7 Best Orthotics for Ankle Pain

June 10, 2024 Zac Cartun

Overview

Unlike other foot conditions, ankle pain or injury can cause some serious discomfort. This can unfortunately stop you from carrying out even the simplest routine activities, such as walking or standing.

Ankle pain is commonly a result of an injury or trauma, or arthritis. However, it can also be due to misalignment, instability, tendonitis, use of bad footwear, sprain, strain, obesity, or overuse. If you have flat feet (with little or no arch), you may be more susceptible to soreness and ankle pain.

Once you are diagnosed with the real cause, your orthopedic doctor or podiatrist may recommend you wear insoles or orthotics for ankle pain relief (especially, when it is a low grade injury or for faster recovery). Multiple studies and some real-life experiences have shown that orthotics are very beneficial in decreasing ankle instability and pain within just a few weeks of use.

But are there any exclusive orthotics for ankle pain? How fast are the results? Which patients get the best benefits from using orthotics for ankle pain? Let’s find out!

Selection Criteria

When you wear insoles with the right footwear, they can help reduce stress on the ankles and improve support for a variety of activities.

We assessed 25+ ready-made orthotics that were specifically designed to resolve the issues of ankle and foot pain. These were tested for more than a month on the basis of the following:

Fit: What are the available size options? Are there different pain relief orthotic options available for men and women? Can the insoles be adjusted? Do they have options for different arch types (low, medium/neutral, and high)?
Efficiency: We also took into account how fast and efficiently the particular insoles addressed and helped in alleviating the issue of ankle pain.
Comfort: Insoles for alleviating ankle pain should ideally be a combination of soft cushioning, and a rigid support. These orthotics should help improve alignment and thus reduce pressure on the ankle area.
Value: Our list consists of a range of low to mid, and high-range orthotics for ankle pain relief.
Quality: Most of these insoles last for 12 months or 500 miles, while others come with a 90-days money back guarantee. However, we have checked the performance with real-life usage of each so that you get a better idea about the true quality of these orthotics.

After thorough assessment, these are our final 7 top orthotics for ankle pain relief:

Our Top Picks

1. Currex ActivePro Insoles for Ankle & Heel Pain

Rating:

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

Why do we like it?

With a shock-absorbing cushioning design from heel to toe, the Currex ActivePro is one of the best orthotics to reduce stress on joints and relieve pain. We used the pair for walking, light exercises, at work, and other everyday activities for over a month. In conclusion, we can say these orthotics are very comfortable and give ‘progressive’ relief from chronic ankle pain. The layered cushioning system provides extra ankle support for improved stability and alignment.

Though the insole is a little stiffer, it is heavy duty which makes it last for long. Nonetheless, Currex’s sizing system is clinically designed and they always have a perfect fit for every foot condition. For those looking to reduce fatigue and ankle pain, this one is the closest replacement for custom-fit insoles.

Product Details:

Arch Type: Medium (also available in multiple profile and arch options).
Ideal Shoe Type: Casual and athletic footwear.
Construction: Top Cover – Foam; Support – Deep coupled heel support, Heel + Targeted forefront cushioning; Materials – Dual layer premium flexible foam.
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, and 2XL – 3 to 14.5 (Men), 4.5 to 16 (Women).
Color: Orange, Blue, and Red.
Special Features: Sizing system based on the type of arch/knee alignment. Multi-layer cushioning at all flex points.

2. Dr. Scholl’s Arthritis Pain Relief Orthotics

Rating:

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

Why do we like it?

Having a difficult time with both ankle pain and arthritis? These clinically proven orthotics are designed to reduce abnormal compression of the ankle joints, which can be very painful for patients with arthritis. So if you have been diagnosed with arthritis of the ankle, feet, or knees – the affordable Dr.Scholl’s Pain Relief Orthotics provides great relief and helps slow down the progression of arthritis.

We tested Dr. Scholls’ Pain Relief Orthotics with several patients within 40-60 years of age who have been diagnosed with arthritis. Since these orthotics with ‘Shock Guard Technology’ have a wider support compared to others, they provide the most optimized conditions needed to reduce stress on the arthritic joints of these patients. The insoles also conform close to the arch of the foot – thus, giving you the maximum comfort and preventing overpronation.

However, it’s important to note that these orthotics for pain relief come in very limited size options.

Product Details:

Arch Type: Low
Ideal Shoe Type: Casual shoes, sneakers, work boots. Fits most shoe types.
Construction: Top Cover – Polyester; Support – Deep heel cup and reinforced arch, ¾ length cushioning; Materials – Polyester
Sizes: 8 to 12 (Men), 6 to 10 (Women).
Color: Blue.
Special Features: Clinically proven to relieve osteoarthritis and pain. 90-day money-back guarantee. Designed not to crowd toes. Shock guard technology.

3. Superfeet All-Purpose High Arch Insoles

Rating:

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

Why do we like it?

Are you often experiencing repeated ankle injuries? The underlying reason could be the high arches of your feet! To ease things for your feet type, the Superfeet All Purpose insoles optimize the orthotic support you need to reduce ankle pain and help your footwear fit and feel better. When we tried it for a month, we could feel that these insoles fully cradled and helped in stabilizing at every contact point. Additionally, the stabilizer cup supports the rear foot. With these, we could walk and stand for longer duration, without feeling any ankle, knee, or hip pain.

Its noticeable performance is all because of its deep heel cup that distributes weight efficiently. In turn, this reduces overall ankle stress and fatigue.

Great thing – it fits all medium and high-volume footwear!

Product Details:

Arch Type: High
Ideal Shoe Type: Running, casual, or work shoes, and boots.
Construction: Top Cover – Organic moisture wick odor control cover; Support – Deep heel cup, biomechanical shape, and stabilizer cap; Materials – High-density closed-cell foam.
Sizes: 2.5 to 17 (Men), 4.5 to 13 (Women), 2.5 to 9 (Junior)
Color: Green.
Special Features: Firm underfoot cushioning, best for roomy footwear and all-purpose shoes. Also available for kids.

4. Powerstep Pulse Maxx Ankle Pain Relief Insoles

Rating:

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

Why do we like it?

Ankle pain can be a major setback for runners, especially those who have flat feet. Coming to the rescue, the PowerStep Pulse Maxx is a podiatrist-recommended orthotics solution for immediate alleviation of heel and ankle pain. It has a well-engineered 2-degree angled heel platform system. This provides great motion control, support, and correction of overpronation.

After slipping these insoles into our sports shoes, we felt superior comfort and improvement in the first week itself. With each step, its premium shock-absorbing foam provided a bounce-back feel and reduced stress on joints and ankles. The neutral orthotic arch support cradled perfectly and helped in improving alignment over time. It’s also our recommended choice for plantar fasciitis, shin splints, heel spurs, overpronation, and other painful foot conditions.

Product Details:

Arch Type: Medium/Neutral.
Ideal Shoe Type: Athletic, Hiking, Running, or any shoes where factory insoles can be removed.
Construction: Top Cover – Fabric – controls heat, friction, and moisture; Support – Springy shock-absorbing dual-layered cushioning, semi-rigid arch support shell, angled heel post; Materials – Polyester and EVA Foam.
Sizes: 4 to 15 (Men), 6 to 12 (Women)
Color: Orange/Green.
Special Features: Angled heel platform. Stabilizing heel cup. Energy-activating shock-absorbing cushion system.

5. Valsole All Day Heavy Duty Support Insole

Rating:

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

Why do we like it?

For feet with high arches, we have yet another medium-range rigid orthotics support to improve troublesome heel and ankle pain. Yes, we are talking about the Valsole Heavy Duty Orthotics that is lined by a strong biomechanical arch support system to distribute weight and reduce stress and strain on the affected ankle area.

Furthermore, with the shock-absorbing abilities of the forefoot and heel pad, our testers observed an overall improvement in walking gait and an extended superior comfort to the ankles. The stabilizing heel cup is added to improve balance in the midfoot and the rearfoot regions.

Throughout our testing, which included jogging, long-day standing at work, and recovery walks, we found that this may not give immediate results. But, when used correctly, this can be a smart investment. Initially, the feet may hurt so it’s recommended you wear the Valsole insoles for 2-3 hours for the first 3 to 7 days. Gradually, increase the duration for long-term improvements.

Product Details:

Arch Type: Low, Medium (Neutral), and High.
Ideal Shoe Type: Sneakers, work boots, sports shoes.
Construction: Top Cover – Breathable, sweat-wicking low stretch jersey; Support – Biomechanical arch support, shock absorbing heel pad and forefoot pad, shell support, stabilizing heel cup; Materials – Foam, PU.
Sizes: 5.5 to 12 (Men), 7.5 to 15.5(Women).
Color: Green/Yellow/Black.
Special Features: Multifunctional and podiatrist-recommended. Anti-fatigue technology. Also suitable for plantar fasciitis, high arches, ball of foot pain, and metatarsal pain. Supports up to 220 lbs.

6. Walkomfy Heavy Duty Support Pain Relief Orthotic

Rating:

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

Why do we like it?

Did you know that chronic pain in flat feet can gradually lead to foot deformity and ankle instability? Specifically designed for high arches and flat feet, the Walkomfy Support Pain Relief Orthotics works to absorb shock at every step. If you have Grade 1 ankle pain, this heavy-duty orthotics creates a support platform where microscopic tears begin to repair and further damages are prevented. We found that the Walkomfy Support Orthotics are best suited to repair ankle pain due to overexertion or improper all-day standing and movement.

With an arch height of 1.38”, the insoles improve stability by aligning with the ankle, knee, and the hips. It also prevents overpronation, supination, and future complications related to knee and back pain.

Product Details:

Arch Type: High
Ideal Shoe Type: Casual footwear, work boots, and dress shoes.
Construction: Top Cover – Sweat breathable plush polyester fabric; Support – Deep heel cup. Heel cushioning and extra shock absorbing heel pad; Materials – EVA memory foam, velvet fabric, Poron heel pad, hard arch support material.
Sizes: 4 to 13.5 (Men), 6 to 15.5 (Women).
Color: Blue/Grey.
Special Features: Anti-slip pad design. Heavy duty.

7. PCSsole Orthotic Comfort Gel Insert

Rating:

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

Why do we like it?

The last to make to this list is the PCSsole Gel Insert – ideal for all pain-free walking and medium-high impact activities. Its three-point support mechanics help absorb pain and re-correct posture to relieve pressure from the ankles and feet.

We tried the PCSsole inserts on hard surfaces and uneven roads. To our lesser expectations, this one reverted with great support and shock absorption all day long. Though the insoles are firm enough for arch support, it also has a flexible cushioning part – making it a perfect choice for preventing stretch and tear of the ankles.

In conclusion, we can say that these insoles are a podiatrist-recommended, inexpensive pick for long-standing or walking, ankle pain, metatarsalgia, arch pain, flat feet, heel pain, overpronation, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis in both men and women.

Product Details:

Arch Type: All.
Ideal Shoe Type: Running, hiking, casual shoes, dress shoes, and work boots.
Construction: Top Cover – Odor and sweat-free non-slip fabric; Support – 35mm high arch, shock absorbing heel pad, soft metatarsal support pads, pressure distribution forefoot pad, deep heel cup; Materials – Dual layer PORON foam, PU.
Sizes: 4 to 13.5 (Men), 8 to 15.5 (Women).
Color: Black/Blue.
Special Features: Controls odor. Adjusts posture. Fit for most footwear.

Orthotics for Ankle Pain – What To Know

Good orthotics for ankle pain help in proper positioning of the muscles and ligaments, while also providing optimum support in the foot structure. If you suffer from chronic and low to medium-grade ankle pain, custom orthotics can help. The treatment may also be accompanied by bracing or splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, and cortisone injections. While you make the final purchase, consider these factors:

Size – Our tested selections come in a varied range of sizes for both men and women. Since most of these have a ‘trim to fit’ option, it may be safe to buy either the perfect fit or one size bigger, where you can trim the front portion according to the original insoles. The width of the insoles should also be taken into consideration.
Heel Cup – The heel cup should provide adequate cushioning to the sensitive areas. It is one of the main structures that help distribute pressure and relieve ankle pain.
Cushioning – We suggest using a firm arch, pressure distributing foot pads, with heel and metatarsal support for the most effective cushioning. Note that it may take some time to get adjusted to these new insoles.
Arch Support – It’s essential to first get your feet assessed by a podiatrist or take this quiz before you start treatment for ankle pain. Based on the results, choose the orthotics that are best suitable for your high, medium/neutral, flexible, or low/flat arch type.

Treatment for ankle pain should be done with great care. If you have any further questions about selecting the right orthotics for your condition, schedule a consultation or opt for customized orthotics for ankle pain relief.

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