Plantar fasciitis can make you feel like you’re being stabbed in the heel or bottom of your foot on a regular basis, but thanks to the invention of store-bought insoles, you can help relieve heel and arch discomfort by sliding on a supportive pair.
Kenneth Jung, M.D., an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, notes, “A shoe insert can externally support the arch, thus minimizing the stress or strain on the arch.” Plantar fasciitis insoles also have a cushioned heel cup that relieves strain. These elements, when combined, can help your foot feel more at ease.
How to Find the Best Plantar Fasciitis Insoles
According to Dr. Jung, over-the-counter insoles are a smart initial option to try before getting fitted for custom orthotics, which typically require a doctor’s prescription. Keep in mind, adds Kamran Hamid, M.D., M.P.H., a foot and ankle surgeon at Midwest Orthopedics at Rush University in Chicago, that there isn’t much research on how well store-bought inserts work or which ones are the most successful.
That is why personal comfort is so important. The most crucial factor, according to Dr. Hamid, is how they make you feel. “Some are beneficial, while others may aggravate your condition.”
It’s also worth noting that store-bought inserts are only one treatment option for plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis shoes, as well as a night splint, are worth considering. Even though inserts are available without a prescription, you should still seek medical advice before self-treating your foot problems. “Confirming your diagnosis before spending a fortune on implants is a good idea,” Dr. Hamid advises.
Dr. Jung and Dr. Hamid recommend looking for plantar fasciitis insoles that have padding under the arch and heel to provide extra support and redistribute pressure that might cause pain. It may require some trial and error, so we’ve compiled a list of the best sell choices to aid you in your quest.
IDEASTEP is a well-known brand that makes insoles and inserts for persons who suffer from plantar fasciitis. These orthotics distinguish out from the rest of the list since they can be worn in almost any shoe. They’re simple to tailor to your shoe size and shape, allowing you to wear them with a variety of sneakers, boots, heels, and flats. These insoles help to stabilize the plantar fascia and protect it from additional straining by having a contoured heel cup and specific shock-absorbing cushioning.
“The orthotic gives a great cushion to assist absorb the shock of each step that leads to the extreme heel pain,” says a nurse who wears these inserts in her work clogs.
The arch and heel cup in these insoles are designed to provide moderate support for walking or standing on your feet for extended periods. They also have a contoured footbed that works to help prevent pronation (rolling), bunions, and Achilles tendonitis. A combo of high-density foam and silicone help reduce shock without being too thick, so the inserts can fit into a wide variety of shoes.
If you enjoy running or high-intensity workouts, you’re likely to develop plantar fasciitis. Your heel absorbs the impact of every step, hop, or skip. These inserts have a shock-absorbing heel and a sturdy yet flexible shell to support and stabilize arches. The antibacterial outer fabric also protects against odor-causing germs.
