Best insoles for plantar fasciitis
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Short answer
The best insole for most people with plantar fasciitis is the PowerStep Pinnacle: a semi-rigid arch, a deep heel cradle and enough cushioning to wear all day. If your feet roll inward, go with the Pinnacle Maxx; for high arches, Superfeet Green. Be realistic: the 2023 physical-therapy guideline says insoles alone aren't enough for quick relief. They work best combined with daily stretching and supportive shoes.
Illustration Best overall
PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles
A firm-but-flexible arch shell with a cushioned top layer and a deep heel cradle. PowerStep designs it to support the arch and cradle the heel.
- Semi-rigid arch support
- Deep heel cradle
- Dual-layer cushioning
- Made in USA
- Swaps in for the factory insole
Skip it if: your shoes are very shallow or have glued-in insoles.
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Illustration Best for flat feet / overpronation
PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Insoles
The Pinnacle shell with an angled (posted) heel that resists the inward roll common with flexible flat feet.
- Angled heel post for overpronation
- Firm arch support
- Deep heel cradle
- Made in USA
Skip it if: you have high, rigid arches.
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Illustration Best for high arches
Superfeet All-Purpose High Arch Support (Green)
A tall, firm arch shape with a deep heel cup. It fills the space under a high arch, which spreads pressure that would otherwise land on the heel and ball. It needs shoes with some depth.
- High-profile arch
- Deep sculpted heel cup
- High-density foam
- Formerly called Superfeet Green
Skip it if: you need extra cushioning; it's firm.
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Illustration Best budget first try
Dr. Scholl's Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Orthotics
A softer, drugstore orthotic with a deep heel cup and moderate arch support. Less structured than PowerStep, easier to get used to, and sold everywhere.
- Shock-absorbing deep heel cup
- Arch support
- Full length, trim to fit
- Men's and women's versions
Skip it if: you need a lot of structure.
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Illustration Heel-only option
Tuli's Heavy Duty Gel Heel Cups
A firm gel cup with a multi-cell base designed to absorb impact under the heel. Slips into almost any shoe without replacing the insole.
- Multi-cell, multi-layer gel
- Latex-free
- APMA accepted (per Tuli's)
- Moves between shoes
Skip it if: your arch hurts more than your heel.
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How to choose
| Your foot | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Average arch | PowerStep Pinnacle | Neutral, semi-rigid support plus cushion |
| Flat or rolls inward | PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx | Angled heel post resists inward roll |
| High arch | Superfeet Green | Tall arch fills the gap under the foot |
| Just want to try something | Dr. Scholl's Plantar Fasciitis | Softer, cheaper, easy to find |
What insoles can and can't do
AAOS, Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic recommend over-the-counter arch supports or heel inserts as part of treatment. The JOSPT 2023 guideline is more specific: it recommends against using orthoses as the only treatment for short-term pain relief, and says they may be used combined with other treatment. Translation: buy the insole, but keep stretching.
Getting used to them
Remove the shoe's original insole first, and follow the maker's break-in advice. Stop if you get sharp pain, numbness or blisters. If you have diabetes or neuropathy, check with a clinician before using firm orthotics.
Common questions
Do I need custom orthotics?
Usually not to start. The guideline doesn't favor custom over prefabricated orthoses for plantar fasciitis. Try a good store-bought insole with stretching first.
How long do insoles last?
Firm insoles typically last longer than foam ones. Replace them when the cushioning is flattened or the shell has cracked.