Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick band of tissue across the bottom of your foot (called the plantar fascia). The pain is typically located near the heel and often worsens in the morning, but may improve throughout the day. The good news is that investing in specialized insoles can help relieve the pain while preventing symptoms from recurring. The best insoles for plantar fasciitis wrap all the way around your heel and have some structure, preventing your heels from rolling in or out as you walk, says John Huenink, founder of insole company BioMoto.
When choosing over-the-counter insoles, ensure they have a deep heel cup, arch support, and are firm enough so they can't be bent in half, says surgical podiatrist Nelya Lobkova, DPM. To find the best insoles for plantar fasciitis, we consulted with experts, including three podiatrists, to determine the key features to look for and how to select insoles for various activities. Then, we tested 42 pairs of insoles, wearing them in our daily routines. We evaluated each pair for support, comfort, pain relief, breathability, and value to find the top options on the market.