Best Inserts for Flat Feet

Flat feet, also known medically as "Pes planus" is a foot condition that is more common than many may know. This foot condition is derived from misalignment in the biomechanics of the foot, leading to discomfort and pain and affects about a quarter of the American population. While children account for a lot of this number, many grow into adulthood without having a fully developed arch.

For folks dealing with this foot condition, it is imperative that they find the right support in form of a shoe insert. With the right insert, they can enjoy improved alignment, support and balance. All of these will mean reduced pain and discomfort.

To help these folks, we will be looking at some of the best inserts that can help with this condition. But first, let's lay some important background.

Do I Have Flat Feet?

If you are wondering to yourself whether or not you have flat feet, there’s no need to wonder. There are a few ways you can try to ascertain this for yourself. 

To carry out this test, you will require the following items:

• A bowl of water large enough to contain your entire foot
• Water
•  A clear brown paper

The test is so simple that it only requires two steps:

Step 1 – Place a foot into the container of water as shown below

Image Source: www.somastruct.com

Step 2 – Remove your foot from the water and immediately step on to the clear brown paper as shown below

Image Source: www.somastruct.com

When you take your foot off the paper, you will see a clear imprint of the sole of your foot. Using the examples below, you can determine what type of arch you have.

The low arch is what we refer to as flat feet. If you notice that you have a full or almost full imprint of the entire sole of your foot, then you have flat feet.

How Do Inserts Help with Flat Feet?

In the case of flat feet, inserts or orthotics help by providing the missing arch support, absorbing shock and ensuring that pressure is spread evenly across the entire foot. This will mean a reduction or relief from the usual foot, knee or back pains that are consequences of flat feet.

They will also enhance your comfort while improving your posture. Because it will be helping the foot operate in its natural form, long-term issues will be prevented.

Key Features of Good Inserts for Flat Feet

·         The Right Arch Support – The right insert, will have a low to medium arch support. This will softly elevate the low arch so that there's no discomfort. It will have to be firm enough to provide sufficient stability so the arch doesn't collapse.

·         Shock Absorption – This is an important feature given the need for increased comfort. The ideal insert will therefore be made of materials like polyurethane, gel or EVA.

·         A Deep Heel Cup – This feature is necessary to stabilize the heel so that the overpronation is reduced and balance is enhanced.

·         Customization – Given the simple fact that every feet is different in size and in other ways, having the right fit is important. This can be achieved by having a custom-made one or one that is designed to be resized to fit.

·         Breathability – To ensure that your feet do not smell and that they stay dry, the material should be moisture-wicking and breathable.

As an addition, it’s of course important that you choose materials that are durable so that your inserts will serve you for a long time.

Custom-made vs. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Inserts

When you want to get inserts, you will be faced with two options – custom-made ones or over-the-counter ones. What are the differences between these two?

Custom-made inserts are simply orthotics that are designed and made to fit the size of your foot and the condition it is to treat. This means that the insert made will be unique to your feet and the condition it was made for so they have to be specially made for each user.

Over-the-counter inserts on the other hand are mass produced, prefabricated orthotics. They are made to general sizes and for general purposes. You can simply walk into a drugstore and buy one or you can order it online.

Custom-made inserts are best for severe cases that require more precise or tailor-made solutions. OTCs can however be used for mild to moderate conditions. If however the OTCs do not have the desired effect, a custom-made insert will be the recommended solution.

How to Choose the Inserts that are Right for You

If you’ve determined that you have flat feet, then you require the right inserts to help with the condition. There are some important factors that will help ensure you make the right choice. These include the following:

1.       How Serious is the Condition? – If you’re dealing with a serious foot condition, possibly arising from flat feet, then you most definitely will require custom-made inserts. This will mean ordering from companies that offer them online or visiting a podiatrist to have one made. If however, it is not a serious case, then you can go for OTC inserts.

2.       How Active are You? – Your level of activity will determine the type of orthotics that will be suitable for you. If, for example, you are a casual walker, an insert that provides reasonable cushioning may suffice. If, however, you spend a lot of time on your feet or you are a runner, then you will need something that can absorb shock a lot better while providing firm support.

3.       What Type of Shoes Do You Wear? – The type of shoes you wear is a critical factor to be considered. Some inserts are ideal for casual shoes while some others will require that you remove the insole that came with the shoes. Be sure to confirm that whatever insert you choose will fit the types of shoes that you’d be wearing.

4.       How Much Can You Spend? – Your budget is an important factor here. OTCs are far more affordable than custom-made ones. However, the later will be more effective for severe conditions. Take some time to weigh your needs against your budget so you can determine what will work best.

If you can, just talk to a podiatrist as this will remove the burden of making this choice and you will be more assured of the suitability of the insert that you will get. As an alternative, you can order from online providers who take samples of your feet to create orthotics that are perfect for your feet.

Best Inserts for Flat Feet (Top Picks)

Now it’s time for us to look at some of the best inserts for flat feet. This shortlist is designed to make it easier for you to make a choice based on specific needs.

We shall be looking at the:

1.   Best Overall

2.   Best for Runners

3.   Best Custom Inserts

4.   Best for Everyday use

5.   Best Budget Option

1. PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Orthotic Insoles – Best Overall

The PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Orthotic Insoles is a full-length orthotics designed for maximum stability and comfort. Offering a balanced blend of firmness and flexibility, folks with flat feet can enjoy comfort and the support they need. The deep heel insert doesn't just ensure stability and motion control, it also enhances comfort.

Pros

• APMA-approved for foot health
• The design combines firm and flexibility
• Dual layer of cushioning for increased comfort
• Deep heel insert for better motion control and stability
• Can offer immediate relief
• Odor control top fabric for reduced heat and perspiration
• 60-day warranty

Cons

• Slightly more expensive than some other brands

Price Range: $47 to $53

Ideal Use Case: Best for everyday general use – walking, some running prolonged periods of standing with work and casual shoes.

2. Currex RunPro Low Profile – Best for Runners

The Currex RunPro Low Profile was specifically designed for runners with flat feet to prevent injuries and enhance performance. Featuring a 3D dynamic arch, users can enjoy better support and stability as they run. This is in addition to its deep coupled heel cup, which improves fit and the Popo+ feature that ensures maximum propulsion and rebound.

Pros

• Offers maximum flexibility with movement
• Firm arch support
• Can prevent injury and enhance performance
• Breathable design for odor-free experience
• Good shock absorption for increased joint protection
• Can be trimmed to fit

Cons

• Doesn’t last for long
• It has less cushioning than some other options

Price Range: $47 - $55

Ideal Use Case: I deal for runners and athletes who need the arch support and balance without any unnecessary added weight.

 

3. Upstep Flat Feet Custom Orthotics – Best Custom Inserts

These are custom-made inserts that are designed using your foot imprints and interpreted by qualified podiatrists. Understanding that each case of flat feet is different from the next, this product is carefully designed to fit both your type of flat feet and lifestyle, ensuring increased comfort and enough support and balance to fix the underlying problem.

Pros

• Custom-made for a personalized treatment
• FSA/HSA Eligible
• Can last for years
• Suitable for more severe cases
• Free adjustments
• 180-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Costs a lot more than over-the-counter inserts
• Will take between 2 to 3 weeks to be delivered to you

Price Range:  Prices begin from $249 with discounts available for additional pairs.

Ideal Use Case: These custom inserts are ideal for people looking for long-term solutions, especially those with severe foot conditions.

4. Stride Soles Custom Orthotics – Best for Everyday Use

These are specialized, custom orthotics carefully crafted after an extensive evaluation of the foot. The evaluation process includes a 3D foot scan and gait analysis that you are given the tools to do from the comfort of your home. Using the results, podiatrists design the inserts using top quality materials that include vegan leather, rigid TPU and shock absorbing foam. These are built to relieve and correct a wide range of foot conditions.

Pros

• Custom-made to provide precise solutions
• High quality material
• Can last for up to 6 years
• 180-day satisfaction guarantee
• Free adjustment
• Available in different profiles for different shoe-types

Cons

• Costs more than OTC inserts
• Will take between 2 to 3 weeks to get delivered

Price Range: Prices begin from $137

Ideal Use Case: It's ideal for daily activities, casual walking, prolonged standing and even people with severe pains and discomfort from flat feet and other related foot conditions.

 

5. Valsole Orthotic Insoles – Best Budget Option

Valsole inserts are designed to offer study arch support by efficiently absorbing each impact-shock. The deep heel cup ensures proper foot positioning and alignment to improve balance and control. It also uses materials, like high-quality gel, that improve comfort and durability so you can enjoy the relief and comfort for long.

Pros

• Strong arch support
• Deep heel cradle offers support and stability
• Gel material improves shock absorption
• Breathable and anti-sweat top material leaves the foot dry, preventing smell
• ¾ length design so no need for trimming
• Ultra-thin design so it can fit in most shoes without removing the insoles

Cons

• Doesn’t offer forefoot support since its length is 3/4
• May not be suitable for mild to severe cases

Price Range: Prices start from $29

Ideal Use Case: This is best for anyone on a budget who needs insoles for mild cases of pains and discomfort from flat feet.

Conclusion

Flat feet can cause you some discomfort and even chronic pain if not addressed properly. That’s why we’ve taken some time to discuss this subject and to also make a few recommendations.

The over-the-counter inserts will be ideal for most persons with mild symptoms of flat feet. If however you have more severe symptoms, then you need to go for any of the custom-made ones. These are more likely to offer you the relief you need.