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Shop Best Shoe Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis & Foot Pain
If you’re reading this, you’re likely intimately familiar with plantar fasciitis: the main cause of heel pain that manifests when the plantar fascia (a thick band of tissue found at the bottom of the foot, serving as an essential link between the heel bone and the toes) “loses some of its elasticity or resilience” over time, oftentimes becoming inflammed or even developing micro-tears, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Plantar fasciitis–related pain can also be exacerbated by the types of shoes you’re wearing, the pursuits you’re partaking in, and how much you weigh. That being said, while podiatrists frequently prescribe special stretches or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication to mitigate the symptoms, orthotics (particularly shoe inserts) are a leading alternative for treating plantar fasciitis without shelling out more than $100 in most cases.
Such inserts, which can replace the insoles your shoes already come with, work by absorbing shock, promoting optimal foot alignment, providing supportive arch reinforcement, and stabilizing the heel.
Ready to solve your plantar fasciitis woes, once and for all? You’d be wise to look for insoles that are structured rather than soft. These days, many online options also flaunt a customizable fit, based on criteria like weight, arch type, and shoe size (Dr. Scholl’s, for instance, lets you take an online quiz to find the perfect match). Others are focused on activities you do most of, from running to standing all day, and certain plantar fasciitis insoles are even gender-specific — tailoring to the unique anatomies of a woman’s or a man’s foot.
If you’re stumped on how to start shopping for this accessory, look no further than our editor-curated roundup for guidance. Pain-free days are, miraculously, just a few clicks away.
overall winner
Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Relief Orthotic Insoles
A foot care pioneer, the circa-1904 Dr. Scholl’s is lauded for its over-the-counter shoe inserts — remedying everything from runner’s knee to lower-back discomfort. These plantar fasciitis insoles take pressure away from the heel while being the only offering on the market that’s “clinically proven to stop [the condition] from coming back,” per product copy.
You’ll witness immediate relief courtesy of this purchase’s impact-absorbing heel cup, full-length foam cushioning, and innovative tech that keeps the fascia from overstretching. If the insoles are too long for the shoes you’re working with, trim along the markings associated with your size, and watch as you become lighter on your feet: no medical intervention needed.
What reviewers say: “These gave my feet and heel pain almost-instant relief. I love that they fit not only my tennis shoes but my flats as well. Not sure how long they will last before needing to be replaced, as the description says a year. I am doubtful about that, but even if I have to replace every three months or so, the relief and comfort they give is worth it!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $14.97, $30.08
best for runners
Currex RunPro Insoles
Over a hundred of Currex’s fan-favorite RunPro insoles have been bought on Amazon in the past month alone, and it’s easy to see the appeal. Spanning in size from an XS to a 2XL, the fatigue- and injury-reducing inserts deliver dynamic arch support complemented by a deep, decoupled heel cup and propulsive cushioning meant to fuel your every run — no matter your foot strike type.
A major win for the plantar fasciitis–riddled, the Currex bestsellers can also dehumidify the inside of your sneakers: kicking sweat and less-than-pleasant smells to the curb. According to the brand, these should be replaced after “500+ miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.” And Amazon’s “Subscribe & Save” feature makes such annual re-purchases effortless.
What reviewers say: “They help reduce foot fatigue on both short and long runs, and the cushioning feels balanced — not too soft, but supportive enough to stay comfortable over distance. Overall, they’ve made a noticeable difference in comfort and stability during runs, and I’d highly recommend them for anyone needing reliable arch support.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $59.95
FSA-eligible
Vionic Relief Full Insoles
Our editors turn to Vionic whenever we’re seeking out women’s comfort shoes, but the podiatrist-founded company specializing in orthotic-grade footwear caters to customers’ feet from the ground up. These popular insoles are proof of concept, accommodating styles from work boots to Mary Jane flats while being rooted in the principles of Vionic’s Vio Motion technology (mainly, deep heel cups, full-contact arch support, and top-of-the-line cushioning).
The FSA-eligible, APMA-endorsed inserts have dedicated padding at the forefoot and heel that will never add extra weight to your walk. Antimicrobial and anti-odor properties here, meanwhile, go the extra mile to keep you fresh, and the insoles are marketed as a “cost-effective alternative to custom-made orthotics.”
What reviewers say: “I have flat feet and pretty much need an orthotic in every shoe, as a nurse practitioner who stands on her feet all day. I had purchased a few Vionic shoes and couldn’t believe how comfortable they were, so I looked on the website to see if their amazing orthotics might be available for purchase. Lo and behold, here they are. I have even recommended them to my patients — they are absolutely worth it.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $55
for shoes without removable insoles
Tread Labs 3 Quarter Insoles
If your go-to footwear can’t be rid of its original insoles, Tread Labs saves the day with a stellar solution: the new 3 Quarter model, which aids with plantar fasciitis, yes, but also overpronation and other common foot concerns. The insoles’ underbelly boasts a tread pattern that eliminates what the brand calls “noise and slippage,” just as a two-part system (consisting of anatomically molded arch support and a foam cover) lets you experience the Tread Labs difference while forgetting the pain of yore.
This selection is available in a wide range of sizes and arch heights for men and women. Unsure about the latter measurement? Tread Labs makes finding out a piece of cake, what with its wet-foot test guidelines on the insoles’ landing page.
What reviewers say: “I have several pairs of shoes without removable insoles that have no arch support, so I haven’t been able to wear them since developing plantar fasciitis. These insoles have been a game changer. I appreciate the ability to choose the arch height. As someone with high arches, I haven’t found non-custom insoles that actually support my arches before. I will definitely buy a couple more pairs.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $70
best for standing all day
Superfeet All-Purpose High Impact Support Insoles, Set of 2
Stand on hard surfaces for hours at a time, either as a nurse, construction worker, or line cook? These insoles from Superfeet should be a need, not a want. Alleviating the stress and strain you regularly subject your body to, the All-Purpose High Impact iteration is one of the brand’s most cushioned — crafted out of durable foam with a stabilizer cap, a moisture-wicking cover, and a fatigue-minimizing heel cup.
Despite that maximized thickness, the athlete- and worker-approved insoles won’t feel burdensome, doing their best work inside roomy to moderate-fitting athletic footwear worn by people with medium to high arches.
What reviewers say: “Great balance of cushion and support. I use these in my cowboy boots and my work boots while standing on concrete all day.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $116.98
best custom
Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit Orthotics
In the realm of orthotics, we clearly can’t stay away from Dr. Scholl’s for too long. What makes these insoles for plantar fasciitis different from all the rest is their customizable nature — taking all-day, comprehensive pain relief to a whole new level by addressing multiple pain points like your feet, lower back, knees, heels, and stubborn plantar fasciitis. Simply input your weight, arch type, and shoe size on Dr. Scholl’s’ website to get a personalized fit metric (and if the pictured 340 isn’t a match, Walmart has a lot more where it came from).
The best news? You don’t need to trim these babies, considering their already-shortened length that can seamlessly sit overtop existing insoles.
What reviewers say: “I have been using these for years. As long as they are in the shoe properly, they work amazing.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $39.59
What to Look for in the Best Plantar Fasciitis Insoles of 2026
Arch support: Semi-rigid or even firm shoe inserts are the way to go when you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, since you need something that can properly prop up the arches, preventing them from flattening. It’s thus best to stay away from energizing, massaging gel when shopping for plantar fasciitis insoles, instead opting for memory foam or EVA layers that will feel no less forgiving. Insoles come in varieties made for high, neutral, or low arches. Not aware of yours? Visiting a running store or conducting the aforementioned wet-foot test should do the trick.
Heel cup depth: Because plantar fasciitis has a lot to do with your heels — causing this region of the foot to experience acute pain — perhaps nothing is more essential to an insole than a heel-cradling construction, with a heel cup that’s deep enough to stabilize the rear foot while taking advantage of shock-absorbing materials. All of the insoles that made our list include this vital element.
Cushioning: When you’re running a marathon, squeezing in a morning walk, or standing on a concrete floor for the entirety of a shift, you need cushioning that goes beyond your shoes’ foam-powered midsoles. Insoles grant just that extra bit of support and comfort, sparing your feet from bearing the brunt of impact (which only exacerbates plantar fasciitis).
Customizable fit: Ideally, the best insoles for plantar fasciitis should be tailored to your shoe size, gender, arch height, and gait. Some companies achieve this by first sending an impression kit that requires you to step in and send back your foot’s imprint, so that a truly “one of one” pair of insoles can arrive at your door shortly thereafter. Others (read: most on this roundup) sell their insoles in an assortment of sizes — accompanied by an online quiz — or allow you to cut them at will. Our advice? Get nitty-gritty with the fit of shoe inserts. Your feet will thank you for it.
Special features: In 2026, to stand out from the crowd, select footwear insoles are also backed by features like charcoal-infused layers for odor control, water-repellent cork compositions, and quick-dry capabilities. The choice is completely yours, depending on what you wish to put on, or under, your feet.
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Meet the Author
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, wrote about tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on medical-grade, condition-specific footwear accessories worth shopping online.
