Best Orthotic Insoles for Women & Men

For some people, eliminating 100% of their foot pain is not always possible with just wearing good and proper fitting shoes, no matter how great they are. 

So, what are other measures you can take in order to feel great on your feet and find relief? This is where orthotic insoles, also known as shoe inserts, can help. 

There are two types of orthotics - custom or over-the-counter. 

Custom orthotics are made to order to the exact shape of your foot and foot ailment. Over-the-counter types can be bought online in shoe stores or pharmacies. 

In this blog, we will focus on over-the-counter orthotics we recommend. If you’re unsure about which type is best for you, check out our shoe insole buying guide for more detailed advice on choosing the right insole for your needs.

Best Orthotic Insoles for Women & Men

At first glance, an orthotic insole looks like the footbed inside your shoes. However, make no mistake, most of the shoes on the market have a flimsy and thin footbed that doesn’t even come close to a real orthotic. 

With today’s advanced technologies and state-of-the-art materials, orthotic insoles have come a long way and can cater to almost any foot problem, fit in any shoe, suit any activity and come in a variety of price points to fit even the conscious spender. 

Let’s explore the role of the orthotics, the different types (and there are hundreds!) and what features to look for when purchasing a pair.

OFG Orthotic Insoles

Comfort Meets Support—All Day Long

Designed to fit most shoes and support a wide range of foot conditions, this orthotic features gentle arch support and heel-to-toe cushioning for lasting comfort. It works best in shoes with removable insoles.

Bonus Arch Booster Included: Enhance your arch support even more with the included Arch Booster. Simply place it under the insole to reduce pressure on the heel and ball of the foot.

Sized for Everyone: With a forefoot thickness of just ¼", these orthotics come in women’s sizes 5–12 and men’s sizes 7–15, including half sizes—so it’s easy to find your perfect fit.

Keeps Feet Fresh: The antimicrobial top layer helps wick away moisture and prevents odor, keeping your feet dry and fresh throughout the day.

Ideal for Walking & Everyday Use: Whether you're running errands or on your feet all day, this is the go-to insole for all-day support and comfort.

¾ Length Orthotic Insoles

 

Targeted Support in a Slimmer Fit

This unique ¾ length orthotic is ideal for shoes without removable footbeds and works best in medium and wide-width shoes. Its slim design fits easily into a variety of footwear while still delivering powerful support.

Freedom for Toes, Relief for Heels: Enjoy arch and heel support without crowding your toes. A firm shell combined with a foam-padded heel seat helps ease heel pain by cushioning and protecting the heel and fascia. Our insoles for plantar fasciitis provide another great relief option. 

Versatile & Long-Lasting: Durable and easy to transfer between shoes, these orthotics are perfect for everything from casual sneakers to dress shoes. 

Women’s BioSole Gel Dress

Stylish Support for Dress Shoes

Specifically designed for women’s dress shoes—like high heels, ballet flats, and other narrow, low-profile styles—these ¾ length orthotics are the perfect solution when regular insoles won’t fit.

Despite their slim design, they deliver anatomical arch support, plush comfort, and pain relief—so wearing heels can feel more like wearing sneakers.

EVA cushioning helps protect sensitive areas like bunions and the outer edge of the foot, while a breathable polyester mesh lining keeps your feet cool and dry.

Available in women’s sizes 5 to 10.

Do You Really Need Orthotics? Here's What to Know:

Do orthotic insoles really help?

Yes, orthotic insoles keep the foot in its neutral position by providing optimal arch support, preventing over pronation and aligning the foot with the body. 

When the body is aligned, the feet, legs, hips and back fall into place, foot pain decreases and the body is less prone to injuries caused by foot pain.

 

How do I know if I need orthotic insoles?

Everyone can benefit from wearing orthotics. 

If your feet are healthy, you can wear orthotics to prevent both foot and body injuries and future foot problems.

If you have a specific problem, orthotics will often be a part of a more comprehensive treatment plan for foot, leg or back conditions, pain or discomfort. 

Normally, the goals of such treatments include:

• Aligning foot and body.
• Correcting biomechanical foot flaws.
• Reducing risk of injury.
• Providing support to the foot.
• Allowing the foot to function better.

Here are some signs that you may need orthotics:

• You have foot or heel pain.
• Your feet are swollen.
• You have flat feet.
• You have high arches.
• You tend to fall and have balance issues.
• Your shoes wear unevenly.
• You have a diabetic foot.
• You suffer from foot conditions.

How do you choose an insole?

Orthotics aren’t one-size-fits-all—they’re designed for different needs, foot shapes, and shoe types. Here’s 8 things to consider when choosing the right insole:

1. Purpose
Some orthotics are made for everyday comfort, while others target specific activities like running or hiking, offering specialized support and shock absorption. Medical orthotics address conditions like plantar fasciitis, diabetes, or heel pain with features like pressure relief and sensitive foot protection. Understanding the difference between these types of shoes and what exactly you need for your situation is important. 

2. Arch Support
Look for insoles that match your arch type—flat, neutral, or high. Proper arch support keeps your foot aligned, reduces strain on the plantar fascia, and supports healthy body mechanics to prevent pain in the feet, knees, hips, and back. Foot pain can affect your knees and hips—proper arch support helps keep you comfortable throughout the day.

3. Cushioning
Good insoles cushion every step and help absorb impact. Materials and layers matter—look for designs that evenly distribute pressure across the foot, especially if you frequently walk on hard surfaces.

4. Materials
Rigid materials offer control and durability, while softer ones provide energy return and mold to your foot over time. Many insoles combine both to balance support and comfort. Strategic padding in the heel or forefoot can help relieve pressure where you need it most.

5. Top Cover
The top layer should keep feet dry, odor-free, and protected. Antimicrobial, moisture-wicking fabrics are ideal—especially for those with sensitive or diabetic feet. Some insoles even offer cozy, fur-lined covers for colder months.

6. Rearfoot & Forefoot Design
A cupped heel offers added stability and cushions the heel’s fat pad—great for heel pain. For forefoot relief, look for metatarsal support to ease pressure from conditions like metatarsalgia.

7. Thickness & Shoe Fit
Check if your shoe has a removable footbed. If not, go for a thinner insole to avoid a tight fit. Removable footbeds usually allow for thicker, more cushioned orthotics.

8. Length
Full-length insoles cover the entire footbed and work best in shoes with removable insoles. ¾ length orthotics end around the ball of the foot and are perfect for tight-fitting shoes like ballet flats or dress shoes.

With the right orthotic insoles, you can step into comfort and support, helping to alleviate foot pain and improve your overall well-being—so don't wait, invest in your foot health today!