Whether you’ve had flat feet all your life, or developed them as the result of injury or pregnancy, you know how difficult it can be to find a shoe that fits and actually feels good. Not to mention, it’s beyond frustrating when you buy a pair you really like, only to realize it doesn’t provide enough support for your arches. Sometimes, the solution is as simple as adding a high-quality insole to your footwear.
Are insoles helpful for flat feet?
For most people, having flat feet isn’t a major problem, Nelya Lobkova, DPM, a surgical podiatrist and founder of Tribeca Podiatry in New York City, tells SELF. That said, if you sit or stand for long periods of time, flat feet can contribute to pain in your hips, knees, and arches. They may also increase your likelihood of developing calluses, as the inside of your foot has a greater tendency to rub and chafe against your shoes. And flat feet can cause your ankles and lower legs to roll inward, which can lead to shin splints (especially if you’re a runner). If you deal with any of these discomforts, an insole could help provide more support and stability—and hopefully relieve some of your pain, Alissa Kuizinas, DPM, a podiatrist at Wellness in Motion Boston, tells SELF.
What should you look for in an insole?
An over-the-counter (OTC) insole should have a heel cup that sits directly under your heel and is deep enough to hug the sides of it, Erik Sims, DPM, managing partner at Sims & Associates Podiatry in New York, tells SELF. That snug fit will help keep your foot stable and supported, he explains.
For further stability, look for a stiff insole, says Dr. Sims. He cautions against those that advertise a lot of cushioning, because the more rigid the insole, the more supportive it’ll be. Here’s an easy test: If you can bend an insole at various points, or even roll it up, it’s likely too soft. That means it may actually contribute to foot and ankle instability instead of managing it.
Beyond that, the right insole choice comes down to what makes your feet feel better—and that may mean testing out a few pairs before you find the best option. If you discover your foot pain doesn’t get better with an OTC insole or other at-home treatments, consult with your doctor or podiatrist.
The best insoles for flat feet
There’s a great range of OTC insoles for flat feet on the market right now. To help narrow down your search, check out our top picks below, selected according to podiatrists’ recommendations.
1. Superfeet Green High Arch Orthotic Support Insoles
2. Powerstep Low Arch Support Insoles
3. Walk Hero Comfort and Support Plantar Fasciitis Feet Insoles
4. Samurai Insoles Arch Support Shoe Insoles
5. Walkomfy Flat Feet Arch Support Insoles
6. Superfeet Blue Medium Arch Support Foam Insoles
7. Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Athletic Cushioning Arch Support Shoe Insoles
8. Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx Support Insoles
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