7 Best Insoles for Flat Feet

June 3, 2024 riya.bose123@gmail.com

Overview

Did you know that about 25% of the American population have flat feet (or fallen arches)? If you too are one of us and experience pain and discomfort, then getting the right orthotic arch support insoles can help level up stability, comfort, alignment and prevent overpronation or supination. But, with so many options, how do you decide which arch supports are the best insoles for your flat feet? What shall be the level of the arch support? Which insoles are recommended by podiatrists? Easing things for you, we listed out the 7 best insoles for flat feet…

Arch supports are vital for healthy, energetic feet in the long run. No matter how supportive your shoes are, insoles are highly recommended for people who hike, walk, run, experience foot pain, or have to stand the whole day.

Selection Criteria

We tried and tested 50+ ready-made inserts. These were assessed on the basis of – comfort, fit, value, and quality.

Different insoles are designed for specific feet and gait to fit into your unique foot structure. To find the most appropriate insoles for your feet, ask your orthopedic doctor, physiotherapist, or podiatrist. They will examine your feet, ankles, and legs to find the most optimum solution for your condition. Our list contains a varied range of selections for each arch-type (low, medium, and high), construction, complementing shoe type, and activity.

Nevertheless, all these insoles for flat feet were tested over weeks by our experts and testers who simulated their performance in the real world. After thorough analysis and podiatrist consultations, we shortlisted these 7 best insoles for flat feet.

Our Top Picks

1. SuperFeet Run Support Medium Arch

Rating:

Fit 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Comfort 5/5 Quality 5/5

Why do we like it?

For all medium to high-impact activities, we were impressed with the professional-grade Superfeet Run Support insoles. Though a bit on the higher end, it’s one of the best insoles for flat feet with its deep narrow cup and compression sensitive aeroslim rebound foam. What’s more? It also provided us the maximum comfort we needed for flat feet – all in a ‘thin profile’.

The Run Support’s springy foam adapts to the foot’s natural motion and reduces shock. Additionally, its unique arch system provides support for maximized energy transfer on every step. While we were testing, the solid design enabled us to smoothly perform all high-impact activities, including running, sports, Zumba dancing, and aerobics without any foot fatigue.

Product Details:

Arch Type: Medium
Ideal Shoe Type: Fits well with walking or running shoes, or any athletic footwear, including zero-walk footwear.
Material: Top Cover – moisture wick, made of recyclable materials. Arch – Evolyte Carbon Fiber Stabilizer Cap. Cushioning – Aerospring Rebound Comfort Foam.
Sizes: 2.5 to 15 (Men), 4.5 to 14 (Women), 2.5 to 12.5 (Junior).
Color: Blue/Orange.
Special Features: 20% thinner, shock absorption, odor control. Also comes with guarantee of up to 12 months or 500 miles.

2. Powerstep Pinnacle Low Arch Insoles

Rating:

Fit 4.5/5 Value 4.5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Quality 4/5

Why do we like it?

Some of us may be born with or gradually develop ‘Rigid Flat Feet’ (one that has no arches or stays flat with or without weight on feet). Being highly vulnerable to pain and future complications, it becomes all the way important for such foot types to start using podiatrist-recommended low arch insoles, right from an early stage.

Exceptional in its performance – The PowerStep Pinnacle insoles are engineered to shape into the unique contours of your rigid flat feet. We checked its performance for a month and we can ascertain that the premium insoles ensured no pain or fatigue. The Pinnacle insoles have optimum foam top cushioning, making them highly efficient in reducing overpronation. Indeed, it is a great introductory replacement for custom orthotics, specially crafted for people with rigid flat feet.

Product Details:

Arch Type: Low
Ideal Shoe Type: Designed for footwear with removable factory insoles. Also suitable for Athletic (Walking or Running)/Work/Casual Shoes.
Material: Top Cover – Polyester fabric. Arch – Semi- Rigid propylene support shell. Cushioning – Foam Top layer and EVA Base.
Sizes: 4 to 15 (Men) and 6 to 12 (Women).
Color: Blue/Orange.
Special Features: Odor Control, Motion Control.

3. Trustfeet Heavy Duty Anti-fatigue Insoles

Rating:

Fit 4/5 Value 4.5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Quality 5/5

Why do we like it?

Are you someone who has to stand for a prolonged period at the workplace or otherwise? The Trustfeet Anti-fatigue insoles have a heavy-duty arch support. As a matter of fact, this improves performance and reduces stress on foot, knee, and lower back. It also has a good toe thickness and fits well with broader feet or overweight individuals. We tested these for several hours on a hard concrete floor and it still provided amazing support. Functions as best insoles for work boots.

For the most effective results, we recommend that you give at least 1-2 weeks so that your feets get adjusted to these orthotic insoles. The footbed is also designed to be ideal for roomy shoes.

Product Details:

Arch Type: High
Ideal Shoe Type: Working shoes, athletic shoes, work boots, running shoes, hiking shoes, etc.
Material: Top Cover – Antimicrobial top cover. Arch – Heavy duty semi-rigid plate. Cushioning – Two soft elastic gel pads for heel and ball of foot, Heavy-Duty PU Foam Support.
Sizes: 5 to 12.5 (Men) and 6 to 11.5 (Women).
Color: Blue/Orange/Yellow.
Special Features: No questions asked 30 days return policy. Supports weight up to 300 pounds.

4. Currex RunPro Insoles

Rating:

Fit 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Comfort 5/5 Quality 5/5

Why do we like it?

These medium to high-impact insoles are crafted for runners and athletes, especially those who are vulnerable to common running injuries such as foot stress fractures and shin splints. Engineered with a 3D Dynamic Arch Support, the Currex insoles support low, medium, and high arch profiles. This indeed makes it very suitable for flat feet. It also has a controlled power transmission cushioning system, giving you top-notch running performance.

We like its thin and lightweight profile, which makes it stand out compared to other insoles. During trials, there was about a 20% increase in run performance when we used the Currex RunPro Insoles with our regular running shoes. In fact, the brand also claims that it performed a blind study at the German Sport University Cologne. In the study, these insoles were proven to provide better wear-comfort score than other brands. The extra support at the ball and heel prevents foot fatigue even when you run long distances.

Remember to remove your existing liners when you use these insoles. Its available in different combinations of arch and knee alignment sizes.

Product Details:

Arch Type: 3-in-1 (Low, Medium, High).
Ideal Shoe Type: Running, trail running, jogging, triathlon, track.
Material: Top Cover – Mesh and PORON premium foam design. Arch – 3D Patented Dynamic Arch Technology (DAT). Cushioning – Dual layer cushioning.
Sizes: 3 to 14.5 (Men), 6 to 16 (Women).
Color: Blue/Orange.
Special Features: 60-day guarantee. Maximum rebound, and powerful propulsion – excellent for runners.

5. Timberland Pro Anti Fatigue Technology Insoles

Rating:

Fit 4.5/5 Value 3.5/5 Comfort 4/5 Quality 4.5/5

Why do we like it?

Labeled with a ‘true performance’ profile, the Timberland Pro Insoles are crafted to alleviate foot pain by providing a stable platform all day long. The dynamic arch design effortlessly contours to any foot shape. Naturally, this is very effective for both rigid and flexible flat feet types.

It also comes with Anti-Fatigue Technology, which absorbs shock and returns this energy to your feet for improved stability and comfort. The engineering helps alleviate foot troubles, particularly in your heel and arch area. In the final analysis, these insoles had minimum gross or grime on them even after heavy use. Thus, in comparison to others, these are easy to maintain and lasts longer than others.

However, in the most practical sense, the support system of the Timberland Pro is not as rigid as other options in this price range. Remember that these insoles are not sports insoles. Best used for flexible cushioning for all low to medium-impact activities.

Product Details:

Arch Type: Medium/ Dynamic Arch.
Ideal Shoe Type: Casual wear, Workwear.
Material: Top Cover – OrthoLite Foam. Arch – Synthetic, recycled PET. Cushioning – Inverted cone design, Anti-Fatigue technology.
Sizes: 6 to 15 (Men), 5 to 12 (Women).
Color: Orange.
Special Features: Electric shock resistant. Made of 50% recycled PET material. 1-year unconditional comfort guarantee.

6. ProFoot Flat Fix Orthotic

Rating:

Fit 3.5/5 Value 4.5/5 Comfort 4/5 Quality 4.5/5

Why do we like it?

These high quality Profoot insoles are specifically crafted for flat feet and low arches (Note: it is not made for plantar fasciitis!). One of the best insoles for flat feet, it indeed has the most unique design in our list – engineered to seamlessly correct the high-impact zones of your foot and ankle. So, before trying out custom/ personalized orthotics for your flat feet, we recommend you try the Profoot Flat Fix Orthotic for once.

Its sleek and low-profile look with serious shock-absorbing abilities (known as the ‘Trampoline Heel’ design) prevents foot pain and overpronation. Meanwhile, we thoroughly assessed its performance for a month for a true review.

Summing up, we observed that these insoles easily mold to our feet over time. Also, it provides optimum support and cushioning effect. Unlike other models, it has a 3/4th length support. This feature is supposed to improve stability and fitting.

Despite this, what we didn’t like about ProFoot Flat Fix Orthotic is that it comes in limited size options. Also, it has no anti-odor protection. Some of us may experience that the padding is way too forward than the position of the arch, making it a bit uncomfortable.

Product Details:

Arch Type: Low
Ideal Shoe Type: Boots, sneakers, casual shoes.
Material: Top Cover – Foam. Arch – Vita foam. Cushioning – Springboard.
Sizes: 8 to 13 (Men), 6 to 10 (Women).
Color: Blue/Orange.
Special Features: Springboard heel absorbs over 20 lbs. of shock with each step. Adaptive arch support.

7. Valsole Orthotic Insoles

Rating:

Fit 4/5 Value 4/5 Comfort 4/5 Quality 4/5

Why do we like it?

Lastly, we have a mid-range pick for the best insoles with a strong arch support… And it’s ideal for flat feet, overpronation, heel spur, and plantar fasciitis. The Valsole insoles are designed by leading podiatrist professionals. After thorough testing, these inserts unquestionably helped us with easy walking, running, standing, or moving.

Being the perfect combination of quality materials and scientific construction, the Valsole insoles were found to be very effective if your foot pain is due to extra weight. It has a high arch support. Evidently, this gives improved performance to recreational athletes, runners, and long-time standing workers. It’s also suitable for anyone who wants to prevent overpronation and foot issues.

Nevertheless, we personally love its versatility, adaptive arch support, and improved motion control. Helps correct body alignment.

Product Details:

Arch Type: High
Ideal Shoe Type: All shoes (except dress and heel shoes).
Material: Top Cover – EVA. Arch – TPU Hard Support. Cushioning – Ortholite. Also, has Heal Spacer made of Soft PU.
Sizes: 5 to 12.5 (Men), 6 to 12.5(Women).
Color: Blue, Brown, Red, Purple.
Special Features: Heavy duty. External arch support. Anti-slip design.

What To Know

While testing, we took special consultations from podiatrists and other experts. The list of 7 best insoles for flat feet is brought to you after thorough research of the latest products in the marketplace. While shopping, we recommend you to pay special attention to your personalized requirement (type of arch support, cushioning, comfort, stability, and activity type).

Most of these insoles come in various size options as well as ‘trim to fit’ feature. The latter means that you can tailor to fit your shoes better. It is equally important that the existing soles may be removed (or as directed by the manufacturer). This, in turn, improves accuracy and efficient support.

What’s more? Do let us know which insoles for flat feet worked best for you. Which ones would be your repeat purchases? What would you recommend to others? If you are unsure about orthotics, schedule consultation or opt for customised options for flat feet.

Unsure if you need orthotics? Schedule your free online evaluation.