These Podiatrist-Approved Insoles Provide Awesome Arch Support (2024)

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent pair of insoles for flat feet, the Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx should be at the top of your list. We particularly like the deep cradle of the heel, which helps keep the entirety of the foot in alignment (which is important for flat feet).

Dr. Fuchs and Dr. Mendeszoon both agree, and recommend these insoles if you need advanced motion control (I.E you overpronate). These insoles are also surprisingly durable, and the materials plus construction offer a Goldilocks-level mixture of supportive comfort.

“The Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx offers a firmer shell for increased support and stability, which is crucial for people with flat feet,” says Dr. Fuchs, a board-certified podiatrist with LuxePodiatry in Jupiter, FL. "They also have a plush top layer for added comfort.”

If you’re on a tight budget, the Valsole Pain Relief Orthotics are a great option for you at under $40. Additionally, they are made for folks who weigh over 220 pounds, so you won’t find that they compress too much with regular use. We also like that they are able to be customized/trimmed to fit your favorite pair of shoes properly.

Dr. Medeszoon recommends these insoles because they are affordable and ideal for bigger folks. Additionally, he likes them because they have “gel material to cushion the higher pressure points of the foot.”

In our experience, these insoles are well-cushioned and won't make you feel like there is a rock under your arches (which is our primary complaint with most insoles for flat feet). What could be better?

Comfort is key for most wearables, and insoles for flat feet are no different. That’s why we love the Superfeet Green Insoles, which are made of foam to give you cushioned support all day long.

“The Superfeet Green Insoles are a great choice [for insoles] as they offer professional-grade orthotic support, which can help to alleviate the discomfort associated with flat feet,” Dr. Fuchs says. “They also have a high-density foam layer that provides long-lasting comfort and support.”

Plus, these insoles have deep heel cups and a cushioned forefoot, which helps pressure distribute evenly.

Just need a pair of insoles ideal for walking? The Fulton Classic Insoles have you covered. These insoles are made of shock-absorbing materials like cork, foam, and leather. This means you’ll be comfortable and supported no matter how long your walk is.

Dr. Mendezoon personally likes these insoles because they are “form fitting to the feet due to the dual density materials.” We think it is worth noting that you should size up in these insoles, as they tend to run small for both men and women.

If you’re looking for a customizable insole, but can’t afford the insane price tag, we’ve found the next best thing. A Formthotic insole. Dr. Bennet likes them specifically for arch support and because the “devices come in different densities, which can provide support throughout daily activities and higher impact sports.”

Plus, you can cut them yourself to match the insides of your favorite walking shoe. However, it is worth noting that you won’t receive much in the way of guidance on how to cut them properly, so be sure to Google a video before starting.

If your feet are flat, chances are you overpronate. In this case, Dr. Mendeszoon recommends the Tread Labs Pace insoles because they offer “more control as opposed to just shoes.”

We’d recommend buying two pairs to alternate between these because we find they hold onto bad odors more so then others. Luckily, you can also swap out the top cloth cover of these insoles as they wear out (because it is less waste for the environment).

Work in retail or at a hospital? You’ll want to pick up a pair of these Spenco insoles, which are ideal for folks who stand all day. Dr. Mendeszoon likes them because they’re “well crafted [and] designed to distribute pressure on the feet with their unique materials, which provide control and cushioning.”

Additionally, they’re also a good option for folks who are on a tight budget (they’re under $30), and for those who need an extra amount of cushioning in the heel. We also think they have great energy return, but it is worth noting that they tend to wear out faster than other insoles we've tested.

Wondering what the golden rules are for finding great insoles for flat feet? We’ve narrowed it down to the top four things you need to check before purchasing anything:

Arch Support

Traditionally, having flat feet means your arches, well, hurt sometimes. Since folks with flat feet don’t have much support through the arch naturally, a pair of insoles specially designed for your foot shape can offer the support you need. Additionally, flat arches mean the pressure in your foot isn’t distributed properly, which can cause stress in certain areas. Luckily, insoles for flat feet can help alleviate that stress–if you know what to look for.

“The insole should offer good arch support to help distribute pressure evenly across the foot,” Dr. Fuchs says.

But, Dr. Fuchs isn’t the only one advocating for insoles with arch support. According to a study done by Plos One using these inserts helps absorb shock when you're walking.

Deep Heel Cup

Many people with flat feet struggle with overpronation, which means your feet tend to be unstable and rotate outwards. To fix this, choose insoles featuring deep heel cups, which “provide stability and reduce stress on the feet,” Dr. Fuchs says.

Heel pain can also be a concern for those who suffer from flat feet (or even plantar fasciitis), which is why a well-cushioned and deep heel cup can make all the difference. In fact, studies (like the one done with the Clinical Intervention of Aging even “suggests a heel cup with arch support insoles is effective in enhancing standing balance.” Who knew!

Durable Materials

Just like a pair of sneakers, insoles endure a decent amount of abuse every time you wear them. Therefore, Dr. Fuchs recommends you choose a pair of insoles “made of durable materials to ensure they can withstand daily wear and tear.”

So what are considered durable materials? For insoles, look for pairs made of EVA, polyurethane, cork, rubber, foam, and/or gel. Because who wants to be replacing their insoles 24/7? Not I, said the fly.

Comfort

Not shockingly, you should find insoles that are “comfortable to wear for extended periods of time,” Dr. Fuchs says. After all, no one wants to willingly wear a pair of insoles that cause them more pain than they’re already enduring.

Comfort can also look like reduced pain, which can be a big selling point for insoles. Plus, when you wear corrective devices like insoles, you may notice less friction and pressure areas on your feet.

• Dr. Suzanne Fuchs, D.P.M is a board-certified podiatrist with LuxePodiatry in Jupiter, FL.
• Dr. Mark Mendeszoon, D.P.M is a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties in Chardon, OH.
• Dr. Cameron Bennett, D.P.M is a board-certified podiatrist at My Family Podiatry in New York City.

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