The 11 Best Podiatrist-Approved Insoles for Knee Pain We Tested

If you’re on your feet all day, a good pair of insoles can be a lifesaver (or a “knee saver,” as it were). The PowerStep Bridge inserts came highly recommended by Dr. Schoenhaus for their shock-absorption qualities. “If you cannot get custom orthotics, a good alternative is PowerStep inserts. These are very well made, comfortable, and supportive,” she says.

These inserts are made with two layers of foam: memory foam to mold to the shape of your foot, and a layer of “energizing foam” that provides a cushioned, comfortable step while absorbing shock with every step and helping to protect your feet, knees, and back. The top layer of this insole is made of a breathable mesh to help wick away moisture and keep odor at bay. During testing, we were impressed by how comfortable these inserts were. They offer excellent heel and arch support without being overly rigid. The PowerStep Bridge insoles are also very reasonably priced at under $40, putting them in the midrange for quality insoles.

If knee osteoarthritis makes walking or standing uncomfortable, a set of supportive insoles can help, and Foot Scientific’s Orthotics Type 3 insoles are made with knee pain in mind. Their design supports the foot, including a “lateral wedge” (a slight wedge that slopes from the outer edge of the foot inward) that opens space at the inner knee to help reduce arthritis pain. A cork layer helps these insoles keep their corrective shape while conforming comfortably to your foot (though they do require a bit of a break-in period). We especially appreciated the heel-stabilizing padded foam and deep heel cup, which provided noticeable stability during testing.

Superfeet’s insoles are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association and check all our boxes for all-day support: solid arch and heel stability, a rigid carbon fiber base for shock absorption, and a cushioned top layer that molds to your foot to help prevent friction and hot spots. The deep heel cup offers added structure, and each pair comes with customizable heel stabilizers so you can fine-tune the fit. While many plantar fasciitis insoles can feel stiff at first, these were comfortable right out of the box, offering that rare combo of soft cushioning and firm support. With multiple sizes and arch heights, along with activity-specific options, there’s a version to match just about anyone’s needs.

Vionic’s insoles feature layers of sock-absorbing polyurethane that protect your heel as it strikes the ground, while the insoles’ front half provides a layer of cushioning for the ball of the foot. A layer of antibacterial foam helps wick away moisture and fight funk. And, like our top insole for plantar fasciitis sufferers, our pick for the best insole for narrow feet also has a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association.

That’s why we especially like the Currex SupportSTP insoles. They come in three arch heights (low, medium, and high) to accommodate a range of foot shapes. We also appreciate the combination of shock-absorbing cushioning at the heel and a firm plastic shell at the arch and midfoot, providing support and comfort to aching heels. Our only complaint is the low heel cup, which made our feet feel less locked-in than an insole with a deeper heel cup would. The trade-off is that this lower profile also means these are easier to slip into a variety of shoes.

The insoles are made with a unique two-part system: a hard plastic base and a replaceable foam cover. While they are the most expensive inserts on our list, the base can be used indefinitely (covered by the company’s “Million Mile Guarantee”), and replacement foam covers are only around $20.

Our tester noted that these take some getting used to — she had to take some time to adjust them, so that the insole’s arch didn’t pinch her foot’s arch. But once they were aligned properly, they quickly became her go-to for her everyday shoes.

Those with a wider foot may have a difficult time finding insoles that stay put, and the last thing you want is for your foot to slip and slide in your shoe, especially if knee pain is a concern. Valsole’s heavy-duty, super-cushioned insoles accommodate a wider foot and can help bring relief to sore knees. This insole is constructed of multiple layers of foam, with softer, squishier layers at the heel and a tougher layer of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) at the arch to ensure adequate support.

While we found these to be very comfortable and appreciated the buffer created by the extra-deep heel cup, we did find that they were not very breathable. So, if you wish to avoid stinky feet, you may need to replace them more regularly. Beyond that, however, we found these to be a great option for supporting wider feet.

While these have a lot going for them — comfort and an affordable price — walkers with flat feet may not be as enthused. These insoles have a rather high arch, which may not suit all feet.

VKTRY found itself a new devotee in our tester, a runner who has had her fair share of experience with both over-the-counter and custom-fit orthotics. After testing these insoles, she declared them to be “in a class of their own.”

These insoles are designed with performance in mind, including a carbon fiber layer that gives these insoles a springy feel without sacrificing support. Our tester noticed a difference immediately, saying it felt “as if hundreds of tiny springs are between your foot and the pavement,” and she added that since wearing these insoles, her knee pain has been significantly reduced.

While these are expensive (at around $150 a pair), VKTRY does offer a 90-day money-back guarantee. We also like that VKTRY’s website helps you narrow down your insole choices by size, weight, and even sport. The huge size range is also a plus; you can find everything from children’s sizes to a men’s size 14.5.

Orthofeet’s orthotic insoles are made of a foam that helps distribute pressure more evenly across the bottom of your foot, which can help reduce muscle fatigue and stress on your joints. We also like that these come with adjustable arch support in the form of a removable plastic arch booster. The booster did take some getting used to, and these insoles are thick enough that they probably won’t work as well for a narrow foot. Still, they can be an excellent option for alleviating the discomfort that can come with a job that requires you to be on your feet.

While inserts are generally more affordable than a new pair of shoes, we know that paying $60 for a pair isn’t everyone’s idea of a budget buy. That’s why we think these insoles from Dr. Scholl’s are a solid choice if you suffer from knee pain but want insoles that won’t break the bank.

This set from Dr. Scholl’s is made with padding to protect your joints and cartilage from the impact of each step. The deep heel cup helps to stabilize the knee, while added padding at the ball and arch of the foot helps to more evenly distribute pressure on your feet.

While we loved these for the price, we don’t think they will hold up as well as some of our other options. Still, for an affordably priced insole that’s widely available, it’s our top choice.