We Tested Podiatrist-Recommended Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis — Here Are the 11 That Actually Helped

For an everyday insert that can be slipped into sneakers or boots, Superfeet’s insoles for plantar fasciitis are a comfortable and versatile option. The top cover is made from a flexible foam that molds to the shape of your foot, while the more rigid carbon fiber base helps provide stability and shock absorption. A feature we especially liked was the removable heel stabilizer, which helps you customize your level of support.

While insoles are almost certainly going to be more affordable than a new pair of shoes, they can still be an investment. We like that Dr. Scholl’s Pain Relief Plantar Fasciitis insoles are not only extremely affordable (you can pick these up for around $20 per pair), but they’re also readily available at most big-box stores.

These insoles have a soft, cushioned base with a shock-absorbing heel cup, and we found that they delivered almost instant relief. We would not recommend these for more strenuous activities like running, but Dr. Scholl’s insoles work well for everyday use and can even help you get a few more miles out of a favorite pair of shoes. While we wish these had more extensive size options, Dr. Scholl’s remains our favorite budget pick.

We were impressed with the amount of cushioning and high arch support these insoles provided, and we also appreciated that they’re made with people who weigh 220 pounds or more in mind. Due to the high level of cushioning, some folks may find it takes a few days to adjust to these insoles. We also found that these were not the most breathable insoles on our list, so you may want to remove and clean them periodically to avoid funky feet.

Finding a balance between cloudlike comfort and the semirigid support needed to protect your plantar fascia is tough, especially if you have high arches. Tread Labs Pace Insoles do a great job walking that line, thanks in part to its two-part construction: The top half of the insole is made of a removable foam footbed that attaches via Velcro to a very rigid, hard plastic molded arch support base. This provides your feet the supportive structure they need to avoid irritating your plantar fascia while giving you a comfy foam layer to help reduce impact while walking, running, or even hiking. These also come in four arch heights to further customize your fit, though we did find that the rigidity of the base can take some getting used to (and some added fiddling with our shoes to ensure it was placed properly).

While these are among the most expensive insoles on our list, the top foam layer can be replaced for less than $20, making these more budget-friendly than you may initially think. If the hard plastic base breaks or loses shape, Tread Labs will replace it as part of its Million Mile Guarantee.

We like the CURREX SUPPORTSTP because it comes in low, medium, and high arch support models to help ensure a more comfortable, customized fit. In addition, these insoles also feature targeted shock-absorbing cushioning at the heel, a firm plastic shell through the arch and midfoot for that all-important support, and soft padding at the ball of the foot to keep you comfortable throughout the day. The one trade-off is the shallow heel cup, which doesn’t offer quite as much stability as we’d like. Still, the lower profile makes these insoles easy to slide into almost any style of shoe, which definitely expands your comfortable footwear options.

If you’re logging serious steps throughout the day, WalkHero insoles are a dependable, wallet-friendly option for plantar fasciitis sufferers. These insoles have a devoted following, and for good reason: They hit the sweet spot between support and price. We loved how the rigid carbon fiber base kept our heels stable and helped absorb impact with every step, ideal for walks or all-day wear. While they’re not as cushioned at the heel or forefoot as some of the pricier options we tested, they more than make up for it in structure and durability.

It’s worth noting, however, that they’re only available in a high-arch version, so they may not be the best choice for those with low arches or flat feet. Still, at less than $30, they’re a smart pick if you want reliable support without the high price tag.

We definitely noticed a difference on our runs — both in the springy feel as our feet left the pavement and the distinct reduction in pain — even after logging some serious miles. While the price tag is steep (around $150), VKTRY does offer a 90-day money-back guarantee. We also liked that you can choose your insole based on shoe size and weight (and on VKTRY’s site you can further narrow your choices by sport).

Some of us have used custom orthotics in the past, and while they provide excellent heel and arch support, they tend to be quite stiff and unforgiving. The PowerStep Bridge strikes a much better balance between support and comfort. The dual-layer design features memory foam paired with a responsive, energizing foam that cushions each step and helps absorb shock through your heels, knees, and even lower back. A breathable mesh top layer also helps wick away moisture and odor, an added bonus for daily wear.

If you suffer from heel pain, these squishy gel heel cups are a quick, affordable solution that can come in especially handy if you’re wearing dress shoes. The heel cups from Armstrong Amerika come in packs of three and can easily be slipped into just about any type of shoe. The cup on these is deep, so it doesn’t alter the fit of your shoe while relieving pressure on your heel. And at about $8 a pack, they’re a steal.

However, the downside is that these are only meant to temporarily alleviate heel pain. Since they provide no arch support, they may temporarily mask the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, but they won’t provide a long-term solution.