These Are the 8 Best Insoles for Heel Pain, Recommended by Podiatrists

Dr. Landau recommends PowerStep insoles to many of his patients experiencing heel pain. These insoles are well made and closely resemble custom-made orthotics's ability to maintain a healthy foot position. Orthotics work by putting a foot that’s not in an ideal position into a neutral position where the foot isn’t leaning inward (pronated) or outward (supinated), he explains. PowerStep is the off-the-shelf brand he recommends while patients wait for custom orthotics or for patients who don’t require custom insoles, such as those who have mild heel pain or don’t have a notable foot deformity.

We chose Dr. Scholl’s Heel & Arch All-Day Pain Relief Orthotics as the best budget-friendly insoles for heel pain because these insoles can be found at most major retailers for less than $20 for a pair, making them the most affordable and accessible option on the list.

“Inserts are a game changer for those with heel pain,” says Brad Schaeffer, a doctor of podiatric medicine, the founder of Central Park Sole in New York City, and a Dr. Scholl’s partner. “They’re paramount to supporting your feet and getting relief for the heel.”

Dr. Schaeffer recommends Dr. Scholl’s Heel & Arch All-Day Pain Relief Orthotics to people with heel pain. The polyethylene pad and foam work together to reduce the shock and force that each step transmits to the heel, according to data provided by the brand. The arch support in these insoles have been shown to help relieve heel pain caused by heel spurs and plantar fasciitis as well as general arch pain, he says, a claim that we confirmed by reviewing clinical testing data provided by Dr. Scholl’s.

We like that these Dr. Scholl’s inserts work well with a wide variety of shoes, with a three-quarters foot length that doesn’t require trimming to accommodate different shoe styles. It’s worth noting that like many off-the-shelf insoles, Dr. Scholl’s typically need to be replaced after six months of wear.

“The foam cushioning provides comfort and protects the foot by absorbing impact,” says Schaeffer. “These are the game changers for me, taking the flimsy insert out of your shoe and inserting these over-the-counter solutions makes my patients happy and provides support in the plantar fascia and heel.” We appreciate the accessibility of these inserts, which can be bought over the counter at most major retailers.

For heel pain in teens, we chose the KidSole Neon Fix Orthotic Max Arch Support as the best insoles for heel pain in teens because it provides high arch support while enhancing comfort using KidSole’s unique soft-step material made of medical-grade foam. This foam is paired with a firm arch to provide cushioning and absorb shock to help prevent pain. We also like the deep heel cup, which keeps the heel in a neutral position, and the extra cushioning for the heel.

While we chose this insert for teens, it would work well for kids of all ages, since it’s available in a wide range of sizes, starting with toddlers' size 5 and extending up to kids’ size 9. For kids and teens, sizing runs a bit differently. For these inserts, you can expect the kids’ sizes 4 to 6 to fit like an adult 4 to 7, while sizes 7 to 9 fit like an 8 to 10. These inserts come with a trim-to-fit guide to get the right fit for a growing and active teen.

We chose Superfeet’s All-Purpose Women’s High Impact Support insoles as the best insoles for women because this full-foot option features a slim heel and arch, which is more suited to the foot shape of most women. We love that Superfeet insoles are available in four sizes to suit a women’s 4.5 to 12, and can be trimmed to perfectly fit your shoe. These are thick insoles, with a medium-high arch, so they aren’t suited for use with dress shoes or flats, and they work best with shoes that have removable insoles.

According to Superfeet, these insoles are specifically designed for activity, so they’re great for hitting the gym, taking long walks, or keeping you comfortable at an active job. Combining foam with a structured heel and arch, Superfeet insoles balance support with cushioning to stabilize the foot while taking some pressure off the heel at impact.

We chose the Superfeet All-Purpose Support Medium Arch insoles as the best insoles for heel pain in men because of the extended sizing available. These insoles are available up to a size 15 and feature a uniquely designed heel that combines a stabilizer cap for support with a sculpted heel cap that helps absorb shock. These insoles have a medium profile and medium arch support, so they could work in a wide variety of shoes and may not require you to remove the existing insoles in your shoes for a good fit.