Whether you’re experiencing foot pain, seeking enhanced performance, or prioritizing comfort, custom orthotics could be the game-changer you’ve been searching for. The best orthotics offer a step up from standard over-the-counter insoles, providing tailored comfort and support specifically designed to meet your unique needs. Since orthotics are customized based on your foot length, arch height, and pain points, podiatrist Brad Schaeffer, DPM, recommends consulting with a podiatrist to learn more about your needs.
To find the best orthotics, we first spoke with three podiatrists to learn more about the key features to look for when shopping. Then, we researched popular options from top, trusted footwear brands. We also tested five of the products on this list, wearing them in our regular daily routines for hours at a time. We evaluated each pair for support, comfort, pain relief, breathability, and value, paying special attention to how well each orthotic addresses specific concerns, such as plantar fasciitis, low arches, bunions, high arches, and more.
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Lightweight, bouncy, and barely-there feel
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Good for multiple arch types
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Anti-bacterial top layer
Key Specs
Size Options: Seven (Men’s 5-15, Women’s 6-12) | Length Options: Full length | Arch Height Options: One (low, medium) | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who They’re For
Best for individuals who want a lightweight, incredibly comfortable orthotic with a barely-there feel.
Why We Love Them
Redi-Thotics’ Flex Orthotic Insoles offer solid comfort and support, specifically designed for tired and sore arches and feet. We love that they feature a breathable, anti-bacterial top cover that prevents feet from overheating and a flexible, supportive foam layer that provides great arch support. We wore ours during workouts at the gym and fitness walks, and loved how they molded to our feet after just a few uses.
After adjusting to them, we found them incredibly comfortable, offering a lightweight, bouncy, barely-there feel. While the arch support is strong, we still found it to be a great option for all arch heights. We also found that they helped us maintain better posture when walking and working out—a huge plus.
Potential Flaws
- We initially found this pair to be somewhat uncomfortable, especially for one tester who has flat, low arches. However, after a few wear tests, they quickly became incredibly comfortable, offering a lightweight, bouncy, and barely there feel.
Most Valuable Insight
“I like that these insoles already fit my feet/shoes perfectly and don’t need to be cut down to size. I could tell that these insoles were molding to my feet and supporting them while I was walking and working out, which is much appreciated. They don’t prohibit my movement at all, and I’ll definitely keep using them. They give me that cushiony, walking on air feeling.” —Talya P., Verywell Fit product tester
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Lightweight, breathable, and low-profile design
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Deep heel cup supports the heel and upper ankle
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Firm, yet bouncy underfoot feel
Key Specs
Size Options: Six (Men’s 5.5-15, Women’s 4.5-14) | Length Options: Full length | Arch Height Options: One (designed for low arches) | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who They’re For
Best for individuals with low arches who prefer a low-profile orthotic with a lightweight and breathable design.
Why We Love Them
If you have low arches, it’s essential to look for a pair of orthotics specifically designed for your foot shape to prevent foot aches, fatigue, and discomfort. We love Superfeet’s Run Support Low Arch Insoles, which provide low-arch orthotic support to help stabilize the foot during running and walking. The firm yet bouncy underfoot feel also provides excellent comfort and stability.
When we tested this pair, we appreciated the deep, rounded heel cup that cradles and supports the heel and upper ankle. We typically feel irritation on the outside of the heel and the top of the toes, and found that these insoles helped alleviate those pressure points, allowing us to stand comfortably for longer durations. We also love the low-profile insole’s lightweight and breathable design, which helps prevent our feet from overheating.
Potential Flaws
- These are not the most plush, supportive orthotics on our list, but if you have low arches, they’re a great option.
Most Valuable Insight
“These insoles really made my sneakers feel more comfortable. I typically feel irritation on the outside of my heel on my right foot and top of my big toe, but these insoles really alleviated those pressure points and allowed me to stand and walk for longer durations.” —David L., Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Size Options: Four (Men’s 3.5-15, Women’s 4.5-12) | Length Options: Full length | Arch Height Options: One (designed for high arches) | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who They’re For
Best for those with high arches who want thick underfoot cushioning and support.
Why We Love Them
Superfeet’s All Purpose Support Green Insoles are designed for individuals with high arches, featuring maximum thickness and comfortable underfoot cushioning. A deeper heel cup accentuates the higher arch shape, providing even more support and stability for wearers with high arches. Additionally, the high-density foam cushioning provides a firm foundation for plush, all-day comfort.
During testing, we found that these durable insoles helped improve our posture, made it more comfortable to stand for longer periods, and reduced foot fatigue. We have achy knees, hips, and a lower back, and we feel that the insoles have helped alleviate our associated pain. They really mold to the shape of our feet, delivering a cradled, locked-in feel that adds overall comfort and support.
Potential Flaws
- Because they’re on the thicker side, these insoles require more space in your shoes.
- These aren’t as breathable as other options. We noticed that our feet felt slightly warmer and more sweaty than usual when wearing them. However, that didn’t detract from their exceptional comfort and support.
Most Valuable Insight
“My foot pain, as well as my achy knees, hips, and lower back pain, was alleviated by wearing these insoles. They also corrected my posture and, because of this, I use them daily.” —David L., Verywell Fit product tester
Verywell Fit
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Available in three arch options
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Breathable and moisture-wicking
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Cushions the arches and prevents foot fatigue during long-distance runs
Key Specs
Size Options: Six (Men’s 3-14.5, Women’s 6-16) | Length Options: Full-length | Arch Height Options: Three (low, medium, high) | Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5
Who They’re For
Best for runners who want lightweight, breathable insoles that prevent foot fatigue while running.
Why We Love Them
Sleek, padded, and low-profile, Currex’s RunPro Insoles are one of our favorite insoles for running because they slide easily inside most running shoes, providing a comfortable fit as you exercise, whether you’re jogging outdoors or working out on a treadmill. They’re crafted to support the front, middle, and back of your feet, and the padding is designed to cushion your arches as you move.
During testing, we noticed that they’re lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking—ideal for running both short and long distances. We appreciate that they offer extra support at the ball and heel of the foot, which helps keep us comfortable and prevents foot fatigue during long-distance runs. We also love that the insoles are available in low, medium, or high arch support, allowing you to find your perfect fit.
Potential Flaws
- When we tested this pair, we found that they’re on the thinner side and not as plush as other options. But this makes them super lightweight and breathable.
Most Valuable Insight
“These insoles keep my feet cooler, which is amazing since I run so hot and my feet tend to get sweaty on runs and long walks. The balls of my feet feel more comfortable when I wear these insoles than without, as they provide extra cushioning in that area.” —Jenni M., Verywell Fit product tester
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Lightweight and flexible
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Shorter length and less bulky feel
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Versatile, working well in casual and dressy shoes
Key Specs
Size Options: Four (Men’s 3.5-15, Women’s 4.5-12) | Length Options: Full length | Arch Height Options: One (low, medium) | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Best for those with narrow feet who want orthotics that can easily slide into casual and dressy shoes.
Why We Love Them
If you have narrow feet, you’ll love Vionic’s Slimfit Orthotic Insoles. These versatile orthotics are designed to fit perfectly in casual or dressy shoes, including high heels, without overcrowding your toes. However, they also work great in sneakers, walking sandals, and other footwear.
During testing, these orthotics made our old, worn-out sneakers feel brand new, providing eight hours of continuous comfort while walking, standing, and running. Lightweight and flexible, we found that this pair offers moderate arch support, which works best for wearers with low to medium arches. We loved the shorter length, which ends just before the toes, making the orthotics feel significantly less bulky in all types of shoes.
Potential Flaws
- These orthotics may not work as well for individuals with high arches. We recommend these for those with low to medium arches only.
Most Valuable Insight
“Without a doubt, these insoles made my worn-out Converse feel more comfortable. The insoles provided a protective layer on top of the sneakers’ thin soles, allowing me to traverse all types of terrain without fear. I was definitely able to walk longer distances more comfortably than I would have without the insoles, and they didn’t restrict my movement at all.” —Talya P., Verywell Fit product tester
Bonus Favorites
While we didn’t test the following orthotics, we still think they’re worth considering, as they share many of the same expert-approved features as our tested picks.
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Key Specs
Size Options: Custom Dr. Scholl’s sizing | Length Options: Full-length and 3/4 length | Arch Height Options: Multiple
Who They’re For
Best for individuals who want a supportive and customizable podiatrist-recommended orthotic that accommodates all arch types.
Why We Love Them
We love Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit Orthotic Inserts because they’re supportive, customizable based on your arch type, and podiatrist-recommended. Schaeffer says he recommends this option because it’s designed to match your unique foot geometry. He notes that each insert is composed of three layers—a shock-absorbing, cushioned layer, an arch-support layer, and a soft, cloth top layer. “Each is designed to reduce your overall foot pressure, and as a result, give you the energy to take even more steps every day,” he says.
This orthotic is available in 43 variations, including 29 full-length and 14 three-quarters-length options. To find your ideal pair, you can speak with an expert or visit a Dr. Scholl’s kiosk to receive a personalized recommendation. You can also complete an online quiz if you’d like to find your fit from home.
Potential Flaws
- The selection process may be time consuming. However, we think it’s worth it to find your perfect fit.
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Key Specs
Size Options: 13 (Men’s 4-16.5, Women’s 6-14.5) | Length Options: Full-length | Arch Height Options: One (one-size-fits-all)
Who They’re For
Best for those who want a budget-friendly orthotic that provides excellent cushioning.
Why We Love Them
If you’re looking for a set of budget-friendly orthotics that’ll make your shoes a little more comfortable, Nazaroo’s Shoe Orthotic Insoles might be just what you need. Crafted from foam, they’re designed to cushion your feet with every step. The deep heel cups gently hug the heel, providing a supportive and secure fit as you move.
We love that they’re available in a wide variety of sizes and are breathable, keeping your feet cool and comfortable. At a budget-friendly price, these orthotics will make your shoes feel more supportive, shock-absorbing, and comfortable.
Potential Flaws
- Some wearers find these to be too firm.
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Key Specs
Size Options: 12 (Men’s 3-16, Women’s 5-12) | Length Options: Full-length | Arch Height Options: Three (low, medium, high)
Who They’re For
Best for those with plantar fasciitis who want clinically effective, podiatrist-recommended orthotics that help stabilize the feet.
Why We Love Them
When buying orthotic insoles for plantar fasciitis, Schaeffer recommends looking for clinically-proven options, and since PowerStep’s Pinnacle Arch Support Orthotic Insoles are clinically effective at providing plantar fasciitis relief, they’re a great place to start. We like that they’re available in low, medium, and high arch variations to best suit your needs.
These orthotic insoles consist of four layers, featuring a layer of plush foam on the bottom. On top of that, you’ll find a supportive heel cup designed to cradle and stabilize your foot as you walk, followed by another layer of comfy foam. To top things off, a soft layer of antimicrobial fabric keeps the insoles breathable and comfortable.
Potential Flaws
- These orthotic insoles can’t be trimmed, so they may not fit well in all shoes.
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Key Specs
Size Options: 11 (Men’s 3-16, Women’s 5-12) | Length Options: Full-length | Arch Height Options: One (recommended for standard arches)
Who They’re For
Best for those with wide feet who want orthotic insoles that are well cushioned, with strong arch support.
Why We Love Them
Powerstep’s Pinnacle Wide Fit Orthotic Insoles are wide and designed to fill the full length of your shoes. Made with four layers, the orthotic insoles cushion with each step. At the base, you’ll find a foam layer topped with a supportive heel cup lining the back of the insole. Another layer of foam and a soft fabric top the insoles, combining to create a balance of comfort and support.
These orthotic insoles are available in 11 different sizes, made especially for wide-width shoes. And we love that the fabric is antimicrobial. And they’re American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) accepted, meaning a group of podiatrists recognizes that they support good foot health.
Potential Flaws
- You cannot adjust the arch support in these orthotic insoles, which may not be ideal for those with low or high arches.
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Available in various sizes
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Bouncy, stabilizing design
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Finished with an anti-odor coating
Key Specs
Size Options: Four (Women’s 4.5-12) | Length Options: Multiple | Arch Height Options: One (designed for high arches)
Who They’re For
Best for women who want responsive orthotics that help keep the feet feeling fresh all day long.
Why We Love Them
Many orthotic insoles are one-size-fits-all. However, unlike their unisex counterparts, Superfeet’s Berry Women’s Orthotic Insert is specifically designed for women’s feet. The insoles have a narrower heel because women’s heels tend to be narrower than men’s heels. The arches are also crafted with this difference in mind to offer users a set of orthotics that fits more naturally inside women’s shoes.
These orthotic insoles feature a classic fit with a bouncy foam forefoot, a stabilizing heel cup, and an anti-odor top coating to keep your feet feeling fresh, even in warmer temperatures. The trimmable style is available in four different sizes, allowing you to customize the insoles to fit the size of your shoes.
Potential Flaws
- One thing to note is that these insoles aren’t ideal for people with low arches or flat feet.
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Key Specs
Size Options: Four (Men’s 5.5-17, Women’s 6.5-14) | Length Options: Multiple | Arch Height Options: One (standard or high arches)
Who They’re For
Best for men with average or high arches who want customizable orthotics that provide cushioned support during high-impact workouts.
Why We Love Them
Superfeet’s Orange Premium Orthotic Insoles are ideal for men’s feet. These APMA-approved orthotics boast a wide toe box, a wide heel, and a long arch length. Designed to fill the full length of your shoes, the insoles cover the entire bottom of the foot, providing excellent support. And, since they can be trimmed, you can customize them to fit the exact shape and length of your shoes.
The front of each insole is padded with foam and designed to cushion the ball of your foot with every step. The back features a deep heel cup, which stabilizes your foot and keeps your orthotic insoles in place as you walk or perform higher intensity workouts. They’re also moisture-wicking, making them a great option to wear during sweatier workouts. Since the insoles come in a wide range of sizes, it’s a breeze to find a pair that works well for your exact needs.
Potential Flaws
- These orthotics aren’t ideal for those with low arches.
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Key Specs
Size Options: Five (Men’s 3-12.5, Women’s 5-14.5) | Length Options: Full-length | Arch Height Options: Two (removable arch height pads)
Who They’re For
Best for individuals who want to add shock-absorbing comfort to their dress shoes.
Why We Love Them
If you wear dress shoes daily, FootChair’s Slim Dress Shoe Orthotics are a great pick, thanks to their slim-fitting silhouette and excellent support. The full-length design offers shock-absorbing comfort from toe to heel. They’re also made from durable, high-quality materials, providing long-lasting support for all-day wear.
We love that these orthotics are customizable, allowing you to adjust your arch height to suit your feet perfectly. Additionally, they’re also ideal for narrower athletic shoes, such as cycling shoes and cleats. We also like that they evenly distribute weight, keeping you comfy all day long.
Potential Flaws
- These orthotics can’t be trimmed, which may not work well for some.
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Key Specs
Size Options: Five (Men’s 3-14.5, Women’s 5-16.5) | Length Options: Multiple | Arch Height Options: Multiple (adjustable)
Who They’re For
Best for individuals who want a versatile, customizable orthotic with excellent arch support.
Why We Love Them
FootChair’s Adjustable Orthotics are an incredibly versatile option that can be worn during fitness walks, prolonged standing, runs, and while working out. We love that they take arch support to the next level, thanks to unique built-in pockets that can be filled with the included arch support pads. Begin by inserting the orthotics into your shoes without any additional padding. If you feel you need additional arch support, add the pads as needed to determine which option feels most comfortable.
We appreciate that these orthotics offer excellent shock absorption, which helps protect the joints during movement. Because they can be trimmed and are available in six different sizes, you can customize their length and width to suit your shoes perfectly.
Potential Flaws
- These may feel too thick and bulky to fit in certain shoes.
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Key Specs
Size Options: Six (Men’s 4-13, Women’s 6-12) | Length Options: 3/4 length | Arch Height Options: One (one-size-fits-all)
Who They’re For
Best for individuals with average arch heights who have bunions and want a sleek pair of orthotics that won’t take up too much space in their shoes.
Why We Love Them
Insoles can be a great way to add cushioning to your shoes for increased comfort, but they can also add significant bulk. And if you have bunions, anything that makes your shoes feel tight, cramped, or otherwise uncomfortable is a no-go. Thankfully, Powerstep’s Thin Arch Support Orthotic Inserts are a low-profile insole that won’t take up much space.
The sleek set is designed to fill just three-fourths of your shoes, and it isn’t lined with excessive padding. Instead, they feature a layer of low-profile support, which is firm enough to hold up over time. We also appreciate that they’re moisture-wicking, which helps keep the feet cool and comfortable, even during warmer weather or sweaty gym sessions. Additionally, they feature non-slip padding to prevent them from sliding around uncomfortably during use.
Potential Flaws
- These orthotics work well for those with average arch heights, but aren’t ideal for those with low or high arches.
How to Pick the Right Orthotics
- Customization: The biggest factor differentiating custom orthotics from over-the-counter orthotics is the level of customization, says Schaeffer. While over-the-counter orthotics aren’t quite as customizable as prescription orthotics, some options are more customizable than others. First, look for adjustable arch support. Can you increase or decrease the amount of arch support your insoles offer? If not, can you choose the amount of arch support you want when you first purchase the insoles? Can you choose the precise size that suits your foot? What about the width and length? Is the insole trimmable, allowing you to adjust its size and shape to fit your shoes?
- Credibility: Buying orthotic insoles for a specific health condition or pain point? Try to find options that are “clinically effective” at solving your problem. “That’s a label assurance that the product has been tested and shown to provide the benefits claimed on the label,” says Schaeffer. When shopping, you’ll encounter a lot of different claims, but don’t count on those claims until you know they’re backed by research.
- Size: Orthotic insoles are available in various sizes, lengths, and widths. Some orthotics are available in specific shoe sizes, while others are offered in a range of sizes. Those that come in a size range are often trimmable, so you can cut them down to suit your feet. Second, ensure your orthotics are the correct length. Orthotics are typically designed to either fill the full length of your shoe or to fill three-quarters of your shoe. A podiatrist can help you understand which option is right for you. While most will come in one standard width, narrower and wider options are also available.
- Arch Support: Orthotics are often available with different levels of arch support. Some orthotic insoles come in multiple arch support styles, allowing you to customize the level of arch support to suit your needs. Others are available with arch support pads, which you can use to adjust the arch support in your insoles after purchase.
Verywell Fit
How We Selcted and Tested the Orthotics
We spent hours researching the best orthotics on the market to meet your unique needs, carefully considering each product’s key features. Then, we spoke with three podiatrists to learn more about foot health and what makes a good pair of orthotics. We also hands-on tested five orthotics, wearing them in our daily routine and while exercising. When we test orthotics, we evaluate them based on the following key criteria.
- Support: When evaluating for support, we ask ourselves if there’s adequate arch support. Do we feel supported throughout the day? Is support lacking? Is the orthotic best suited to support a certain arch type?
- Comfort: Do the orthotics make our shoes feel more comfortable? Do we experience any irritation while wearing them? Do they feel more comfortable in certain areas, or does our entire foot feel comfortable? Can we walk or run longer distances while wearing them? We prioritize orthotics that allow us to feel more comfortable during our workouts and daily movement.
- Pain Relief: Do our feet feel less tired and achy after a full day of wear? Do our bodies and joints feel less pain or pressure after wearing the orthotics? Do the orthotics increase the pain in any way?hr
- Breathability: Do our feet feel hot when wearing the orthotics? Do they help keep our feet cool and dry during workouts? Do the orthotics have sweat-wicking abilities?
- Value: To evaluate for value, we don’t check the orthotics’ price until after we’ve evaluated them in all other key criteria. We prioritize options that are high-quality and well worth their price tag.
Verywell Fit
Our Experts
We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. Schaeffer and podiatrist Jackie Sutera, DPM, helped us better understand foot health and what to look for when shopping for high-quality orthotics. Podiatrist Diana Levin Valencia, DPM, provided expert guidance during our testing process. We select products independently, but expert input influences our decisions.
- Brad Schaeffer, DPM, podiatrist at SOLE Podiatry NYC in New York
- Jackie Sutera, DPM, podiatrist at City Podiatry in New York City
- Diana Levin Valencia, DPM, podiatrist at NYC Foot & Ankle Center
Frequently Asked Questions
What foot problems require orthotics?
Conditions that require orthotics include flat feet and high arches. Flat feet can lead to other conditions such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, and osteoarthritis. If you have a leg length discrepancy (one leg slightly longer than the other) or a lateral pelvic tilt (hip hike with hip higher on one side), you may require an orthotic on one side.
How long do orthotics last?
Orthotics can last three to five years, but you may need to replace them sooner, depending on changes to your physiology. These changes can include weight loss or gain, pregnancy, or other physical reasons. If you notice wear and tear, it is best to replace your orthotics.
How many hours a day should you wear orthotics?
If you have custom orthotics, it is best to wear them all day long to maintain their benefits. Orthotics correct issues that would otherwise go unaddressed when not being worn. If you are concerned about wearing them daily, speak to your podiatrist about options that may be best for you.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
As a seasoned health and fitness writer for Verywell Fit, Lindsey Lanquist understands the importance of quality product recommendations. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them. For this article, Lindsey looked over the test results from our Lab to help compile our top picks.
Additional reporting contributed by Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT
Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT, has worked at Verywell Fit since 2024, and she is currently the Associate Editor for the brand. As a fitness enthusiast and long-distance runner, Gabby tests and reviews new products every month to find the best ones to recommend to Verywell Fit readers. She has tested everything from walking sandals to treadmills and is determined to cut through marketing speak to figure out what’s truly worth her readers’ money and time.
