These Insoles for Flat Feet Offer All the Cushion and Support for Your Best Walk Yet

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Feet come in all shapes and sizes, making it important to find the right footwear to support your needs. The best insoles for flat feet are designed to offer support where you need it most to lower your risk of developing back problems, joint issues, and other health complications.

Insoles can definitely help. “Insoles—also known as orthotics—can be used to provide relief from and support for flat feet,” says Gregory Alvarez, D.P.M., a podiatrist at the Ankle & Foot Centers of America. These insoles can do a wide range of things, from offer arch support to adjusting your alignment, he explains. They can also help to absorb shock when you walk or run, and enhance the comfort of your shoes, Alvarez says.

How can you know if you have flat feet in the first place? “The easiest way is to look at your footprint when you get out of the water,” says Richard H. Graves, D.P.M., of Sol Foot & Ankle Centers in Longwood, CA. “A flat foot-print will be ‘wet’ throughout the heel, forefoot, and arch area. A higher arch foot will only show the wetness on the heel and ball of the foot.”

Meet the experts: Melissa Lockwood, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, Ill.; Richard H. Graves, D.P.M., of Sol Foot & Ankle Centers in Longwood, CA; and Gregory Alvarez, D.P.M., a podiatrist at the Ankle & Foot Centers of America

Another hack, according to Melissa Lockwood, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, Ill.: “At home, standing in front of a mirror barefoot, you can often see your arch turning in or flattening out.” If you have flat feet, you also may notice pain on the inside arch of your feet when you walk barefoot, she says.

The good news if you have flat feet, is that there is help out there. These insoles for flat feet can help raise your arches a little higher when you’re walking and standing—and ultimately help to keep you more comfortable.

All-Purpose Support High Arch Insoles

The Superfeet All-Purpose Support High Arch Insoles are specially designed for those with flat feet, offering a strong arch to help lift you up where you need it most. This insole is thick and comfortable, and won’t wear out easily. It also has a coveted certification from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). The insoles are designed to last for 500 miles and can be trimmed to fit your shoes.

Comfort Thin Lightweight Insoles

Not everyone with flat feet wants massive support down there. These Spenco Rx insoles can help flat feet get additional support without feeling like you’re weighed down with every step. The insoles come in a large size range for men and women, and have the APMA Seal of Acceptance.

Full Length Orthotic Inserts

While spending more on a pair of inserts often means they’ll last longer, you can still get a quality option for less. These Walkomfy inserts are just $20, which is significantly less than what you’ll pay for many others. The insoles have a nice, cushiony feel with high arches for added support. They also feature a mix of foam and cork for shock absorption.

Shock Absorbing Insoles

Athletes can be tough on their insoles, with all the sweating and pounding they take. The Fulton insoles use a mix of cork and foam for a sturdy level of support that also feels cushiony underfoot. These insoles have a breathable exterior to keep your feet from turning into puddles of sweat while you work out.

Plantar Fasciitis Feet Insoles

Plantar fasciitis is a common source of heel pain, and it can make even going for a simple walk painful. The Walk Hero insoles are specially designed to support people with plantar fasciitis, with extra structure at the heel cup, along with the usual arch support and cushioning. The insole is thick, too, for added bounce with each step.

Work All-Day Superior Comfort Insoles

Standing all day can do a number on your feet. The Dr. Scholl’s Work All-Day Superior Comfort Insoles have arch support, along with gel padding all along the insoles for additional comfort as you stand and walk. The insoles are cut to fit, so they’re technically one size fits all.

Pinnacle Low Insole

There is a range with flat feet and not everyone needs a huge level of support. The PowerStep Pinnacle Low Insoles deliver some arch support without being over the top, making them a good choice for people who are new to insoles or who have feet that are just a little flat. The insoles also have added support at the heel to help with plantar fasciitis.

All-Purpose Support Medium Arch Insoles

If you want a little extra support, but don’t quite need high arch support, consider the Superfeet All-Purpose Support Medium Arch Insoles. These offer the Goldilocks of arch support, making them a good choice for people new to insoles. They also have a stabilizer cap and sculpted heel for added support and structure.

Flat Fix Orthotic

The Profoot Flat Fix Orthotic doesn’t just help to correct flat feet—it also provides an extra spring in your step. That’s thanks to a specialized springboard heel that helps add bounce to your stride. These insoles are thin and low profile, making them a good starter insole.

Ninjas Shoe Insoles

Whether you’re looking for support at the beach or want to be prepared for pop-up storms, the Samurai Insoles Ninjas are designed to hold up to whatever Mother Nature dishes out. These insoles are waterproof, giving you plenty of options for where to wear them. They’re also relatively thin and can be helpful with plantar fasciitis.

Total Support Max Shoe Insoles

If you tend to hike or stay on your feet all day, you need extra supportive performance insoles. This pair from Spenco have impressive arch support to help reduce fatigue as you go about your day. They also feature a thick heel plug to absorb shock and provide cushioning, which can be helpful if you struggle with plantar fasciitis.

Polysorb Cross Trainer Insole

All insoles will offer some level of shock absorption, but the Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Insole has extra support throughout the orthotic to provide superior cushioning. Enjoy a specialized heel pad, along with a forefoot “crash pad” to reduce pressure all over. The arch is moderate, making it a good fit for those new to insoles.

Arch Support Shoe Insoles

Many insoles take some breaking in, but some have a high level of support, which can be intimidating to those new to orthotics. These Samurai Insoles options are lightweight and flexible, delivering arch support without being intense. They’re also easy to trim as needed.

Pinnacle Maxx Insoles

Searching for a high level of support? The Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx Insoles are here to help. These rigid insoles have firm arches and a deep, supportive heel cup to keep you in the ideal positioning and keep you there. The insoles also have two layers of cushioning for superior comfort.

Premium Insole

Running can be especially tough on your feet, but the Superfeet Premium Insole is designed to deflect some of that pressure. These insoles, which are made for women, are APMA-approved and have a sculpted heel for extra shock absorption. A moisture-wicking top cover helps lower the risk of stinky feet after a long run.

How to choose the best insoles for flat feet

Insoles for flat feet are a specialized product, and it’s important to choose wisely. That means considering a few important factors. “They should not just be get or foam,” says Melissa Lockwood, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, Ill. “They need a supportive arch to be considered helpful for flat feet in any way.”

Comfort is also crucial, of course. “You want the insole to support the arch as much as possible, but not push too hard in any one area of the sole of the foot that it becomes uncomfortable,” says Richard H. Graves, D.P.M., of Sol Foot & Ankle Centers in Longwood, CA.

Keep cost in mind, too. “For the most part you get what you pay for in an over-the-counter arch support,” Graves says. “The better ones will be in the $40 to $70 range. Anything less than $20, you’re not going to get much in the way of support.”

Also, consider this important advice from Lockwood: “If you are in pain, the best option is to be evaluated by your podiatrist to determine if it is something that can be corrected easily with an insert vs a custom orthotic.”

How we chose the best insoles for flat feet

To choose the best insoles for flat feet, we analyzed the best insoles on the market and consulted with three expert podiatrists, including: Melissa Lockwood, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, Ill.; Richard H. Graves, D.P.M., of Sol Foot & Ankle Centers in Longwood, CA; and Gregory Alvarez, D.P.M., a podiatrist at the Ankle & Foot Centers of America.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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