We tested Dr. Scholl’s, PowerStep, Stepprs, and other shoe inserts on our tired, achy feet. Four insoles offered the most comfort and stability.
If your shoes never feel comfortable, or you’re burdened with foot pain or conditions such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or high arches, orthotics could be the product standing between you and a pain-free walk in the park.
Orthotics are devices you wear to relieve pain associated with foot and ankle conditions. These also include inserts and insoles. In this case, we’re using the terms interchangeably to describe pieces of material you slip into your shoes to provide cushioning, even out pressure, and control abnormal motion that could be causing you discomfort or pain.
A podiatrist can create custom-molded prescription orthotics, but if you think your foot issues don’t warrant medical intervention, or you don’t want to incur the cost, nonprescription shoe inserts are usually less expensive and come in a variety of styles and sizes. In most cases, you can order the exact size you need and trim them if necessary.
- OTC Orthotics We Tested: Dr. Scholl’s Men’s Heavy Duty Support Insole Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Energizing Comfort Everyday Insoles Dr. Scholl’s Work All-Day Insoles PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles Stepprs Massage Insoles Superfeet WalkHero
- Plus: What Do Orthotics Do? Should You Go to a Podiatrist for Orthotics? How Much Do Orthotics Usually Cost? How CR Tested Orthotics
To test the comfort, support, and ease of use of eight shoe inserts, we relied on four testers with different foot issues and lifestyles.
David Schipper: David, who’s an associate director at CR, has suffered stress fractures in his right foot, bad plantar fasciitis, and a significant bone bruise that caused him to wear a boot for months. He says he has flat feet, with barely an arch.
Anna Maria Cupido: Anna Maria has a neutral arch and suffers from bunions and hammertoes. She is 76 years old and works at an airport, where she stands on her feet for 8 hours a day.
Sharon Seidl: Sharon, a senior user experience visual designer at CR, is a breast cancer survivor who takes medication that has given her arthritis and osteoporosis. Her feet are the most affected by this. She says that she has higher arches, but that they aren’t too high.
Me: I have a neutral arch and a bunion on one foot that makes wearing certain shoes uncomfortable. My hope was that shoe inserts would provide a more comfortable experience.
When a version of the same shoe insert was available for men and women, we tested both options.
Sneak peek: We tested four OTC orthotics by Dr. Scholl’s, and the company’s Work All-Day Insoles were a standout. They cost less than $15 and delivered a comfy walking and standing experience—though we had other thoughts on their overall support.
Keep reading to find out our top picks and how the rest of the insoles performed. We also talked with Alison Bell, DPM, at To Healthy Feet Podiatry and Jeffrey S. Rich of the U.S Orthotic Center about who can benefit most from orthotics and when you should consider seeing a podiatrist for a custom-made pair.