Best Insoles of 2023, According to Footwear Experts
The extra support and pain relief your feet have been dreaming of.
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Even the most comfortable shoes can benefit from a pair of insoles to provide your feet with extra support. While they're not a requirement for everyone, “some people with heel or forefoot symptoms may want to try a padded insole for shock absorption, heel cushioning or offloading the forefoot,” says Jensen Henry, M.D., Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Not only will over-the-counter insoles cost you much less than custom ones, but there are tons of choices to choose from. Below we narrow down some of the best insoles on the market for all foot types and symptoms.
Our top picks
The footwear experts and product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab test all sorts of orthotics and gear for your feet, from walking shoes for women to recovery shoes, knee braces and more. To choose the best insoles we relied on decades of Lab expertise. In our most recent evaluation, we tested more than 15 pairs of insoles, assessing each pair for its materials, construction, arch support, feel and more. Additionally, we gathered shopping tips on how to find the best insoles for your feet from two orthopedic surgeons and considered feedback from our at-home testers.
After checking out our top picks, continue scrolling to learn more about whether you need insoles and what to look for when choosing the right ones for you, with helpful tips from Jensen Henry, M.D. as well as Amiethab A Aiyer, M.D., Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon at Johns Hopkins.
Superfeet All-Purpose Support
Pros
- Earned a GH Fitness Award
- Trimmable for a custom fit
- May help relieve pain
Cons
- May feel too thick in smaller shoes
If you're on the fence about custom orthotics, consider this 2023 Good Housekeeping Fitness Award-winning brand that’s frequently recommended by podiatrists as an alternative. Though these insoles are specifically designed to support high arches, testers with low arches found them extremely comfortable too. Our pros like that the insoles support the entire foot and that they’re trimmable so you can get a nearly perfect fit for your shoes.
“They feel very versatile and completely change the fit and feel of my shoes,” says Grace Wu, Textiles Lab product analyst for the Good Housekeeping Institute. “Compared to the rest, these insoles notably help take the pressure off your joints.” Online reviewers claim they’ve helped provide relief for common issues like foot pain, knee pain and more. Just keep in mind that they’re on the thicker side, so ensure your shoes are roomy enough.
| Sizes | 4.5-14 (women); 2.5-17 (men) |
| Arch support | High |
Walk Hero Plantar Fasciitis Orthotic Insoles
Pros
- Can be used everyday
- Affordable
- Great arch support
Cons
- Must be replaced every six months
Unlike the product name suggests, these insoles aren’t just for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis; they’re also a great choice for those with flat feet or high arches who require arch support and cushioning. Our footwear experts love that they’re affordable and suitable for a wide variety of everyday activities, from standing all day to walking to working out, hiking and more. An Amazon best-seller, these insoles have more than 60,000 reviews and an average 4.3-star rating. Online reviewers claim they have excellent arch support and are comfortable to wear, just keep in mind that it's recommended you replace them every six months.
| Sizes | 6-14 (women); 4-16 (men) |
| Arch support | Medium |
Dr. Scholl's Performance Sized to Fit Running Insoles
Pros
- Suitable for exercising
- Comfortable and supportive
- Two-time GH Fitness Awards winner
Cons
- May squeak
High-impact activities like running can have a huge strain on your feet and joints, which is why supportive shoes are critical. Our footwear experts love this two-time winner of a GH Fitness Award that will help your shoes absorb shock. Dr. Scholl's Running Insoles received rave reviews from testers for their extreme comfort and bounce thanks in part to the gel construction. “These provide arch support with a responsive feel that makes them great for all kinds of exercise,” says Wu. “They're ideal for running but also walking or other workouts (aside from lifting). In our test, runners with medium to high arches gave them high scores across the board for their comfort and notable support.” Some testers did mention, however, that the insoles may squeak once inserted.
| Sizes | 5.5-13.5 (women); 4.5-13.5 (men) |
| Arch support | Medium |
Pros
- Slim design
- Ideal for hiking and walking
- Provides stability
Cons
- Firmer feel that is not as responsive
Pop these insoles into your hiking boots for some added support and comfort as you explore the great outdoors. Oboz hiking boots have performed well in our previous Lab tests, and these insoles from the brand will pair with them nicely by providing medium arch support and a deep heel cup for extra cushioning. “This pair offers firm support for more stability,” says Wu, which can be especially helpful on uneven terrains. Though they’re not quite as responsive as other insoles, they held Wu's feet perfectly in place while walking, she said. Other testers who took them on hikes found them both comfortable and supportive, even after extended use.
| Sizes | 5.5-12.5 (women); 7-14 (men) |
| Arch support | Medium |
Timberland PRO Anti-Fatigue Technology Insoles
Pros
- Easy to insert
- Provides cushioning and support
Cons
- Doesn't provide as much arch support
On your feet all day long? These insoles from Timberland have nearly 20,000 reviews on Amazon and an average 4.4-star rating. They're constructed specifically for boots and sport the brand's "anti-fatigue technology" that Timberland claims to provide support and shock absorption. Though the online description says they're for men, these insoles are actually unisex and can be used in women's boots as well. "I stand for 10+ hrs on concrete and these inserts made the difference," one online reviewer shares. Several consumers note, however, that these don't provide much arch support and are a better choice for those primarily seeking extra cushioning.
| Sizes | 5-12 (women); 6-15 (men) |
| Arch support | Low |
Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Insole
Pros
- Great value
- Suitable for a variety of activities
Cons
- Sizing can be confusing, according to online reviewers
This popular pick on Amazon is great for a variety of activities: walking, running, working out and more. It's a sound investment (that won't break the bank) for anyone with high arches and in need of extra support throughout the day. "They elevate a good shoe into a better fitting and more comfortable pair," says one online reviewer. Several other users claim that they've helped alleviate pain from common issues like plantar fasciitis. Some do warn that the sizing and fit can be confusing, so make sure to double-check before purchasing.
| Sizes | 5-14.5 (women); 4-15.5 (men) |
| Arch Type | Medium |
Dr. Scholl's Ball of Foot Cushions for High Heels
Pros
- Easy to insert
- Affordable
- Helps prevent foot from sliding
Cons
- May be too thick for some heels
High heels tend to be some of the least comfortable shoes out there, but you can help relieve pressure on the ball of your foot with these slim insoles from Dr. Scholl’s. Our footwear experts love how easy they are to insert into shoes simply by removing their adhesive backing and placing them on the hotspot. The super soft gel should provide some extra cushioning and help prevent your foot from sliding too far forward as you dance the night away. Some online reviewers do wish that these insoles were thinner, though others love how cushy they feel.
| Sizes | One size |
| Arch support | None |
Pros
- Suitable for a variety of arch types
- Cork base is designed to mold to your feet
- Durable
Cons
- A bit pricey
These insoles from Fulton were designed to absorb shock as you work out as well as provide arch support, whether you have flat feet or high arches. They’re available in a wide range of sizes and you can choose whether you prefer a standard or wide fit, depending on your sneakers. Because they’re made from a cork base, the brand recommends spending 10 hours acclimating to the insoles initially so they properly mold to your feet. Testers liked that the insoles provided adequate support and durability. “The insoles have enough integrity to remain supportive, and I think the insoles will last the lifetime of my usual running shoes,” one tester shares.
| Sizes | 5-14 (women); 8-14 (men) |
| Arch support | Medium |
How we test the best insoles
The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab have been testing footwear and orthotics for decades. To test insoles, we evaluate each pair for key specs like materials, construction, feel and design. We send our consumer testers home with insoles to use in their own shoes. They share feedback on overall comfort, arch support and fit. We also interview orthopedists and podiatrists who share expertise on insoles and useful buying tips. Our selections above are based on our years of Lab expertise as well as testing notes for insoles we've gotten hands-on with.
What to consider when shopping for insoles
✔️ Size: Over-the-counter brands offer multiple sizes of insoles that, according to Dr. Henry, should fit according to your shoe size. "Usually, a supportive sneaker or a shoe with extra depth will accommodate insoles," she explains. Another expert tip: Don't forget to remove the premade insert that comes in your shoe before inserting the insole. For the best fit, consider getting trimmable insoles and make sure that the insole doesn't shift around inside the shoe.
✔️ Arch support: Finding the appropriate amount of arch support for your feet is essential when buying insoles. According to Dr. Henry, "If you have a flat foot (no or low arch), look for an orthotic that provides arch support and has a medial (inside of the foot) wedge to support the foot. If you have a high-arched (cavus or cavovarus) foot, look for an orthotic that has a lateral (outside of foot) wedge and/or recessed area underneath the big toe."
✔️ Cushioning: Cushioning can be beneficial if it helps offload an area of the foot that's painful, says Dr. Aiyer. But he warns that cushioning can sometimes be thick, which means you'll have less space between the top of the shoe and where you have pain.
✔️ Purpose: You'll find a wide range of insoles, including ones marketed for running, plantar fasciitis, hiking, walking and more. Consider whether you need activity-specific or pain-specific insoles and purchase your pair accordingly.
✔️ Materials: Over-the-counter insoles are typically made from a variety of materials, according to Dr. Henry. These commonly include "gel or foam (including polyurethane and ethylene vinyl acetate [EVA]), for cushioning and shock absorption." She explains that you'll also come across leather, cork, rubber, felt and viscoelastic polymers, especially in insoles constructed for people with symptomatic or painful misalignment of the foot as these materials help provide both "shock absorption and flexibility."
✔️ Comfort: "Tread lightly and listen to the body," says Dr. Aiyer. It may take a few tries before you find a pair of insoles that alleviate your symptoms, and you should stop using any insoles that cause discomfort or pain. According to Dr. Aiyer, "Some discomfort is OK but if the insoles continue to cause discomfort, it's not the right pair for you and you should consider another."
✔️ Durability: Dr. Henry explains that insoles usually last around 6 to 12 months. "Look for discoloration, visible damage, compression or loss of shape, or lingering odors – these are all signs that it may be time to get a new pair," she says.
What do insoles do?
There are hundreds of insoles out there, but what do they do? Dr. Henry explains their several functions:
- Correct or accommodate a deformity (i.e., a malalignment of the foot or ankle)
- Offload high-pressure or high-stress areas in the foot
- Cushion a vulnerable area of skin or soft tissue
- Reduce motion at a painful area of the foot
- Help with motion for a stiff area of the foot
Who needs insoles?
If you're unsure whether you need insoles, our pros recommend being evaluated by an orthopedist or podiatrist to determine whether you might benefit from a pair depending on the symptoms you're experiencing.
A few common symptoms, according to Dr. Aiyer, include stiff big toes, arthritis, toe deformities, malalignment of the foot, flat feet and more.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
For decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has been a leading expert on footwear, overseeing testing for a variety of footwear and fitness products, including shoes for flat feet, running shoes, hiking shoes and more.
GH Institute analyst Olivia Lipski covers everything from tech to home, travel, fitness and more. She closely collaborated with the Textiles Lab to write this guide based on extensive testing data. As someone who has suffered from bunions for years and, more recently, an ACL tear, she’s a huge advocate for supportive insoles and finding the best footwear to reduce pain and increase comfort.
For this story, she also spoke to the following experts:
- Jensen Henry, M.D., Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery
- Amiethab A Aiyer, M.D., Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon at Johns Hopkins
Olivia (she/her) is a senior reviews writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests and writes about tech, home, travel, fitness, parenting and health products. Since joining GH in 2021, she has continued to leverage her extensive product reviews experience by staying on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helping readers make better buying decisions. Olivia is a graduate of the George Washington University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.
