Summary
I had high expectations from Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Insoles, and I was satisfied with my experience. I loved how they significantly improved the feel of my boots and made them more comfortable to use over long periods. Instead of being completely flat, these insoles had a curved design that worked with the reinforced arch support to prevent extreme arch discomfort, especially for those who already have foot health issues – such as plantar fasciitis. The arch support was nicely cushioned for even greater comfort as it didn’t have the rigidity that most insoles with strong arch support systems are equipped with. I liked the heel pad that brought another level of cushioning and shock absorption to the heel portion. A 90-day money-back guarantee provided extra assurance of the product’s quality, which I fully appreciated the more I used these remarkable insoles.
Performance Analysis
Comfort
Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Insoles stood out when it came to comfort. They helped make my boots considerably more comfortable, which was exactly what I was expecting from insoles that are designed to relieve the discomfort brought by plantar fasciitis.
I loved how these insoles are ergonomically shaped to follow the natural curve of the feet instead of having a flat structure throughout.
The ergonomic shape worked with the insoles’ arch support system to maintain the proper posture of the feet, keeping them in a stable position, so the risk of ligaments becoming uncomfortably stretched is minimized.
I was glad to discover that the arch support had a nicely cushioned design. It felt soft and cushiony, so I was quite surprised that it still managed to keep the arches supported throughout the day without unwanted rigidity. I could enjoy the cushiony sensation from the moment my feet slid into my boots (with the insoles already in place) to the time I had to take them off at the end of the day. The heel’s softness helped increase the feet’ overall comfort level while using these insoles. However, some people may be more comfortable (and more used to) using insoles with considerably stiffer arch support.
The heel pad was another cushioned component that worked to elevate foot comfort. I welcomed the way it shielded the heel area – which can be even more sensitive for those with plantar fasciitis – with enough padding to save it from feeling the intense impact of walking on hard surfaces. In addition, the cushioning softened the blow to the heel and soaked in the force, allowing the pressure to be dissipated across the foot, so the impact isn’t concentrated only on the heel area.
Weight
To deliver enhanced protection on the trails and in different work settings, this hiking boot’s premium construction is designed to easily keep up with challenging activities and environments.
With a weight of 6.9oz, these insoles aren’t the slimmest or lightest, but they’re not overly heavy either. I was okay with the slight addition to the insoles’ bulk because it increased the comfort level of the feet, and the curved shape didn’t make the boots uncomfortably heavy even after long hours of use.
Fit and Sizing
I tried these insoles in the only size option available, 8-13, for men (6-10 option for women). My boots are size 10 US, so I had to do some tweaking to make the insoles fit correctly into the footwear. The bottom of the insoles had markings that indicated where the material needed to be cut, corresponding to the preferred size. I only had to look for my size and, using sharp scissors, trim the insoles so they could seamlessly fit into my size 10 boots. These insoles have a slightly limited sizing option as it only goes up to a size 13, compared to other Dr Scholl’s insoles that are offered until a size 14 for men and size 11 for women. These insoles aren’t suitable for men who wear a size 14 footwear (or size 11 for women), in which case other insoles from the same brand can be considered for a better fit.
Breathability
These insoles didn’t have the tiny holes I was used to seeing in the other Dr Scholl’s insoles. With these holes, breathability was better as the air couldn’t enter freely. However, sweat and excess warmth also didn’t have a chance to escape that easily, so the insoles tended to feel overheated more quickly compared to the insole options with ventilation holes.
Arch Support
The arch support was softly cushioned, but this didn’t compromise its supportive quality. It was a treat to feel the cushiony structure of the arch area because I was quite used to insoles offering strong arch support with harder construction. The welcome softness made the insoles even more comfortable to wear. In addition, I was impressed that the arch continued to deliver reinforced support.
I think the cushiony arch support strikes the right balance between softness and strong support.
Quality and Durability
Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Insoles are built to make walking more comfortable for those with plantar fasciitis issues and for people who require extra arch support to get through the day. They’re designed to follow the feet’s natural shape, keeping them secured inside the boots to prevent possible issues resulting from unintentional foot movement. The structure resulted in a bit of extra weight (compared to other Dr Scholl’s insoles), but I liked how this didn’t considerably affect the overall weight and bulk of the footwear.
I loved the reinforced arch support designed to stabilize the ligament (called the plantar fascia) connecting the heel to the front area of the foot. The support system prevented this ligament from stretching further to relieve and prevent further discomfort. I was even more impressed because the arch support had a softly cushioned structure – something I wasn’t expecting because most of the insoles I’ve tried featuring reinforced arch support had rigid structures. The welcoming softness enhanced my comfort, and I was amazed that it didn’t have a negative effect on the strength of the arch support.
The heel pad absorbed the shock from walking and staying upright on unyielding surfaces for long periods.
This was another nicely cushioned component that I appreciated as it improved foot comfort not only by its softness but also because it soaked up and dissipated the impact of moving on hard ground conditions. These insoles didn’t come with the perforations that I noticed in other Dr Scholl’s insoles I previously tried, so they’re less breathable than the options that are equipped with ventilation holes.
Unlike other Dr Scholl’s insoles that are offered in a size 8-14 for men and 6-11 for women, these insoles come in a size 8-13 (men) and 6-10 (women). This makes them unsuitable for men who need size 14, and women who need size 11 insoles. However, these insoles are still very convenient to trim to the right size, with the sizing guides indicated so the material can be trimmed to the appropriate size that will seamlessly fit into the footwear. They can be used for work boots and work shoes, as well as for casual shoes and sneakers that may need reinforced arch support and shock absorption.
These insoles showcase sturdy construction that won’t easily fall apart even with heavy use. They’re backed with a 90-day money-back guarantee that gave me quality assurance, with the company being confident enough about their products to offer this promise after purchase.
I won’t recommend this to those who prefer rigid arch support, though, as the arch feels cushiony soft.
Although, this extra softness is a definite plus.
Other Versions
Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Insoles also come in a sized-to-fit version that doesn’t require trimming to achieve the right fit.
Conclusion & Verdict
Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Insoles are ideal for professions requiring continuous walking or standing hours and for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis. I’m impressed with the reinforced arch support that stabilizes the arch, preventing the plantar fascia ligament from stretching uncomfortably due to long hours of staying upright. These insoles are ergonomically designed to follow the feet’ natural shape to maintain their secure position while helping with arch support. The strong impact of walking or standing on hard floors is quickly soaked up and dissipated, thanks to the heel cushion’s shock-absorbing properties. In addition, I loved how the arch support feels cushiony instead of stiff, delivering the right balance between softness and strong support that other insoles can’t offer. However, I would not recommend these insoles to those who prefer the arch enhancement to be more rigid, as the cushiony structure may need to feel more supportive.
- Reinforced yet softly cushioned arch support
- Ergonomic design
- Shock-absorbing heel pad
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- It may be too soft for those who prefer rigid arch support