Best Insoles for Work Boots that Make them Bearable to Wear
Every pair of work boots need an excellent pair of insoles. They’re designed to make your workday more comfortable despite your work boots’ heaviness. Yet, looking for quality insoles could be challenging, especially if you have no idea where to find one. Keep on reading, and we’ll help you figure out the best insoles for you. We’ve also added the basics of finding one.
What Are Podiatrist Insoles? What Are Their Benefits?
According to research, you can suffer from foot pain when you’re working for longer hours. Podiatrist insoles, also referred to as orthotic inner soles, are used when you need an extra cushioning that would support your heels and arches. Simply slipping insoles into your shoes and you’ll find added comfort.
Wearing quality inner soles produces several benefits not only to your feet but also to your body. Here are the benefits of wearing one:
- Supports flat feet and arches
- Creates a more stable and balanced posture
- Comforts your feet all-day
- Reduces pain of plantar fasciitis
- Absorbs shock at the media heel
- Reduces tension, pressure, and bunions
- Lessens lower back pain
Why Do You Need Insoles for Work Boots?
Work boots are far more different than your ordinary shoes. The fact that they cover the whole foot and lower leg makes them heavier—usually leading to uncomfortableness. Work boots are designed to make long hours on feet more relaxed. You’ll see nurses, construction workers, and warehouse operators on work boots because they involved activities with increased hazards.
Good pair of work boots is necessary to create traction and protection on your feet. However, you might suffer from foot pains when wearing them for a long time, regardless if you’re standing, walking, or taking heavy-duty activities. Thus, buying a quality insole would give your footwear a new life –increased comfort and stability.
Insoles are meant to protect your feet, legs, and heels. They’re designed to improve comfort and, at the same time, expected to relieve stress and pressure from working. Other foot pains you might experience from not inserting insoles in your work boots include:
- Foot fatigue. Foot fatigue generally refers to ongoing foot and back pains resulting from standing or walking up for hours. Symptoms of foot fatigue involve swollen feet, achiness, and cramped muscles.
- Flat feet. Flat feet are among foot conditions that develop when your shoes don’t have the right inner soles that have an arch support system. Individuals suffering from this encounter pains in their heel or arch areas. Pain increases with activity.
- Athlete’s foot. Work boots are an excellent place for fungus and odor-causing bacteria to grow, added with the humid environment caused by foot sweat. Athlete’s foot occurs when your shoes don’t maintain a breathable space, leading to redness and itchiness of your feet.
- Blisters. New shoes cause blisters, which are painful bumps seen on the side or back of the foot. Although small, blisters result in all-day pain. Quality insoles are needed to prevent blisters from happening.
- Bone spurs. Known as osteophytes, bone spurs result from joint damage wearing work boots for an extended period. If not treated, the condition may lose motion in your muscle joints.
- Slippage. There are some cases you’ll feel greasy in the insides of your work boots. Without a good grip, you could end up slipping on the floor. Inner soles could help improve your feet’s grip and traction on the shoes.
- Plantar fasciitis. This is one of the most common heel pains known by podiatrists. Plantar fasciitis is caused by unsupported arches and unabsorbed shock when you walk. Repeated stretching or tearing could also lead to this condition.
How to Choose the Best Pairs of Insoles for Your Work Boots?
Determining the right pairs of insoles for your work boots would be difficult if you have no idea of its basics. Read on, and you’ll get to know more of the things you need to know before placing an order.
Materials Used for Insoles
Knowing the types of insoles is ideal before buying your insoles. Most commonly known types are the memory foam, gel-type, air-cushioned, and leather insoles. Here are their differences:
- Memory foam insoles. Memory foam insoles are designed to provide soft and cushioning comfort against foot pains. It reduces and relieves foot pressure when making steps. This type of insoles is viscoelastic, meaning, the foam changes and moves with your feet’s activity. Foam insoles would make you feel like you’re walking on the clouds. Thus, supporting and cushioning your feet the whole time.
- Gel insoles. Gel insoles are good shock absorbers, which prevents foot problems from occurring. They distribute your weight evenly throughout your shoes, so the pressure isn’t concentrated on a few locations. They’re easier to clean but heavier compared to other types. Gel insoles are highly accessible in the market, regardless of shapes and sizes. You can easily find the perfect fit that meets your needs.
- Air-cushioned insoles. Unlike memory foam and gel types, air insoles use pressurized air bubbles enclosed inside a foam sole. You’ll get a practical shock absorption functionality with this type. Plus, they produce comfort, give arch support, and lessen foot fatigue. Air-cushioned insoles last longer than foam insoles but come with a price.
- Leather insoles. Benefits of leather insoles include breathability, durability, and flexibility. Like the types mentioned above, leather insoles eases foot pains with its shock absorption feature, arch support, and heel cup comfort. It also provides a better climate for your feet, which reduces sweating that might result in an Athlete’s foot.
Types of Arches
Aside from insoles’ materials, you should know the specific fit problems you’re experiencing with your arches. In this way, you can find the pair of insoles that work best for you.
- Flat feet/Low arch. You’ll most likely encounter plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and bunions if you have flat feet. In this case, you’ll need arch support to keep your foot aligned and reduce over-pronation problems.
- Medium arch. Medium arches are vulnerable to heel pains, especially if you’re doing repetitive work. Unfitted footwears also caused metatarsalgia, which can be treated by inserting insoles that have arch support feature.
- High arch. If you have high arches, you might need a pair of insoles that have proper arch support and comfort. Insoles needed for high arches should accent reduced-pressure points to rearfoot and forefoot.
7 Podiatrist-Recommended Insoles for Work Boots
Insoles should not only support your arches but also provide a comfortable feeling when wearing work boots for long hours. With that being said, here are our top picks for the best insoles for work boots you’ll need in your life.
1. Dr. Scholl’s Extra Support Insoles – Best Overall
If you’re seeking an insole that provides maximum support and comfort, Timberland Pro Men’s Anti-Fatigue Insoles work best for you. Designed specifically with feet pains in mind, this replacement insole offers the best relief through its shock-absorbing material that concrete floors induce. Designed to provide feet flexibility with its synthetic insoles and supportive cones.
Key features:
- Superior shock absorption
- Anti-fatigue technology
- Heel and arch support
- Inverted Cone Design
- Anti-microbial odor control
Design and Materials
It features a shock-absorbing inverted cone foam intended to keep your deep heel cup from weight and pressure. The anti-fatigue technology comes with geometrical automation, balancing pressure throughout your feet. What’s more, Timberland Pro Men Anti-Fatigue Insoles are contoured ergonomically, cushioning your feet and supporting heel and arch.
Comfort/Breathability
The insoles are made with Ortholite x-40 open-cell, keeping your work boots and feet feel more breathable and comfortable. Aside from breathability, this anti-fatigue replacement insole contains anti-microbial protection that keeps odor and fungus from surfacing.
Convenience/Safety Features
Regardless of your arch type, these pair of insoles guarantee to adapt to your arches and heels. It highlights dynamic arch designs that keep your feet balanced and stable. They reduce pains and other foot conditions, like swelling and plantar fasciitis.
Maintenance
Timberland’s well-recognized inner soles degrade after a year of usage. To maintain its durability and comfiness, make sure to clean them regularly. Using warm water and mild detergent, gently hand wash the insoles and let them dry in the air.
- Designed for lightweight support
- Gives premium arch comfort
- Features shock absorption
- Adaptable and flexible to different arch types
- Wearers need to trim the inner soles before inserting into work boots
2. Timberland PRO Men Anti-Fatigue Insole – Best Quality
If you’re seeking an insole that provides maximum support and comfort, Timberland Pro Men’s Anti-Fatigue Insoles work best for you. Designed specifically with feet pains in mind, this replacement insole offers the best relief through its shock-absorbing material that concrete floors induce. Designed to provide feet flexibility with its synthetic insoles and supportive cones.
Key features:
- Superior shock absorption
- Anti-fatigue technology
- Heel and arch support
- Inverted Cone Design
- Anti-microbial odor control
Design and Materials
It features a shock-absorbing inverted cone foam intended to keep your deep heel cup from weight and pressure. The anti-fatigue technology comes with geometrical automation, balancing pressure throughout your feet. What’s more, Timberland Pro Men Anti-Fatigue Insoles are contoured ergonomically, cushioning your feet and supporting heel and arch.
Comfort/Breathability
The insoles are made with Ortholite x-40 open-cell, keeping your work boots and feet feel more breathable and comfortable. Aside from breathability, this anti-fatigue replacement insole contains anti-microbial protection that keeps odor and fungus from surfacing.
Convenience/Safety Features
Regardless of your arch type, these pair of insoles guarantee to adapt to your arches and heels. It highlights dynamic arch designs that keep your feet balanced and stable. They reduce pains and other foot conditions, like swelling and plantar fasciitis.
Maintenance
Timberland’s well-recognized inner soles degrade after a year of usage. To maintain its durability and comfiness, make sure to clean them regularly. Using warm water and mild detergent, gently hand wash the insoles and let them dry in the air.
- Designed for lightweight support
- Gives premium arch comfort
- Features shock absorption
- Adaptable and flexible to different arch types
- Wearers need to trim the inner soles before inserting into work boots
3. PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx – Best for Women
One of the best types of insoles we have on this list is the PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx. Their insoles are designed for wearers who have high arch or instep. Weight is distributed all throughout the feet, easing your pains from high arch pressure. These inner soles are long-lasting, and can even improve your posture, balance, and feet health whenever you’re wearing work boots.
Key features:
- Anti-microbial polyester
- Synthetic sole and EVA foam
- Dry comfort and maximum cushioning
- Extra stability
Design and Materials
Pinnacle Maxx shoe insoles are made with high-quality materials to reduce foot pain from weight and pressure. They’re also convenient to use with any type of footwear, like work boots, casual, or athletic shoes. These are excellent insoles for work shoes because of its synthetic sole that provides full-length total arch support.
Comfort/Breathability
Keep your feet comfortable and dry with the help of Pinnacle Maxx insoles. You’ll get to experience a 100% polyester fabric, preventing any friction your feet and shoes make whenever you’re in the middle of an activity. Less friction is less heat, which means lesser to no sweat at all. Lastly, it’s made with EVA foam, ensuring your feet are cushioned accordingly.
Convenience/Safety Features
These insoles accent arch support that is ideal if you have flat feet or high arch. PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx shoe insoles are convenient to use and are a one-size-fits-all option. Moreover, its semi-rigid property reduces the occurrence of plantar fasciitis and other foot conditions.
Maintenance
An insole’s durability much depends on the number of times you use and wash them. Hence, forceful wear and tear might only cause problems with this replacement insole for your work boots. Careful washing is needed to keep PowerStep insoles clean and dry. You’ll need a mild detergent and spot clean it—no need to immerse in water. Make sure to let insoles dry entirely before inserting back into shoes.
- Improves balance and posture
- Alleviates foot pains
- Made from EVA foam
- Prevents pain
- Improves foot health
- Great high arch support
- Lasts only four months
4. Keen Utility K-20 Insole with Extra Cushion – Best for Men
We’re sure your feet experience shocks, especially when you’re walking at concrete floors. Keen Utility K-20 insoles are technologically-designed to absorb shocks effortlessly. These inner soles are the simplest in the list, but it provides extra care, comfort, and support to your aching feet.
Key features
- Synthetic sole and materials
- Premium fit cushioning
- Heel stability
- Anti-odor technology
Design and Materials
Keen Utility K-20 cushion insole is synthetically made to provide heel stability up to the worst foot conditions. You can insert these into your work boots and feel a cloud-like experience when you’re walking, standing, or jumping. It’s definitely a must-try type of insole that you can use with any footwear.
Comfort/Breathability
You’ll definitely feel your weight and pressure on your heel cup. The great thing with these orthotics is that it improves your heel and foot alignment, from the arches to your toes. To add, it accentuates anti-odor technology, making your work boots’ climate dryer and keeping them away from fungus formation.
Convenience/Safety Features
Keen Utility K-20 supports your work boots’ safety features by improving protective ratings. For instance, they make work boots feel slightly slimmer, giving you the idea of properly-fitted shoes.
Maintenance
Keen Utility company recommends wearers to remove the insole and wash them by hand with the help of a soft cloth. A light detergent is required to clean the insole. Let them dry completely and avoid machine-wash.
- Good for high-performance footwear
- Highly durable and soft synthetic materials
- Great for heavy wearers
- Excellent shock absorption
- Twice thicker than normal orthotics
5. Happystep Plantar Fasciitis Orthotics Memory Foam Insoles – Best Value
It’s a pain in the neck if you find an insole that isn’t semi-rigid. Behold this orthotics memory foam insoles made by Happystep designed to ease your feet’s pain and swellness. Its cushy mushy inserts are made to provide you with a cloud-like feeling in every step you make. Additionally, it highlights low-profile medium arch support that bounces back within seconds.
Key features
- High-density memory foam
- Customized and support cushioning
- Easily trimmable
Design and Materials
Happystep orthotics come in four different colors you can choose from (grey, green, blue, and beige). All are designed with an arch support technology that helps wearers with neutral medium-type arch feel less pressure and weight on their heel cups.
Comfort/Breathability
These insoles are made with a mushy cushion that gives the best feeling if you wear them. If you’re suffering from a foot disorder, you don’t have to worry about this orthotics. It’s clinically manufactured that gives wearers comfort and support when wearing shoes, mostly work boots.
Convenience/Safety Features
Happystep Plantar Fasciitis orthotics memory foam insoles reduce common foot problems you may encounter when wearing shoes for extended periods. For instance, it’s convenient to use since its arch support distributes pressure evenly on your foot. Thus, preventing pain and providing stability to your body.
Maintenance
Happystep orthotics made sure it’s easy for you to clean their product. You’ll only need warm water and mild soap to wash your inner soles by hand. Let them dry in the sun because it kills bacteria.
- Provides plenty of heel and arch support
- Has a reasonably thick cushion
- Relieves foot pain
- Lasts longer compared to other brands
- Might cause problems to wearers if their work boots already have an arch support system
6. EasyFeet Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles
One of the best insoles for work boots is the EasyFeet insoles that embed arch support system designed to alleviate plantar fasciitis condition. After all, EasyFeet is a trusted brand that creates insoles intended for low and high arches and supports people with plantar fasciitis. A bonus included with these insoles is its breathable odor-neutralizing technology -perfect for busy people like you.
Key features:
- Arch support technology
- Breathable odor neutralizing
- Heel spur treatment
- PU memory foam base
- Shock absorption
Design and Materials
Materials used to create EasyFeet insoles are made with anti-pronation biomechanical reinforcement technology. This replacement insole encompasses a medical-grade level of high arch support. It contains shock-absorbing material that keeps the foot cozy in every step you make.
Comfort/Breathability
These insoles for work boots are made of hard TPU and restful cushioning that is foam based. The heat produced during foot and work boot interaction is lessened, creating a breathable environment in the insides of the shoe.
Convenience/Safety Features
EasyFeet inner soles are specially designed to provide convenience and safety every time you wear them. Aside from the fact that they relieve painful foot paints, they treat other conditions like plantar fasciitis, heel spur, flat feet, high arches, and back pain. Nonetheless, these insoles are recommended if your work involves prolonged standing and walking.
Maintenance
It’s always a good idea to clean your insoles after using them for a long time. Similar to insoles mentioned above, handwashing EasyFeet inner soles does the job of cleaning.
- Gives long-lasting pain relief
- Provides comfort in a heel cup with every step
- Nice shock-absorbing effect
- Inserts aren’t flexible enough
- Doesn’t provide extra padding
7. Sof Sole Insoles AIRR Orthotic Support (Men) (Women)
Sof Sole has been around since 1991, aiming to provide wearers comfort and support when weaning work boots or shoes. Sof Sole AIRR insoles are pretty much ideal if you’re an athlete. Regardless of your work, these orthotics are made to provide not only pure cushioning but also a rigid footbed for your work boots. Wearers find Sof Sole to have full-length structure ideal for preventing foot fatigue.
Key features
- Moisture management
- Odor control
- Shock absorption
- Forefoot cushioning
- Air bubbles and nylon arch support
Design and Materials
If you’re suffering from foot fatigue due to flat feet and high arches, then Sof Sole AIRR is a good fit for you. They’re suitable orthotics, especially when inserted in athletic shoes or military and work boots.
Comfort/Breathability
The company manufactures inner soles that provide a dry and comfortable feeling when worn. It focuses on preventing pains in the forefoot with its gel cushioning that absorbs shocks whenever you walk on concrete floors. Other wearers find this product adjustable, so it doesn’t take too much time to prep the pairs on your work boots.
Convenience/Safety Features
Those who struggle with terrible heel pain would find these insoles cushioned compared to other products. It gives relief since the arch support isn’t rigid or high, offering more comfort to the wearers. Sof Sole creates the best stock inner soles by using a durable polyurethane, which helps the insoles last longer.
Maintenance
Sof Sole recommends wearers to use only the cleaning products stated on their website. However, if you want to try other cleaning products, make sure to put a little application and see if there’s color change or reaction.
- Lasts longer
- Supports high arch and flat feet
- Prevents feet from smelling
- Has a super shock absorber feature
- Needs to buy specific cleaning product from the company
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do inner soles last?
Most insoles typically last for six months, especially when you wear them daily. Yet, the inner soles’ life highly depends on the way you use them. Make sure to hand wash them regularly and dry them thoroughly before inserting into your shoes. Humidity might cause odor in the insides of your shoes.
When is the right time to replace my inner soles?
Again, replacing the insoles varies. Here, we gathered the four sure signs that it’s the best time to change those insoles and buy a new one:
- Damage. Inner soles get worn out over time. You’ll notice that they have cracks on the sides. Once you see this issue, it’s better to replace them before you suffer from blisters and wounds.
- Color change. We’re definitely sure that an insoles’ color changes when using them daily. You can easily recognize a changing of color when you no longer see the logo or words stamped in your insoles when you bought them.
- Smell. You’ll notice a change in smell in your insoles over time. This may be because of the sweat and humidity created when you’re doing an activity. Please note that smelly orthotics need to be replaced immediately. You don’t want to get a bacterial or fungal infection on your feet.
- Flat. The best indication to find new pairs of inner soles is when they’re flatter than they used to be. After all, cushion and support features are the reasons why you bought them. The fact that these attributes are gone makes the inner soles a replaceable one.
How can I measure the insole of a shoe?
It’s very crucial to know your inner sole’s measurement before buying one online unless you want to end up with a bad fit. To correctly measure your shoes’ soles appropriately, you need a pair of shoes that best fit your feet. Additional steps required are:
- Use a flexible tape measure that you can mark.
- Lay the tape measure flatly from the toe edge until the forward edge of the show.
- Grasp the “0” on the tape measure. Push the end into the toe on the inside of your shoe.
- Lay the tape flat and walk it to the inside of the heel.
- The measurement you get is your insole’s length.
Are inner soles only suitable for people with foot pain?
Relieving foot pains are just one of the several reasons why you need good inner soles for your work boots. Ideally, they provide a comfortable feeling for wearers who always find pain and discomfort on their feet. They also help in treating foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, back pains, and Achilles pain. What’s more interesting is that inner soles prevent the development of foot disorders.
Additionally, most inner soles feature shock absorption that reduces the impacts of forces and pressures when you’re running, walking, or standing. Insoles are great if you’re putting the most pressure on the feet. Aside from shock absorption and cushion materials, inner soles support your arches. Just make sure to find the right fit before you buy one.
How do insoles treat back pains?
Although inner soles don’t treat backaches and pains directly, they help maintain a healthy posture and gait. These concepts correlate with back pains because achieving the right stance helps the soft tissues in the lower back to heal. Nevertheless, they’re a safe and drug-free treatment approach if you want to restrict yourself against pain medications.
Why do my insoles hurt my feet?
Here are the most common reasons why insoles hurt your feet:
- They were not properly fitted or trimmed correctly to your footwear.
- You’re using improper orthotics or work boots.
- The arch support doesn’t fit your arch type.
- Your inner soles are worn out or need replacement.
- They’re too thick or thin for your shoes.
- High arch padding rubs your toes against the insides of your shoes.