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When a full footwear overhaul isn’t in the cards, try the best insoles for plantar fasciitis instead. That throbbing sensation in your heel can make you want to burn all your pinchy, stabby shoes and commit to a life of shopping at orthopedic specialty stores (if that’s the case, we have lots of suggestions that are cute and supportive). But a simple insert might be all it takes to help your feet feel a little better.
Insoles that’ll relieve plantar fasciitis pain are rigid and sturdy. They should have a deep heel cup and a shape that matches the arch of your foot, Paulina Piekarska, DPM, a foot and ankle specialist and surgeon at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Hartford, Connecticut, tells SELF. We asked podiatrists which ones can give new life to the less-than-supportive shoes that have been gathering dust in the back of your closet—find their favorites below.
Our top picksBest Overall: Powerstep Pinnacle Insoles, $45Best for Knee Pain: OrthoFeet OFG Women’s Orthodic Insoles, $50Best for High Arches: Superfeet Green Professional-Grade Orthotic Inserts, $55Best Budget Pick: Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Sized to Fit Pain Relief Insoles, $25Best for Running Shoes: Fulton The Athletic Insole, $52Best Heel Cup: Armstrong America Gel Heel Cups Plantar Fasciitis Inserts, $20Shop the best insoles for plantar fasciitis
Looking for some foot pain relief? It doesn’t get much easier than slipping some new orthotics into your shoes. Check out our favorite insoles for plantar fasciitis below.
Best Overall: PowerStep Pinnacle InsolesPowerstep
Pinnacle Insoles
Multiple podiatrists have recommended PowerStep insoles to SELF. They also have a seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), meaning experts agree they support the health of your feet. We like the Pinnacle Insole specifically for plantar fasciitis because it has a snug, well-cushioned heel cup, for some extra padding where plantar fasciitis pain most often crops up. There’s also a foot-cradling arch that still has some give, so the sole will follow your foot’s movement with every step.
This version is meant for neutral arches. But PowerStep also makes insoles for high arches and low arches, so you can choose your best fit. Since the Pinnacle isn’t the thickest insole on our list, it’s more versatile—it should easily fit into your sneakers, dress shoes, and more.
Sizes: US 5–5.5 to 13–13.5 | Materials: Polyester, plastic, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) | Odor-resistant: Yes
Best for Knee Pain: OrthoFeet OFG Women’s Orthodic InsolesOrthoFeet
OFG Women’s Orthotic Insoles
“Our feet experience five times your body weight with every step, and this can impact other joints as well,” Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist based in North Carolina, previously told SELF. “Without proper alignment, support, and shock absorption, added stress can be put on the knee joint, leading to pain, injury, or added wear and tear.”
Thanks to their cloudlike cushioning and adjustable support, these insoles should help ease knee pain. If you’re looking for a more significant curve in your insoles, just add the included arch booster under the orthotic for a higher profile. When your shoe sufficiently supports your arches and absorbs the impact of your steps, you’ll notice less stress on your knees and heels.
Sizes: US 5–12, medium, wide, extra-wide | Materials: Foam | Odor-resistant: Yes
Best for High Arches: Superfeet Green Professional-Grade Orthotic InsertsSuperfeet
Green Professional-Grade Orthotic Inserts
Superfeet’s popular insoles are also APMA-accepted, and we’ve heard about the brand’s Green inserts from several podiatrists firsthand. They’re thick and firm, but still have some cushioning—you’ll get a nice balance of structure and comfort. This style is made for higher arches, so if you find that most insoles lack the structure and height that your midfoot needs, they’re definitely worth a try.
Sizes: US 4.5–6 to 12.5–14 | Materials: Plastic, foam, polyester | Odor-resistant: Yes
Best Budget Pick: Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Sized to Fit Pain Relief Insoles
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