8 Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis: Relief for Foot Pain

Plantar fasciitis insoles are specifically crafted foot inserts aimed at relieving pain and providing essential support for those dealing with this prevalent ailment. Plantar fasciitis, a widespread condition impacting numerous individuals, induces pain and discomfort in the heel and foot. Insoles specifically designed for plantar fasciitis can help alleviate this pain and provide much-needed support. These insoles are designed to cushion the foot and provide arch support, which can help reduce the pressure on the plantar fascia ligament.

When choosing insoles for plantar fasciitis, our selection process at Insole Genius is rigorous and informed by science. We don’t just rely on online reviews; we test and delve into current scientific research to guide our choices. For instance, a 2019 study by Dorianne Schuitema published in the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, which involved 2837 patients with plantar fasciitis, found that mechanical treatments such as insoles, tape, ankle-foot orthoses, and shoes are effective in alleviating symptoms. This study highlighted that contoured full-length insoles are superior to heel cups in relieving discomfort, and their effectiveness increases when used in conjunction with night splints or rocker shoes.

We spent hours researching and testing various insoles for plantar fasciitis to identify the ones that provide the best support and comfort. In the following sections, we will discuss the top insoles for plantar fasciitis and what makes them stand out. Whether you are an athlete or just looking for relief from foot pain, these insoles can help provide the support you need to stay comfortable and pain-free.

Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis All-Day Pain Relief Orthotics are the best insoles for plantar fasciitis for people who spend a lot of time on their feet, offering great support and cushioning. However, they are not ideal for people who require custom orthopedic inserts or have severe foot deformities. They’re also less suitable for individuals weighing more than 250 pounds; for such cases, VALSOLE is a better option.

In our testing, Dr. Scholl’s insoles for plantar fasciitis got 4.5 out of 5, mainly because of their superior comfort and effective pain relief, but they lost points for limited durability and lack of customization options.

While you might not get instant results, these insoles do the trick. They’re as effective as advertised, and you’ll likely start to feel the difference within the first 48 hours, making them a top pick for anyone wanting to quickly soothe their plantar fasciitis discomfort. Ditch the heel cups – these are full-length insoles, and as Dorianne Schuitema suggests, they’re a better option. Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis All-Day Pain Relief Orthotics are a breeze to use and fit most shoes. Just pop them in, and off you go! Plus, they’re a snap to trim, fitting even those with unique foot sizes perfectly.

Superfeet All-Purpose Support High Arch Insoles are the best orthotic insoles for plantar fasciitis for people who incorporate running into their fitness routine, offering excellent support and cushioning for high-impact activities. They are not good for people who prefer a softer, more cushioned feel underfoot or have very low arches, as they might find these insoles too rigid or uncomfortable.

In our tests, Superfeet earned a solid 4.5 out of 5, matching Dr. Scholl’s performance. Although they come with a higher price tag, they justify the cost with their impressive durability, comfort, and adaptability. You can easily customize them to fit a wide range of shoes and boots, making them a versatile choice for anyone looking to invest in quality orthotic insoles.

While they are not “designed” to be a plantar fasciitis treatment, after reading many comments and reviews from people who got results, we thought, why not, let’s test it, and sure enough, they proved to be incredibly effective in reducing discomfort and enhancing foot support during runs. We highly recommend the Superfeet All-Purpose Support High Arch Insoles for anyone with plantar fasciitis or other foot pain. These insoles offer professional-grade orthotic support without the need for custom orthotics, making them a versatile and cost-effective solution for anyone seeking relief from foot discomfort.

PowerStep Pinnacle insoles come NHS-recommended for plantar fasciitis, and in our testing, these are the best of the best because of their perfect blend of support and cushioning, making them ideal for reducing foot pain. However, these insoles are not suitable for individuals with severe pronation because they may not provide the necessary corrective support needed in such cases, potentially leading to discomfort or inadequate foot alignment.

These PowerStep insoles are tailor-made for plantar fasciitis, period. And unlike custom orthotics, they offer a more accessible and ready-to-use solution without sacrificing significant support or comfort. Even with the price tag over $40, we highly recommend the PowerStep Insoles, Pinnacle, for anyone who suffers from mild to moderate plantar fasciitis. They strike a balance between affordability and effectiveness, making them a valuable investment for foot health.

These insoles are perfect for all types of casual shoes, sneakers, boots, and tennis shoes, offering versatile application and ensuring that comfort and support aren’t limited to just one style of footwear.

FeelLife Plantar insoles are the best arch support insoles for plantar fasciitis because they hold up under any challenge – be it running, walking over 6 miles, or doing squats, they’ve got you covered.

Despite being just gel shoe inserts, these insoles don’t skimp on quality. They’re durable and provide just the right amount of cushioning. These insoles are designed to provide comfort and support to the feet, especially the arches, helping to alleviate pain caused by plantar fasciitis. They cradle your feet in all the right places, ensuring you can keep moving without discomfort. True to size, no need to trim them.

In our tests, FeelLife Plantar insoles received a 4.3 out of 5 rating, mainly because while they offer exceptional support and relief, some users found them a bit too firm for their liking. Plus, they may take some time to break in and may not fit all types of shoes. So keep that in mind.

Dr. Scholl’s Heel Pain Relief Orthotics are the best foot insoles for plantar fasciitis for women suffering from heel pain, including plantar fasciitis and heel spurs because they offer targeted cushioning that specifically addresses the heel area. This focused support helps to alleviate pain by redistributing pressure and providing necessary relief where it’s needed most.

These insoles are made from high-quality rubber and are available in women’s sizes 5-12. Although they may not be suitable for every shoe type – high heels, take a back seat here – they are perfect for most other shoes. They’re incredibly user-friendly, easily slipping into your shoes without the need for any trimming, making them a hassle-free option for daily wear.

We highly recommend Dr. Scholl’s Heel Pain Relief Orthotics for women because they’re not just about immediate comfort; they also contribute to long-term foot health. Their design not only offers relief but also works to prevent further pain, making them a wise investment for anyone dealing with persistent heel issues.

SUPINEVER Orthotic Insoles are top-rated for plantar fasciitis, especially for people who need extra arch support due to flat feet or overpronation. The arch support is quite firm, so they might not be ideal if you prefer a softer, more flexible insole or have very sensitive feet. As with most of the firmer insoles, it’s best to start wearing them for 2-3 hours a day and gradually increase the duration as you get comfortable. In our testing, users typically experienced a positive effect after the first week.

The SUPINEVER Orthotic Insoles come with gel pads that effectively relieve pressure on the legs and ankles, while also absorbing shock with every step. Although they are not the best gel insoles for plantar fasciitis, our tests revealed that they excel in enhancing overall foot health and provide exceptional comfort for those on their feet all day. So we give them 4.4 points out of 5 on our InsoleGenius ratings score.

Their design, while not exclusively focused on plantar fasciitis, still offers significant benefits in terms of support and cushioning, making them a versatile option for a wide range of foot conditions. One minor downside we’ve noticed is that these insoles can squeak due to friction between the hard TPU material and the shoe.

VALSOLE Heavy Duty Orthotics are the best arch support insoles for plantar fasciitis for heavier guys because they are robustly designed to handle the extra stress. They are crafted with durable materials capable of supporting over 220lbs, ideal for those who are on their feet a lot. Although we suspect they can handle even more weight, they shine in their versatility.

We’ve tried them out in sneakers, work boots, and running shoes with great success. However, they’re a no-go in dress shoes due to their size and structure. Regardless of this limitation, the VALSOLE Heavy Duty Support Pain Relief Orthotics excel in providing comfort and relief not just for men, but also for women struggling with plantar fasciitis and similar foot issues like heel pain.

Diving deeper, these orthotics utilize what’s known as shock guard technology. This means they incorporate four layers of gel, plastic, and carbon fiber, which work together to absorb the impact of each step, reducing foot and leg fatigue. Beyond just shock absorption, they offer significant arch support. This feature is especially beneficial for those dealing with flat feet, fallen arches, bunions, lower back pain, diabetes, Achilles Tendonitis, and ball of foot pain, offering a comprehensive solution to a wide range of foot-related discomforts.

PROFOOT Orthotic Insoles are the best heel insoles for plantar fasciitis for people who need extra heel and arch support but don’t want to break the bank. They strike a sweet spot between quality and affordability. If you’re looking for a reliable and comfortable solution for plantar fasciitis, the PROFOOT Orthotic Insoles are a great choice. The gel heel and arch support work together to provide excellent pain relief and support, making them perfect for those who spend long periods on their feet or are constantly on the move.

The insoles are easy to use and fit well in most shoes, seamlessly sliding into everything from running shoes to dressier options. However, they may not work with sandals or open-toed shoes, so they’re not the go-to for summer footwear. Also, a heads-up: some users have reported issues with the liner separating from the insole after a few days of use, so it’s important to keep an eye on that. It’s a minor hiccup in an otherwise solid product.

Although they fit in almost all types of shoes, we’re not super fans of heel cups, but according to reviews, they’re good, so we did add them to our best orthotic insoles for plantar fasciitis list. They’ve earned their spot for those who prefer focused heel support over full-length insoles.

What are the Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis?

Insoles for plantar fasciitis are specially designed-footbeds you insert into your shoes. They provide arch support, reduce strain on your plantar fascia, and cushion your heel. It’s like a little comfy mattress for your feet, but with some extra support where you need it. These insoles work by balancing the pressure across your foot, offering support where it’s lacking, and cushioning areas that take a beating. They’re like the shock absorbers for your feet.

What are the benefits of using insoles for plantar fasciitis?

Insoles for plantar fasciitis can significantly reduce foot pain and improve comfort by providing arch support and cushioning.

1. Arch Support: Reduces strain on the plantar fascia by maintaining proper foot alignment.
2. Cushioning: Absorbs impact, reducing stress on the heel and ball of the foot during walking or running.
3. Pressure Distribution: Evenly spreads foot pressure, minimizing concentrated stress on the plantar fascia.
4. Improved Foot Mechanics: Aids in correcting overpronation, a common cause of plantar fasciitis.
5. Pain Relief: Clinical studies show a significant reduction in pain for plantar fasciitis sufferers using insoles.
6. Enhanced Mobility: Increases comfort, making it easier to maintain an active lifestyle despite plantar fasciitis.

How do I choose the right insoles for my plantar fasciitis?

To choose the right insoles for plantar fasciitis, select ones that match your foot arch type and provide adequate cushioning and support for your specific needs.

1. Arch Support Level: Choose a high-arched insole if your footprint shows a thin line or a low-arched one for a nearly full footprint.
2. Cushioning Density: Opt for a denser cushioning (measured in durometer, around 40-50A) for better shock absorption.
3. Heel Cup Depth: A deep heel cup (about 10-15 mm) can provide additional stability and reduce heel pain.
4. Insole Material: Memory foam or gel-based insoles offer different comfort levels; foam contours better, while gel provides more bounce.
5. Size and Fit: Ensure the insole fits your shoe size, which typically ranges from size 5 to 14, and doesn’t cramp your toes, especially when using sole insoles for plantar fasciitis.
6. Activity Type: For active users seeking the best running insoles for plantar fasciitis, choose insoles made with a more responsive material, such as EVA foam, which provides energy return with each step.

What are the best work boot insoles for plantar fasciitis?

For plantar fasciitis in work boots, the best insoles are those that offer robust arch support, a deep heel cup, and durable cushioning to withstand long hours of standing or walking. Insoles for work boots typically are made from materials that can endure heavy use while maintaining their shape and supportiveness.