11 Best Insoles For Work Boots & Foot Pain Relief | Stridewise (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission from.

If you wear workbooks regularly and experience foot discomfort, it might be time to invest in some new work boots or shoe insoles. Maybe the stock insoles just don’t provide that out-of-box comfort you expect from your work boots.

Even if your work boots don’t show outwardly visible signs of wear-and-tear, like holes or a worn-down tread, they still may cause pain. The good news is you can extend the life of wearing work boots by buying great insoles.

But how do you know what the best insoles for work boots are?

We’ve compiled everything you need to choose the perfect insole for work boots and a list of the best replacement insoles that will make your boots more comfortable. We’ll start by identifying what makes the best insoles for work boots by referencing recent studies by experts in foot pain and identifying common foot problems and features that can help.

How we determined the best insoles for work boots

We scoured different academic papers to help find out why people get foot pain and how to fix it, especially to address issues like foot pain, plantar fasciitis, and heel spurs, which involves considering factors like material, design, and specific foot conditions. Based on recent research, here are key insights:

Custom vs. Prefabricated Insoles

Custom-made insoles are generally more effective than prefabricated ones in reducing foot pressure. However, some studies find little difference between these two types in reducing heel and foot pressure, suggesting that prefabricated insoles can also be effective.

Material

High-density foam insoles and silicone insoles are both used in treating plantar fasciitis with varying degrees of success. Silicone insoles reduce heel pressure but may not be as effective as foam insoles. Leather insoles are not specifically mentioned in recent studies, but the material choice should balance support with comfort.

Different orthotic materials can impact the amount of pressure you feel on the sole of your foot; too much pressure can lead to discomfort. According to a recent study, “some orthotic materials can reduce plantar pressures during walking.” These materials are polyurethane (including PORON®), polyethylene, and EVA foams.

Insole Design Features

There are tons of different materials used to make boot and shoe insoles for work; without a degree in podiatry, it can be tough to understand the benefits.

Metatarsal Pad

Insoles with metatarsal pads, the small, cushioned pad that you can put inside your shoe just behind the ball of your foot, significantly alter plantar pressures and are effective in reducing pressures under the metatarsal heads, which is important for those with metatarsalgia or similar conditions.

Heel Support

Insoles that offer heel support, such as heel cups or heel pads, effectively reduce symptoms related to plantar fasciitis and other heel disorders.

Additional Features

While not specifically addressed in the studies, odor control coating can be beneficial for those who wear work boots for extended periods.

Custom orthotics designed for specific foot conditions, like plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, can be more effective than general insoles. They can be tailored to individual foot biomechanics and specific pain points.

The Best Insoles for Work Boots

Best Overall: Superfeet Copper Memory Foam ($59.99)

Superfeet is my go-to insole brand for all my shoes, not just work boots.

I’ve worn the Superfeet black because I have flat, rigid arches and suffer from plantar fasciitis. There’s a misconception that flat feet require an insole with a molded insert or arch. Sometimes, people refer to this as “arch support”. A rigid flat-footed person will experience no pain relief discomfort from the plastic bump pressing into their midfoot or arch. A person with a low but flexible arch may want arch support.

Superfeet comes in different colors, indicating the arch and toe shape they are designed for. The Blue Superfeetis also good for low or medium arches and people with plantar fasciitis. The classic Green Superfeet is for high-arched people who need additional support for their arch heights and work boot insoles.

The Copper Superfeet fits a wide range of foot types comfortably. Superfeet’s insoles all have a similar basic construction. They have a deep heel cup and a structured plastic base, providing additional stability and durability. They also have cushioning in the heel and forefoot. The cushioning provides stability to reduce joint fatigue and stress.

Who Should Buy Copper Superfeet Insoles:

• Individuals with low to medium arches
• People seeking a structured, deep heel cup
• Those looking for durable insoles, these have a lifespan of up to 12 months or 500 miles
• Individuals in need of good shock absorption

Who Shouldn’t Buy Copper Superfeet Insoles:

• Budget-conscious individuals, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you may want to explore other brands or models.
• Individuals with high arches

Also, they are made for roomy to moderate-fitting footwear, which is common with work boots. If you have flat or medium arches, these are the best insoles for work boots. Basically, these will cover most of your common foot problems.

Best Gel Insoles for Work Boots: Dr Scholl’s Work Insoles ($12.99)

There’s a lot to like about Dr. Scholl’s. You can buy them just about anywhere; they’re well-priced, and there are a million different types to choose from. We’ve picked Dr. Scholl’s for work boot insoles as the best gel insoles because these insoles are designed for work boots.

If you stand or walk on hard surfaces all day, these are very nice. They have extra cushioning from their massaging gel technology that also helps with foot fatigue. They also have “responsive wave cushioning” in the heel, arch, and ball of the foot. These are the best insoles for work boots if you need more cushioning. These work well for people who don’t need additional arch support.

Who Should Buy Dr. Scholl’s Work Insoles:

• Budget-conscious individuals, Dr. Scholl’s Work Insoles offer a cost-effective option.
• Those who wear work boots; these insoles are specifically designed for work boots.
• People seeking comfortable insoles with gel cushioning and shock absorption for those who need added support during long work hours.
• Individuals with shoe sizes between 8-14

Who Shouldn’t Buy Dr. Scholl’s Work Insoles:

• Individuals with high arches needing specialized work boot insoles, these insoles may not be the best choice, as they are not tailored to address high arch issues.

Dr. Scholls has a similar product called extra support insoles for big and tall guys.

Best Heat Molding: Form Insoles Reinforced ($44.95)

Form Insoles are made of a material that forms to your foot as you walk. They are designed for people with plantar fasciitis or anyone who experiences arch or foot pain, heel pain, back pain, or overpronation. These will mold to your feet as you walk to make sure that your work boot insoles are custom fit to your foot shape. They have some rigid plastic components that may be uncomfortable for guys who were born with rigid, flat feet. These may not have enough support for guys with very high arches, but they’re great at shock absorbing.

Who Should Buy Form Insoles Maximum:

• Individuals seeking customized arch support using heat-moldable materials
• People experiencing arch and heel pain
• Those with overpronation and low to moderate arches

Who Shouldn’t Buy Form Insoles Maximum:

• Budget-conscious individuals
• Individuals with high arches

They come in a huge range of sizes from a woman’s 5.5 to a man’s 15. They also sell a beefier version called the Reinforced Comfort and Relief insole designed for guys over 200 lbs.

Best for Flat Feet: Sumo by Samurai Insoles ($54.00)

Samurai Insoles are designed for roomy shoes like work boots and hiking boots. They have a “Ninja orthotic core,” which is their name for a semi-rigid plastic orthotic placed under the arch, meaning that they flex but provide great support all at the same time. They added double cushioning, so these are great for people with flat feet who stand or walk for long periods of time. If you can’t buy custom flat feet work boots or shoes, the cushioning will reduce fatigue.

Who Should Buy Sumo Inserts:

• Individuals seeking lightweight, low-profile, and flexible insoles
• People who require insoles for work boots
• Those looking for insoles that mold to their feet over time
• Individuals experiencing fallen arches
• Shoppers who appreciate a trial period, they have 60 Day No Risk Test Drive

Who Shouldn’t Buy Sumo Inserts:

• People with instability resulting from high arches

Samurai also makes an insert that you can use with your factory work boot insoles.

Best Insoles for Medium Arch Support: Oboz O Fit Insole ($29.99)

The Oboz O Fit Insole differs from the rest because it uses EVA foam and Poron, which help reduce foot pressure while working. The Poron Comfort pods provide additional shock absorption and rebound. The Dual-density EVA foam provides both cushioning and durability and reinforces the foot under the metatarsal and heel. The foam adds extra protection to high-strike zones. EVA and Poron are often used in running shoes and hiking boots to counter the shock experienced while moving. Still, they can also cushion against the shocks experienced while performing work-related activities.

If you move a lot in your work boots, these will keep your feet comfy. The EVA foam does a great job at shock absorption. These are the best insoles for medium arch support.

Best Insoles For Alignment: Aline Cushion ($109.95)

Aline takes a different approach to insoles: they believe that feet are meant to move as if barefoot. They aren’t specifically made for wearing work boots, but if you’re active at work, these might be a pair worth a try.

They set out to make a radically different design than any other insole on the list. They added more than 100 movable support and suspension structures to make your feet and body move as if you were barefoot. They align your feet, legs, hips, and back during activity. So if you walk or carry things during work, these have a heel cup with gel pads that secure your heel and provide shock absorption.

Who Should Buy Aline Cushion Insoles:

• Individuals looking for insoles without molded, stiff pieces
• People who want customizable options
• Individuals with a wide range of shoe sizes (1-15)
• Those seeking a “barefoot” feel

Who Shouldn’t Buy Aline Cushion Insoles:

• Budget-conscious individuals

One downside is that these are premium insoles and the most expensive on the list.

Best Heavy Duty Insole: JobSite Heavy Duty Insoles ($12.99)

The JobSite Heavy Duty insoles are specifically made for work boots. They are best for long hours side-standing on the shop floor, similar to a personal anti-fatigue mat. The JobSite Heavy Duty insoles are also loaded with cushioning throughout the insole. They also work well for walking. These don’t have any hard plastic pieces, so they’re probably best for low and medium-height arches.

Who Should Buy Jobsite Heavy Duty Insoles:

• Individuals seeking superior shock absorption and arch support
• Those looking for metatarsal and ball of foot support
• People needing heel stability and cushioning

Who Shouldn’t Buy Jobsite Heavy Duty Insoles

• Individuals with foot sizes larger than 12.5
• Those with specific arch height requirements

Guys with high arches may want to check out something like SuperFeet, where you can buy a high-arched insole for your feet.

Best Anti Fatigue Insole: Timberland PRO Anti-Fatigue ($30.00)

Timberland makes a highly regarded upgrade to their regular insole called the pro anti-fatigue insole. The Anti-Fatigue Technology Insole features inverted cone foam, designed to absorb shock and return energy to your feet as you step.

These will make the knees and your boots more comfortable for long stretches of work. If you’re standing on cement or hard surfaces throughout the day, the inverted cone foam will help.

Who Should Buy Timberland PRO Anti-Fatigue:

• Men with shoe sizes between 6-15
• Those who have experienced discomfort with hard plastic molded pieces
• Budget-conscious individuals

Who Shouldn’t Buy Timberland PRO Anti-Fatigue:

• Individuals requiring specific arch support
• Anti-fatigue shoes sometimes face availability issues and are sold out.

You can also check out The MEGAComfort Personal Anti-Fatigue Mat (PAM) Insole from Safeguard, which Duke University recommended. They are ergonomic and have a high-density memory foam layer. The PAM Insole was designed for industrial footwear with OSHA PPE standards in mind. They are recommended for medium and high arches. They also cost $24.99.

Best Value Insole: Spenco Polysorb Heavy Duty ($24.99)

Spenco is second only to Dr. Scholl’s as one of the most recognized insole brands on the market. They’re popular because they are a great value. and they make no-nonsense insoles that provide ample cushioning.

The Spenco Polysorb Heavy Duty protects against shocks by layering several different densities of materials. They have polyurethane foam, which is found in running shoes, and a combination of extra materials in the heel and forefoot to reduce pressure and absorb shocks.

Who Should Wear Spenco Plolysorb Heavy Duty Insoles?

• Larger guys who benefit from the extra cushioning.
• People with rigid flat feet who don’t want molded plastic bits poking their feet.
• Anyone with pain in their heel or forefoot.

Who Shouldn’t Wear Spenco Plysorb Heavy Duty Insoles?

• People who have instability from a high arch. These won’t hurt, but they may not address the underlying causes of your pain.

The Spenco is great if you’re looking for a relatively low price for added comfort. If nothing else works, give these a go.

Best Insole for Wide Feet: Powerstep Wide Fit Orthotic Insoles ($39.56)

The Powerstep Wide Fit Insoles are full-length, semi-rigid orthotic arch support insoles. They are the perfect insoles for those with wide-width feet. They have a firmer arch support, which protects “bottoming out” from excessive weight. They gave an anti-microbial fabric to reduce foot odor and reduces friction on the footbed. They also have a deep heel cup that stabilizes and cushions the heel during impact. The Powerstep wide also keeps a low profile to limit added volume.

Who Should Buy the Powerstep Wide Fit Orthotic Insoles?

• Anyone with wide feet and a neutral arch.
• You want a simi-rigid orthotic, may not be the best for people with rigid arches.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Powerstep Wide Fit Orthotic Insoles?

• You have flat, rigid feet or high arches.

Best All Day Support: Keen Utility K ($25.00)

Keen is famous for making very soft, cushy shoes and boots. Their Keen Utility K insoles are best for guys who need medium arch support. They have shock-absorbing pads and a full-length layer of high-rebound foam to help prevent foot fatigue. They come in a large range of sizes from 6.5 to 14 for men.

These are only made of foam, so they cushion the entire foot with a high rebound foam. The idea for these is that they have plenty of cushioning, but the high-density foam won’t compress. While they market themselves as an insole for a medium arch, they also would work for a low arch and feel great even if you don’t need arch support. Guys with flat, rigid feet should like these as they provide plenty of cushioning and no hard plastic bits.

Who Should Buy the Keen Utility K

• Guys who need a medium arch support and want a lot of cushioning

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Keen Utility K?

• Anyone with high arches or needing additional stability from molded plastic heel cup and arch.

If you want a lot of cushioning and need an insole for high arches, check out the Green Superfeet.

Wrapping it up

Finding the perfect insole can be a real pain. There are just so many factors to take in, from identifying your foot problem to finding insoles that fix the problem and work best for your unique feet.

But once you’ve made sure your work boots aren’t the problem, you’ve identified the problem spots on your feet, you can find work boot insoles that support your feet at work. You may need custom orthotic insoles if you can’t find a pair of work boots or insoles. Hopefully, this has helped you with your foot-related problems.

[Related: My list of The Best Boots for Men]