5 Best Insoles For Flat Feet In 2022 | Relief From All Kind Of Pain
Stumbling Upon Buying The Best Insoles For Work Boots Can Be A Tricky Task If You Don’t Know What To Look For.
What Are The Best Orthotic Insoles For Flat Feet?
Varieties Of Insoles For Flat Feet
Insoles come in all shapes and sizes. They are designed for overpronators and mild pronators. They’re made for boots, running shoes, ballet flats, and everyday life. A good pair of orthotics can even prevent and heal many bodily ailments. But how do you know which pair of insoles is right for you?
Before you get your hands on (or slip your feet into) a good pair of flat feet insoles, you’ve got to know what you’re looking for and what you’re hoping to get out of them. Perhaps one of the first questions to consider is, “How well do you know your feet?”
This question is essential in determining what type of insoles or shoe inserts will best suit you and your needs. If you aren’t sure whether you have a high instep or a low instep or something in between, it could be worth a trip to a foot specialist to find out.
If nothing else, a specialist can help get you on the right path to rendering your foot problems.
If you do suffer from flat feet and the many aches, pains, and problems that come with that, Here’s everything you need to know about finding the right insoles and orthotics to get the most comfort, support, and stability out of each day.
Review Of 5 Best Insoles For Flat Feet
The Original Samurai flat feet Insoles
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Samurai flat insoles aren’t sized in groups (i.e. 9-12); instead, they’re sized individually for a closer, simple fit. This also means that you won’t need to trim them like other insoles. | Fabric tends to shift and distort how they fit in the shoes. |
| These insoles are bio-mechanically designed in a state-of-the-art lab to optimize the function of your feet and legs starting with the toes and moving all the up through the body to the back, neck, and shoulders. | Very little padding, which tends to cause pain in the heels. |
| Alleviates the domino effect of pain originating in the foot and crawling up through the joints of the body. | Not enough padding and support for long days on your feet or intense physical activity. |
| This product features a springy polypropylene orthotic shell within a high-density padded case for optimal shock absorption and plush comfort. | |
| Aren’t super bulky, rigid, and hard. | |
| They’re comfortable, versatile, and practical. |
These insoles are extremely versatile and can be used in all shoe types. Samurai insoles offer softer, gentler support than the normal, overly-rigid insoles for flat feet. They offer great support and are one of the only insoles that can still be worn in your slippers. This insole has a truly great balance of practicality and versatility.
Superfeet Black Premium Insoles For Flat Feet
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Fits most types of footwear, even tight-fitting shoes. | These insoles are low volume and low profile which aren’t the best for working or being on your feet for a long period of time. |
| Relieves common foot and heel pain. | Very little cushioning and foam hurts the feet while standing. |
| Reduces the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. | These orthotics offer little to no shock absorption because they are so thin. |
| A stabilizer cap sits at the base of the insole for extra support, structure, and stability. | The already “thin” foam deflates and compresses very quickly. |
| Ultra-thin and closed-cell foam supports and cushions the foot for long-lasting comfort and durability. | |
| A flexible, low-profile shape helps to support the foot, which can reduce stress on the feet, ankles, and knees. | |
| Superfeet arch supports sit farther back on the arch, toward the heel, than other orthotic brands do, which makes a big difference in comfort when walking long distances. | |
| Ideal for both men and women. |
These best insoles are Superfeet’s most versatile insoles yet. A subtle, yet supportive heel cup and full-length foam flatbed provide support and comfort while fitting in nearly every type of shoe, including most men’s and women’s dress shoes and ballet flats.
Powerstep Pinnacle Premium Orthotic Shoe Insoles
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Made out of anti-microbial fabric, which reduces heat and friction during intense activities and keeps bacteria at bay. | The mid-rise arch tends to collapse under constant pressure, making them unsuitable or less than ideal for big and tall men or heavy set individuals. |
| Helps relieve foot pain due to plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, metatarsal issues, and other foot-related problems. | The thin liner frequently separates from the cushion and the cushion oftentimes breaks apart or disintegrates. |
| The Pinnacle Premium Orthotics are very supportive and yet they are not too sturdy or too flimsy. | Tend to flatten and become hard, not supportive and soft, after a few weeks of moderate use. |
| Complete Satisfaction Guarantee | |
| Ideal for both men and women. |
Powerstep Pinnacle Premium Orthotic Insoles also have a deep heel cradle, which is great for protecting your heal during high-impact sports, quick movements, heavy walking, or running. The deep heel bed stabilizes the foot while a double layer foam cushioning provides ultimate and enhanced comfort.
Sof Sole Men’s Athlete flat feet Insole
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Made with IMPLUS® foam, which diffuses and wicks away moisture from the feet, reducing foot fungus and blisters from occurring. | Specifically designed and contoured for men, not women. |
| The top fabric contains Microban®, an antimicrobial protecting agent that helps reduce odors. | Aren’t meant for all types of footwear as they are specifically designed for athletic shoes. |
| Extra gel cushion in the heel and towards the front of the insole provides extra structure, support, and comfort. | Neutral arch support provides minimal balance in terms of structure and support for both low and high arch persons. |
| Reduce the risk of sports-related injuries. | |
| Shock-absorbing. |
This product has neutral arch support, which is great because it is suitable for most foot types. This product provides a bit of extra gel cushioning in the heel and in the forefoot of the insole which provides more shock absorption in the parts of the foot that take the most wear and tear. A little bit of extra cushion in your footwear goes a long way in reducing the risk of ankle and knee injuries during high-contact activity.
Footminders Comfort Orthotic Arch Support Insoles
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Great for both men and women. | Sized and sold in increments of 1.5 (i.e. sizes 9 ½ to 11) meaning that you’ll most likely have to cut them yourself. |
| High arch support helps render and balance collapsed arches and overpronation. | These don’t seem to work well with Keens or Chacos. |
| Relieves foot pain and plantar fasciitis due to flat feet and low arches. | Insoles tend to turn lighter color socks black at the heels and cause your shoes to smell. |
| Extra cushion in the heel and forefront pads for increased shock absorption and more comfort. | |
| Helps to align the body by propping up or giving support to the arches. |
These shoes are made specifically for bigger or bulkier shoes like work boots, wide-fitting lace-up shoes, and other sports footwear.
How To Choose Best Insoles For Flat Feet
Choosing the best insoles for flat feet begins with knowing what you want. Consider the following questions:
- For which types of activities will I be using these?
- Are these insoles for sports, intense physical activity like hiking or backpacking, casual or light walking, day-to-day use, or for a fancy pair of dress shoes?
- What kind of shoes will I put them in? Are these shoes particularly roomy or tight?
- How much am I willing to spend?
- What purpose do I want these to serve? Healing? Basic comfort? Back pain prevention?
- Are they easy to use? Ready to use?
These are just a few questions that you’ll want to consider as you begin looking for the best insoles and orthotics. Regardless of how you answered any of these questions, you are bound to experience the many benefits and advantages of using insoles simply by trying them out.
Insoles, for the most part, can do little harm to the feet; their main job is to provide extra comfort, support, and stability.
Read our review on best-heated insoles
What Are The Advantages Of Using Best Insoles?
Many adults and children are born with flat feet or fallen arches. Without a naturally occurring arch support, the foot will try and render this problem and alleviate the discomfort by distributing weight and pressure to different parts of the feet that weren’t made to hold excessive amounts of pressure.
Flat feet, if not treated properly, could lead to prolonged discomfort, bodily aches and pains, and potentially serious joint and foot problems.
Here are a few reasons why using insoles may help prevent, and even heal, your flat foot problems.
- Provide additional support, comfort, and stability for ankles and arches
- Reduce bodily pains and aches that arise as a result of excessive standing or intense physical activity (i.e. tight calves, sensitive heels, sore hips, back, neck and shoulders)
- Help you move through your day with added ease and less pain
- Help align the foot with the body and spinal cord
- Bring balance to all parts of the footbed and equally distribute weight and pressure
Read About the best memory foam insoles
What’s The Best Way To Use Orthotics And Insoles?
The answer to this question will vary tremendously depending on which crowd of experts you’re speaking with. Some experts would say that the best way to use orthotics and insoles is to never take them out once you put them in.
Others would say that it’s best to use them in moderation, more or less than 50% of the time. Still, others would argue that the best way to use insoles or orthotics would be to not use them at all.
The Controversy
There have been many questions and concerns surfacing around the topic of orthotics and whether or not they actually do more harm than they do good. An article for the New York Times, written by Toby Bilanow, asks a few of these questions: Do orthotics really help?
One professor of biomechanics at the University of Calgary, Benno M. Nigg, seems to think that orthotics may provide helpful short-term solutions, like preventing injuries in sports players and alleviating foot pain from standing for long periods of time.
Insoles: Long-Term Or Short-Term Solution?
Some experts agree that top insoles for flat feet aren’t the best long-term solution. Experts say that insoles may support body dysfunction and desensitize our nervous systems which are largely stimulated and massaged by natural foot-to-earth contact.
Extra cushion beneath the heel and increased arch support only put a bandage on a problem that needs to be solved at a deeper level.
When considering a new form of treatment it’s always good to consider the controversies. Educate yourself on the pros and cons of using insoles for flat feet you run off and purchase them.
And most importantly, take any questions and concerns to your family practitioner and seek out multiple expert medical advice and opinions.
Read about the best work boots for flat feet
Conclusion
The Original Samurai Insoles present themselves as one of the best options for insoles.
To begin, Samurai insoles offer a well-balanced option for those with slightly flat feet or those with severe flat feet. Not only are they great for all types of people (men and women) but they’re also great for all types of activities.
Second, unlike other brands of insoles, Samurai insoles are sized on a more accurate basis and stick to normal shoe sizes, like 9, 10, and 11, instead of selling them as sock sizes, like 9 ½ to 11. This makes a big difference in terms of the ease and usability of the product.
Samurai insoles are biomechanically engineered to align and support your body from the ground up. They were built with the domino effect in mind, meaning that if you aren’t taking care of your toes and ankles then eventually your knees, hips, and back will start hurting as well. Our bodies are closely knit and each major muscle system interacts with another system.
In reference to some of the Samurai cons listed above, like shifting fabric on the top of the insoles, Samurai customer service states that this can happen if the wearer is wearing oversized shoes or has incorrectly(usually too loosely) laced their shoes.
This can cause excess sliding. As far as padding goes, and having “too little” of it, Samurai intentionally designs their insoles to have a nice balance between bulky and skimpy. It’s sleek and comfortable.
Finally, the Samurai insoles are podiatrist-designed and built with precision. They offer support without feeling too stiff and lend comfort without giving your feet cramps. If you’re looking for an overall great pair of insoles, these could be a good choice for you because they’re affordable, comfortable, and well-designed.
