Foot pain is more prevalent in people today than it was a few decades ago. Achilles tendinitis, bunions, bone spurs, broken foot, and avulsion fracture are some of the common causes of foot pain.
However, most people have biomechanical abnormalities in their feet that can cause plantar fasciitis, flat feet, unstable arches, and foot pain. In the case of plantar fasciitis, which is one of the common causes of heel pain, your fascia ligament becomes inflamed due to overuse or injury. The problem is further increased by your shoe insole. Due to poor arch support and instability, these insoles may cause excessive pain and fascia rupture – leaving you bed-ridden for days and weeks.
To help you reduce your foot pain and enable you to walk comfortably again, we’ve researched, analyzed, and reviewed the top 8 best insoles for plantar fasciitis.
8 Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis
We’ll review and analyze each insole and help you pick the one that can reduce your symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
Quick Winner
Can’t wait to read until the end? Here’s the winner
Powerstep Plantar Fasciitis Insole
After reviewing and analyzing many different insoles for plantar fasciitis on the market, we have concluded that Powerstep Plantar Fasciitis insole is the best.
Quality: 4.4/5
Pricing: 4.5/5
Rating: 4.4/5
Jump to read the reviews, instead? HERE
What is an Insole in a Shoe?
Insoles are shoe inserts that run directly under your feet. Shoe insoles have been around for years now, and they are only getting better and better. In the past, insoles were made of heavy and thick leather material. Later on, manufacturers created lightweight, durable, and comfortable insoles out of plastic, gel, and foam. The primary purpose of using a shoe insole is to help people walk and run comfortably, reduce the risks of injury, alleviate extra pain, and support the arches. All shoes come with insoles in them. However, they may not be as comfortable as the custom made insoles. You can replace the current with the new ones to support your arches and alleviate plantar fasciitis pain.
Do you Need Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the common foot pain. The pain starts to take a toll on you when the fascia ligament under the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed. Repetitive motion, irregular walking pattern, overuse, and injury to the fascia region cause plantar fasciitis. To reduce the risks of injuries, improve your walking, realign the gait, and support your defective arches, you may need to use insoles. Here’s the rundown to see if you need an insole for plantar fasciitis.
If you’ve have:
- Heel pain
- Difficulty walking due to pain
- Unstable arches
- Bunions
- Week and painful feet
- Ankle pain
Then you need to take care of your feet by using the best insole for plantar fasciitis.
Inserts, Insole, and Orthotics; What’s the Difference?
Shoe inserts, insoles, or orthotics – call it whatever – all are used in your shoes to comfort your foot, stabilize your gait, reduce injury risks, and relieve the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. With that being said, below is the difference, which most people ignore and instead use all the terms interchangeably.
Shoe inserts may also be called shoe insoles. And there’s no stark difference between the two. However, Orthotics and insoles are different in that orthotics are prescribed supports that are used directly under your feet in the shoes to treat, align, prevent and correct the function of your feet.
On the other hand, insoles or inserts are non-prescription pads used in your shoes to reduce injury risk, support arches, and reduce pain and inflammation due to foot conditions.
Currently, shoe inserts and insoles are most commonly used because they can be found easily. Moreover, modern shoe inserts are lightweight, durable, and made of premium material for maximum arch support and stability. While many would disagree and instead opt in for orthotics – since they are specifically made based on your foot condition – but the modern insoles are doing a better job at reducing foot pain and improving foot condition.
How Do Plantar Fasciitis Insoles Work?
Your plantar fascia tissue may be inflamed, overused, or injured, which can cause sharp or dull foot pain. Due to this inflammation, plantar fasciitis is developed.
Now, shoe inserts for plantar fasciitis work by targeting the inflamed region of the fascia ligament. These insoles provide padded support and stop the ligament from stretching further. If you’ve high or low arches, your fascia ligament may still be stretched beyond its normal limit, resulting in extra pressure on your foot. To reduce the impact of ground and ensure that your ligament is not strained, you can use insoles for plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis insoles will help protect your foot, stabilize its motion, reduce the risk of injuries, and heal the pain.
Along with that, these insoles are also beneficial in helping with many other foot conditions — for example, bunions, ankle pain, and metatarsal pain, etc.
Benefits of Wearing Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis?
Insoles have a lot of benefits for someone who frequently walks, train daily, or run most often. Even if you walk for purposes other than work, you still need a pair of insoles for your shoes.
While shoes come with insoles, not all of them are supportive. Therefore specific shoe inserts, like insoles for plantar fasciitis, can help with many foot problems and conditions.
Below are a few main benefits of wearing insoles for plantar fasciitis:
Fractures – Foot fracture and injury can be painful. To avoid fractures, such as metatarsal, you should use well-padded insoles that can absorb shocks and reduce pressure on your foot.
Unstable arch – Unstable arches contribute to extra pressure on your feet. Because of the low or high arch of your foot, extra movement can occur. This movement can be prevented by choosing the best shoe insert for your foot.
Knee and ankle pain – Knee and ankle instability cause a lot of complications. Not only it’s painful, but the problem can also extend to the other parts of your legs. Insoles that target the biomechanical imbalance of your feet reduce knee and ankle pain.
Things to Consider Before Buying Insoles for plantar fasciitis
If you’ve finally decided to buy insoles for plantar fasciitis, ensure a few things so you can have a better idea on what to consider.
Quality – Do you like insoles that are cheaply-made and don’t look good I hope you don’t. Always look for insoles made with premium, ultra-durable, and breathable material. When it comes to performance, a poorly-made insole won’t cut it. Purge the idea.
Stability and support – If the insoles are not providing stability to your imbalanced foot structure, then they are not good enough. Look for insoles with a thick cushioning that can stabilize your feet and support them in all conditions. Also, make sure you don’t compromise on the level of comfort.
Plantar fasciitis relief – See your product description and read through carefully to see which specific features can help with plantar fasciitis. If not, you may read the reviews and product specifications to know furthermore. Bottom line: see if the insoles are helpful for plantar fasciitis in some way.
Durability and ease of use – Latex free, breathable, and flexible material with odor and moisture proof design can be much more durable than its counterpart made of cheap material.
With these points in mind, you’ll be better equipped with all the information available to help you choose the best insole for plantar fasciitis.
Top 8 Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis
1. Powerstep Plantar Fasciitis Insole
Quality: 4.4/5
Pricing: 4.5/5
Rating: 4.4/5
With a base made of soft EVA foam, Powerstrep insole is a flexible yet durable shoe insert for people with abnormal foot structure. Whether you’re walking, running, or intense training, the ultra premium top fabric will keep your feet comfortable, dry, and odorless.
Powerstep insole offers excellent stability and support to your arches and relieves foot pain due to plantar fasciitis. Many users said Powerstep was a podiatrist recommended orthotic insert that actually helped with plantar fasciitis.
Support and stability – With padded cushions and deep heel cradle, these flexible inserts support and stabilize your feet while walking and running.
Comfort – Powerstep insole has dual layer cushion with antimicrobial upper layering that eliminates odor and wicks away moisture.
Pain relief – The shoe insert works well with low, neutral, and high arches to relieve and prevent plantar fasciitis pain.
Pros:
✔️ Flexible and durable
✔️ Anti bacterial upper fabric
✔️ Support foot ligament
✔️ Comfortable and easy to use
✔️Adjustable and can be customized
Cons:
❌ Choosing the wrong size may create problems
2. Superfeet Plantar Fasciitis Insole
Quality: 4.3/5
Pricing: 4.4/5
Rating: 4.2/5
If you’re looking for maximum foot support during intense training and sports activities, then Superfeet Plantar Fasciitis insole can help. Not only the foot insert has high density foam, but its high profile shape also minimizes impacts and reduces knee and foot pain.
Superfeet shoe insole features stabilizer cap at the lower back to keep your foot stabilized. You can fit Superfeet insert in all types of footwear by replacing it with the existing insole. Users with plantar fasciitis saw an improvement in their condition.
Maximum protection – With thick, padded cushion and high density foam, Superfeet insoles absorb shocks and stabilize your feet in all conditions.
Pain and Inflammation – Whether you’ve osteoarthritis or plantar fasciitis, these insoles will help rebalance your feet
Comfort and durability – The deep heel cups with a full length cushion support keep your feet comfortable.
Pros:
✔️ Vegan friendly and latex free
✔️ Maximum foot support
✔️ Fit various shoe types
✔️ Minimize impact and shock
Cons:
❌ Poor arch support
3. Walk-Hero Plantar Fasciitis Insole
Quality: 4.3/5
Pricing: 4.2/5
Rating: 4.1/5
With a dozen different insole sizes and four color options to choose from, Walk-Hero Plantar Fasciitis insoles offer a customize foot protection. Designed for daily use and all types of foot arches, these insoles help relieve heel spurs, arthritis, bunions, and plantar fasciitis.
The deep heel cups and EVA material of the inserts help counteract shocks, stabilize feet, and reduce foot pain. They realign your feet and keep severe pain at bay, according to many reviewers.
All condition support – Travel, hike, climb, play, and work, as these insoles are designed to accompany you everywhere without a limit.
Comfort and customization – They have a wide range of sizes and colors you can pick from and comfortably adjust the insoles.
Pain relief and durability – The high density foam layer and a 7mm arch support relieve foot burden and minimize heel pain due to plantar fasciitis.
Pros:
✔️ Durable and long-lasting
✔️ Medical grad foot support
✔️ Pain relief from plantar fasciitis
Cons:
❌ Uncomfortable when used for the first time
4. Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Insole
Dr. Scholl’s orthotic insole is specifically designed for people who have plantar fasciitis and need support to reduce heel pain and discomfort. Whether you’ve training shoes, hiking boots, or casual sneakers, these insoles will adapt to your foot shape and cushion your ligaments.
The full length cushioning helps distribute pressure on your foot, and the shock guard technology absorbs shocks to reduce heel pain. People who bought Dr. Scholl’s insoles said they had their heel pain relieved within a few weeks.
Pain relief – As earlier, the soles are specifically designed to reduce heel pain due to plantar fasciitis.
Comfort and stability – The reinforced arch support stabilizes your plantar fascia region so you can comfortably walk again.
Easy to use and durable – Unlike most orthotic inserts for plantar fasciitis, these insoles have an ergonomic design and high quality.
Pros:
✔️ Specifically for plantar fasciitis heel pain
✔️ Distribute foot pain for minimum impact
✔️ Stabilize plantar fascia
✔️ Contoured heel cup design
Cons:
❌ May be too wide for smaller shoes
5. Waki Home Plantar Fasciitis Insole
Quality: 4.2/5
Pricing: 4.1/5
Rating: 4.4/5
Waki Home Plantar Fasciitis insoles are daily use shoe inserts for people with heel spurs, overpronation, arch instability, and plantar fasciitis. The flexible and durable top keeps your foot in a comfortable position in all situations.
People with plantar fasciitis found Waki Home insoles supportive because of the heel-lift design that shifts the balance and stabilizes your foot.
Support and stability – Waki Home shoe insoles provide better arch support and foot stability.
Comfort – The padded upper layer controls moisture and odor. The fabric is light, breathable, soft, and durable for maximum comfort.
Pain relief – Foot and heel pain could be significantly reduced by using these insoles.
Pros:
✔️ Soft and durable material
✔️ Color and size customization
✔️ Better arch support
✔️ Foot pain relief
Cons:
❌ Poor pressure points
6. Heel That Pain Plantar Fasciitis Insole
Quality: 4.0/5
Pricing: 4.1/5
Rating: 4.1/5
Heel That Pain Plantar Fasciitis insole is different from most over the counter shoe inserts. These heel pads are designed to apply acupressure to the rearfoot, thus supporting the fascia ligament from its point of contact with the heel bone.
They offer different models, each having various features for an individual’s needs. The “Original” model provides firm support, the “Hybrid” model has a semi-firm support, while the “Gel” model is soft and highly flexible.
Comfort and ease of use – The anti-slip layering and moisture and odor repelling capability make the insoles comfortable and easy to use.
Pain relief – The therapeutic acupressure applied to your heels reduces pain within a week of using them.
Durability and fit – They come in four different sizes with three firmness levels to choose from. Fit them in your shoes for months without worrying about its durability.
Pros:
✔️ Three different firmness levels
✔️ Target specific pain points
✔️ Custom fit and flexible
✔️ Multidirectional support
Cons:
❌ May be too thick for some people
7. VOCOFA Plantar Fasciitis Insole
Quality: 4.2/5
Pricing: 4.3/5
Rating: 4.2/5
VOCOFA insoles for plantar fasciitis feature durable EVA foam base with thick, padded cushions for shock absorption, foot stability, and pain relief. The insoles are designed for various foot types, including low, normal, and high arches.
If you’re suffering from alignment problem, overpronation, or plantar fasciitis, these ergonomic insoles will ease foot stress and discomfort. There are six different color options to choose from. You can also get a specific size based on the chart with more than eight size ranges.
Multi-layer structure – This feature allows your foot to rest comfortably because of its upper layer’s sweat and odor proof design. The middle and lower layers offer support and stability.
Pain relief – Alleviate heel pain as well as reduce the risks of injury during intense sports activities.
Durability and fit – Various sizing options allow for custom fit. Also, the multi-layer EVA foam resists wear-outs and lasts long.
Pros:
✔️ Multilayer foot support
✔️ Ultra thin, low profile design
✔️ Heel pain relief
✔️ Custom fit and color option
Cons:
❌ May be too thin for some foot types
Best similar alternative suggested for unavailable product
8. Physix Gear Sport Plantar Fasciitis Insole
Quality: 4.2/5
Pricing: 4.0/5
Rating: 4.2/5
Physix Gear Sports insoles have a deep heel cradle and an ultra thin profile design for stability and foot support. Made of EVA foam and PU material, these insoles function to improve your abnormal walking pattern and relieve severe pain.
These insoles are made of lightweight, durable, and long lasting material. The ergonomic design features anti-microbial upper layer with odor and sweat-repelling capability. People who used Physix Gear Sport said the insoles improved their running, relieved fascia pain, and stabilized their feet.
Stability and support – Deep heel cradle and semi-rigid arch support improve stability and balance.
Comfort and ease of use – The dual-layer cushioning makes the insoles extremely comfortable even when used daily for hours.
Durability and fit – The two-layered support and EVA foam base make the insole last long. You also get to choose from various sizes for a custom fit.
Pros:
✔️ Better stability and comfort
✔️ Low profile and thin design
✔️ Arch support
✔️ Pain and swelling relief
Cons:
❌ Low cushion
❌ Not ideal for too narrow shoes
Conclusion
Plantar fasciitis can be annoying for those that need to walk or run frequently. Even if you are not an intense trainer or a frequent runner, you may still need to try insole to support your arches and reduce any pain associated with your foot Condition. Based on our research, we’ve concluded that Powerstep Shoe Insole is the best insole for plantar fasciitis.
