You might be in discomfort with parts of your foot, and those blisters might come up more often, no matter how many pairs of socks you have on.
If you want a brace for your feet that doesn't require any drastic measures, then insoles might be exactly what you're looking for.
If you want to make those work days less of a pain, then we've got you covered. In this guide, we have picked out the 12 best insoles that we could find that can relieve you of that pain and make your work days more manageable.
With all these options, there’s bound to be a style or design that will suit you well, so If you want to take a step in the right direction, read on to find out more.
How Have we picked Out These Insoles?
When choosing what the best insoles are out there, we had certain criteria in mind that would make using the insoles as simple as possible, and of course, you want value for money and insoles that will last you for a while.
We've also looked for insoles that are most effective for those long days of work and could apply to any other shoes that you may have at home.
You also want ones that are easy to take out and replace if necessary, so we've considered this as well when making this list, but first, why is it important that people use insoles?
Why Is Wearing Insoles Good For Your Feet?
You might experience foot pain and think it isn't a big deal, but we're here to tell you that if that pain is unleft, it could lead to long-term foot pain and problems walking.
In fact, some of these problems could take too long to reverse, so you might want to consider this if you think your foot pain is bearable.
The longer you leave the pain, the more noticeable it becomes and results in alignment issues that can affect your knees, ankles, hips, and back, so that's where you'll definitely notice the pain and may need to see a podiatric or orthopedic physician.
To prevent any layovers from work, you can tackle your foot pain early, so if you're constantly on the move and catch the arch of your foot awkwardly while walking, an insole can act like a brace, which works in the same way as braces for teeth do.
This solution is better than having to bear the pain and take medication if it's really that unmanageable, and over time you might need stronger medication, and there is only so much medication a doctor can provide.
These full-length insoles will give you complete contact support. The encapsulated design has a firm but flexible support shell, built-in arch support, and a deep heel cradle for increased stability.
This insole works for neutral, low, and high arches and is a good all-rounder insert.
The insole is made from a fabric that keeps your feet comfy and dry by limiting the build-up of friction and heat while you're on the move, making your work days more productive and pain-free.
Things we like
These insets can be transferred into any type of shoe, so there's no trimming you have to do to make them fit.
The low-profile foam and EVA base mean you can use these in a variety of different shoes so you can avoid pain in your leisure time as well as at work.
Things we don't like
When using them for the first time, you'll need to break them in as it's recommended that you wear them for a few hours a day until your feet become accustomed to them.
The firmness of the inserts might be noticeable to those who may be using them in tighter shoes, so you might not get that padded feel in some cases.
These insoles can relieve heel pain and flat feet and assist your ankle, knee, lower back posture, heel spurs, shin splints, and bunions.
And that's not all. They also provide a shock-absorbing feature as gel forefoot, and air capsules give your feet that cushioning.
They are great for your heels as they offer built-in support that can keep your foot bones vertical and balanced to provide you with that stability.
This can keep you going for most of the day without having to use bandages on the ankle or arch of your feet if you are fighting fatigue in those areas.
Things we like
It has a memory foam base meaning that the insoles are more likely to cushion where you put the most pressure on your feet and can begin to alleviate your posture, which can keep you moving pain-free for longer.
It can give you 3 extra hours of work a day, making those long work days more manageable, and are great for those who like long walks as well.
Things we don't like
It might need to be trimmed to fit your shoe, which might take time if you want to adapt the insole for that perfect fit and might not be convenient if you want to use them for different shoes.
You might start to feel foot pressure from around 3-7 days, so they aren't necessarily a quick alternative if you need them for your work shoes, for instance.
Even though these insoles are made for athletes, you'd be surprised that they have other capabilities for wearing casually or at work.
They can prevent pain from runner's knee, shin splints, and heel or arch pain, which is made possible by its triple-zone protection with reinforced arch support and a deep heel cup that can absorb pressure.
If you're on the move constantly or running in your shoes, your feet could be subject to around 2-3 times your body weight.
So if you're increasing the pressure on your feet, you'll want an insert that can prevent persistent foot pain from worsening and, in turn, ruining your day.
Things we like
These insoles can reduce shock by 40%, help reduce wear and tear on your legs, and also help relieve pain from shin splints or runner's knee.
It can be helpful for those who want to get a feel for insoles and how they work, or you could use them if traditional insoles just don't do it for you.
Things we don't like
If you have more severe forms of foot pain, these insoles might be more of a quick-fix and might need changing to other insoles later down the line.
The built-in arch support with these insoles might not fit everyone, so you might get some discomfort, especially if you have high arches.
If you're worried that your weight will affect how your insoles will work, then the Cruv Heal insoles might just be what you're looking for.
These insoles are made to provide arch support, distribute body weight evenly, and reduce the impact of your feet.
They also have special gel pads that can act as a shock absorber and keep the foot secure.
Even though these insoles can manage sustained pressure, they have a breathable, soft design and have that memory foam base which is always a plus in our books.
Things we like
You can begin to feel that pain relief as early as a week, so no more having to try and test out different insoles.
Come in different styles to match your shoe type, so you could add some color and flair to those shoes if you wanted to.
Things we don't like
These insoles might squeak when you use them, but this is usually the case if you have shoes with insoles that have more room in them. You might have to wear these with standard insoles to get a better fit to resolve this issue.
If you're a half-size in feet, you may need to purchase the next size up and trim them down, and with thicker soles, they might be harder to trim down.
These insoles align your body's posture by supporting the heel bone and ankle joint, preventing the overly way you flatten your feet or the restrictive movement of your ankle.
This alignment can reduce stress on the ankles, knees, and hips, so suppose you do a lot of heavy lifting and use your knees a lot, well, these insoles will offer you better coverage overall.
The Protalus inserts were created to reduce unsafe ranges of motion, and the technology used in the insole has counter forces that align the ankle with the heel for better movement in case you happen to walk on uneven terrain or land on your foot awkwardly.
Things we like
It improves the alignment of your ankle by 31% when you compare it to other insoles, so if your specific issue is in your ankles, you might want to consider these.
It has anti-slip ridges that keep the insole in place and ensure the insert won't slip during use. As it's more rigid in your shoe, you can expect more consistent levels of support and comfort that will come in handy for those long work days.
Things we don't like
It might take longer than a week before you start to see results, especially if you have a high arch or issues with your heel.
The shape and thicker size of the insole might make it a bit awkward to slip them out and into another pair of shoes, but it might not be an issue if your work shoes are your primary footwear.
If you're slightly taller than average and regular insoles just don't cut it for you, then you may want to consider these extra support insoles that offer superior shock absorption and even reinforced arch support to help with the pain or fatigue you may experience while being on your feet all day.
This shock absorption extends to the massaging gel multi-layer waves that act as a cushion for high comfort levels.
If you have any swelling or soreness with your work boots, these can offer you something different, making you more productive by giving you more energy in each step.
So those work days will roll on by, and, well, those slippers you own might have some competition.
Things we like
If you're taller, so around 5' 8" or higher, these insoles are great for back and joint pain or if you're covering more ground each day.
These insoles can be used with most types of shoes, so you can take that comfort with you whether you're at work or hitting the golf course, for example.
Things we don't like
If your shoe doesn't have removable insoles, the inclusion of these due to their shape could cause issues getting the right fit. This might extend to those who have orthotic shoes designed to treat certain foot problems.
The shape of the insoles might take up more space in your shoes than usual, so it would be ideal if your shoes aren't tight on your feet, so there is some room to maneuver the sole to get a good fit.
If your work requires you to work in a demanding job like construction or commercial driving, you're going to be moving around a lot, so you want a pair of soles that will keep up with you.
That's where the Timberland pro insoles come in. These offer a carefully engineered upgrade in performance & comfort that can give you enhanced job performance, and no one can say no to that.
The Anti-fatigue Technology that comes with the Inserts has an inverted cone foam designed to absorb shock and return energy to your feet with every step.
With a name like Timberland, you know you're getting a great product that's been tested in harsh conditions.
Things we like
With a brand like Timberland, you can expect great customer service if you ever happen to have a complaint or query about your insole, so your issue can be resolved quickly.
Using these insoles instead of standard ones, you could extend the life of your shoes, as the raised heel could prevent any wearing of the back of your shoe if the movement in your ankle is restricted.
Things we don't like
Not the best insole on this list if you want to relieve pain in your arches or heels.
It might be the most effective when you use them in Timberland's range of work boots, so you might notice the insole may be a bit tight around your feet.
If you're looking for an insole with a simple design, you may want to consider the KEEN utility insole.
It has great cushioning and a good fit with thick, full-length shock-absorbing material that evenly supports the entire foot without compression or strain on those sensitive areas.
It also has a high rebound foam that provides energy return for all-day comfort and a heel cup that centers and aligns your heel and foot.
This can improve your alignment if you strike your heel through the arch and has a toe-off for better stability throughout each gait, with medium arch support to center the body's alignment.
Things we like
It has anti-odor technology that is quick-drying, natural, and has probiotic-based microbes producing enzymes that break down the odor in sweat and help prevent the footwear from smelling bad.
An improved gait will significantly improve your posture and could lower your blood sugar levels which could be a great benefit if you have diabetes.
Things we don't like
The sizes come in the form of small to extra large, so knowing the exact size to match might be difficult if you're measuring in inches.
If you're looking for an insole that is an addition rather than a replacement, you might find that this sole is a little too thick for this purpose.
Here you have an insole with 2 highly elastic gel sheets, and memory cushioned foam that can increase the arch's stability and keeps it comfy.
It can hold the affected joint or arch in the correct position while providing good coverage for those days when you might be on your feet all day for work or at home.
This is made possible by an ergonomic, durable, breathable, and moisture-wicking design that has a lot of muscle massage points on the forefoot and has non-slip textures on the bottom.
2 gel pillows under the heel and front feet will reduce walking stress and could have you confusing the soles for pillows, as who wouldn't want that?
Things we like
It can make a great insole for adapting to different levels of swelling on your foot during the rehabilitation process, so if other insoles haven't fixed your foot pain, you could consider this option.
The massage points on the insole can improve your blood circulation and prevent swelling, so you don't need to worry if you have swelling and are concerned that it may get worse.
Things we don't like
The arch support might be lower than some would like and have issues with this part of the foot, so the fit might be too flat.
The size of the insole might be a bit bigger than the size you're looking for, making it harder to trim because of the thicker material.
These insoles provide extra strong high arch support plus shock guard technology to relieve foot and leg fatigue which can reduce lower back pain, distributes your weight, and reduce the impact of each step.
When picking out inserts, the last thing you want to be worrying about is how much weight to put on each part of your foot, so this one will have you moving around seamlessly in no time.
This sole is made durable and comfortable by having multiple layers of cushioning materials, with a double-layer PU and EVA foam and heel portion pad providing great shock absorption to protect your feet during athletic activity, standing, or walking.
Things we like
The heat and friction-reducing fabric help feet stay cool, dry, and odor-free during strenuous activity, so you can finish your day with feet that aren't going to drive everyone out of the room.
It comes in a wide range of sizes, starting at men's sizes 4-13.5 and women's sizes starting from 6-15.5, meaning you don't have to worry about excessively trimming the insert.
Things we don't like
If you're working long hours every week, you might have to replace them regularly, so you might have to invest in more of these inserts sooner than you'd like.
With many soles that have a similar design to this one, they might take a little longer to get used to, but with inserts, the best approach is to test them out. Otherwise, you won't know what your feet value most in an insole.
These insoles have internal and external arches that are supported to help with balance by naturally holding up the arch and reducing the pain caused by flat feet.
You can expect this by having your body's gravity be reasonably distributed on the foot and is effective in supporting the foot's arch, improving comfort, and reducing fatigue and soreness.
This can be great if you are experiencing pain around your feet or your upper or lower back, so this insert is quite flexible to your various needs and issues.
Using materials like velvet fabric that is skin-friendly, breathable, comfortable, and offers protection that avoids friction on the skin of the feet.
The inserts even have an absorbing and deodorizing effect on sweat, so there are specially designed vent holes under the fabric to keep you dry and comfy for longer, so those long days of building up a sweat won't be an issue for you here.
Things we like
Great to help those who may have pain caused by uncoordinated walking posture, so it could save you some trips to your orthopedist or podiatrist to try and rectify any issues caused by your walking style or posture.
It has a simple look with a nice carbon fiber style on the arch, so it is more rigid, and how many other soles out there have that sort of material and work just as well?
Things we don't like
If you're thinking of transferring the sole to your running shoes, for example, you might find that the sole isn't as effective for vigorous exercise, so you might have to invest in a separate insole for this purpose.
It is recommended that you only wear them for a few hours each day to get the best results, so this sees you having to pop out the insoles each day, and it might not be possible if you're on the move constantly.
The Max work, wide square toe Insole, offers a wide variety of high-performing insoles, With advanced technical materials and a design that maximizes foot comfort and support.
Here you have an insole for every need, purpose, and shape of foot that is made with a durable, moisture-wicking liner with technology that gives you that intense odor defense.
The insert also has a rebound foam layer that cradles the foot and dissipates pressure for superior comfort and has an open-cell feature that regulates temperature to keep feet cool and snug.
You could say that these insoles are designed for the working environment, so if you're on your feet all day on harsh surfaces like concrete or gravel, you could be looking for an effective solution.
Things we like
The anatomically-engineered cushioning insole offers long-lasting support, so the insert acts as a brace for your feet, which is what you're effectively looking for if you suffer from long-lasting issues like back or leg pain.
These insoles are designed to last, so they have a longer life than your standard insole from a store which means you don't have to worry about what replacements you're going to get that often.
Things we don't like
If your work boots are snug on your feet, these insoles might make them too tight, so you might have to do some moving around with the insert or invest in a bigger pair of boots.
If your boots aren't square-toed, you might have some difficulty fitting them as your shoes might not be the right size or shape, so it might be an inconvenience when looking around for your work boots.
Buyer's Guide
So now we've provided you with an idea of the kinds of inserts that are available, you might be dying to get out there and try out these options, but hold on there a second.
There could be factors you may not have considered yet that could, in turn, make your purchasing decision a little easier, so below are things you might want to bear in mind before you make that move to improve your steps right away.
Movement
You want to consider the type of activities you do and how this could affect the lifespan and usefulness of your insert.
You might want to consolidate your insoles with regular stretching of the calves and arch, which will be recommended as part of a rehabilitation program.
This also helps to loosen leg muscles so that they don't restrict the movement of your feet and result in unevenly worn soles and can build that strength in your ankles and arches so that they aren't underreaching the full scale of your gait and improve the impact points of your foot to the sole of your shoe.
This can, in turn, reduce the chance that the sensitive parts of your feet aren't under too much pressure and are making the correct level of contact to avoid any unnecessary pain or swelling. If you work long hours and it requires you to move around quite often, then
Dr. Scholl's extra support insoles or the Cruv strong arch support insoles are a good option.
These are especially useful if you're worried that your weight might be an issue, as these insoles allow great distribution of pressure, meaning you won't have to rub those sore feet at the end of a long day.
Material
Most traditional insoles offer either foam or gel-based design, which sounds nice on the packaging, but are these materials really doing your feet any favors?
For example, suppose you get a pair of gel-based insoles that are squishy to your feet, which sounds nice, but if you're experiencing pain or discomfort due to poor weight management, this design alone won't fix these problems.
Let's say you get a pair of foam-based insoles, then the firmness of the design might not give you that initial comfort, leaving you to break them in, especially if the insole has thermoplastic components within to help hold its shape.
For this reason, you may benefit from Dr. Scholl's running insoles which are an unusual choice for work boots but have both that gel padding for comfort and padding for the ball of your foot and a deep heel cup so that you can have the best of both worlds.
You might not benefit from either of these if your pain is more severe or you find yourself going through your new insoles quickly, so this is where your podiatrist or orthopedic physician comes in.
Depending on your specific issue, your physician can map out the shape of your feet and have custom-made insoles, which may be more effective in treating your pain-related problems.
Odor
This one's important as you don't want to compromise the cleanliness of your feet to have convenient insoles.
If you're wearing thicker socks in your work shoes, then there's bound to be a build-up of sweat that your traditional sole might retain, which makes cleaning your shoes feel hopeless.
This is where the Daretodo arch support insoles might come in handy, as they have breathable vents made under the fabric that can deodorize and absorb your sweat, which keeps everything cool and dry down there.
Of course, this feature can expand to other footwear, such as your running shoes, which you might do a lot of high-intensity exercises in, so these soles don't have to be reserved for your work boots.
Prescribed Insoles
If you decide to see a specialist when your foot pain becomes too unbearable, you'll find that you may be offered prescribed insoles that are made to fit your feet precisely instead of the traditional store-bought inserts that are usually a one-size-fits-all type of design that doesn't suit everyone.
The good thing about prescribed insoles is that you will be able to review the fit with your physician so they can check that the insole is working as it should, instead of the usual method of buying and then trying out a pair you come across.
If, however, you find that your shoes are a little too big and you want a bit of support, then you might not have to go the prescription route as long as there isn't any discomfort or pain in your regular shoes.
An examination of your gait and alignment will give your physician a better idea of the right course of treatment to take.
They will also identify where your pain can be relieved by outlining the source of it, and if a prescription isn't offered, they may recommend which inserts will be the most effective and may have some samples for you to try there.
Replacements
This factor will depend on how much you use your work shoes and how you maintain and replace them if you notice any holes or cracks.
Most industry-standard insoles can last you up to about 6 months, so if you intend to continue using insoles in the long term, you may want to consider investing in additional pairs.
Of course, this average will be different for some who may be able to get about a year's worth of use out of them, so identifying any weaknesses in your insoles goes a long way to working out how often you'll have to replace them.
For the upkeep of your soles, you'll want to check for any tears or cracks, the fading of the color, the smell, the shape, and whether they look compressed or not.
These signs will usually tell you if it's time to say goodbye to those soles and can prevent other issues such as foot infections due to fungal growth and blisters or corns if you use a pair of tight shoes.
You could also accommodate new soles for your shoes if you've decided to increase your walking or running mileage so the new soles can keep up with your busy but productive lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I know That I need insoles?
It might seem obvious to look out for any pain, discomfort, or any change in the movement of your feet, but how do you know what might be a little niggling discomfort that might turn out to be a sign of a much bigger issue with your feet?
Below are some signs that you might want to look out for, and if any of these apply to you, then you might want to consider seeing an orthopedic physician who can make an assessment.
Foot pain or swelling- If in your day-to-day activities you experience any type of foot pain or swelling, you will want to see a podiatrist as you shouldn't have to live with any kind of pain that isn't necessary.
Sharp heel pain- Any type of heel pain you experience during the day could be a sign of an inflammation of the tissue that spans the sole of your foot, from the ball to your heel. It can become more inflamed if you have tight Achilles, high arches, or flat feet. You'll want to be looking for an insole, more likely prescribed, with additional arch support or heel cushioning.
Problems with balance- If you find yourself losing your balance quite easily, it might not be because you're clumsy. You could have collapsed arches, leading to flat feet-related issues like being susceptible to falling over or having a poor foot alignment.
Shoes are wearing unevenly- if you go grab your shoe, you can take a quick glance at your shoes. If you notice a sole that is more worn on the inside, it is a good indication of the inward rolling of your ankle, while outward rolling will cause wear to the outer part of your shoe. You might, however, have one shoe that is more worn than the other, which could be a sign of different leg lengths, which will have to be addressed with corrective footwear or inserts to prevent any serious issues from occurring.
You have a flat foot or high arch- You might have flat feet with minimal arch, where you may experience foot pain or inward rolling of the foot, or if you have high arches, you may be given orthotics. Not correcting a high arch can lead to toe issues, corns, calluses, foot pain, and ankle instability.
Do I Need Insoles For My Other shoes?
It's recommended that you use separate insoles for your other shoes, so you might want to consider investing in a few insoles for them to be most effective for the type of shoe that you're wearing.
For example, with your other shoes, you might not move around as much, and so those insoles may have different areas of pressure.
Add in this, plus the fact that you may forget to take the insoles out of your work footwear as we're all guilty of forgetting things from time to time, so separate insoles may really be helpful in this respect.
What Can I Use Instead Of Insoles?
You could be a do-it-yourself type of person and not want the hassle of shopping around for insoles, so you could cut out a piece of foam, using the shape of the insole that comes inside the shoe, but this might only be a short-term solution and might not give you the comfort that you're looking for.
If you're going on vacation or at work and don't want to bring those insoles, or you might be breaking in a new pair of shoes, there are some short-term solutions that you could use to make your steps as comfortable as possible, and we'll provide some examples below.
Using dressing kit bandages- A dressing kit might be a solution that could protect your feet against pressure, friction, and blisters and can cover a larger area than a standard band-aid would cover. They can also be flexible and have a soothing feel, so they might be able to cover areas of your foot that regular insoles can't reach.
Wear socks that wick moisture- If you're on the go all the time, then you'll want to avoid wearing cotton or wool socks which tend to absorb perspiration and stay wet throughout the day. You also want to avoid socks that are too thick as they can cause rubbing, and if you're out in hot weather, this tends to swell your feet which can lead to blisters. You want to keep an eye out for socks that kill bacteria and have anti-perspiration features that have a tight fit around your arches for support and won't slip down into your shoe as you're moving around.
Use metatarsal pads- These are most effective with high heels but have many applications in most types of shoes. These re-useable gel pads adhere to the ball of your foot to cushion each step and might just add that comfortable spring to your step.
Be aware, though, that you don't want to rely on these methods as they won't cover any more significant issues and should be used alongside traditional or orthopedic insoles if you think that they will make your steps more comfortable.
How Do I Clean My Insoles?
Suppose you want to ensure that your insoles last you a good while, a bit of maintenance here and there will go a long way.
You can use warm soapy water and soak a sponge, ensuring you scrub the soles, then rinse them, and finally leave them out to dry before you put them back in your shoes.
You can also use rubbing alcohol and baking soda to cover the insole and leave the substances to remove any bacteria and absorb any odors on your insoles.
Be aware, though, that some insoles aren't entirely waterproof, and if this is the case, you can take a small brush and scrub the insole, ensuring that you clean both the top and the bottom of the insole.
You should avoid putting them in the washing machine or near a heat source as they could become deformed and won't be as effective for you.
Ensure that you perform a cleaning at least once a month, so your shopping around for replacements becomes less frequent.
The Bottom Line
Now we've shown you what insoles are available, what to look out for, and how to maintain them, you might think you're set to go, but hold on a second!
If you have that odd niggle or pain that you assume is nothing to worry about, then you might want to consider that it may be a symptom of a more significant issue that may worsen over time.
You should see a podiatrist for a standard check-up so they can get a closer look at those feet and can recommend you see a specialist if they see any underlining issues, so it's better to be safe than sorry.
You should also follow up on any orthopedic treatment you receive with exercises that can strengthen your muscles and make recovery as straightforward and pain-free as possible.
Keeping in check with small amounts of regular stretches and exercise after your recovery is good practice and reduces the likelihood of any issues you may experience later down the road.
So if you have problems such as diabetes, then this guidance could be beneficial and will keep you going in your busy day pain-free and full of energy, because who doesn't want to have that spring in their step?
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