, and speaker. He is the founder and CEO of NCO Encourage Services LLC.
Jillian Ortiz
Jillian Ortiz is the Editorial Operations Manager at Shop TODAY.
Sierra Hoeger
and
Allie Wise
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