9 Reliable Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis, According to a Podiatrist

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IF YOU suffer or have ever suffered from serious foot pain, you know how debilitating it can be. For anyone used to being active, it can totally derail your lifestyle. Plantar fasciitis, in particular, is one of the worst and most persistent types of chronic foot pain. It’s also among the most common. Thankfully, we’re living in something of a golden age of curative footwear products, including everything from custom shoes to bespoke orthotics to more budget-friendly over-the-counter (OTC) insoles designed just for plantar fasciitis sufferers. If you’re looking for the best bang-for-your-buck solution without spending a fortune, off-the-rack insoles might be the way to go.

Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis

“Insoles can be very helpful for plantar fasciitis as they are designed to help dissipate the pressure points on the bottom of the foot, provide more support, and even provide cushion,” said Dr. Mark Mendeszoon, a podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties, Inc., in Chardon, Ohio. “Sometimes regular shoe insoles do not have the ability to provide the biomechanical advantages of over-the-counter insoles.” (More on that later.)

There are plenty of “regular,” over-the-counter (OTC) insoles available everywhere, from CVS to Walmart to Foot Locker. But how do you know what to look for when shopping for the right pair for you? With the help of Dr. Mendeszoon and our in-house footwear-savvy writers and editors, we took a deep dive into the world of insoles to find the best insoles for plantar fasciitis sufferers in 2024.

What to Consider When Shopping for the Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis

Of course, everyone’s feet are different. If you suffer from foot pain, including plantar fasciitis, you need a good pair of insoles that’s right for you. While there is no one best pair of insoles for plantar fasciitis, there are a few general things to look for.

“Insoles that are designed for plantar fasciitis should have a deep heel cup, perhaps some cushioning in the heel cup, a forgiving medial arch for support, and typically should be a full-length [design] so that the pressure points on the sole of the whole foot can be distributed properly,” says Dr. Mendeszoon.

Here's the low-down on everything to consider:

Design

Dr. Mendeszoon confirms that full-length insoles are your best bet for the right balance and support for your feet. All of the insoles we recommend feature a full-length design except the silicone heel cups, which we've only included as an alternative if you don't dig traditional insoles.

Cushioning

Your feet (and everything they're connected to, so, basically, your ankles, knees, hips, and back) undergo intense pressure with every step and stride. A properly cushioned insole can help absorb that shock, which reduces stress and pain on your heel and foot. Extra-thick cushioning can be "too much of a good thing," however. We recommend avoiding insoles that are too soft. Another thing to consider is that thick insoles may not fit in moderately snug to tight-fitting footwear.

Heel Cup

Heel cups are designed to keep your heel in place and prevent rolling forward (a.k.a. pronation). A nice, deep heel cup can help reduce unnecessary stress on the plantar fascia.

Price

Most over-the-counter insoles are incredibly affordable. Even the very best insoles for plantar fasciitis typically run $60 or less per pair. If even that seems like a steep price to pay, consider that they're still significantly cheaper than custom orthotics and multiple trips to your podiatrist. It's worth noting, however, that OTC insoles can only do so much. If you're suffering from significant chronic foot pain or sudden acute pain that may have been the result of an injury, we recommend consulting a professional.

How We Selected the Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis Sufferers

Over the last year, we researched and tested dozens of the most popular insoles to compare every feature, including fit, comfort, overall design, and price. We also consulted Dr. Mark Mendeszoon, a podiatrist at Ohio’s Precision Orthopaedic Specialties, Inc., for his expert take on our insole picks. The final list above includes our honest picks of the best insoles for plantar fasciitis sufferers in 2024.

Plantar Fasciitis Orthotics Insoles

These multipurpose insoles are designed to help with a variety of foot ailments, including “Morton's neuroma, plantar fasciitis, calluses, flat feet, foot and leg fatigue,” and more. They’re ultra-thin, lightweight, and buttery soft, so they just feel good against the bottoms of your feet. “A good price point for the insoles with a unique design to help distribute weight properly. Ergodynamic materials and good materials for shock absorption,” says Dr. Mendeszoon.

We like that these are very well-reviewed, with hundreds of glowing five-star buyer ratings on Amazon alone. Plus, combined with a versatile design that works with almost any type of footwear, from sneakers to boots to dress shoes, these are a solid buy if you’re looking for just one pair of insoles for your plantar fasciitis. The best part, though? The price. These are arguably the best value insoles in our roundup.

What do buyers think? “A hiking friend of mind recommended these insoles to save your feet from long and difficult climbs. [T]hey provide a great layer of cushion and support. My feet aren't hurting after hiking anymore!” said one Amazon reviewer.

Plantar Fasciitis Feet Insoles

We can’t ignore the more than 65,000 buyer ratings on these insoles from Walk-Hero—including more than 40,000 five-star reviews—on Amazon alone, making them one of the retailer’s best-selling insoles. It’s easy to see why: They offer all the essential features we look for in a good pair of insoles that support plantar fasciitis: High arch support, a deep heel cup, premium EVA material, and high-density foam cushioning. The “sized” design means no cutting is necessary. Just order these insoles in your standard shoe size, and they’re ready to roll right out of the package.

This is a “multiple-layer insole that has a good price point and good reviews and is accommodating and comfortable,” says Dr. Mendeszoon. The multi-layer construction makes it durable enough, even for high-activity wearers. Plus, you can’t beat the price. All of which makes these one of our favorite picks for the best insoles for plantar fasciitis sufferers.

What do buyers think? “I have a high arch and also suffered from plantar fasciitis. With these inserts I am walking better, I feel much better supported. A very good product for me,” said one Amazon reviewer.

All-Purpose Support High-Arch Orthotic Insoles

According to Dr. Mendeszoon, these orthotics insoles from one of our favorites, Superfeet, are “one of the most common and best-selling insoles on the market which provide not only support but also functional control of the hind foot.” These are premium insoles with all of the most essential features, including a high-density foam footbed, a deep heel cup, and even built-in organic odor control to keep your feet and footwear smelling fresh. What truly sets these apart, however, is the unique design that’s purpose-built for plantar fasciitis sufferers with high arches (although some reviewers find the arch a bit too aggressive).

At more than twice the price of our most affordable picks, they’re some of the more expensive OTC insoles we’ve seen this year. Still, that’s a bargain compared to buying pricey custom orthotics. Considering that they’re a long-time customer favorite with roughly 30,000 positive reviews on Amazon alone—including more than 20,000 five-star ratings—we think they’re worth the splurge.

What do buyers say? “My physical therapist recommended getting insoles to help with a hip issue I have. The first day with these insoles, I was able to be on my feet longer without pain,” said one Superfeet.com reviewer.

Men's Anti Fatigue Technology Replacement Insole

Workers who spend long days standing and walking on hard surfaces demand serious footwear, especially for those who suffer from chronic foot pain like plantar fasciitis. Their shoes (and insoles) need to feel comfortable and supportive above all else, as well as be reliable and affordable. These anti-fatigue insoles from Timberland Pro are just the trick. They “are a very durable and well-designed insole, particularly for shoes such as work shoes, restaurant shoes, hiking boots, and winter boots. They have a long lifespan,” confirms Dr. Mendeszoon.

Because these are purpose-built for workers and work boots, specifically, they feature a solid list of work-friendly features. The top layer is moisture-wicking and anti-microbial to fend off bacteria and odor. It’s also soft yet durable for all-day comfort. An anatomically contoured footbed offers maximum comfort and support, while the dynamic arch support works with almost any foot shape. Plus, they’re priced right, too.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 18,000 Amazon reviews, 85% recommend the Timberland PRO Anti-Fatigue Technology Replacement Insole with at least a 4-star rating.

Pinnacle Breeze Insole

Two important features Dr. Mendeszoon recommends for plantar fasciitis sufferers are insoles with a deep heel cup and solid medial arch support. PowerStep Insoles’ Pinnacle Breeze Arch Pain Relief Insole has both. According to the good doctor, this is “another top-selling brand of insoles … [They’re] multiple-layered with a nice deep heel cup that controls pronation and heel impact. Good, well-fitted formed medial arch to support the foot from collapsing.” Plus, they feature “a nice combination of soft and durable materials to give a good protection and support of the foot and ankle.”

What further sets these apart is the airy mesh design that helps wick away moisture and fend off bacteria and odor. It’s the perfect combination for active wearers who need a fitness-friendly insole that can keep up while running, hiking, or even for everyday wear. The midrange price means they're not the cheapest nor the most expensive, making them a nice upgrade for budget-conscious buyers.

What do buyers say? “These really help and my husband and I have used them for several pairs of shoes!” said one Amazon reviewer.

Rx Orthotic Arch Support Full Length Shoe Insoles

For plantar fasciitis sufferers, in particular, Dr. Mendeszoon recommends “full-length insoles [that] are good in distributing pressure points more evenly throughout the foot and ankle.” That’s why these Rx Orthotic Arch Support insoles from Spenco are a favorite among podiatrists. They’re “a tremendous install that has excellent cushioning and control of the hind foot and arch.” With roughly 3,000 five-star buyer ratings on Amazon, they’re clearly a customer favorite, too.

A moldable arch insert helps support the foot and keep it from rolling forward, while proprietary SpenCore material provides excellent cushioning and shock absorption. It’s all topped with four-way stretch nylon fabric to prevent blisters and control foot odor. Plus, this is another well-priced pair of plantar-fasciitis-friendly insoles, even for budget-conscious buyers.

What do buyers say? “I have used these insoles for many years on the advice of my podiatrist. He said they would work fine and not be as expensive as custom made ones. I can tell a difference when I do NOT wear them. They provide excellent support,” said one Amazon reviewer.

Heavy Duty Support Pain Relief Orthotics

For heavier users and even heavy-duty users (construction workers, restaurant staff, etc.), these orthotic insoles from Walkomfy are purpose-built to support more than 210 pounds. The thick EVA foam and memory foam construction is extremely supportive and comfortable, even for all-day wear. The combination also reduces friction to help prevent corns and heel spurs. Plus, an extra shock absorber heel pad provides additional comfort where you need it most. The versatile design fits most boots, casual shoes, and sneakers (although the company recommends against wearing them with dress or heeled shoes).

This is another incredibly well-reviewed insole model with more than 6,000 ratings—including over 3,500 five-star reviews—on Amazon alone, so it’s clearly a customer favorite. It’s also well-priced, making this a solid value insole for plantar fasciitis sufferers.

What do buyers say? “I will never buy a new pair of boots without a set of these to go inside them,” said one Amazon reviewer.

Arch Support Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis

Having flat feet can make it incredibly difficult to find comfortable footwear. The Arch Support Insoles from Physix Gear Sport feature a razor-thin design that fits well in almost any type of shoe, from dress shoes to sneakers to work boots. But the high arch support provides a solid comfortable base for flat foot sufferers, especially those living with plantar fasciitis. The combination of premium EVA foam with a deep heel cup adds stability and support for all-day comfort. Plus, they're among the most affordable insoles we've seen this year.

What do buyers say? “I purchased these orthotics after searching online and once I began wearing them, my pain was gone in about a week. I was AMAZED!!!!!” said one Amazon reviewer.

Gel Heel Cups for Pain and Plantar Fasciitis

If you suffer from foot pain, most podiatrists recommend a full-length insole as they’re most effective in alleviating things like plantar fasciitis. But, if you don’t find traditional insoles comfortable or you have an especially snug pair of shoes (where a full-length option just won’t fit), a curative heel cup might be the best option.

ViveSole’s Gel Heel Cups are simple, wedge-shaped inserts designed to provide extra support specifically for your heels and ankles. The solid silicone gel construction is durable, pliable, and, most importantly, comfortable for anyone who spends long hours on their feet each day. They're also the most affordable solution in this year's roundup.

What do buyers say? “I bought a pair of these at the same time as two other types because I wanted to compare them all to see which one I liked best. These were the most comfortable and I have already bought another pair,” said one Amazon reviewer.

Meet the Experts

• Dr. Mark Mendeszoon is a podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties, Inc., in Chardon, Ohio.

Do inserts for plantar fasciitis actually work?

Custom orthotics will almost always help treat chronic foot pain as they’re designed specifically to fit your feet. However, there’s little independent research on the effectiveness of over-the-counter or store-bought insoles for treating plantar fasciitis. Still, if you’re looking to save a bit of money upfront, it’s worth giving OTC insoles a try. Whichever option you choose, consult with a podiatrist first before trying to treat yourself. Buying the wrong insoles, especially store-bought options, could only make your pain worse.

Do plantar fasciitis insoles hurt at first?

Wearing any new footwear or accessory (like insoles or heel cups) in your footwear can take some getting used to. But properly fitted insoles for plantar fasciitis should not hurt your feet, even at first. If you find your foot pain doesn’t improve or worsens with any insole, that’s your sign to consider other alternatives.

Which insoles do podiatrists recommend for plantar fasciitis?

There are dozens of great insoles and insole brands on the market today. In addition to his recommendations above, Dr. Mendeszoon also likes Currex brand insoles because they “are lightweight, biomechanically well designed and a design for people with higher tree, normal arches and flat foot. These insoles also are specifically made for different types of shoes such as athletic cleats, work shoes, dress shoes.”

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