Search
Our feet — often overlooked, yet tirelessly carrying us through life — are the unsung heroes of our bodies. As we go about our daily routines, they quietly support us, allowing us to explore the world one step at a time, unless foot problems put a stop to that pleasant stroll through the park or hike up a mountain.
Consider the remarkable anatomy of our feet, which feature 26 bones on each foot and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments that work together to propel us forward.1 That's why insoles are so important — they provide a cushioned and supportive foundation to ease the strain we put on our feet each day.
From budget-friendly foam insoles to high-tech orthotics, we'll explore the different types of insoles available, how they help keep your feet in tip-top shape and how much they may cost you to purchase them.
1. Prescription Orthotics
As their name implies, a medical lab crafts prescription orthotics to the precise specifications and needs of your feet, as determined by your podiatrist. They are perfectly molded to your feet, are made from a variety of materials and typically last for many years with proper care.2
There are two main types of prescription orthotics:2
Functional orthotics, which control abnormal motion and help treat foot injuries with semirigid materials
Accommodative orthotics, which treat uncomfortable foot conditions, like diabetic foot ulcers and calluses, with softer materials
Prescription orthotics work best if you have serious foot problems that can affect your mobility, and doctors use them to treat a variety of conditions, including:2
Bursitis
Diabetic foot ulcers
Foot, ankle and heel pain
Plantar fasciitis
Tendinitis
Unlike less expensive over-the-counter options, these types of orthotics are usually covered by your health insurance, though you may be responsible for copay or coinsurance costs.2
Average cost of prescription orthotics
The average cost of prescription orthotics is $585 but can range from $45o to $1,143.3
2. Over-the-Counter (Semi-Custom) Orthotics
Unlike prescription orthotics, over-the-counter orthotics are a type of insole that you can purchase in a store yourself based on the recommendations of your podiatrist. They are made from a variety of materials to support and cushion your feet and may have features like adjustable arches.2
Some over-the-counter orthotics are 3D-printed to conform to the contours of your feet, giving you a more customized feel.4 They are typically found in foot supply stores where someone can take your measurements in person and send them to a 3D printing lab.
These types of insoles may work best for those with mild foot issues who are looking for an affordable option for additional support.
Average cost of over-the-counter (semi-custom) orthotics
The average cost of over-the-counter orthotics is $170 but can range from $130 to $311.3
3. Arch-Support Insoles
These types of insoles are meant to support the natural arch of your foot, whether it's a high arch or a low arch.2 They tend to work best for those with flat feet or high arches, according to Dr. Gregory Alvarez, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist at the Ankle & Foot Centers of America in Peachtree City, Georgia.
Arch-support insoles help distribute pressure evenly across your feet, reducing stress on the arches and providing relief from conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, explains Dr. Alvarez. They come in various heights to match your arch type and are made from materials like foam, gel or plastic.
Generally, those with flat feet should choose insoles with a lower arch support; those with normal or high arches should choose a higher arch-support insole.
Average cost of arch-support insoles
The average cost of arch-support insoles is $42 but can range from $32 to $68.3
4. Sport Insoles
Sport insoles are best for running, exercising or playing physically intensive sports, such as basketball or baseball. They help absorb shock, add stability and control abnormal foot pronation that may lead to conditions like plantar fasciitis, shin splints or tendonitis, says Dr. Alvarez. Their purpose is to enhance performance and avoid injuries that result from sports activities.
According to Dr. Alvarez, some research shows that incorporating sport insoles into training routines not only helps to relieve existing discomfort but also lowers the chances of developing future damage. For example, runners who started using sport-specific shoe inserts had fewer instances of knee pain or plantar fasciitis, most likely due to both improved foot alignment and lower impact-loading rates.
Generally, sports insoles work best in sneakers and other shoes specifically dedicated to exercise.
Average cost of sport insoles
The average cost of sport insoles is $36 but can range from $28 to $68.3
5. Carbon Fiber Insoles
Thanks to their shock-absorbent capabilities, insoles crafted from lightweight and stiff carbon fibers are primarily used by athletes in high-impact sports. They often help with performance as well as agility.5
While carbon insoles are ideal for sports, they are harder and less comfortable than softer foam or silicone gel insoles, which provide some cushioning.5 They work best in sneakers and other types of shoes specific to sports and exercise.
Average cost of carbon fiber insoles
The average cost of carbon fiber insoles is $55 but can range from $43 to $103.3
6. Smart Insoles
The ultimate in technological convenience, smart insoles contain sensors that can track everything from activity level to gait pattern while playing sports or just going about the day. They may also measure things like plantar pressure and perform a quantitative assessment of motor functions that can be shared with a doctor.6
Smart insoles are battery-powered, so they are not obtrusive while wearing and generally work with a smartphone or tablet app.6 Data about walking, running, playing a sport or even the number of steps taken throughout the day may be provided, depending on the type of smart insole.
Average cost of smart insoles
The average cost of smart insoles is $163 but can range from $126 to $314.3
7. Wool or Insulating Insoles
Wool insoles are typically used to provide insulation for shoes and additional warmth in colder climates. Crafted from natural fibers, they are also eco-friendly and biodegradable.7
While wool insoles keep feet warm, they also help prevent sweaty feet because of their high moisture absorbency. In fact, wool fibers are more absorbent than most other apparel fibers.7
For those looking for a cushioned insole that feels soft against the sensitive skin of the feet, wool insoles may be a good choice. They can even help with conditions like eczema, atopic dermatitis and fibromyalgia.7
Average cost of wool or insulating insoles
The average cost of wool or insulating insoles is $44 but can range from $34 to $76.3
8. Heat-Moldable Insoles
Heat-moldable insoles require some heating in an oven or microwave before first use. While still warm, insert them into shoes and stand in them for a set amount of time so they can take on the shape of the feet. Once cooled, they keep that shape, offering a partially customized fit that can support the arch and help solve various mild foot problems, according to Dr. Alvarez.
Average cost of heat-moldable insoles
The average cost of heat-moldable insoles is $587 but can range from $450 to $1,137.3
9. Magnetic Insoles
Magnetic insoles contain metal magnets that are designed to help with pain relief. The magnets are typically encased in the material of the insole itself, such as silicone or foam.8
While there is some evidence that magnets can help with pain, the findings are not conclusive. This is partly because the magnetic strength of insoles varies significantly across different products.8
Many of these magnetic insoles might also incorporate reflexology, such as acupressure points, which may help provide some pain relief as well.
Average cost of magnetic insoles
The average cost of magnetic insoles is $35 but can range from $28 to $68.3
10. Heavy-Duty Occupational Insoles
Heavy-duty occupational insoles are designed to provide more elevated supportive properties than other types of insoles and can withstand tough physical exertion. According to Dr. Alvarez, the benefits of these insoles include increased comfort, better shock absorption and additional support. This combination helps minimize fatigue, protect feet from harm and improve overall foot health.
Heavy-duty occupational insoles are built using durable materials to withstand harsh working conditions and thus can provide long-term relief. For those with physically demanding jobs or who are on their feet most of the day, heavy-duty occupational insoles can provide extra support and comfort. Plus, they can provide additional support to protective footwear.
Average cost of heavy-duty occupational insoles
The average cost of heavy-duty occupational insoles is $35 but can range from $27 to $64.3
11. Leather Insoles
Leather insoles are known for being long-lasting as well as breathable because of the animal-based material from which they are crafted. Dr. Alvarez recommends leather insoles for their natural absorbency and the extra layer of cushioning, which provide comfort in any shoe type. They are especially beneficial in dress shoes, where odor control is important.
Average cost of leather insoles
The average cost of leather insoles is $23 but can range from $18 to $42.3
12. Lateral Wedge Insoles
Lateral wedge insoles are typically used by doctors to treat knee osteoarthritis. The non-invasive treatment changes the way one walks, reducing knee pressure. These insoles could also benefit those who are overweight, helping to prevent knee damage.9
These specialized insoles are typically made from softer materials, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate or viscoelastic polyurethane, to provide cushioning when walking. A doctor may recommend lateral wedge insoles for those who suffer from knee problems.9
Average cost of lateral wedge insoles
The average cost of lateral wedge insoles is $26 but can range from $20 to $45.3
13. Cork Insoles
Cork insoles are crafted from trees and offer moderate support combined with some cushioning elements. Natural cork is bouncy and forms a firm, supportive foundation for feet. Additionally, Dr. Alvarez notes that after some use, cork insoles conform to the shape of the foot, providing customized support.
Average cost of cork insoles
The average cost of cork insoles is $33 but can range from $25 to $58.3
14. Metatarsal (Ball-of-Foot) Insole Pads
For those dealing with forefoot pain in the balls of their feet — also referred to as metatarsalgia — metatarsal pads can help relieve localized pain on the front part of the foot. These devices work by redirecting pressure from the painful region to other parts of the foot, thereby reducing stress on metatarsal heads and providing cushioning while walking or standing, according to Dr. Alvarez.
They are also smaller than other types of insoles because they target only the ball of your foot, making them easy to fit in dressy and casual shoes.
Average cost of metatarsal (ball-of-foot) insole pads
The average cost of metatarsal (ball-of-foot) insole pads is $27 but can range from $20 to $46.3
15. High-Heel Insoles
Wearing high heels can change one's gait and put more pressure on the forefoot and toes.10 This can lead to or exacerbate conditions like Morton's neuroma, which causes foot pain due to the irritation of the nerves between metatarsal bones.10 It can also lead to metatarsalgia, bunions and hammertoes, says Dr. Alvarez.
High-heel insoles provide supportive padding in shoes that diminishes the pressure on the forefoot, thus reducing walking pain. However, Dr. Alvarez cautions that while these insoles can help improve the comfort of high-heeled shoes, they won't completely eliminate the potential harms associated with wearing them, such as an altered gait and increased susceptibility to ankle injuries.
High-heel insoles are generally narrower than traditional insoles to fit inside a shoe's delicate design without crowding the toes.
Average cost of high-heel insoles
The average cost of high-heel insoles is $26 but can range from $20 to $50.3
16. Gel Insoles
Gel insoles are made from soft, squishy silicone-based gel, which absorbs shocks when walking or running. This gel is usually thermoplastic, meaning it can become softened by heat before solidifying upon cooling, thus distributing foot pressure evenly and alleviating any discomfort, according to Dr. Alvarez.
Gel insoles are ideal for those who participate in high-impact activities, such as sports, where additional shock absorption is beneficial. According to Dr. Alvarez, they provide superior cushioning and can help reduce fatigue in the feet and legs. While they are heavier than foam or memory foam insoles, they are quite durable and long-lasting, he adds.
Average cost of gel insoles
The average cost of gel insoles is $34 but can range from $26 to $61.3
17. Silicone Insoles
Similar to gel insoles, silicone insoles absorb shock well and spread pressure uniformly across the feet. They are also odorless, durable and resistant to bacterial growth, says Dr. Alvarez.
Because they are softer than stiff insoles, they can be trimmed to size for a customized fit in most types of shoes.
Average cost of silicone insoles
The average cost of silicone insoles is $25 but can range from $20 to $44.3
18. Cushioned Foam Insoles
Cushioned foam insoles work best for everyday wear, especially in hard-soled shoes. According to Dr. Alvarez, they provide extra padding to reduce foot strain from prolonged standing or walking.
Typically made from latex foam or sponge materials, cushioned foam insoles offer a soft layer between the foot and shoe, says Dr. Alvarez. Some are flat while others provide some arch support.
Average cost of cushioned foam insoles
The average cost of cushioned foam insoles is $50 but can range from $38 to $96.3
19. Memory Foam Insoles
Memory foam insoles are crafted from soft, lightweight and supportive memory foam that molds to the shape of the foot for a personalized feel. According to Dr. Alvarez, they work best for general comfort and cushioning, are shock absorbent and can reduce the stress on the feet during normal daily activities.
However, because they are made from viscoelastic materials, which offer excellent cushioning, they may wear down more quickly than other types of insoles and require more frequent replacement, Dr. Alvarez notes.
Average cost of memory foam insoles
The average cost of memory foam insoles is $43 but can range from $33 to $85.3
20. Heel Liners or Cups
As we age, the natural fat pads on our heels thin, sometimes causing discomfort while walking. Heel liners, also called heel cups, help provide cushioning specifically in the heel area of shoes to alleviate this issue.2
Because heel liners are used for cushioning, they are made from softer materials like silicone gel or memory foam. Unlike other types of insoles, these don't take up the entire bottom of the shoe and won't create a tight fit for toes.
Average cost of heel liners or cups
The average cost of heel liners or cups is $28 but can range from $22 to $51.3
How to Determine Your Arch Type
To help choose the right insole for your needs, first determine the type of arch you have. Do this by taking off your shoes, stepping into a shallow pan filled with water and then stepping onto a piece of dry paper.11
Those with flat feet will see their entire arch region on the paper, while those with high arches will see very little of this region. If you have normal arches, you'll see about half of this region filled in with water.11
How Long Do Insoles Last?
Prescription orthotics are an investment, but they generally last for years or even decades as compared to their over-the-counter insoles. According to Dr. Alvarez, their durability can be attributed to the high-quality materials used to manufacture them, as well as their personalized fit, which minimizes wear and tear. For instance, some prescription orthotics might be adjustable or refurbishable, unlike over-the-counter options that have a finite lifespan.
Over-the-counter insoles can vary greatly in their longevity, with most ranging from a few months to approximately one year depending on the material quality, how frequently they're used and how well they're maintained, says Dr. Alvarez. In general, harder insoles are made of stiff materials that stand up to regular use, while softer ones designed for comfort may compress and break down more rapidly.
Managing Health and Wellness Costs With the CareCredit Credit Card
If you are looking for an option to help manage your health and wellness costs, consider financing with the CareCredit credit card. The CareCredit credit card can help you pay for the care you want and need and make payments easy to manage.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a provider near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.
Your CareCredit credit card can be used in so many ways within the CareCredit network including vision, dentistry, cosmetic, pet care, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases and spa treatments. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?
Author Bio
Susan Paretts is a freelance writer with 20 years of experience covering health and wellness, pet care and more. Her work has been published by the American Kennel Club, Bayer Animal Health, Elanco, LIVESTRONG.com, The San Francisco Chronicle, Chewy and more.
Related Tags
Want to share this on social media?
ARTICLE
