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Sometimes, wearing a comfortable shoe isn’t enough to offer the feet the support they need. This is even more true if you experience aches and pains in your soles, or have bigger foot concerns such as heel discomfort or plantar fasciitis. Enter: Insoles, the over-the-counter solution to custom orthotics that can slip into your shoes and make you feel like you’re walking on supportive clouds. Most Comfortable Insoles

Whether you have a specific foot concern like plantar fasciitis, need support for high arches, or simply want to add a little extra cushion (and comfort) to your everyday shoes, an over-the-counter insole can do just the trick.

From drugstore insoles to over-the-counter custom orthotics, here are the best insoles for optimized comfort and support. 

Someone looking for an at-home solution to custom orthotics for more customized support

Anyone shopping for more simple, universal shoe inserts that are more budget-friendly

Insoles are a fantastic solution for pricey custom orthotics — but the UpStep On My Feet All Day takes things one step further and allows you to get customized shoe inserts for your soles. To get started, all you have to do is take a short quiz. Once UpStep has your specifics, they’ll send you an impression kit (kind of like getting at-home aligners) so you can take imprints of your feet at home. From there, you send them back and UpStep gets to work on a pair of custom insoles that match your feet and support requirements. The total cost comes out to just over $400, which can be a more cost-effective solution to expensive in-office custom orthotics (however, the company periodically offers incredible sales with discounts as high as 85 percent off). 

While the price is on the high end, these insoles reign as our best overall pick because they make custom orthotics more accessible (especially when purchased at a discount) and provide a more unique experience that could make a major difference in your arch support. 

Price at time of publish: $420

Material: Polypropylene | Style: Orthotics | Size options: Custom

Someone looking for supportive and comfortable insoles that are budget-friendly and fit a variety of shoe styles

Those who have a more specific sole concern, such as plantar fasciitis

If you want a more budget-friendly option that still provides impressive support and comfort, the Dr. Scholl's Tri-Comfort Insoles on Amazon are it. These shoe inserts fit a women’s size 6 through 10 and are designed to offer support for the arch, heel, and ball of the foot. They also keep the rest of the foot comfortable, thanks to their shorter size, which offers a lot more room for the toes to actually move around versus feeling squished inside your shoes. The Tri-Comfort Insoles are a good choice for anyone looking for options that have more general support and comfort benefits rather than those with more specific concerns like plantar fasciitis. These are also available for men in sizes 8-12.

Price at time of publish: $9.99

Material: Natural rubber latex | Style: 3/4 inserts | Size range: Women’s 6-10

Someone with flat feet looking for a high-quality insole that fits flat or low-heel shoes

People specifically looking for insoles for sandals or heels

Flat feet need a little extra support, too, and the Vionic Unisex Relief 3QTR Insole is our top pick for the best insole for flat feet. The unisex insole is constructed from molded EVA and designed to slip into flat or low-heeled shoes for everyday wear. It helps address aches and pains on the soles as well as other areas of the body that experience repercussions from foot issues, too, so that you can not only walk more comfortably but also feel less pain head to toe. These insoles are also made with a 3/4 design meaning they don’t cover the full foot. The reason for this is to provide more comfort to the toes, allowing them to move a little more freely without feeling cramped. 

Price at time of publish: $39.95

Material: Molded EVA | Style: 3/4 inserts | Size range: XS-XXL

Someone with plantar fasciitis who is looking for an insole that covers the whole foot and is a little more customizable.

Someone who needs a 3/4 style insert or anyone with different foot concerns.

Those with plantar fasciitis can experience a great deal of heel pain — and while a custom orthotic might be a good direction to go in, you don’t have to take the plunge just yet, thanks to Tread Labs Pace Insoles. Designed with plantar fasciitis in mind, these insoles allow you to choose from a more precise shoe size for a better fit, plus select from four arch height options so you can get the arch support you need for your foot shape. The insoles are made from polyurethane foam topped with recycled polyester and designed to cushion the feet upon impact and reduce pain. On top of that, they are built in a way that allows you to remove the top cover and replace it after tons of wear and tear (and, if the bottom arch support piece ever loses shape or cracks, the company will ship you a new one). 

Price at time of publish: $75

Material: Polyurethane, recycled polyester | Style: Full-foot insert | Size range: Women’s 5-12.5; men’s 4-13.5

Anyone with high arches looking for a supportive insole for indoor and outdoor runs

Those with low arches who need a little extra cushion when running

Running can wreak havoc on the feet, especially if you aren’t wearing the right shoes or already experience foot pain and concerns. To counter the effects of running on the feet, choose an insole like the Superfeet Run Comfort, which is designed specifically for running and walking shoes and to support medium and high arches upon high impact. These insoles are constructed from a durable carbon fiber and polymer blend with special technology to give the soles a little rebound and counter fatigue. The inserts are also meant to last for up to 5,000 miles (whether that’s walking or running) and have a heel impact technology that helps disperse impact throughout the foot rather than keeping it isolated in one area.

Price at time of publish: $49.95

Material: Carbon fiber and polymer blend | Style: Full-foot insert | Size range: Women's 4.5-12; men's 5.5-11

Someone with high arches looking for extra arch support

Those who don’t require as much arch support and might benefit from something a little more universal

For high arches that experience severe pain, the ​​Dr. Scholl's Arch Pain Relief Orthotics are virtually unmatched. These orthotics are designed with extra support from a plastic material that provides durable and long-lasting comfort on the daily. The drugstore orthotics also feature a shock guard technology that helps ward off pain on both the heel and arch to keep soles happy. With an average rating of 4.3 stars from over 6,000 Amazon customers, these insoles are highly praised for their value and how well they work for those with arthritis in the foot (in addition to those with higher arches). They are also available in men's sizing.

Price at time of publish: $12.88

Material: Rubber | Style: 3/4 orthotics | Size range: Women’s 6-10; men’s 8-12

Someone looking for an insole that targets the heel and provides medium support

Those with plantar fasciitis or another foot concern that requires a little more support

Heels can take a lot, but even they reach their breaking point when not in the right shoes. If you experience heel pain and need a good, everyday solution, give the Merrell Kinetic Fit Advanced Footbed a try. These insole inserts are made from recycled EVA and come in women's sizes 5 through 11 and are designed to evenly disperse the impact of walking while also providing extra cushion and support. The inserts also have a more targeted heel cushion as well as an advanced heel lock for even more pain-free results. They're also available in men's sizes 7 to 15.

Price at time of publish: $20

Material: Recycled EVA | Style: Full-foot insert | Size range: Women’s 5-11

Someone looking for lightweight support for walking

Anyone with foot concerns who may require more than lightweight support

Whether you walk for miles every day or need something to support you on your quick afternoon stroll around the block, the New Balance Sport Active Cushion insoles are a fantastic pick. These are constructed from durable and supportive foam and feature a full footbed designed to ward off foot fatigue, offer flexible arch support, and cushion the heel. They are also sweat-wicking, helping to keep both friction and odor at bay. The insoles were also designed using the Superfeet shape, which is an orthotic shape created with comfort and maximum support in mind.  

Price at time of publish: $59.95

Material: Foam | Style: Full-foot insert | Size range: B-F (women’s 4.5-12, men’s 5.5-13)

Someone who spends a lot of time standing and needs good, everyday foot cushioning

Anyone with more specific foot concerns who might require a more specific insole

Standing can not only result in foot fatigue, but it can also lead to back and leg pain, depending on your level of shoe support. If you need something more supportive that can keep your feet comfortable while also providing lots of support (and even injury prevention), The Classic Insole from Fulton are the best pick. Constructed from a layer of shock-absorbing cork, natural foam, and sleek vegan cactus leather, these everyday insoles can provide the foot with fantastic arch support, cushion, and comfort when standing for long periods of time. Additionally, the insoles are made to be broken in and, over time, will actually start to mold to your foot — kind of like how Birkenstocks form to your feet with regular wear. 

Price at time of publish: $48

Material: Cork, vegan cactus leather, foam | Style: Full-foot insert | Size range: Women’s 5-12; men’s 8-14

Someone looking for an insole for closed-toe shoes that offers tons of support and counters fatigue after hours of standing

Shoppers looking for insoles that don’t need to be trimmed to fit your feet

Work boots are made for long-lasting wear and tear — so you need an insole to match. Our top pick for this category is the Timberland Anti-Fatigue Technology Insoles which are made from a durable cone foam and designed to counter the effects of fatigue when standing for hours on end. The inserts come in sizes extra small to two extra large, however, you might need to trim them down, depending on your shoe style and foot size. In addition to anti-fatigue technology, these inserts are also made with OrthoLite for extra cushion and comfort and are designed for all food shapes, so they work well whether you have flat or high arches. 

Price at time of publish: $15.50-$30

Material: Foam | Style: Full-foot insert | Size range: XS-XXL (men's 5-14)

The type of support needed is the first thing to consider since many over the counter insoles are designed with specific concerns in mind. If you have high arches, look for shoe inserts that offer extended arch support and are designed for your foot shape — the same goes for flat feet. Those with heel pain should consider options such as the Merrell Kinetic Fit Advanced Footbed, which has more advanced heel technology. Anyone with bigger concerns like plantar fasciitis should look for insoles that are designed specifically with issues surrounding the condition in mind (psst: the Tread Labs Pace Insoles are fantastic for plantar fasciitis). 

When shopping for an insole — or discussing options with your podiatrist — for exercise or extensive walking, Dr. Bruce Pinker, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon, says to consider ones with shock absorption as they are “beneficial for providing comfort during athletic activity.” Shock absorption, in general, is beneficial in an insole because it will help relieve the soles from some of the high-impact experienced daily, even when you aren’t doing burpees, jumping rope, or running. 

Insoles and orthotics come in a wide range of prices. You can find them for around $10 (like the Dr. Scholl's Tri-Comfort Insoles) or more customizable ones (hello, UpStep On My Feet All Day) with a higher price. When shopping for insoles, consider your budget first and filter your research with your price point in mind. 

As a solution to custom orthotics, insoles might not seem like they are all that customizable, but some actually are. You can find inserts made from a custom mold of your actual feet — such as the UpStep On My Feet All Day — or other ones that allow you to select a specific arch height like the Tread Labs Pace Insoles, which provide a more customized experience without the hassle of going to the doctor’s office. 

When purchasing insoles, also think about how you intend to use the insoles. Do you need them for running and walking, or are you on your feet for hours every day? Understanding how (and how long) you’ll wear them can help you choose an insole designed for your specific activities or needs.

“The best type of insole is the type that feels the most comfortable while alleviating symptoms that you may be experiencing,” says McSorley. Additionally, Dr. Pinker recommends a customized orthotic, which can target specific foot concerns an individual might have. 

For a custom over-the-counter option, the UpStep On My Feet All Day takes the cake. Kind of like at-home aligners but for your feet, these custom orthotics allow you to take a mold of your foot which then gets turned into a custom-made insert for your shoes. 

“Insoles provide cushioning, support, realignment, and help redistribute pressure through your foot,” explains Lalitha McSorley, a physical therapist who specializes in foot injuries and function at Brentwood Physio. “They are an incredibly effective tool at managing symptoms for a variety of different ailments, and, for those suffering from foot pain, a pair of insoles are quite often the cheapest and quickest solution." She also says insoles provide the feet with relief by keeping them in an optimal position throughout the impact of day-to-day life. 

“Materials vary based upon the usage of the insole,” Dr. Pinker explains. “Cork and leather are often very accommodating and can be worn for various types of activity, while those made of thermoplastic are better for athletes." When it comes to over-the-counter insoles, EVA — which is a naturally stretchy, rubber-like plastic — is also a popular material. “It is durable, lightweight, and bacteria resistant, which is why it is [one of] the best materials for shoe inserts,” says McSorley. 

The cost of show inserts varies tremendously. You can find budget ones (like the Dr. Scholl's Tri-Comfort Insoles or the Dr. Scholl's ARCH Pain Relief Orthotics) for $20 or less. Other more mid-range over-the-counter insoles can cost anywhere between $30 to $100. As far as custom orthotic inserts are concerned, the price variation still exists (only on a much higher scale) and can cost between $325 to $800 (and sometimes higher) for a pair, depending on the physician that prescribes them and the requirements needed. 

Insoles are absolutely worth trying. For more affordable over-the-counter styles, they can give you a good idea of what type of support you need without investing in pricey custom orthotics. However, Dr. Pinker says those who have custom insoles can experience life-changing benefits as “they can eliminate pain in the foot and ankle, help to correct a short leg that makes walking difficult, and improve one’s athletic performance.”

Insoles For Heel Pain Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. She also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Journalism from Academy of Art University. When researching the best insoles, Jessie looked at dozens of over-the-counter options — including customizable ones — to find insoles that truly make a difference in all sorts of foot concerns, including heel pain, high arches, flat feet, and plantar fasciitis. She also tapped foot experts Dr. Bruce Pinker and physical therapist Lalitha McSorley to learn more about insoles and how they can make an impact (while taking away the impact of everyday walking and standing) on the feet.