Best Shoe Inserts 2024
Shoe inserts can be useful for a wide range of purposes, from treating common foot conditions to enhancing athletic performance and targeting pain in specific areas of the foot. There's a variety of insoles available, from full length to 3/4 length, with varying densities, all designed to help improve the overall condition of the feet and support you on your day-to-day journeys.
If you've been looking for the perfect insert for your shoes, then look no further! Below we've provided a range of suggestions of the best shoe inserts for various purposes.
What's Included?
- Best Shoe Inserts for Arch Support:
- Best Shoe Inserts for Over-Pronation
- Best Shoe Inserts for Supination
- Best Shoe Inserts for Running
- Best Shoe Inserts for Comfort:
- Best Shoe Inserts for Heel Pain
- Best Shoe Inserts for Plantar Fasciitis
- Best Shoe Inserts for Metatarsalgia
- Best Shoe Inserts by Gender:
Best Shoe Inserts for Arch Support
Shoe Inserts for High Arches
Our Choice: Sidas 3Feet Activ Insoles for High Arches
Key Features:
• Ergonomically designed to support high arches and improve gait
• Gel heel pad cushions the foot and absorbs shock
• Non-slip design provides stability, and helps to prevent foot pain and blisters
Ideal For...
✔ High arch support
✔ Metatarsal pain caused by cavus foot (see our solution for general metatarsal pain)
Not the Best For...
✘ Low arches (see our solution)
Editor's Verdict: These Sidas 3Feet Insoles are a fantastic choice for managing the impact of high arches, also known as cavus foot. The insoles offer excellent support, helping to ease symptoms such as metatarsal pain, and stabilising the feet to help improve gait and minimise lower body aches.
For those who lead a more active lifestyle, these insoles are suitable for use while running, hiking, or taking part in various other athletic activities. For optimal comfort during use, these insoles have a breathable design to help optimise airflow and keep feet cool.
Customer's Verdict: "Very pleased with these insoles, they have been a life saver. I have a very high instep, and need support after two different surgeries on both left and right feet, one on my ankle and one toe being straightened. I started to suffer from over pronation after the ankle surgery, and these have given relief and a bit of extra support. I take out the insole of my shoe and slip these in and have found them a great help..." (Julia)
Shoe Inserts for Low Arches
Our Choice: Prostep Orthotic Insoles for Low Arches
Key Features:
• Designed with an anti-bacterial top-cover for optimal hygiene
• Available in full or 3/4 length versions, with either a medium or firm density
• Supplied with forefoot OR rearfoot postings for insole customisation
Ideal For...
✔ Low arch support
✔ Managing functional hallux limitus
Not the Best For...
✘ High arches (see our solution)
Editor's Verdict: The Prostep Orthotic Insoles are a versatile and adaptable supportive tool that provide excellent arch support for fallen or low arches. Their comfortable and customisable design can be used to manage various symptoms of low-arches from foot pains to misalignment issues that cause aches to develop in the hips, knees, or ankles.
These insoles are suitable for use in various types of shoes, from trainers to sandals to heels. To ensure elevated comfort no matter what shoes you're wearing, these insoles are constructed using a double density EVA foam.
Customer's Verdict: "These insoles were recommended by my podiatrist who then prescribed which correction lifts (supplied with the insoles) to use. They have helped remove the pain in my feet." (Stephen)
Best Shoe Inserts for Over-Pronation
Our Choice: Powerstep Pinnacle Orthotic Insoles
Key Features:
• Uses the Powerstep Pinnacle 4 Step System for elevated support, including stabilising and cushioning the foot
• Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal top layer ensures optimal hygiene
• Helps to realign the feet to tackle various issues
Ideal For...
✔ Managing over-pronation
✔ Relieving back pain caused by foot misalignment
Not the Best For...
✘ High arches (see our solution)
Editor's Verdict: Over-pronation, or the rolling of the ankle outwards as you walk, can cause more issues than discomfort. Over-pronation of the foot can significantly increase your chance of injury, cause aches and pains to develop in the ankles, heels, and lower back, and lead to foot the development of foot conditions such as bunions and plantar fasciitis.
The fantastic Powerstep Pinnacle Orthotic Insoles help to stabilise the foot, offering spring and cushioning in the relevant areas to improve gait and support the weaker areas of the foot.
Customer's Verdict: "As a DJ a spend four to five hours stood in one place and after 35 years it was taking its toll on my feet! Sore toes aching feet to a point where I was limping and was in agony after every gig. I decided to try insoles as a last resort. Unbelievably after two days!!! Yes two days off wearing these my feet don’t hurt at all. The stability and the fact it keeps your foot in place and are really cushioned. Definitely made a huge difference and for the first time in over 2 years no foot pain. Highly recommend!" (Russ)
Shoe Inserts for Supination
Our Choice: Superfeet Green Performance Insoles
Key Features:
• Features a patented heel cup that aids balance improvement and encourages proper alignment
• Suitable for use with a wide range of shoe styles
• Fills the gap between shoes and high-arches to prevent supination
Ideal For...
✔ Supination
✔ High arch support
Not the Best For...
✘ Fallen arches (see our solution)
Editor's Verdict: The top-quality Superfeet Green Performance Insoles are ideal for a range of uses, including to help manage the effects of supination (i.e. when the ankle rolls outwards while walking). The Superfeet insoles include a stabiliser cap and deep heel cup to help keep the foot steady and prevent ankle-rolling. This helps to keep your feet, knees, and hips in proper alignment and minimise aches.
For optimal comfort, the insoles are designed with a high-density foam that helps with shock-absorption, helping to reduce strain and discomfort in the feet.
Customer's Verdict: "Absolutely love these insoles. I used to dread going for walks but these have made it so much more easier. I enjoy going for long walks now. My feet don’t feel so tired or achy when I wear these as I suffer from plantar fasciitis and been looking for some good insoles and thought I’d give these a try after reading reviews. I am pleased with my purchase and will buy again." (Sabana)
Best Shoe Inserts for Running
Our Choice: G8 Performance Pro Series 2620 Insoles
Key Features:
• Increases energy transfer and minimises energy wastage for improved performance
• Helps to boost circulation in the foot
• Engages foot muscles to help build strength in the area
Ideal For...
✔ Athletics (including running)
✔ Knee pain
Not the Best For...
✘ Metatarsal pains (see our solution)
Editor's Verdict: There are a wide range of benefits from cardio workouts like running and jogging, but these activities can put a strain on your feet without the proper tools. Using an effective and highly supportive pair of athletic insoles, like the G8 Performance Pro Insoles, you can completely transform your experience and comfort levels when going for your regular run.
Not only do these insoles provide comfort when running, but they help to improve your overall performance. Designed with athletes in mind, these insoles support proper positioning and encourage engagement of key muscles to improve foot strength, as well as helping to improve the energy efficiency to minimise foot fatigue and keep you running for longer.
Best Shoe Inserts for Comfort
Shoe Inserts for Shock Absorption
Our Choice: Sorbothane Shock Stopper Double Strike Insoles
Key Features:
• Ideal for use during various athletic activities to improve comfort and performance
• Trimmable forefoot design for tailoring the insole fit
• Features and anti-bacterial and anti-odour top sheet
Ideal For...
✔ Athletics
✔ Absorbing impact
Not the Best For...
✘Arch support (see our solutions)
Editor's Verdict: Shock-absorbing insoles can help to significantly reduce the impact of your foot hitting the ground, reducing strain and helping to increase comfort. With fantastic insoles like the Sorbothane Shock Stopper Insoles, you can minimise foot fatigue and aches caused by shock or impact.
Though designed for use in athletics, these fantastic insoles can be used everyday for general impact support. With a viscoelastic material that helps to disperse shock for optimal comfort and fatigue reduction, these insoles are designed for use with a range of athletic and everyday leisure shoes.
Customer's Verdict: "These insoles saved me having to buy new trainers for an impending race, so essentially, new shoes for price of insoles! Great shock absorption and no blisters, swiftly delivered at a fair price." (Clare)
Shoe Inserts for Sweat Control
Our Choice: CurrexSole RunPro Medium Profile Dynamic Insoles
Key Features
• Provides excellent air flow for keeping feet cool and reducing sweat build-up
• Offers excellent shock-absorbing properties
• Designed to minimise the risk of blisters
Ideal For...
✔ Medium-arches
✔ Running and athletics
Not the Best For...
✘ Overpronation (see our solution)
Editor's Verdict: While designed for runners, the CurrexSole RunPro Dynamic Insoles are a great choice for those whose feet frequently become uncomfortably sweaty. The lightweight and breathable design is designed for optimal air flow, helping to keep feet cool and minimise sweat.
These insoles also feature moisture-wicking properties, so when your feet do become sweaty the insoles help to prevent sweat from building up and becoming uncomfortable.
Customer's Verdict: "Had a new pair of running shoes and was getting foot pain from pretty short runs (3-5 miles) - a new thing for me. Realised the shoes had crap insoles. So I bought these and the difference was huge."
Best Shoe Inserts for Heel Pain
Our Choice: Vionic 3/4 Length Orthotic Insoles
Key Features
• Features a contoured and cushioned heel for effective shock absorption
• No modifications needed to use these pre-moulded orthotics
• Perfect for daily use
Ideal For...
✔ Heel, knee, and back pain
✔ Ankle instability
Not the Best For...
✘ Running and athletics (see our solution)
Editor's Verdict: Don't let heel pain stop you in your tracks with the top-quality Vionic 3/4 Length Orthotics. The cushioned heel insert offers excellent shock absorption to protect your heel from further strain, while the 4 degree wedge lifts lift the heel bone to relieve pressure and increase comfort.
Whether your heel pain is caused by a specific condition (like Achilles tendinitis or heel spurs), or is general pain caused by pressure, impact, or poor alignment, these pre-moulded orthotics are a perfect option for easing the ache,
Customer's Verdict: "After having Physio on my knees for several months, it was suggested I try Orthotic Insoles, to help with my arches and position my knee correctly when walking. Well within days I noticed a significant reduction in the pain I had. They are good value for money and definitely worth a try." (Tracy)
Best Shoe Inserts for Plantar Fasciitis
Our Choice: Powerstep Original Full-Length Orthotic Insoles
Key Features
• Medical-grade insoles that can be transferred between various types of shoes
• Dual-layer EVA foam enhances cushioning and comfort
• Can be trimmed for a more precise fit if necessary
Ideal For...
✔ Managing symptoms of plantar fasciitis
✔ Stabilising the foot
Not the Best For...
✘ Low or high arches (see our solution)
Editor's Verdict: Plantar fasciitis is a condition whereby the plantar fascia, a tissue which runs from your heel to your toe along the sole of your foot, starts thickening. This reduces its shock-absorbing properties, and its ability to provide adequate arch support. It's a painful condition that can cause serious discomfort.
The Powerstep Original Full-Length Insoles are a fantastic tool for combating pains caused by plantar fasciitis.
Customer's Verdict: "I find these to have a good balance between comfort, support and effective relief and are good for my light/moderate daily use. They fit well in my walking shoes and would be fine in a slightly deeper formal shoe too." (Joe)
Best Shoe Inserts for Metatarsalgia
Our Choice: FootActive Metatarsalgia Full-Length Insoles
Key Features:
• Features shock absorbing pads on the heel and forefoot
• Heel cup aids with stabilising the feet
• Biomechanically designed arch support and comfortable positioning of the foot
Ideal For...
✔ Managing and treating metatarsalgia
✔ Fallen arch support
Not the Best For...
✘ High arches (see our solution)
Editor's Verdict: Metatarsalgia, or pains in the ball of the foot, is often easily manageable with an effective pair of shoe insoles. The FootActive Metatarsalgia Insoles are a great way to provide shock-absorption and support in key areas to reduce strains and aches.
As well as metatarsalgia, these insoles can be used to manage conditions such as Morton's neuroma, and fallen arches (see our top-choice solution for fallen arches here).
Customer's Verdict: "I have arch problems and metatarsalgia, I tried the insoles out of desperation. They are brilliant, I can walk pain free again and would highly recommend them." (Jane)
Alternative Solution
Our Choice: Basic Metatarsal Domes
Key Features:
• Compact alternative to full-length insoles for metatarsalgia and metatarsal support
• Designed to be used alongside your regular insoles
• Easy-to-apply, sticky-back design
Ideal For...
✔ Metatarsal pain
✔ Morton's neuroma
Not the Best For...
✘ Use without a shoe insole (see our solution)
Editor's Verdict: Use these Basic Metatarsal Domes alongside your regular shoe insoles to manage metatarsal pains and treat conditions like metatarsalgia. This option is perfect if you don't want to change the shoe insoles you're currently using, but require more effective metatarsal support than your current insoles offer.
Customer's Verdict: "As Hot chocolate once said “ I believe in miracles” Having been suffering from inflammation of metatarsals for a short period of time and struggling to walk without pain I tried the domes and was staggered how well they worked."
Best Shoe Inserts by Gender
Shoe Inserts for Men
Our Choice: Superfeet Men's Trailblazer Comfort Insoles
Key Features
• Moisture-wicking properties aid with sweat control
• Durable design ensures protection for up to 12 months or 500 miles (whichever comes first)
• Available in UK shoes sizes 2 - 11.5
Ideal For...
✔ Hiking and walking on steep terrains
✔ General support and comfort
Not the Best For...
✘ Arch support (see our solution)
Editor's Verdict: These great insoles are the perfect choice for men on the move! With the Superfeet Trailblazer Insoles, you can reduce foot fatigue on your next hike or country stroll, and ensure optimal comfort during longer journeys.
The durable design of these insoles is also ideal for daily use, optimising comfort and helping to keep your feet feeling fresh and ready to go every day!
Customer's Verdict: "This was my very first Purchase of Superfeet insoles and won't be my last.....I'm delighted such a difference they have made to me, I'm a hiker of 66 years old, It usually takes me a few days to recover from a mountain hike, but not with Superfeet trailblazer. Excellent product what a difference a bit of science makes. I'm also more confident in my foot placement hopping across boulders and river stepping stones, it's like having new boots on." (Thomas)
Shoe Inserts for Women
Our Choice: Superfeet Women's Trailblazer Comfort Insoles
Key Features:
• Slimmer heel and arch length than men's version
• Heel Impact Technology helps to disperse impact when walking at an incline
• Available between UK shoe sizes 2 - 7.5
Ideal For...
✔ Hiking and walking on steep terrains
✔ Odour and moisture control for sweatier feet
Not the Best For...
✘ Arch support (see our solution)
Editor's Verdict: Featuring a slimmer design than the men's insoles, these Superfeet Trailblazer Comfort Insoles are the ideal choice for a wide range of womens' shoes. Designed with hikers in mind, these insoles offer excellent comfort and support even when on your feet for extended periods.
To ensure a reduction in foot fatigue and the development of aches, these insoles ae designed with a cushioning aerospring foam.
Customer's Verdict: "I own several pairs of hiking boots and shoes and have these insoles in every pair. I recommend them to hikers and walkers of every level." (Sally)
With the right shoe inserts, you can manage and treat a range of painful conditions, optimise athletic performance, and improve day-to-day comfort while on your feet. Whether it's your arch, metatarsal pad, or plantar fascia that needs the extra support, there's sure to be a fantastic pair of shoe insoles suited to your needs.
For more shoe insole options that cater to your specific condition, browse our shoe insoles by condition:
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