Best Insoles for Low Arches 2024
Having low arches is incredibly common and usually nothing to worry about, after all, everyone's feet are different! For some people however, fallen arches can become painful, particularly when exercising or spending a lot of time on your feet. Luckily, the right pair of insoles can offer targeted support to mould to your arches and cushion the impact of walking or running.
We know picking the right pair of insoles can be tricky, but we've done the hard part for you. For this Best Insoles for Low Arches guide, we've talked to expert manufacturers and podiatrists to get their opinions on the best insoles for flat feet. If that's not enough to convince you, we've also included reviews from our very own happy customers, so you can be confident that you're getting the perfect pair for you!
What Does This Guide Cover?
- What Are Low Arches?
- Best Insoles for Low Arches:
- Can These Orthotics Really Help?
What Are Low Arches?
The arch is the curved underside of your foot that is usually shaped in an 'arch' position. Low arches are when your feet lie flat or close to flat on the ground as you can see in the picture below. If your arches are very low, it's often referred to as 'flat feet' and if they have become low over time the can be called 'fallen arches'.
Best Overall Insoles for Low Arches
Winner: Superfeet Carbon Insoles
Why We Love Them...
✔ Made for low arches with same height across the whole insole
✔ Reinforced stabiliser cap for performance and long-lasting durability
✔ EVOLyte carbon fibre blend is robust, lightweight and high-performance
Perfect For...
✔ Everyday comfort and maintaining arch support in trainers and casual shoes
✔ Tighter fitting footwear and shoes without removable insoles
Not the Best For...
✘ Open-toed footwear (See our solution)
✘ Roomier boots (See our solution)
We Spoke to Superfeet, Who Said: "The Carbon Insoles have a zero drop design, meaning that they're the same height from heel to toe, which is great for low arch feet. They also features a carbon fiber-reinforced stabilizer cap for added strength combined with a layer of durable, high-performance foam for comfort. Also, the low-profile shape helps stabilize and support the foot, which can help reduce stress on feet, ankles, and knees."
Customer Verdict: "I have been suffering from foot aches after hiking for some years and have a carrier bag full of insoles to show for it. However I finally found the products for me, zero drop shoes and the Super Feet Carbon insoles. Just did a 13-5 mile hike yesterday in very mixed terrains and have no after effects at. First class product with delivery from a First Class Company." - Bob ★★★★★
Best Running Insoles for Low Arches
Winner: Sidas 3Feet Active Insoles for Low Arches
Why We Love Them...
✔ Adapted shell encourages natural gait and forefoot flex in flat feet
✔ Wide gel pad for enhanced heel cushioning and softer impact landing
✔ Lightweight and sleek build to fit unobtrusively in running shoes
Perfect For...
✔ Running and other dynamic exercises that put stress on your arches
✔ Combatting heel pain, heel spurs, metatarsal pain and over-pronation
Not the Best For...
✘ Formal and dress shoes (See our solution)
✘ Work boots (See our solution)
We Spoke to Sidas, Who Said: "The Low Arch model of the 3Feet Active Insoles features robust medial reinforcement to control and slow down pronation, easing stress placed on low and fallen arches. The firmer build contours to flat feet and cushions the impact of running."
Customer Verdict: "Very Comfortable - I use them for extra comfort and stability and my legs aren’t as sore now after my runs." - Martin ★★★★★
Best Work Boot Insoles for Low Arches
Winner: Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx Full Length Orthotic Insoles
Why We Love Them...
✔ Double protection to heel and midfoot to maintain arch profile
✔ Angled heel presses arch down into insole for contoured support
✔ Deeper heel cradle platform for greater stability and easier landing
Perfect For...
✔ Work boots, hiking boots and other shoes with room
✔ Standing on your feet for long periods of time
Not the Best For...
✘ Casual shoes (See our solution)
✘ Shoes without removable insoles (See our solution)
We Spoke to Powerstep, Who Said: "The rear foot of the Pinnacle Maxx sits at a 2 degree angle to tilt the heel inward, pressing down the arch contour for firmer support. This also helps maintain the profile of the arch and prevent further lowering. The EVA foam and double-layer cushioning offer height and lift to ease calf muscles and better spread impact to the arches."
Customer Verdict: "Very happy with purchase. I stand all day at work and these are nice and squishy and give very good, comfortable arch support as I have flat feet. Would definitely recommend this product." Maria ★★★★★
Best Leather Insoles for Low Arches
Winner: Pedag Viva Low Flat Feet Shoe Insoles
Why We Love Them...
✔ T-form metatarsal pad offers specialised fallen arches support
✔ Inner and outer arch structures are comfortable and reduce foot fatigue
✔ Cowhide leather is breathable and temperature-regulating
Perfect For...
✔ Formal shoes like dress shoes, work shoes and brogues
✔ General foot health and treating conditions like plantar fasciitis
Not the Best For...
✘ Running and dynamic exercise (See our solution)
✘ Sandals and peep toe shoes (See our solution)
We Spoke to Sidas, Who Said: "People with low arches need more cushioning to reduce the harmful impact of striking the ground. As such, the Viva Low Insoles offer wider and broader lateral support to surround arch, easing pain and preventing further collapse."
Best ¾ Length Insoles for Low Arches
Winner: Powerstep Slim-Tech 3/4 Length Orthotic Insoles
Why We Love Them...
✔ Plush cushioning foam layer is comfortable and impact-absorbing
✔ Firm, but flexible arch support for increased stability and control
✔ 3/4 Design is lightweight, versatile and requires no trimming
Perfect For...
✔ Low profile, shorter, peep toe and tighter fitting shoes
✔ Quick and easy switching between multiple pairs of shoes
Not the Best For...
✘ Full foot support (See our solution)
✘ Wearing in work boots (See our solution)
We Spoke to Powerstep, Who Said: "The arch contour of the Powerstep Slim-Tech supports the talar bone in the ankle during motion, which helps prevent arches further lowering over time. Additionally, the EVA base combined with the Poron top cover holds your foot in a healthy position and maintains a comfortable arch profile"
Customer Verdict: "Excellent Product - Told about these by a podiatrist, never seen them in any shops. Perfect to wear in shoes too tight for the full length insoles. Gives proper support to the arches." Jill ★★★★★
Best Low Arch Supports
Winner: Pedag T Form Metatarsal Supports
Why We Love Them...
✔ Gives you targeted metatarsal support to ease impact on arches
✔ Easy to use self-adhesive to prevent movement within your shoes
✔ Made of breathable natural leather for comfort and hygiene
Perfect For...
✔ Adding to pair of insoles for comprehensive arch support
✔ Tighter shoes without removable insoles
Not the Best For...
✘ Running and other sports (See our solution)
✘ Full foot support (See our solution)
We Spoke to Pedag, Who Said: "These T Form pads apply supportive pressure straight to the metatarsal area, making the impact of your arches hitting the ground less dramatic. Combine these with cushioning insoles for comprehensive flat feet support"
Customer Verdict: "Highly Effective - I am so pleased with these supports, the relief from pain was pretty much instant and total and they're very easy to use." Kathryn ★★★★★
Can These Orthotics Really Help?
Before writing this guide we spoke to four different insole manufacturers to get their expert advice. When it comes to low arches, one thing they all mentioned was how important targeted metatarsal support was. All five insoles we highlighted feature cushioning that contours specially to this area, softening the impact between your arches and the ground.
Whether you're training for a marathon, or just trying to get through long days on your feet with less pain, do it with insoles that are foot-friendly, not arch enemies.
Still Looking for Something Else?
The insoles we've talked about are are some of our bestsellers, loved by our customers and recommended by expert manufacturers specifically for feet with low arches. But if you still aren't sure, why not have a look at our full Flat Feet and Fallen Arches ranges.
Have Any Questions or Something to Say?
Do you have any questions about low arches or general foot pain? Just have something to say? Let us know in the comments, or find us on Twitter and Facebook!