7 Best Insoles for Flat Feet—Tested by Physical Therapists
Updated May 30, 2023.
Insoles can help relieve pain, redistribute pressure, and correct any malalignment in the leg due to different types of flat feet. However, because of the sheer number of insoles on the market, making a choice can be stressful. To help, we’ve narrowed down the list to include only the best types of insoles for flat feet.
Top 7 Flat Feet Insoles According to Physical Therapists
- Overall Best: Upstep Flat Feet Custom Orthotics
- Best for Standard Volume Shoes: Protalus T-100 Insoles
- Best for Sensitive Feet: URthotics Comfort+ Insoles
- Best for Loose-Fitting Shoes: SOLE Softec Ultra Insoles
- Best Budget: Tread Labs Pace Insoles
- Best Flexible: FitMyFoot Full-Length Insoles
- Best for Moderate-Fitting Shoes: Superfeet BLUE Insoles
1. Overall Best Insoles for Flat Feet
Pros
- Custom-made by top podiatrists
- Addresses your foot needs directly
- 180-day money-back guarantee
- FSA and HSA eligible
- Free shipping and returns
Cons
- Short waiting period before receiving orthotics
Upstep Flat Feet Custom Orthotics are easily the best and most effective custom orthotics for flat feet. They are designed specifically for you by expert podiatrists according to your footprint, to help with existing foot conditions and to fit your lifestyle. They also help maintain body alignment, control abnormal foot motion, and prevent injury during walking.
At Upstep, we put our customers first by guaranteeing satisfaction and providing flexible payment options. Our insoles are 100% risk-free and come with a 180-day money-back guarantee. You can make payments with your HSA and FSA cards or choose to make four interest-free payments using Klarna. Not to mention, we also offer free shipping and returns.
» Read the review: custom orthotics for flat feet
2. Best Flat Feet Insoles for Standard Volume Shoes
Pros
- Align and support your body
- Available online and in-store
- 90-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not custom-made
- Less perfect fit
- Possible insufficient support
- Feet may slip around due to thinness
Protalus T-100 are full-length insoles for standard volume shoes such as dress shoes and casual shoes. These insoles align the body and support the entire foot, especially the subtalar joint, preventing excess foot motion. This alignment reduces stress on the ankles, knees, and hips.
Unlike Upstep Orthotics, Protalus insoles are available for sale in-store and online and are not custom-made. Consequently, they do not fit quite as well as Upstep's custom orthotics, making them less effective for flat feet. Because of the thinness of these insoles, feet may slip around while walking.
3. Best Flat Feet Insoles for Sensitive Feet
Pros
- Custom-made
- Comfortable for sensitive feet
- FSA and HSA eligible
Cons
- No interest-free installments
- Complicated paperwork
- Risk of error when completing paperwork
- Better suited for other foot conditions
URthotics Comfort+ insoles are also custom-shaped to fit your foot and serve your exact needs. Ideally, they are best for those with sensitive feet and are particularly helpful for those with pain in the ball of the foot or metatarsals. They also provide extra comfort where that is the goal, but they are not very effective in managing discomfort caused by flat feet.
URthotics Comfort+ insoles do not allow interest-free installments, even though they cost as much as $159. However, they are purchasable with HSA and FSA cards. Also, you need to understand and articulate the foot condition clearly in the paperwork included with the foot impression kit, which can be a bit complicated for some who are not really familiar with all the little details in regard to their condition.
Our advice? Orthotics Comfort+ insoles are better suited for conditions other than flat feet.
4. Best Flat Feet Insoles for Loose-Fitting Shoes
Pros
- Comfortable
- Provide shock absorption
- Promote equal weight distribution
Cons
- Not custom-made
- Stiff arch support
- It can take longer to break in
- Molding process may cause imperfect fit
SOLE Softec insoles are made from a moldable EVA base and are ideal for conditions where cushioning and comfort are needed.
Softec insoles are not custom fitted and require molding using an oven for fitting. Alternatively, you can wear the footbeds for a few days to allow them to adapt to your feet but they do seem to take longer to break in. They are ideal for loose-fitting footwear and activities requiring maximum shock absorption. They also improve balance, reduce plantar fascia strain, and promote equal weight distribution on the feet.
For a store-bought insole, Softec insoles are fairly effective. However, these simply do not hold up compared to a custom insole that factors in foot pathology.
5. Best Budget Insoles for Flat Feet
Pros
- Affordable
- Available in multiple sizes and arch heights
- Guaranteed to replace cracked or misshapen insoles
Cons
- Not custom-made
- Less than perfect fit
- Not as durable
- Provide support but not cushioning
Tread Labs Pace Insoles are easily the most affordable store-bought insoles available. They come in multiple sizes and arch heights, allowing you to find as close a fit as possible. They are best for shoes with full-length removable inserts and work well for overpronators and those with plantar fasciitis.
Unfortunately, they do not produce the best results when used to manage flat feet since they don't allow for the perfect fit.
6. Best Flexible Insoles for Flat Feet
Pros
- Custom 3D printed insole
- Improve alignment and stability
- FSA and HSA eligible
Cons
- App precision
- Can't be trimmed to fit shoe size
- Limited 30-day return policy
- Customer responsible for shipping
FitMyFoot insoles are easier to get than store-bought brands. You can measure your feet on their mobile app and have a 3D print of your insole sent to you.
FitMyFoot insoles are best for shoes with removable inserts like casual and athletic shoes. They reduce foot pain, improve body alignment and stability, and help your shoes fit better.
However, the brand's returns policy only honors returns within 30 days of purchase. Even then, the client will be responsible for the shipping costs.
7. Best Flat Feet Insoles for Moderate-Fitting Shoes
Pros
- Comfortable
- Affordable
- Durable up to a year
Cons
- Not custom-made
- Provide medium arch support
- Better suited for everyday use, not flat feet
Superfeet BLUE are thin insoles that can replace removable sock liners in roomy to moderate-fitting shoes. They help to improve the overall fit and comfort provided by your shoes.
For an item that costs only $54.49, Superfeet BLUE insoles are durable, lasting up to a year. These insoles are made for everyday use and provide some arch support and shock absorption. However, they are not ideal for managing flat feet.
Ready to Step Up Your Comfort Game?
While all the above insoles will produce some results, Upstep insoles are the best for flat feet as they are custom-made by the top podiatrists and specifically designed to fit the wearer, allowing you to receive the exact support you need.
Upstep Flat Feet Custom Orthotics' custom fit, excellent quality, and craftsmanship provide the best value for money. It is my professional opinion that there is no going wrong with Upstep's Flat Feet Insoles.