Shoe insoles are known to alter the inside of the foot to provide much-needed arch support to your feet. Some people were born with flat feet, while others have arches that have been falling over time. Since both can suffer from flat feet problems, one of the best ways to relieve such problems is using the best insoles for flat feet to provide arch support.
However, getting the right insoles can be a challenge for people with flat feet because there are several things you need to consider. Do you want to make your flat foot comfortable, or do you have plantar fasciitis or any other related foot pain? Also, are you an athlete looking for ways to improve your performance?
To answer the above questions and make the decision-making process easier for you, we've made a list of the five best insoles for flat feet that will give your arches much-needed support. Furthermore, we have a list of things you should consider before buying an insole for flat feet.
5 Best Insoles For Flat Feet
1. PowerStep Pinnacle, Signature Arch, Supportive Insoles
- Designed for Daily Comfort, Stability & Pain Relief - We designed our...
- Podiatrist-Recommended Orthotic Insoles - Pinnacle arch support...
- Clinically Proven - These plantar fasciitis inserts feature a...
- Fits Most Shoes Without the Need to Trim - These arch support inserts...
- Proudly Made in the USA - The majority of our shoe insoles are...
The PowerStep Pinnacle, designed by a podiatrist, is a synthetic insole commonly found in the USA. Most of the time, patients who experience foot pain are referred to get these ones by their medical professionals. These insoles feature a unique design on the heels with a mildly angled platform to provide support.
To improve the comfort ad stability of the shoes, it has a cushioning made from an EVA material. It also has a top layer with anti-microbial to minimize the heat and friction as well as to make it firmer. This top layer will ensure your feet will remain dry and comfortable as possible.
The PowerStep Pinnacle is also one of the insoles that anyone can use in different shoe types without the need for any adjustments. It is best known for helping people with plantar fasciitis, overpronation, heel pain, and arch pain. It is made with durable materials that are designed to last for a long time.
2. Dr. Scholl’s Running Insoles
- Helps relieve and prevent pain from common sports injuries: runner's...
- Keeps you on your feet longer
- Supportive cushioning reduces shock and reinforced arch support...
- Unique 3 zone heel-to-toe design reduces shock & keeps you on your...
- Polygiene StayFresh technology neutralizes odors and keep insoles...
While many orthotic insoles for running are only focused on comfort, Dr. Scholl’s Running Insole has focused its designs on medically recommended orthotic support. It features triple zone protection to help reduce shock and the impact from footfalls during your run.
Moreover, it helps in reducing the wear and tear on your legs, protecting your knee, ankle, foot, hip joints, and lower back from injuries.
These soles have an arch design that improves the transition of weight and pressure across your run and walk cycles. This offers a high level of cushioning and support for plantar fasciitis, among other foot problems. Their main aim is to prevent the stress injuries that runners often experience.
Dr. Scholl’s Running Insole offers SwearMax technology to ensure odor prevention and also fit most running shoes. In terms of value for money, these insoles for flat feet are very cost-effective and come with a money-back guarantee.
3. Sof Sole Airr Orthotic Support Full-Length Insole
- Athletic orthotic insoles for low arches and flat feet; ideal for...
- Reinforced nylon arch support plate enhances motion control and...
- SKYDEX air bubbles in the heel and arch of the insert absorb shock...
- COOLMAX fabric top cover wicks away moisture to keep feet cool and dry
- Available in four sizes to fit men's athletic shoes: Men's 7-8.5,...
The Soft Sole makes various orthotics insoles for athletic and casual use to improve the walking form and offer support. The Airr Orthotic Support Full-Length Insole is a great option for sports or everyday activities because of its athletic focus and unique construction.
It features a nylon arch plate that supports flat feet and improves every step you take. The SKYDEX material in the arch and heel provides added cushion to relieve foot pain and doesn't add weight to this lightweight insole. The heel has a gel pad for additional cushion, and the ball in the foot also has extra soft material.
The top layer of the insole is made of a COOLMAX material, moisture-wicking material, and treated to prevent odor and bacteria growth and odor. It is great for walking, running, cross-training, cycling, and jumping. This Sof Sole insole will help your flat feet survive in the wear and tear of running or jogging by supporting the arch and cushioning the impact.
4. Superfeet BLUE Professional-Grade Orthotic Shoe Inserts
- Trim to Fit: Superfeet insoles are made to be trimmed to fit your...
- Medium Arch Orthotic Support: Helps stabilize the foot, reducing...
- Premium Arch Support Insoles: Sculpted heel cup cradles the heel to...
- Superfeet Insoles for Odor Control: Moisturewick top cover helps...
- Formerly Known as Superfeet BLUE: All-Purpose Support Medium Arch...
If you're in search of comfortable, latex-free, and vegan-friendly insoles for flat feet, you should consider getting the Superfeet BLUE Professional-Grade Orthotic Shoe Inserts. They are durable and feature an antibacterial coating that helps eliminate any odor.
The Superfeet insoles are recommended for people who have a medium arch and require intermediate support. They are well designed with a deep heel cup and reinforced rails. They are also known to have foot pain relief benefits in the arches and heels associated with plantar fasciitis.
The shaping provides support to the foot and has a layer of high-density foam for shock absorption. The support and the high-level structure make them ideal in athletic shoes. It is designed to have one of the deepest and widest heel cups, so you're assured of no slippage, and you have more flat foot area covered.
5. Tread Labs Ramble Comfort Insoles for Men and Women
- FIRM, FLEXIBLE SUPPORT FEET NEED TO FEEL THEIR BEST. If you stand all...
- A SEMI-CUSTOM FIT. Your foot arches aren't generic. They're unique to...
- BETTER FOR THE PLANET AND YOUR WALLET. Hate having to buy a whole new...
- MILLION MILE GUARANTEE. Our 2-part insole system is designed for the...
- FRESH FEET WITH EVERY STEP. Ramble Insole Top Covers are resilient,...
The Tread Labs Ramble comfort insoles have done their best to put an end to sore and tired flat feet. It provides firm arch support to improve the biomechanics and the alignment of your flat feet. The deep heel cup stabilizes your heel and increases the absorption of shock.
It features a two-part system that allows them to replace the top part of the insole when they want to without the need to replace the entire insole. These soles come in full sizes which can easily fit any shoe, including boots, flat shoes, sneakers, etc., without trimming. Moreover, the top covers also come in different styles to match all your footwear.
You get a choice of four arch heights to choose from to ensure you get the perfect fit, whether the flat feet need a medium or low arch support. Podiatrists highly recommend the Tread Labs' ramble comfort insoles because of their outstanding comfort and medical-grade support. Some people also find them to be more comfortable than the custom orthotic inserts.
What to Consider Before Buying an Insole for Flat Feet
1. Arch Support
One of the main benefits of buying insoles is that they offer support to your feet, reducing the strain you feel while running, standing, or walking. While all soles are meant to give arch support, some of them do it better than others.
For some people with very flat feet with no arches at all, getting inserts might not be the best idea. Depending on the arches you have, some low and others fallen arches, choose one that works with the kind of arch you have.
You might find brands that produce insoles targeting people with low, medium, and high arches during your search. Ideally, insoles that are made from cork will provide better support, but they might not give you the experience you're hoping to get. Ensure you know the arch you have so as to find the best insoles to support them.
2. Width
The foot width is another crucial factor when finding the right insoles for a flat-foot customer. Nowadays, brands have come up with creative ways to solve this problem. One of the ways is to make very wide insoles that provide the customers with the option of cutting them down.
However, there are some instances where the measure is not enough, and cutting them down may result in a scrunched-up insole, which can be very uncomfortable. It would be best if you had the right measurements of your feet so that you can make an informed decision about the insoles you want.
3. Shock Absorption
With each step you take, you receive a level of impact, which can be very uncomfortable when it accumulates. This becomes more challenging, especially if you're an athlete or an active person that walks or runs very often.
It is recommended to get an insole that can handle the impact to reduce the stress exerted on your legs and build endurance. When it comes to shock absorption, an insole with gel cushioning in the forefoot tends to be the best because it will massage your feet and reduce the impact with every step you make.
4. Adjustability
It is crucial to note that the insoles you get will occupy the bottom of your feet for a long time. This means that these insoles should not only give you maximum comfort, but they should also fit well.
For this reason, the adjustability of the insoles is critical. If you can't get the exact measurements for your feet, you need to ensure that the insoles are customizable to fit your pair of shoes.
5. Use
The main functions of an insole are to provide arch support, reduce shocks, wick away moisture, and provide the comfort you need. It is crucial to identify what's the use of the insoles and the functions you want to achieve.
For example, if you're an employee who requires you to stand all day, then comfort should be what you're looking for. In this case, a gel-based insole provides the best comfort. For other activities like jogging, running, or walking, you might want to try other insoles that will handle shock absorption quite well.
6. Durability
Everyone wants to buy insoles that will last for a long time. Buying insoles that will only last for a couple of weeks before they're damaged can be really expensive in the long run. For this reason, getting a pair of insoles that are not only durable but can withstand regular use is crucial.
Check the foot inserts to ensure they are made of good quality materials. There common materials used in shoe inserts are leather, cork, gel, and foam. While all these materials are known to be durable, the quality of the material and construction vary depending on the brand. This is why it is important to buy from a brand you trust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Insoles For Flat Feet
1. Are insoles good for flat feet?
Definitely, the solution for flat feet is getting supportive insoles. Many people tend to find shoes that are specifically designed for flat feet. However, with the right insole for flat feet, you get the perfect support with any pair of shoes you wear.
2. Should you wear arch supports if you have flat feet?
Arch supports, also known as orthotic devices, will help relieve caused by flat feet. However, it is important to note that arch supports won't cure flat feet, but they will help reduce the symptoms caused by flat feet.
3. Can flat feet be corrected?
A flat foot can be defined as the absence of an arch in your foot. While some might have low while others have fallen arches, this condition can be found in both children and adults. You can correct it using shoe inserts, physical therapy, or surgery.