Best Arch Support Inserts for Flat Feet

In this review, we will be discussing flat feet in detail, looking at what it is, what causes it, and how inserts can help manage it. To ensure that you get all the assistance that you need to choose the right insert for flat feet, we recommend 5 products from 5 different top brands. These inserts for flat feet will include the overall best, the best custom, the best for all-day use, the best for athletes, and the best budget inserts for flat feet.

Understanding Flat Feet

We already know that flat feet refers to feet with fallen arches, or a foot that simply has no arch. When the arches are fallen, it results in overpronation. This is a situation where the feet roll inward more than it should when we stand.

Ideally, with a normal arch, there should be about 15% of inward roll when we stand or walk. This helps distribute the body’s weight evenly, creating better balance and also helping with shock absorption.

When there is a collapse of this arch, the inward roll increases. This reduces the rigidity of the feet and also transfers more of the body's weight towards the inside of the foot (where the arch should have been). This weight imbalance causes the ankles to also tilt inward, disrupting the alignment of the feet and legs.

This increased imbalance and misalignment results in a number of foot conditions including:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Bunions
• Heel spurs
• Ankle and knee issues
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome
• Lower back pain
• Poor gait
• Increased leg tiredness
• Increased risk of injuries like ankle sprains, shin splints, stress fractures, and Achilles tendinitis

What Causes Flat Feet?

Flat feet can be caused by a number of things. Top on the list include:

·         Genetics - The condition can be inherited from parents. A study shows that a parent with flat feet has a 50% chance of giving birth to a child with flat feet. It's however important to note that it's normal for children to have flat feet because the arches usually develop around the age of 6. It only becomes an issue if the arch development does not occur after this age.

·         Injury - This is another thing that can result in flat feet. When there is a dislocation or tendon tear, the arch can become flattened. This is common in situations like posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

·         Aging - A lot of changes come with aging as many body systems begin to lose some of their efficiency. With the weakening of tendons and ligaments, usually from around the age of 40, the arch can begin to fall, resulting in what is known as "acquired flat feet" or Progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD).

·         Weight and Obesity - Increased body weight directly means increased weight on the foot. This can cause the arch to begin to weaken and eventually collapse. People with a BMI of 30 and above are more likely to experience this.

·         Medical/Health Conditions - Any health condition that can increase the stress on the arch or weaken foot tissues can lead to the eventual collapse of the arch. Some examples of such health conditions include pregnancy, arthritis, and diabetes.

The above are some of the most common causes of flat feet.

Why is Arch Support Important?

To understand the importance of arch support, we will first need to understand the importance of the arch in your foot’s biomechanics and general movement of your body.

The arch of the foot is one of the most critical components of your biomechanics. It performs many critical roles which include:

·         Shock Absorption – When your foot hits the ground as you walk, run or jump, the arch behaves like a spring, absorbing the impact and spreading it across the foot. This minimizes the effect of the impact on the foot.

·         Stability and Balance – When you walk or run, the arch helps you stay balanced especially when you are on an uneven surface. Remember that it acts like a spring so it quickly adjusts to accommodate changing surface levels much like your car's suspension system will.

·         Weight Distribution – Just as it does with the impact force, it also distributes the weight of the body evenly across the feet so that it does not rest more on one side than the other

·         Conservation of Energy – The arch's spring-like nature performs another function other than shock absorption. The spring you see in a person's walk is the energy stored in the arch and released while the individual is in motion. This spring-like action improves performance while reducing fatigue.

Looking at how important the arch is to your body’s biomechanics, you can agree that giving it the support it needs to function optimally is crucial.

How Do Inserts Provide Arch Support

When a person has flat feet, one of the solutions offered is the use of orthotic inserts. These help provide the support that is missing as a result of the flattened arch.

To achieve this, the insert will correct the issues brought about by the fallen arch as follows:

·         Fallen Arch – The first thing that the right insert will do is recreate the arch that is missing. This is usually achieved with a relatively rigid material taking the shape of the required arch, which then forces the sole of the feet to take that shape. This is also referred to as arch support.

·         Overpronation – This is the resultant inward roll of the feet because of the missing arch support. The correct orthotic insert will be designed with slight curves and angles that control the level of pronation. Done right, the heel and ankle will be brought into proper alignment, thereby correcting the posture of the foot and reducing the stress that was previously on the posterior tibial tendon. This translates to correctly aligned feet that function optimally.

·         Shock Absorption – Remember that the spring-like function of the arch acts as a shock absorber. In its absence, the insert, which is often made from materials like gel or EVA foam that can provide some cushioning, will absorb the impact force, effectively reducing shock stress to the system.

·         Weight Distribution – This crucial function of the arch is replicated by the insert. The special materials they are made from and their design, ensure that weight is not concentrated on any single spot.

·         Heel and Ankle Stabilization – Orthotic inserts with deep heel cups help hold the heel bone in place, reducing any sideways movements. This ensures that it stays is stabilized during motion, improving your gait and reducing any pains associated with inefficient motion.

·         Efficient Muscle Use – One of the resultant effects of flat feet is the overuse of certain muscles. By restoring the proper arch support and ensuring an even weight spread, no muscles are overused and the leg experiences less fatigue. You can also enjoy better posture and an overall healthier foot health.

Do I Have Flat Feet?

If you are wondering if you have flat feet, it’s quite simple to know.

You can use a wet test to determine where you fall. Learn more about this test in this article on insoles for flat feet. Knowing your arch type is crucial as it will determine what type of insert will be right for you.

Choosing the Right Inserts for Arch Support for Flat Feet

So you’ve found out that you have flat feet and want to get orthotic inserts. It’s important that you get the right ones for your feet so you can enjoy the full benefits that they offer.

To make the right choice, you should carefully consider the following factors:

·         Arch Type – This is the very first thing you should consider. For flat feet, low to medium arch inserts should be suitable for most people. However, you can only be sure of getting the exact fit if you go for custom inserts.

·         Level of Activity – The level of activity that you engage in should be an important consideration factor. If, for example, you’re an athlete, you will require something that will absorb shock well, be lightweight, and also offer flexibility. People who spend a lot of time on their feet will require the comfort provided by extra cushioning.

·         Shoe Type – Not all inserts will fit into all shoe types. Before making a choice, ensure that what you choose can fit into your shoes. Some may require that you first remove the insoles that come with the shoe before fitting it in. Just be sure that you make the correct pick.

·         OTC or Custom – In general over-the-counter (OTC) inserts can serve more minor to mild symptoms. They may however not be as effective for more severe symptoms. These will usually require custom inserts designed and made specifically for your feet. So, the severity of the condition should inform the choice you make.

These are some of the really important factors. Other factors like cost, material, durability, and break-in period can also be considered. They should however come second to the factors previously listed.

Best Arch Support Inserts for Flat Feet

We will now look at some of the best arch support inserts for flat feet that we found in our search. Remember that we shall be looking at them under the following categories – overall best, best custom, best for athletes, best for all-day use, and best budget.

Let’s get started.

1. Overall Best: PowerStep Pinnacle Low Arch Support Insoles

The PowerStep Pinnacle Low Arch Support Insole is a popular choice that comes highly recommended by podiatrists for low arch support. With a semi-rigid arch shape that provides arch support while also keeping the heels stabilized, issues with overpronation and motion control are resolved. This and the dual-layer cushioning system which provides comfort and optimal shock absorption, ensures that stress on the feet, ankle, and joints is reduced, ensuring comfort all through the day.

Features

·         Semi-rigid shell for a firm but flexible arch support

·         Dual-layer cushioning system for increased shock absorption, bounce back, and weight distribution

·         Deep heel cup that offers increased stability, comfort, and motion control

·         Odor control technology for reduced friction, heat and perspiration

·         Clinically proven alignment

·         APMA Approved

·         90-day satisfaction guarantee

Pros

·         Specifically designed for flat feet

·         Fits most shoes with removable insoles

·         Positive reviews from users

·         FSA/HSA Eligible

Cons

·         May require up to two weeks to be fully broken-in

·         Lacks customization

Price: $49.95

2. Best for Athletic Use: Superfeet Active Cushion Low Arch Insoles

Athletes in general can benefit from these insoles from Superfeet. Designed for people who engage in intensive activities, this insole uses the brand's Adaptive Comfort Technology to offer arch support that is both structured and flexible. This mix ensures that you get solid arch support while also enjoying the flexibility that allows you carry on with your activities freely. Its thick cushioning also ensures proper shock absorption and comfort, so athletes with flat feet can perform at their best at all times.

Features

·         Adaptive Comfort Technology for a structured but flexible support

·         Designed for feet with low arch

·         Max thickness

·         Soft cushioning for increased comfort

·         Durable construction offers up to 12 months or 500 miles of active use

·         60-day guarantee

Pros

·         Designed for athletes

·         Ample cushioning for added comfort

·         Offers enough flexibility for athletic activities

Cons

·         Can only be used with shoes with removable insoles

Price: About $45

3. Best for All-Day Use: Footlogics Comfort Orthotics

Footlogics Comfort Orthotics is a full-length orthotic insert designed for users with flat feet. It was developed by podiatrists in Australia and is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). These insoles feature shock-absorbing padding for the heels and forefoot, a deep heel cup that stabilizes the heels, and strong arch support with metatarsal raise for a reliable overall support. They are ideal for users who have to be on their feet all day and will work well with a wide variety of lace-up shoe-types.

Features

·         Strong arch support with built-in metatarsal raise

·         Lightweight EVA and cushioning durapontex for increased comfort

·         Heel and forefoot padding for effective shock absorption

·         They are available in S, M, L, XL, but can also be trimmed to size

Pros

·         Affordable

·         90-day money-back guarantee

·         Can be trimmed to size with regular scissors

Cons

·         They may not last as long as some other brands

Price: $32.95

4. Best Custom Arch Support Inserts: Stride Soles Custom Orthotic Insoles

Stride Soles offers some of the best custom orthotic inserts for flat feet. Unlike other products that offer generic solutions, Stride Soles uses 3D scanning to determine the exact condition of your feet and then with the help of in-house podiatrists, they design and create custom insoles that are perfect feet for both your feet and the condition.

Using high-quality materials like vegan leather top that is sweat-resistant so your feet always stay cool and dry, a high-rebound foam core that provides shock absorption and comfort, and a firm TPU shell base that provides solid arch and heel support, Stride Soles offers a product that you will keep using with great results for years.

Features

·         Firm TPU shell for solid support

·         High-rebound foam core for comfort and shock absorption

·         Deep heel cup for effective stabilization

·         Vegan leather top keeps the foot cool and dry

·         3D scanning and 3D printing for the perfect fit

·         180-day money-back guarantee

·         APMA Approved

Pros

·         Custom design for greater accuracy and efficiency

·         I deal for most foot conditions

·         FSA/HSA Eligible

·         Clinical-grade support reviewed by podiatrists

·         Cost less than other custom inserts

Cons

·         More expensive than most OTC inserts

·         Will require up to 3 weeks for delivery

 Price: From $137

5. Best Budget: Dr. Scholl’s Stability Support Insoles

These Stability Support Insoles from Dr. Scholl offer a really affordable solution to flat feet and its related symptoms. It features a tough but flexible arch support that corrects the low arch issue. The shell provides stability and motion control which keeps the ankle aligned while the deep heel cup steadies the heel, ensuring both stability and comfort.

Features

·         Extra arch support efficiently distributes the body weight for better balance

·         Stabilizing shell ensures that the ankles align properly

·         Shock-absorbing heel cup offers heel stability and reduced impact stress

·         Can be trimmed to various sizes to fit a wide range of users

Pros

·         Highly affordable

·         Can be trimmed to achieve custom size

·         90-day money-back guarantee

·         Clinically proven to offer relief from symptoms related to flat feet

Cons

·         Not ideal for severe symptoms

·         Does not last for more than 6 months of frequent use

Price: $14.99

Conclusion

Flat feet shouldn’t be the reason why you cannot carry on with your favorite activities. With the right orthotic inserts, you can go about your day without the usual pain and discomfort. All you need to do is find the insert that is perfect for you and you’re good to go.