9 Best Insoles for Standing All Day According to Podiatrists and Orthopedic Specialists in 2024

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“Standing all day puts a lot of pressure on the foot and ankle region and most specifically on the calves, plantar fascia, and heel bone,” says Karena Wu, DPT, orthopedic clinical specialist, a board-certified physical therapist and owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy in New York City and India. Dr. Wu explains that your calf muscle is connected to a fibrous band of tissue called the Achilles tendon that feeds into the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia connects to the bottom of your heel bone.

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Insoles can benefit you, but finding the right pair isn't a walk in the park. When choosing insoles, it's important to be mindful of your foot type, the shoes you wear, insole materials, and your goals. To help you find the best options, we spoke with seven experts, including an orthopedic doctor and podiatrist. They shared their recommendations and insights on the best insoles for standing all day. Here are the products we recommend.

While mild, occasional foot pain after standing for long periods is usually normal, chronic foot pain can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. “People should consult a doctor if they experience severe foot pain that persists and does not improve within a few days,” says Anna Di, DC, a chiropractor and corrective exercise specialist at Unity Chiropractic Wellness in New York City.

“It’s important to seek medical advice if the pain is sharp, throbbing, or constant, as this could indicate a more serious condition that requires professional evaluation and treatment,” she adds. Other signs that warrant a visit to your doctor include swelling, redness, difficulty walking or putting weight on your feet, or numbness and tingling in the feet. Additionally, you should seek medical assistance if you have sores or wounds on the feet that do not heal.

These Fulton Athletic Insoles aren't just about cushioning; they prioritize support for all arches and foot types. The insoles contain cork, which conforms to your feet to create a custom-like fit. The insoles aid in distributing your body weight across your entire foot, says Rosie Borchert, a certified personal trainer and fitness expert with BarBend.

We love that these insoles prioritize support and comfort for all-day wear. While cork offers the shock absorption and custom molding that makes these insoles stand out, they also incorporate a foam padding layer for extra cushioning and a breathable top layer to prevent odor build-up.

“There’s a quiz on their website that’ll help you pick out the right insoles for your foot shape and gait,” Borchert says. “The brand also offers a 90-day money-back comfort guarantee, so if these insoles don’t work out for you, you can return your used insoles for a refund.” However, it's important to note that cork insoles require breaking in. You must wear them for several days before they correctly conform to your feet.

Superfeet's All-Purpose Support High Arch Insoles offer excellent support for those with high arches. They are made from high-density foam and have a deep heel cup to provide stability and shock absorption. The insoles also feature a moisture-wicking top layer to keep your feet dry and minimize the risk of blisters and irritation.

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Of note, these insoles are on the pricier side, but more than 32,000 five-star Amazon reviewers attest to their effectiveness. The company says they fit best in “roomy to moderate fitting footwear with removable insoles.” They may not work for you if you have narrow feet and shoes.

Valsole Heavy Duty Support Pain Relief Orthotics stands out for its adaptive arch that flexes as you walk. This feature helps reduce the strain on your plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, making them a top contender for those with low arches.

These insoles also have an extra deep heel cup that helps align your ankle and heel to prevent pain and support a more natural gait. The dual-layer cushioning can provide shock absorption and minimize foot fatigue associated with fallen arches.

Note that these insoles may not be suitable for severe overpronation (when your feet roll inward excessively). The company says they're not compatible with dress shoes or shoes with heels, so keep your shoe style in mind when deciding. While some users report initial stiffness, Amazon reviews are positive overall, with a 4.3 out of 5 star rating based on more than 16,000 reviews.

“With overpronation, where the feet roll slightly in, you’ll want to look for an insole that features stability and arch support,” says Borchert. PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Support Insoles earned this spot on our list because of this feature and its overall versatility in fit and function.

This U.S.-made insole boasts a semi-rigid arch that helps align your foot and ankle to reduce overpronation. “They have an angled heel that helps keep your feet from rolling and a firm, neutral arch that adds stability,” Borchert adds. The base is a dual-layer EVA foam for extra cushioning, while the top layer reduces heat and friction to keep your feet cool and dry.

PowerStep says these insoles fit best in shoes with a removable insole because they're thicker than most. Some buyers also report the insoles running a half size too small, so consider this when selecting a size. The company recommends you air-dry them when needed.

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We like the ProFoot Orthotic Insoles For Plantar Fasciitis because they offer the features Dr. Masi suggests at an affordable price. The half-length insoles support your plantar fascia by cushioning the heel to alleviate pressure on the ligament. Masi says this can help reduce pain and inflammation caused by plantar fasciitis.

Note that these insoles fit in the heel of your shoe, so they don't provide arch support like many others on our list. It's also worth noting that not everyone with the condition should seek out insoles. “Sometimes plantar fasciitis is a product of a rigid, inflexible foot and ankle,” Masi says. “These situations would not typically warrant adding extra external support.” It's best to check with your podiatrist or doctor if you have concerns or continue to experience pain.

Shock absorption is a key feature to look for in an insole if you’re an avid runner or have a job where you're on your feet all day. “Insoles can provide shock absorption for high-impact activities like these, which reduce the stress your joints experience when your feet contact the ground,” says Rachana Purohit, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist at Summit Health in New Jersey.

We chose Currex RunPro Dynamic Insoles for shock absorption for a few reasons: They're breathable, have great structure thanks to the composite base, and come in three different arch heights to fit your foot more precisely. The top layer consists of a breathable mesh and open-cell foam that circulates air to minimize moisture buildup — this helps prevent odor and blisters.

However, following the manufacturer's four-step process is important to select the right arch height and trim them down. If not, you could damage your feet or reduce the insoles' shock absorption abilities. The process involves identifying your arch height, checking knee alignment, selecting the corresponding insole profile, and choosing your shoe size. Since the insoles are made for active individuals, they fit inside standard-width shoes best. It's worth noting that some buyers report issues with durability. However, they have high customer ratings, with 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

If you suffer from knee pain, you may benefit from wearing insoles. “Insoles can help offset knee pain by helping to align the foot bones, joints, and soft tissues,” says Wu. “This can help with better muscle activation and reduced compressive loads in the foot, ankle, and knee joint.” Dr. Scholl's Knee All-Day Pain Relief Orthotics cater to three types of knee pain: runner's knee, osteoarthritis-related pain, and general anterior knee pain (felt in the front of the knee).

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Unlike other insoles on our list, these are available at many major retailers. The company says the insoles are compatible with most shoes, but they may not fit well if you have particularly narrow or wide feet. Wu notes that while insoles can help relieve symptoms of pain and discomfort, it's important to see a healthcare provider if you experience shooting leg pain, constant pain of any kind, or pain that doesn't change in non-weight-bearing positions.

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Enter the Plantar Fasciitis Orthotic Insoles with Arch Support from WalkHero: They provide full-length support from heel to toe. This support helps reduce pressure points throughout the foot and may help alleviate pain caused by neuropathy. These WalkHero Insoles also feature a deep heel cup for extra stability and shock-absorbing cushioning that reduces the impact on the feet.

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Masi says that Walkomfy provides full-length insoles with arch support that are great for shock absorption and weight distribution. We think the Heavy Duty Support Pain Relief Orthotics are particularly useful for those with heel pain, thanks to its contoured design that helps balance and align the foot while cushioning high-impact areas.

These insoles are made with shock-absorbing materials to reduce impact on the feet and legs. The heel area features extra cushioning for added comfort and support, but it's also deep enough to prevent excessive overpronation (rolling inward). And if you struggle with other types of pain, like plantar fasciitis or flat feet, they may also mitigate those issues.

It's important to note that these are heavy-duty insoles and may initially feel stiff. However, many reviewers say they have helped significantly with foot, heel, and knee pain. Some have also noted that the sizing is a bit off, so read the reviews and consider ordering a half-size up if needed.

We surveyed several healthcare professionals for their input on what makes a good insole. From there, we compiled a list of top-rated insoles and carefully considered the key specs and features. We accounted for design, material, level of support, arch and heel cushioning, and the size ranges offered for each insole. We selected our top picks based on their ability to provide support, alleviate pain, and fit comfortably in most shoes.

As a former nurse, I found it important to get several perspectives on the benefits or risks of insoles and how they may or may not help with various types of foot pain. We spoke with seven experts across numerous fields, including podiatry, physical therapy, orthopedics, sports medicine, and chiropractic care. After gathering their insights, we compiled a list of the top insoles on the market and carefully considered each based on our experts' recommendations. These are the experts we spoke with:

According to Cara Dobbertin, DPT, a physical therapist with Practitionr, you should consider several factors before purchasing insoles. She recommends looking for insoles that provide solid arch support and cushioning, especially under the heel and ball of the foot. It's also important to consider the insole’s material and ensure it is durable enough to withstand daily use.

Wu says insoles can help alleviate some foot pain by providing support and reducing pressure on the foot. “When you stand all day without support, you are reliant on your ligamentous tissues maintaining the bone and joint positions,” she says. “They can get overstretched and weak from the excessive weight of your body plus gravity, so an insole will help with proper soft tissue alignment to reduce the excessive forces transmitted through the tissues.”

Some key factors to consider when buying insoles include:

Some doctors recommend insoles — but it depends on who you ask. According to Purohit, most people can benefit from wearing insoles. They may offer “enhanced arch support, proper foot alignment, improved biomechanics, and injury prevention, whether it be from stress, strain, or overuse,” she explains.

While custom-molded orthotics may be more effective than store-bought insoles because of the personalized fit, they can also be expensive and may not be necessary for everyone. “The main thing to keep in mind with over-the-counter insoles is to make sure they aren't too flexible or compress easily with body weight,” Purohit adds. This is counterproductive and can worsen a current injury or create new ones.

According to Di, different medical professionals have varying opinions on insoles. “From my experience, most physical therapists do not recommend them because they believe that relying on insoles can prevent the body from strengthening the muscles and developing the mind-body connection needed for proper foot alignment during walking,” she says.

Ben Le Vesconte, the training director and running technique specialist at Vivobarefoot, says insoles are unlikely to prevent injury in the long term. “They may be beneficial in the short term to aid rehab, but long-term use of insoles can weaken feet and alter mechanics further up the chain, potentially leading to more significant issues.”

That said, custom orthotics can benefit certain conditions, and podiatrists may recommend them for specific foot problems or injuries. Since there's no clear recommendation, it's best to consult a medical professional before purchasing insoles, especially if you have underlying foot pain or discomfort.

A wet test is the most straightforward way to determine your arch type. Follow these steps:

If you have:

Keep in mind that this is not a definitive test. The best way to determine your arch type is by visiting a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist who can provide a professional assessment. They may also recommend exercises and stretches to help address the root of your pain or discomfort.

Dr. Dobbertin says that insoles can last anywhere from six months to a year but that heavy use can wear them out faster. “It depends on the quality and how often they’re used,” explains Dobbertin.

Some signs that it's time to replace your insoles include worn-out or flattened cushioning, cracks or breaks in the material, and a noticeable decrease in support or comfort. Sometimes, the top layer will begin peeling off or separating from the rest of the insole, indicating it's time for a replacement.

It's worth noting that changes in your foot shape or size can also affect insoles’ fit and effectiveness. If you've gained or lost weight, have new foot injuries or conditions, or have simply noticed a difference in your gait or posture, it may be time to reassess your insoles.

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Scott Haak, PT, DPT, has been a member of the Mayo Clinic staff since 2000. Dr. Haak serves as faculty for the Sports Medicine Fellowship program at Mayo Clinic Florida. He is certified by the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) as a CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist), is a Certified USA Weightlifting Coach and Certified USA Football Coach, and possesses a MTC (Manual Therapy Certification) from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.

Haak is an exercise enthusiast and enjoys running, weightlifting, and sports performance training. He is the president and director of coaching of a youth tackle football organization, JDL Providence Football, and currently coaches high school football and weight lifting.

Lindsay Modglin is a former nurse and health writer who specializes in covering chronic illness, women's health, oncology, and wellness products that help empower readers to take control of their health and well-being. Her byline has been featured in many digital publications, including Healthline, Verywell Health, Parents, Forbes, Yahoo, AOL, Insider, and more. Her print work has been published in oncology magazines like Cancer Today and Cure.

Prior to becoming a writer, Lindsay started working in healthcare in 2012 as an optician while she was pursuing her nursing license before working as a registered nurse in a clinical healthcare setting. This experience gave her firsthand knowledge of the challenges and complexities that patients face when managing chronic illnesses and navigating the healthcare system.

Today, when Lindsay is not writing, she enjoys camping and traveling across the United States with her husband and three children. She also volunteers as a creative writer for a non-profit organization that supports children with life-threatening illnesses and as a soccer coach for her children's teams.