Best Custom Foot Orthotics for Neuropathy

Did you know that more than 3% of people globally have some form of neuropathy? Peripheral neuropathy (or nerve pain), in particular, can affect daily life. In this, people frequently experience tingling, stabbing, burning pain, numbness, or sensitivity in the lower extremities. Clinical management in such patients usually requires a multidisciplinary approach. This may include lifestyle modifications, pain management with prescription medicines, and the use of custom foot orthotics for neuropathy. 

Custom foot orthotics for neuropathy are proven to improve everyday comfort by distributing pressure. Besides controlling the symptoms, the right kind of insoles for neuropathy will also significantly slow down the progression of the condition.  

How We Test

For shortlisting the best insoles for neuropathy, we selected 30 patients with a previous history of peripheral neuropathy or Morton’s neuroma. 

A long-term study was conducted and each candidate was asked to try out 15+ shortlisted insoles over 12 months. During these trials, our patients were monitored and reviewed every week. Crucial factors like comfort, support, improvement in alignment, and pain relief were considered for this test. 

(#1) Stride Soles Custom Orthotics for Neuropathy

The Stride Soles custom foot orthotics for neuropathy are highly recommended for those who suffer from chronic pain associated with peripheral neuropathy. Engineered with pressure-sensitive memory foam, these insoles contour perfectly to any foot shape, while also providing comfortable cushioning. 

Right from the first day of use, our testers could feel an immediate difference. All thanks to its Dynamic Molding Process (DMP) and stabilizer cap, the Stride Soles insoles provide mid-level support during walking or long day standing. Gradually, your feet feel less sensitive and there is a reduction of pain or tingling sensation in your sore feet. 

While continuing its use for over 8 weeks, ~25% of our testers also felt significant improvement in posture and reduction in back pain.  

(#6) Superfeet All Purpose Memory Foam Insoles

The Superfeet All Purpose Memory Foam Insoles are ideal for people who want to reclaim or improve lost sensation in their feet. But unlike the Sensitive DMP variant from the same brand, this one caters to the needs of ‘runners and athletes’. 

Our testers could comfortably use these ‘all-purpose’ insoles with regular walking or running shoes. The low-profile design and memory foam cushioning, along with medium-firm support help alleviate cramps and sudden neuropathic pain. It’s highly recommended for those who are on their feet for long hours. 

Older and active adults with neuropathic pain would love it for its effective shock-absorption abilities. The ridges on the base, additionally, prevent slippages for a secured fit. Note that these insoles are also effective for feet with supination, pronation, plantar fasciitis, and ankle instability. 

(#5) Sole Everyday Pain-Relief Insoles

If you experience neuropathy and it is diagnosed as being associated with a traumatic injury (such as stress fracture), the Sole Everyday Pain-Relief Insoles is recommended for you. Its moldable design and unique sole shape serve three key functions - eliminates pain, promotes neutral alignment, and prevents injury. We also tested its shock-absorption capabilities on rugged terrains. Most of our testers could walk with more confident strides and experienced minimum discomfort. 

Nonetheless, one thing that we absolutely love about these insoles is its ability to adjust to any arch height - Flat, Neutral, or High. SOLE Everyday insoles also improve pronated or supinated feet and are also a great orthotic for flat feet or orthotic for plantar fasciitis

(#4) Spenco Medics Diabetes Plus Insoles

The Spenco Medics Diabetes Plus Insoles with its patented memory foam construction is exclusively designed for ‘diabetic patients’ experiencing neuropathic pain. The foam readily adapts to your foot shape. Tried and tested with many patients, its friction and pressure reducing effect are compatible with sensitive feet. Thus, it works great for feet prone to blisters and painful shocks. 

Nonetheless, our testers agree that the plus variant feels soft and is good for anyone looking for light support, all day long.  

(#3) Walkhero Comfort & Support insoles

The Walkhero Comfort & Support insoles is suggested for two reasons - one, it is budget-friendly, and two, it gives semi-rigid support (great for foot neuropathy). 

On wearing, these insoles won’t add too much bulk or squeeze your sensitive feet. Its ‘anti-slip’ feature along with gel-absorption construction absorbs shock when performing medium to high impact activities. Its arch placement is spot on to allow your feet to feel more energetic throughout the day. 

So if anyone has low levels of neuropathic pain, a low arch height, and are on a low budget - our testers agreed that it's smarter to opt for the Walkhero insoles compared to other options. It's also great for injury prevention, muscle fatigue, joint pain, and heel pain. 

(#3) Dr. Scholl’s Revitalize Recovery Insoles

Who doesn’t love a satisfying foot massage? Based on the science of ‘reflexology’ and ‘acupuncture’, Dr. Scholl’s Revitalize Recovery Insoles gives you the same feel of a foot massage as you execute your day-to-day activities. 

Made of stimulating small bubbles that trigger the key pressure points, these insoles are an easy fix for short-term relief from stress and fatigue. We observed that this is a great budget-friendly fit for someone who has sore feet or is looking to improve balance, circulation, and foot mobility. This insole is also helpful for arthritis and Morton’s neuroma.

Dr. Scholl’s Revitalize Recovery insoles are easily available and can be used with most footwear including athletic shoes, casual shoes, work boots, and even house slippers.

(#1) Protalus T100 Thin Series Insoles

Crafted with high-quality materials and patented insole technology, the Protalus T100 Thin Series Insoles is the runner-up in our list of best insoles for neuropathy. Most of our testers agreed that these insoles provide great support for more than 10 hours a day, especially if you have medium or high arches.   

The conforming heel cup and its unique tri-planar technology provide optimum cushioning and alignment without ever compromising on comfort. So, if your neuropathic issue sources from Morton’s neuroma, inflammation of the joints, or plantar fasciitis, consider trying the Protalus T100 for at least 3 months after consulting your podiatrist. 

Bottomline

For the treatment of neuropathy, an early diagnosis is crucial to avoid permanent nerve damage. Shoe inserts are invaluable in treating painful neuropathy, especially when you experience difficulty in walking or performing basic activities. 

For advanced stages, it is highly recommended to opt for custom insoles for neuropathy. Such insoles are tailor-made after individualized assessment - with the ultimate aim of improving the overall quality of life.