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Best Insoles for Work Boots and Shoes – Worn & Tested

Dr. Scholl’s Heavy Duty Support Insoles
Rating 8.3/10
  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Gel enhanced
  • 90 day warranty
View price at Amazon
Powerstep Pinnacle Arch Support Insoles
Rating 8.2/10
  • Superb arch support
  • Cushioned
  • Antimicrobial layer
  • Easy fit
View price at Amazon
Dr Scholls Work Massaging Gel Advanced Insoles
Rating 8.2/10
  • Soft and flexible
  • Value for money
  • Gel tech
  • 90 day warranty
View price at Amazon

When you’re at work, the last thing you need is for your feet to start aching – especially if you need to walk around for most of the day. Top-notch work boots and shoes offer protection and support, but there’s something else you can turn to for added comfort. Quality insoles are designed to amplify the comfortable experience you can enjoy with your work shoes and boots. They’re built not only to add softness to your footwear but also to deliver the support and shock absorption that your feet need precisely where they matter the most. There are plenty of work insole options to choose from, so it can be tricky to look for the one that fits your needs when you have so many products to consider.

To help you with this task, we’ve tested and worn many insoles and come up with a list of the top ones for work boots and shoes alike.

Our Top Picks – Insoles for Work Boots and Shoes

Comparison Table

  • Rating

    This is the trial text to check ratings.

    • Best in class
    • Excellent
    • Good
    • Fair
    • Poor
  • Price Range
  • Overall score
  • Performance Breakdown
  • Comfort & Fit
  • Design & Build Quality
  • Durability
  • Fit
  • Arch Support
  • Value For Money
  • Overview
  • Pros
  • Cons
  • Bottom Line

Best Overall

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Dr. Scholl’s Heavy Duty Support Insoles

View price at Amazon
  • $15 to $15
  • 8.3
  • 8.5
  • 8.0
  • 9.0
  • 8.0
  • 8.0
  • 8.5
    • Lightweight
    • Good arch support
    • Durable construction
    • Deep heel cup with gel enhancement
    • 90-day money-back guarantee
    • Arch support isn’t exceptionally strong
  • Designed to provide good arch support and shock absorption, Dr. Scholl’s Heavy Duty Support Insoles minimize the uncomfortable impact caused by walking or standing for extended periods.

Best Arch Support

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Powerstep Pinnacle Insoles

View price at Amazon
  • $30 to $30
  • 8.2
  • 8.0
  • 8.0
  • 9.0
  • 8.5
  • 8.0
  • 7.5
    • Exceptional arch support
    • Comfortable cushioning
    • Antimicrobial top cover
    • Available in exact sizes
    • Less flexible compared to other insoles
  • Built with exceptionally strong arch support and available in exact sizes, the Powerstep Pinnacle Insoles offer hassle-free support while preventing or relieving foot discomfort.

Best Soft Option

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Dr Scholls Work Massaging Gel Advanced Insoles

View price at Amazon
  • $12 to $12
  • 8.2
  • 9.0
  • 8.5
  • 9.0
  • 8.0
  • 6.0
  • 9.5
    • Remarkably soft and flexible
    • Excellent value for money
    • Size guide for cutting
    • 90-day money-back guarantee
    • Slightly heavier compared to other Dr Scholl’s insoles
    • The flat structure doesn’t offer strong arch support
  • Built with responsive cushioning and massaging gel, the Dr. Scholl’s Work Massaging Gel Advanced Insoles delivers long hours of comfort and freedom from foot fatigue.

Best for Pain Relief

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Dr Scholls Plantar Fasciitis Insoles

View price at Amazon
  • $14 to $14
  • 8.2
  • 8.0
  • 8.0
  • 8.0
  • 9.0
  • 8.0
  • 8.0
    • Reinforced arch support with soft cushioning
    • Impact-absorbing heel pad
    • 90-day money-back guarantee
    • Ergonomic design
    • Unsuitable for people who prefer hard arch support
  • Delivering reinforced arch support and comfortable cushioning, Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Insoles are designed to protect the feet against severe discomfort.

Best Anti-Fatigue

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Easyfeet Insoles

View price at Amazon
  • $29 to $29
  • 8.2
  • 7.5
  • 9.0
  • 8.0
  • 8.0
  • 9.5
  • 7.0
    • Very strong arch support
    • Enhanced shock absorption on heel and forefoot
    • Comfortable cushioning
    • Prominently curved for ergonomic benefits
    • Inflexible structure
  • Featuring a defined foot shape and gel pads on precise areas, EasyFeet Insoles deliver maximum arch support to ease the impact of walking for hours on unforgiving surfaces.

Detailed Product Reviews

If you’d like to get acquainted with your new potential faithful companion, here are detailed reviews.

Best Overall

Dr. Scholl’s Heavy Duty Support Insoles

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Material

Plastic

Dimensions

4.55 x 2.32 x 13.85 inches

Weight

0.39b / 0.18kg / 6.2oz

Sizes Available

8-14 (men); 6-11 (women)

Manufacturer

Dr. Scholl’s
Ideal For
  • Those who are looking for lightweight insoles
  • People who need heavy-duty foot arch support and shock absorption
  • Jobs that require long hours of staying upright or walking
Price Range

15

View price at Amazon

Rating

8.3

“Excellent”

Brand Name
8.5
8.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
8.5

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Good arch support
  • Durable construction
  • Deep heel cup with gel enhancement
  • 90-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Arch support isn’t exceptionally strong

Dr. Scholl’s Heavy Duty Support Insoles considerably improved the comfort of our boots and made them more enjoyable to use. With a weight of 6.2 oz, these are some of the lightest insoles we’ve tried. We loved how these insoles provided ample support and cushioning without the unpleasant heaviness that would’ve dragged on our feet. Even with the lightweight profile, the insoles still felt sturdy and tough enough to last for a long time. The insoles came in one size option for men and one for women, but we didn’t have a hard time making them fit our boots because they had size indicators that guided where the material needed to be cut. We’re impressed with the deep heel cup enhanced with a gel-like material that worked as a strong shock absorber while securing the heel in place. We would’ve liked these insoles even more if they had stronger arch support and more cushioning on the ball of the foot area.

Unique Features  

Cushioning

We liked how these insoles are designed to deliver cushioning throughout the entire length, not just on certain portions. The cushioning made the insoles comfortably soft but didn’t add much weight to the boots we used for work. We also appreciated the gel-like cushioning on the heel cup, providing strong shock absorption to prevent discomfort.

Arch Support

The arch area featured an orange-colored enhancement that introduced a bit of rigidity, making this component stand out against the softness of the rest of the insoles’ structure. The rigidity provided good arch support, although we didn’t feel it was strong enough to prevent discomfort with heavy use.

Fit & Build

These insoles came in one size option for men (8-14) and women (6-11). Thankfully, we had an easy time customizing the insoles to the right size because they came with numbers at the back, indicating the precise areas where the material should be cut to get the correct shoe size. We liked the sturdy construction that felt robust enough to last through extensive use while resisting damage, with a 90-day money-back guarantee to back up the product’s quality. We’re just as impressed with these insoles’ lightweight structure contributing to the overall comfort level.

Summary

Dr. Scholl’s Heavy Duty Support Insoles are our best overall choice because of remarkable qualities such as strong shock absorption, good arch support, a 90-day money-back guarantee, durable construction, and a lightweight profile.


Best Arch Support

Powerstep Pinnacle Insoles

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Material

EVA foam

Dimensions

14 x 4.5 x 2 inches

Weight

0.41lb / 0.19kg / 6.6oz

Sizes Available

3-16+ (men’s); 5-12 (women’s) – exact sizes

Manufacturer

Powerstep
Ideal For
  • Professions that involve all-day walking or standing
  • Those who prefer insoles that don’t need to be cut to size
  • People who are after exceptionally strong arch support
Price Range

30

View price at Amazon

Rating

8.2

“Excellent”

Brand Name
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.5
9.0
7.5

Pros

  • Exceptional arch support
  • Comfortable cushioning
  • Antimicrobial top cover
  • Available in exact sizes

Cons

  • Less flexible compared to other insoles

When we first saw the Powerstep Pinnacle Insoles, we knew they’d deliver strong arch support. These are serious contenders for the top spot regarding insoles offering exceptional arch support. The pronounced curve is designed to cradle the arches, effectively stopping them from dropping, so we were able to walk for hours without discomfort in this area. We loved how these insoles significantly improved the feel of our work boots and made them much more comfortable. The antimicrobial top cover was a wonderful bonus as it inhibited bacterial growth, making it easier for us to avoid smelly feet problems even with long hours of continuous boot use. We’ve pleasantly surprised that these insoles were offered in exact sizes, as we didn’t have to trim them first to make them fit correctly into our work boots.

Unique Features  

Cushioning

We loved that these insoles didn’t skimp on cushioning even as they focused on providing strong arch support. The top layer felt soft and comfy, amping up the comfortable feeling as the softness eased the discomfort of walking and standing for extended periods. We would’ve loved these insoles even more if they offered thicker cushioning in the heel area for increased shock absorption.

Arch Support

These insoles stand out the most in the arch support department. We’re impressed with the structure’s defined curve as it strongly supported the arches, preventing them from falling, which would’ve resulted in a great deal of discomfort. A thicker, more rigid bottom layer also helped enhance arch support for all-day comfort.

Fit & Build

The insoles have a robust design featuring two layers – a softly cushioned top layer and a thicker one for added support. We believe the durable structure will last for a long time. We loved that these insoles were available in exact sizes, eliminating the need for trimming as we already had the right size that would fit effortlessly into our boots from the start. In addition, they’re enhanced with an antimicrobial treatment, greatly reducing the risk that odor issues will develop after long hours of use.

Summary

The Powerstep Pinnacle Insoles stand out with outstandingly strong arch support, but it’s also a winner regarding soft, comfortable cushioning. They also showcase antimicrobial enhancement for odor control and are available in exact sizes.


Best Soft Option

Dr. Scholl’s Work Massaging Gel Insoles

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Material

Rubber (with massaging gel)

Dimensions

4.79 x 2.09 x 14.09 inches

Weight

0.45b / 0.21kg / 7.25oz

Shaft Size

8-14 (men); 6-11 (women)

Manufacturer

Dr. Scholl’s
Ideal For
  • Professions that require all-day walking or standing
  • Those who want to improve the softness of their old boots’ interior
  • People who prefer insoles with excellent value for money
Price Range

12

View price at Amazon

Rating

8.2

“Excellent”

Brand Name
9.0
8.0
9.0
8.0
6.0
9.0

Pros

  • Remarkably soft and flexible
  • Excellent value for money
  • Size guide for cutting
  • 90-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Slightly heavier compared to other Dr Scholl’s insoles
  • The flat structure doesn’t offer strong arch support

Dr. Scholl’s Work Massaging Gel Advanced Insoles stood out with their exceptional softness, making our work boots considerably more comfortable than when they still had the original insoles. We loved that a big portion of the structures was enhanced with a gel material, making these the softest and most flexible insoles we’ve tried. The material delivered superb cushioning and shock absorption, stopping discomfort from setting in even after we’ve walked for hours. We appreciated the size guide at the back made it a lot easier to achieve the correct size as it guided us to the exact points where the material needed to be cut. These insoles were slightly heavier than other options from the same brand, although that didn’t result in the structure becoming uncomfortably heavy inside the work boots. They surprisingly came at an affordable price point, offering excellent value for money compared to insoles with less impressive features offered at more than twice the price.

Unique Features  

Cushioning

We loved the generously cushioned feel of these insoles as they made our work boots much more comfortable to use, even for long periods. The gel component worked to massage our feet while protecting them against the crushing impact of walking in hard ground conditions. We appreciated how this material continuously absorbed the shock and dissipated it to prevent foot fatigue.

Arch Support

These insoles were made with rigid side panels to keep the arch support. However, these enhancements didn’t work as well as planned because the rest of the insoles had a much flatter design compared to other insoles, resulting in the feet not getting the arch support they needed.

Fit & Build

Available in one size for men (8-14) and women (6-11), these insoles were quite easy to modify to the correct right size, thanks to the sizing guides incorporated into the back. By simply trimming along the appropriate size mark, we could get the right size that easily fits into our work boots. We liked that these insoles felt solid and well made, with the 90-day money-back guarantee offering additional assurance of the product’s exceptional quality. They’re a bit heavier than other Dr Scholl’s insoles, but the extra weight didn’t result in discomfort.

Summary

Dr. Scholl’s Work Massaging Gel Advanced Insoles was the clear winner regarding softness, thanks to the gel material that made them the softest and most flexible insoles we’ve tried. They also offered strong shock absorption and size indicators for hassle-free cutting to get the correct shoe size.


Best for Pain Relief

Dr Scholls Plantar Fasciitis Insoles

Image

Material

Plastic

Dimensions

11.6 x 5.9 x 35.2 centimetres

Weight

0.43lb / 0.196kg / 6.9oz

Sizes Available

8-13 (men); 6-10 (women)

Manufacturer

Dr. Scholl’s
Ideal For
  • People suffering from plantar fasciitis
  • Professionals working on their feet all-day
  • Those who prefer cushioned arch support that’s not too soft or rigid
Price Range

14

View price at Amazon

Rating

8.2

“Excellent”

Brand Name
8.0
8.0
8.0
9.0
8.0
8.0

Pros

  • Reinforced arch support with soft cushioning
  • Impact-absorbing heel pad
  • 90-day money-back guarantee
  • Ergonomic design

Cons

  • Unsuitable for people who prefer hard arch support

Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Insoles are hard to beat when providing pain relief, especially for those suffering from plantar fasciitis. They came with an impressive balance of support and softness, with enough rigidity to stabilize footing without compromising comfort. In addition, they’re not as flat as other insoles and offer strong arch support to prevent discomfort in this area. We appreciated how these insoles supported the arches but still felt comfortably soft, thanks to the considerably softer material used to reinforce support. The ergonomic design followed the foot’s shape for all-day comfort, and we liked that the structure has just the right level of thickness to fit easily into the footwear. Meanwhile, the heel pad worked as a reliable shock absorber and softened every heel strike to minimize the risk of foot fatigue.

Unique Features  

Cushioning

We liked these insoles’ nicely cushioned structure, particularly in the arch. We were a bit surprised since most insoles had rigid arch support that can become uncomfortable – but this wasn’t the case with these insoles. Instead, the structure supporting the arch was cushiony, so the insoles felt pleasantly soft throughout their lengths. We also appreciated the cushioned heel pad, as it absorbed most of the shock produced by walking on hard floors.

Arch Support

These insoles were built specifically to relieve pain by supporting the arches, keeping them stabilized to protect them from dropping after hours of staying upright. The cushioning, keeping the support reinforcement soft and welcoming, made the arch support for these insoles even better – although we won’t recommend this for those who prefer more rigid support.

Fit & Build

The insoles are available in one size – 8-13 for men and 6-10 for women – but we easily trimmed them to the correct size with the help of size indicators placed at the back. They’re ergonomically designed and aren’t as flat as other insoles, so they’re more comfortable to wear for extended periods. In addition, these insoles are durable and quite well made, and we expect them to last a long time.

Summary

Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Insoles are an excellent choice for those suffering from plantar fasciitis. They’re also suitable for those who want comfortable insoles that aren’t too soft or too rigid, with features such as cushiony soft arch support, ergonomic design, and a shock-absorbing heel pad.


Best Anti-Fatigue

Easyfeet Insoles

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Material

TPU

Dimensions

10.43 x 3.65 x 1.38 inches

Weight

0.64lb / 0.29kg / 10.25oz

Shaft Size

XS, S, M, L, XL (each one covering 2 shoe sizes)

Manufacturer

EASYFEET
Ideal For
  • Jobs that require all-day standing or walking
  • Those who need exceptionally strong arch support
  • People who prefer comfortable, shock-absorbing insoles
Price Range

29

View price at Amazon

Rating

8.2

““Excellent””

Brand Name
7.5
9.0
8.0
8.0
9.5
7.0

Pros

  • Very strong arch support
  • Enhanced shock absorption on heel and forefoot
  • Comfortable cushioning
  • Prominently curved for ergonomic benefits

Cons

  • Inflexible structure

EasyFeet Insoles offer strong foot fatigue prevention that helps us walk comfortably for longer periods. We liked the structure’s defined curve that helped stabilize the foot arch, supporting it in its proper position to prevent extreme discomfort after walking or standing on hard surfaces all day. We appreciated the addition of a gel-like material in the heel and forefoot areas, helping these sections to absorb shock more efficiently, so it’s easier to avoid foot fatigue throughout long hours of staying on our feet. Available in size options that cover two shoe sizes, the insoles may need to be trimmed a bit to get a perfect size. Even if they’re not the softest option out there, these insoles still managed to provide comfortable cushioning, although we won’t recommend them to those who want to make their boots or shoes a lot softer.

Unique Features  

Cushioning

The top layer of these insoles is cushioned nicely and offers a soothing texture, even if it’s not as soft as the ones used in other insoles. In addition, we loved the infusion of a gel-like material in the forefoot and heel pad sections, promoting enhanced shock absorption while adding a bouncy effect that boosted our energy to walk for much longer periods. However, these insoles are not the best option for those who want to make their shoes or boots considerably softer.

Arch Support

We liked the insoles’ defined shape that delivered exceptional arch support, protecting the arches, so they didn’t easily become uncomfortable after standing or walking for a long time. The thick bottom layer reinforced the supportive nature of these insoles but had the downside of making the insoles the least flexible ones we’ve tried so far.

Fit & Build

These insoles are offered in sizes like clothing – XS, S, M, L, XL – each covering two shoe sizes. As these aren’t exact sizes, some trimming is most likely needed to get the perfect sizing. However, these are quite well-made and offer long-lasting performance, with the two layers offering a balance of cushioning and support.

Summary

The EasyFeet Insoles are ideal for preventing foot fatigue, with a defined shape reinforcing the exceptional arch support even with all-day use. Shock-absorbing pads on the forefoot and heel areas soften the impact of continuous steps, while a soft top layer offers a soothing texture.


Noteable Mentions

Timberland PRO Anti-Fatigue Technology ESD Insoles

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The Timberland PRO Anti-Fatigue Technology ESD Insoles are the most lightweight insoles we’ve used, but the minimized weight doesn’t mean they’re lacking in remarkable features. The ESD design offers protection and improved comfort when used in environments at risk for static electricity build-up. The OrthoLite top cover provided comfortable cushioning without the unwelcome thickness that would’ve made the interior too tight – although this layer isn’t as soft as the ones usually fitted into premium insole options. This material allowed the air to move freely, improving the insoles’ breathability, so they didn’t easily overheat even when used for prolonged periods. It also wicked moisture away from the skin to maintain a comfortably dry feeling while resistant to flattening for better durability. The insoles had a relatively flat shape, though, so they could offer only a limited amount of arch support.

Dr. Scholl’s GelActiv Work Insoles

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Dr. Scholl’s GelActiv Work Insoles’ lightweight design comprises high-performance features that keep the feet comfortable all day long. The heel pad delivered exceptional shock absorption, soaking up the force, so it wasn’t focused solely in this area and instead was distributed across the structure. The wrinkle-resistant construction ensured the insoles stayed flat under the feet and didn’t crease or fold unintentionally, even with vigorous foot movements. We liked the FreshFeet fabric that worked to keep the insoles dry and fresh, smelling for longer while also preventing an overly warm feeling from developing. These insoles are constructed with two layers of gel materials that actively work to the pressure that can slowly build up after walking or standing on hard surfaces for extended periods. However, the strong shock absorption effect was reduced by the thinness of the insoles’ structure, which also contributed to the minimized arch support.

Selection Methodology

We selected the products in this list after considering the crucial qualities of the best work insoles, as discussed below.

Cushioning – Work insoles need to provide ample cushioning as they’re relied on to make boots or shoes more comfortable. With the right level of cushioning, the feet can enjoy comfortable softness without the added bulk or weight.

Arch Support – The best work insoles deliver strong arch support, protecting the arches from discomfort as they’re supported in stable positions. The supportive structure makes all-day walking or standing more comfortable and helps with more stable movements.

Minimized Weight – High-quality work insoles are thin and light enough to fit effortlessly into boots and shoes. The reduced weight ensures that the insoles won’t feel too heavy and compromise performance.

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Flexibility – Top-quality insoles are created with pliable materials to make them adapt more easily to the feet’s motion. The flexible structure also adds to the overall comfort, allowing the feet to move naturally without unwelcome stiffness from the bottom.

Breathability – As insoles are used throughout the workday, a breathable design helps prevent discomfort from heat retention. Insoles that promote good ventilation stay cool and fresh for longer and can also stop sweaty or smelly foot issues.

Durability – Work insoles must be strong enough to withstand daily use for different tasks. These high-quality insoles resist premature damage, offering long-term benefits to keep the feet comfortable and supported while on the job.

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Product Analysis on Different Categories

We selected the products in this list by considering the features essential for the best work insoles. The comfort category examines the features that work to elevate the comfortable experience while using the insoles. The fit & sizing category checks details of the sizing availability for the insoles and how this can affect the ease with which they can fit into footwear. The arch support category determines the strength of the insoles’ arch support to prevent and relieve pain, especially with all-day use. The durability category inspects the ability of the materials and construction to resist damage without compromising performance, support, and comfort. Finally, the value-for-money category assesses the products’ overall benefits against their price points.

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Overall

Dr. Scholl’s Heavy Duty Support Insoles came out on top of this list with exceptional qualities such as good arch support, durable construction, and lightweight profile. Dr. Scholl’s Work Massaging Gel Advanced Insoles came in next with commendable features, including exceptional softness, excellent value, and improved flexibility. Next on the list are the Powerstep Pinnacle Insoles providing powerful arch support and an antimicrobial top cover and availability in exact sizes. Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Insoles came in next with remarkable qualities such as reinforced arch support, ergonomic design, and an impact-absorbing heel pad. Finally, the EasyFeet Insoles came last but featured noteworthy characteristics, including strong arch support, shock absorption in the heel and forefoot, and a curved profile.

Comfort & Fit

Dr. Scholl’s Work Massaging Gel Advanced Insoles stood out as the most comfortable option, showcasing exceptional softness and flexibility. The other four products had the same slightly lower scores but still offered superbly comfortable experiences.

Fit & Sizing

The Powerstep Pinnacle Insoles lead the list with top marks in this category as they’re available in exact sizes, so they don’t need to be trimmed to get the correct size. The other four products got slightly lower scores because they all needed trimming to achieve the proper sizing.

Arch Support

The Powerstep Pinnacle Insoles and EasyFeet Insoles top this list with exceptionally strong arch support. Dr. Scholl’s Heavy Duty Support Insoles and Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Insoles came in with strong support to stabilize the arches. Meanwhile, Dr. Scholl’s Work Massaging Gel Advanced Insoles got the lowest marks because the relatively flat and soft structure offered weak arch support.

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Durability

Dr. Scholl’s Heavy Duty Support Insoles, Dr. Scholl’s Work Massaging Gel Advanced Insoles, and Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Insoles all had the highest scores because they had durable designs and offered a 90-day money-back guarantee. On the other hand, the Powerstep Pinnacle Insoles and EasyFeet Insoles had the same slightly lower scores with robust profiles.

Value for Money

Dr. Scholl’s Work Massaging Gel Advanced Insoles topped this category with excellent value as they had exceptional features but were offered at less than half the price of insoles with similar qualities. Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Insoles and Dr. Scholl’s Heavy Duty Support Insoles came in next, with exceptional features at a reasonable price. Finally, the Powerstep Pinnacle Insoles and EasyFeet Insoles got the lowest scores with slightly higher prices but still offered great value for money.

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

The products on this list were carefully selected, worn, and tested. The top 3 products – Dr. Scholl’s Heavy Duty Support Insoles, Dr. Scholl’s Work Massaging Gel Advanced Insoles, and Powerstep Pinnacle Insoles – all showcased the most important features that are crucial for top-quality work insoles, including exceptional arch support, shock absorption, and comfortable cushioning. In addition, these products have been tested in different work environments and activities to examine their performance and to determine how well they can maintain their remarkable characteristics with extensive use. Our goal is to provide you with guides that can help you streamline your search so you can find the best work insoles that fit your requirements.

FAQs

Do the best work have thick cushioning?
Not necessarily. Thickly cushioned insoles can considerably improve the soft feel of boots and shoes but can also make the interiors uncomfortably tight. Therefore, choosing insoles that are suitable for your feet and footwear is more important than based on the cushioning’s thickness.
Are flexible insoles more comfortable to use?
Yes, because they allow the feet to move naturally without restrictions and without rigid parts that can dig into the skin. However, there are times when extreme flexibility can be a disadvantage, given that flexible insoles usually don’t offer good arch support.
Do work insoles need to be removed regularly from the boots or shoes?
Ideally, it’s good to take out the insoles at the end of every workday to air them out until the next day when they need to be used again. Removing them regularly or using an ant-odor spray or powder can also prevent unpleasant odors.
Is strong arch support always necessary for work insoles?
It depends on your preference and the nature of your job. If you’re flat-footed or your job involves continuous walking for most of the day, choosing work insoles with strong arch support is a good idea. However, if you spend most of the day sitting but still want to improve the softness of your boots or shoes, you can go for insoles with minimal arch support with exceptionally soft cushioning.

Luke Davis

Luke is the lead author on WorkWear.org. He has a vast experience in construction engineering and project management in California and Texas, where he had the chance to put to test a wide range of safety boots and PPE. Outside work, Luke is an avid hiker and not surprisingly a DIY fanatic!