Best Orthotics for flat feet: feet/pes planus: A Comprehensive 2025 Guide

Flat feet, known as pes planus, affect between 20% and 30% of people worldwide. The condition develops when foot arches collapse, which makes the entire sole touch the ground either completely or almost completely. The majority of people with flat feet remain symptom-free, but some experience pain and fatigue because of their abnormal foot mechanics.

Orthotic devices that offer arch support and correct foot alignment serve as essential tools for managing these problems. The following guide provides complete information about flat feet, together with identification methods and top orthotic solutions for 2025.

What is Flat Feet?

The medical condition known as pes planus or flat feet occurs when the medial longitudinal arch of the foot collapses or disappears, so the entire sole contacts the ground during standing. The condition exists in two primary forms.

• Flexible Flat Feet: The arch of the foot appears only when the foot is not weight-bearing, but disappears when standing. This condition occurs frequently in children and represents the most widespread form of flat feet.
• Rigid Flat Feet: The arch disappears completely in Rigid Flat Feet patients when they stand or sit. The condition occurs infrequently and typically causes pain because it stems from structural problems.

Flat feet develop either through birth defects or appear after birth because of injuries, weight gain, age-related changes or posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

Do I Have Flat Feet? Self-Assessment Techniques

Early detection of flat feet enables people to control their discomfort while stopping potential complications from developing. The following steps help you check the condition of your foot arch.

1. Wet Footprint Test

This simple test can be done at home:

• Wet the soles of your feet.
• Stand on a flat surface like a concrete floor or a piece of cardboard.
• Step off and observe the imprint.

A complete foot imprint without any arch shape indicates flat feet.

2. Visual Inspection

Stand upright and observe your feet:

• The entire inner surface of your foot should touch the ground without any noticeable arch shape to indicate flat feet.

3. Shoe Wear Patterns

Examine the soles of your frequently worn shoes:

• Flat feet are often linked to excessive wear on the inner heel and sole of shoes.

4. Tiptoe Test

Stand on your tiptoes:

• Flexible flat feet will create an arch when you stand on your tiptoes.
• A rigid flat foot condition requires additional medical evaluation since no arch forms during this test.

5. Mirror Test

Stand with your back to a mirror: When you look at your back, you should only see your pinky toe, but overpronation signs may be present due to flat feet.

You should schedule a visit with a podiatrist or other healthcare provider for a complete evaluation and customized treatment plan if you notice any of these signs or experience ongoing foot discomfort and fatigue.

How Do Orthotics Help with Flat Feet (Pes Planus)?

Orthotic devices effectively manage the discomfort from flat feet (pes planus). These devices serve three main purposes which include correcting biomechanical problems, making proper alignment while enhancing foot mobility.

• Biomechanical Support: Flat feet cause overpronation because the foot excessively rolls inward when people walk or run. The misalignment results in an uneven distribution of weight that produces strain throughout the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and other structures.
• Improved Alignment: The corrective action of orthotics stabilizes the heel to straighten the alignment of both the foot and ankle during overpronation. The corrected alignment spreads throughout the kinetic chain to create positive effects on the knees and hips, along with the lower back area.
• Enhanced Mobility: The correction of biomechanical problems through improved alignment achieved by orthotics leads to better mobility. Flat feet cause discomfort along with fatigue, which results in reduced mobility in people who need to stand or walk for extended periods.

Key Features of a Good Orthotic for Flat Feet

The selection of proper orthotic devices is a critical factor for successful flat feet management. The following essential features should guide your selection of  orthotics:

• Arch Support: People with flat feet require proper arch support as their primary treatment need.  The orthotics must provide strong yet comfortable support to the medial longitudinal arch to stop overpronation and distribute pressure uniformly. Tread Labs insoles provide flat-foot patients with structured support as part of their design.
• Heel Cushioning: The heel area should have shock-absorbing properties to minimize walking or running impacts. The combination of deep heel cups with cushioning materials in orthotics provides heel stability, which results in both comfort and injury prevention.
• Material Quality: The quality of materials ensures both product durability and user comfort. The use of breathable moisture-wicking fabrics helps control odors while keeping feet clean. The cushioning properties of EVA foam and gel inserts make them popular choices for orthotics.
• Fit and Compatibility: Orthotics must provide a comfortable fit inside different footwear types without causing any discomfort  to the user. They should match the natural shape of the foot while maintaining the original fit of the shoe. The design of orthotics exists for particular activities including running or work boots which provide maximum performance.

Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Orthotics

The selection of appropriate orthotic support for flat feet (pes planus) requires careful consideration because it determines both pain relief and foot function improvement. The two main options for orthotic support consist of custom-made orthotics and over-the-counter (OTC) orthotics. The selection of appropriate orthotics depends on understanding the distinctions between these two options.

We will compare these two in a table.

Custom orthotics receive their design from a thorough evaluation of foot structure, gait patterns, and individual health conditions. People who have major foot deformities, chronic pain, or specific medical conditions find custom orthotics to be the most beneficial option. The higher expense and longer fabrication time of custom orthotics lead to personalized relief that provides long-term advantages.

The accessible and affordable nature of OTC orthotics makes them suitable for people with mild to moderate flat feet as well as those who want extra support during their daily activities. The initial use of OTC  orthotics serves as a practical way to manage discomfort before considering custom orthotics if necessary.

The decision between custom and OTC orthotics depends on the level of symptoms, the individual foot structure, and personal requirements. A healthcare professional will offer personalized guidance after evaluating your specific situation.

How to Choose the Right Orthotic for You

To select the right orthotic for flat feet, you need to know your foot structure, your daily activities, and your preferred footwear.

Assessing Your Foot Type

Flat feet, or pes planus, can vary in severity. Flexible flat feet exist in some people because their arch becomes visible when they are not standing, but rigid flat feet show no arch at any point. Flat feet often cause overpronation because the foot turns inward more than usual. The assessment of arch collapse severity and pronation degree represents a critical factor. The podiatrist conducts a gait analysis to determine your specific condition before selecting appropriate orthotic support.

Activity Level Considerations

The type of orthotic you require depends heavily on your daily activities. For instance:

• Athletes and runners need orthotics that contain shock-absorbing features along with stability elements to handle repeated foot impacts.
• People who spend their days on their feet need orthotics that provide strong cushioning along with supportive features to combat fatigue.
• People who use their feet casually choose versatile orthotics that deliver moderate support for routine tasks.

The selection of orthotics according to your activity level provides both peak comfort and peak functionality.

Shoe Compatibility

Orthotics need to slide smoothly into your regular footwear choices. Consider the following:

1. Volume of the Shoe: The bulkiness of certain orthotics makes them incompatible with low-volume dress shoes.
2. Removable Insoles: The ability to take out insoles from your shoes makes it simpler to insert custom orthotics. 
3. Shoe Type: The market offers orthotics which match specific footwear categories including running shoes and work boots and casual shoes.

The successful support and comfort of orthotics depend on their ability to work well with your chosen shoes. 

Best Orthotics for Flat Feet (Top Picks)

The right orthotic selection provides substantial relief from flat feet discomfort. Having discussed all of the above, we will now be making some recommendations. We will recommend five products, listing them based on the following factors:

• Overall best
• Best for runners
• Best custom orthotics
• Best for everyday use
• Best budget option

1. Superfeet All-Purpose Support Medium Arch Insoles – Best Overall

The Superfeet All-Purpose Support Medium Arch Insoles serve as a reliable solution for people who have flat feet by providing both support and comfort. The insoles contain a structured heel cup together with medium arch support, which helps stabilize the foot and decreases ankle and knee stress. The insoles maintain their shape through high-density foam materials, which provide extended durability for daily use.

Pros:

• The structured heel cup provides stability to the foot.
• The high-density foam material provides extended durability for long-term comfort.
• These insoles work well for different activities and different types of footwear.

Cons:

• The insoles need to be trimmed to achieve an optimal fit.
• The firm support may require a brief adjustment period before feeling comfortable.

Price Range: $50–$60

Ideal Use: The insoles are best for regular activities, including walking and light exercises.

2. PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Support Insoles – Best for Runners

The PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Support Insoles are designed for high-impact activities and provide maximum cushioning and support. The dual-layer cushioning and firm arch support help reduce fatigue and improve foot alignment, making them ideal for runners and athletes. The angled heel platform enhances stability during movement.

Proos:

• Excellent shock absorption reduces fatigue.
• Firm arch support aids in proper foot alignment.
• Angled heel platform enhances stability.

Conns:

• A bulkier design may not fit all shoe types.
• May require a short adjustment period.

Price Range: $40–$50

Ideal Use Case: Running, jogging, and athletic pursuits.

3. Upstep Custom Orthotics – Best Custom Orthotic

The Upstep Custom Orthotics use individual foot scans to create personalized support solutions for particular foot problems. The custom-made insoles provide relief for people who experience discomfort becauseof flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and other foot conditions. The exact fit provides both optimal support and comfort.

Proros:

• The support system provides customized solutions according to personal requirements.
• The solution effectively treats particular foot problems.
• The materials used in these products maintain their quality throughout time.

Conons:

• The price of these custom orthotics exceeds what you would pay for standard over-the-counter products.
• The delivery time extends because each product requires individual customization.

Price Range:$200–$300

Ideal Use: The product is best for people who need customized comfort solutions for ongoing medical conditions.

4. Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit® Orthotics – Best for Everyday Use

The Custom Fit Orthotics from Dr. Scholl’s provide an easy-to-get over-the-counter solution that uses in-store kiosks to give personalized recommendations. These insoles offer moderate arch support and cushioning, which makes them suitable for everyday use and casual activities. The 3/4 length design fits well in most shoe types.

• Accessible and easy to obtain.
• Personalized recommendations enhancefit.
• Suitable for various shoe styles.

• Less customized than podiatrist-prescribed options.
• It may not provide sufficient support for severe cases.

Price Range:$50–$70

Ideal Use Case: Daily wear and casual activities.

5. Spenco RX Comfort Insoles – Best Budget Option

The Spenco RX Comfort Insoles serve as an economical solution for people who need fundamental support and cushioning. These insoles use lightweight materials to deliver comfort for people with mild discomfort while being appropriate for light walking activities and short periods of wear.

Pros:

• Lightweight and comfortable for daily use.
• Affordable price point.
• Fits easily into most shoe types.

Cons:

• The insoles do not provide enough support for people with severe flatfeet.
• The product's durability weakens when users continue to use it extensively.

Price Range:$15–$25

Ideal Use Case: Light walking and short-duration wear.

Conclusion

Flatfeet, known as pes planus, create discomfort and functional limitations because the medial longitudinal arch collapses, leading to overpronation, which distorts biomechanics. Orthotic interventions resolve these problems through structural support, plantar pressure redistribution, and foot alignment enhancement. Medical research shows that orthotics effectively decrease foot pain and enhance functional results for patients with flat feet.

The selection of appropriate orthotic devices depends on individual foot structure, activity level, and specific symptoms. Orthotics include both over-the-counter insoles and custom-made options, which differ in their support levels and personalization capabilities. Using orthotics in footwear daily results in better gait mechanics, reduced lower extremity strain, and better overall mobility.