Running enthusiasts know that the right pair of shoes can make all the difference, but often, the importance of quality running shoe insoles is underestimated. A running shoe alone can only take you so far.
Whether you’re an avid marathon runner or casual jogger, finding the best running insoles can enhance your performance and keep common problems like shin splints, heel pain, and knee discomfort at bay.
If you need something for everyday wear, you can’t go wrong with Easy Feet Insoles. But whether you have a low arch, prominent heel bone, neutral arch, need to best cushioned insole, or a supportive insole, our list of the best insoles for running has got you covered.
Get ready to say goodbye to your aches and pains caused by running — read on to see our picks for the best insoles for running on the market today.
The 8 Best Insoles For Running of 2024
Image by Superfeet
Superfeet is a leader in arch-specific insole options. They are conveniently color coded to help you keep track of your perfect arch height. Superfeet insoles are available in green (high arch), blue (medium arch), black (low arch), berry (women’s-specific), and a variety of variations.
Runners around the world rely on Superfeet insoles for their running and everyday needs. Check out their website or your local run specialty store for proper fitting and customization. These insoles are made to be cut to your specific foot and shoe shape.
For exceptional arch support and heel stability, Superfeet insoles are hard to beat. These supportive insoles are an excellent choice for those looking for a balance of comfort and performance, as well as runners hoping to decrease pain during their run.
Why we love it: The best arch support and they fit in a variety of shoes.
Things we’d change: A soft cover for the arch area to prevent blisters.
Image by Spenco
If you’re dealing with achy feet or would like better shock absorption, Spenco Comfort Insoles are a great running insole option. These insoles are designed to provide lasting comfort and support, making them an ideal choice for runners with foot fatigue.
Their contoured design molds to the foot, offering excellent cushioning and stability. Ideal for a variety of distances, they are great at reducing foot and lower back fatigue, and alleviating discomfort.
If you are looking for a comfortable, shock absorbing insole option, Spenco Comfort Insoles could be the perfect choice for you, especially if you are dealing with discomfort in your lower body and back.
Why we love it: Great combination of comfort and support.
What we’d change: Add arch height options to the Polysorb Walker/Runner
Image by Tread Labs
Tread Labs Dash insoles stand out for their firm arch support, carbon fiber material, and versatile design. You can purchase the insole and cover separately to help them last longer. These insoles are available in firm, extra firm, and ultra firm, depending on your preference.
They are also available in three different arch height options, so you can customize them to your foot. If you are interested in trying out an insole with carbon fiber and like the idea of customizing your foot support, Tread Labs Dash insoles are a great choice.
Durable and supportive, these insoles offer a personalized solution for enhanced comfort.
Why we love it: Very comfortable and made our feet feel new and refreshed.
Things we’d change: Add a less firm option for a softer feel.
Image by Fulton
Fulton was founded out of a need for an insole with good arch support that would help decrease back and foot pain. Founded by a couple in New York City, they aim not only to provide supportive insoles, but to produce them in a sustainable manner.
They are focused on whole body health and believe that the source of many aches and pains is your feet. Fulton insoles prioritize simplicity and effectiveness. While not as feature-rich as some competitors, they deliver reliable support and cushioning.
Affordable and straightforward, Fulton insoles cater to those seeking basic, dependable comfort. Choose Fulton for a nice, simple insole solution.
Why we love it: Great arch support.
Things we’d change: An option that you don’t have to break in.
Oboz insoles standout from the rest for their focus on performance. Designed for outdoor adventurers of any kind, they offer great arch support and durability. These insoles excel in trail running shoes as well as hiking boots and approach shoes, ensuring comfort and stability on rugged terrain.
Oboz insoles are robust both in arch support and durability. This makes them an excellent choice from an economic standpoint as well. They last a long-time and can help you cut down on the cost of a new pair.
If you are looking for an insole to add to your performance trail shoes, for example the pair you race in, give Oboz a try and reap the benefits of a performance based product.
Why we love it: Great for trail shoes.
Things we’d change: Longer lasting version so we don’t have to replace them every 4 months.
Image by Vionic
Vionic insoles provide the perfect combination of style and orthopedic-grade support. Known for their podiatrist-designed technology, they alleviate foot pain and promote proper alignment. With a fashionable touch, Vionic insoles seamlessly blend comfort and aesthetics.
Hoping to keep the fashion-forward feel of your running shoes while also enjoying excellent arch and foot support? Vionic has you covered with their sleek, fashionable, podiatrist-recommended designs.
Choose from a few different colors and styles for the perfect customized, comfortable, and good looking footwear solution. Vionic are not quite as robust as a few of the other options in this list, so they are a better choice for road or everyday shoes vs. trail shoes.
Why we love it: Podiatrist-designed and great for foot ailments.
Things we’d change: Better durability and support for active footwear.
Image by Timberland
TimberlandPRO Anti-fatigue insoles reflect the brand’s commitment to quality across all of their products Engineered for people who spend a lot of time on their feet, they provide reliable support and cushioning for runners.
These insoles enhance the comfort of any footwear, making them a great choice for runners, and people with physical jobs alike.
Timberline footwear is known for its high quality products across the board and their insoles are no exception. Runners, hikers, workers, pretty much anyone on their feet trust Timberland footwear.
If you are looking for great quality, relief from foot fatigue, and comfort, look no further than the TimberlandPRO.
Why we love it: These feel like “heaven for our feet” and enhance the comfort of any shoe we add them to.
Things we’d change: It can be tricky to get the sizing right, so we’d love to see better sizing with these.
Image by Easy Feet
Maybe you’re looking for a nice everyday insole? Easy Feet insoles are the perfect, easy-to-use every day answer. Their ergonomic design offers relief from common foot issues and helps increase comfort. While not as specialized as some of the other insoles listed, Easy Feet are an affordable option for general comfort enhancement in your running shoes.
Easy Feet are a great option for everyone from beginners to advanced athletes. Try them in your everyday shoes, racing shoes, and anything in between. They also do well both on the road and on the trail, so you can get a few pairs and put one in each style of shoe.
Easy Feet are if you have a high schooler in the family getting into running and you want to provide them with a bit of extra comfort.
Why we love it: Comfortable and podiatrist-recommended.
Things we’d change: More durable options for heavy use.
Best Insoles For Running: Buyer’s Guide
Support
Generally, when looking for running insoles you want them to offer support of some kind. Depending on your specific needs that might look like arch support, heel support, or supportive structure across the bottom of the foot.
Cushion
Most factory provided insoles that come with your running shoes have very little cushion. Chances are if you’re looking to purchase a running-specific insole, you would like some extra cushion. Pay attention to the specific cushioning layout of the insoles you are considering and make sure they line up with your personal needs.
Purpose
Is your arch super high or low? Do you need extra cushion or support due to a foot or lower leg issue? Or, do you simply want a more comfortable option for running? No matter what you are looking for, all insoles are not created equal so be sure you are purchasing the right one for your needs.
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics can be pricey but they are a great option if you need specific pain relief. Generally, custom orthotics, offer shock absorption, arch support, and specific support for plantar fasciitis, collapsed arches, high arches, and other types of foot pain.
Best Insoles for Running: Frequently Asked Questions
As mentioned above, running shoes come with stock insoles. These insole, although they are thin, can be fine, and many runners don’t switch them out. However, if you are having foot or lower leg pain, looking for pain relief from an injury, or would like some extra arch support, more cushion, or a deeper heel cup, specialty insoles can be a good choice.
Below, we list some of the more common issues among runners that might warrant buying specific running insoles, or even getting fitted for custom orthotics.
I have shin splints, can running insoles help?
Running puts significant stress on the lower limbs, and improper or ill-fitting footwear can lead to conditions like shin splints. Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, refer to pain along the tibia, the large bone in the front of the lower leg. This condition is often associated with repetitive activities that cause increased stress on the shin.
Running, dancing and jumping can all produce this effect. Shin splints can also be the result of overuse, or improper footwear. The pain usually feels like a dull, aching sensation along the inner part of the shin, sometimes there is also swelling and inflammation.
It is important to treat and take care of shin splints as soon as they emerge, to prevent the development of more serious injuries, such as stress fractures. Investing in not only the best running shoes, but the best running insoles can provide the necessary support to alleviate pain and reduce the risk of developing any further issues.
I need arch and heel support, what kind of running insoles should I purchase?
Arch and heel support are important features of footwear design, especially in athletic shoes. The arch of the foot is a complex structure of ligaments, bones, and tendons, and ligaments that work together to absorb and distribute the forces generated during running and walking.
Shoes with good arch support help keep the foot in natural alignment, and can help alleviate pain from conditions such as flat feet or plantar fasciitis. Heel support can also be useful, as it helps cushion the impact on the heel during each step and provides stability.
Shoes with proper heel support can be beneficial for conditions like Achilles tendonitis or heel spurs. Insoles with rigid arch support, such as Superfeet insoles, are designed to provide stability and extra support for those with high arches or flat feet.
These insoles not only offer arch and deep heel cup support but also contribute to proper foot alignment, reducing the likelihood of foot fatigue.
I have flat feet, can running insoles help me?
Flat feet, or fallen arches, happen when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to come touch the ground. This can lead to various issues, including foot pain, instability, and an increased risk of injuries. Dynamic arch support refers to a feature in insoles designed to adjust to the foot as it moves.
Insoles with dynamic arch support are particularly helpful if you have flat feet, as they provide customized support that adapts with the foot during activity. These insoles can help distribute weight more evenly, reduce strain on the arch, and enhance overall foot alignment.
Regular use of such insoles can significantly alleviate discomfort and enhance the overall functionality of the feet for individuals with flat arches.
Individuals with flat feet or a low arch often require specialized insoles to provide dynamic arch support. Look for insoles that cater to flat feet, offering cushioning and arch reinforcement to address the unique needs of this foot type.
Athletic insoles are generally the best option for flat feet and dynamic arch support, but you can sometimes find others that would work.
I have plantar fasciitis, what kind of insoles should I buy?
Some insoles have integrated heel cups which can be particularly beneficial for relieving plantar fascia strain. These features provide extra cushioning and support to the heel, reducing discomfort and helping to prevent further strain. When dealing with plantar fascia strain, look for a cushioned insole.
Conclusion:
Investing in the best insoles for running is a proactive step towards preventing common running-related injuries, foot issues, and ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable running experience. It can also help counteract tired feet, as well as increase comfort and shock absorption, and help support high arches.
Consider your foot type, specific needs, and the features provided by various shoe inserts to find the perfect fit for your running shoes. Remember, the right insoles can make a significant difference in your overall foot health and running performance.
If you need a good pair of everyday running shoe insoles, you can’t go wrong with Easy Feet Insoles. But no matter whether you have high arches, low arches, plantar fasciitis, or other needs, you can’t go wrong with one of our picks for the best running insoles. Pick some up today — your feet will thank you.
The post Choosing the Right Support: A Guide to the 8 Best Insoles for Running Shoes of 2024 appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.
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