No matter what you do, if you have to stand for hours on end, the right shoes make all the difference. Long days at work, hikes in the backcountry, golf outings, intense workouts in the gym - all are possible with shoes that offer a balance of comfort and support. Of course, good looks and a reasonable price don’t hurt either. But there’s one thing that can improve even the best sneakers and hiking boots: Insoles.
Believe it or not, insoles aren’t just for your grandfather or those with flat feet. Most of today’s best insoles are worn daily by anyone who just wants to feel more comfortable on their feet. For the very active, there are insoles specifically designed for everything from running to hiking to plantar fasciitis relief. Bottom line: If you’re the guy who spends most of his time upright and on the move, a good pair of insoles will come in handy. (Investing in the best shoes you can afford also helps, of course.)
But between finding the right arch support and knowing what type of foam is best for your personal needs, buying insoles can be tricky. If you’re ready to jump in with both feet (get it?) into the world of insoles, we’re here to help. We’ve researched and compared models from top-selling brands like Superfeet, Brison and Currex to find the best of the best. Here are our top picks for the best orthotics to buy in 2023.
1. Superfeet Green high arch support insoles
Superfeet offers a wide catalog of insoles, from general purpose to specialty (like their fantastic hiker-focused Adapt Hike Max insoles, which earned a top spot in the Men’s Health Outdoor Awards 2022). But some of their firsts - the Superfeet Green high arch orthotics - are still some of their best-selling insoles. With over 27,000 overwhelmingly positive Amazon reviews, including nearly 20,000 five-star reviews, they’re clearly a fan favorite. We love them as “everyday driving” insoles, versatile enough to wear to work, hiking or on long trips. The combination of high-density foam, a high arch and deep heel cup helps provide all-day support that reduces stress on the back, feet and ankles. They help relieve all chronic foot pain, heel pain and plantar fasciitis.
We like the fact that they fit virtually any shoe with removable insoles. With their cut-to-fit design, you can easily find your perfect personal fit. These shoes also have a special odor control coating to keep your feet from getting dirty. At over $50, they are a bit more expensive than over-the-counter insoles. But given the thousands of positive reviews and the fact that we have found little to complain about them, we think that’s a small price to pay for high-quality insoles designed to last up to a year.
What do buyers say? Out of over 27,000 reviews on Amazon, 84% recommend Superfeet GREEN High Arch Insoles with at least 4 stars.
Buy: Superfeet Green high arch support insoles
2. Orthotics for plantar fasciitis
For anyone suffering from chronic foot pain (like plantar fasciitis), standing comfortably for even an hour is nearly impossible. As the name suggests, it specifically designed Easyfeet arch support insoles to help relieve this pain. While most insoles rely on regular polyurethane for support, these use a much harder thermoplastic polyurethane for extremely firm support. A thin but comfortable layer of memory foam and a final antimicrobial, odor-neutralizing top layer, as well as complements the base layer built-in air pockets to help your feet breathe and avoid odor.
Many buyers note that the quality and unique design of these shoes are incomparable, especially for the price - about $30 a pair. The same design that makes these shoes a hit for plantar fasciitis sufferers is not for everyone. Even after the change period recommended by Easyfeet, some users still find them too stiff for their liking.What do buyers say? “I LIKE THESE! These insoles have helped me more than the ones I bought from the podiatrist!!!!” said one Amazon reviewer.
Buy: Orthotics for plantar fasciitis
3. Orthopedic insoles
For anyone who spends long days on their feet, whether standing or taking thousands of steps, cushioning insoles can be life-changing. Brison’s hard orthotics comprise multiple layers, including a shock-absorbing heel pad, a cushioned forefoot pad and a thick, non-slip foam top layer. The result? A firm but comfortable sole that distributes your weight more evenly and provides relief to every part of your body, from your feet and ankles to your knees and back. Like most of the insoles in our selection, these fit any shoe, sneaker or boot.
Our only minor complaint is the lack of anti-odor treatment, but it’s nothing a good foot powder or spray can’t solve. Plus, given the $30 price tag and over 7,000 five-star Amazon reviews, it’s hard to find much else to complain about with these insoles. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly solution to your foot pain, here are our picks for the most absorbent insoles to buy in 2023.
What do buyers say about them? Out of over 9,000 Amazon reviews, 93% recommend Brison Arch Support rigid orthotic insoles with a rating of at least 4 stars.
Buy: Orthopedic insoles
4. Trailblazer Comfort carbon fiber support orthopedic insoles
Another Superfeet flagship product, we specifically designed the Trailblazer Comfort carbon fiber support insoles for hikers. A dedicated H.I.T. (Heel Impact Technology) cushioning helps to disperse the impact of difficult descents and climbs. What sets them apart, however, is the EVOLyte carbon fiber stabilizer cap that provides excellent support and stabilization on the trail. The cut-to-fit design makes finding the perfect fit for your hiking boots a snap. Plus, proprietary Moisturewick technology wicks away sweat and moisture, while an odor-neutralizing treatment keeps your feet smelling fresh, even after miles of hiking.
Like many of the best Superfeet insoles, these are pricey, at over $50. It’s also important to note that they are not for everyone. We specifically designed for them for hikers and hiking boots. While we can technically use them with any shoe, they work best on the sidewalk. If you’re a hiker looking to upgrade your shoes, these are easily our pick for the best insoles for hiking in 2023.
What do buyers say? “I now have two pairs and they surf from my hiking shoes to my dress shoes to my sneakers. I would love to buy these for every pair of shoes I own. They are SO comfortable,” said one Amazon reviewer.
Buy: Trailblazer Comfort carbon fiber support orthopedic insoles
5. RunPRO insole for running
Like hikers, hardcore runners demand a lot from their feet and shoes. Currex’s RunPRO insoles are specifically designed for runners of all stripes, from casual joggers to marathon regulars. It’s the only model on our list to offer a variety of arch supports, so you can choose a low, medium or high version, depending on your anatomy and running style. The composite construction offers perfect rigidity with just the right amount of flexibility, not too stiff and not too soft. It’s a design that Currex promises will last for 600 miles or up to a year (whichever comes first). Plus, we like the addition of a charcoal-infused mid-layer that does double duty: it wicks away sweat and moisture while keeping foot odor at bay.
At about $50 a pair, these insoles are pricey for off-the-shelf insoles (though they’re on sale right now). But about 3,000 Amazon shoppers gave them a perfect five-star rating, with many noting their durability and everyday comfort. While we chose them for running, their design is versatile enough for walking and any other activity.
What do buyers say? Out of over 3,500 Amazon reviews, 91% recommend the Currex RunPRO insoles with a rating of at least 4 stars.
Buy: RunPRO insole for running
6. Heavy Duty Polysorb Insole
Spenco has a long history in the insole business, dating back over 50 years. Its Polysorb Heavy Duty insole is designed for anyone who spends long hours on their feet, especially on hard surfaces. A proprietary PolySorb foam base layer provides arch and heel cushioning. Dedicated forefoot and heel pads offer additional protection against heel pressure and impact. We complemented all of this by a four-way stretch fabric that prevents blisters and controls odor. Plus, each pair comes in the right size, with no cutting required.
At about $25 a pair, these are some of the most affordable insoles we’ve seen this year. Considering all the above features, these are also the best value insoles of 2023. Add to that over 3,500 five-star Amazon reviews and an unconditional one-year warranty, and these insoles are an obvious choice for anyone looking for a solid, budget-friendly pair of insoles.
What do buyers say? “Insoles are often stupidly expensive considering what they are. We reasonably priced these and work better or as well as the higher priced ones. Good value for the money. They make an old pair of shoes comfortable again,” said one Amazon reviewer.
Buy: Heavy Duty Polysorb Insole
The good, the bad and the very cheap insoles
Why are good insoles important? Simply put, they can add comfort to almost any pair of shoes fresh out of the box. But for active men, they can also help ease and relieve foot pain from exercise.
But to understand the importance of good insoles, it’s helpful to know how cheap, low-quality insoles can affect you. “The problem with most materials used in over-the-counter insoles is that they lose their cushioning ability after a while,” says Andrew Shapiro, D.P.M., a podiatrist on Long Island. The solution, of course, is to spend a little more on high-quality insoles. Choose thermoplastic over gel, which offers more support.
If you’re on the fence about replacing your old standard insoles, ask yourself if they’re no longer supportive, if they’re cracking, or if they show other obvious signs of wear. Is the problem you originally bought them for returning? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it’s time to replace them.
Over-the-counter orthotics solve common foot pain and other problems. But the wrong insoles can do more harm than good. Dr. Shapiro warns that we often design them for the “average” person, “when no one has an average foot.” If over-the-counter insoles don’t seem to work for you, consider seeing a foot specialist who can fit you with custom orthotics.
How to find the best insoles for you
Orthotics are deceptively simple: They’re simply foam inserts that fit the general shape of the foot, right? Well, sort of. But if you really want to support your feet, it helps to know which insole is best for you. Before you head to CVS and buy that first $10 pair, here are some things to consider:
Type of insole
The first question to ask yourself is this: For what purpose are you buying new insoles? There are general purpose insoles available. But they designed the best insoles for a specific purpose. Some are ideal for providing extra cushion and comfort, some provide extra support, and some can help relieve chronic foot pain. As the list above shows, it’s often easiest to buy insoles by type of activity (e.g., hiking, running, work, etc.).
Arch support
Arch support is usually the most important factor in determining the comfort of your insoles. Without consulting a podiatrist, it's difficult to self-diagnose your arch height. Often patients come to me and say, “I have a really flat foot. I’ve always had a flat foot. I look at their foot and see that their arch is normal or high,” Dr. Shapiro explains. It’s best to get a specialist to determine this. But if you can’t justify a visit to the pedicurist, consider a pair of insoles with an “average” arch as a starting point. After a day or two of use, you should be able to determine if you need lower or higher support.
How we selected the best insoles of 2023
Finding the best insoles can be a challenge. While they may seem like nothing more than fancy rubber pads, there’s a lot more science involved than you might think. That’s why we researched and field-tested the best-selling models from the world’s top brands, including Superfeet, Currex, Brison and many others. We compared all facets, including overall comfort, durability, arch support, versatility, fit, price, and more, to discover the best of the best. The list above represents our honest picks for the best orthotics worthy of your feet in 2023.
