7 Best Insoles for Treating Plantar Fasciitis-Related Calf Pain
Updated August 18, 2023.
Plantar fasciitis-related calf pain is a commonly reported condition if you spend the majority of the day on your feet, you're an athlete, or wear high heel shoes. Plantar fasciitis doesn't directly cause calf pain but is rather associated with tightness experienced in the calf muscle because of the tension placed on your foot.
Wearing the correct insoles can help lessen this tension, but in a market saturated with products, it can be intimidating to choose insoles. That's why we've listed the top 7 insoles for treating plantar fasciitis-related calf pain below.
A Quick Look at Our Top 7 Insoles for Calf Pain Caused by Plantar Fasciitis
1. Overall Best for Plantar Fasciitis Calf Pain: Upstep Plantar Fasciitis
2. Best for Sensitive Feet and Metatarsal Pain: URthotics Comfort+
3. Best for Stabilizing Runner's Feet: Superfeet Run Pain Relief
4. Best for Firm Arch Support: Tread Labs Pace Wide
5. Best for Wide Shoes: Protalus M-100
6. Best for Shock Absorption: SOLE Everyday Medium
7. Best for Body Alignment Correction: FitMyFoot Wave
What to Look for in Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis?
Insoles with proper cushioning serve to absorb shock during walking and standing, lessening impact forces on the feet and lower legs. This prevents overuse of specific muscles and promotes a more natural gait, minimizing strain on the calf muscles and the plantar fascia, effectively alleviating both calf pain and heel pain.
So, aside from the correct fit and sizing, here's what to look for in insoles for plantar fasciitis-related calf pain:
- Arch and Heel Support: Look for strong arch support and a defined heel cup
- Biomechanical Alignment: Opt for insoles promoting proper gait and foot motion
- Arch Type: Match insoles to your arch type for better, firm support
- Shock Absorption: Good shock absorption reduces impact on feet and calves
- Cushioning: Adequate cushioning, especially in heel and forefoot areas, eases pressure
7 Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis Calf Pain
1. Overall Best for Plantar Fasciitis-Related Calf Pain
Pros
- Custom-made by top podiatrists
- Addresses your foot needs directly
- FSA and HSA eligible
- Klarna eligible
- 180-day money-back guarantee
- Free shipping and returns
Cons
- Short waiting period before receiving orthotics
Upstep Plantar Fasciitis Custom Orthotics are designed to optimize your lifestyle by supporting the arch of your foot through custom-designed insoles you cast in the comfort of your own home. The insoles work by alleviating the tension applied to the plantar fascia on the underside of the foot and, subsequently, on the calf muscle itself.
Upstep's custom orthotics are specifically created to assist your body in retaining its optimal alignment, enabling healthy movement while minimizing fatigue and the risk of injuries. Comfort is provided through the combination of high-quality cushioning material layers that support the crucial areas of your foot.
2. Best Plantar Fasciitis Insoles for Sensitive Feet and Metatarsal Pain
Pros
- Custom-made
- Comfortable for sensitive feet
- Provide even relief of pressure points
- FSA and HSA eligible
Cons
- No interest-free installments
- Complicated paperwork
URthotics Comfort+ Insoles are designed with a soft top layer for people with sensitive feet as well as metatarsal and forefoot pain. These custom orthotics are made from molds of your feet, thereby providing maximum comfort and support because they're uniquely suited to your feet.
The materials used in URthotics Comfort+ Insoles uniquely combine both flexibility and durability, offering essential foot support necessary for calf pain caused by plantar fasciitis while ensuring a long lifespan for the product.
URthotics Comfort+ Insoles are more expensive than other options but are also HSA and FSA-eligible. You're required to fill in paperwork to inform them of your detailed foot pain areas, needs, or concerns. This can be rather complicated if you're not sure about your condition and don't fully understand what you need.
» Are custom orthotics right for you? Compare custom orthotics vs. over-the-counter insoles
3. Best Plantar Fasciitis Insoles for Stabilizing Runner's Feet
Pros
- 60-day comfort guarantee
- Affordable
- Durable for up to a year
Cons
- Not custom-made
- Has to be trimmed to fit feet
The Superfeet Run Pain Relief Insoles are specifically designed for those struggling with symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis and have proven to be effective in alleviating it. The insoles come with a heel stabilizer designed to personalize your arch support and stabilize the foot within a moderate-fitting shoe.
However, these insoles aren't the same as custom orthotics and can only be adjusted to fit the size of your foot through trimming.
4. Best Plantar Fasciitis Insoles for Firm Arch Support
Pros
- Affordable
- Replacement guarantee if insoles crack or lose shape
- Extra firm support
Cons
- Not custom made
- Less than perfect fit
- More suitable for people with wide feet
- Not as durable
Tread Labs Pace Wide Insoles are made with firm arch support for those with wider feet that may be struggling with symptoms related to plantar fasciitis, such as calf pain, or severe pronation. These insoles fit well within running sneakers, hiking boots, and other footwear through a full-length removable design.
However, the insoles purchased come with a no-returns or exchange policy. The insoles are also made with four different arch height supports, and finding the perfect one for you might prove challenging.
» Is your calf pain unrelated to plantar fasciitis? Explore the best insoles for calf pain
5. Best Wide Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis
Pros
- Affordable
- Higher arch support
- 90-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not custom made
- Less perfect fit
- Possible insufficient support
- Better suited for wide feet
The Protalus M-100 Insoles are an extremely affordable way to provide comfort and support to people with larger or wider shoes. The raised edges around the sides of the insoles, notably on the inner side of the foot, aim to relieve pressure from your feet. Therefore, these insoles may be effective in managing symptoms related to plantar fasciitis.
However, some users have reported that the insoles are bigger than expected, thereby not providing an optimal fit. Others have reported they didn't experience as much relief from their symptoms as they might’ve expected.
6. Best Shock-Absorbing Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis
Pros
- Affordable
- Heat/wear moldable base
- Deep heel cup
Cons
- Not custom-made
- Stiff arch support
- Takes longer to break in
The SOLE Everyday Medium Insoles are a great alternative to prescription insoles, while still giving your foot support and aiming to reduce pain from plantar fasciitis. These insoles are a long-term solution for many by reducing the shock placed onto your feet' structures.
However, some users have reported that the insoles are extremely firm and don't provide enough cushioning, leading to discomfort in the feet.
7. Best Plantar Fasciitis Insoles for Body Alignment Correction
Pros
- Custom 3D printed insole
- FSA and HSA eligible
- Deep contoured heel cushion
Cons
- Cannot be trimmed to fit shoe size
- Limited 30-day return policy
- Customer is responsible for shipping
The FitMyFoot Full-Length Wave Insoles are designed to relieve foot pain, achieve better body alignment, and make your shoes feel and fit better on your feet. The insoles are 3D printed for a maximum fit and are ideal for athletic shoes. The insoles come with a shock-absorbing heel cushion and dynamic arch support for those suffering from plantar fasciitis.
» Suffering from flat feet and plantar fasciitis? Look for these features in your orthotics
Say Goodbye to Plantar Fasciitis-Related Calf Pain
Custom orthotics are an ideal choice if you're looking for an affordable, long-term solution to the burning sensation and discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis and calf pain. Upstep's custom-made insoles are specifically made to support and contour to the exact shape of your feet during the manufacturing process, thereby giving you maximum comfort.
How We Selected the Best Insoles
In our quest to select the best insoles for treating plantar fasciitis-related calf pain, we reached out to a diverse group of experts, including sports medicine professionals, podiatrists, and orthopedic specialists. Their insights and recommendations played a crucial role in our decision-making process. The consensus among these experts was unanimous: custom orthotics can be highly beneficial for people experiencing this type of pain because:
- They provide appropriate support, cushioning, and corrective alignment
- Quality insoles help alleviate calf pain
- They reduce the risk of future injuries
- They enhance comfort during prolonged standing, walking, and any physical activity
Why Trust Us?
Our podiatrists use a personalized approach to address individual foot mechanics and cater to the specific demands of different activities. All Upstep's custom orthotics prioritize proper foot alignment, shock absorption, and targeted support to provide optimal relief and aid in the prevention of pain associated with various activities.