11 Best Orthopedic Specialist-Approved Insoles For Standing All Day In 2024
Say goodbye to aches and pain, because these feet accessories are here to protect you.
Dr. Dave Candy is a board-certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy with 10 years of experience. He is also the owner of More 4 Life in St. Louis, MO. He specializes in helping people aged 40 and above deal with chronic, nagging aches and pains without having to resort to medications, injections, or surgery.
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If you are someone who is on her toes all day, here’s something for those feet. The best insoles for standing all day will ensure that your feet are taken care of in the gentlest of ways. Being on your feet all day or a majority of the time, especially if you suffer from foot-related problems, can cause quite the pain. Our feet play a big role in keeping us up and about, living our lives, and doing our jobs. To help you care for your feet while leading a busy life, we have a list of the best insoles for standing all day that you can start using as soon as possible! So, go ahead and take a quick look at these bestselling options from trusted brands before making your choice!
In This Article
What Do Insoles Do For Your Feet?
Insoles are basically the shape of the base of your footwear and are inserted to sit at the bottom. As foot shape and condition varies from person to person, regular shoes are not equipped to help relieve pain or pressure.
“Many shoes don’t come with great built-in arch support, so many people need to add an insole. When you walk or run, your foot pronates (flattens) slightly to help absorb shock. You don’t want too much or too little pronation though. In general, people with flat feet or people who overpronate need semi-rigid arch support to help prevent overpronation when walking or running. Conversely, people with high arches or the ones who deal with over-supination need a cushioned orthotic that fills their high arch and helps absorb shock since they lack pronation,” states Dr. Dave Candy, a board-certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy.
Shoe insoles are designed to elevate certain areas of your feet and provide cushioning so you can remain comfortable. The material used possesses impact-reducing properties, thus minimizing potential future damage to feet. Inserts are constructed to realign your feet in such a way that there is minimized pressure on your ankles and knees when you walk or stand. This also helps correct posture and eliminate muscle fatigue. Conditions like plantar fascia strain, achilles tendonitis, fallen arches, flat foot, ball of foot pain, and chronic pain can be taken care of to a certain extent with good-quality orthotic foot inserts.
11 Best Insoles For Standing All Day & Cushioning Your Feet
1. Best Foam Cushioning:WALK Hero Feet Insoles
WALK HERO brings to you the best shoe insoles for work that contain a high-density foam layer to stabilize feet and protect them from the impact of physical movement. The deep heel cup helps in maintaining the right position while the EVA material is breathable and minimizes shock absorption through increased impact protection. These are the best insoles for walking all day as they give you a moderate amount of control with a semi-rigid orthotic arch support that reduces the stress on your feet and knees. The fabric is antibacterial, it resists odor caused by bacterial buildup to keep you fresh while you work.
Material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate | Color: Blue | Product Dimensions: 14.4 x 4.2 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 4.8 Ounces
Pros
- Available in wide range of colors
- Foam layer for cushioning
- Breathable and anti-friction fabric
- Built-in silicon for shock absorption
- Orthotic arch pain support
- Reduces impact
Cons
- Some may find the foam to compress with use
2. Best Non-Slip Design:Physix Gear Full Length Orthotic Insoles
If you’re looking for the best insoles for walking on concrete all day, look no further than these ergonomic non-slip polyurethane insoles by Physix Gear. They’re thin with a low-profile design and deeply cradle your heels to keep them stable. EVA foam and PU combine to give you soft dual-layer cushioning and neutral arch support for comfort. As they absorb shock, you will find reduced muscle fatigue if you struggle with flat feet or achilles tendonitis. These are also the best shoe insoles for standing all day as they realign the feet and help control overpronation.
Material: Polyurethane, Memory Foam, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate | Color: 1 Pair – Red/Black | Product Dimensions: 14.17 x 4.72 x 1.77 inches | Weight: 6.21 Ounces
Pros
- Non-slip
- Thin design
- Ergonomic design
- Double-layered cushioning
- Shock-absorbing
- Realign feet
- Reduce muscle fatigue
Cons
- Is not anti-odour
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 18,696 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
3. Best Trim To Fit Insole:EASYFEET Orthotic Shoe Insoles
Are you suffering from plantar fasciitis, bunions, and flat feet because of standing all day long? Get rid of the pain with Easyfeet Orthotic shoe insoles. Use these arch supports inside closed shoes by cutting them perfectly to your size. The custom orthotic inserts are made of thermoplastic, gel, and medium-hardness PU foam that offer maximum support and cushioning to the feet. A breathable medical-grade velvet layer keeps the feet sweat- and bad odor-free. It corrects postural issues and makes standing, running, and walking effortless and comfortable. These insoles use Anti Pronation Biomechanical Reinforcement Technology with shock absorption and air capsules for balance and cushioning and provide increased stability.
Pros
- Strong arch support
- U-cup heel fixation
- Offers pain relief
- Good cushioning
- Customizable
Cons
- Not suitable for heels or dressy shoes
4. Best For Toes:Scholl’s Tri-Comfort Insoles
The time-tested brand Dr.Scholl’s got the best insoles for ball of foot pain as they use FlexiSpring Arch Support that contours to your feet for stabilization. Their ¾ length and round toe design give your toes enough room to move without feeling constricted. Placed in the heel area and the ball of the foot, Comfort Cushions allow the base to feel cozy without triggering any foot issues. These are the best insoles for standing on concrete all day as they care for your feet without requiring any adjustments. According to reviews, the insoles are good for people with high-arched feet and provide proper comfort.
Material: Foot Pain | Color: Blue | Product Dimensions: 3.88 x 1.69 x 11.88 inches | Weight: 2.56 Ounces
Pros
- Roomy for toes
- Cushioning at heel and ball of foot
- ¾ length fits in any shoe
- Contours to feet’s movements
- Reduce impact
- No trimming required
Cons
- Might not be anti-slip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 18,909 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
5. Best Non-Slip Design:ProFoot Miracle Insoles
Give your feet arch the support it needs with Profoot Miracle insoles. Specially designed for women, these types of insoles have dual-layered footpads made of memory foam cushioning. They offer the perfect cushioning with shock absorption to the sole of the feet. They mold to the shape of the arch and minimize pain or discomfort during running, walking, or standing. The custom orthotic insoles can be cut to size and are suitable to fit any kind of closed shoe. In addition, the lightweight design of the insoles relieve your feet from pain caused due to bunions, blisters, plantar fasciitis, hammer toes, or flat feet.
Material: Memory Foam | Color: Blue
Pros
- Ultra-light
- Self-molding
- Comforting
- Pain-relieving
- Customizable
Cons
- Very thin
6. Best Arch Support:PCSsole Orthotic Arch Support Shoe Inserts
PCSsole’s shoe inserts for standing all day have a rigid arch support which helps in even pressure distribution and minimizes the stress on your legs for better foot health. To enhance stability, the deep heel cradle keeps the bones properly aligned. The EVA foam base and multi-layer cushion is not just soft but also absorbs and repels moisture to keep your feet fresh and dry. With these non-slip foam inserts for shoes, you can find your body posture corrected for pain relief.
Material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate | Color: Red | Product Dimensions: 10.63 x 3.44 x 1.18 inches | Weight: 4.23 Ounces
Pros
- Rigid arch support
- Enhances stability
- Aligns bones
- Multi-layer cushion
- Breathable and moisture-wicking fabric
- Non-slip
Cons
- The color might bleed onto socks
7. Best For Pressure Minimizing:Spenco Polysorb Heavy Duty Shoe Insoles
Spenco’s comfortable shoe inserts provide PolySorb foam cushioning that is ultra-thin along with a deep heel cup for stabilization. The SpenCore Material Heel pad works to reduce impact while the forefoot crash pad minimizes pressure. With a low arch and heel-to-toe cushion, these are supportive insoles for walking all day. Targeted shock absorption gives you lasting comfort during the workday and helps maintain foot alignment. Just slip these inserts into your old shoes to make them new again!
Material: Nylon, Neoprene | Color: Green | Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 3.4 x 0.83 inches | Weight: 3.68 Ounces
Pros
- Thin cushioning
- Reduces impact
- Absorbs shock
- Minimizes pressure
- Low arch
Cons
- Some might find the cushioning to be insufficient
Pro Tip8. Best Breathable:Xstance Insoles
The Xstance insoles are just the remedy for plantar fasciitis and painful feet! Insert these into closed shoes and provide your foot arch the support it needs. Crafted with PU memory foam, thermoplastic, and gel pad, this soft padding can support over 220 lbs. The gel insoles are also great for those with flat feet. The deep heel cup corrects mild pronation and heel posture. It offers shock absorption during heavy landing alongside good balance and stability. They improve foot deformity and reduce muscle fatigue. These anti-fatigue insoles help give your feet maximum comfort with these insoles while standing, walking, running, and working out. The pads minimize friction and therefore reduce the formation of corn and blisters. The reviewers have tested and approved this product for being ideal for daily use.
Material: Polyurethane, Memory Foam, Polyurethane Foam, Thermoplastic Polyurethane, Gel | Color: Black
Pros
- Suitable for all types of shoes
- Strong arch support
- Ergonomic design
- Suitable for everyday wear
Cons
- Small size
9. Best Moisture-Wicking:Superfeet Orthotic Shoe Inserts
Superfeet’s best insoles for fallen arches use sculpted deep heel cups to assist with pain and naturally absorb shock. With a high-density closed-cell foam layer your feet are given a maximum amount of cushion to release tiredness. For extra support, a stabilizer cap is added at the bottom while the moisture-wicking fabric coating gets rid of any odor-causing bacteria. Reducing fatigue, the Superfeet Shape keeps your knees, feet, and ankles completely stress-free.
Material: Polyester | Color: Green | Product Dimensions: 12.5 x 4.3 x 1.7 inches | Weight: 3.2 Ounces
Pros
- Sculpted heel cups
- Shock-absorbing
- High density foam cushioning
- Moisture-wicking
- Coated to eliminate odor-causing bacteria
- Reduces stress on joints
Cons
- Might not fit easily into all kinds of shoes
10. Best Eco-Friendly:SOLE Performance Medium Cork Shoe Insoles
SOLE offers the most comfortable and firm insoles for work boots that are also eco-friendly as they are made with recycled corks. This material is naturally moisture-wicking and supportive and offers a good amount of cushioning. The arch support is accommodative as it is flexible yet sturdy to minimize strain. With a deep heel cup, lateral movement can be prevented and the natural padding under your heel bone is repositioned. These inserts have a moldable orthopedic base that conforms to your foot shape and stay secure. The Softec cushioning used is made of open cell foam technology and does a great job at shock absorption.
Material: Plastic | Color: Red
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Moisture-wicking
- Flexible yet sturdy arch support
- Repositions bones for comfort
- Conforms to foot shape
- Absorbs shock
Cons
- Might make a squeaky sound when walking
11. Best For Joint Strains:Vionic Full-Length Supportive Relief Orthotic Shoe Insole
Vionic’s sole inserts for boots are excellent options because they are podiatrist-designed and help combat excessive pronation that is caused by flat feet. Made with the innovative Three-Zone Comfort technology, you can find deep heel cup stability, arch support, and forefoot cushioning. At the forefoot, 1st Ray technology is used to improve flexibility beneath your big toe area. These contact points help reposition your feet to relieve any strain. The top cloth is made of 100% nylon coupled with Shield technology to rid you of odor-causing bacteria.
Material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate | Color: Multi-colored
Pros
- Helps combat overpronation
- Repositions feet
- Eliminates odor-causing bacteria
- Forefoot cushioning
- Increases flexibility and stability
- Lowers strain on joints
Cons
- Some might find these to be thick shoe inserts
Quick TipNow that we’ve looked at some of the best insoles for standing all day long and combatting leg fatigue, let’s learn how you can pick the right ones for your feet.
How To Choose The Right Insoles For Standing All Day
- Size and shape
The shape of the insole you’re about to purchase must be the same as your footwear. For example, wide work boots cannot accommodate a narrow insert. Additionally, you also need to think about how your shoes fit you at the moment. If they happen to be a tad bit loose, opt for a thick insole and vice versa. It goes without saying that you must remove the already existing insoles to put in your orthotic ones. Some fit right out-of-the-packet but some might need trimming, so you can choose whatever is preferable.
- Fit
An insole can fit well into your footwear but it must also fit your foot. Walk around in your insole and ensure that it doesn’t feel too constricting. Keep in mind that no toes should dangle in the front nor should your heel stick out the back. The ball of your foot should be in line with the arch support with no gap. Another option is molded inserts that conform to your foot’s shape for an exact fit. Some can also be heated for the same. You can also opt to get a fit assessment done by an orthopedic shoe specialist or a medical professional to ensure the perfect fit.
- Cushioning and shock absorbency
Gel is good at absorbing shock while foam relieves foot pressure and offers cushioning. To get the best of both worlds, look for insoles that feature both of these materials at strategic places. Gel added at the heel and ball of the foot is helpful when in contact with the ground. Foam can be present throughout the insole for maximum comfort. You can consider getting an opinion from your podiatrist to choose the right cushioning for your feet.
- Moisture and odor control
Standing for long hours can cause increased sweating in your shoes, which can further lead to trapped unpleasant smells. To combat this, some shoe inserts use moisture-wicking fabric that have an antimicrobial and anti-bacterial coating that gets rid of odor-causing bacteria. Repelling sweat, this feature also keeps your feet dry and fresh.
- Arch support
Your feet can have arches that are low, medium, or high and depending upon this you can choose your insert. While medium arches are okay, high and low ones can cause you pain. Cushioned arch support can be the best choice if you’re on your feet for long hours on end. But other foot-related conditions like overpronation and supination might require you to use a semi-rigid support shell for better stability.
Infographic: Tips To Maintain Insoles
Your insoles bear the weight of your body and are important for your foot hygiene. They absorb sweat and moisture all day, which leads to odor and the growth of bacteria. To get rid of the day-end sogginess and bad odor, you must care for your insoles on a regular basis. Given below is an infographic with some tips and tricks to help maintain your insoles. Check it out! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Insoles are the best way to shape the base of footwear and also help relieve pain and release pressure on your ankles and knees. Insoles help repair incorrect posture and reduce muscle fatigue. They can treat conditions like fallen arches, plantar fascia strain, and Achilles tendonitis. The WALK Hero Feet Insoles provide great shock absorption and support for flat feet, while the Physix Gear Full Length Orthotic Insoles provide excellent support for a variety of foot conditions and help control overpronation. The Scholl’s Tri-Comfort Insoles fit inside most shoes to provide maximum comfort and is convinient for daily use. The insoles on our list are moisture-wicking and breathable. They provide optimum arch support and soft cushioning while improving sole durability. You can insert them in your shoes and go out carefree on long walks. They are also suitable for people who work in a grocery store or as a nurse, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do insoles cure foot problems?
No, but they can aid in comfort. Orthotic inserts, on the other hand, are designed to correct and realign your feet to ease foot-related conditions.
Can you put 2 insoles in shoes?
No, as you need only 1 to be able to walk comfortably. If you use 2, there might be no room remaining for your feet to move and breathe.
How long should you wear insoles?
It is recommended to start off by wearing your insoles for about an hour every day and go on adding an hour to this daily. In the long run, insoles must be replaced every 6 months.
How long does it take for insoles to work?
This depends on the person but on average 1 to 2 weeks is sufficient for you to break into and get used to your shoe inserts.
Will insoles make shoes tighter?
Yes, which is why they’re a great option at making loose shoes work. However, they shouldn’t be so thick that your feet don’t have room to move and flex, cutting off blood flow.
Should orthotics be worn all the time?
Orthotics can be worn all the time and when worn regularly they can help reduce strain if you’re on your feet a lot.
What’s better: gel or memory foam insoles?
Gel inserts or insoles are good for high intensity activities as they absorb shock and are quite durable. Moderate-level intensity activities like walking require lightweight, soft or semi-rigid insoles made of memory foam.
Do height insoles damage your feet if I wear them every day?
Yes, height insoles make you appear taller while also offering support and cushioning. However, this can shorten the muscle-tendon structure by raising your heel and cause them to contract. Additionally, this puts pressure on the forefoot area and the toes.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Priyam Gupta is a makeup and fashion enthusiast. She has a passion for enhancing her readers’ lives by bridging the gap between their needs and the right products at the right time. Here, she highlights the best insoles that allow you to stay comfortable and relaxed on your feet for longer without a hassle. She conducted in-depth research and checked online reviews to recommend the best products to her readers.
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