Best Insoles for Gout

Are you considering custom orthotics for gout? Have you recently observed any swelling, redness, or unbearable pain in your joints, especially around the big toe? If yes, then it is time to get your uric acid levels checked and consult a podiatrist/ medical practitioner for an integrated approach for gout treatment!

While its management requires proper medications, your doctor would also recommend diet adjustments and insoles for gout to ensure speedy relief. These inserts take off biomechanical pressure from the sensitive feet to provide long-term benefits. Gradually, you will experience an increased range of motion and slower progression of gouty arthritis or other related conditions. 

Things to Consider for insoles for Gout

Gout or gouty arthritis is not completely curable. However, early detection and the right management are very effective in reducing flares. A few things to consider before buying insoles for gout are: 

• Consult a Podiatrist/Doctor: Since gout treatment requires a multifaceted approach, it's best to consult a doctor or a qualified podiatrist whether using insoles would be a good option for you. Your podiatrist will examine your feet, ankle, knee, hip, and gait to recommend compatible inserts. 

•  Right Shoes: Always wear comfortable shoes, preferably with a wider toe box, good support, and adequate cushioning. This will assist in improving overall foot function. Good shoes/insoles minimize stress on vulnerable areas, such as the big toe, feet, and ankle. You can also wear custom-made insoles with sandals or slippers for better comfort. 

• Integrated Treatment(s): Besides using insoles, your doctor would recommend pain-relief medications for reducing inflammation and corticosteroids to reduce gout flare-ups. You would also be required to make certain diet changes to improve kidney function and lower uric acid levels.   

Remember that while off-the-shelf options are less expensive, custom-made insoles for gout provide better relief by personalizing requirements according to your foot condition. This ensures faster results and minimizes risks associated with incompatibility. 

How We Test

To find the best insoles for gout, the top features considered were: 

• Extra cushioning for the base of the big toe.
• Support to the joints. 
• Pain relief. 
• Ability to accommodate shoes with wide-toe boxes. 
• Gait improvement, and 
• Maximum shock absorption. 

20 patients diagnosed with gout were selected for this test. A total test time of 5300+ hours was conducted over 2 months for 23 shortlisted insoles.  

Without further ado, here are the 5 Best Insoles for Gout: 

#1 Overall Best Custom Orthotics: Stride Soles 

At the top of our list is Stride Soles custom orthotics. They are a unique insole brand that takes the same customization and personal touch you'll get at a podiatry office, but they bring it home. The key is their easy to use iOS/Android app where you scan your feet and complete a gait analysis, just like in the doctors office. The orthotics are then made in Germany, a well known location for orthotic innovation. 

We really liked Stride Soles for Gout because it takes pressure off the big toe joint through offsetting valleys within the orthotic. This allows the big toe to essentially move freely, even while in the middle of gait. Additionally, with the 3D scanning, each insole is made exactly to your foot shape. 

Pros

• ✅ Redestributes pressure off the big toe joint
• ✅ Custom Fit and 3D printed Orthotic
• ✅ 2MM EVA Foam is very effective at reducing shock
• ✅ Reviewed by Podiatrists
  

Cons

• ❌ Not as cheap as other options

Key Specs

• Special features: Deep Heel Cup, Custom Shaped Arch Support, Custom to Any shoe type
• Arch Type: Custom to foot shape
• Sizes: All 
• Material: EVA Foam, Vegan Leather, TPU Plastic
• Price: $199

#2: Powerstep Pinnacle Wide Fit Insoles

To top our list, we have the Powerstep Pinnacle Wide Fit insoles. During trials, these insoles relieved foot pain in 90% of our testers - all thanks to its unique design that subtly controls gait and alters muscle activity. It also features an ‘extra wide’ profile with a clinically effective arch support, which works synergistically to reduce foot stress during gout attacks. Additionally, the Powerstep Pinnacle performs exceptionally well on rough terrains. 

Key Specs

• Special features: Firm support shell. Prescription-like arch support. Wide profile. Dual-layer cushioning. Heel stability. 
• Arch Type: Neutral
• Sizes: Men (3 to 16+), Women (5 to 12). 
• Material: EVA, PU, Polyester. 
• Price: $41.05

Pros:

• ✅ Clinically proven to correct foot alignment, including mild pronation issues.
• ✅ Highly durable and supports body weight up to 300 lbs.  
• ✅ A large collection of size options available for men. 
• ✅ Supports speedy recovery. 

Cons:  

• ❌ Firmer than other options in the list. 
• ❌ May have sizing issues. 

#3: 10 Seconds 3030 Pressure Relief Insoles

The 10 Seconds 3030 Pressure Relief Insoles are good for someone who has gout pain near the big toe joint/ ball of the foot area. With metatarsal padding and a good airflow channel, these insoles are indeed very effective in controlling excess swelling, inflammation, or tenderness of the joints. To our biggest surprise, these also worked beyond expectation in three of our patients with uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, or arthritis.  

#4: EasyFeet Black Anti-fatigue insoles

If you are looking for a multipurpose insole that serves the triple benefits of - supporting long periods of standing, doing intense activities, and preventing conditions like gout and arthritis, then the EasyFeet Anti-fatigue Support insoles are worth the investment. Seven of our testers who had low to moderate levels of gout experienced instant pain relief with these insoles. It is especially built for those who develop gout pain due to long hours of standing. Also, it has a similar price as the inexpensive Dr. Scholl’s insoles. 

#5: Trustfeet Metatarsal Pain Relief A200 Insoles

The Trustfeet Metatarsal Pain Relief insoles work to provide complete foot comfort. If you have developed gout in the ball of the foot area, then these would provide excellent relief. It's best for someone who is overweight or has a poor gait. 

You can wear these to correct alignment issues like flat feet or overpronation. Gradually, the Trustfeet insoles would take control of your gout and help you effortlessly do everyday activities. Nonetheless, it also fights back issues like arthritis, foot callus, hammertoes, and obesity. 

Pros

• ✅ Provides the most optimized forefoot and rearfoot support.
• ✅ Wider than other options.
• ✅ Can be used with high heels, sports shoes, and all other types of footwear.
• ✅ Best bet for overweight individuals with gout and pain in the ball of the foot, heel, or metatarsals.
• ✅ Reduces risk of injuries.

Cons

• ❌ Works best with only roomy footwear.

Key Specs

• Special features: 6-layered construction. Metatarsal pads. Heavy-duty semi-rigid arch support. Heel cradle for rearfoot control. Supports up to 300 lbs. body weight.
• Arch Type: High / Neutral
• Sizes: Men (4 to 14.5), Women (5.5 to 14)
• Material: EVA, Fabric, High-density TLMC
• Price: $36.99