If you spend a lot of time on your feet, then you’re no stranger to aches, hot spots, blisters, and other foot conditions. Whether you’re an athlete, outdoor enthusiast, or have a job that requires prolonged standing, the pain and discomfort that you experience can be alleviated with aftermarket insoles.
Although many people simply pop a few painkillers and power through, ignoring those aches and pains can eventually lead to secondary problems. Corns, nail infections, Athlete’s foot, fallen arches, sore joints, and back pain can all arise from wearing ill-fitting shoes that don’t give your feet the support they need.
Depending on your needs, there is a wide variety of shoe inserts to choose from, from something that will cushion your feet to something that will enhance your athletic performance. Not all are created equal, however, so we’ll tell you which are the best insoles for standing all day.
But first…
Why Are Good Shoe Inserts So Important?
There are many benefits to wearing insoles in your shoes, and doing so can work wonders for your feet. From improving your comfort when standing to treat and preventing foot disorders, shoe inserts have a wide range of uses.
Investing in a pair of good shoe inserts can even extend the lifespan of your shoes, saving you money on footwear in the long run.
Generally speaking, there are two types of insoles: comfort and support.
Comfort insoles are suitable for people who experience foot pain and fatigue from standing or walking on hard surfaces all day. These can be made from gel or foam and come in different lengths.
Support or sports insoles are firmer, providing structural support and stability rather than direct cushioning.
Selecting a good quality shoe insert is important because it prevents and treats a number of injuries and conditions. These problems can be minor or severe depending on how much strain your feet are under, and for how long.
Short-term Problems
Long-term Problems
Top 10 Best Insoles for Standing All Day
Despite the above tips and information, we know that it can still be a challenge to choose the right shoe insert, with so many models out there. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you and listed the 10 best insoles for standing all day below to help you out.
1. Superfeet Green Heritage Insoles
Best For: People with high arches and/or plantar fasciitis
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Since its inception in 1977, Superfeet Green Heritage Insoles have remained pretty much the same for 40 years.
Fitting most roomy shoes and boots, this professional-grade insert is suitable for individuals with high arches and/or those who are suffering from foot pain, heel pain, arch pain, and plantar fasciitis.
Superfeet Green Heritage Insoles have a distinct shape that helps support and stabilizes the foot, reducing stress on the feet, ankles, and knees.
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2. Powerstep Pinnacle Orthotic Insoles
Best For: Mild to moderate pronators
Recommended by podiatrists, the Powerstep Pinnacle Orthotic Insole offers foot control, cushioning, and flexibility.
Providing medical-grade foot support, it is ideal for metatarsal, arch, heel, ankle, and knee pain, as well as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, mild overpronation, and Morton’s neuroma.
Suitable for mild to moderate pronators, the Powerstep Pinnacle features an encapsulated design and semi-rigid shell for flexibility and full arch support. The deep heel cradle protects the heel from impact during walking and running.
Powerstep Pinnacle Orthotic Insoles can be used in work, casual, and athletic shoes.
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3. Sof Sole Athlete Insoles
Best For: Athletes, and people who spend long hours on their feet
With a neutral arch that fits most foot types, Sof Sole Athlete Insoles are ideal for casual and athletic shoes.
Good for running, walking, cross training, and everyday use, these synthetic inserts can help improve the comfort and performance of your favorite shoes.
Various technologies are integrated into the Sof Sole Athlete, including Hydrologix moisture-wicking technology to keep feet dry, gel pads in the heel and forefoot to absorb shock, and Implus foam to provide cushioning and comfort.
The Sof Sole Athlete Insoles are suitable for individuals who spend hours on their feet.
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4. Timberland PRO Anti-Fatigue Technology Insoles
Best For: People who spend long periods of time standing or walking
Made with leather and synthetic materials, Timberland PRO Anti-Fatigue Technology Insoles feature a lightweight and supportive inverted cone design that makes it different from other aftermarket inserts.
The shock-absorbing cones compress and rebound with every step, returning energy back to key zones of the foot and minimizing fatigue.
The Timberland PRO also has an anatomically contoured footbed for maximum comfort, an OrthoLite top layer for moisture management, and an Outlast top cover for odor control. It fits all foot shapes thanks to its dynamic arch design.
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5. Sof Sole Airr Performance Insoles
Best For: People with low arches
Made for active lifestyles, Sof Sole Airr Performance Insoles are packed with various features that allow you to go about your day without any pain.
For superior shock absorption, there are Skydex air capsules in the heel and arch as well as polymer gel in the forefoot.To keep feet cool and comfortable, the Sof Sole Airr has a Coolmax moisture-wicking top cover and polyurethane footbed.
The neutral contour design and reinforced stability plate in the arch deliver motion control and support for users with low arches.
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6. SOLE Softec Ultra-U Arch Support Inserts
Best For: Hikers, walkers, and athletes.
SOLE Softec Ultra-U Inserts are created for people of all arch types. Pop them in the oven and stand on them for a couple of minutes, and you have custom insoles that follow the shape of your foot.
The thickest member of its family, the SOLE Softec Ultra-U features 3.2mm of open-cell, shock-absorbing cushioning. It is designed for roomier footwear such as hiking boots, work boots, and athletic shoes.
Accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association, SOLE Softec Ultra-U Insoles alleviates aches and pains from bunions, plantar fasciitis, and other foot problems.
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7. Superfeet Black Premium Insoles
Best For: People with flat feet, plantar fascitis, or tight footwear.
Superfeet Black Premium Insoles are the brand’s most flexible model. Low-profile and low-volume, these inserts can help enhance the fit and feel of tight-fitting shoes, including those with non-removable stock insoles.
Made with synthetic materials, Superfeet Black Premium Insoles feature natural NXT antibacterial coating, a reinforced stabilizer cap, closed-cell foam, and an accommodating heel cup for support and stability.
People with flat feet, foot or heel pain, and/or plantar fasciitis will find comfort in the thin and light design of Superfeet Black Premium Insoles.
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8. Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles
Best For: Athletes, particularly runners
Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles promise to provide the best combination of shock absorption and energy return for lasting comfort, injury prevention, and foot pain relief.
These inserts come in seven sizes to fit youth, men’s, and women’s sizes. Good for walking, running, sports, and other activities, Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles enhance athletic performance while extending the life of your shoes.
Made with lightweight polyurethane foam, EVA, and Spencore, the Spenco PolySorb absorbs shock and offers superior cushioning. In addition, the four-way stretch fabric with Silpure antimicrobial controls odor and prevents blisters.
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9. Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Work Insoles
Best For: People who routinely stand on hard surfaces (such as concrete) for extended periods of time.
Created for individuals whose jobs require them to be on their feet all day, Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Work Insoles provide lasting cushioning and arch support.
These make casual shoes, sneakers, and work boots feel more comfortable on hard surfaces.
The Massaging Gel waves act like tiny springs that cushion and support feet for extended periods. In addition, cooling vents keep feet cool and dry while you work and firm columns deliver support to an overworked arch.
Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Work Insoles should be cut to fit and are meant to be used as a replacement insole.
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10. Spenco PolySorb Heavy Duty Insoles
Best For: People requiring insoles for daily use and a range of activities
Spenco PolySorb Heavy Duty Insoles were designed for workers who want targeted shock absorption and all-day cushioning, comfort, and support. These neoprene inserts feature a low arch, forefoot crash pad, cushioned heel pad, and lightweight PolySorb foam, making them ideal for standing on hard surfaces.
Spenco PolySorb Heavy Duty Insoles deliver superior cushioning and return during prolonged standing. Plus, there’s no need to worry about smelly feet when you use these inserts; the four-way stretch fabric with Silpure antimicrobial controls odor, as well as keeps blisters at bay.
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How to Choose the Best Insoles for Standing All Day
While not always customized to your feet, aftermarket insoles come in various models, with a wide range of sizes, shapes, and materials to pick from. Finding a pair of insoles that suit your personal needs is therefore easy, if you know what you are looking for
When selecting the best insoles for standing all day, there are many different factors to consider. Choosing the best insoles for your personal requirements would largely depend on your foot shape, shoe type, and medical conditions, if any.
To make sure you get the best possible benefits from your new insoles it is important to identify exactly which aspects of your foot health need improving, and whether you have any preexisting medical conditions.
Consider Your Shoe Type
When Will You Wear Your Insoles?
People who spend hours standing on hard surfaces, such as concrete, are particularly susceptible to foot pain. Hard surfaces put a lot of extra pressure on the feet and can negatively affect your posture, as you shift your weight to alleviate pain in various areas of your feet.
If this applies to you, pick an insole with extra cushioning and arch support to hold your feet in a healthy and comfortable position, and absorb more of the shock from hard, unforgiving surfaces.
Do You Have a Specific Condition?
How to Find a Good Fit
After narrowing down your options to a few models, it is recommended to try them out first. There are a couple of simple tests you can perform to decide if the insole is right for your feet:
- Stand on the insole prior to placing it inside the shoe. Lift your other foot and balance on the foot on the insole. Do you feel stable and supported?
- Remove the stock insert, place the insole inside your shoe, and test the fit and feel. Do you feel stable and supported? Does the insole take up just the right amount of space inside the shoe?
More Tips
Tips: How to make insoles stick?
If you stand or walk for long periods of time throughout the day, you may find that your insoles slip around inside your shoe. This is especially true of people who wear shoes with heels, and can lead to blisters on the heels and toes, or even additional pain in the arches of your feet.
To prevent your insoles from slipping around, there are a few simple tricks you can try to keep them in place:
Final Thoughts
There is no one-size-fits-all insole that will solve everyone’s foot problems, which is why we’ve rounded up the 10 best insoles for standing all day to help make the decision-making process a little easier for you.
But if you were to ask us, we highly recommend Superfeet Green Heritage Insoles. There’s a reason this model has been around for decades; it simply works.
Whether you’re an athlete recovering from an injury or a hard worker whose feet take a beating daily, we hope that you found our guide useful and that you find the right insoles for you.
