10 Best insoles 2024 in the US

If you are looking for the best shoe insoles, you are probably aware of how important they are in daily activities. There is no one best kind of insole. It all depends on what you need, what are your interests, or maybe some foot condition that you might have which you have to treat. If you like long walks, running, mountain hikes, or other kinds of sports activities, typical thin insoles may not be sufficient. Due to the current tendency to buy ready-made shoes, the insoles are especially important. Proper insoles can make shoes that are not particularly comfortable into something more usable. Or good insoles can simply increase your day-to-day comfort when walking. For sports enthusiasts, they can prevent any chances of injury. Good and well-designed insoles can even alleviate some medical conditions.

Not all insoles are the same, and not every kind of insole can be for everyone. Knowing how to choose the best insoles meeting your needs can be crucial for your comfort.

We’ve composed this buyer’s guide to help you make the right decision when selecting insoles. It'll help you:

• Choose the right type of insoles,

• See useful tips about that type of insoles,

• Read reviews of different insoles, and what customers are saying,

• Select the right brand of insoles, and

• Compare prices and find the best deals.

• Arch support insoles: These have an insert with a cushion that has additional backing in the arch area of the foot. Because of extra support for the arch, this kind of insoles provides the wearer with flexibility and comfort. These are great for anyone who is dealing with mild discomfort. An example is the Powerstep Pinnacle Shoe Insoles.

Powerstep Pinnacle Shoe Insoles

• Orthotic insoles: “Orthotic” means that the insole is used to modify the structure of the skeletal or muscular system. Orthotic insoles are typically designed to provide arch support, but also support the metatarsal and heel. Because they are stiffer than other insoles they may feel uncomfortable at first. It takes time to get used to these insoles, but once you notice a difference in how comfortable they are when walking, you will come to love them. An example is the Sof Sole Men's AIRR Orthotic Support Full-Length Gel Shoe Insert.

Sof Sole Men's AIRR Orthotic Support Full-Length Gel Shoe Insert

• Gel insoles: These are made from a gel material, and are designed to improve foot comfort. The gel helps reduce any impact on the foot and is softer on the foot when walking on hard surfaces. They’re good for those who have mild foot aches or joint pain. It’s also suitable for healthy people who just want to add softness during daily walking.

• Low-impact insoles: These are designed for casual, daily activities, such as walking, cycling, light work, and other low-impact activities.

• Heel support insoles: These are for people who need a little extra support in the heel area. They are sold as partial heel cups or as full inserts and are designed for daily usage. They are used to soften the stress placed on the heels. They also prevent your foot from slipping in the shoe or can be used to fill out shoes that are too large.

• High-heel insoles: These are designed to improve foot comfort while wearing high heels. An example is Dr. Scholl’s Stylish Step Ball of Foot Cushions for High Heels.

Dr. Scholl’s Stylish Step Ball of Foot Cushions for High Heels 

• Warm & Wool Insoles: These are designed just to regulate and maintain the temperature of your feet. Depending on the temperature outside, these insoles will help keep feet cool during the summer and warm during the winter. An example is the J.T Foote Alaskan Winter Wool Felt insoles.

J.T Foote Alaskan Winter Wool Felt insoles

• Memory Foam Insoles: Memory foam is amazingly soft and it is designed to retain the shape of your foot. It is for those seeking comfort in everyday activities. An example is the Memory Foam Orthotics Arch Pain Relief Support Shoes Insoles Insert Pads Cushion.

• High-impact insoles: These are created to deal with the rigors of a high-impact lifestyle. They are designed for sports such as running, hiking, team games, or other high-impact activities.

• Athletic & Sports Insoles: These are more technical when compared to other insoles. They are designed for a specific sport, such as running, jumping, cycling or team sports such as basketball, soccer, etc. They can be made out of gel, foam or rubber. The material depends on the activity for which they are designed. An example is the Timberland PRO Anti Fatigue Replacement Shoes Insole.

Timberland PRO Anti Fatigue Replacement Shoes Insole

• Heavy-Duty Insoles: These are designed for people working in the construction or industrial fields. They are specially designed for the rugged conditions of work. An example is the Odor-Eaters Ultra Durable, Heavy-Duty Cushioning Insoles.

Odor-Eaters Ultra Durable, Heavy Duty Cushioning Insoles

• Know what to look for: Before purchasing insoles, define your personal needs. What kind of problem do you have? Do you walk a lot on hard surfaces? Or maybe you have everyday activities that are physically demanding? Or maybe you are more of a sports person, and you need insoles for hiking or running shoes?

• Identify your foot shape: Everybody has a different foot shape, type, and problems that need to be treated. These are the most important factors influencing your choice.

• Check your arch type (low, normal, high): After doing a little research on the Internet, you will find many tutorials on how to check your arch type yourself. You can also go to an orthopedist or podiatrist and let them examine your feet properly.

• Insole sizing and placement: The size of the insole is generally the same as the size of the shoe. As for inserting the insole, a full-length insole is the same size as your shoe, so you will probably have to remove your previous insole. A ¾-length insole should be placed on top of your existing shoe insole. The inserted piece can be placed either on top or below the existing insole.

• Insole footbed type: There are 4 main types of footbed constructions: rigid orthotic, semi-rigid orthotic, cushioned arch support, and flat cushion, which means that the insole provides no arch support. Before purchasing an insole, you should check which footbed type you require.

• Material: Gel, foam, leather, and cork are the most common materials from which insoles are made. Here are some of their properties:

  • Gel is the best for shock absorption.

  • Foam is best for cushioning, pressure relief, and support.

  • Leather is good for cushioning and comfort.

  • Cork is good for support and slight cushioning.

• Superfeet is a Canadian company, established in 1985. They are widely known for their orthotics insoles and shoe inserts. 
• Dr. Scholls was founded in 1906 in Chicago, Illinois. It is a footwear and foot care brand owned by Bayer in North and Latin America, and by Aurelius AG in other markets.
• Powerstep was founded in 1991 by a podiatrist and foot surgeon, who was also an avid runner. Powerstep’s mission is to provide the most effective products for preventing and relieving common foot problems. 
• Sof Sole was founded in 1991. Today it’s a worldwide leader in athletic footwear accessories. Their insoles are designed for all sports and athletic shoes. 
• Spenco was founded in 1967 by Dr. Wayman Spence. They produce insoles and foot care products based on medical research. Their mission is “to help people everywhere achieve more comfortably”. 
• New Balance is a shoe brand based in Boston, Massachusets. They were founded in 1906 as makers of arch supports. They are one of the world’s major sports footwear brands.