Best Orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis: A Comprehensive 2025 Guide

Studies have shown that plantar fasciitis will befall 10% of all humans will have it at some point in their lifetime. At least 2 million Americans are said to be treated for this condition every year and one of the most common ways for treating it is with the use of the right orthotics. As a result, people suffering from plantar fasciitis are always trying to find the right orthotics for their condition

To address this issue, in this review we will be looking at some of the best orthotics for plantar fasciitis. We will look at these products based on different needs to ensure that everyone can find one that will suit their unique need.

But before we proceed, we will start from the very beginning by asking and answering the question – what is plantar fasciitis?

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that results from the inflammation or irritation of the plantar fascia. This is the tissue under the foot that connects the heels to the toes. Acting, both as a shock absorber and a support, this tissue performs in a spring-like manner when you walk, propelling you forward.

With constant use, this tissue begins to show signs of wear and tear which can include tiny tears, loss of elasticity or general loss of resilience. This will often result in pains mostly in the heel area.

Do I Have Plantar Fasciitis?

To know whether or not one has plantar fasciitis without visiting a podiatrist, it is important to pay attention to certain details. The first thing to note is if the pain appears to be worse in the morning and then slowly eases off as the day goes on.

Check to see if it also worsens when you've been sitting for a long time and then eases off if you move around for a bit. If you stay on your feet for a long while, does the pain and discomfort begin to get worse?

Other things to look out for include:

·         Feeling of tenderness or pain in the arch or heel

·         Increased discomfort when you are on your feet for extended periods or when you are climbing the stairs

·         A feeling of stiffness in your foot. This may be more pronounced after your foot has been at rest for a while.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you may have plantar fasciitis. Given that other conditions like Achilles tendonitis and heel spurs can have similar symptoms, only a proper check by a qualified doctor can confirm that it is indeed plantar fasciitis. This check might be just a physical examination or may include some form of imaging like an x-ray.

While you may not be able to diagnose the condition effectively, knowing these symptoms will come in handy when you talk with your podiatrist.

How Do Orthotics Help with Plantar Fasciitis?

Why are people looking to orthotics to fix this issue for them? How does orthotics help in the treatment and management of plantar fasciitis?

Let's begin by explaining the core functions of orthotics. It offers a cushioning effect that helps spread the weight of the body evenly across the foot. This reduces the pressure that would have been exerted more on one part than the other. In addition to this, it also helps provide better alignment and arch support.

From these functions of orthotics, you can immediately see how it can help fix the underlying issue which is increased stress on the plantar fascia. So, orthotics basically does the following to help with plantar fasciitis:

·         Shock Absorption - The right orthotics will absorb the shock of the impact of the body's weight on the foot. In doing so, it automatically reduces the stress on the heels, which is often the first part to hit the ground when you walk.

·         Relief from Pain - With the plantar fascia already inflamed or sore, the cushioning effect that the right orthotics will offer will reduce pressure on the tissue, reducing the pain in the process.

·         Better Alignment - Poor alignment will always lead to either overpronation or supination. Either of these will affect the foot's biomechanics, resulting in imbalance and increased pressure on certain parts of the feet. By correcting this alignment issue, balance is restored and the pressure is spread evenly.

·         Prevention - Continued use of the right orthotics can ensure proper balance and alignment, preventing an occurrenceof the above listed symptoms.

Key Features of a Good Orthotic for Plantar Fasciitis

Not all types of orthotics will give the results we listed in the previous section. You can only get these outcomes if you use a good orthotics for plantar fasciitis.

The major features to look out for when choosing orthotics for plantar fasciitis include:

·         Adequate Arch Support - Ensure that contour of the arch support matches your foot perfectly. This is critical for preventing overstretching in the plantar fascia.

·         Cushioning - You need ample cushioning that's however not soggy soft. You should therefore look for something with Eva foam or dual layers to have the right amount of supportive cushioning.

·         Heel Cup - The heel cup should be deep enough to provide proper stabilization for the heel. This will also ensure that the fat pad is well-centered, improving shock absorption.

·         Fit - Getting the right fit is critical. What you get must fit nicely into your shoes. It doesn't matter if it is a full-length or 3/4 length type.

·         Breathability - Choose options that use fabric with moisture-wicking and antimicrobial properties. This will ensure that your feet stay dry and free of bad odor.

·         Durability - You want something made with good quality material. Examples of materials to look for include firm foam or polypropylene. Aside from serving you well, good materials also mean that they will last for long.

Finally, it also helps to look for products that have the endorsement of organizations like the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). You can also ask your podiatrist for recommendations.

Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Orthotics (OTC)

Custom orthotics are specially designed and made based on the specific needs of a patient. Assessments are carried out and measurements taken before they are made. This is different from over-the-counter (OTC) variations which are basically mass-produced without any specific person in mind.

We will compare these two in a table.

Custom Orthotics

Over-the-Counter Orthotics

They are person-specific, made to fit a specific individual, for a specific purpose

They are generic in design and mass produced for general purpose use

They offer better support because of the precision of the design

They offer general support and may not be the right fit for many users

They are ideal for serious cases

They are better for mild cases

They are expensive, costing between $130 to $500

They are affordable and can be gotten for as little as $20

You cannot get these immediately as they have to be produced based on your specifications

These can be gotten immediately across the counter or online.

Most people, especially those with mild symptoms, usually start with over-the-counter options. They only go for custom orthotics if the OTC ones do not solve the problem.

How to Choose the Right Orthotic for You

Choosing the orthotics that is right for you requires that you consider a number of factors. This will apply mainly for those who want to get theirs over-the-counter. If you are getting custom-made ones, your podiatrist will determine which is best for you.

So, to get the right orthotics, you need to take the following into consideration:

·         Arch Type – This is an important factor to consider as it will determine how effective your choice will be. You need to find out if you have a high, medium or low arch type. You can find out your arch type through a simple wet foot test.

·         Shoe Compatibility – Obviously, whatever orthotics you choose has to be the right fit for the type of shoe you wear. For dress shoes, you can go for ¾ length while for shoes with removable liners, you can go for the full length type.

·         Type and Level of Activity – The type of activity you engage in will determine the type of orthotics you should go for. If you spend a lot of time on your feet, you should be going for thick ones that provide maximum cushioning. If however you are actively moving or running, then you may be better off with a more flexible type that can also absorb shock efficiently.

After considering all of the above, you should also look for sellers that offer trial periods. This will give you the opportunity to really confirm if your choice is the right one.

Best Orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis (Top Picks)

Having discussed all of the above, we will now be making some recommendations. We will recommend 5 products, listing them based on the following factors:

·         Overall best

·         Best for runners

·         Best custom orthotics

·         Best for everyday use

·         Best budget option

5. PowerStep Pinnacle Low Arch Insoles – Best Budget Option

The PowerStep Pinnacle Low insole is atop-rated full-length orthotic carefully designed for low arch and flat feet. It offers great low arch support and a deep heel cup that efficiently stabilizes theheel while the dual cushioning provided by the EVA foam base and foam top ensures comfortable cushioning.

This insole comes highly recommended by podiatrists and is also approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Given its semi-rigid shell, you get to enjoy a well-balanced mix of stability and flexibility. This feature makes it ideal in a wide range of situations.

Pros

·         Balances flexibility with enough rigidity to offer both comfort and stability.

·         Great arch and heel support

·         Offers dual-layer cushioning for increased comfort and durability

·       Featurea heat, friction and perspiration reducing top fabric for an odor-free experience

·         Will easily fit most shoes with removable insoles

Cons

·         May needa short break in period

·         Not ideal for persons with high arch

Price Range: $40 - $50

Ideal Use Case

It can be used as an everyday wear for folks with flat feet or mild to moderate cases of plantar fasciitis. It should be worn with casual shoes and work boots.

 

4. Superfeet All-Purpose Support Low Arch Insoles – Best for Runners

This low arch insole is designed to offer support for a wide range of use cases. Made specifically for low arch support, runners will enjoy the stability and shock absorption it offers. It's quite lightweight and flexible, with a deep heel cup and high-density foam that improves stability and shock absorption. With its thin profile, it will fit nicely in tight-fitting footwear, even some without removable insoles.

Pros

·         Lightweight and flexible, making it ideal for runners

·         Good shock absorption and stability

·         Can be trimmed to fit a wide range of users

·         Will fit in tight-fitting footwear

·         Offers odor control for reduced foot odor

Cons

·         The thin profile will not be suitable for extended periods of standing

·        Cost more than the average over-the-counter orthotics

Price Range: $50 - $60

Ideal Use Case

It’s best for runners or athletes with low arch who want supportive orthotics that are lightweight and can easily fit into their athletic shoes.

 

3. Upstep Plantar Fasciitis Custom Orthotics – Best Custom Orthotics

This orthotics is completely tailored to your needs. Following a process of assessment that you will complete entirely from the comfort of your home, professional podiatrists design the exact solution that your feet require. You will end up getting orthotics that will offer a complete solution to any underlying issues.

Pros

·         180-day full money-back guarantee

·         Free shipping

·         Complete home process

·         Custom fit for any arch type and foot condition

·         FSA/HSA Eligible

Cons

·         Cost way more than OTC options

·         It can take over two weeks to get to you

Price Range: $150 - $250

Idea Use Case

This is best for patients with serious cases of plantar fasciitis, requiring custom-made solutions.

 

2. Tread Labs Pace Insoles – Best for Everyday Use

Tread Labs Pace Insoles are designed to alleviate the pain and discomfort of those suffering from plantar fasciitis. They are also helpful for people with severe overpronation. Combining an extra firm medical-grade support with support for four arch types (low, mid, high, extra high) and a deep heel cup, these insoles increase shock absorption, stability and balance. The result of all of these is less pain and discomfort.

Pros

·         Semi-custom with support for low,medium, high and extra high arch types

·         Extra firm medical-grade support

·         Two-part system with a replaceable top

·         A million-mile guarantee

·         APMA approved

Cons

·         More expensive than many OTC insoles

·         The extra firm medical-grade support may need some getting used to

Price Range: $65-$75

Ideal Use Case

It’s ideal for a wide range of everyday activities including walking, hiking, and running. Anyone dealing with overpronation or supination issues can use it.

 

1. Stride Soles Plantar Fasciitis Insoles – Best Overall

This German-crafted orthotics is custom-designed to fit the specific needs of each patient. This includes foot condition, types of shoes worn as well as lifestyle and activity level. It features a high-quality vegan leather top layer, a mid-layer that is foam cushioned and a base made of durable TPU. While not obviously the most affordable, for a custom-made orthotics that will deliver tailor-made solutions, it offers the most budget-friendly custom option.

Pros

·         Custom-made to address pain points and foot conditions

·         High-quality material

·         180-Day Money-Back Guarantee

·         Free shipping

·         HSA/FSA Eligible

Cons

·         Will take 2 to 3 weeks to be delivered

·         Costs more than most OTC options

Price Range: $137 to $250

Ideal Use Case

This is best for severe cases of plantar fasciitis that have not improved with the use of OTC orthotics.

Conclusion

Getting the right orthotics for plantar fasciitis can be a bit tricky. This is because no two cases are exactly the same. We’ve gone over a few things and even made some recommendations. However, remember that over-the-counter orthotics is better used for mild to moderate cases of plantar fasciitis. If what you are experiencing is quite serious or you’ve tried the OTCs without any improvement, then you may just have to go with the more expensive custom-made options.