Do your insoles sometimes wear out before your shoes do? Maybe the ones they came with aren’t very comfortable. Why not treat your feet to some extra cushioning from the best memory foam insoles.
We’ll look at what memory foam is and how it can benefit your feet. We also share our top 5 picks of memory foam inserts.
Here our top 5 picks of the best memory foam shoe inserts and insoles
1. HappyStep Memory Foam Insoles
These insoles are made from high-density memory foam to support and cushion your feet. They have a deep heel cup for stability, and some arch support. The insoles come in sizes to cover men and women’s feet and can be trimmed to fit.
- Happystep shoe inserts’ top is made of fine and smooth velvet which delivers softness and coziness to the skin of your feet; the bottom sole is made of premium quality and high-density memory PU which uses the heat from your feet to soften and mold to your unique feet sole shape, and to provide customized support and comfort.
- Happystep full-length memory foam insoles provide orthopedic cushioned arch support and heel-to-toe cushioning while standing or in motion. They are ideal insoles for those who have foot problems like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, rigid steps, and high, weak, or fallen arches.
- Happystep memory foam insoles are designed as everyday-use shoe inserts that help with foot fatigue and relieve foot pain. They are best fit in footwear with removable insoles. It is recommended not to insert both the new insoles and the old insoles into the shoes as they would take too much room from your footwear. Your feet may feel too tight in the shoes.
- Cut to your own size: please follow the sizing instruction on the insoles package to trim your insoles for the best fit.
- 100% Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed! All Happystep Insoles are backed by our 30-day money-back guarantee. If the insoles do not work for you, please let us know. We will issue you a full refund.
2. Powerstep Memory Foam Shoe Insoles
Powerstep brings us slow recovery memory foam shoe inserts which mold to the shape of your feet. They help relieve pressure. A semi-rigid arch supports your feet, and a deep heel cup keeps them stable in your shoes. Additional cushioning comes from an EVA foam base.
- THE POWERSTEP PAIN FREE LIFE. Now is the time to step into a pain free life again. Our mission and purpose at PowerStep are to create a more comfortable and happier life for our customers. Our arch support insoles for women and men are Podiatrist designed and accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association. Each one of our insoles is designed with your specific foot pain relief in mind.
- Ideal for sensitive feet, pressure relief and fat pad atrophy/degeneration
3. Sof Sole Memory Plus Insole
Suitable for any shoes, these insoles give cushioning for up to 500,000 steps. The memory foam has a moisture-wicking layer to help keep feet dry and fresh. The trim-to-fit design is marked with different shoe sizes making them easy to customize.
- Sof Recall Memory Foam molds naturally to the foot for personalized comfort
- Flexible design fits into any shoe type
- Trim to fit any shoe size
- Perfect for low profile footwear
- Ideal for work, casual wear, and walking
- Premium memory foam molds naturally to the foot for personalized relief
- Flexible design fits into any shoe type
- Trim to fit any shoe size. Moisture wicking technology keeps feet dry
- Perfect for low profile footwear
- Ideal for work, casual wear, and walking
4. Dr. Scholl’s MEMORY FIT Insoles with Massaging Gel
Dr. Scholl is a well-known brand in the foot care market. These memory foam insoles with arch support have gel added to massage your feet as you walk. A firmer gel is placed in the heel and arch giving additional support. Cooling vents are incorporated to allow your feet to breathe.
- Dr. Scholl's Comfort And Energy Memory Fit Men's
- shoe insoles
- Men's Insole
5. MEGAComfort Anti-Fatigue Mat Insole
Megacomfort manufactures these memory foam insoles that are great for work boots. Ergonomically designed by a podiatrist, they have a patented dual-layer memory foam to cushion feet. There’s a contoured arch for support, and antimicrobial treatment and aeration holes for odor control and freshness.
- For maximum shock absorption and comfort in industrial footwear
- Original patented Dual Layer 100% memory foam technology
- Memory foam compresses for safe clearance in steel toe footwear
- Ergonomically designed by a Podiatrist
- Viable cost effective alternative to anti-fatigue floor matting for stationary, mobile and those who work outdoors
Reviews of the Best Memory Foam Insoles for arch support and work boots
Memory foam insoles can cushion your feet, molding to their shape for comfort and support as you walk. Here are our top 5 picks.
1. HappyStep Memory Foam Insoles
HappyStep is a trademarked product of Canadian-based Universal Electrical Supply Limited. Since 2011, they have produced several foot care items under this brand.
These memory foam inserts come in two colors, grey and green. The sizes are designed so you can cut them to perfectly fit your shoes. They range from a women’s 5 through to 14, and men’s 5 through to 15.
The soft memory foam rebounds to give support and cushioning for your feet. It’s high-density, making it more durable.
The heel cup is shaped to provide some stability, and it has a full arch shell to help with motion control. They are lightweight, so won’t make your shoes feel heavy.
The higher profile design might necessitate the removal of your shoes’ original insoles, to allow for enough room inside. The cushioning in the toes and forefoot might be a little thin for some.
Pros
- High-density memory foam.
- Shaped heel cup.
- Arch support.
- Wide range of sizes.
Cons
- Might take up too much room in your shoes if you leave the original insoles in.
- Cushioning in the forefoot might be lacking.
| These high-density memory foam insoles have a shaped heel cup and arch to give support. They come in a range of sizes for men and women and can be cut to fit. |
2. Powerstep Memory Foam Shoe Insoles
Powerstep was founded by a podiatrist in the early 1990s and makes a range of ready to wear insoles. This model is good for sensitive feet, giving pressure relief and protecting the fat pads in the ball and heel.
There are 10 sizes available. These range from a 6 through to 12 for women and a 4 through to 15 for men. Each size covers a size and a half.
For example, you can choose a 4 – 4.5, or a 7 – 7.5. This is great if you are usually between sizes.
The slow recovery memory foam cushions your feet while the encapsulated arch shell made from polypropylene gives support. The foam is double layered incorporating an EVA foam base, and contours to the shape of your feet.
The upper fabric aims to reduce friction and heat, helping eliminate the risk of blisters. An antimicrobial treatment keeps foot odor at bay.
While the memory foam layer provides added comfort for your feet, it does give these inserts a higher profile. This means they take up more room in your shoes. These might be more suitable for sneakers and work boots rather than dress shoes.
Pros
- Soft memory foam layer.
- Support from EVA foam.
- Contoured arch.
- Mold to your feet.
Cons
- High profile might not suit tighter fitting shoes.
| This memory foam insole has two layers and incorporates EVA and a supportive polypropylene arch shell. The uppers are friction-resistant and have an antimicrobial treatment. The wide range of sizes means they should not need trimming. |
3. Sof Sole Memory Plus Insole
Sof Sole is a leading foot care brand under the umbrella of Implus LLC based in Durham, North Carolina. They have been producing their range of footwear accessories for over 25 years.
This Memory Plus insole uses their proprietary Sof Recall memory foam which molds to the natural shape of your foot. It comes in one length with markers designating sizes from men’s 7 through to 13. You then trim them for a custom fit.
There is also a women’s version of this insole covering sizes from 5 through to 10.
The company advises that the insoles are good for up to 500,000 steps. They give plenty of cushioning providing comfort for your feet. A moisture-wicking upper layer helps keep you fresh and dry.
These insoles are flat and have no heel or arch support. They might be a good option for some extra padding in dress shoes.
You can also use them for filling in gaps in shoes or boots that are too big. They seem to come up a little on the narrow side for some.
Pros
- One size for men and another for women.
- Can be trimmed for a custom fit.
- Moisture-wicking upper layer.
- Contours to your feet.
Cons
- No heel or arch support.
- Might be too narrow for some shoes.
4. Dr. Scholl’s MEMORY FIT Insoles with Massaging Gel
The Dr. Scoll brand is recognized worldwide. They have been making inserts for shoes, in addition to other footwear products, for over 100 years.
These insoles combine the comfort of memory foam cushioning with massaging gel pockets. This helps to relieve foot and leg fatigue and discomfort.
There are two sizes available; one for men and one for women. The foot sizes range from an 8 through to 14 for men and a 6 through to 10 for women. They are designed to be cut to fit your shoes — you can use your existing insoles as a template.
Memory foam which is ultra-soft conforms to your shape for a custom fit. The gel in the ripple design of the heels and forefoot help absorb shock and return energy to your feet. They are thicker at the arches and heels to provide additional support and stability.
Cooling vents help air to circulate keeping your feet dry and fresh while the ripples help keep the inserts in place. These are low profile and suitable for dress shoes, heels and boots.
Some find these insoles a little hard to cut when adjusting the sizing. Wearing them without socks might not be advisable as they have small air holes which could rub the feet.
Pros
- Thick gel for support at arches and heels.
- Memory foam layer for cushioning.
- Cooling vents for airflow.
Cons
- Might be hard to cut to fit.
- Air holes could rub feet if you don’t wear socks.
| From the well-known Dr. Scholl brand, these insoles have massaging gel topped with memory foam. Harder pockets of gel are placed at the heels and arches for support. The memory foam conforms to your feet for cushioning and comfort. |
5. MEGAComfort Anti-Fatigue Mat Insole
The Megacomfort Personal Anti Fatigue Mat insoles are the brainchild of Dr. Kevan Orvitz. He is a podiatrist who spent time working on his feet in an assembly plant when he was in college. This insole is the company’s flagship product.
They come in men’s sizes 6 through to 15 and women’s sizes 5 through to 13. Based on the developer’s personal history, these insoles are designed to wear in an industrial setting. This makes them a great option for work boots.
They have a patented dual-layer of memory foam, giving cushioned shock absorption and comfort for your feet. The ergonomic design has a soft contoured arch for support. The bottom layer is ridged to help keep the insole in place.
The top cloth has silver ion antimicrobial technology, and there are aeration holes to regulate temperature. This keeps your feet from perspiring and also gives odor protection. These insoles are also machine washable.
On the downside, the top fabric layer could start peeling away after a month or so. Some also find the arches very high, especially if you don’t remove factory insoles before fitting these.
Pros
- Dual-layer memory foam.
- Arch support.
- Aerated to let feet breathe.
- Antimicrobial treatment.
Cons
- The fabric layer might lack quality.
- Arches could be too high for some.
| These inserts have been designed using memory foam as insoles for work boots. The dual-layer provides cushioning, and they include arch support. Aeration keeps things dry while an antimicrobial treatment helps prevent smelly feet. |
What is Memory Foam?
In recent years we have been accustomed to things like mattresses, pillows, and seating made from memory foam. In the overall scheme of things, it’s a relatively new material.
It was developed by NASA back in 1966 to help make astronauts more comfortable when they went into space. It was used to absorb shock and offer improved protection in their seats.
The original name was slow spring back foam because this is what it does. It molds to the contours of an object that places pressure on it. When the pressure is removed, it slowly springs back to its original shape.
You might also see it referred to as viscoelastic polyurethane foam or sometimes low resilience polyurethane foam. It’s solid and dense but elastic at the same time.
This foam became available on the mass market in the 1980s when it was used to make the Swedish Tempur-Pedic mattresses. Since then, many other manufacturers have joined the memory foam world.
It’s now included in many things from aircraft and automobile seats to prosthetics and other medical devices. It can also be found in bulletproof vests, amusement park rides and padding for saddles on horses.
It’s probably best known today for mattresses and pillows, and in more recent years shoes and insoles. Memory foam is being developed consistently, and upgrades include cooling agents and breathability.
This video shows you how memory foam recovers its shape.
Viscoelasticity
We mentioned that memory foam is viscoelastic. What is this, and how does it help with insoles?
Let’s break it down into simpler terms. Viscosity refers to the ability of the foam to change shape slowly, and elasticity its ability to bounce back. This means it flexes and moves with your feet providing cushioning and support the whole time.
How Does Memory Foam Support Your Feet?
When used in insoles, memory foam’s unique composition helps support your feet in a few ways. It responds to the heat you generate, becoming more elastic and then molding to your foot’s unique shape. The benefits include:
- Responsiveness and flexibility: The foam reacts to the heat and pressure from your feet, matching the exact contours. This provides support just where you need it, making them extremely comfortable.
- Relief of Pressure Points: Memory foam can absorb pressure and neutralize it. This will help prevent your feet and legs from becoming tired, letting you stand or walk for longer.
- Cushioning: This soft foam compresses and expands with the movement of your feet. This not only makes it very comfortable, but also takes the edge off of impact with the hard floor.
- Adapts to your movement: Memory foam literally moves with your feet. This gives constant support no matter what you are doing. Your arches and heels are cradled all the time.
- Weight distribution: Memory foam helps to absorb the shock exerted on your feet, distributing it evenly and relieving pressure. This helps spread the weight across the whole of your foot, preventing stress on targeted areas.
What to Look for in the Best Memory Foam Insoles
Are you ready to start looking for a pair of memory foam insoles for work boots, shoes, or other footwear? There are a few things you need to keep in mind. These include:
- Thickness: The thicker the memory foam, the more support and protection it will offer. It will compress and mold to your, feet hugging every curve. On the downside, a thicker insole might take up more room in your shoes when you first put them in.
- Arch support: Memory foam will conform to the shape of your arches but will also be compressed by them. Look for ones that are thicker in this area or that have more rigid arch support built-in. This is particularly important if you have flat feet or overpronate.
- Heel cups: Deep heel cups helps stabilize your feet and make sure they are correctly aligned. Look for thicker foam and a heel that is shaped to hold your foot in place. This will help control your pronation as you walk and prevent foot and leg pain.
- Moisture-wicking: One of the setbacks of memory foam is its inability to absorb moisture which can leave you with sweaty feet. This can lead to blisters and foot infections. Look for a top layer that wicks moisture to help keep your feet dry.
- Aeration: In line with moisture-wicking, you want to look for insoles that have ventilation. This will generally be in the form of air holes that allow your feet to breathe, and will in turn help to keep them dry and fresh.
- Antimicrobial treatment: Hot, sweaty feet are a great breeding ground for bacteria. These can then multiply and result in foot odor. An antimicrobial treatment helps keep bacteria, and consequently smelly feet, at bay.
- Grip in the base layer: While not an absolute necessity, some ridging or grip in the bottom of insoles will help keep them in place in your shoes. It can stop them from sliding around or bunching up inside your footwear. This means you can wear them comfortably for longer periods of time.
This video highlights some of the benefits of memory foam insoles.
Fitting Tips for Memory Foam Insoles
Many memory foam shoe inserts are designed to be trimmed to fit. While some come with lines etched into the base to guide you, others don’t.
To help ensure a proper fit, we find it beneficial to use an old insole as a guide. This could be the factory insole from your shoes or boots (if it’s removable) or a previous pair of insoles.
Remove the old insoles from your shoes and place them on top of the new ones. Use a sharpie or another type of pen or pencil to draw around them. You can then cut your new insoles to match, knowing they will be a perfect fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Memory Foam Insoles Good or Bad for Your Feet?
These insoles provide your feet with good cushioning and support. They mold to the unique shape of your feet relieving pressure and making feet comfortable.
On the downside, many are flat without added support for heels or arches. In this respect, they could be bad for some people.
Just remember, if you have a foot issue like overpronation, supination or metatarsalgia, look for appropriate arch and heel support to keep your feet aligned. There are memory foam insoles available that have these features.
You can find out more about insoles for metatarsalgia in this article.
How Long Do Memory Foam Insoles Last?
Insoles should typically last you about three to six months. Although some may last longer, it’s recommended that you change them out after this time. They will become compressed and might not function as they should to cushion and support your feet.
Signs that your insoles need changing include visible wear or a feeling they aren’t supporting your feet anymore. Maybe the pain or symptoms you bought them to relieve have started to return. If any of these things happen, then it’s time for a new pair.
Other factors can affect how quickly your insoles wear. If you are standing or walking on them all day every day, they can wear out quicker. Things like your body weight and the type of activities you do, like running or playing sports, can also shorten their lifespan.
Wearing worn-out insoles can do your feet more harm than good. Be sure to change them when needed to prevent foot problems from occurring.
Can You Wash Memory Foam Insoles?
Some memory foam insoles can be washed in the washing machine. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations. If they can’t be washed then check out our guide on how to clean smelly shoe insoles.
Stepping Out in Comfort
Wearing the best memory foam insoles will cushion your feet and give them support. They will mold to your contours, relieving pressure and absorbing impact.
There are types available whether you just want an extra soft layer inside your shoes or you need more rigid and thicker support.
We hope you enjoyed our guide to these pillow-like shoe inserts and found it useful. Please leave us a comment, we would love to hear from you, and don’t forget to share.
