The 11 Best Insoles for Running and Walking, Tested By Our Editors

Best Overall

Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles

$25 at Amazon $25 at Target $25 at Zappos

Why We Like It

The first thing we noticed about Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles was the gap-free cushioning provided by the arch and heel support. This padding offered a softer push-back than our regular sneaker insoles, which helped reduce pain, even for our editors with plantar fasciitis, as well as knee, back, and foot issues.

This combination of cushioning and support allowed us to walk and run long distances, as well as exercise daily without flare-ups or soreness. They’re easy to cut to shape for people with narrow or tiny feet. And at its price point, we found these insoles difficult to fault.

It’s Worth Noting

The medium arch support may not be sufficient for people with high arches.

Product Details:

• Sizes: 4–13
• Materials: Four-way stretch fabric top layer, rubber forefoot cushion, polyurethane foam
• Recommended Use: Running, walking, training, and sports
• Arch Type: Medium

Best Budget

Spenco RX Comfort Insole

$13 at Amazon $25 at Zappos View on Theinsolestore.com

Why We Like It

When we took the Spenco RX Comfort Insoles out of their packaging, we knew we were looking at an entry-level product. But even though they’re pretty basic, we were pleasantly surprised by the massive reduction in shin pain we experienced throughout testing—from the often painful first 1–2 miles of a run, to the completion of 8–10 mile marker. 

The flatness of the insoles provides only a slight foot elevation, but still offers great shock absorption with zero marks or blisters, allowing us to cover greater distances with confidence. We experienced no snowballing effects of plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, or shin, knee, or back pain. We highly recommend these insoles as a great budget option for everyday use.

It’s Worth Noting

There are no bells or whistles, just a simple added cushion for your feet.

Product Details:

• Sizes: 4–15.5
• Materials: Neoprene, four-way stretch fabric, rubber cushioning 
• Recommended Use: Office, running, hiking, walking, cross-training, golf, prolonged standing
• Arch Type: Low

Best for Flat Feet

Redi-Thotics Flex Orthotic Insoles

$50 at Amazon View on Redi-thotics.com $59 at Orthoticshop.com

Why We Like It

Our arches were aching after just a few minutes of use, so we weren’t instantly sold on Redi-Thotics Flex Orthotic Insoles. But after taking our lab podiatrist’s advice to wear them in slowly—no more than an hour on day one—we soon felt the benefits of these bouncy, supportive insoles.

The insoles molded to our feet nicely during 1-2 hour long gym sessions, offering great support and holding our arches and ankles in place. Although we found the level of arch support was a bit much for work or everyday wear, we recommend them for activities like hiking, running, or gym workouts.

It’s Worth Noting

The ‘walking on air’ level of bounciness was distracting at first, but after a few wears we barely noticed they were there.

Product Details:

• Sizes: 5–15
• Materials: Leather, foam, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)
• Recommended Use: Running, hiking, walking, cross-training, golf, prolonged standing
• Arch Type: Low to medium

Best Arch Support

EasyFeet Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles

$30 at Amazon $40 at Easyfeet.store

Why We Like It

The construction of EasyFeet Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles sets them apart: hard plastic under the arches, softer gel at the heel and ball of the foot, a cushioned rubber layer, and a soft fabric top to wick away sweat. As a replacement insert for high arches, we found it hard to fault these insoles in terms of comfort, support, and value for money.

Whether we were wearing Converse flats or Adidas trainers, we found these insoles were a supportive cradle for our feet throughout a hectic training schedule. We also saw a significant reduction in arch and lower back pain while standing for long periods at work, walking, and training. Although they’d be a poor choice for people with flatter feet, we can’t recommend these insoles enough for anyone who lives with high arches. 

It’s Worth Noting

The materials aren’t as breathable as other insoles we tried.

Product Details:

• Sizes: 4.5–15.5
• Materials: Orxinlite foam, plastic, gell, fabric
• Recommended Use: Standing, running, hiking, walking
• Arch Type: High

Best for Ankle Stability

Superfeet Run Support Shoe Inserts

$60 at Amazon View on Superfeet.com $60 at REI

Why We Like It

From the solid rounded heel-cup cradle, to the low bridge-like arch and lightweight, high-density foam cushioning, Superfeet Carbon Insoles impressed us in terms of durability, comfort, and support. The sturdy materials make for a hard-wearing option that will maintain its shape over time. 

The most impressive aspect of these insoles is the solid heel, which allows for accurate ankle pivoting and reduces the chance of rolling. We definitely felt our hips and ankles benefited from this added support, and we also saw a reduction in rubbing or irritation on existing pressure points.

It’s Worth Noting

Although the low-profile design likely won’t suffice for people with higher arches, in terms of overall stability we found the insoles the pick of the bunch.

Product Details:

• Sizes: 4.5–15
• Materials: Carbon fiber cap, high-density foam
• Recommended Use: High-impact activities
• Arch Type: Low

Best for Knee Pain

Superfeet All-Purpose Green Insoles

$55 at Amazon $55 at Target $55 at Zappos

Why We Like It

After swapping Superfeet Green Insoles between shoes and boots and wearing them almost daily for work, long walks, flights, and even a hiking trip in the Colorado Rockies, our feet felt fully cradled and supported at all times. With every contact point stabilized, we found we could walk longer distances and stay on our feet for hours longer than before.

The durable plastic heel cup raises your heel about a half inch off the ground, which helped us distribute weight more evenly while walking. It also helped us maintain good posture, alleviating back, knee, and hip pain. The sturdy shell of the arch support raised and held our arches to reduce fatigue, and the low profile allowed us to slip them into even the most uncomfortable boots. They have the added advantage of being APMA-approved and also get a thumbs up from our expert consultant, Dr. Tulpule. 

It’s Worth Noting

The adhesive used to attach the heel cup deteriorated over time.

Product Details:

• Sizes: 2–17
• Materials: High-density, closed-cell foam 
• Recommended Use: All-day wear
• Arch Type: High

Best for Standing All Day

Timberland Pro Anti-Fatigue Technology Insoles

$30 at Amazon $32 at Walmart View on Tractor Supply Co.

Why We Like It

More like an extra layer of padding than any kind of structural support, these insoles provided a comfortable buffer for long periods on our feet. The thin, flexible design allowed us to add Timberland Pro Anti-Fatigue Technology Insoles as a cushioning layer, minimizing shock absorption in the feet and legs. The insoles helped maintain freedom of movement during all-day wear and we experienced noticeably less fatigue after long periods on the go.

The deep heel cup offers extra support if your heels tend to get sore after a standing for long periods, while the cushioning provides extra padding for long-lasting comfort. We also noticed that despite wearing these insoles all day, our shoes didn’t have any odors by the end of the testing. 

It’s Worth Noting

While we’d definitely recommend them as a work boot insert for long days on your feet, we’d suggest looking elsewhere for high-impact activities.

Product Details:

• Sizes: 5-15
• Materials: Inverted cone foam
• Recommended Use: All-day wear
• Arch Type: Low

Best for Narrow Shoes

Vionic Slimfit Orthotic Insoles

$40 at Amazon $40 at Zappos $40 at Nordstrom

Why We Like It

The combination of lightweight, flexible materials and low-key arch support makes Vionic Slimfit Orthotic Insoles a comfy choice for day-to-day use in your everyday favorite shoes. We found we were able to walk long distances and dance long nights away with zero discomfort. They even breathed new life into a much-loved (but seriously worn-out) pair of seven-year-old Converse sneakers.

Working as a protective layer between thin soles and our feet, the insoles allowed us to traverse uneven surfaces confidently. Although the support is limited to the heel, arch, and midfoot, we found we could walk longer distances in comfort with no restriction to movement. A cost-effective way to bring some structure back to your well-worn favorite dress or casual shoes? Definitely. Plus, both the APMA and our expert Dr. Tulpule give these insoles their stamp of approval. 

It’s Worth Noting

The insoles stop short of the toes, so they may not be ideal if you want ball-of-foot support.

Product Details:

• Sizes: 3.5–15
• Materials: Shock-absorbing polyurethane, antibacterial, odor-absorbing cover
• Recommended Use: All-day wear
• Arch Type: Low

Best for Overpronation

Obōz O Fit Plus II Insoles

$35 at Amazon $35 at Zappos $29 at REI

Why We Like It

If you have flat feet and are susceptible to overpronation, adequate heel and arch support can mean the difference between a comfortable active lifestyle and a world of leg and back pain. We found the Obōz O Fit Insole Plus II alleviated any discomfort caused by low arches.

After slipping the insoles into our trainers, we loved that they didn’t take up too much space, leaving the toebox roomy. The arch support felt solid without digging in, and the deep heel cup helped alleviate painful symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Compared to our shoes’ factory insoles, they made a remarkable difference in terms of comfort.

After exercise, we loved that our post-run discomfort was significantly reduced. Throughout testing we noticed a reduction in pressure on our calves, legs, hips, and lower backs. Overall, we rate these insoles as an impressive stabilizing addition for people with flat feet, and they’re our top pick for walkers and runners disposed to overpronation.

It’s Worth Noting

The neutral arch provides adequate support for flatter feet but might not be right for everyone.

Product Details:

• Sizes: 4.5–15
• Materials: Open-cell polyurethane cushioning, blended with bamboo charcoal and green tea powder
• Recommended Use: All-day wear, hiking, walking, running
• Arch Type: Neutral

Best for Training

Fulton The Athletic Insole

$52 at Amazon $48 at Nordstrom View on Walkfulton.com

Why We Like It

Take some time to soften Fulton The Athletic Insoles, and you’ll long reap the benefits of these custom molded cork inserts. They’re supremely comfortable and provide support exactly where you need it. We found these insoles well worth the price tag and the brief (around 10-hour) break-in period.

Throughout our testing, which included hot summer city walks and dance-party birthdays, we felt great calf and lower back pain relief, as well as reduced symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Even after standing and dancing for over seven hours at a Taylor Swift concert, we experienced zero lower body pain (though our vocal chords were exhausted). The sturdy cork construction felt cool even during the height of summer heat. 

It’s Worth Noting

The cork is tricky to cut to size, and the insoles take a week or so to mold to your feet. But for the cushioning and customized support, spending some time getting acquainted with these insoles is well worth the effort.

Product Details:

• Sizes: 5–14
• Materials: Cork and cushioning foam
• Recommended Use: Training, walking, dancing, all-day wear
• Arch Type: Any

Best Cushioning

Dr. Scholl’s Lower Body Protective Insoles

$15 at Amazon $15 at Walmart View on Drscholls.com

Why We Like It

Whether used for running, box jumps, CrossFit Metcon workouts, recovery walks, or general casual wear, we found a lot to like about Dr. Scholl’s Prevent Pain Lower Body Protective Insoles. The roomy toe area and well-appointed cushioning reduced stress on pressure points, provided great lower-body support, and promoted better posture. The heel cushioning also offered welcome relief from plantar fasciitis, as well as arch, toe, and knee pain. 

We loved that as a replacement for factory insoles, these inserts took up very little space, making our shoes feel cooler than usual. And that the cushioning made old shoes feel new again. All in all, we rate them as a well-cushioned insert, bringing a whole lot of benefits.

It’s Worth Noting

It’s a flattish insole, so there’s not a huge amount of support for high arches.

Product Details:

• Sizes: 5–14
• Materials: Rubber
• Recommended Use: Training, walking, all-day wear
• Arch Type: Any