Best Orthotics for Flat feet: A Comprehensive 2025 Guide

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, are more common than you’d think. Around 1 in 4 people have them. Some folks don’t feel a thing. Others deal with tired, aching feet—especially after standing or walking for long hours.

What’s really going on? Well, the arch of the foot isn’t doing its job. Instead of curving gently, the whole foot presses flat against the ground. This can throw off your body’s balance. It might also cause pain in your heels, knees, or even your back.

The good news? Orthotics can help. These are special inserts you place inside your shoes. They lift your arches, support your feet, and make walking feel better again.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to spot flat feet, what to look for in good orthotics, and the top choices for 2025.

Let’s get into it—plain and simple.

What are 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.

• The arch of Flexible Flat Feet becomes visible only when the foot bears no weight, yet disappears during weight-bearing activities. The most common form of flat feet exists in children, and this condition occurs frequently in people.

• Rigid Flat Feet patients have no remaining arch structure, which disappears during both standing and sitting positions. The condition occurs rarely and leads to pain because it develops from structural abnormalities.

Flat feet develop either as birth defects or emerge after birth due to injuries, weight gain, age-related changes, or posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

Do I Have Flat Feet? Self-Assessment Techniques

Not sure if you have flat feet? Don’t worry. You can check at home using a few simple tricks. Catching it early can help you manage any pain and avoid bigger problems down the line.

1. The Wet Foot Test

This one’s easy.

• Wet the bottom of your feet.
  

• Step onto something flat—a sidewalk, paper bag, or cardboard.
  

• Step off and take a look.

If you see the full shape of your foot with no curve on the inside, chances are you’ve got flat feet.

2. Look at Your Feet

Stand on a flat surface with bare feet to perform this test. Look down at your feet.  Check if there is any space under the arches or if they lie flat on the floor. A  flat foot condition exists when your entire foot touches the ground without any visible arch curvature. The most straightforward  method to detect flat feet involves checking your feet while standing.

3. Check the Bottom of Your Shoes

Pick up a pair of shoes you wear often and turn them over. Take a good look at the soles. If the inside part of the heel or the arch area looks more worn out than the rest, that could be a clue. This kind of wear pattern usually means your feet roll inward when you walk—a common trait for people with flat feet.

4. Try the Tiptoe Test

Now, stand on your tiptoes. Can you form an arch? If not, it’s another clue your feet are flat.

Simple, right?

5. The Mirror Check

Stand with your back to a mirror and take a look.

Can you see most of your toes or just your pinky? If the rest are showing, your feet might be rolling in too much (overpronation), which often comes with flat feet.

Still not sure? If your feet hurt, feel tired all the time, or you're noticing any of the signs above, it’s best to check in with a podiatrist. They can help you figure out what’s going on and what kind of support you need.

How Orthotics Help with Flat Feet (Pes Planus)

If you have flat feet, orthotics can really help. They ease discomfort and improve the way you move. Here’s what they actually do.

1. Support That Actually Helps

Flat feet can mess with how you walk. Your arches collapse, and your feet roll inward. This puts pressure where it doesn’t belong—like your heels or lower back. Orthotics step in to fix that. They hold your feet in a better spot, giving you more balance.

2. Straighten Things Out

When your feet aren’t lined up, the rest of you feels it. Your knees, hips, and back all start to complain. A good pair of orthotics can help realign everything from the ground up. They keep your heel steady and your ankle upright. That small fix can change the way your whole body moves.

3. Easier Movement

Walking or standing for too long with flat feet can be tiring. Your legs might ache. Orthotics reduce that fatigue by helping your feet move more naturally. You’ll feel lighter on your feet—literally.

What to Look for in a Good Pair of Orthotics

Picking the right orthotics makes a huge difference. Here’s what to look for:

Arch Support

• Flat feet need solid arch support. That helps stop the foot from rolling in too much. Brands like Tread Labs design their insoles with this in mind—they’re firm, comfy, and do the job well.

 Heel Comfort

• Your heels bear the full weight of your body during walking activities. A deep heel cup with soft padding can help. The deep heel cup with soft padding functions to absorb shock while maintaining heel stability.

Good Materials

• Breathable fabrics matter. The materials help your feet stay cool while reducing sweat production. Foam and gel options are also great—they add cushion without feeling bulky.

 Fits Your Shoes

• Orthotics need to enter your shoes without disrupting the existing fit. They should feel like they belong there. Select orthotics based on your lifestyle needs because they exist for running and work boots.

Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Orthotics

The selection of proper support becomes essential for individuals who have flat feet. The two primary options for support are custom orthotics and store-bought orthotics, which are also known as over-the-counter or  OTC. Let’s break down the difference in plain terms:

How to Choose

Custom orthotics are made after a close check of how you walk and where it hurts. They’re great if your feet are in pain all the time or if you have something serious going on. Store-bought ones are easier to get. They cost less and help with mild foot pain or soreness from standing too long. Your pick depends on what your feet need, how bad the pain is, and how much support you want.

How to Pick the Right Orthotics for You

Choosing the right orthotics isn’t just about grabbing a pair off the shelf. You’ve got to think about your feet, how active you are, and the kind of shoes you wear every day.

Know Your Feet

Not all flat feet are the same. Some people have arches that show up when they lift their foot. That’s called flexible flat feet. Others have no arch at all, even when they’re sitting. That’s rigid flat feet.

Flat feet can cause your foot to roll inward when you walk. This is called overpronation, and it can lead to sore feet, knees, or even back pain. A podiatrist can watch how you walk and help you figure out what’s really going on.

Think About Your Daily Routine

What you do all day plays a big part in what type of orthotics you need.

• If you run or play sports: Pick something that absorbs shock and keeps your foot steady.

• On your feet all day? Go for soft, cushioned support that helps fight off fatigue.

• Mostly walking around casually? You’ll want flexible, all-purpose support that still feels good.

When your orthotics match your lifestyle, everything feels better.

Make Sure They Work With Your Shoes

Not every orthotic fits into every shoe. So before you buy, ask yourself:

• Is the shoe roomy enough? Big, bulky orthotics might not fit in slim shoes.
  
  

• Can you take out the insole? That makes it easier to slide in your new pair.
  
  

• What kind of shoes do you wear most? Some orthotics are made for sneakers. Others work better with boots or dress shoes.

If your orthotics don’t fit your shoes, they won’t help much. Comfort depends on a good match between your foot, the orthotic, and your shoe.

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. Stride Soles Custom Orthotics – Best Overall

If you’re looking for something truly made for your feet, Stride Soles is the way to go. These orthotics are designed just for you. All you need is a phone. You use the app to scan your feet and walk around a bit. The app tracks how you move and sends the info to their team.

Once they have your data, they build your insoles in Germany. They use strong bases for support and soft layers for comfort. The top is made with smooth vegan leather. It feels great and holds up well.

Many people say their foot pain went down after wearing these. Some even said they felt more stable while walking. It’s a good choice if you want something that works with almost any shoe.

Pros:

• Made just for you using foot scans and movement data

• Strong and comfy materials

• Can fit in many types of shoes

• You get 180 days to try them with a full money-back promise

• Cheaper than most custom options

Cons:

• You have to wait 2–3 weeks for them to arrive

• Your feet may need a little time to adjust

Price Range: $137 for one pair. Buy more, and you get a discount.

Ideal Use Case: Best choice for daily use

2. PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Support Insoles – Best for Runners

These insoles best serve those people who are runners or athletes. If you're someone who is active and on your feet, PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx can help. They give you more support and extra comfort during workouts or speedy movement.

Each insole has two layers of soft padding to absorb shock. The arch is firm, which helps keep your foot steady. The heel area has a special shape that adds more control when you move.

These work well for runners, gym sessions, or any high-impact activity. Many people say their feet feel less tired after long runs or workouts. If you want to avoid foot pain, these are a solid option.

Why people like them:

• Cushions each step

• Firm arch support for better balance

• Heel shape helps with steady movement

Cons:

• May not fit well in tighter shoes

• Can take a few days for your feet to adjust

Price: Usually around $40 to $50

Best for: Runners, gym-goers, and anyone with an active lifestyle

3. Upstep Custom Orthotics – Best Custom Orthotic

If you want something made just for your feet, Upstep is worth a look. You start by scanning your feet at home. Their team uses that scan to build insoles shaped just for you.

These are a good match for people with flat feet, heel pain, or plantar fasciitis. Since they’re custom-made, they offer a better fit than most off-the-shelf options. You’ll likely feel more support and comfort with each step.

Pros:

• Built to match your own foot needs

• Helps with specific foot issues like arch pain

• Made from quality materials that last a long time

Cons:

• Costs more than most basic insoles

• Takes extra time to make and ship since each pair is custom

Price Range: Usually between $200 and $300

Ideal Use: People who want a personalized insole to help with foot problems

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

Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit insoles are a quick and easy option for daily comfort. You can find them in many stores. Just step on the in-store kiosk, and it tells you which insert to get based on how you stand and move. These insoles have light arch support and soft padding. They’re great if you're on your feet a lot or just want more comfort in your everyday shoes. Since they’re not full-length, they fit into most types of shoes without trouble.

Pros:

• Easy to find in stores

• Kiosk gives a personal fit in minutes

• Works with lots of different shoes

Cons:

• Not as custom as what a foot doctor might give you

• Might not help with serious foot pain

Price Range: Usually around $50 to $70

Ideal Use Case: People looking for comfy, everyday support

5. Spenco RX Comfort Insoles as Best Budget Option

If you want simple comfort without spending much, Spenco RX Comfort insoles are a solid pick. They’re light, soft, and slip into most shoes without a fuss. These insoles work well for short walks or if you're on your feet now and then.

People like them because they’re cheap, comfy, and don’t make shoes feel tight. They’re not fancy, but they do the job for basic support.

Pros:

• Super light and comfy

• Easy on the wallet

• Fit in most shoes without squeezing your feet

Cons:

• Not great for people with serious foot pain

• Might wear out fast if you use them all day

Price: Usually between $15 and $25

Best for: People who need affordable support for light use

Final Thoughts

The use of good orthotics has made a significant difference in my life since I developed flat feet several years ago. Orthotics do not solve every problem, but they do improve the process of walking and standing. The effectiveness of orthotics varies between individuals because what works for one person may not work for another. Some people require custom insoles, but others can use standard store-bought insoles. The choice between orthotics depends on how your feet feel and what type of shoes you wear. Test different options by walking while wearing them to observe how your body responds. The correct fit will make you realize how you managed to walk without them before. A small adjustment will bring gratitude from your feet.