14 Best Insoles for Walking and Standing All Day You Can Buy in 2020
Anyone who stands for the majority of their day knows all about the aches and pains that come with putting such demands on your body. Foot pain and associated body maladies affect a large portion of the population. From 9-5 workers who are on their feet for hours at a time, to athletes and hikers that are constantly putting stress and strain on their ligaments and joints, the proper support of your feet is rarely afforded in standard footwear. This puts people at great risk for developing a painful foot condition such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and achilles tendinitis.
When this occurs, most people go to the doctor or podiatrist and have custom insoles made to properly support their foot. However, these can be extremely expensive, especially if you need a few pairs for all your footwear. Thankfully, there are companies that make relatively affordable orthotics that can greatly reduce, and ever cure your foot pain!
You might now be asking, which are the best insoles for standing all day? You’ve come to the right place. Our article will educate you in everything you need to know when looking for a custom insoles you can use for hours at a time.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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Dr. Scholl's Work All-Day Superior Comfort Insoles... | $18.99 $12.54 | Check Price Now! |
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VALSOLE Heavy Duty Support Pain Relief Orthotics - 220+... | $49.99 $35.98 | Check Price Now! |
| 3 |
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Dolce Vita Women's DOLEN Sneaker, Ivory Multi Woven,... | $80.98 | Check Price Now! |
| 4 |
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Dr. Scholl's Heavy Duty Support Insole Orthotics, Big &... | $15.54 | Check Price Now! |
| 5 |
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Superfeet All-Purpose Support High Arch Insoles (Green)... | $54.95 | Check Price Now! |
Things to Consider Before Buying
Alleviating pain associated with foot problems is not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are several factors that need to be addressed as everyone’s physical makeup is different, as well as their day to day activities.
Type of Pain
There are a lot of issues associated with foot problems, so it is important to know what exactly what your problem is so it can be fixed properly.
Probably the most common issue for those seeking insoles is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a ligament under your heel that supports the arch of your foot by connecting your heel bone to your toes. If it gets strained, it becomes weak, irritated and swollen, creating a painful condition every time you take a step. Shoes with soft soles and poor arch support can cause this condition, as can running or standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time. Tight achilles tendons and calves can also cause this condition. Custom insoles help sufferers of plantar fasciitis by providing stress-relief, and eliminating the stretching of the plantar fascia by using a deep heel for shock absorption and adequate cushioning and contouring throughout to support the foot.
Overpronation is another issue that is associated with foot pain. Pronation is the natural side to side motion of your foot as you walk or run. Overpronation causes your foot to roll inward with each step, putting pressure on your big toe and second toe when pushing off, which can lead to strain, causing problems like shin splits and sore knees. Overpronation is mostly seen in flat-footed individuals.
Supination, also called underpronation, is the opposite effect, where your foot rolls outward and your small toes do all the push-off work, causing ankle injuries, achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis. Supination is a condition that mainly affects people with high arches. Both overpronation and underpronation can also affect your knees, hips and back, as everything gets out of alignment and causes discomfort.
While plantar fasciitis creates pain in your heel, metatarsalgia is a condition that creates pain at the end of one of your metatarsal bones in the ball of your foot (the area between your arch and toes). This injury is due to overuse and is easily aggravated when you walk, run, or stand for long periods of time. Metatarsalgia usually affects those with high arches, as they naturally have more pressure put on the forefront of their foot.
Size
Insoles are usually available in either small, medium, and large sizes or ready to wear sizes. Most of these will still need a bit of customization depending on your foot size/shape and shoe the insole will be used in. A common practice is to use the current insole of your footwear as a template that the custom insole can be trimmed to. It is also important to take into account if you have a narrow or wide foot, as you want the orthotic to provide you full support without any edge hangover. Insole volume determines how well the insert will fit in your shoe. High-volume insoles provide excellent heel support but can take up a lot of space, so be mindful of this if you are looking for something you need to fit in a dress shoe as opposed to a work boot.
Contouring
Different insoles will contour to meet the needs of different arches. As there are low, medium and high arches, you can find a range of insoles that will provide the proper support to your specific situation, as a high arch insole wouldn’t work well for a flat foot, and vice versa.
Quality of Construction
Depending on the quality of materials, you may have your custom insoles for a few months, a few years, or a few weeks. The majority of insoles should last you anywhere from 3-6 months depending on frequency of use (usually it’s daily for 8+ hours). Most are crafted with dense foam (sometimes memory foam, sometimes something more firm), whereas a few models use a soft and flexible plastic for increased support. Other materials you will find used in insoles are bacteria-reducing anti-microbial agents, gel padding for increased shock absorption, and rubber or synthetic undersoles for an anti-slip grip that adds stability while your foot is inside the shoe.
Air Flow
Feet tend to overheat when they are stuffed inside a shoe, causing a rise in body temperature that leads to some seriously stinky footwear. Some insoles work to alleviate this problem by using materials like polyester which make the insole breathable while reducing friction (helping to avoid the formation of blisters), while others manufacture their insoles with small holes in the forefoot area to increase airflow and circulation.
Price
The cost of orthotics varies from just over $10, up to $40 in some cases. The average price hovers around $25 to $30, which is a steal when you compare them to the price of doctor prescribed orthotics which can cost upwards of $500. Add to that price tag the replacement of them every few months, or buying multiple pairs of insoles for your extensive collection of footwear, and you can understand why so many people go the route of purchasing over the counter insoles.
Brands We Reviewed
Best Insoles for Walking and Standing All Day Reviews
Superfeet GREEN Insoles Review
Great for those with a wide foot, flat feet, or high arches, the Superfeet green insoles are a popular model that work for many foot types and hold up well after years of use. As they use very firm foam, it may take a few weeks for your foot to fully adjust and mold to the soles, but once they do they can be a real game changer in relieving foot and back pain.
At 2 inches high, by 4 inches wide, you can easily trim them to fit any of your shoes, and they include a top layer of odor control which helps get rid of bacteria before it has a chance to form and cause foot and shoe stench. The stabilizer cap on the underside adds much needed stability for your feet, while a deep heel cup aids in providing shock absorption to help reduce stress on your knees and ankles. The high-arch design is ideal for supporting your foot, and the closed-cell foam increases longevity, providing durable insoles for your sore feet.
- Top-Selling Insole
- Can Trim to Adapt Size For Shoes
- Odor Control Layer Fights Bacteria
- Dense Stiff Foam Adds Longevity
- Good Shock Absorption
- Durably Build For Years of Use
- High-Arch and Break-In Period Can Be Uncomfortable For Some
Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Advanced Insoles Review
Designed as a trim to fit insert, Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Advanced insoles are a good foot cushion that help reduce the uncomfortable feeling that results from prolonged periods of standing.
For use with anything from work boots and sneakers, to casual or dress shoes, you get all-around comfort targeting the forefoot, mid-sole, arch, and heel. The ripple heel wave responds well to each step, providing a more comfortable bounce, and a firm gel in this area of the insole gives added support. Due to the reduction of muscle fatigue, you can stay upright for prolonged periods of time, and anyone who is hard on their feet and shoes will no doubt find these enhance their footwear while not breaking your bank account.
- Budget Priced
- Uses High Quality Gel
- All Around Comfort Targeting Front, Mid, and Back of Foot
- Good Shock Absorption Response
- Reduces Muscle Fatigue
- Customizable Fit For Many Types of Footwear
- Designed As A Padding More Than An Orthotic
- Not Very Durable
Airplus Ultra Work Memory Plus Shoe Insoles Review
Standing on hard surfaces can seriously hurt your feet in just a short period of time, so these insoles from Airplus cater to manual laborers that work long hours on rugged work sites. With plenty of cushion throughout, and extra padding in the heel, you can cut these down from their 14 x 5.2 inch footprint and customize the fit for any shoe (although they tend to run large so ordering down a size isn’t a bad idea).
Their design caters to those that wear work boots, but you can easily use these in any type of sneaker or casual shoe as well. Lined with an antimicrobial additive to combat bacterial growth, you should get a few months of use out of these industrial standard soles, and at their price point, they won’t break the bank when you need replacements, or order more for multiple pairs of shoes.
- Excellent Bang For Your Buck Option
- Can Be Trimmed for Customized Fit
- Industrial Standard Designed for Work Boots
- Anti-Microbial Additive Fights Bacteria and Odors
- Not Particularly Durable
Spenco Polysorb Heavy Duty Review
These heavy duty Polysorb insoles from Spenco provide excellent value and support at a very attractive price. Using a lightweight polyurethane 5/32-inch-thick foam layer, cushioning of the heel and arch is superb, and a forefoot crash pad reduces pressure on the front end of each step. A rear heel pad works in much the same way, but also absorbs a good amount of shock, which will save your ankles and knees from fatiguing and degenerating over time.
Made out of 4-way stretch material to reduce the formation of blisters, the insoles are also coated with a Silpure antimicrobial to fight bacteria and odors, helping to increase longevity and encouraging them to last anywhere from 6-10 months depending on daily use. As they are available in multiple sizes, as well as men and woman’s styles, you have many options to choose from, and if they are a bit large you can always trim them down to fit whatever footwear you need them for.
- Excellent Performance At Excellent Price
- Lightweight Polysorb Polyurethane Foam
- Superior Heel and Forefoot Support
- Reduces Blisters
- Silpure Coated Against Odor Build Up
- Available in Multiple Sizes and Styles
- High Arch Design May Cause Discomfort For Those With Flat Feet
- Sizes Run Small (Order Larger for Proper Arch Location)
Powerstep Comfortlast Insoles Review
Highly recommended by podiatrists, the Comfortlast insoles from Powerstep are thick and cushiony inserts for your shoes, and can help relieve pain caused by a variety of foot issues. Standing 14 inches long and 0.7 inches thick, they use VCT (Variable Cushioning Technology) which consists of 4 layers. The top layer provides an antimicrobial fabric that eliminates bacteria and shoe stink, and a dual-layer of slow-recovery foam adds increased comfort as it molds to your foot. This layer also provides excellent arch support as well as a heel cradle to stabilize the foot, with the final layer below being a gel that absorbs impact with each step for increased comfort.
An anti-slip grip is included on the underside of the insole, so it won’t slide around in your shoe. These insoles are designed to fit your footwear right out of the package (but can still be trimmed if need be), and while the cost for these is on the higher side, they usually work well for the majority of people suffering from foot pain.
- 4 Layer VCT Technology for Increased Comfort
- Designed to Fit Shoes Without Trimming
- Anti Slip Underside for Stability
- Shock-Absorbent Gel Heel
- Excellent Arch and Heel Support
- Double The Price of Other Insoles
- Can Be Too Thick To Fit In Already Snug Shoes
Samurai Insoles Instant Relief Review
Designed by a foot doctor, Samurai Insoles are one of the best insoles for flat feet, and are specifically designed for them, and they rival expensive orthotics at only a fraction of the price. With a no-nonsense approach, these insoles are low profile and made to your correct shoe size, so you won’t have to cut them or struggle to jam them into your current footwear. They correct overpronation caused by fallen arches by raising the arch to relieve foot discomfort, and also provide fast relief for sufferers of plantar fasciitis, curing some people completely!
The bounce-back foam they use is rigid yet soft enough to mold to your feet while they move, allowing you to use them with active footwear like sneakers or workout shoes, and they work great for those that have to stand for long periods of time at work. Lightweight so they won’t weigh you down, they are specially designed to give you optimal foot and leg function, and while they are a bit on the pricey side, they are worth every penny.
- Excellent Option For Those With Flat Feet
- Correct Overpronation
- Can Relieve (And Possibly Cure) Plantar Fasciitis
- Can Be Used With a Variety of Footwear
- Sized Correctly To Eliminate Trimming
- Low Profile to Easily Fit In Shoes
- Expensive Compared to Competitor Insoles
- Only Cater to Flat Feet
Sof Sole Men’s Airr Insole Review
Super comfy and durable to last a few years, the Airr from Sof Sole is one of the best insoles for running, or other athletic activities like cross-training, court sports, and even walking. Designed for those with neutral arches, a Coolmax top layer works to wick away and quickly evaporate moisture, regulating your body temperature while working to reduce bacteria build-up and odors.
Easy to make a custom size by trimming them down, it is advised to order them a size larger than your footwear, as they tend to run a bit small.The polyurethane footbed is well-padded, and uses Skydex technology for impact absorption targeting your heels and arches, and the forefoot base has a gel undersole for additional cushioning.
- Well Priced
- Good Quality Materials and Durable
- Insole Won’t Shift Inside Shoe
- Good Arch and Heel Shock Absorption
- Anti-Moisture and Anti-Odor Coolmax Layer
- Cushioning May Be Too Thin For Some
Superfeet ORANGE Premium Insoles Review
The Superfeet Orange insoles are a premium orthotic for those with high arches. While priced on the higher side, they use high-quality materials and provide excellent relief to sufferers of foot pain. Superfeet makes these to fit your shoes without any trimming necessary, and a high-profile, high-volume design is mixed with dual foam for enhanced comfort.
Controlling odor using a bacteria-eliminating top coating, the insole also has excellent durability, and its contoured shape helps to stabilize the foot and ankle, which in turn results in less stress on your knees. A deep heel cup works to provide a lot of support and absorb much of the shock that accompanies each step you take. Whether you are standing, walking, or playing high-energy sports that require maximum performance, these insoles will work wonders for your high arches.
- Premium Orthotic That Rivals Doctor Prescribed Models
- Excellent Build Quality
- Strong Support and Stability Through Entire Insole
- Excels For Those With High Arches
- Can Be Used for Many Types of Footwear
- Fits Right Out of The Box
- Includes Odor-Resistant Coating
- Expensive
- Only Works For Those With High Arch Feet
Timberland PRO Men’s Anti-Fatigue Technology Replacement Insole Review
These insoles from Timberland cater to all arch types, are a nice upgrade for their work boots, but can also be used in any type of footwear for some extra support. Anatomically contoured for maximum comfort, they are lightweight, resilient, and should give you a lot of life even when used daily.
The hex-cushion undersole works as an anti-fatigue technology, absorbing shock while returning that energy to other parts of the insole to make stepping and standing easier. A dual functioning Ortholite layer not only cushions the foot, but also wicks moisture away, working well with the Outlast top layer which regulates foot temperature and helps prevent your body from overheating. In addition, this top layer also contains an anti-microbial coating to reduce the formation of bacteria and nasty odors, which can easily build up when working in rugged environments.
- Built-In Anti-Fatigue Technology
- Works Well With All Arch Types
- Designed For Work Boots But Can Be Used With Most Footwear
- Bacteria and Odor Fighting Top Layer
- Regulates Foot and Body Temperature
- Ortholite Layer Provides Excellent Cushioning
- Good Longevity
- Trim To Fit
Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Athletic Cushioning Arch Support Shoe Insoles
Designed with athletes in mind, these Spenco insoles are an excellent balance of support and cushion, and can help anyone with issues associated with foot pain. These nylon insoles reduce friction for blister prevention which is pretty important when you are constantly moving your feet, and they work to prolong not only the time spent on your feet, but also the life of your footwear.
Feet are cradled and supported using polyurethane foam for added arch and heel support, with shock absorbent materials allowing you to move easily with minimal wear and tear on your ankles and knees. Padding underneath the forefoot reduces additional pressure, and returns energy with each step, making it easier to walk and saving your feet from fatiguing quickly. These are a true neutral arch that work well for low arch/flat foot people, and are also priced affordably.
- Well-Priced
- Neutral Arch For Those With Low Arches
- Geared Toward Athletic Movements
- Helps Prevent Blisters
- Controls Odor With Anti-Bacterial Coating
- Reduces Wear and Tear with Shock Absorbent Features
- Not For High Arch Athletes
- Trim To Fit As They Run Large
Happystep Plantar Fasciitis Insoles Review
Punching way above their price point, these Happystep insoles leave your feet feeling like your walking on clouds. Great for people who are on their feet all day, they are best suited for those with neutral to medium arches (which is the majority of the population), using a dense memory foam that bounces back in seconds while supporting and contouring to your feet.
Available in a range of sizes with a trim to fit option, the forefoot is punctured with small holes that allow air to pass through for increased ventilation and foot cooling, while the build quality affords you at least 6 months of round the clock use. At around 1/8” thickness with a 1/4” thick heel, they are a great replacement insole for medium to high-volume footwear, and Happystep ensures your satisfaction with an excellent return policy if you are unsatisfied with them. Hard to find many things not to like with this option that is a small financial investment.
- Budget Model That Punches Well Above Its Price Point
- Dense Memory Foam That Rebounds Quickly
- For Those With Neutral to Medium Arches
- Increased Airflow and Cooling
- Available in Multiple Sizes
- Excellent Return Policy
- Trim To Fit
- For Medium to High-Volume Footwear
- Narrow Design Can Be Bothersome For Those With Wide Feet
ViveSole Plantar Fasciitis Insoles Review
These footwear inserts from ViveSole are lightweight, using soft and breathable materials for a well-constructed insole that helps reduce plantar fasciitis foot pain. Supporting the natural shape of your feet, it reduces pressure at the pain points by giving you increased stability and can also provide relief to those with flat feet, overpronation, heel and metatarsal pain.
While they are washable, the top layer contains an odor eliminating coating that helps keep bacteria at bay. You can customize them for most styles of shoe by trimming them to your exact foot size, and the undersole is constructed from an anti-slip rubber material that will keep it from sliding around, saving your feet from the formation of blisters. The rubber also acts a shock-absorbing cushion to reduce stress that is put on joints like knees and ankles, and a 60 day unconditional guarantee allows you to purchase confidently.
- Well-Priced
- Helps Reduce A Myriad Of Foot Pain Issues
- Friction Reduction With Anti-Slip Undersole
- Contains Anti-Microbial Layer
- Excellent Contouring and Shock Absorption
- 60 Day Unconditional Guarantee
- Trim To Fit
- Questionable Durability
WalkFit Platinum Insoles Review
Engineered to not only reduce foot pain, but to realign your body with each step, the WalkFit Platinum Orthotics are a popular “as seen on TV” model that is crafted from plastic rather than foam. They fit most footwear and are customizable, with low, medium, and high arch plates that can be swapped out according to your foot shape.
A nanosilver coating helps to resist bacteria formation and kill odors before they can funk up your feet and shoes, and air vents in the insole help increase airflow while regulating your foot’s temperature. The heel contains a shock absorbing gel pad for full cushioning, allowing you to use less energy in your steps, while the contouring of the heel cup stabilizes and strengthens the back part of your foot. Arch support in the forefoot distributes weight evenly for increased balance, and the insole affords you an excellent foundation for all parts of your foot, from ligaments and tendons, to muscles and bones.
- Popular “As Seen on TV” Model
- Works To Realign Body
- Good Overall Balance and Cushioning
- Nanosilver Anti-Bacterial Coating
- Fit Most Footwear
- Airholes For Increased Circulation and Temperature Regulation
- Customizable Arch Support With Low/Medium/High Arch Plates
- Plastic Construction Can Be Uncomfortable For Some
- Poor Longevity
- Poor Return Policy
Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx Unisex Review
Able to accommodate all arch types, the Pinnacle Maxx from Powerstep fits most footwear straight out of the box, but can be trimmed if need be. Washable by hand, they have a polyester top layer that reduces blister formation as a result of minimizing friction, while also keeping the temperature of your feet cool due to the lightweight, breathable material. This also increases motion control and stabilizes your feet, working with a firm heel shell that provides an angled platform for better arch support.
Cushioning of these insoles is outstanding with their double layer of high-density EVA foam, and you should get some good life out of them. With a recommendation by podiatrists, they have a stellar reputation and are one of the leading insoles on the market today.
- Popular Model Recommend By Podiatrists
- Polyester Top Layer Minimizes Friction and Warm Feet
- Firm Hell Shell Stabilizes Foot
- Fits Most Footwear Without Trimming
- High-Density EVA Foam For Comfortable Insole
- Accommodates All Arch Types
- Not Cheap
- No Anti-Microbial Layer
FAQ
How Can Standing All Day Affect Your Feet and Health?
What Causes Foot Problems?
How Can You Prevent Foot-Related Injuries?
Conclusion
Investing in quality insoles will enhance your footwear with the proper support and stability that you need to stave off foot pain. While custom orthotics are pricey, over the counter insoles can work just as well, and won’t break the bank while fixing your broken feet.
