Pros:

• Dual foam layers
• Odor- and moisture-control fabric
• No trimming needed

Cons:

• Logo sometimes melts onto socks

The Pinnacle Low Insoles from PowerStep are the best insoles for flat feet, for most people. Dr. Naim Shaheed of the Ankle & Foot Centers of America calls them “great for everyday use and easy to fit into most shoes.” And indeed, they’re easy to fit in your favorite shoes thanks to the vast selection of sizes that correspond to actual shoe sizes, and there’s no trimming required either. The insoles feature a firm bottom layer made of EVA foam and a softer top layer that cradles the foot in comfort.

A sturdy and deep heel ensures your foot is supported in an anatomically correct position, while a semi-flexible shell underpinning the insoles allows for natural foot movement without giving up any support. Some buyers have reported the logo printed onto the insoles can melt and stain socks, but we consider that a small price to pay for the relief they provide.

Pros:

• Great price
• Easy-to-follow trim guidelines
• Shock-absorbing heel cup

Cons:

• Heel section might be too thick for some shoes

A pair of Dr. Scholl’s Stability Support Insoles costs significantly less than the priciest insoles in this guide, and yet, they get the job done for most people, minimizing foot, leg and lower back pain. The design’s added arch support pairs with stability guardrails to minimize overpronation—excessive inward rolling of the foot through each step—and a thick heel cup helps absorb repetitive impacts.

Unfortunately, the insole’s thick heel can pose a problem in certain shoes because it elevates your foot, making a normally comfortable shoe feel tight. Fortunately, most people love Dr. Scholl’s for its blends of quality and price, and an included guide shows you where to trim the insole to help it fit into your shoes.

Pros:

• Suitable for those that weigh 260 pounds or more
• Excellent price
• Even pressure distribution

Cons:

• Arch too high for some feet

The Com Mumu Arch Support Insoles were designed with larger people in mind, as they’re rated for folks weighing up to around 260 pounds. Along with the arch support these insoles provide—which helps to remedy the discomfort of flat feet—they also hold the foot in a proper position to reduce overpronation. This is achieved both through a deep heel cup and a hard PU layer on the bottom of the insoles.

The arch, which rises at a 30-degree angle, might be too high for some people; it can make shoes too tight or cause discomfort underfoot, especially if you’re not heavy, so keep that in mind as you shop.

Pros:

• Pairs with your preferred running shoes
• Versatile for slow or fast paces
• 60-day comfort guarantee

Cons:

• Expensive

The latest insole from Superfeet, the Run Pacer Elite, allows you to pair the reactive energy of a carbon plate with your favorite running shoe, transforming even the simplest everyday trainer into a race-ready weapon. Okay, that might be a bit overkill, but the benefits of a carbon-plated insole do allow you to convert even a plump, max-cushioned shoe into something more dynamic and reactive for speed workouts, uptempo runs and races. The carbon plate partners up with SuperRev foam to make the insole comfortable yet dynamic, and it provides arch support to align with your body’s natural mechanics.

The downside? Price. Carbon-plated shoes are expensive, and the same goes for this carbon-plated insole—it’s two if not three times more expensive than the other insoles we recommend in this guide. Still, SuperFeet offers a strong 60-day guarantee, so you’re not stuck with it if the comfort and performance doesn’t fully meet your needs.

Pros:

• Sculpted heel cup absorbs impacts
• Good pronation control
• Available in myriad sizes and can be trimmed

Cons:

• Causes foot odor for some users

If you’re active (an athlete, regular gym goer, hiker or someone who walks countless miles each day), then a pair of Superfeet All-Purpose Support High Arch Insoles serve as a great source of relief. 

These insoles "offer firm support and durability, and are especially good for active individuals,” says Shaheed. They come in many sizes and can be trimmed down, allowing you to create a perfect fit for your go-to athletic shoes.

It’s worth noting that many customers have called out these insoles for their ability to hold onto foot odor, the brand’s claim of a top cover that “helps reduce odors” notwithstanding—so watch out for that, especially if you’re already prone to foot odor issues. Beyond that, these are firm and supportive insoles that will help keep your flat foot comfortably positioned through every workout.

Pros:

• Suitable for feet with widths from 3E to 6E
• Available in a larger size range
• Made in America

Cons:

• Foam might be too hard for sensitive feet

The PowerStep Wide Fit Orthotics Insoles are suitable for people with truly wide feet, supporting shoe widths from 3E all the way up to 6E. They also come in sizes that can accommodate feet as small as size 3.5 (men’s), or as large as size 16. The construction provides the reliable arch support that flat feet need, and they’re capable of reducing the symptoms of plantar fasciitis—painful inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue underneath the foot.

Pros:

• Can be heated and molded to the foot
• Shock-absorbing cork bottom layer
• Supports range of arch heights

Cons:

• Expensive

After a bit of prep, a pair of Sole Performance Insoles might just be the most comfortable and supportive insoles you own. Simply heat the insoles in the oven and quickly move them into your shoes, lace them up and stand still for a few minutes. By the time you’re done, you’ll own a set of insoles that have been custom molded to support your feet. And the support doesn’t stop at the custom fit.

These insoles feature a layer of cork (made from recycled wine corks) along the bottom that helps keep your foot positioned and absorbs impacts with every step. An upper layer of softer foam improves immediate comfort, and it takes the edge off when you’re standing for hours at a time.