What is flat feet? Flat feet is when the foot has little to no arch. It is often hereditary but sometimes it can be when the arche of the foot does not fully develop during childhood. Unless you are born with flat feet, you really have no idea what it feels like to have pain shooting up your feet with every step that you take. Most people who are born with flat feet are “exempt from the military.” That goes without saying because it hurts too much to run!

The thing is the pain doesn’t start to manifest itself until you are much older. Typically, right around age 30, the bottom of your feet and heel will feel some tightness that will lead to severe pain, if not “treated.” However, there is also no known cure and the pain can last for a period of time to most likely a lifelong chronic condition. In the United States, over 200,000 people are diagnosed with flat feet.

People who have flat feet or extremely high arch are prone to a condition called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the ligament, the band of tissue that connects the toe to the heel bone is constantly overstretched. So what does one do? There are several options. If you have full medical coverage, you can have custom orthotic insoles made. This will set you out-of-pocket easily between $200 to $300. Many people instead opted for insoles that are designed with an bump to create that artificial arche to help relieved the overstretched of the plantar fasciitis. These are our flat footed editor’s pick of some of the best insoles on the market.

PowerStep Pinnacle Low Arch Support Shoe Insert Pinnacle: Rated A-

PowerStep Pinnacle Low Arch Support Shoe Insert Pinnacle 

These PowerStep insoles are the only over the counter insoles that are MADE in USA and they are backed by a 30-day money back guarantee. These have been recommended by both podiatrist and orthopedist for those with flat feet suffering from plantar fasciitis. The quality of these insoles have been consistent in its structure, material and pricing. These PowerStep insoles have medium cushioning. Though the design of these insoles are meant to relief several different ailments, the arch support construction is by far the best insoles specifically for flat feet as the arch support is strategically position to help relief the bone pain caused by plantar fasciitis. These are low profile foam with EVA base support designed for neutral arch support. There is a wicking fabric top layer and a semi-rigid support shell. They will initially be uncomfortable as you will have to “break them in” which takes about 3 to 7 days for most people before they are form to your feet. Once they do, they are your best friends!

Footminders Comfort Orthotic Arch Support Insoles: Rated B+/A-

These are designed by a podiatrist specifically for overpronated feet which happens often in people who have flat feet. These insoles have given significant relief to the pain caused by overuse of the ligament that connects your toe to the heel bone. This pain which often occurs for those who are on their feet for a long period of time with no support. Footminders insoles are solid construction with more cushioning than that of Spenco Originals. They hold their shape for a longer period of time and after two separate purchases of these insoles, these are affordable and have not significantly increase their price while decreasing the quality of the insoles. These have consistently retailed for $20 to $24.

Spenco Originals Insoles: Rated B-/C+

Spenco Total Support Originals Insoles

Spenco Original insoles are not as good today because they were once great… that is if you bought them prior to 2019. Back then, it retailed for about $20 to $25. The quality was fantastic and their insoles lasted for at least 2 to 3 years depending on how often you used them. Then things changed significantly after 2019. First, the price went up to $30 to $35. Now with inflation, it is retailed for $40 to $45. There are many who still love their Spenco Originals but the quality have gone down significantly. It has a felt-top with cushion paddings on the heel and the under carriage of the insoles. After a couple of months’ usage, the foam and cushion paddings of the insole packs down and became hard as rock. Your “happy feet” after a few months became “I need to get a new pair of insoles asap because my feet are killing me.”