If you have had flat feet since you were a child or if it developed during adulthood, choosing the best flat feet insoles can provide you with the arch support that you need in order to relieve pain and to reduce any related symptoms of this condition.

Orthotics or orthotic insoles are known to help prevent injuries for athletes. They are also recommended for individuals who suffer from tarsal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinitis as the help alleviate the pain from these maladies. Avid runners also use insoles for their running shoes as they can help them run longer distances while reducing the risk of injury.

However, people who suffer from flat feet use orthotic inserts as a way to properly align their legs in order to prevent any injuries or future issues that can be related to your knees and ankles. Additionally, some studies show that wearing orthotics can improve the overall health of an individual’s joints and muscles. Either way you look at it, having a quality pair of insoles can be very beneficial to your health.

Here are the top 5 flat feet insoles on the market:

1. Stride Insoles by Tread Labs

For the number one pick of flat feet insoles, the Stride insoles created by Tread Labs are the clear winners. These are a perfect choice for individuals who suffer from flat feet or even plantar fasciitis.

There are 4 different arch heights available with this orthotic. This makes these flat feet insoles suitable for just about everyone out there. There is a lot of engineering that goes into designing insole replacements for shoes. The Stride has been designed with many of the issues that people have in mind and it shows throughout the insert. The Stride insole was designed specifically to help sufferers of flat feet and will keep you running and moving around quite comfortably throught your day.

Pros:

• 4 arch heights available
• Biomechanical design that offers firm support for all day comfort
• Deep heel cup: this boosts the foot’s cushioning ability
• A replaceable top cover is available so the inserts will last longer
• Antimicrobial treatment will kill up to 99.9% of bacteria typically found in shoes

Cons:

Currently, there are no complaints to be found about this particular flat foot insole. It is well designed and works great for the majority of consumers who choose it.

2. Powerstep

One of the best selling insoles of all time is the Powerstep original. This insole is simple and affordable. It will provide you with structure without changing the comfortable feeling of any of your favorite shoes.

The Powerstep insole holds up well over time and provide some extra support for any pair of shoes that you own.

The top layer of the insole is made out of an anti-microbial fabric that helps resist odor and stays together without fraying. Under this layer this are 2 layers of foam cushioning to form a sculpted footbed. This provides heel cupping, arch support, and can correct overpronation.

Pros:

• Available in all sizes
• For both men and women
• Universal: will work with almost any shoe
• Long lasting
• Simple
• Affordable
• Durable

Cons

• A bit thick, which means you may have to size up your shoes
• Not heavily cushioned: they provide structure, but do not add padding to your shoe
• Have to wear them in for a bit

3. Superfeet Black Premium

The Superfeet black premium inserts work best with slimmer and dressier shoes. These are thin insoles that will fit into almost any pair of shoes. They are designed to provide the user with support, without changing the actual fit or the function of the original shoes. These are a perfect choice for professionals who cannot wear casual or looser footwear, but still need a bit of support for their flat feet.

Many consumers who have purchased these insoles have stated that they barely feel them inside their shoe, but immediately notice that their shoes are far more comfortable.

Pros:

• Slim design will fit into even the tightest shoes for work and dressing up.
• Will work with non-removable insoles
• Foam is lightweight
• Supportive
• Add structure to shoes that have a flat midsole
• Structured heel cup corrects pronation
• Entire footbed is cushioned with foam
• Material that is used negates odor

Cons:

• Break in period can be almost a week long
• Some users report needing more cushion
• Sizing system is a bit particular, which can make it difficult to find the right size to meet your needs.

4. Orthaheel Full-Length Orthotic

Orthaheel is a company that is led by podiatrist. The company is devoted to providing fashionable and functional orthotic options for those who suffer from different foot issues. The full length orthotic is one of the most popular choices of inserts from the company.

These insoles are comfortable right from the stop and can even help people who suffer from severe pronation. The best part is, the orthotic insoles do not mess with your fashion sense.

The Orthaheel full-length orthotics are a great solution for those that suffer from plantar fasciitis and they also offer extra cushion for any type of exercise footwear. These insoles are flexible and supple, which many consumers appreciate.

Many people who have switched from customized orthotics to the Orthaheel and do not notice much of a difference.

Pros:

• No break in period. These insoles are comfortable straight out of the box, unlike some of the other insoles that are on the market. This makes it easy to know from the start whether or not these inserts will work for you.
• Comparable to custom orthotics
• Structured: they are bendable and supple, but still provide structure and support
• Correct pronation: these insoles provide support to correct pronation even in regular shoes

Cons:

• Made for average instep, for those that have higher arches they may not provide enough support
• Bulky, which can make many of your shoes too small if the original insole cannot be removed

5. Sof Sol Fit Series (the low arch model)

For individuals who are looking for variety and style in their insole needs, the Sof Sol may just be the perfect brand for you. These orthotics have categories that are based on your lifestyle, fit, and how they are intended to be used.

Sof Sol is known for offering many varieties and styles that meet their consumers needs and desires. The low arch model is designed specifically for those who have flat feet. The soft material used will fit into almost any type of shoe, making them much more comfortable to wear and to use on a regular basis.

Pros:

• Variety
• Style
• Comfort
• Good fit
• Attractive colors available
• Great for an active lifestyle

Cons:

• Price: these insoles tend to be a bit more expensive than other brands
• Limited sizes are available

Here are some of the different types of flat feet that insoles can help with:

• Flexible flatfoot: the foot has a slight arch, but only appears if the foot is flexed. Typically does not cause any pain or discomfort.
• Painful Rigid flatfoot: this is a physical abnormality that will not allow a person to flex their foot. It can cause stiffness and pain.
• Spasmodic Flatfoot: this is a condition where the foot is forced outward through spasms caused by the peroneal muscle. This can be very painful and quite uncomfortable.

Some common causes of flat feet in adults:

• Weak arches
• Weight gain
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Old age
• Lower extremity injuries
• Ruptured tendons
• Side effect of a nervous system disease or muscle disease

Side effects of flat feet include:

• Knee pain
• Lower back pain
• Leg pain
• Bunions
• Corns
• Calluses
• Metatarsalgia
• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendinitis
• Neuroma

One of the easiest ways to help with the pain and discomfort that can be caused by flat feet is to purchase inserts for your shoes. These insoles can help alleviate many of the painful symptoms that you may be experiencing.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best flat feet insoles it is important to make sure that you consider the shoes that you are planning to wear the insert in. If you have all purpose sneakers or walking shoes that you wear the most often, you will likely be able to get away with an insole that offers a bit more cushion. However, if you are looking to modify your brogues or other slimmer dress shoes, you are going to need to look for a slimmer fitting insole.

Take a look at the shape of your shoe, especially the toe area. There are some inserts that are not going to work with toe boxes that are tapered or narrow. You will want to make sure that you have the proper measurements of your foot while you shop for your inserts.

Another key thing that you need to be aware of about your shoes is whether or not the insole can be removed. There are many newer shoes that have insoles that simply pop out. However, older shoes do not have this feature and you need to be aware of this when shopping for your insert as it will affect the fit of your shoe.

Keep this in mind and choose one of the top brands of flat heel insoles and you will be walking better in no time.