I’ve suffered from plantar fasciitis before, and I went through several insoles before finding the right ones.
The right insoles can supercharge your boots, solve issues ranging from plantar fasciitis to knee trouble, and help when working on hard surfaces or struggling with flat feet.
With so many to choose from, how do you know which one will solve your particular issue?
After finding the Tread Labs Pace, my plantar fasciitis vanished, but there may be better alternatives for you depending on your situation.
In this article, I’ll go through five of the best insoles for work boots, each solving a particular issue so that you’ll be able to pick the best solution depending on your needs.
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What to Look for When Getting Work Boot Insoles
The hardest thing about finding the right insoles is picking the right one for your needs.
I researched almost a hundred insoles and found that the difference between one that’s designed to help plantar fasciitis sufferers can be completely different from one built for comfort.
Most insoles look the same as others, with slight variations that mean nothing to an untrained eye. One insole isn’t the same as another, as my experiences finding insoles to solve my plantar fasciitis proved.
To find the best insoles for work boots, I focused on three key criteria my selections had to meet:
- The insole had to solve a specific problem—generic doesn’t cut it
- Each insole must add comfort as well. You’re wearing your work boots all day long
- Each insole must be robust enough to handle a lot of use and made from materials that last
5 Best Work Boot Insoles
Best Overall: Tread Labs Ramble
The Tread Labs Ramble is my overall best pick for several reasons.
It’s available in several sizes for both men and women. Tread Labs understand the need for your insole to be the perfect fit, regardless of foot size or sex.
The two-part manufacture means you can replace the top cover, keeping your insoles fresh and comfortable. And Tread Labs back the longevity of their insoles up with a million-mile guarantee for extra peace of mind.
I’d recommend the Ramble insole even if your feet don’t suffer because one day they might, and prevention is as good as a cure.
With the arch support, increased comfort, and shock-absorbing quality of the Ramble, they’re a must for anyone who spends their days on their feet.
What I Like
- Unlike generic insoles, the Ramble has to be bought to fit your exact boot size.Tread Labs guarantees the perfect fit so your feet are entirely supported.
- A unique replaceable top section keeps the insole fresh and springy, outsoles don’t last forever, but the Ramble is easy to maintain.
- Fantastic arch support, with low, medium, high, and extra high support where needed.
- The lower arch supports have a lifetime guarantee, so you’ll never need more than an additional top section.
What I Don’t Like
- International shipping costs are incredibly high.
- I would have liked a slightly deeper heel cup for my feet.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
As well as my happy experiences with the Ramble insole, other reviews are very complimentary, with many mentioning they bought the Ramble as an alternative to expensive insoles recommended by doctors.
The fit, comfort, and noticeable reduction in foot pain are key points customers make. Being able to test out one arch size and then, if needed, swap the arch support for a higher or lower one is noted as being very helpful.
The Verdict
If your feet are suffering and you’ve visited a podiatrist, you might have been offered expensive insoles to solve your problem. Some insoles can cost several hundreds of dollars, whereas the Ramble, for a reasonable price, has shown it’s more than up to the job.
For its two-part construction, arch support, comfort, and overall build quality, the Ramble is by far the best overall insole I could find.
I was looking for insoles that could solve specific problems, but the Ramble is excellent at everything, making it an ideal choice if you have foot issues and even better if you’re just looking to avoid problems in the future.
Finding an insole that delivers comfort, support, and results isn’t as easy as you’d think, which is why the Ramble is such an awesome product. Suitable for everyday use, the Ramble contours to your heel and protects your feet from impacts. Even if you feel like your feet are fine, you’ll feel an immediate increase in comfort.
Best for Flat Feet: PowerStep Insoles
If your feet are flat, you’ll need a lot of support from your boots. Every step can feel uncomfortable, and your natural gait, the pronation of your foot, needs cushioning from every step.
The PowerStep insole does just that, thanks to its slimline yet supportive design. The PowerStep has a flexible but compact feel that’s great if you have flat feet, as you’ll need to avoid anything too bulky or with arch support that’s too pronounced.
One of the most common complaints that flat feet sufferers mention is heel pain, and these insoles soften the impact around your heel from each step with their raised heel cup.
The PowerStep is so comfortable due to its triple-layer design, with an EVA base taking away impact stress and a foam mid-layer for extra comfort. The final layer, made of breathable fabric, stops your feet from overheating while at work.
What I Like
- The PowerStep insole is slim, making it perfect for flat feet that need cushioning.
- Podiatrists recommend it.
- Despite needing a breaking-in period, you’ll notice an improvement quickly, especially after working all day.
- It’s one of the best insoles for flat feet, though it does offer excellent support for plantar fasciitis.
What I Don’t Like
- No insole lasts forever and will need replacing, but the PowerStep should last longer than it does.
- Costly, though, this could have been prevented if the top layers were replaceable.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Sufferers of flat feet claim that after a short breaking-in period, the PowerStep insole helps with posture and joint pain and considerably increases comfort.
Thanks to its slim profile, the insole can be worn in work boots, running shoes, and hiking boots, so you’ll be able to transfer them to any of your footwear. Non-US customers have pointed out the sizing is in US sizes, so you’ll need to consider that.
Some reviewers did state the heel cup could have been deeper, but for an insole that provided so much additional comfort, the PowerStep was a great purchase.
The Verdict
The PowerStep insole comes very highly recommended, not just by customers but by podiatrists, and you can see why. It’s a well-designed insole that solves the pain of flat feet.
Foot fatigue, especially around the heel, can be crippling, and the PowerStep insole goes a long way to making it more manageable thanks to its flexible, contoured shape.
So many insoles claim to be great for plantar fasciitis, and while so does this insole, it’s for flat feet that I chose the PowerStep insole. So many reviewers were thrilled with the change they felt after wearing them.
Flat feet are no laughing matter, especially when you’re finishing a day’s work aching. The Powerstep insole, with its EVA foam sole, cushions your feet like you’re walking on clouds, reducing foot fatigue and heel pain. Its deep heel cup protects your heel, which is one of the most common sore points for flat feet.
Best for Knee Pain: Superthotics Orthotic Insole
Where most insoles focus on keeping your feet and arches cushioned, the Superthotics Orthotic Insole has one primary goal—preventing joint pain by correcting your walk.
If you’re suffering from knee pain, or any referred pain due to your feet, the Superthotic insole will allow you to regulate how your feet land, preventing you from putting pressure on your joints.
With three adjustable levels of lift, you can tweak the insole to your needs, making it the best insole for correcting knee pain.
The Superthotic ticks every box. It’s comfortable, solves a specific issue (and does it superbly), and it’s built to last as it’s made of robust and flexible plastic.
What I Like
- This insole is designed and tested to reduce joint pain due to how you walk, and it does its job fantastically.
- It comes with heel, arch, and metatarsal support, and the strong plastic holds your feet in the perfect position.
- Unlike many insoles, the Superthotic can last a lifetime. It’s not about being more comfortable—it’s about being able to walk in the correct way to help your joints.
- Adjustable to three different levels of inclination, you can test which level suits your needs.
What I Don’t Like
- If they could be made to feel more comfortable, they’d be the best insole around.
- You can’t wear them all day immediately, you have to work up gradually, as your body needs time to adjust to a better way of walking.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers state that the customizable arch is superb and allows you to find the right level of support. After being initially skeptical, the number of customers who say their feet, knees, and back all have a marked improvement is noticeable.
One thing to mention is that reviews state you will need to ease yourself into wearing these insoles. An hour a day and then build on that as the change in stance and gait does take time to get used to.
The Verdict
It’s incredible to think that such a slight alteration to your boots could have such a lasting impact on your health, but that’s just what the Superthotic can offer.
If you’re looking for insoles that purely offer comfort, look elsewhere, but if you’ve got bad knees or even a bad back, these insoles are phenomenal, and at a fraction of the price you’d expect to pay at a podiatrist.
It’s not just your feet that suffer when you’re under pressure. Your knees, ankles, and back soon start to feel the pain too. The Superthotics Insole helps realign your stance, forcing your pronation back to where it’s reducing the stress on your knees. You’ll soon be skipping to work as your bones feel less pressure with each step.
Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Tread Labs Pace
Almost every insole claims to offer relief from plantar fasciitis, though few can back it up. However, the Tread Labs Pace insole supports your feet and arches and is one of the best insoles for anyone suffering from plantar fasciitis.
Tread Labs also make their insoles using a two-part design, so you’re able to replace the top cushioned insole once you feel it’s losing its shape.
Wearing work boots all day when you’ve got plantar fasciitis is debilitating, and you’ll need every millimeter of additional support you can get. With its 5mm top cover, the Pace insole springs with your every step while holding your heel and arch in a cocoon of comfort.
What I Like
- With its deep heel cup and 5mm padded top sole, the Pace feels like it’s wrapped around your feet, keeping plantar fasciitis at bay.
- Sized correctly, with both men’s and women’s sizes, it’s like buying new boots—one size doesn’t fit all.
- Incredibly firm when in position, which is ideal as solid support is much better suited for plantar fasciitis sufferers.
What I Don’t Like
- They’re not the cheapest insoles, but you can simply replace the top cover once bought.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
While many insoles make a claim, the Tread Labs Pace makes good on its promise. It’s one of the best solutions for plantar fasciitis, and the reviewers love it. If you order the wrong arch size, it’s easy to re-order and replace them.
Several reviewers stated they’d used the Pace insole for over a decade and refused to wear their boots without them. They claimed that foot and heel pain was massively reduced, and the fatigue from wearing their boots all day diminished.
The Verdict
As with all of my selections, the Pace does exactly what you need it to. In this case, if you’re a plantar fasciitis sufferer, you’ve found your insole.
Well-built, easy to swap out if needed, and with a unique two-part insole that cuts down the replacement cost, the Pace is the best insole I’ve found.
As a plantar fasciitis sufferer, the Pace was my savior before I moved onto the Ramble for everyday use.
Its two-part construction is innovative and cuts down on costs, but it’s the incredible arch support that makes the Pace insole stand out. If you’ve suffered from plantar fasciitis, you’ll know that rigid support is vital, and the Pace, with its deep heel cup, is one of the best around.
Best for Walking on Concrete: Dr. Scholl’s Shock Absorption Work Insoles
Stomping around on cold concrete all day can quickly cause your feet to ache like they’ve been hit with a hammer.
What you need is an insole that’s able to take the impact of every step, especially when on hard surfaces. That’s what Dr. Scholl’s Shock Absorption Work Insole does, thanks to its unique gel cushioning.
Where most insoles are foam or Plastic, this insole has a gel pad between your feet and even the hardest surfaces.
Each step feels less painful and every shift less stressful, as the gel absorbs impacts, reduces foot fatigue, and returns the energy from each step.
What I Like
- The massaging gel takes so much of the impact strain you feel you have sneakers on.
- With extra cushioning at the front, you’re covered regardless of the surfaces you’re working on.
- The Dr. Scholl Shock Absorption insole is perfect for work boots and can even increase performance as the gel acts like a spring, allegedly allowing 10% more movement.
What I Don’t Like
- If the insole is too big, you must cut it down. I’d prefer more sizes to avoid this being needed.
- They’re supposed to last up to 6 months, but in work boots, they won’t last that long due to the heavy use they’ll see.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Dr. Scholl’s gel insoles are a game changer when it comes to comfort, and reviewers are incredibly pleased with just how comfortable they make their boots.
The gel is superb at shock absorption, and it’s noticeable just how less fatigued your feet get. Reviewers that worked in construction say the insoles are great for hard surfaces, but they will need replacing every 4-5 months due to constant use.
The Verdict
Dr. Scholl’s Shock Absorption Work Insole is one of the few gel insoles around, and it’s one of the most comfortable I’ve seen.
I chose this insole for handling working on concrete, but even if you’re just after incredible comfort, it’s the way to go. It’s the least expensive insole on our list but by far the most comfortable.
If you’re working on concrete, they’re a must, and even lasting less than six months, they are a superb investment that your feet will thank you for.
A well-padded insole brings many benefits, including arch support, reduced fatigue, and increased grip. Dr. Scholl’s Work Insoles, with their incredible grip and advanced gel cushioning, make wearing boots more comfortable and help keep your feet in position, reducing heel slippage.
9 Common Foot Problems that Work Boot Insoles Will Help With
1. High Arches
High arches can feel painful when an insole does not support them well. Finding an insole that supports your foot will help prevent your high arches from causing overpronation and prevent any further pain in your feet.
2. Flat Feet
Often developed when you’re young, flat feet can sometimes lead to joint issues in the knees or hips. Many people with flat feet suffer no pain whatsoever, but with the correct insole, you can prevent future joint pain.
3. Over-Pronation
An awkward gait, or a tendency to roll your feet inward when walking, can lead to overpronation. The cheapest and often the most effective way to prevent overpronation is to wear insoles that correct your footfall. Over time, this will fix your walk and prevent joint problems in your ankles and knees.
4. Metatarsalgia
Inflammation of the foot, often called metatarsalgia, often occurs just behind your toes and can be incredibly painful. You’ll need to address the problem by finding firm but flexible insoles that offer a lot of shock absorption.
5. Plantar Fasciitis
One of the more common foot problems, plantar fasciitis, can agonize your feet, especially the heel. One of the most common solutions for plantar fasciitis is to wear an insole that supports your heel and arch. The Tread Labs Pace insole is one of the best for helping plantar fasciitis sufferers.
6. Achilles Pain
If your Achilles is painful or inflamed after a long day on your feet, you’ll need to find insoles that have a deep heel cup that can hold your foot in a more comfortable position. Achilles pain is often caused by overuse and a lack of support from your boots.
7. Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are a growth of bone on your heel that can, over time, cause incredible discomfort. Your heel bone is nearly always in contact with the ground, and the growth can ache constantly. A thick, well-cushioned insole can reduce the contact between your heel and the floor.
8. Blisters
Poorly fitting or uncomfortable boots can lead to blisters. Blisters often change your gait as you try to find a comfortable way to walk, leading to further issues. An insole like Dr. Scholl’s Shock Absorption Work Insole can improve comfort and reduce blistering.
9. Hammer Toe
Often caused by a lack of muscular or tendon support, a hammer toe can be incredibly painful. Wearing a solid insole that supports your arches and feet can prevent muscles from causing this painful condition.
Finding the Right Insole
After reviewing dozens of insoles, it became clear that there’s a huge variety, with many trying to solve multiple problems.
Avoid those claiming to cure everything from plantar fasciitis to male pattern baldness. Insoles are like your work tools—they should focus on one or possibly two areas of expertise.
That’s why I made the Tread Labs Ramble my best overall pick. It’s proven to deal with any comfort issues and is firm enough to keep you on your feet all day. Wearing the Ramble before you even start to feel foot pain could prevent it from even happening.
Finding an insole that delivers comfort, support, and results isn’t as easy as you’d think, which is why the Ramble is such an awesome product. Suitable for everyday use, the Ramble contours to your heel and protects your feet from impacts. Even if you feel like your feet are fine, you’ll feel an immediate increase in comfort.
There’s no second or third place in our list—each insole is the best I could find for its respective problem.
Dr. Scholl’s Shock Absorption Work Insole is a beast for working on hard concrete, but it has to be the Tread Labs Pace insole for plantar fasciitis.
Its two-part construction is innovative and cuts down on costs, but it’s the incredible arch support that makes the Pace insole stand out. If you’ve suffered from plantar fasciitis, you’ll know that rigid support is vital, and the Pace, with its deep heel cup, is one of the best around.
For knee pain sufferers, the Superthotics Orthotic Insole is a strong insole proven to reduce pain, and the PowerStep insole is excellent for flat feet as it’s slim yet well-contoured.
Flat feet are no laughing matter, especially when you’re finishing a day’s work aching. The Powerstep insole, with its EVA foam sole, cushions your feet like you’re walking on clouds, reducing foot fatigue and heel pain. Its deep heel cup protects your heel, which is one of the most common sore points for flat feet.
FAQs
Are expensive insoles better?
Expensive insoles aren’t necessarily better than over-the-counter insoles. Depending on your need, you may find a much cheaper alternative. Given that some podiatrists offer specialist insoles for over $1000, many more affordable options can and do provide the same results.
Should I size up or down for insoles?
You shouldn’t size up or down for insoles, as they’ll fit inside your boots regardless of the size. Changing your boot size could lead to more issues, as you could injure your feet by sizing too small or feeling uncomfortable in oversized boots. Most top-brand insoles come in multiple sizes; others can be cut down to size.
What are the main types of insoles?
There are three main insoles, soft, rigid, and semi-rigid. Soft insoles add additional comfort to your boots, while semi-rigid insoles offer more stability and cushioning. Semi-rigid insoles are great for flat feet. Rigid insoles are ideal for plantar fasciitis sufferers and offer much greater arch support.
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