Categories
Orthotics

Best Plantar Fasciitis Insoles Review 2022

We can all agree it is hard to find a plantar fasciitis treatment that really works. And some of you have probably already tried insoles before, maybe even insoles designed by a specialist for plantar fascitiis.

But did they work for you?

Like many, I’ve tried dozens of different plantar fasciitis insoles. Many failed, but a solid few helped me alleviate pain, correct pronation, and stabilize my arches.

It’s taken me a long time to test these out for myself but I’ve come up with what I personally believe is the top of the top list of best plantar fasciitis insoles available this year.

So what makes a good Plantar Fasciitis Insert?

While there are many insoles available, you will want to find the best one for your comfort levels and one that alleviates the pain of plantar fasciitis the best.

But don’t forget:

The ultimate goal here is not to find pain relief. The goal is to heal plantar fasciitis completely so that you no longer need specialized insoles.

You see:

The purpose of the insoles is to hold your feet in the proper position, while your walk or run. They will help give you support for your arches and cushion your feet from the weight they must bear. The insoles also cushion the blow from impacts on the ground. If you run on pavement, this is even more important.

Any laborers here?

If you stand for your job or do a lot of walking during the day, orthotic insoles will make your feet feel a lot better and will help get rid of plantar fasciitis for good.

While we’re on the topic, there are some really good socks that pair extremely well with the below insoles.

Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis

Powerstep Pinnacle Orthotic Insoles

These insoles were the most comfortable compared with other brands because of the extra padding on top.

This extra padding makes them easier to get used to in the beginning and you’ll barely notice them in your shoes – apart from the lack of pain that is.

These are my top pick because they’re affordable, comfy for beginners and easy to chop down to size. They also have an antibacterial layer that keeps them from stinking out the wife!

Not convinced?

Check this technical review out on youtube:

Syono Orthotics Gel Inserts

Gel inserts are much more comfortable than the harder foam insoles.They give some support with a softer, squishy feel.

Many people suffering with plantar fasciitis prefer these and swear they are the way to go – because they alleviate the pain so well when standing for long periods. They also don’t really need breaking in and start out being more comfortable and easier to get used to than the other types.

Believe it or not, these more comfortable gel inserts are also less expensive than other types.

One caveat:

Gel inserts give less overall support than foampad insoles. They are not very supportive of the heels or the arches of the feet and these did wear our faster.

However, if that is not an issue for you, they may be just fine.

I tested these gel inserts for 5 out of 10 hours of a downhill hike in Korea and was hoping the gel style would offer better impact performance going downhill. I found the foam insoles I used for the other 5 hours offered far more pain relief and did a better job of correcting my foot work.

Superfeet Premium Insole

These insoles have been on the market for a long time, and they are well known for working well.

They tend to help people with high arches, especially.

I couldn’t personally test these or the claims for working well with high arches (because I don’t have any), but the reviews from avid runners and bloggers alike are a very good indicator of their quality, I feel these are tried, tested and true.

Superfeet color code their insoles for different foot conditions. You’re looking for the blue insoles as these are for plantar fasciitis.

Many people say these insoles have a long break-in period, and they are also a bit expensive pushing them down to the number three spot.

OrthaHeel Full Length Insoles

These insoles are strong and form to your feet, realigning things into the correct position for good circulation. They are also very supportive of the arches of the feet. These insoles are less flexible than most, so they may take longer to get used to but will also last a lot longer and need less replacements.

Spenco Total Support Max Insole

This insert has heel cups unique only to spenco. The heel cups are deep enough to hold your heel in place. It has enough padding to serve as a great shock absorber. It helps to strengthen your foot as you wear it. Many people claim that they give pain relief sooner than other brands. They are good for people with narrow feet.

Dr. Scholl’s Active Series

This brand is one that everyone has heard of. They have been around for ages. Their insoles are designed to decrease shocks to the feet by up to 40 percent.

Their Triple Zone technology lightens the load on your arch and heel, relieving the pain from plantar fasciitis and allowing natural healing to repair the damage. They are inexpensive and users claim they are very comfortable as well.

Roundup

Whichever type of orthotic insole you select, it will give your feet a rest. This will allow your plantar fasciitis to heal faster. If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, your feet need rest and good foot support. Since most of us must use our feet every day, one of the best ways to give them rest is with orthotic insoles (between you and me, I use these Dr. Scholl’s Active Seriesevery day in my Brooks Adrenalines.)

Quick tips – Orthotic Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis

  • Insoles require breaking in, the supportive foam insoles are made from feel awkward at first and take some getting used to.
  • You should wear them around the house as well as when you are out and about.
  • The more often you wear them, the sooner you will get used to them for daily use.
  • Pairing insoles with the right shoe can help a great deal.
  • Orthotic insoles for plantar fasciitis are not always cheap.
  • Many people are surprised that they are a bit expensive.
  • However, they will get rid of the pain you are experiencing, so they are worth the money.
  • If the insoles are wearing down, replace them right away. As they wear down, they will not do what they are supposed to do.

References

  1. DeMaio M, Paine R, Mangine RE, et al. Plantar fasciitis. Orthopedics1993 Oct;16(10):1153-1163. View.
  2. McPoil TG, Martin RL, Cornwall MW, et al. Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: clinical practice guidelines linked to the international classification of function, disability, and health from the orthopaedic section of the American Physical Therapy Association. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2008 Apr;38(4):A1-A18. View.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. I am someone who suffered from Plantar Fasciitis off and on for 3 years before my heel pain fully subsided. The following information is based off my own experience and research into what works best for plantar fasciitis.

Jeremy