The Best 10 Shoe Inserts for Standing All Day Reviewed – 2023

Do you find being on your feet a lot takes its toll? Your feet ache, your legs are tired, and you can’t wait to get your shoes off. Give your feet a helping hand with our guide to the best shoe inserts for standing all day.

Whether your job entails lots of standing and walking, or you just find yourself on your feet a lot, insoles can help make you more comfortable. Let’s look at our top 10 picks.

 

Our Top 10 Picks of The Best Shoe Inserts/Insoles For Standing All Day

1. Superfeet Green Insole

Superfeet insoles offer support to your feet and help absorb shock. Biomechanically shaped, they stabilize and support your feet and legs. The closed-cell foam construction has an outer coating with odor control to help keep feet fresh.

 

2. Timberland PRO Men’s Insole Anti-Fatigue Technology

These shock absorbing insoles cushion your feet and return the energy to them with each step. They give both comfort and support with a contoured footbed that adapts to your feet. An antimicrobial treatment helps regulate the temperature of your feet and keep odor at bay.

 

3. Samurai Insoles Instant-Relief Orthotics

Designed by a podiatrist, these insoles give support just where it’s needed. They mold to your feet as you walk and bounce energy back. Lightweight and sized to fit, these shoe inserts give support to your arches and can help correct overpronation.

 

4. Sof Sole Insoles Athlete Performance

Sof Sole brings us this comfort insole which is lightweight but supportive. There are gel pads in the heel and sole to cushion your feet. A built-in moisture wicking treatment helps maintain cool, dry feet.

 

5. SOLE Active Thick Insoles

These insoles are one of the best insoles for standing on concrete all day. The open cell foam layer cushions your feet for comfort. They can be heated for a custom fit or mold to your feet with wear and a moisture-wicking upper helps keep feet dry.

 

6. Spenco Polysorb All Day Comfort and Support Shoe Insole

Spenco has covered all bases with these comfort insoles. There is added cushioning and support in the heel and forefoot and a 4-way stretch upper with antimicrobial properties. Made from lightweight polysorb polyurethane, they absorb shock and impact.

 

7. Powerstep Comfortlast Insoles

Variable foam cushioning in these shoe inserts gives support exactly where it’s needed. The heel has a gel pad to absorb shock when you stand and walk. An antimicrobial upper helps prevent foot odor, keeping feet comfortable and cool.

 

8. New Balance Insoles

These performance insoles have a contoured shape to help redistribute your weight, relieving pressure on your feet. With a deep heel cup, they have added cushioning to absorb impact. An airflow system keeps feet fresh and the Plastazote top layer uses your own body heat to mold the insert to your foot.

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9. Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Advanced Insoles

Backed by the trusted name of Dr. Scholl, these inserts utilize gel technology to massage and support your feet. They can help reduce tiredness in your feet and fatigue in your leg muscles. The trim to fit design is suitable for most men’s and women’s shoes.

 

10. ViveSole Orthotic Inserts

The biomechanical podiatrist design of these shoe inserts helps support your feet naturally. They are a firm insert with comfort pads to absorb shock and help when you are on your feet a lot. Made from a lightweight composite material, they have an odor control top layer.

 

Reviews of the best shoe Inserts for standing all day on your feet

Sifting through the many insoles on the market can be a nightmare. We have made life easier for you by reviewing what we think are the top 10 shoe inserts when you are on your feet all day.

 

1. Superfeet GREEN Insole

These insoles from Superfeet are thick and durable with a high profile design. This makes them one of the best insoles for standing all day. The tried and tested popular design has not undergone many changes since its inception in 1977.

 

They are supportive and long lasting, providing your feet with comfort for an average of 12 months of wear, or walking up to 500 miles.

A wide and deep heel cup helps absorb the shock your feet can experience from walking. The high profile helps keep feet stable when standing and reduces extra stress on knees and ankles.

The high-density foam construction has a coating which helps control odor. This means your feet stay comfortable, fresh, and cool all day. A stabilizer cap built into the insert provides support at the heel and forms the base of the insole, keeping the inner layers in place.

They come in sizes for men from 5.5 to 17, women 4.5 to 12.5+, and juniors 13.5 to 2.

This video from Wiggle shows you how Superfeet insoles can help support and stabilize your feet.

Pros

• Hard wearing and comfortable.
• Deep heel cup for support.
• Wide range of sizes.
• Odor control.

Cons

• Might take some time to get used to them.
• Some find they squeak as you walk.

These insoles have a good width and thickness to keep your feet comfortable when they are worn all day. The deep heel cup offers support for feet, ankles, and knees. Odor control keeps feet fresh.

 

2. Timberland PRO Men’s Insole Anti-Fatigue Technology

Timberland is a New England-based company which has achieved good worldwide standing. It’s well known for its iconic sand-colored boot which was first produced back in the early 1970s. The company now produces a wide range of clothing, footwear, and accessories.

 

They have an exclusive design feature in their insoles. It’s inverted cone foam technology that absorbs the shock exerted by the ground, returning that energy to your feet. This eases fatigue when you are standing or walking all day.

These shoe inserts are available in sizes from XS through to XXL. They cover shoe sizes from 5 to 6 up to size 14 to 15. They can be trimmed to fit so there should be some to suit most men’s and women’s shoes.

The anatomically contoured footbed comfortably cradles your feet, giving support to your arches and heels. The lightweight foam material has a patented Ortholite upper which helps control moisture and odor. They are one of the best insoles for walking all day.

These insoles are thicker than most and for some might take up too much room in your boots or shoes. On the plus side, this also means they might give more comfort and support.

This video from Timberland details their anti-fatigue technology design.

Pros

• Patented inverted foam cone design.
• Trimmable so you can adjust to fit.
• Supports all types of foot arch.
• Comfortable for all-day wear.

Cons

• Might be too thick for some shoes.

These insoles come in a range of sizes suitable for men and women and can be trimmed for a perfect fit. Timberland’s innovative patented inverted foam cone design provides superior cushioning for tired feet.

 

3. Samurai Insoles Instant-Relief Orthotics

Designed by podiatrist Dr. Thomas Lembo, these are some of the best insoles for walking all day.

 

These insoles can be purchased in two different thicknesses. The original Samurai are thinner and would be great in shoes or boots which already fit you well. The Samurai Sumo is a thicker option if you need to fill a little space in your shoes or want more cushioning.

 

The technology is the same for either shoe insert. They have been designed to biomechanically support arches and cushion your feet where needed. They mold to your feet with wear, giving you comfort and support just where it’s needed.

They are low profile and lightweight, offering a good fit and plenty of comfort. The inner core is springy and supports feet just where they need it. The actual orthotic which gives support is hidden between the outer layers.

They are available from sizes 4 through 16.5 in half size increments. They are designed to fit out of the packet and don’t need to be trimmed.

Although these insoles are designed to accommodate flat feet, many with different arch types find them comfortable.

The company has confidence in its product. So much so they offer a 60-day money back guarantee and will pay for return shipping.

This video explains the benefits and conception of these shoe inserts.

Pros

• Sizes to fit straight out of the packet.
• Two thicknesses to choose from.
• 60-day money back guarantee, with return shipping paid.

Cons

• The red color might transfer to shoes or socks.
• They might need replacing regularly.

These shoe inserts are available in two thicknesses and are sized to fit. Although they are designed for flat feet, many find the arch support good. The company backs its products with a full money-back guarantee.

 

 

4. Sof Sole Insoles Athlete Performance

SOF Sole has been manufacturing footwear accessories for over 25 years. While designed for athletic shoes, this insole is a good option for shoes or boots as well.

 

The one-piece shoe insert has gel pads in the heel and forefoot. They are about a quarter inch thick, so are substantial enough to cushion your feet providing all-day comfort.

Sof Sole’s Hyrologix layer helps to keep feet cool and dry. There is also a patented antimicrobial treatment, Microban, to prevent bacterial growth embedded into the foam upper layer. The base layer of this shoe insert is made from durable polyurethane.

These are available in men’s sizes 7 through 16. There is also a women’s option in sizes 5 through 11. Both can be trimmed to fit perfectly.

 

These insoles are supportive and comfortable, especially for long periods spent on your feet.

Should your insoles suffer from a manufacturer defect within the first year, Sof Sole offers a one-year replacement warranty.

This video from Sof Sole highlights the features of these shoe inserts.

Pros

• Gel built-in to heel and forefoot for comfort.
•  
• Moisture wicking
• ¼-inch thick cushioning.
• Good for people who want a flexible insole.

Cons

• They might run about a half size small.
• Some find they make a squeaking noise.

These insoles have a good thickness, providing cushioning for tired feet. They have moisture wicking and anti-bacterial properties to keep feet cool, dry, and fresh.

 

5. SOLE Active Thick Insoles

Sole brings us this shoe insert with plenty of cushioning to help support your feet when standing all day.

 

It’s made of Softec open-celled foam which is 0.12 inches thick. There is a thinner option available at 0.063 inches which still supplies good support and comfort.

The EVA base is designed to mold to your feet as you wear these insoles. Alternately, they can be heated for a customized fit. Sole supply instructions on how to do this.

You can find these insoles in men’s sizes 3 through 20 and women’s sizes 5 through 13. This range makes it easy for you to find some to fit.

The insole keeps your foot stable with the ball of the foot sitting at the same level as the heel. A deep heel cup helps prevent overpronation while the arch support is flexible but sturdy.

Sole’s polygiene active odor control helps keep nasty foot odor at bay and moisture-wicking properties keep your feet dry.

There is a 90-day refund or replacement policy offered by the company against defects in workmanship or simply if you are not satisfied with them.

This video from Zappos shows you some of the features of this shoe insert.

Pros

• Can be heated for a custom fit.
• Cushioned and supportive.
• Accepted by the American Podiatrist Association.
• Appear to fit true to size.

Cons

• Might feel strange while breaking in.
• Some find them too hard.

This shoe insert is cushioned, supportive, and can either be molded to fit by wear or by heating. A deep heel cup, semi-rigid arch, and thick open-celled foam keep feet stable.

 

6. Spenco Polysorb All Day Comfort and Support Shoe Insole

Texas-based Spenco footwear has been successful in the footwear market for over 50 years.

 

This shoe insert is targeted at workers who want shock absorption and comfort while they are on their feet all day.

It is constructed from five pieces. The heel part of the insert is half an inch thick and the forefoot a quarter of an inch.

The upper layer is a 4-way stretch fabric which has a silpure antimicrobial treatment. This helps prevent blisters and controls foot odor.

Beneath that is a 0.16-inch layer of proprietary Spencore material to absorb shock giving comfort and cushioning to your feet.

Next comes a lightweight polysorb polyurethane foam heel support and an EVA pad for the forefoot. These give support and impact resistance to your heels, the balls of your feet, and your arches.

Finally, an additional heel strike pad of Spencore material gives extra support and cushioning where your heel hits the floor.

Lightweight and durable, these insoles come with a one-year unconditional guarantee.

On the downside, some find these inserts come up a little on the narrow side.

Pros

• Good heel and arch support.
• Designed with people who stand on their feet all day in mind.
• Odor control.
• Supportive and cushioned.

Cons

• Tend to be a little on the narrow side.
• The heel area might be too thick for some shoes.

A five-layer insole that has been designed for workers who spend time on their feet. They have odor control and cushioning for comfortable, dry feet. They might not suit people with wide feet.

 

7. Powerstep ComfortLast Insoles

These Powerstep ComfortLast shoe inserts combine gel technology with a slow recovery foam.

 

This helps absorb impact as you walk, stand, or run. They provide cushioning along the whole length, from the deep cut heel to the toes.

There is a contoured arch support and cradle for your heels. This provides stability and support to your feet, relieving tiredness.

Six different sizes are available from women’s 5 through 12 and men’s 3 through 14.5.

The fabric upper has antimicrobial properties to keep your feet fresh. The outer fabric helps reduce friction preventing blisters. They have a natural grip to help keep them in place inside your shoes.

Their variable cushioning technology will form a custom-like fit for your feet with wear.

Zappos have highlighted the features of these insoles in this video.

Pros

• Can be trimmed to fit.
• Molds to your feet with wear.
• Fully cushioned from heel to toe.
• Antimicrobial layer.
• Gel in the heel to help absorb impact.

Cons

• Might be too high a volume for some shoes.
• Some find them too soft.

The ComfortLast shoe inserts mold to the full length of your foot for comfort with cushioning throughout. A deep heel cup and arch support stabilize the foot and antimicrobial properties keep foot odor under control.

 

8. New Balance Insoles

New Balance brings us a shoe insert designed for pressure relief with a metatarsal pad.

 

It aims to prevent blisters by reducing friction and redistributing pressure throughout your feet. They could also help reduce fatigue on your feet and legs from standing or walking all day.

They have airflow channels molded into the shape of the inserts to help circulate warm air away from your feet and bring cool air in. This helps keep your feet dry and lets them breathe.

An extra deep heel cup supports and cushions the back of your foot while a metatarsal arch rise distributes your weight evenly. This relieves pressure and helps prevent foot problems caused by standing a lot.

A proprietary Plastazote upper layer molds to the shape of your foot with wear for comfort.

These insoles are suitable for men’s or women’s shoes and are available in sizes 4 to 16 and 5 to 10 respectively.

Along with the good comes the bad and some find these inserts are too thick unless you have shoes that are too big for you. Some also find the arch support is too much or sits in the wrong place for their feet.

This video  shows you some of the features of these insoles.

Pros

• Airflow channels to keep feet cool.
• Deep heel cup.
• Arch support.
• Cushioning which molds to your feet.

Cons

• Might be too thick for some shoes.
• Arch support might not suit all feet.

These insoles are contoured to distribute your weight evenly and relieve foot pressure. An airflow system keeps feet cool and a deep heel cup gives support.

 

9. Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Advanced Insoles

These shoe inserts from Dr. Scholl are intended to massage the feet as you stand and walk, helping relieve fatigue and tiredness in your feet and leg muscles.

 

They contain two colors of gel. Blue gel to help absorb shock and cushion your feet and purple gel to give support where it’s needed.

The purple gel waves in the insole massage your feet in the sensitive arch area, helping prevent your feet and legs becoming tired. A layer of this supportive gel also encompasses the heel for added stability.

These are a trim to fit shoe insert which covers sizes 6 to 10 for women and 8 to 13 for men. They are also a reasonably thin design so if you spend a lot of time on your feet in dress style shoes, these could fit the bill.

Some find these insoles can move inside your shoes and might not be as durable as some other brands.

Here is a video advert showing the two types of gel.

Pros

• Two gels to provide cushioning and support.
• Thin design.
• Can be trimmed to fit any shoes.
• Help relieve fatigue in feet and legs.

Cons

• Might move inside your shoes.
• Longevity might be questionable.

The trim to fit, thinner design of these insoles makes them suitable for most shoes. The two different gels massage, cushion, and support your feet when standing all day.

 

10. ViveSole Orthotic Inserts

These insoles are made by Vive Health, a company that supplies many different healthcare and well-being products.

 

Designed by podiatrists, they aim to give your feet superior support. They are good for anyone with foot problems such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, metatarsal pain, and fallen arches.

They are made from a lightweight composite material with added EVA foam in the heel and forefoot to cushion your feet and absorb impact. The upper felt layer has antimicrobial properties.

They are available in sizes X-small to X-large, covering foot sizes 4.5 to 12 for women and 3.5 to 13 for men. These insoles can be trimmed for a perfect fit.

The company offers a 100 percent risk-free six-day refund, replacement, or exchange guarantee.

Some find the arch support a little too aggressive and also that the insole lacks flexibility.

This manufacturer video highlights some of the benefits of these insoles.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Added cushioning in the heel and sole.
• Can be trimmed to fit.
• Shock absorbency.
• Antimicrobial felt upper layer.

Cons

• Arch support might be too strong.
• Fairly rigid design.

This full-length insole is designed to help relieve many foot problems associated with spending a long time standing or walking. They have added cushioning in the heel and forefoot and an antimicrobial upper layer.

 

Why Do You Need Insoles in Your Footwear When Standing All Day?

The most comfortable pair of shoes or boots wear over a period of time. The support they gave your feet and legs when they were new will deteriorate and the comfort level drops.

Add to that the stress of spending a lot of time standing or walking places on your body and feet and you are in a no-win situation. Pressure might build up on your toes, heels, and arches which leads to feet and legs becoming fatigued and painful.

Adding some shoe inserts can help make your feet more comfortable and prevent injury.

They can provide some shock absorption, cushioning, and support, and help distribute your body weight. This can reduce the stress placed on your lower body.

Placing shoe inserts in your boots and shoes can also prolong their lifespan. I dare say we all have our favorite old faithfuls, but over time, even these might become uncomfortable. This could be because the insoles have worn thin and no longer serve the purpose they are there for.

Investing in new shoes and boots can be expensive so it’s worth trying some new insoles first.

 

How Can Standing All Day Affect Your Health and Your Feet?

Standing in itself is natural for all of us and poses no particular health issues unless you are on your feet all day. Especially when this is a regular occurrence.

It could be that your job requires you to stand a lot. Maybe you are an assembly line worker, salesperson, working in hospitality, or in a warehouse. Other professions that involve being on your feet a lot include working in law enforcement, other emergency services, or the military.

Check out our review of the best insoles for military boots.

Any work that requires prolonged standing places stresses on your body and feet.

The result of all that standing can lead to sore feet, swollen legs, muscle fatigue, varicose veins, lower back pain, or pain in the neck and shoulders.

Some of the foot issues you might experience from long periods of standing are often caused by improperly fitting footwear. It could be from wearing high heels or shoes with pointed toes. Maybe your shoes are too loose, too tight, or lack the proper support for your arches and heels.

We have 26 bones in each foot, as well as numerous ligaments, tendons, and muscles. It’s hardly surprising that things can easily go wrong if we don’t look after them.

Some resulting foot problems from standing all day include:

• Blisters: These can be painful and are often caused by friction from improper fitting footwear, or from walking or standing a lot.
• Plantar fasciitis: This manifests as pain in the lower part of the middle of the foot or the heel. It is the result of a ligament strain often caused by footwear which doesn’t have enough support or frequent standing.
• Heel spurs: These are calcium-based growths at the base of the heel. Standing can exacerbate the pain caused by these. You can learn more about heel spurs and the best insoles to help relieve them in our article on the 5 best insoles for heel spurs.
• Metatarsalgia: This is an inflammation of the bones which connect the toes to the ankles. Standing in ill-fitting shoes can cause this. We have a guide to the best insoles for metatarsalgia.
• Fungal infections: Hot, sweaty feet can lead to fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.
• Fallen arches: Standing a lot can cause your feet to become flat when the arches aren’t supported as they should be.

 

What Should I Look for in a Shoe Insert for Standing All Day?

There are several considerations when choosing the best shoe inserts for standing all day. Let’s take a look at some of them.

 

Shape and Size

Not only should you look at the shape of the insole, but also the shape of your footwear. A narrow insole might not be the best choice for a wide pair of work boots.

Likewise, think about how well your shoes or boots fit at present. If they are a little on the large side then a thicker insole will likely work better for you. The insoles featured in the best insoles for large boots will be beneficial if your boots are too big.

Shoes that fit you well at the moment will benefit from a low profile shoe insert.

Although it might seem obvious, remember to remove the existing insoles from your shoes or boots when you place new ones in.

While some insoles can be trimmed to fit, others are designed to fit your shoe size out-of-the-packet. Choosing the correct shape and size could be key to how comfortable they feel in the long run.

This video shows you how to trim insoles to fit.

 

Fitting

No matter how well a shoe insert fits your footwear, it won’t be comfortable if it doesn’t fit your foot.

To check for the fit, you can place the insole on the floor and stand on it. It should feel comfortable and your feet should be fully encompassed.

There should be no toes hanging over the edge or heels sticking out over the back. The ball of your foot should also be enclosed and the arch support in the right place.

Another feature to look out for when it comes to fit is whether the shoe inserts are designed to mold to your feet. Some do this via everyday wear while others can be heated to mold to them quicker.

 

Durability

Being on your feet all day can take its toll on your shoes and insoles as well as your feet. While it’s recommended that you should change insoles every six to nine months, you want them to last at least that long.

Materials like EVA and polyurethane are likely to be reasonably hard wearing. Also, you might be better off choosing the best you can afford. Cheap insoles might wear out quickly and not be a good investment in the long run.

 

Shock Absorbency and Cushioning

There are several different materials that manufacturers use to provide shock absorbency and cushioning for your feet. These include things like gel and foam.

Foam tends to work better for relieving pressure and providing cushioning, while gel is good for shock absorption.

Some insoles will feature both of these materials in targeted places throughout the insole. They will have added gel at the heels and balls of the foot where your feet are in contact with the ground. Some will have cushioning throughout.

 

Moisture and Odor Control

Inevitably, when you are standing all day your choice of footwear will generally mean your feet are completely enclosed. This can lead to hot, sweaty feet and ultimately smelly shoes.

Many shoe inserts take this into account and either have moisture-wicking properties, antimicrobial odor treatments, or both.

Moisture-wicking will move sweat away from your feet, keeping them dry and fresh. Antimicrobial properties will help prevent odor-causing bacteria from breeding.

 

Arch Support

The arches in your feet could be high, low, or medium. Knowing which type you have can help when it comes to choosing a shoe insert. Too high or too low can mean pain in your feet.

This video from The Insole Store shows you an easy way to check what type of arches you have.

Once you have decided what type of arch you have, you also need to consider how firm you want the support to be.

Insoles can be rigid, meaning little flexibility and firm support. Then there are semi-rigid, a combination of flexibility and firm support. Finally, they could just be cushioned, either throughout or more at the arch.

When you are on your feet all day, you will likely feel most comfortable with a cushioned arch support. However, if you have feet issues which require more stability, like overpronation or supination, a semi-rigid or rigid insole might be better.

 

Help Prolong the Life of Your Insoles

Once you have invested in some shoe inserts, especially if you have found the perfect fit, you will want them to last. Just like you would clean your shoes or boots, remember to clean your insoles.

To keep them fresh and prevent smelly feet, read this guide on how to clean insoles.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Shoe Inserts Actually Work?

Orthotics, whether over the counter or custom made, can help alleviate foot issues associated with standing all day. They are not a miracle cure but they can certainly make your feet more comfortable.

Look for cushioning and support, and make sure they fit properly.

 

How Long Should I Expect My Shoe Inserts to Last?

We mentioned earlier that inserts can last anything up to 12 months. However, on average, it would seem three to six months is the norm.

If your inserts are showing signs of wear and tear, or they are no longer comfortable, it could be time for a new pair. Just like old shoes won’t give your feet the cushioning and support you need, neither will old insoles.

Clean them regularly to keep them fresh and help prolong their life. When you air out your shoes after taking them off, remove the inserts and air them out as well.

 

What Are the Best Insoles for Standing on Concrete All Day?

Any of the insoles we have reviewed would be suitable for standing on concrete. Ideally, you will want plenty of cushioning to protect your feet from this hard, unforgiving surface.

Read more about insoles for work boots which would also be suitable for concrete floors in this article.

 

Stepping Out

Looking after your feet is a must when you spend a lot of time on them. As well as having good shoes, investing in a good pair of insoles can help.

The ultimate choice of which shoe insert is best for standing all day can depend on your foot type. Any of the ones we have reviewed would be good options.

Our favorite is the Superfeet Green insole. It offers plenty of support and cushioning and has odor control. The biomechanical design stabilizes your feet and legs.

We hope you found our guide useful and informative. Please leave us a comment below with your own experiences or recommendations, and don’t forget to share.