Who makes the most comfortable insoles? An expert's guide

October 2, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), the average person takes between 8,000 and 10,000 steps per day, putting significant pressure on their feet. Knowing who makes the most comfortable insoles can make a world of difference for your daily well-being, transforming your walks, runs, and workdays.

Quick Summary

Several brands consistently receive high marks for comfort, with the best choice depending on individual foot mechanics and specific needs, such as arch support, cushioning, or pain relief. Top contenders include Dr. Scholl's, Superfeet, PowerStep, and SOLE, each offering unique features to maximize comfort for different activities and foot types.

Key Points

Top Contenders: Dr. Scholl's, Superfeet, PowerStep, and SOLE consistently rank high for comfort, though the best choice depends on individual needs.
Consider Your Needs: Comfort is subjective, so match the insole to your specific foot type (high arch, flat feet), activity level (standing, running), and pain points (plantar fasciitis).
Balance is Key: The most effective insoles provide a balance of cushioning for shock absorption and structured support for stability and proper alignment.
Specialized Options: For conditions like plantar fasciitis, look for targeted support features like deep heel cups and semi-rigid arches, as found in PowerStep and specific Dr. Scholl's models.
Start Simple: Begin by choosing a brand that aligns with your primary needs and is widely available, then progress to more specialized options if needed.
Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf: While custom orthotics offer the most precise fit, high-quality over-the-counter insoles from trusted brands can provide significant relief for many people.

Understanding the quest for comfortable insoles

Finding the perfect insole is a personal journey, as comfort is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Factors like foot type, activity level, and specific pain points—such as plantar fasciitis or flat feet—all influence which insole will feel the most comfortable to you. The insoles that work wonders for an athlete with a high arch may not provide the same relief for someone who stands all day with flat feet. Therefore, the key is to identify your unique needs before exploring the top brands.

Popular brands known for comfort

Several companies have established themselves as leaders in the insole market, offering products designed to address a wide range of comfort and support needs. The best options often balance cushioning with stability to reduce fatigue and pain.

Dr. Scholl's: A household name, Dr. Scholl's offers an extensive line of accessible insoles. Their Comfort and Energy Work Massaging Gel Insoles are particularly popular for those who spend long hours on their feet, utilizing a responsive gel to absorb shock and provide energy return with each step.

Superfeet: Known for their structured, durable design, Superfeet insoles offer more than just cushioning. Their products focus on biomechanical support, helping to align the foot and ankle to reduce stress on the entire body. The Superfeet All-Purpose Green is a favorite, providing a deep heel cup and firm support that many find exceptionally comfortable for high arches.

PowerStep: PowerStep is a podiatrist-approved brand that specializes in semi-rigid arch support to combat common foot issues like plantar fasciitis. Their Pinnacle Maxx Insoles are highly praised for motion control and superior arch support, offering a firm yet flexible feel that provides long-term comfort and stability.

SOLE: This brand is famous for its heat and wear-moldable footbeds, which adapt to your unique foot shape over time. Their SOLE Active line, including the Active Thick Custom Footbeds, offers robust cushioning and customizable support, making them a top choice for those with wider feet or who need extra room in their footwear.

Fulton: For those seeking eco-friendly options, Fulton crafts athletic insoles from durable cork and foam that naturally mold to your feet. Their unique approach provides custom-like comfort for all arch types, and their breathability keeps feet feeling fresh, even after hours of wear.

Choosing the right insole for your needs

To find the most comfortable insole, consider your specific activities and foot health concerns. Think about whether you need maximum cushioning for long walks, firm support for athletic training, or targeted relief for a specific condition.

For standing all day: Look for insoles with a combination of gel and memory foam for consistent cushioning. Dr. Scholl's Work Insoles or PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx are excellent options.
For running and high-impact sports: Opt for performance-oriented insoles that offer shock absorption and stability. Brands like Superfeet and PowerStep provide the firm support needed to prevent fatigue and injury.
For plantar fasciitis: A deep heel cup and strong, semi-rigid arch support are crucial. The PowerStep Pinnacle line and Dr. Scholl's Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Insoles are designed specifically for this condition.
For flat feet: Custom-moldable options like SOLE footbeds can provide tailored support that helps align the foot and correct overpronation. EasyFeet Black Onyx is also highly rated for flat feet.

Comparison of popular insoles


Feature	Dr. Scholl's Work Massaging Gel	Superfeet All-Purpose Green	PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx	SOLE Active Thick	Fulton The Athletic Insole
Best For	Standing/working all day	High arches, overall support	Plantar fasciitis, motion control	Wide feet, customizable fit	All arch types, eco-friendly
Cushioning	Responsive gel, massaging feel	Firm, supportive foam	Dual-layer foam, firm arch	Heat/wear-moldable EVA	Cork and foam
Support Type	Arch support, heel gel	Deep heel cup, firm arch	Semi-rigid arch support	Customizable arch support	Moldable arch support
Key Benefit	Reduces muscle fatigue	Improves biomechanical alignment	Controls overpronation	Custom fit and durability	Eco-friendly materials
Price	Affordable	Mid-range	Mid-range	Mid-range	Mid-range

The next step: how to find your fit

Beyond brand recognition, it's essential to understand how to properly select and fit your new insoles. Start by removing the existing insoles from your shoes. Then, use them as a template to trim your new insoles to the correct size. When trying them on, walk around for a few minutes to ensure they feel comfortable and supportive. There may be a short break-in period for more rigid, supportive insoles like those from Superfeet or PowerStep. Listen to your body and adjust as needed.

For those with chronic foot issues, consulting with a podiatrist is the best course of action. A foot health expert can provide a precise diagnosis and recommend the specific type of insole or orthotic that will offer the most effective relief.

For additional guidance on foot health, you can refer to authoritative sources like the American Podiatric Medical Association, which offers a wealth of information and resources for maintaining healthy feet.

Conclusion: Finding your perfect comfort

Ultimately, there is no single answer to who makes the most comfortable insoles, as the best choice is highly personal. Leading brands like Dr. Scholl's, Superfeet, PowerStep, and SOLE each offer specialized solutions for different foot types and activity levels. By assessing your individual needs and considering the unique features of these brands, you can find an insole that provides the ideal balance of cushioning, support, and pain relief, ensuring every step you take is a comfortable one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Scholl's generally focuses on universal cushioning and gel-based comfort, making them highly accessible and suitable for general fatigue. In contrast, Superfeet specializes in biomechanical support with a firmer structure designed to align the foot and ankle, which is ideal for correcting gait and managing specific foot problems.

Memory foam insoles offer excellent initial softness and cushioning that molds to your foot. However, they may lack the firm, structured support needed for long-term comfort, especially for activities that require stability or for individuals with conditions like plantar fasciitis. Combining memory foam with a supportive gel or a firm arch can offer the best of both worlds.

Determine your arch type by doing a 'wet test'—step on a piece of paper with a wet foot to see your footprint. High arches need more concentrated support, flat feet require insoles to correct overpronation, and neutral arches can benefit from a variety of supportive options. Brands like Superfeet and Currex offer different models tailored to specific arch types.

The lifespan of an insole depends on its materials, your activity level, and your body weight. For general, everyday use, many over-the-counter insoles last between 6 to 12 months. More durable, structured insoles from brands like Superfeet or PowerStep may last longer. A good rule of thumb is to replace them when you notice a decrease in cushioning or support.

Yes, by providing proper foot and arch support, comfortable insoles can correct poor alignment that often starts in the feet. This improved posture can alleviate stress on your knees, hips, and lower back. Brands like Superfeet are particularly noted for their ability to improve overall body alignment.

Higher-priced insoles from specialized brands often feature more advanced materials, superior support structures, and greater durability. For those with chronic pain or high-impact lifestyles, this investment can provide better long-term relief and performance. For basic comfort, many affordable options like Dr. Scholl's suffice.

To ensure a proper fit, remove the factory insoles from your shoes first. Place the old insole on top of the new one and use it as a guide to trim the new insole to size with scissors. Test the fit by inserting it into your shoe, ensuring it lies flat and doesn't bunch up.