Best Insoles for Walking 2023

Even though walking isn't seen as the most intense physical exercise, it can still pose a number of risks to the feet and legs if the wrong footwear is worn. The right running or hiking shoes can go a long way to keeping you comfortable and safe on your walks, and often a pair of insoles will be needed to add some extra support and cushioning. Choosing between the multitude of shoe insoles on the market can be difficult, but luckily our experts at ShoeInsoles.co.uk are here to help.

The right pair of walking insoles can help make your walks safer and more comfortable

When selecting a pair of insoles for walking, you'll usually want to focus on shock absorption, stability, support and breathability. Which of these factors is most important for you will depend on the type of terrain you'll be walking on, as well as any previous ailments you've suffered. For example, if you're walking on firm ground, shock absorption is key, and if you're prone to rolling your ankle, an insole that provides added stability will be highly advantageous.

With that said, we'll go over the Best Insoles for Walking chosen by our product experts.

What's Covered In This Guide?

• Best All-Round Walking Insoles
• Best Cushioning Walking Insoles
• Best Walking Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis
• Best Thermal Insoles for Walking in Cold Weather
• Best Walking Insoles for Tighter Shoes

Our Winner: Powerstep Original Full Length Orthotic Insoles

Editor's Verdict: The Powerstep Original Full Length Orthotic Insoles are one of our favourite recommendations for overall foot health for walkers, and they're a favourite of industry podiatrists as well. They provide an excellent combination of cushioning and support, as their design cradles the foot and caters to every contour, while the multiple foam layers reduce impact with every step.

Why We Love Them...

✔ Large contact surface area supports and guides the entire foot while walking
✔ Made with multiple layers of foam to cushion the sole and reduce fatigue
✔ Aligns the feet to combat knee, back and hip pain while walking

Customer Verdict: "I am doing a lot of walking but my toes and the arch of my feet began to ache. I found this insole online and read up about it. I have had no pain in my toes or arch since slipping them into my trainers. I feel I can walk for miles!" ★★★★★ Susan

Expert Verdict from Powerstep: "The PowerStep Original full length insoles with built-in neutral arch support and two layers of plush cushioning are the perfect balance of comfort and support in a lower profile design. The Original insoles feature the signature PowerStep arch shape that cradles the arch and heel, adding stability and motion control to limit excess stress on feet, ankles, joints, and tendons."

Best Cushioning Walking Insoles

Our Winner: Sorbothane Shock Stopper Double Strike Insoles

Editor's Verdict: For foot pain and fatigue, there is no better choice than the Sorbothane Shock Stopper Double Strike Insoles. Their contouring and arch support is ideal for most normal arch types and gaits, and are simply the best option for those looking for powerful shock absorption on their walks.

Why We Love Them...

✔ Support the arches and cushion the feet with powerful shock-absorbing material
✔ Perfect for anyone who experiences pain in the heels or forefoot during a walk
✔ Reduction of shock helps to reduce foot fatigue – ideal for staying fresh on long walks

Customer Verdict: "Bought these for my walking boots for hiking. Made a huge difference to my boots, totally cushioning my feet inside. Easy to put in and holds in place when using the boots. Great product" ★★★★★ Kathleen

Expert Verdict from Patterson Medical (our supplier): "Protects, cushions, & supports the feet. Limiting trauma to the body, Sorbothane Double Strike Insoles help mitigate the effects of shockwaves produced during exercise. These unparalleled shockwaves can cause knee, back & joint pain, tendonitis and stress fractures. The insole is designed to provide correct support, alignment, and cushioning to the feet, stimulating pain relief throughout the body."

Best Walking Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis

Our Winner: Superfeet Green Performance Insoles

Editor's Verdict: Stabilising the feet and creating a healthy gait is important when combatting plantar fasciitis, making the Superfeet Green Insoles an ideal choice. They'll take pressure off your metatarsals to keep you moving in comfort with their biomechanical shape, which can correct your gait and help to prevent the burning pain often caused by plantar fasciitis.

Why We Love Them...

✔ Fit into a wide range of narrow, wide and casual footwear
✔ Biomechanical shape corrects the step to evenly distribute foot pressure
✔ Help to stabilise the foot to reduce strain on the plantar fascia

Customer Verdict: "I’ve had a lot of joint issues in these last 6 months including Plantar Fasciitis. These insoles have helped a lot, giving me the support  where needed & the confidence to return to distance walking. A quality product, & quality service at a good price." ★★★★★ Ann

Expert Verdict from Superfeet: "All our insoles feature the Superfeet shape which is designed to help with alignment and weight distribution which can reduce stress on the plantar fascia and help alleviate some of the pain associated with plantar fasciitis. The GREEN insole offers affordable, professional-grade orthotic support, performance, and comfort for anyone who wants their footwear to fit and feel better.  It does have a high profile and is not too thick for most shoes. This insole features the widest and deepest heel cup that offers maximum support and can help with natural shock absorption. 

Best Thermal Insoles for Walking in Cold Weather

Our Winner: Pedag Viva Winter Insoles

Editor's Verdict: It can be disheartening to have to turn back on a winter walk because of cold feet, making the Pedag Viva Winter Insoles an essential piece of kit for your cold weather strolls. These winter insoles also feature an underside made of special aluminium foil, helping to shield the feet from the cold ground and prevent the "frozen toes" effect.

Why We Love Them...

✔ Cosy and insulated with an aluminium foil base and woollen top liner
✔ Closed air cell middle layer helps to trap heat and increase insulation
✔ Built-in arch support and cushioning provide a great all-round comfort effect

Customer Verdict: "These insoles do exactly what they say they do - support my arches and keep my feet warm. Highly recommend them!" ★★★★★ Gill

Expert Verdict from Euroleathers (our supplier): "Full-length foot support with soft, warm pure wool surface layer. [The] pedag Viva Winter promotes the natural movement of the foot with an integrated longitudinal arch support, metatarsal pad and shock-absorbing heel cushion. Comfortable wool top layer, absorbant carbon filter and reflective aluminium underside to keep feet warm. Relieves Arch Pain, Athletes foot, Back Pain, Collapsed Arch, Flat Feet, Forefoot Pain, Heel Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Over-Pronation, Splayfoot, Weak Arches, Metatarsalgia [and] adapts to the foot-shape of the wearer."

Best Walking Insoles for Tighter Shoes

Our Winner: Vionic 3/4 Length Orthotic Insoles

Editor's Verdict: Some of us like to walk in sporting or specialist footwear, which is where the Vionic 3/4 Length Orthotic Insoles can really shine. These insoles provide all of the cushioning and motion control of a full-length pair, while using a tapered shape to allow more space in your shoes. If you want to walk without compromising on stylish footwear, these insoles are a great choice.

Why We Love Them...

✔ Smaller design supports and cushions the feet while leaving more room in your shoes
✔ Keeps your feet aligned with a Tri-Planar Motion Control design
✔ Absorbs shock in the heel with an efficient cushioning material

Customer Verdict: "These are very useful for slipping into your everyday shoes for greater heel protection and instep support. I suffer from plantar fasciitis and it's been a revelation to learn that it can be caused by over-pronation (rolling your foot inwards). These hold your foot and ankle in a better position. I can feel my stance and walk changing!" ★★★★★ Lindsey

Expert Verdict from Canonbury (our supplier): “[The Vionic ¾ length insoles] work to support users whilst walking specifically by controlling the position the heel strikes the ground- there is an adaption in the heel which prevents the foot rolling inwards and you walking on the inside of your heels. The arch support helps to hold the foot, prevent the arch from dropping /collapsing when you walk, this will stop you rolling inwards and the arch from flattening. Preventing the arch from flattening can help with burning sensation on the ball of your foot when walking, hard skin, and corns in this area too. Wearing these insoles, it can also help aching / tired legs as the muscles and bones function in a better position, and they can help with pain in / around a bunion. [These] fit into trainers, work footwear – shoes and boots that are laced or fastened around the ankle”

Improve Your Balance Today

All of these insoles can help you improve your comfort and performance while walking, and can greatly reduce your chances of developing injuries from impact or an unstable gait. Whether you're looking for increased foot control, more support or better cushioning, the insoles on our list can do the trick. If you're still undecided, feel free to visit us at ShoeInsoles.co.uk today to check out our entire range of Insoles for Walking.

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