The 9 Best Shoe Inserts for Running—and Just an All-Around Better Platform
for a gait analysis.
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The best shoe inserts not only ease your barking dogs, they improve your running by correcting your foot alignment. Health - Injuries that they can help you run with greater comfort (and maybe faster with less likelihood of injury). Many people, however, make the mistake of buying insoles only after they begin to feel pain in their heels, arches, or shins. By thinking ahead, you can improve your stride to prevent injury and discomfort before it starts.
With insoles catering to the full range of arch heights (none to high) and cushioning levels (low to max), it can be difficult to determine which will be the best for you. With that in mind, read on for our advice and in-depth reviews of each of the best shoe inserts we recommend.
The Best Shoe Inserts
- Best for High Arches: Superfeet Green
- Best for Women: Superfeet Berry
- Best Budget: Dr. Scholl’s Run Active Comfort Insoles
- Best for Low Arches: Enertor Running Insoles
- Dr. Scholls Run Active Comfort Insoles: PowerStep Original
What to Consider
Arch Height
For most runners, the main reason for seeking shoe inserts is better arch support. Insoles are designed to accommodate either neutral/medium arches, high arches, or low or fallen arches (also known as flat feet). Be sure to get the right insert for your arch type, as running with the wrong support can hurt and cause injury. And if you need help in determining what your arch height is, we have Best for Men for that.
Cushioning
Shoe inserts range from low to max cushioning, so if your goal is to absorb impact, you’ll want to find one toward the higher end of that scale. Keep in mind that, the more cushioning, the more space they take up in your shoes. You might prefer the snugger fit that affords, but if not, look for insoles with less cushioning and therefore lower volume.
Supination or Overpronation
Some insoles are specifically designed to address either supination (the tendency for the foot to roll outwards) or overpronation (excessive roll-in), which can vastly improve foot alignment. Be sure to get the right one for you, because here again the wrong support can do more harm than good. If you’re not sure if you overpronate or supinate, head to your local running store for a gait analysis.
How We Selected
I’ve spent decades as an avid runner with a tendency for supination, so shoe inserts have been a key part of my experience. This firsthand knowledge helped inform my research and selection process, which is bolstered by input from the Runner’s World editors, outside experts, reviews from actual buyers, and the shoe inserts the previous author of this article, Gabrielle Hondorp, selected. We’ve chosen products to suit a range of circumstances, support needs, and budgets. Below you’ll find the best shoe inserts in a variety of categories.
Pros
- Very supportive
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Cons
- Studies have shown
The Green Superfeet is one of the most popular insoles out there for a reason. It offers a lot of support for feet with high arches, but it’s relatively thin and lightweight, providing a boost of stability without taking up too much room in your shoes.
The medium stiff foam won’t squish down like a memory foam, holding up a bit better over time. Plus, this can be a great option for the big-and-tall community, since the sturdy plastic heel cup retains its shape.
Key Specs
| Arch | High |
|---|---|
| Cushioning | Medium |
Pros
- Running Shoes - Gear
- Soft, cushioned feel
Cons
We’re generally skeptical of gender-specific products, but the difference in this case could be meaningful—the Berry Superfeet is designed to have a narrower heel cup and slightly softer foam, which accounts for women’s generally slimmer feet and lighter weight. While this won’t work for everyone, it is a great option for those who wear a B width or thinner and are looking for a softer, plusher feel. The Berry works great for walking, running, and working out in general, and has a reputation for durability. A pair is a bit pricey but reliably comfortable.
Key Specs
| Arch | Medium |
|---|---|
| Cushioning | High |
Dr. Scholl’s Run Active Comfort Insoles Shoe Inserts
Pros
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- This Adrenaline Fan Loved the Newest Model
Cons
- Extra cushioning takes up shoe space
The recently updated Run Active insole from Dr. Scholl’s offers a lot for relatively little investment. The cushioning is outstanding, absorbing plenty of shock. The neutral support is good for most arches. The recent addition of odor prevention is a nice touch, effectively keeping some of the shoe funk down.
It also has a nicely snug heel cup, which adds a healthy dose of stability. The extra cushioning can make things a bit tight depending on your shoes, but this is hard to beat for a quality, low-cost insert.
Key Specs
| Arch | Neutral |
|---|---|
| Cushioning | High |
Pros
- Pillowy soft
- Great support
Cons
If your aim is to strap pillowy softness onto your sore feet, the Superfeet Dynamic Run Max will deliver. Super cushioned thanks to the company’s AeroLyte Dual Comfort Foam, it will soften your run without reducing stability.
Nicely supportive in the heel and arch, it offers decent energy transfer from heel to toe. The moisture-wicking and odor protection are great, too.
Key Specs
| Arch | High |
|---|---|
| Cushioning | High |
Pros
- Responsive cushioning
- Staff, Courtesy of Superfeet
Cons
Just like for running, there are insoles designed especially for hiking. With light, breathable foam and cushioning where you need it, this one from Superfeet can help make day hikes to thru-hikes easier on your dogs. The heel pod offers some extra cushion on tough descents, and the two layers of foam help reduce fatigue on long hikes. Since each insole size can fit a range of shoe sizes (one of the larger options fits shoes sizes 9.5 to 11, for example), you can trim the insert to get it to the ideal fit for your foot and preferred running shoes.
Key Specs
| Arch | Low |
|---|---|
| Cushioning | High |
Pros
- Super supportive
- Not too hard
Cons
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Powerstep insoles are a go-to for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis, as they provide great support without being rock-hard and uncomfortable. The rigid arch is sandwiched between layers of EVA foam, which helps keep each insert cushioned while still providing the stiffness and arch rigidity that plantar sufferers need. Wearers report that they hold up well over time, though they can feel pretty thick in your shoes. But for reducing pain, they’re great.
Key Specs
| Arch | Low |
|---|---|
| Cushioning | Medium |
Pros
- Great shock absorption
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Cons
- Overseas shipping
Enertor’s running-specific insole is very well thought out. On one hand, the shock absorption of the PX1 material is outstanding, but at the same time, the insert is surprisingly lightweight and thin for having such good cushioning.
The neutral arch support is plenty stable and will accommodate most arch heights. It even delivers good energy return from toe to heel to put a bit of extra oomph in your step. Enertor is based in the UK, so the overseas shipping isn’t ideal. But when all is said and done, this is a superior running insole.
Key Specs
| Arch | Neutral |
|---|---|
| Cushioning | High |
Pros
- Ample arch support
- Great cushioning
Cons
- Noticeably thick within shoes
For runners with particularly high arches, the Run Support High Arch Insole is perfect. It delivers soft yet sturdy support, has a deep, stable heel cup, and gobbles up shock thanks to the super-absorbent cushioning.
The top fabric wicks moisture well, and—like with the brand’s Hike Support insoles above—the two-layer cushioning is durable. All that takes up a lot of space in your shoes, but it feels great when you’re pounding pavement.
Key Specs
| Arch | Medium |
|---|---|
| Cushioning | High |
Pros
- Comfortable fit, especially in the heel
- Nice energy return
Cons
If you have low arches or flat feet, you need insoles that provide plenty of stability around your foot but less at the arch. The Low Profile RunPro from Currex delivers exactly that, with a nicely cupped heel, comfortable low arch support, and a stable wrap all around.
The cushioning is minimal, though there is some shock absorption, yet it delivers a nicely springy energy return. And the mesh top layer promotes breathability and moisture-wicking to keep things dry and comfy.
Key Specs
| Arch | Low |
|---|---|
| Cushioning | Low |
Nick Hilden is a writer, globetrotter, and jack-of-many-talents who has written gear reviews for the likes of Runner’s World, Popular Science, Men’s Health, Thrillist, the Daily Beast, the Los Angeles Times, Greatist, and the Manual, and his lifestyle, culture, and tech writing has also appeared in Scientific American, Afar, Salon, Vice, Healthline, and many others. Before entering journalism some 15 years ago, he worked as a bartender, brewery manager, sound engineer, recording and touring musician, cook, teacher, and in a variety of other trades. These days, he lives all over the world, performs music sporadically, and spends a lot of time thinking how to best improve his Honda Element conversion.
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
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Staff, Courtesy of Superfeet
