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6 Best Insoles for Marathon Runners to Help in Preventing Injuries

a man in a white shirt and blue and pink suspenders
By Babafemi Adebajo
Michelle Meyer - Editor for Upstep
Edited by Michelle Meyer

Updated January 19, 2023.

A man bent over, holding the top of his foot and ankle.

Injuries among runners are common. This is no surprise when you consider that the act of running itself places repetitive stress on the body, especially your knees, legs, and feet—and even more so for marathon runners. The terrain you run on, the force you run with, and the weight you place on your feet all contribute to potentially getting an injury.

But by using an insole that fits correctly, you're already taking the first step toward preventing an injury during running. Insoles will provide cushioning, shock absorption, and arch support which will help control pronation, provide pain relief, and increase stability.

Now, you may feel overwhelmed by the multitude of options available in the market. But we've compiled a list of the best insoles for marathon runners to help in preventing injuries.

Running Custom Orthotics

4.8

Overall rating

A pair of running shoes on display with a grey and orange insole being placed in one shoe

Hit the track with custom-made insoles

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Price

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From $209

Materials

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56 different material combinations

Sizes

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Custom made

Return policy

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180-day money-back guarantee



Upstep insoles are carefully made to ensure that they serve exactly the purpose you need them for. Custom insoles are designed for you by podiatrists using the latest technology and the best materials possible, providing you with a long-term solution that addresses your unique foot needs.

Upstep Running Custom Orthotics provide superior cushioning and shock absorption compared to regular over-the-counter orthotics. Made from durable materials, these insoles aim to drastically reduce pain and injury associated with running.

Upstep insoles are affordable as well as FSA and HSA eligible. You can even make interest-free payments with Klarna. Easily purchase your custom orthotics online and take advantage of the free shipping—including sending your orthotics back for adjustments.

If you’re looking for a proper insole to improve comfort, keep your feet neutrally aligned, provide arch support, and improve your performance as you run, the Upstep store is where you want to run to.

Pros


  • Custom made
  • Durable
  • Affordable
  • Free shipping and returns
  • FSA and HSA eligible

Cons


  • Short waiting period before receiving orthotics

Performance Thin Insoles With Met Pad

4.5

Overall rating

Sole Performance Thin Insoles with Metatarsal Pad

Sustainable forefoot comfort for your feet

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Price

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From $65

Materials

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ReCORK recycled wine corks

Sizes

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Multiple men's and women's sizes

Return policy

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90-day guarantee



SOLE Performance Thin Insoles aim to improve your balance and evenly distribute the weight on your feet as you run. Its lightweight design makes it best suited for tight-fitting running shoes, while the addition of the met pad gives your forefoot extra support—making it ideal for running.

SOLE's insoles are made from recycled wine corks, making them eco-friendly. The insoles also come with a 90-day guarantee if you're unsatisfied with your purchase.

However, these insoles aren't custom-made. Instead, they're heat and wear moldable, leaving room for a less-than-ideal fit.

Pros


  • Lightweight design
  • Additional met pad
  • Eco-friendly
  • Reasonable return policy

Cons


  • Not custom-made and may not provide ideal fit and support

Run Comfort Insoles

4.5

Overall rating

Superfeet Run Comfort Insoles

Substitute foot fatigue for efficient energy transfer while you run

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Price

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From $42

Materials

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EVOLyte® carbon fiber and AeroSpring Rebound foam

Sizes

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Multiple men's and women's sizes

Return policy

-

60-day comfort guarantee



Whether you’ll be running a mile or ten, Superfeet Run Comfort Insoles will keep you comfortable. By stabilizing the foot and limiting any excessive motion, Superfeet Run Comfort insoles help substitute foot fatigue for efficiency.

The insoles use a Responsive EVOLyte® carbon fiber that responds to the force passing through it. It also has two layers of AeroSpring Rebound foam to ensure a smooth and efficient energy transfer as you run. Apart from its durable construction, its Moisturewick technology controls odor and keeps your feet fresh all day.

However, you may have to trim the insoles to fit. This can cause squeaking in your shoes if you don’t get the right fit and provide insufficient support.

Pros


  • Durable
  • Comfortable
  • Reduces foot fatigue
  • Odor control

Cons


  • Trimming the insole can cause squeaking and insufficient support

M-100 Insoles

4.6

Overall rating

Protalus M100 Insoles

Get maximum support from the side while running

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Price

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From $17.95

Materials

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EVC, Polyurethane, nylon

Sizes

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Multiple men's and women's sizes

Return policy

-

90-day money-back guarantee



Protalus M-100 Insoles are ideal for larger or wider shoes and aim to provide firm support with its rebound foam and alignment technology. Its higher sides reduce and redistribute pressure across your feet, improving your performance while running.

Protalus M-100 Insoles also come with anti-slip ridges to prevent the insoles from slipping inside your shoes. While it features a wider range of sizes, it is only available with one arch height. Protalus offers a 90-day money-back guarantee including shipping and exchanges, but this doesn't apply to subscriptions.

However, these insoles are not tailor-made and may require trimming to fit, possibly influencing its effectiveness.

Pros


  • Firm support
  • Higher sides to reduce pressure
  • Anti-slip ridges
  • 90-day money-back guarantee including shipping

Cons


  • One arch height
  • Trimming may influence insoles' fit

Pace Insoles

4.7

Overall rating

Tread Labs Pace Insoles

Extra firm medical-grade support without compromising comfort

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Price

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From $75

Materials

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Polyurethane, polyester

Sizes

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Multiple men's and women's sizes

Return policy

-

Million mile guarantee



Tread Labs Pace Insoles are full-length medical-grade orthotics with a deep heel cup and arch support to stabilize your ankle and align your feet while running. These insoles are best used with removable inserts and have a thick top cover made from Polyurethane and 100% recycled polyester.

The top cover guarantees comfort and is also anti-microbial treated, so your feet remain fresh all day. Tread Labs Pace Insoles are affordable and payable in 4-interest-free installments. The million mile guarantee ensures your insoles will be replaced if they crack or lose their shape.

These insoles are not custom-made. Instead, they're available in four arch heights and while the top cover can be replaced as necessary, you run the risk of not getting a perfect fit and support.

Pros


  • Medical-grade orthotics
  • Comfortable
  • Odor control
  • Affordable
  • Easily replaceable with the million mile guarantee

Cons


  • Only available in 4 arch heights
  • Not custom-made
  • Might not provide ideal fit and support

Active/Sports Insoles

4.7

Overall rating

URthotics Active Sport Insole

Person specific design for optimal performance while running

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Price

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From $159

Materials

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EVA, Polypropylene

Sizes

-

Custom made

Return policy

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6-months money-back guarantee



URthotics will improve your comfort and performance. Made by podiatrists using your exact foot specifications, the insoles are unique and fabricated from scratch based on your foot's needs and activity level.

These insoles will easily fit into your active lifestyle with its deep heel cup for pain relief, increased shock absorption, and custom arch support to redistribute any weight placed on your feet. URthotics offer a lifetime warranty and 6-months money-back guarantee. They're also FSA and HSA eligible.

Pros


  • Custom-made
  • Comfortable
  • Affordable
  • FSA and HSA eligible

Cons


  • Short waiting period before receiving your orthotics

Go Custom!

Overall, the best insoles for running depend on your particular foot shape, running style, and running shoes. If you’re going to be running for the long haul (and why shouldn’t you?), custom orthotics are recommended because they take the same factors into consideration. Invest in a durable and longer-lasting solution that's guaranteed to give you the results you desire while running.

» Want to see more custom orthotics? Browse Upstep's wide range of products