Insoles

Choosing the right insoles isn't simply about adding extra cushioning. Different insoles are designed to relieve different foot conditions, support specific areas of the foot and fit various types of footwear.

Whether you're looking for pain relief, improved arch support or greater comfort while walking, the guide below will help you understand the different types of insoles and choose the option that's best suited to your feet.

Shop by Need

Different insoles are designed to solve different foot problems including relieving heel pain, improving arch support, reducing pressure on the forefoot or staying comfortable during long days on your feet. We've grouped our insoles by need to help you find the most suitable solution.

For Plantar Fasciitis

People with plantar fasciitis often benefit from insoles that combine firm arch support with a deep heel cup to reduce strain on the plantar fascia. These designs help support the natural shape of the foot, improve stability and reduce pressure on the heel during walking. We offer a range of orthotic and cushioned insoles suitable for both everyday footwear and sports shoes.

For Flat Feet

Flat feet can place additional strain on the arches, ankles and knees, leading to discomfort during everyday activities. Insoles designed for flat feet provide structured arch support to encourage a more balanced foot position while helping improve comfort during standing and walking. Our range includes different level of thicknesses, and both full-length and half-length designs depending on your footwear.

For High Arches

High arches often concentrate pressure on the heel and ball of the foot, making cushioning especially important. Insoles designed for high arches combine supportive arch contours with shock-absorbing materials to distribute pressure more evenly and improve comfort throughout the day.

For Overpronation

If your feet roll excessively inwards while walking, supportive orthotic insoles can help improve foot alignment and reduce unnecessary strain on the arches, ankles and knees. Many designs feature reinforced arch support and stabilising heel cups to encourage a more natural gait.

For Metatarsalgia

Pain beneath the ball of the foot can often be relieved with insoles that include forefoot cushioning or metatarsal support. These designs help redistribute pressure away from sensitive areas, making walking more comfortable.

For Supination

Supination, also known as underpronation, occurs when the foot rolls outwards while walking or running. This can place extra pressure on the outer edge of the foot, as well as the heel and ball of the foot, sometimes leading to discomfort or an increased risk of injury.

Insoles designed for supination combine supportive contours with shock-absorbing cushioning to help distribute pressure more evenly and improve comfort during everyday activities, walking and sport.

For Sports

Sports and exercise place greater demands on your feet, increasing the impact on your heels, arches and forefoot. Whether you're a runner, walker, hiker or regularly visit the gym, sports insoles provide additional cushioning, shock absorption and support to help improve comfort during activity. Our range includes insoles suitable for trainers, walking boots and sports shoes, helping to reduce fatigue and keep your feet feeling supported during exercise.

For Everyday Comfort

Not everyone needs specialist orthotics. Cushioned insoles are ideal for reducing foot fatigue, absorbing shock and making everyday footwear more comfortable, particularly if you spend long periods standing or walking.

Which Insole is Right for Me?

With so many different types of insoles available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. The best insole depends on your foot condition, footwear and the type of support you're looking for.

Whether you need additional cushioning, improved arch support or a specialist insole for everyday comfort, the guide below explains the main options to help you find the best fit for your needs.

Orthotic Insoles

Orthotic insoles are designed to improve foot alignment while providing structured support to the arches and heel. They're ideal for people with conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, overpronation and heel pain, helping to distribute pressure more evenly and improve comfort during everyday activities. Many orthotic insoles can be worn in everyday shoes, work boots and trainers.

Cushioned Insoles

Cushioned insoles are perfect if your priority is comfort rather than correction. Made from materials such as memory foam, gel or shock-absorbing foam, they help reduce impact on the feet while walking or standing for long periods. They're particularly popular with people who experience tired, aching feet or simply want to make their footwear more comfortable.

Arch Support Insoles

Arch support insoles are designed to support the natural arch of the foot and improve overall stability. They can help reduce strain caused by flat feet, high arches and overpronation while encouraging a more balanced walking pattern. Available in a variety of support levels, they're suitable for both everyday wear and more active lifestyles.

Half Length Insoles

Half length insoles provide support beneath the heel and arch without extending under the toes. They're an excellent option for shoes with limited space, such as smart shoes, heels or tighter-fitting footwear, and can often be transferred easily between different pairs of shoes. Despite their compact size, they still provide targeted cushioning and arch support where it's needed most.

Trimmable Insoles

Many of our insoles can be trimmed to achieve a more precise fit. Trimmable insoles feature cutting guides that allow you to customise the length to match your footwear, making them suitable for a wide variety of shoe styles and sizes. They're ideal if you're struggling to find insoles that fit perfectly or want the flexibility to use them in multiple pairs of shoes.

Height Increasing Insoles

Height increasing insoles are designed to discreetly add extra height while providing additional cushioning under the heel. Available in different lift heights, they're suitable for everyday footwear and can also help improve posture and confidence for some wearers. Many designs include soft cushioning to maintain comfort throughout the day while remaining discreet inside your shoes.

Gel Insoles

Gel insoles provide excellent cushioning and shock absorption, making them ideal for everyday wear, sports and occupations that involve prolonged standing. They help reduce pressure on the heel and forefoot while improving overall comfort, and many designs combine gel inserts with supportive foam layers for enhanced performance.

Benefits of Insoles

The right insoles can do much more than simply make your shoes feel more comfortable. Depending on the type you choose, they can provide additional support, improve stability and help relieve pressure on key areas of the foot. Here are some of the main benefits of wearing insoles.

Support Your Feet

Supportive insoles help improve foot alignment and provide additional support to the arches and heels. They're particularly beneficial for people with conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches and overpronation, helping to improve stability and distribute pressure more evenly.

Improve Comfort & Cushioning

Whether you're walking, running or standing for long periods, insoles provide additional cushioning that helps absorb impact and reduce pressure on the feet. This can make everyday footwear feel more comfortable while helping to reduce foot fatigue.

Reduce Pressure on Sensitive Areas

Many insoles are designed to relieve pressure on common problem areas such as the heel, arch and ball of the foot. By spreading weight more evenly across the foot, they can help improve comfort during everyday activities and complement other foot care treatments where appropriate.

How to Choose the Right Insoles

Selecting the right insoles starts with understanding your feet. Your foot condition, footwear and daily activities all play an important role in determining which type of insole will provide the greatest benefit. Considering the points below will help you choose the most suitable option.

Consider Your Foot Condition

Different foot conditions require different types of support. For example, plantar fasciitis often benefits from structured arch support, while metatarsalgia may require additional forefoot cushioning. Identifying the source of your discomfort is the first step towards choosing the right insoles.

Choose the Correct Arch Height

Your natural arch height influences how your feet distribute weight when standing and walking. Whether you have flat feet, normal arches or high arches, selecting insoles that complement your foot shape can improve comfort and provide more effective support.

Think About Your Footwear

Not every insole fits every shoe. Trainers, work boots, walking shoes and formal footwear all offer different amounts of space. Consider the type of footwear you'll be using most often and choose insoles that are compatible with your shoes.

Full Length or Half Length

Full-length insoles provide support and cushioning across the entire foot, making them suitable for most trainers and everyday shoes. Half-length insoles focus on supporting the heel and arch while taking up less space, making them ideal for tighter-fitting footwear or shoes where extra room around the toes is needed.

Materials

Insoles are made from a variety of materials, each offering different levels of cushioning, support and durability. Soft materials such as gel and memory foam are ideal for shock absorption and improving everyday comfort, making them popular for walking, sports and long periods of standing.

Firmer materials, including rigid plastic or structured orthotic designs, provide greater stability and arch support, making them better suited to conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet and overpronation. Some insoles combine multiple materials to offer both cushioning and supportive foot alignment in a single design.

Getting the Best from Your Insoles

Wearing your insoles correctly helps ensure they provide the best possible support and comfort. Whether you're replacing the insoles supplied with your shoes or trying supportive insoles for the first time, these simple tips will help you get the most from your new insoles.

• Replace Existing Insoles – Where possible, remove the original insoles supplied with your shoes before inserting your new pair. This usually provides a better fit and prevents your footwear from becoming too tight.
• Increase Wearing Time Gradually – If you're using supportive or orthotic insoles for the first time, allow your feet time to adapt. Begin by wearing them for one to two hours each day before gradually increasing the wearing time over the course of a week or two.
• Trim Only If Required – Many of our insoles are trimmable to achieve a more precise fit. Follow the trimming guides carefully and remove small amounts at a time until the insoles fit comfortably inside your shoes.
• Transfer Between Shoes – Many insoles can easily be moved between different pairs of footwear, allowing you to enjoy consistent support throughout the day. Always check that the insoles fit securely and don't move around inside your shoes.
• Replace When Worn – Like any foot care product, insoles gradually lose their cushioning and support with regular use. Inspect them periodically for signs of wear and replace them when they no longer provide the comfort or support you expect.

Listen to Your Feet

It's normal to notice a short adjustment period when wearing supportive insoles for the first time, particularly orthotic designs that change the way your feet are supported. Mild discomfort often settles as your feet adapt.

However, if you experience persistent pain, numbness or significant discomfort, stop using the insoles and seek advice from a podiatrist or other qualified healthcare professional to ensure you're using the most appropriate product for your feet.

FAQs - Insoles

Choosing the right insoles often raises questions about fit, support and how to get the best results. We've answered some of the questions we're most commonly asked to help you choose and use your insoles with confidence.

Do insoles really work?

Yes. The right insoles can improve comfort, provide additional support and help redistribute pressure across your feet. The benefits depend on your foot condition, footwear and choosing an insole that's appropriate for your individual needs.

Which insoles are best for plantar fasciitis?

People with plantar fasciitis often benefit from supportive orthotic insoles that combine firm arch support with a deep heel cup. These designs help reduce strain on the plantar fascia while improving comfort during walking and standing.

Can insoles help flat feet?

Supportive insoles can help improve comfort for people with flat feet by providing structured arch support and promoting a more balanced foot position while walking. Although they don't permanently change the shape of your feet, they can make everyday activities much more comfortable.

Should I remove the original insoles?

In most cases, yes. Removing your existing insoles usually creates enough space for your replacement insoles to fit properly and helps prevent your shoes from feeling too tight.

How long do insoles last?

The lifespan of insoles depends on the material, how often they're worn and your level of activity. Most everyday insoles last several months before cushioning and support begin to decline. Replace them when they show signs of wear or no longer feel as comfortable as they once did.

Can I move insoles between shoes?

Yes. Many insoles can be transferred between different pairs of footwear, provided the shoes are similar in size and shape. This allows you to enjoy consistent support without purchasing multiple pairs.

Can I wear insoles every day?

Yes. Most insoles are designed for daily use and can be worn in everyday shoes, work boots or trainers. If you're new to supportive insoles, gradually increase the wearing time to allow your feet to adapt.

Will insoles fit all shoes?

Not always. Different shoes have different amounts of internal space. Half-length or trimmable insoles are often better suited to tighter-fitting footwear, while full-length insoles are ideal for trainers, walking shoes and many everyday shoes.

When should I replace my insoles?

Replace your insoles when they become compressed, worn or no longer provide the level of comfort and support they once did. Regular replacement helps maintain cushioning, stability and overall foot comfort.

Learn More About Common Foot Conditions

Supportive insoles are often recommended as part of a wider foot care routine for a variety of common foot conditions. Our expert guides explain the symptoms, causes and treatment options for many of the conditions that insoles are designed to help support, making it easier to understand which products may be most suitable for your needs.

Explore our guides:

• What Are the First Signs of Plantar Fasciitis?
• Doctor Explains Secret Method to Correct Flat Feet
• 10 Best Flat Feet Exercises
• The Best Overpronation Treatments
• 10 Best Overpronation Exercises
• What is Supination? Causes, Symptoms & Best Treatments