Guide - How to Choose the Right Orthotic Insoles for You

Which Orthotic Insoles Do I Need?

Shoe insoles come in all different shapes and sizes, and people wear them for various reasons. Orthotic insoles can help relieve foot pain, correct the way you walk, and make your shoes more comfortable when moving throughout the day.

The easiest way to choose the right orthotic insoles is to shop for insoles based on how much support you need and for what activities. PowerStep® insoles are the #1 podiatrist-recommended brand of orthotics with a large selection so everyone can find their best fit.

With so many options available, choosing the best orthotic insoles for you can get overwhelming. That is why we mapped out this step-by-step guide with a series of questions to help you find the perfect pair.

A Quick Guide:

Do you need insoles for yourself or a child?
What size insoles do you need?
How much support do you need?
Do you need activity specific insoles?

Using The PowerStep Insole Finder

The first step to finding which orthotic insoles you need is to try an online insole quiz like the PowerStep Insole Finder. This short assessment helps you find the exact amount of support you need to relieve foot pain. At the end, you will receive personalized recommendations of our top insoles and foot care accessories.

Do you need insoles for yourself or a child?

Children with growing feet might experience foot pain or problems related to their growth. Our kid's orthotic insoles have built-in arch support and comfortable cushioning that's ideal for kids or toddlers with flat feet, issues with alignment, posture or balance, and foot pain or discomfort.

boy placing kids shoe insole into blue tennis shoe

What size insoles do you need?

When choosing PowerStep orthotic insoles, you want to select the insole size that’s the same as your shoe size. While most of our orthotics are full-length, some people need smaller insoles like ¾ length insoles. Here is how to decide which types of orthotics you need:

Do you need full length insoles?

Most people who wear orthotics can benefit from full length support. Full length insoles measure from heel to toe, and often replace the original insoles in your shoes. They fit most casual shoes, work boots, and other types of footwear without a narrow toe box.

If you have ball of foot pain from Morton’s Neuroma or metatarsalgia, full length insoles with met pads cushion the forefoot and provide extra support. People who wear wide width shoes may need wide shoe insoles for a better fit with cushioning and support.

woman placing full length shoe insole into white canvas shoe

Do you need 3/4 length insoles?

3/4 length orthotic inserts extend from the ball of the foot to the heel, leaving room at the toes. You may need a ¾ length insole like PowerStep Pinnacle® 3/4 Insoles if your shoes do not have removeable insoles or you have the following types of footwear:

Insoles for heels: SlenderFit® Insoles offer maximum cushioning and support for women who want more comfort in their heels, pumps, boots, and sandals.
Insoles for sports cleats: PowerStep PULSE® 3/4 Insoles are designed for use in performance athletic shoes that may not have removable insoles or fit very tightly.
Dress shoe insoles: The PowerStep Pinnacle Dress 3/4 Length Insoles fit in most dress shoes and provide pain relieving arch support for foot ailments like plantar fasciitis.

man seated on bed placing ¾ orthotic insole into a men's dress shoe

How much support do you need?

Like insoles, feet also come in different shapes and sizes, requiring different levels of cushion and types of support. PowerStep offers orthotic insoles for different arch types including low, neutral, and high arches. Use our arch height test to find out how much support you need.

Low Arch Support & Support for Flat Feet

Maximum support orthopedic insoles and orthotics for flat feet deliver firm, yet flexible arch support to relieve pain that’s associated with fallen arches. If you need insoles for low arches that have a lot of support and cushioning, options include:

PowerStep Pinnacle Low insoles: Designed specifically for low arches, our low arch support insoles provide pain relief for flat feet with added stability and comfort.
PowerStep Maxx insoles: With an angled heel post and our signature support, these insoles help prevent and relieve pain from overpronation while keeping the feet from rolling inward, a common problem of flat feet.

man placing low arch insole into black tennis shoe

Neutral Arch Support

Most people have neutral arches and need arch support insoles to relieve pain from issues like plantar fasciitis and prevent future problems. For a good balance of support and comfort, these are your go-to orthotic insoles:

PowerStep Pinnacle insoles: All of our Pinnacle insoles are the best orthotics for everyday foot pain relief. They also help improve alignment, which can help reduce knee, hip, and back pain.
PowerStep Original insoles: This original design provides the support needed to prevent and relieve pain while fitting into a wide variety of shoe types.
PowerStep Pinnacle Dress insoles: With a supple top cover, arch support, and non-slip pad, these dress shoe insoles make formal shoes more comfortable.

woman placing blue orthotic insole into white shoe

Support for High Arches

Finding insoles for high arches can be challenging when you don't know where to look. Fortunately, PowerStep offers specific insoles for people who need this kind of support:

PowerStep Pinnacle High insoles: High arches are prone to supination, or rolling outward and our signature arch support, heel cradle and comfortable cushioning help relieve pain and prevent problems caused by supination.
PowerStep bridge® insoles: Though designed for all arch types, bridge insoles have an adaptable arch. It’s where comfort meets support with energizing foam and flexible support that works for higher arches.

woman placing high arch insole into black walking shoe

Cushioning & Comfort Insoles

Want to make your shoes more comfortable with added cushioning? Try the following cushioned insoles in your walking shoes, work shoes, or any shoe that you wear everyday:

PowerStep bridge insoles: The bridge insoles are the perfect all-in-one shoe insert when you want all the benefits of arch support but with more cushioning. With 55% energy return, they're great for when you need insoles for standing all day.
PowerStep ComfortLast® insoles: This cushioned gel insole has a contoured shape, dual-layer foam, and gel heel cushion for long lasting comfort that helps relieve heel pain.
PowerStep Memory Foam insoles: Memory foam shoe inserts with arch support mold to the foot for enhanced comfort while relieving pressure and pain in tired, achy feet.

man placing cushioned insole into black sneaker

Do you need an activity specific insole?

Depending on the activities you do, you might need an insole with features that support your lifestyle or work, including:

PowerStep PULSE insoles: Great for runners and going to the gym, these athletic insoles have shock absorbing foam to help prevent injuries like shin splints.
PowerStep Pinnacle Hiker insoles: Made for use on rugged terrain, hiking insoles offer the most firm support with a heel cradle for stability and maximum cushion.
PowerStep Pinnacle Work insoles: Work boot insoles add arch support and cushioning to all work boots and shoes, relieving pain from standing on hard surfaces.

man placing orange running insole into gray running shoe

Find The Right Insole on PowerStep.com

Many people visit a foot health specialist for guidance about which insoles they need. With easily accessible options like PowerStep orthotic insoles, which are clinically proven to relieve and prevent foot pain, you can get the exact support you need with more comfort and less pain.