Which Insoles Do Podiatrists Recommend? (2024)

Which Insoles Do Podiatrists Recommend? (1)

When you have foot pain and want to use an insole for relief, it can feel overwhelming trying to find the best orthotic insole on the market. Often, people look to medical professionals or even influencers for their top recommended insole.

To help make the process easier and get you the relief and comfort you deserve, PowerStep® is the #1 podiatrist-recommended brand of orthotic insoles. With 90% of users having less foot, knee, or back pain within two weeks, PowerStep insoles offer support plus relief that’s proven to be the best.

Keep reading to find out how adding an insole to your everyday shoes can help and which insoles podiatrists recommend for conditions like plantar fasciitis and more.

Which Insoles Do Podiatrists Recommend? (2)

What are insoles?

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), insoles and shoe inserts go inside your shoes and are designed to support and comfort your feet. Orthotics and insoles can be made of plastic, foam, gel, and other materials.

PowerStep vs Other Insole Brands

Many of the shoe inserts you find at grocery stores or pharmacies cushion your feet, which may provide some relief, but not all of them help correct the biomechanical issue causing your pain. PowerStep orthotic insoles are different because they’re made to prevent and relieve foot pain while supporting healthy alignment.

Which Insoles Do Podiatrists Recommend? (3)

With our signature arch support, premium cushioning, and deep heel cup, PowerStep insoles cradle the arch and heel for added stability, comfort, and motion control. They help take the stress off your feet, ankles, joints, and tendons plus help prevent or manage biomechanical problems like overpronation or supination.

Designed by a podiatrist, Dr. Les Appel, PowerStep insoles are a great alternative to custom orthotics, costing you less and providing relief sooner. Browse our variety of orthotic insoles online where you can shop by condition or shoe style and discover the best orthotic insole for your needs.

Do podiatrists recommend insoles and why?

The APMA recommends using insoles for support, comfort, and relief from various painful foot conditions. In fact, orthotic insoles that support alignment like PowerStep can also help alleviate knee, hip and back pain.

Podiatrists use orthotic insoles to treat problems like plantar fasciitis, Morton’s Neuroma, tendinitis, and more. Many clinical studies have shown that orthotic insoles prescribed by podiatrists significantly reduce foot pain and help with foot function.

Do you need a prescription for orthotic insoles?

Not all insoles require a prescription. For example, podiatrists recommend prefabricated orthotics like PowerStep Pinnacle insoles that you can buy online. On the other hand, your podiatrist might suggest prescription or custom orthotics for specific conditions.

Which Insoles Do Podiatrists Recommend? (4)

Our PowerStep ProTech® orthotics are exclusive to medical professionals, and you do need a prescription to buy them. Click here to learn more about PowerStep ProTech orthotic insoles.

The Insoles Podiatrists Recommend Most

At PowerStep, support for your feet means support for your entire body. Our insoles offer reliable support paired with superior comfort to encourage healthy alignment and prevent and relieve pain.

Clinically proven and professionally recommended, here are the best insoles podiatrists recommend for common foot ailments:

Which Insoles Do Podiatrists Recommend? (5)

PowerStep Pinnacle® Orthotic Insoles

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain. Podiatrists often recommend our PowerStep Pinnacle insoles specifically for plantar fasciitis pain. These orthotic insoles for heel pain can be worn daily for cushioned relief plus support.

Which Insoles Do Podiatrists Recommend? (6)

PowerStep Pinnacle Plus Met

Aching, burning, or tingling ball of foot pain affects the area between your arch and your toes. In addition to arch support, PowerStep Pinnacle Plus Met insoles have a metatarsal pad that supports the balls of the feet. They are the ideal shoe insoles for Morton’s Neuroma, metatarsalgia, and general ball of foot pain.

Which Insoles Do Podiatrists Recommend? (7)

PowerStep Pinnacle Wide Fit

Having wide feet can make it hard to find a supportive insole that fits. PowerStep Pinnacle Wide Fit insoles are specifically made for wide fit shoes. Stiffer arch support helps reduce pressure, providing comfort, pain relief and prevention from problems like overpronation.

Which Insoles Do Podiatrists Recommend? (8)

PowerStep Pinnacle Low

People with low foot arches or flat feet need an insole with the right kind of firm yet flexible support. PowerStep Pinnacle Low insoles are orthotic insoles for flat feet that offer anatomical support and stability for people for low or fallen arches.

Which Insoles Do Podiatrists Recommend? (9)

PowerStep Pinnacle MAXX

Flat feet may overpronate, where the feet and ankles roll too far inward, which often results in pain. Podiatrists usually recommend corrective orthotics like PowerStep Pinnacle MAXX insoles for overpronation. They help keep the feet from rolling inward, improve stability, and prevent conditions caused by overpronation.

Which Insoles Do Podiatrists Recommend? (10)

PowerStep Pinnacle High

People with high arches have a hard time finding the right level of arch support. PowerStep Pinnacle High insoles are orthotic insoles for high arches that are clinically proven to relieve and prevent high arch foot pain. They help stabilize and balance the foot to prevent problems like under pronation.

Which Insoles Do Podiatrists Recommend? (11)

PowerStep PULSERunning Insoles

Insoles for running shoes can relieve foot pain and reduce your chance of injuries like shin splints or runner’s knee. PowerStep PULSE insoles were designed by runners, for runners to provide the same podiatrist-recommended support in an athletic insole.

Which insole is best for standing all day?

Whether you are standing on a hard concrete floor in a warehouse or working retail as a cashier, being on your feet all day long can cause significant foot, knee, and back pain.

PowerStep bridge® insoles are the best insoles for standing all day. With adaptable arch support and energy return cushioning, they help relieve foot pain from standing so you can work comfortably. Browse our collection of work insoles to find insoles for work boots, dress shoe insoles, and more.

Which Insoles Do Podiatrists Recommend? (12)

Choose PowerStep Insoles for Podiatrist Recommended Support

PowerStep orthotic insoles are clinically proven to prevent and relieve foot pain from a variety of foot ailments. That’s why we are the top recommended insole by podiatrists for conditions like plantar fasciitis.

Find the best orthotic insoles for you with the PowerStep Insole Finder. Want to learn more about what makes PowerStep the best? Check out our Why PowerStep page for more information on our podiatrist recommended arch support inserts.

References:

Prescription Custom Orthotics and Shoe Inserts | APMA (2019). American Podiatric Medical Association.

Which Insoles Do Podiatrists Recommend? (2024)

FAQs

What is the number one podiatrist recommended insoles? ›

PowerStep Insoles | #1 Podiatrist Recommended Orthotic Insoles.

Do podiatrists recommend Dr. Scholls? ›

Scholl's really is a podiatrist-approved brand — what you need to know. An expert and editors share their favorite picks. With a name like Dr. Scholl's you would expect that the brand's shoes would be comfortable and good for your feet.

Are podiatrist insoles worth it? ›

Unless you have a complex foot disorder, are diabetic, are a high- performance athlete, or have a recurring injury that over-the-counter insoles can't address, you likely don't need custom orthotics.

Are Dr. Scholl's inserts good? ›

They might be a bit of a hassle to trim at first, but the comfort they bring is totally worth it. I'd definitely recommend these to anyone who's on their feet a lot and looking for relief. They've made a noticeable difference in my day-to-day comfort at work. Trust me, your feet will thank you.

Does Medicare pay for good feet insoles? ›

Medicare B covers 80% of the orthotics' cost, so long as you have either diabetes or severe foot disease. Under insurance plans, it largely depends on how your local state interprets the categories covered by the Affordable Care Act.

How much should I spend on insoles? ›

These off-the-shelf inserts can be modified to fit your foot and typically cost between $60 and $300. The least expensive option is basic over-the-counter inserts, which you can purchase at the store for as little as $10 to $20, though they usually can't be customized.

Is foam or gel insoles better? ›

In general, however, foam works best for cushioning, support, and pressure relief; gel works well for shock absorption; cork works well for support and slight cushion; and leather works well for cushion and "feel" (especially when worn with thin socks).

Do I remove original insoles when using Dr. Scholl's inserts? ›

Dr. Scholl's® insoles and orthotics can placed over a shoe's existing insole as long as the shoe is still comfortable and does not feel too tight. Any insole or orthotic that is not full-length should be placed on top of your shoe's existing insole.

Are expensive insoles better? ›

Doctors also often recommend "orthoses" -- shoe inserts that support the arch and cushion the heel. The inserts range from basic, off-the-shelf supports to expensive, custom-made versions. The evidence, however, suggests the pricey types offer no advantage, said Nadine Rasenberg, lead researcher on the new review.

Why do podiatrists not recommend Skechers? ›

Sketchers DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.

How do I choose an insole? ›

Measure Your Shoe Size: Consult a sizing chart to determine the right insole size for your shoes. Trimming: Some insoles can be trimmed to fit various shoe sizes, but be cautious not to trim too much. Replace Regularly: Insoles wear out over time; make sure to replace them as recommended by the manufacturer.

What is the difference between inserts and insoles? ›

Insoles that are separate from your shoe, sometimes called inserts, are designed to replace those standard insoles and bolster your shoe with more cushion and support. The main difference between an insole and an orthotic is that insoles do not address specific foot disorders.

Are buying insoles worth it? ›

Insoles that you slip into your shoes aren't a cure-all for such ailments, but they can promote proper alignment, reduce strain, and provide relief from minor foot pain. And you don't necessarily need custom insoles to find your fit.

What's the average price for foot orthotics? ›

Custom orthotics are specially molded to match the exact shape of your feet to treat specific foot problems. They provide firm, long-lasting support and are more effective for issues like plantar fasciitis or arthritis. However, they can be expensive, typically ranging from $200 to $800.

Why do my feet hurt more with insoles? ›

Your insoles may be hurting your feet because they're not the right arch height, are too rigid or too flexible, are not the right style for your footwear, or the arch placement isn't working for your feet. For insoles that don't hurt your feet, looking for ones that offer a choice of arch heights.

What are the negatives of orthotics? ›

One major issue is that custom orthotics can be quite expensive, and may not be covered by insurance. Additionally, some people find them uncomfortable or difficult to adjust to, especially if they are used to wearing regular shoes without any additional support.

What happened to Dr. Scholl's? ›

Scholl brand

In June 2021, Reckitt sold Scholl to Yellow Wood Partners, bringing both the Scholl and Dr. Scholl's businesses together for the first time in over 40 years.

Are hard or soft insoles better? ›

While soft or squishy insoles from other brands might feel good at first, they often don't hold their shape and lack stability and support. Inversely, harder polymer-based or carbon fiber-based orthotics offer more structure and responsiveness.

What does Dr Scholl's 440 mean? ›

A: the 440 is for flat feet.

What shoes do podiatrists recommend for standing all day? ›

What Shoes Do Foot Doctors Recommend? “Look for high quality shoes made with substantial foam and cushioning,” says Rogers. The Orthofeet Coral fits the bill—it's a podiatrist-designed style with plenty of arch support.

Do podiatrists prescribe insoles? ›

Orthotics refers to custom-made shoe inserts prescribed by a licensed doctor of podiatric medicine, an osteopathic doctor, or a medical doctor after a medical examination and diagnosis. Orthotics are designed to accommodate or correct an abnormal or irregular walking pattern.

What is the difference between arch supports and insoles? ›

Like insoles, orthotics can also be used to cushion your feet and provide arch support, but more successfully. Unlike insoles, orthotics can also be used to correct the way we stand and walk. Even the slightest deviation in your feet can lead to knock on effects that go right up your body.

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