Best Insoles For Standing All Day
- By George P.H.
I researched 20+ products; the Original Samurais are the best insoles for standing all day.
We co-wrote this article with our team doctor – Dr. Katherine Enes. You can see what she had to say in the buyer’s guide section. We tested insoles in-store and at home to find the best ones.
We picked the Samurai insoles for their cushioning, support and flexibility. With a deep heel cup, tapered midfoot and low profile, they keep the foot in place and fit most shoes. The orthotic is hidden between layers of softer foam and textile, making the insole breathable.
Other insole models excel at specific things. If you have plantar fasciitis, heel pain or another back-of-foot problem, the Spencos gel insole is best.
If you have a low-profile shoe, the Superfeet Premium Flexible Thin Insoles should be your go-to. They can fit dress shoes, flats and other low-profile footwear. They’re low-profile but provide strong support and cushioning.
Read on to find the best shoe insole product for your unique needs.
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Table of Contents
Best Insoles for Standing All Day
99/100
Our Score
The Original Samurai Insoles
The Original Samurai Insoles
Why this product?
Ensure excellent support for hours. Improve overall foot health and posture. Have a massaging effect. Fit every shoe size.
99/100
Our Score
The Original Samurai has orthotic support for the arches and a deep heel cup. It combines excellent cushioning, shock absorption and foot posture correction.
The insole is designed to help with heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and other foot problems – so it’s extra soft. This is the main reason it’s our #1 overall choice.
Testers report the insole keeps the heel firmly in place while “massaging” the midfoot. This improves foot posture, keeping the feet energized and the arch elevated. It also maintains your knees, hips, and back in their natural position.
Inside each Samurai insole is a flexible, bouncy core. We don’t recommend it for sports, but it’s perfect for standing and light activity. We like that the orthotic part is layered between foam and fabric. This improves breathability and cushioning.
The Samurai insole is size-specific rather than cut-down-to-size. You can wear the insole out of the box provided you buy the right size.
If you have foot problems, it could take a few hours for your feet to adjust to these insoles. The massaging effect can feel uncomfortable if you have tight foot muscles.
If you have very flat feet or need extra support, this model may not be supportive enough. Consider getting the Super-Padded Samurai Sumos. This version of the insole is designed for heavier people, flat feet and heavy-duty footwear.
Pros
- Minimize foot fatigue
- Help with a wide range of conditions
- Do not affect your posture
- Move with your feet (ideal for walking and the gym)
Cons
- Not for sports
- Take time for the feet to adjust
- Not suitable for flat feet or those who need extra support
Best Gel Insole for Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis
97/100
Our Score
Spenco Total Support Gel Shoe Insoles
Spenco Total Support Gel Shoe Insoles
Why this product?
Feature a unique cushioning system. They are durable, breathable, and excellent value-for-money.
97/100
Our Score
This insole is made of soft thermoplastic rubber (TPR). It has excellent cushioning and weight distribution. It also features a unique cushioning system we’ve never seen anywhere else.
This system has 3 orange pods through the heel and arch. These cushion the parts of the foot that absorb the most impact. Our testers said it makes for excellent heel cushioning.
The TPR rubber is durable. It’s perforated under the forefoot for breathability. The top cloth contains Silpure Antimicrobial to reduce foot odor.
This shoe supports the foot all over. It has an ergonomic shape that elevates the midfoot and helps it stay in place. It has a deep-ish heel cradle that sits well in most shoes and keeps the foot in place.
The metatarsal arch has a massaging effect on the mid-foot, improving foot posture while reducing fatigue.
This insert is excellent value-for-money. It’s supportive and well-cushioned. Note that the insert has a higher volume than images suggest. It is not the best choice for low-profile sneakers, dress shoes, etc.
Pros
- Excellent heel cushioning
- Durable TPR rubber
- Reduces foot odor
- Fits most shoes
- Improves foot posture and reduces foot fatique
Cons
- High volume (not the best for low-profile sneakers or dress shoes)
Best Insole for Dress Shoes
99/100
Our Score
Superfeet Black Flexible Thin Insoles
Superfeet Black Flexible Thin Insoles
Why this product?
Have a signature insole shape and a reinforced stabilizer cap that ensure extra cushion and stability. Designed to last and fit any shoe.
99/100
Our Score
Superfeet insoles are world-famous. Their standard Superfeet Green model didn’t make our list, but the low-profile Blacks did.
The Superfeet Black insoles provide stability and support through the whole foot. This improves posture through your legs, ankles and knee joints.
Each insole has a reinforced stabilizer cap to add extra cushion and stability for the rear half of your foot. There’s also a shallow heel cup to keep your foot in position as you walk, and to add some extra support.
By using a stabilizer cap to reinforce the shallow heel cup, this supportive insole saves lots of space. This is what lets the SF Black sole fit a dress shoe or a low athletic shoe easily.
The high-density foam at the core of this insole is closed-cell. It’s soft and designed to last for either a full year or 500 miles. The top cloth is anti-odor to prevent stinky feet.
These insoles are excellent for dress shoes. They’re also a good choice for running.
Pros
- Support for all areas of the foot
- Great for both dress and athletic shoes
- Durable and breathable
Cons
- Expensive
- Not ideal for runners (lack the durability and flexibility regular runners need)
Best Shoe Insert for Standing and Walking on Concrete
96/100
Our Score
Comfortlast Insoles
Comfortlast Insoles
Why this product?
Provide great support all day, feature both cushioned and supportive insoles, recommended for many conditions.
96/100
Our Score
Comfortlast insoles are the best option for standing and walking on concrete. They have a lot of cushioning and a high-volume shape that supports the foot well.
The top fabric reduces friction, which is perfect for long hours on your feet. It’s breathable and antimicrobial, meaning it prevents odors.
These insoles have thick Variable Cushioning Technology, which reduces impact and is reinforced in high-impact areas. There’s a gel section in the heel, which is perfect for walking.
Each insole has a contoured shape that fits close to your foot and supports your arches. These insoles help with heel pain, flat feet, and plenty of other foot ailments.
These insoles come in a range of sizes, so there’s no need to trim them to fit in different shoes. You can easily transfer them between different pairs; they don’t get stuck like some other models do. They should not be used for severely flat feet and moderate overpronation.
Pros
- Absorb standing and walking impact
- Help with heel and knee pain, flat feet, and more
- Come in every size
Cons
- Not for sports
- Not for severely flat feet and moderate over pronation
Best Premium Orthotic Insole for Standing All Day
99/100
Our Score
Birkenstock Birko Balance Arch Support
Birkenstock Birko Balance Arch Support
Why this product?
Let you stay on your feet for hours, have a “memory” effect, made of natural cork.
99/100
Our Score
These aftermarket insoles have the kind of corrective, supportive effect you get from a custom insole. They align your feet properly and support the longitudinal, medial and metatarsal arches.
This lets you stay on your feet for hours at a time without getting tired. It also gives your ankles, knees and hips better posture. This reduces the load on your body as you stand and walk.
Overall, the Birko Balance is one of the most supportive models in this review. It combines a high-volume heel and midfoot area with a half-sole design. This means it gives you strong support without taking up too much space.
The half-sole build also means your shoes stay flexible and your foot – mobile. The sole is mostly cork with a thin leather overlay. It’s sturdy and light, molding to your foot over time – just like a memory EVA foam sole.
It’s highly breathable and perforated for underfoot ventilation. It doesn’t provide much cushioning, but you won’t need it. With these on, your feet will do all the cushioning on their own. Since this is natural cork, it lasts a lot longer than synthetic alternatives.
We do not recommend these for sports. We wouldn’t want that firm cork underfoot as we run. It feels like it can lead to a shin splint or heel pain easily.
The biggest con is the high price point. Just remember that this is an easily removable insole. Its half-sole shape makes it easy to insert and remove if you want to use it for multiple shoes.
Pros
- One of the most supportive models out there
- Natural cork (molds to your foot over time, durable and eco-friendly)
- Fit any shoe
- Removable
Cons
- Pricey
- Not for sports
Best Budget Comfort Insole for all day standing
92/100
Our Score
Dr. Scholl's Work Insoles
Dr. Scholl's Work Insoles
Why this product?
Affordable everyday insoles that have great support combined with an ergonomic shape and sturdy build.
92/100
Our Score
This is the best budget insole for standing all day. It’s widely available in many pharmacies in the US and Europe. It’s specifically designed for people who have to stand and walk on hard surfaces.
The insole has massaging gel in a multi-layered wave shape. This absorbs shock well and massages your heel and midfoot. It also massages the mid-foot as you walk, reducing foot fatigue.
There’s lighter cushioning at forefront of the shoe, which our testers liked. Each insole has cooling vents for breathability.
The shoe has a deep heel cup and side support through the heel and midfoot areas. Combined with its ergonomic shape and sturdy build, it supports the foot well. Not something we expected from a sole at this price point.
The low price point makes these a good option for anyone who goes through insoles quickly. This insole needs to be trimmed according to size. We suggest you use your original insole as a cutting guide.
Dr. Scholls offers plenty of variants of this insole. There are options for big and tall men, sports, and more.
Pros
- Inexpensive and available in pharmacies
- Immediate relief
- Great support for the foot
Cons
- Not for sports
- Not as durable as other models
Best Insole for Standing in Boots All Day
94/100
Our Score
Timberland PRO Men's Insole
Timberland PRO Men's Insole
Why this product?
Designed for work boots, these insoles are inexpensive but tough, supportive and well-cushioned.
94/100
Our Score
Timberland PRO insoles are specifically designed for work boots. They absorb shock and improve foot posture to help you go through long days of standing.
They use a special, lightweight Ortholite cone foam material. The cones provide shock absorption and energy return, especially at high-impact areas of your foot.
They have light cushioning to improve the foot feel of your boots. They have light support to stop your feet from going flat by the end of the day.
Consumers also report this foam is highly durable thanks to this firmness. This is something you want because boots can wear through regular soles fast.
The footbed does a solid job of promoting natural gait and foot positioning. It’s flexible enough to let your feet move naturally as you move.
The main downside to these insoles is that they don’t have any kind of mesh or vents for breathability. Other than that, we like them. They’re also inexpensive given their overall quality.
Pros
- Prevent sore, tired feet
- Durable foam
- Low-volume and good support
- Budget option
Cons
- Not very breathable
Best insoles for running and standing on concrete
99/100
Our Score
CURREX RUNPRO
CURREX RUNPRO
Why this product?
Ideal for regular runners, fit any arch height, ensure great support and cushioning, built to last.
99/100
Our Score
The CURREX RUNPROs are the best insoles for a running shoe. That’s not just my opinion; these came in first in a University of Cologne study.
The foamy material that makes up most of the sole is unique. It has larger air cells in the rear and smaller ones under the forefoot. This design gives the heel and midfoot more cushioning and support.
The shoe is available in three different versions; one for each kind of arch. The blue is for high arches, the orange – medium arches, the red – low arches. This means you can get support to match your foot shape.
The heel area has a gel-like circular onlay. This improves shock absorption without adding thickness to the insole. Helpful for plantar fasciitis, heel pain and mid-foot pain.
The forefoot has a similar pad that’s more rubbery than gel-like. It provides cushioning and keeps the sole in place. This is nice, because many a shoe insert will slide under the forefoot.
The mid-foot is reinforced with a firmer white onlay. This appears to provide extra arch support without reducing flexibility. Consumers say it also contributes to the insole’s durability.
Pros
- Unique foamy material gives extra cushioning
- Three different versions
- Gel-like circular onlay
- Great arch support and flexibility
Cons
- Not versatile
Best standing insole with metatarsal pad
95/100
Our Score
PowerStep Pinnacle Plus Insoles
PowerStep Pinnacle Plus Insoles
Why this product?
Feature built-in metatarsal pads, fit most shoes, keep the feet energized for hours and provide extra cushioning to the heel and mid-foot.
95/100
Our Score
We tested 3 metatarsal pad products for this article. We were not impressed. It’s better to get a quality sole with built-in pads – like this PowerStep product.
This insole has a quality metatarsal pad. It spreads and cushions the metatarsals, alleviating the symptoms of metatarsalgia, morton’s neuroma, etc. The pad is durable and firm. Consumers say it lasts for up to 6 months before showing signs of flattening.
It’s not as high as standalone pads, but this isn’t a bad thing. It means the orthotic can fit into most shoes. Maybe not dress shoes and low-profile sneakers, but that’s about it.
The rest of the insole is well-made. It features a deep heel cradle that keeps the foot firmly in place. It has moderate arch support that keeps the foot energized and pain-free through hours of standing. It molds to your foot over time.
The insole features Variable Cushioning Technology, which gives more cushioning to the heel and mid-foot. The only downside to the sole is the price point.
Pros
- A quality metatarsal pad
- Durable
- Mold to your foot over time
- Variable Cushioning Technology
Cons
- Expensive
Best insoles for standing in cold weather
98/100
Our Score
Superfeet merinoGREY Winter Shoe Insoles
Superfeet merinoGREY Winter Shoe Insoles
Why this product?
Made with high-quality Merino wool, have an antibacterial coating, excellent heel support, and a “memory” effect.
98/100
Our Score
This is another pair of Superfeet insoles best for autumn and winter. It has plush, warming Merino wool lining. Below the lining is high-density foam that cushions your feet and provides support.
The Merino wool is high-quality. It’s soft, moisture-wicking and doesn’t chafe or ruin your socks. There’s a natural coating over the top layer to kill odor-causing bacteria.
On the underside of this insole, there’s a stabilizer cap to support the heel. This gives you the kind of heel stability you’d expect from a deeper heel cup. It allows for a deeper heel cup and supports the foam section. This makes the product stable and durable.
The foam itself is tough and high-density, with closed cells. It molds to your foot over time, making the insole more comfortable with age. These have the signature Superfeet ergonomic, supportive contour to keep your feet stable.
Pros
- Merino wool wicks moisture and keeps you warm
- Stable and durable
- Mold to your feet over time
Cons
- Expensive
- Only for cold weather
Buying Guide
Here are some of the most important features to look for when you’re buying insoles.
Cushioning
When you’re standing on hard floors all day, your feet feel the effects. Hard surfaces make the problem even worse.
Insoles with a lot of cushioning are a great way to protect your feet from the pressure. Most insoles come with layers of foam and gel for cushioning. Some are very soft, and others are aimed more at providing support.
If you want an extra cushioning boost, look for insoles with special inserts at high-impact areas of your foot, like at the heel. Some options even include inserts at the front of the foot, at the metatarsals.
Weight distribution
It’s hard being on your feet all day, and uneven weight distribution can cause a lot of foot pain. When your weight is unevenly distributed, it affects the rest of your body posture, and it can even cause problems with the joints at your knees and hips.
Uneven weight distribution can also cause heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and other foot issues. Great insoles will be molded to encourage good foot posture, proper alignment, and even weight distribution. Look for insoles that provide a solid foundation for your feet and address foot pain at the root cause.
Arch support
If you’re standing all day, your arch can face a lot of stress. If your arches aren’t properly supported, you may end up with fallen arches, overpronation, pain, and other issues.
Arch support is important, and there are plenty of insoles that address the lack of it. Look for insoles that advertise good arch support and an ergonomic shape that molds to your foot. A deep heel cup and some rigidity to the midsole are other helpful features. The best orthotic insoles will include a ridge to separate your toes from the rest of your foot, keeping everything in place.
Breathability and Odor Control
These two factors are important in any shoe, especially when you will be standing or walking all day. You want to avoid insoles that can trap heat and moisture inside your shoe.
Natural materials like cork and leather are breathable, but synthetic insoles should also offer solutions for this issue.
Look for insoles with mesh, ventilation holes, and breathable fabric to keep air moving through. They may also have antibacterial fabric linings, to kill off odor-causing bacteria. These features can do a lot to improve comfort.
As a quick fix, you can always use a handy shoe deodorizer. If you feel your feet getting slightly funky, just spray it on and you’re ready to go.
Durability
Insoles don’t last forever. As you wear them, the cushioning gets compressed and the supportive elements wear down. Once they wear out, they stop adding any extra cushioning or support to your feet, and they need to be replaced.
The best insoles have some durability to them, so you can keep wearing them for as long as possible and get your money’s worth. Orthotic options with multiple layers of cushion and gel pads can last longer. Durable materials like cork are another feature to look for. If you need lots of cushioning, look for a combination of durable materials with lots of soft overlays.
Shape and size
The size and shape of your insole matters. A poorly-fitting replacement insole can be uncomfortable, and it won’t work the way it should.
Choose insoles that suit each shoe. The width and thickness of each insole is an important consideration. A bulky insole can make your shoes feel too tight, so make sure you only use thick insoles with shoes that have a little extra room around the toes.
High-quality replacement insoles tend to be available on a size-by-size basis, instead of in size ranges. With other insoles, you’ll probably have to do some trimming.
How do I cut my insoles to size?
Easy. Just take the shoe’s original insole and use it as a cutting guide. This way, your new sole will fit into your shoe. Alternatively, you can get premium insoles easily adjustable to your shoe size. This way, if you accidentally purchase too big shoes for yourself, you can still make them fit.
In Closing...
The Original Samurai Insoles are the best addition to your shoes if you stand all day. These insoles are versatile, available in a wide range of sizes, and incredibly cushioned to keep your feet comfortable.
They also have a unique biomechanically designed shape that provides excellent support for your arches and the rest of your foot. Because these insoles correct your foot posture, they also reduce the strain on your legs.
If you’re on your feet all day, add these insoles to your shoes for pain relief and foot support.
You can buy The Original Samurai Insoles from Amazon via this link.
Writer:
George P.H.
