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When you look for plantar fasciitis insoles, you have a problem at hand. That's problem of plenty. Availability of too many orthotic inserts in the market makes it tedious and time consuming affair, if you are looking for the best plantar fasciitis inserts. This review is aimed at making this task easier and faster for you.
Top 10 Plantar Fasciitis Insoles, Orthotic Inserts
Heel Orthotic inserts for plantar fasciitis are known to give that additional support to the arch that proves very helpful to heal the fascia ligament. Shoes inserts provide great stability to the feet and body posture while walking, sitting, running or jogging. The shoe inserts reviewed by me have been proven to help in supination and over-pronation problems.
Plantar Fasciitis Insoles, Shoe Inserts - Benefits
Benefits of orthotic inserts are many. They offer excellent value for people suffering with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs or flat feet related problems.
- Shoe inserts are versatile and can be used in different type of shoes - casual shoes, boots, running shoes alongwith special slippers for arch support
- Easily replaceable - you can replace the old, deformed shoe insert with the new insert without any problem
- The heel cup of best orthotic inserts have required level of arch support with shock absorption which protects your achiles tendon when you walk or run
- Not only people suffering with foot problems, but anyone looking for extra support during an event or travel finds the shoe insoles quite comfortable
- They help in pain relief and work as superb supporting orthotic aid to maintain the right distance between the toe and ankle
- It has been found that often shoe inserts protect the plantar better than typical shoes because their quality is most often better than stnadard shoes when it comes to the base of shoe interior
- Offcourse plantar fasciitis shoe insoles come very cheap compared to good quality shoes though you can't use shoe inserts as full fledged shoes :-)
Orthotic Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis - Drawbacks
- Can get uncomfortable to begin with: Insoles are not suitable for all foot types. Sometimes the extra rigidity is not comfortable specially at the beginning.
- Stability and foot slippage: Even some of the very best shoe insoles have been known to slip just a bit after running, jogging or even brisk walking. If you are into running, athletics or sports I strongly recommend getting a pair of decent running shoes for plantar fasciitis. I understand they are costlier than shoe inserts but you wouldn't like to take any risk with your health. As far as running or physically extensive activities are concerned, you need shoes that can seamlessly transfer your body weight fron heel to toes when you have inflamed fascia ligament. That's an area even the best insole for plantar fasciitis can not match the impact of shoes.
- Durability - Insoles for heel wear down pretty quick
Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis - How to Identify?
As I mentioned at the beginning, there is no shortage of shoe inserts for heel pain in the market. Every brand and sales person claims their product to be the best because it does X things in Y ways. But how do YOU tell the best orthotic insoles from the rest? Remember, you are looking to buy it for a specific purpose - to support the foot. The last thing you want is to hurt your feet.
This is how you identify the very best :
- Don't try to reinvent the wheel - see what is the customer feedback. If other people with similar foot problems have rated it high, probability of it's working for you increases
- the insole you are looking at, has been specially designed to support your arch for plantar fasciitis and heel spur
- what about pronation - does it suit pronator, supinator or over pronators? Supinators (under pronators) typically have high arches. Most of the people suffering from plantar fasciitis have pronation, meaning they do NOT have high arches. You must look at shoe insoles for your specific arch type (look at the picture above to know your pronation and arch type)
- orthotic insoles from manufacturers who have a good brand reputation in the line of orthotic products is definitely an advantage and makes the product more reliable
Global Research and Studies on Orthotic Inserts
Orthotic products market is more than 4 billion dollars (annual) industry and very few people are even aware if these orthotic devices are effective in pain relief and healing. Well, the truth is most of the orthotic devices are effective in varying proportion in different cirsumstances.
Another study was conducted by School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Australia to evaluate the effectiveness of custom foot orthotics in relation to different types of foot pain.
…There is limited evidence on which to base clinical decisions regarding the prescription of custom-made foot orthoses for the treatment of foot pain …(Reference)
Review : Top Insoles, Shoe Inserts for Plantar Fasciitis
I wish to make an important point about pricing of insoles, which are available in almost all price range. It's my observation that shoe inserts below $20 generally leave some serious scope of improvement and the ones above $50 is too much to spend for the purpose. Let me explain.
I am not blind believer in "cheaper is bad quality" idea but in case of shoe inserts, I have found sub $20 price range to be lacking in ways more than one. Now coming to insoles above $50, I think it makes little sense (off course exceptions are there including one in my list).
So I think $25 to $45 is just the sweet spot to spend on good shoe insoles that would actually work. I would rather pay a little more and buy new shoes than paying say $75 for a shoe insert. This is my perception based on own observations.
For each reviewed insole, I have provided: product rating, my review comments, pros/cons and a link to the product.
So here (below) are the ratings of top plantar fasciitis inserts.
- Click on picture of the insole to read it's review
- Click on the insole name to directly go to products page
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1. Superfeet Premium Blue Insoles
The basic design of Premium "color" models has been around for almost four decades - yes, that's right! This shoe insert has evolved since the mid 1970's and has gone through numerous innovative changes as technology improved over the years. The Superfeet Premium Blue is one of the best insoles for beginners as it's is known to fit widest range of feet types.
Special note about Superfeet insoles: Superfeet Premium "Color" models are not just about different colors, as it might appear to someone new to exploring orthotic insoles. Each color specfic model is suited for different pronation type (and thereby arch type). So, when it comes to Superfeet Premium "color" insoles, the difference is not just about about color but the height, shape and also rigidity varies.
Pros:
- comes with trememdous amount of customer satisfaction and high rating
- fits low profile, meanig can be worn inside hoes without much hassle
- suitable for most feet types (normal to mild over pronation)
- provides top notch arch support among best plantar fasciitis insoles
Cons:
- Price is little higher compared to other orthotic inserts in market
2. Spenco Polysorb Total
The Spenco Polysorb Total is specially designed to give top quality arch support for people suffering from plantar fasciitis and related foot problems. This insole has carved a niche for itself as complete support and stability system by itself (offcourse as much as a shoe insert can become). It's construction is good quality with a metatarsal dome, semi-rigid cradle and deep heel cups.
Pros:
- comes with forefoot “crash pad” to enhance comfortability
- effective for plantar fasciitis pain relief
- versatile usage, can be used for regular and sports
- excellent arch support and stability
Cons:
- not most comfortable shoe insert for people with flat feet
3. Superfeet Green Premium
Superfeet GREEN insoles are designed for under pronation (supinator) or people with high arch. It offers maximum arch support with it's premium-grade orthotic design. This shoe insert is highly comfortable for anyone looking to support ongoing plantar fasciitis treatment. It helps in maintaining the right heel and ankle posture with it's biomechanically researched shape.
Pros:
- highly beneficial for people with high-arch (supinator)
- easily fits large feet sizes
- can fully replace factory insoles in footwear
- designed specially to reduce plantar fasciitis and other foot pain
- latex-free with anti-bacterial material to prevent foot odor
Cons:
- suitable only for people with high arch
- slighly more expensive
4. Orthotics by VIVEsole
This Plantar Series Full Length Orthotics by VIVEsole has been designed to provide pain relief against common foot related issues such as flat feet and leg/back pain apart from plantar fasciitis. This pair of insoles has been designed by professional podiatrists. It helps in giving good support to the inflamed fascia ligament with it's extra cushioning.
Pros:
- Extra EVA foam padding for good shock absorption
- anti-bacterial lining to prevent foot odor
- designed by podiatrists to specially reduce plantar fasciitis pain
- comes with 120 days guarantee
Cons:
- might take quite long time getting used to
5. Pain Relief Orthotic Insole
The Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relieving Insoles have been specially designed by podiatrists to provide relief from plantar fasciitis for people with over pronation. People with over pronation typically have fat fleet so it's tailor made for low arch feet. These orthotic inserts have good quality motion control mechanism. It works towards correcting feet alignment and help reduce the excess pronation.
Pros:
- comfortable for daily use while walking, running or jogging
- lightweight, can be used in formal shoes, boots or training shoes
- designed by podiatrists to specially reduce excess pronation
Cons:
- not the top quality cushion at base
6. Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Max Insoles
Spenco PolySorb CrossTrainer Insoles have been designed with podiatrists recommendation to reduce friction and provide for seamless transfer of body weight from heel to toe while running and other sports acitivities. It has good shock absorption due to deeper heel cups and contoured layer of lightweight material. These insoles provide top quality arch support with rock solid stability.
Pros:
- highly comfortable to wear for long hours
- excellent arch support and stability
- deep heel cups for extra protection of heel and provide shock absorption
- designed by podiatrists to specially reduce the pain while running or performing physically intensive activity
Cons:
- price on higher side
7. Orthaheel Orthotics Active
Orthaheel Active Orthotics has been specifically made to help in walking and running. It's among the most reliable shoe inserts if you are into running or athletics. It greatly improves arch stability while running with the high quality of support it gives during heel to toe foot movement. The smooth transfer of body weight between heel ball and toe makes it one of the best available insole for athletic purpose.
Pros:
- best suited for runners/athletes for it's best arch support
- deep heel cups along with specialized material used for foot bed makes foot movement smooth
- good shock absorption an dmotion control
- prevents excess pronation with it's 4-degree foot wedge at the back
- designed to mainatain proper bone alignment with plantar during running
Cons:
- Not most suited for dress shoes
8. Sorbothane Ultra Graphite Arch
Sorbothane Ultra Graphite Arch wins hands down on impact and shock absorption. For anyone looking to protect the inflamed plantar fascia from the impact of foot movements, this insole is an excellent choice.
Sorbothane Ultra Graphite is highly regarded in professional circles as a good alternative to custom insoles which tend to be expensive (and may not eventually deliver as concluded in research studies mentioned above). The only reason I have given it a rating of 4 stars is because I did not find it most comortable shoe insert and it could have done better on that front.
Pros:
- best in the class shock and impact absorption
- good motion control and stability while walking and running
- no slippage reported, fits well all foot types
- good structural support, sushioning and returns energy due to the material used
Cons:
- not comfortable for long hours
9. New Balance Insoles
There is natural cushioning and good support available with it's deep heel cups. The forefoot and heel cushioning has been divided to provide different levels of support while running. The metatarsal pad is countoured shaped to smoothly shift the body weight and pressure between the toe and heel to enable faster healing of fascia ligament. The material is made of good fabric to reduce friction and maintain good motion control.
Pros:
- minimal friction, prevents blisters
- keeps foot dry and odor free
- rxtra cushioning comfort at heel and forefront
- superb distribution of pressure on arch and heel while running
Cons:
- not meant for high arches (under pronators)
Conclusion
The purpose of this article was to give you the basic idea about orthotic insoles, how to select the good ones and then review the best options for you. All the plantar fasciitis insoles and shoe inserts reviewed on this page are among the best choices available in the market today.
I hope my effort served it's purpose to give you the best information about plantar fasciitis insoles at right time.
