9 Best Insoles for Flat Feet in 2024, According to Experts

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, from sneakers to work boots, without concern.

• Available sizes: US 5-5.5 to 12 | Materials: EVA, plastic, foam, polyester | Odor-resistant: yes

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Do you really need insoles if you have flat feet?

Now that we’ve taken a closer look at some of the best insoles on the market, here’s a little more info you should know before picking up a pair of your own. For most people, having flat feet isn’t a major problem, Dr. Lobkova says. That said, if you sit or stand for long periods of time, flat feet can contribute to arch, knee, hip, and back pain. 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 knee pain and shin splints (especially if you’re a runner). If you deal with any of these discomforts, a shoe insert 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?

Most of our picks featured above have key design elements in common, which you can keep in mind while you shop for your own insoles. For one thing, a full-length OTC insole should have a heel cup that sits directly under your heel and is deep enough to hug the sides of it, Dr. Sims says. 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 (like the ones we recommended above) 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, talk with your doctor or podiatrist to see if custom orthotic insoles might be the better choice for your foot health.

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