Inserts

Choosing the right foot insert depends on where you're experiencing discomfort and the type of support you're looking for. Some inserts cushion impact, while others improve foot alignment, reduce pressure on sensitive areas or provide additional support during everyday activities.

The guide below explains the different types of foot inserts available and helps you choose the most suitable option for your needs.

Shop by Need

Different foot inserts are designed to solve different problems. Whether you're looking to relieve heel pain, reduce pressure beneath the ball of your foot or improve comfort while walking, we've grouped our range by need to help you find the most suitable solution.

For Heel Pain

Heel cups, heel pads and heel braces help absorb impact while reducing pressure on the heel during walking and standing. They're commonly used by people experiencing plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bruised heels or general heel discomfort, providing targeted cushioning exactly where it's needed.

For Plantar Fasciitis

People with plantar fasciitis often benefit from products that support the arch while reducing strain on the plantar fascia. Our range includes heel inserts, arch supports, plantar fasciitis sleeves and supportive inserts designed to improve comfort throughout the day.

For Ball of Foot Pain

Metatarsal pads help relieve pressure beneath the forefoot by redistributing weight away from the metatarsal heads. They're ideal for people experiencing metatarsalgia, burning sensations beneath the ball of the foot or discomfort when standing and walking.

For Arch Support

Arch support inserts provide targeted support beneath the arch without the need for a full-length insole. They're ideal for people with flat feet, high arches, overpronation or tired, aching feet who want additional support inside everyday footwear.

For Height Increase

Height increasing inserts provide a discreet way to add extra height while also cushioning the heel. They're commonly used by people with a leg length discrepancy, where a heel lift may help improve balance and walking comfort, as well as by those who simply want a subtle height boost for appearance or confidence.

Available in a range of lift heights and designs, many feature soft cushioning to provide comfort throughout the day while fitting discreetly inside everyday shoes and trainers.

For Sports & Everyday Activities

Walking, running and long hours on your feet place repeated stress on the heels and forefoot. Cushioning inserts help absorb impact, reduce foot fatigue and improve comfort during work, exercise and everyday activities.

Types of Shoe Inserts

Shoe inserts are available in many different shapes and designs, each providing support to a specific area of the foot. Understanding how each type works will help you choose the product that's best suited to your symptoms and footwear.

• Heel cups and heel pads provide targeted cushioning beneath the heel to help absorb impact and reduce pressure when walking or standing. They're commonly used for heel pain, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs and bruised heels, with gel, silicone and foam designs available to suit different comfort needs.
• Heel lifts raise the heel to provide additional support and cushioning. They're commonly used by people with a leg length discrepancy, Achilles tendon discomfort or plantar fasciitis, and are also popular with those looking for a discreet increase in height.
• Metatarsal pads cushion and support the ball of the foot, helping to redistribute pressure away from sensitive areas. They're ideal for people experiencing metatarsalgia, forefoot pain or discomfort beneath the toes when standing or walking.
• Arch support inserts provide targeted support beneath the arch to improve stability and reduce strain on the feet. They're particularly suitable for people with flat feet, high arches or overpronation who don't require a full-length insole.
• Plantar fasciitis sleeves and braces provide gentle compression and support around the arch and heel. They're designed to help improve comfort, reduce strain on the plantar fascia and complement other treatments such as insoles and stretching exercises.

Benefits of Foot Inserts

Footwear inserts are designed to provide targeted support, cushioning and pressure relief exactly where your feet need it most. Depending on the product you choose, they can help:

Target Specific Areas of the Foot

Unlike full-length insoles, footwear inserts are designed to support one specific area of the foot, such as the heel, arch or forefoot. This targeted approach makes them ideal for people experiencing localised pain or discomfort, allowing you to address the problem without changing the feel of your entire shoe. Whether you need extra cushioning under the heel or support beneath the ball of the foot, there's an insert designed for your needs.

Improve Comfort & Cushioning

Inserts provide additional cushioning to help absorb impact and reduce pressure during everyday activities. Gel, silicone and foam designs help soften each step, making walking, standing and exercising more comfortable. They're particularly beneficial if you spend long hours on your feet or regularly experience tired, aching feet after a busy day.

Reduce Pressure & Improve Support

Many shoe inserts are designed not only to cushion sensitive areas but also to provide additional support where it's needed most.

Heel cups, arch supports and metatarsal pads help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot, reducing strain on common problem areas while improving stability and comfort. Used alongside supportive footwear or insoles, they can form an important part of a wider foot care routine.

Choosing the Right Shoe Insert

Choosing the right shoe insert starts with understanding where you're experiencing discomfort and the type of support you need. The location of your pain, the footwear you plan to wear and the design of the insert will all influence which product is most suitable.

Taking a few moments to consider the points below will help you find an insert that fits comfortably and provides the support you're looking for.

Identify Where Your Pain Is

Start by identifying the area of your foot that's causing discomfort. Heel pain, forefoot pain and arch pain all benefit from different types of inserts designed to provide targeted cushioning or support. Choosing an insert that matches the location of your symptoms will help ensure you get the greatest benefit.

Consider Your Footwear

Different inserts vary in thickness, shape and design, so it's important to choose one that's compatible with your footwear. Slim gel pads may fit comfortably inside everyday shoes, while certain heel inserts are often better suited to trainers, walking shoes or footwear with a little more room.

Selecting Your Insert

Inserts are available in several different styles, and the best choice often depends on how you want the product to fit. Heel cups, arch supports and metatarsal pads usually sit loosely inside your shoes, relying on the pressure of your foot and your footwear to keep them securely in place.

Other inserts, such as plantar fasciitis braces and fabric sleeves, are worn directly on the foot and use elasticated fabric or adjustable straps to provide a secure, supportive fit throughout the day.

Cushioning or Support?

Some inserts are designed primarily to cushion sensitive areas and absorb impact, while others focus on providing additional support and improving foot function. If your main concern is comfort, a soft gel or foam insert may be the best option. If you need greater stability or support for a specific foot condition, a more structured design may be more appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're unsure which type of foot insert is right for you, you're not alone. We've answered some of the questions we're most commonly asked to help you choose the right insert and get the best results from using it.

What's the difference between inserts and insoles?

Inserts provide targeted cushioning or support to a specific area of the foot, such as the heel, arch or ball of the foot. Insoles usually run the full length of the shoe and provide support or cushioning across the entire foot. The best choice depends on where you're experiencing discomfort and the level of support you need.

Which inserts are best for heel pain?

The best foot inserts for heel pain depend on the underlying cause. Heel cups and heel pads are ideal for cushioning sore heels and absorbing impact, while heel lifts may help reduce strain caused by conditions such as Achilles tendon discomfort or leg length discrepancy. If your heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis, arch supports or plantar fasciitis sleeves may also help improve comfort.

Can I wear foot inserts every day?

Yes. Most foot inserts are designed for everyday use and can be worn in your regular shoes, trainers or work footwear. If you're using supportive inserts for the first time, it's a good idea to introduce them gradually to allow your feet time to adapt.

Will foot inserts fit all shoes?

Not always. Some inserts are designed to fit discreetly inside most types of footwear, while others require shoes with a little more room. Always check the product description for compatibility, particularly if you're wearing formal shoes, heels or other close-fitting footwear.

How long do shoe inserts last?

The lifespan of foot inserts depends on the material, how often they're worn and your level of activity. Gel, silicone and foam inserts will gradually lose their cushioning over time, so inspect them regularly and replace them when they become worn, damaged or no longer provide the support you need.

Should I wear inserts in both shoes?

This depends on the type of insert and why you're using it. Products designed to improve general comfort or support are often worn in both shoes for balance. However, some inserts, such as heel lifts used to help compensate for a leg length discrepancy or products designed for a specific foot condition affecting one foot, may only need to be worn on one side. If you're unsure, seek advice from a podiatrist or other qualified healthcare professional.

Can I use more than one foot insert at the same time?

In some cases, yes. Certain inserts can be used together, such as a heel cup with a metatarsal pad, provided there is enough space inside your footwear. However, combining multiple products may affect the fit of your shoes, so it's important to ensure they remain comfortable and stable.

Learn More About Common Foot Conditions

Many foot inserts are designed to help manage specific foot conditions by providing targeted support and cushioning. If you'd like to learn more about the symptoms, causes and treatment options for these conditions, explore our expert guides below.

Read our guides:

• How to Correct Overpronation - 5 Science-Backed Steps
• The Best Overpronation Treatments
• 10 Best Supination Exercises
• 10 Best Flat Feet Exercises
• 5 Proven Methods to Get Rid of Constant Foot Cramps
• Top 50 Questions About Plantar Fasciitis – FAQ
• The Best Plantar Fasciitis Treatments
• The Best Metatarsalgia Treatments