These Podiatrist-Approved Insoles Provide Awesome Arch Support

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Some of us have flat feet because of genetics (thanks, mom and dad) or because of an untreated injury. Regardless of why you have flat feet, we can all agree on one thing: having them is a real pain. Being flat footed can cause a host of problems including ankle and foot weakness, cramping, balance issues, and swelling. Ugh! So what’s a person to do?

Pick up some insoles, that's what. Insoles offer support, distribute pressure evenly throughout the foot, and can even minimize pain. Sold yet? We thought so.To help us find the best insoles for flat feet, we’ve enlisted the help of three podiatrists: Dr. Suzanne Fuchs, D.P.M, Dr. Mark Mendeszoon, D.P.M, and Dr. Cameron Bennett, D.P.M. Plus, I have flat feet, and I've tested quite a few insoles myself over the past few years. Talk about a dream team for flat feet folks everywhere (try to say that four times fast)!

Why Should People With Flat Feet Wear Insoles?

So, why can’t us flat-footed folks wear the standard insoles that come with our preferred shoe? Well, you can, but you’d probably feel a lot more supported if you used insoles ideal for your feet. And although wearing an insole designed for flat feet won’t fix your arch shape, it can make your workouts and everyday movement a heck of a lot more comfortable.

“Wearing insoles can help to alleviate these problems by providing the necessary support and stability," says Dr. Fuchs. "Insoles can also help to distribute pressure evenly across the foot, reducing the risk of foot pain and injury. Furthermore, they can improve foot alignment, which can help to prevent other related issues such as knee pain and lower back pain.”

Pinnacle Maxx Insoles

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent pair of insoles for flat feet, the Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx should be at the top of your list. We particularly like the deep cradle of the heel, which helps keep the entirety of the foot in alignment (which is important for flat feet).

Dr. Fuchs and Dr. Mendeszoon both agree, and recommend these insoles if you need advanced motion control (I.E you overpronate). These insoles are also surprisingly durable, and the materials plus construction offer a Goldilocks-level mixture of supportive comfort.

“The Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx offers a firmer shell for increased support and stability, which is crucial for people with flat feet,” says Dr. Fuchs, a board-certified podiatrist with LuxePodiatry in Jupiter, FL. "They also have a plush top layer for added comfort.”

Heavy Duty Support Pain Relief Orthotics

If you’re on a tight budget, the Valsole Pain Relief Orthotics are a great option for you at under $40. Additionally, they are made for folks who weigh over 220 pounds, so you won’t find that they compress too much with regular use. We also like that they are able to be customized/trimmed to fit your favorite pair of shoes properly.

Dr. Medeszoon recommends these insoles because they are affordable and ideal for bigger folks. Additionally, he likes them because they have “gel material to cushion the higher pressure points of the foot.”

In our experience, these insoles are well-cushioned and won't make you feel like there is a rock under your arches (which is our primary complaint with most insoles for flat feet). What could be better?

Green Insoles

Comfort is key for most wearables, and insoles for flat feet are no different. That’s why we love the Superfeet Green Insoles, which are made of foam to give you cushioned support all day long.

“The Superfeet Green Insoles are a great choice [for insoles] as they offer professional-grade orthotic support, which can help to alleviate the discomfort associated with flat feet,” Dr. Fuchs says. “They also have a high-density foam layer that provides long-lasting comfort and support.”

Plus, these insoles have deep heel cups and a cushioned forefoot, which helps pressure distribute evenly.

Classic Insoles

Just need a pair of insoles ideal for walking? The Fulton Classic Insoles have you covered. These insoles are made of shock-absorbing materials like cork, foam, and leather. This means you’ll be comfortable and supported no matter how long your walk is.

Dr. Mendezoon personally likes these insoles because they are “form fitting to the feet due to the dual density materials.” We think it is worth noting that you should size up in these insoles, as they tend to run small for both men and women.

Run Support Low Arch

You can get support without choosing a really heavy insole. At least that's what the Superfeet Run Support Insoles told us. According to Dr. Mendeszoon, these inserts are “lightweight, narrow and reactive and do very well in training shoes and even some racing shoes.” Additionally, these insoles have a deep heel cup, which makes them stable for a variety of movements.

Formthotics Unisex-Adult Sport Insole

If you’re looking for a customizable insole, but can’t afford the insane price tag, we’ve found the next best thing. A Formthotic insole. Dr. Bennet likes them specifically for arch support and because the “devices come in different densities, which can provide support throughout daily activities and higher impact sports.”

Plus, you can cut them yourself to match the insides of your favorite walking shoe. However, it is worth noting that you won’t receive much in the way of guidance on how to cut them properly, so be sure to Google a video before starting.

Pace Insoles

If your feet are flat, chances are you overpronate. In this case, Dr. Mendeszoon recommends the Tread Labs Pace insoles because they offer “more control as opposed to just shoes.”

We’d recommend buying two pairs to alternate between these because we find they hold onto bad odors more so then others. Luckily, you can also swap out the top cloth cover of these insoles as they wear out (because it is less waste for the environment).

Polysorb Heavy Duty Maximum All Day Comfort and Support Insoles

Work in retail or at a hospital? You’ll want to pick up a pair of these Spenco insoles, which are ideal for folks who stand all day. Dr. Mendeszoon likes them because they’re “well crafted [and] designed to distribute pressure on the feet with their unique materials, which provide control and cushioning.”

Additionally, they’re also a good option for folks who are on a tight budget (they’re under $30), and for those who need an extra amount of cushioning in the heel. We also think they have great energy return, but it is worth noting that they tend to wear out faster than other insoles we've tested.

What to Look for in Insoles for Flat Feet

Wondering what the golden rules are for finding great insoles for flat feet? We’ve narrowed it down to the top four things you need to check before purchasing anything:

Arch Support

Traditionally, having flat feet means your arches, well, hurt sometimes. Since folks with flat feet don’t have much support through the arch naturally, a pair of insoles specially designed for your foot shape can offer the support you need. Additionally, flat arches mean the pressure in your foot isn’t distributed properly, which can cause stress in certain areas. Luckily, insoles for flat feet can help alleviate that stress–if you know what to look for.

“The insole should offer good arch support to help distribute pressure evenly across the foot,” Dr. Fuchs says.

But, Dr. Fuchs isn’t the only one advocating for insoles with arch support. According to a study done by Plos One using these inserts helps absorb shock when you're walking.

Deep Heel Cup

Many people with flat feet struggle with overpronation, which means your feet tend to be unstable and rotate outwards. To fix this, choose insoles featuring deep heel cups, which “provide stability and reduce stress on the feet,” Dr. Fuchs says.

Heel pain can also be a concern for those who suffer from flat feet (or even plantar fasciitis), which is why a well-cushioned and deep heel cup can make all the difference. In fact, studies (like the one done with the Clinical Intervention of Aging even “suggests a heel cup with arch support insoles is effective in enhancing standing balance.” Who knew!

Durable Materials

Just like a pair of sneakers, insoles endure a decent amount of abuse every time you wear them. Therefore, Dr. Fuchs recommends you choose a pair of insoles “made of durable materials to ensure they can withstand daily wear and tear.”

So what are considered durable materials? For insoles, look for pairs made of EVA, polyurethane, cork, rubber, foam, and/or gel. Because who wants to be replacing their insoles 24/7? Not I, said the fly.

Comfort

Not shockingly, you should find insoles that are “comfortable to wear for extended periods of time,” Dr. Fuchs says. After all, no one wants to willingly wear a pair of insoles that cause them more pain than they’re already enduring.

Comfort can also look like reduced pain, which can be a big selling point for insoles. Plus, when you wear corrective devices like insoles, you may notice less friction and pressure areas on your feet.

Meet the Experts

• Dr. Suzanne Fuchs, D.P.M is a board-certified podiatrist with LuxePodiatry in Jupiter, FL.

• Dr. Mark Mendeszoon, D.P.M is a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties in Chardon, OH.

• Dr. Cameron Bennett, D.P.M is a board-certified podiatrist at My Family Podiatry in New York City.

How We Selected the Best Insoles for Flat Feet

Caroline Lubinsky is a seasoned shopping writer, and as someone who has flat feet, she's tested most of the insoles on this list. She also consulted with three board-certified podiatrists, including Dr Fuchs, and combed through dozens of five-star reviews from e-commerce websites we trust.

Shop More of Our Favorite Footwear

Insoles for Work Boots | Arch Support Shoes | Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis | Flip Flops WIth Arch Support | Shoes for Standing All Day in | Shoes for Bunions | Comfortable Dress Shoes

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