5 Best Insoles for Marathon Runners to Help in Preventing Injuries

Injuries among runners are common. This is no surprise when you consider that running places repetitive stress on your 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.

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

We've detailed the best insoles for marathon runners to help prevent injuries and why custom orthotics outperform generic alternatives.

1. Upstep Running Custom Orthotics



Upstep insoles are crafted with precision to meet your specific needs. Designed by experienced podiatrists using advanced technology and high-quality materials, Upstep Running Custom Orthotics offer a personalized, long-term solution tailored to your unique foot requirements.

These insoles provide excellent cushioning and shock absorption, surpassing standard over-the-counter options. Made from durable materials, they help reduce pain and prevent injuries associated with running, supporting comfort and performance.

Upstep insoles are affordable, eligible for FSA and HSA, and offer flexible, interest-free payments through Klarna. With free shipping and a 180-day money-back guarantee plus free remakes, Upstep ensures convenience and satisfaction.

Your orders are processed quickly, backed by a large, experienced team and the most customers among online brands. Their customer service is highly rated, with over 14,000 5-star reviews.

2. Performance Thin Insoles With Met Pad



SOLE Performance Thin Insoles aim to improve balance and weight distribution with a lightweight design suited for tight-fitting running shoes. Made from recycled wine corks, they're eco-friendly with a 90-day guarantee.

However, these insoles aren't custom-made. The heat and wear molding process cannot replicate the precision of custom orthotics designed by podiatrists for your specific biomechanics and injury prevention needs.

3. Run Comfort Insoles



Superfeet Run Comfort Insoles use carbon fiber and foam layers for energy transfer and stability. The Moisturewick technology controls odor. However, you must trim these insoles to fit, which destroys the engineered support zones and can create squeaking.

Unlike custom orthotics fabricated to fit precisely, generic insoles require guesswork that compromises their effectiveness for marathon running.

4. M-100 Insoles



Protalus M-100 Insoles provide firm support with rebound foam and higher sides to redistribute pressure. Anti-slip ridges prevent movement inside shoes. However, these insoles offer only one arch height and require trimming to fit.

This one-size-fits-all approach cannot address the individual biomechanical abnormalities that cause running injuries, unlike custom orthotics engineered specifically for your foot structure.

5. Pace Insoles



Tread Labs Pace Insoles are full-length orthotics with a deep heel cup and arch support to stabilize your ankle while running. The anti-microbial top cover provides comfort and odor control.

While these offer four arch height options and a million-mile replacement guarantee, they're not custom-made. Choosing between predetermined arch heights cannot match the precision of orthotics designed by podiatrists based on your actual foot structure and running biomechanics.

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