Whether you’ve had flat feet all your life, or developed them as the result of injury or pregnancy, you know how difficult it can be to find a shoe that fits and actually feels good. Not to mention, it’s beyond frustrating when you buy a pair you really like, only to realize it doesn’t provide enough support for your arches. Sometimes, the solution is as simple as adding a high-quality insole to your footwear.

Are insoles helpful for flat feet?

For most people, having flat feet isn’t a major problem, Nelya Lobkova, DPM, a surgical podiatrist and founder of Tribeca Podiatry in New York City, tells SELF. That said, if you sit or stand for long periods of time, flat feet can contribute to pain in your hips, knees, and arches. They may also increase your likelihood of developing calluses, as the inside of your foot has a greater tendency to rub and chafe against your shoes. And flat feet can cause your ankles and lower legs to roll inward, which can lead to shin splints (especially if you’re a runner). If you deal with any of these discomforts, an insole could help provide more support and stability—and hopefully relieve some of your pain, Alissa Kuizinas, DPM, a podiatrist at Wellness in Motion Boston, tells SELF. 

What should you look for in an insole?

An over-the-counter (OTC) insole should have a heel cup that sits directly under your heel and is deep enough to hug the sides of it, Erik Sims, DPM, managing partner at Sims & Associates Podiatry in New York, tells SELF. That snug fit will help keep your foot stable and supported, he explains.

For further stability, look for a stiff insole, says Dr. Sims. He cautions against those that advertise a lot of cushioning, because the more rigid the insole, the more supportive it’ll be. Here’s an easy test: If you can bend an insole at various points, or even roll it up, it’s likely too soft. That means it may actually contribute to foot and ankle instability instead of managing it. 

Beyond that, the right insole choice comes down to what makes your feet feel better—and that may mean testing out a few pairs  before you find the best option. If you discover your foot pain doesn’t get better with an OTC insole or other at-home treatments, consult with your doctor or podiatrist. 

The best insoles for flat feet

There’s a great range of OTC insoles for flat feet on the market right now. To help narrow down your search, check out our top picks below, selected according to podiatrists’ recommendations.

1. Superfeet Green High Arch Orthotic Support Insoles

Superfeet Green High Arch Orthotic Support Insoles

Amazon

Superfeet Green High Arch Orthotic Support Insoles

Dr. Sims recommends Superfeet’s insoles for their semi-rigid design and deep heel cup, both of which help keep feet stable and comfy all day long. The popular Green insole is made to be particularly supportive. It’s thick with a firm level of cushioning that won’t feel too squishy, and the high arch provides a nice amount of lift. Several reviewers with flat feet noted that the arch felt great and alleviated some of their foot pain, but you may also want to start with a pair that has lower arches to see which suits your feet better.  

2. Powerstep Low Arch Support Insoles

Powerstep Low Arch Support Insoles

Amazon

Powerstep Low Arch Support Insoles

Powerstep is another preferred brand for Dr. Sims, and this particular insole is made specifically with flat feet in mind. It’s relatively stiff yet cushioned—so it should feel comfy, but not like it’s collapsing. Also, its arch is on the low side, which provides some pressure relief without significantly raising your foot.

3. Walk Hero Comfort and Support Plantar Fasciitis Feet Insoles

Walk Hero Comfort and Support Plantar Fasciitis Feet Insoles

Amazon

Walk Hero Comfort and Support Plantar Fasciitis Feet Insoles

According to Dr. Lobkova, people with flat feet can often develop plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the band of tissue across the bottom of the foot that can lead to heel pain. A thick insole, like this option from Walk-Hero, can help reduce that discomfort: It’s cushioned enough to absorb the impact from your footsteps, and features a deep heel cup to help keep your foot in a comfortable position all day long.

4. Samurai Insoles Arch Support Shoe Insoles

Samurai Insoles Arch Support Shoe Insoles

Amazon

Samurai Insoles Arch Support Shoe Insoles

Designed by a podiatrist dealing with his own foot pain, this insole from Samurai is made to reduce the discomfort that results from both flat feet and plantar fasciitis. It has a slightly flexible, responsive orthotic core built into the midfoot and heel, which allows it to both bend with your foot and prevent it from rolling inward. This insole is a little thinner than the other options on our list, so it’s a good pick if you want something that won’t add a ton of bulk inside your shoes.

5. Walkomfy Flat Feet Arch Support Insoles

Walkomfy Flat Feet Arch Support Insoles

Amazon

Walkomfy Flat Feet Arch Support Insoles

Walkomfy’s Flat Feet insole stabilizes and aligns the base of your foot, thanks to its unique design, which provides targeted support to different parts of the foot: The heel is padded with a springy foam to reduce shock, while the arch is reinforced with sturdy cork. Plus, the comfy memory foam midlayer, found throughout the sole, absorbs sweat.

6. Superfeet Blue Medium Arch Support Foam Insoles

Superfeet Blue Medium Arch Support Foam Insoles

Amazon

Superfeet Blue Medium Arch Support Foam Insoles

This is another top-rated Superfeet insole, made of the same dense foam as the Green iteration, but with a much lower profile. The Blue version also lifts the arch a little less, which might make it a comfier introductory option for people who are new to using insoles.

7. Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Athletic Cushioning Arch Support Shoe Insoles

Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Athletic Cushioning Arch Support Shoe Insoles

Amazon

Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Athletic Cushioning Arch Support Shoe Insoles

You can make your favorite workout shoes and sneakers more supportive with the Spenco Polysorb Insole, which is designed to reduce pain even during high-impact activities. It has a highly padded heel, pressure-relieving forefoot, and a slightly lifted arch. Reviewers note that the arch is just high enough to make a difference in how their shoes feel: “The exact support I need for my flat feet. These make all shoes a dream,” one person wrote.

8. Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx Support Insoles

Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx Support Insoles

Amazon

Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx Support Insoles

The Pinnacle Maxx Support insole from Powerstep is seriously sturdy—it has a firm, mid-height arch and a deep, angled heel cup that’s meant to prevent your foot from slipping around or rolling inward. It’s still comfortable and cushioned, so you can wear it in your everyday shoes without concern.

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