Overview
Do you notice patches of yellowish, rough, and thickened skin under your feet? Well, these are nothing but ‘calluses’ – formed as a result of repeated friction or pressure, improper walking motion, use of ill-fitting shoes, or certain foot deformities. A simple, yet effective solution to treat this painful condition is to use orthotics for calluses.
Using insoles with any footwear is particularly very important when calluses are formed due to certain structural problems, such as excessive pronation of your feet. By promoting healthy biomechanical alignment and reducing pressure from the affected areas, support inserts not only treat the existing calluses but also prevent them from reappearing.
Selection Criteria
To determine which insoles are the best for treating calluses, we researched and tested 25 podiatrist-recommended products in patients who had visible callus growth along with certain structural foot problems. A total test time of 2,250 test hours was assigned for each product to observe visible improvement over 3 months. The patients were advised not to use other treatments such as use of abrasives or toning solutions that may interfere with the actual results of the test.
While selecting the best orthotics for calluses, we gave special focus on whether the insoles were able to:
- Prevent friction,
- Treat foot abnormalities, such as overpronation and hammertoes.
- Redistribute pressure on your feet.
Based on these tests and your individual shopping preference, we shortlisted the following as the topmost orthotics for calluses:
1. PowerStep Pinnacle Plus Met Insoles
Rating:
Comfort 5/5 Support 4.5/5 Pressure Relief 4/5 Durability 4/5 Value 4.5/5
Why do we like it?
The PowerStep Pinnacle Plus Met insole is a true multitasker. Its key areas of focus are – the ball of foot, metatarsalgia, foot arch, and heel. In line with this, the insoles are very effective for releasing stress and friction from all the key pressure points.
Our testers unanimously agree that the PowerStep insoles successfully provided relief from their age-old callus pain. Well, it has a five-layered construction with three levels of padding and plush cushioning, giving it the much-needed thicker support.
But this in no way means that it has a weak core. In fact, its unique neutral arch support allows better shock absorption than many other insoles. This risk of direct friction is also minimized. We even tested them on rocky and concrete surfaces, and it did not compromise our comfort.
To conclude, the semi-rigid arch and metatarsal support, accompanied by proper cradling of the incredible Pinnacle insole are highly suitable to prevent the formation of future calluses, especially in the heel and ball of the foot area.
Product Details:
- Ideal Shoe Type: Sneakers or Casual, Athletic/ Sports, and Work shoes.
- Available sizes: Men – 4 to 15. Women – 6 to 12.
- Arch Support: Neutral
- Unique features: Total contact support. Full length. Pressure relief, especially from the forefoot area. Suitable for mild to moderate pronation.
- Construction & Materials: Foam top layer – EVA foam base – Semi-rigid support shell – Metatarsal pads – Arch support with heel cradle.
- Color: Blue
- Price: $59.95.
2. Trustfeet Work Orthotic Insoles
Rating:
Comfort 5/5 Support 4/5 Pressure Relief 4.5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Value 5/5
Why do we like it?
If you are in a profession that requires you to stand up all day long or if you have high arches, your feet may be more prone to calluses. With its fatigue-fighting benefits, Trustfeet Work Orthotics gives the best performance under these conditions.
We also found that these insoles worked efficiently for sports and high-intensity activities. It has both double-layer cushioning and a heavy-duty arch support for proper weight distribution and alleviation of foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, corns, and calluses.
But what do we absolutely love? Unlike others, these insoles provide support of up to 300 pounds! A high-quality breathable fabric to reduce friction, max cushioning with gel pads, and a heel cradle for improved foot stability – all of this makes the Trustfeet insoles a top contender for callus treatment.
Product Details:
- Ideal Shoe Type: Working, Athletic, Running, Dress or Casual Shoes, Hiking Shoes, Boots.
- Available sizes: Men – 5 to 12.5. Women – 6 to 11.5.
- Arch Support: High
- Unique features: Support for prolonged standing, plantar fasciitis, and leg fatigue. Gel and strong arch support.
- Construction & Materials: Antimicrobial top fabric cover – Heavy Duty PU foam cushioning – Semi-rigid plate for arch support – Gel comfort cushioning pads for ball of foot.
- Color: Yellow/Blue/Black
- Price: $32.99.
3. Currex Metpad Insoles
Rating:
Comfort 4/5 Support 4/5 Pressure Relief 4/5 Durability 4/5 Value 3.5/5
Why do we like it?
Calluses usually develop on the bony parts of the feet, such as the ball of the foot. Therefore, it is important to look for orthotics, such as the Currex Metpad insoles that come with high-quality metatarsal support/padding.
We love that these insoles have a flexible arch system and fits almost every foot shape or arch type. In fact, the Currex Met Pad insoles were tested by the German Sports University and were found to have better wear-comfort scores than other competitors. When our testers shared their experiences, 90% vouched for its optimum comfort, especially in the forefoot area.
So if you are someone who experiences ball of foot or big toe pain and/or have developed calluses in such areas, these insoles are absolutely meant for you. On the downside, it is important to mention that the Currex design is meant to fit narrower shoes.
Product Details:
- Ideal Shoe Type: Casual, Walking, or Running Shoes.
- Available sizes: Men – 3 to 14.5. Women – 4.5 to 16.
- Arch Support: All (Low, Medium/Neutral, High)
- Unique features: Metatarsal pads to relax pressure areas. Dynamic arch technology. Deep decoupled heel. Also, it comes in various size options.
- Construction & Materials: Dual layer top cushioning – Metatarsal dome support – Premium heel cushioning – Dynamic arch support – Deep decoupled heel cup – Forefoot cushioning at the base.
- Color: Blue
- Price: $59.95.
4. Walkomfy Heavy Duty Support Insoles
Rating:
Comfort 5/5 Support 3.5/5 Pressure Relief 4/5 Durability 4/5 Value 4/5
Why do we like it?
Foam + gel insoles are incredibly helpful in treating conditions like calluses, bunions, foot valgus, and pain from heel spurs. Thus, we have in our list – the plushy Walkomfy Heavy Duty Insoles for all the plus-size individuals (above 210 lbs.) who suffer from bad foot pain. While these insoles have high-level cushioning, they are also beautifully supported with a strong TPU arch system in the mid-part. All of this works to offload pressure from the metatarsal and heel area.
For our testing, we tried these insoles with sandals and heeled boots, yet they were able to prevent further worsening of calluses. It even gave a good performance of up to 10+ hours while standing all day long on concrete floors.
The highly breathable plush layer on the top adds an extra layer of comfort, while preventing the risk of infection. The Walkomfy insoles also work for diabetic foot neuropathy, bunions, and Morton’s neuroma.
Product Details:
- Ideal Shoe Type: Athletic, Casual, Workout, Spots, Hiking, and Training shoes. Work boots.
- Available sizes: Men – 4 to 13.5. Women – 6 to 15.5.
- Arch Support: Low
- Unique features: Provides all-day shock absorption. Relieves heel, ankle, sole, and ankle pain due to extra weight. Supports supination and pronation.
- Construction & Materials: Technical top fabric – 3D TPU Arch support – Deep heel cup – PORON Forefoot cushioning – Enlarged Gel heel pad.
- Color: Green/White/Yellow/Black
- Price: $35.78.
5. Easyfeet Work Pro Anti-fatigue Orthotics
Rating:
Comfort 4.5/5 Support 4/5 Pressure Relief 4/5 Durability 4/5 Value 4/5
Why do we like it?
Are you a busy person who just always has to be on the move? With its Anti-fatigue feature, the Easyfeet Work Pro Orthotics surpassed all our endurance tests.
The key to its performance is the unique trio of optimal arch support, cushioning, and deep heel cup cradling. It is designed such that even the print on these insoles speaks of work, travel, and an active life! They are also a good choice for work shoes or boots.
A shock-absorbing technology called ‘Everfit’ with its unique design makes foot landing with each stride more efficient. With a reduction in overall impact and a soft top layer, the Easyfeet Work Pro orthotics keep your feet feeling light and pain-free, all day long. The insoles were very helpful among our testers who had complaints of bunions or ankle or knee pain.
Product Details:
- Ideal Shoe Type: Casual and Work Shoes or Boots.
- Available sizes: Men – 4.5 to 14.5. Women – 5.5 to 15.5.
- Arch Support: Medium
- Unique features: Adaptable arch. Comes with an extra layer, primarily dedicated to keeping feet dry and preventing irritation or blisters. Feels light on feet.
- Construction & Materials: Mesh cover – Extra heel cushioning – Starfit tech layer – Soft and medium arch support – Everfit tech shock absorbing heel and forefoot pads.
- Color: Blue/Black/Gray
- Price: $39.99.
6. New Balance Therapeutic Cushion Insoles
Rating:
Comfort 4/5 Support 3.5/5 Pressure Relief 3.5/5 Durability 4/5 Value 3.5/5
Why do we like it?
Popular for its highly propulsive sports footwear, the New Balance Therapeutic insoles are equally impressive for providing the ultimate cushioning and full-strength pressure-relieving support. If you are someone who has just started developing calluses and do not want them to spread any further, you definitely have to try these insoles.
During our research, we found that these insoles were actually designed by Superfeet. They have a heel-to-toe cushioning and flexible foam construction, which cradles effortlessly to your foot shape. Like others in the list, an additional padding is also provided in the heel area.
Nonetheless, these insoles are naturally quite supportive. With regular use, it will decrease impact and stress, thus reducing soreness and aching of your feet. Interestingly, limited-size options for kids are also available.
Product Details:
- Ideal Shoe Type: Sneakers, Sports or Athletic shoes.
- Available sizes: Men – 5 to 17. Women – 4.5 to 12. Junior – 2.5 to 4.
- Arch Support: Flexible
- Unique features: Super soft heel-to-toe cushioning. Reduces friction. Adapts to the contours of your feet. Best for small and low levels of calluses.
- Construction & Materials: Therapeutic foam top – Flexible Arch support – Shock absorbing heel cushion.
- Color: Gray/Cream
- Price: $49.99.
7. SOLE Performance Thick Insoles
Rating:
Comfort 4.5/5 Support 4/5 Pressure Relief 4.5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Value 4/5
Why do we like it?
Now this one is a completely unique option in our list of the best orthotics for calluses. The SOLE Performance insoles are, in fact, clinically proven to reduce strain on your feet by up to 34%.
While testing, we found that the SOLE insoles helped prevent calluses and reduce stress/ friction on the bottom and sides of the foot. It’s eco-friendly and made with recycled cork. The mini air-filled compartments of the cork allow better shock absorption, and higher energy return, and thus transfer reduced pressure on the areas of impact. The material is also antimicrobial and insulating, all of which create the perfect environment for callus prevention and control.
We love that these insoles are available in thin and medium-volume variants. Consult your podiatrist and choose the one that is most suitable for your condition and activity type.
Product Details:
- Ideal Shoe Type: Casual, running, or trail shoes.
- Available sizes: Men – 3 to 14. Women – 5 to 16.
- Arch Support: All (Low, Medium/Neutral, High).
- Unique features: Improves alignment and prevents injury. Available in various thickness/ volume options. Lifts toe bone and reduces arch strain. Zero drops from the heel to the forefoot area. Wide toe box. Three levels of cushioning.
- Construction & Materials: Deep heel cup – Arch support – Moldable orthopedic base – Metatarsal support pads.
- Color: Blue/ Yellow
- Price: $59.
Orthotics for Calluses – What To Know
Most calluses usually go away when the source of friction stops. So for treating calluses, look for accommodating insoles that not only make you feel good but also offer protection from overloading. Here are some other key factors to consider:
- Firmness – Your insoles should be able to withhold all the pressure responsible for causing foot deformity and calluses. This can be achieved by opting the ones that have a moderate to high degree of firmness. Firm support also helps in correcting alignment and pronation issues to relieve pressure from vulnerable areas.
- Arch – Orthotics for calluses should preferably have flexible or dynamic support. Ensure to pick the ones that properly align with your arch height.
- Shoe type: The insoles should properly fit into your footwear. Loose or tight fittings would not solve the problem. Choose the right size. In case your shoes do not have removable insoles, opt for short insoles or use shoes with good firm support. Avoid wearing heels until the problem resolves.
- Thickness: If you have full-length shoes, always consider buying orthotics with thick insoles.
- Deep heel cup and Metatarsal pads: Insoles with heel and metatarsal support reduce impact and friction in these areas. Thus, it helps in reducing calluses and other foot complications.
Neglecting treatment for a long time can dry out and crack larger calluses. This can eventually lead to aggravated pain and a possibility of infection.
Apart from the above recommendations, custom orthotics for calluses offer more personalized support. To understand and assess what might be the underlying problem for your calluses, talk to a professional podiatrist or scan and test for tailor-made recommendations.
