When it comes to standing on your feet all day, one of the biggest determining factors in whether or not you will arrive home tired and achy is your insoles. So, what are insoles? The shoe insert or insole of your shoe doesn’t just ensure that you will have enough support underneath your foot, it also helps alleviate tension throughout the body by keeping your foot properly centered in the shoe. As a result, the insole becomes the fulcrum on which your entire relationship with your shoe rests. 

A good insole doesn't just help your aching feet, it can also help your shoes age properly, and wear better. A well fitting insole keeps the constant pressure of your foot, and subsequent body weight, evenly distributed throughout the sole of the shoe so that no one part of your shoe wears prematurely. Especially if you are standing on your feet all day, ensuring your shoes last the way they’re supposed to is crucial. 

Many times, support (or lack thereof) is the catalyst that spurs negative effects like joint pain, foot fatigue, and general lower body aches. Supportive insoles are one of the fastest ways to relieve the aches and pains that come from standing on your feet all day. This guide of the best insoles for standing all day will help you find the perfect insole for your needs.

What are the common types of daily use insoles?

Before we jump into our list, let’s first take a look at the two most common types of daily use insoles. For those standing on their feet all day, an insole needs to offer additional foot support, superior comfort, and all without breaking the bank. The two best types of insoles for additional support and comfort are memory foam insoles and custom orthotic insoles. Here is a quick explanation of these insoles and how they differ: 

Memory Foam 

Usually, memory foam insoles are a thin layer of memory foam padding that you can add into your current shoe, whether you have a running shoe, casual shoe, or even a dress shoe. Depending on the thickness of the insole you can either lay the new memory foam insole on top of your current insole, or take the old insole out and replace it with the new memory foam insole. Memory foam is a great option for those looking for additional comfort but who aren’t necessarily looking for an increase in arch support.

Memory foam tends to be slightly less expensive than its orthotic counterpart. Both the cost of raw materials and craftsmanship needed to create a standard memory foam insole are less than the requirements of an orthotic. One isn’t necessarily better than the other, in fact there are many people who think orthotics are too rigid. Selecting the right insole is all about identifying your personal needs and choosing the appropriate insole accordingly.

Orthotics 

Orthotics are the better choice for those who need additional arch support. Orthotics have a tendency to be a little more rigid with a firm construction as this method of construction better facilitates additional support in common problem areas like the ball of the foot, the arch,  and the heel. This isn’t to say that orthotics aren’t comfortable in their own right. 

In fact, for those who need orthotics, the rigidity and supportive construction is exactly what makes them appealing. For those who need additional support an orthotic insole is about as comfy as it gets. And, for those who want the best of both worlds, it is not uncommon for an orthotic to feature a memory foam base through the ball of the foot while still providing a more rigid structurally sound construction in the arch and heel. 

What are the top insoles for standing on feet all day?

Now that you have a basic understanding about some of the acute differences regarding the variants of styles of insole, here is our list of top ten insoles for standing on your feet all day:

• Cadence Low Arch Insole - Made for men and women, this low arch insole is ideal for those who want lateral stability without sacrificing support and cushion. This insole is a great blend of softness, gentle support and just a bit of forgiveness.  

• Superfeet Synergizer Green Insole - This long lasting washable insole keeps your foot centered and comfortable thanks to the moisture wicking memory foam construction. Plus the premium support provided by this removable insole ensures superior lateral stability to reduce straining in the back, legs, hips, feet and shoulders.

• Superfeet Men’s Deluxe ¾ Insole - Ideal for dress shoes, loafers, and even certain types of work shoes, these ¾ insoles are the perfect solution for those who may not have enough room in the toe for a full length shoe insole. This insole features all the same design characteristics of the Superfeet green in a compact design! 

• Superfeet Women’s Deluxe ¾ Insole - Just like the men’s insole listed above, this particular model does the same job but is specifically contoured for a woman’s foot. 

• Georgia Boot Amp Insole - If you’re someone who stands on your feet all day, chances are high that you’re wearing a work boot. You might even experience a foot problem if you don't take measures to prevent it. This memory foam shoe insole from Georgia is a great addition to any work boot and will help your feet to feel supported and relaxed instead of tense and achy. 

• Superfeet Synergizer Copper Insoles - Prevent foot fatigue and plantar fasciitis. Made for men and women, this unisex insole is made with Memory Foam. Plus, a Polyurethane middle layer, and a durable bottom layer for complete cushioning and total structural support that molds to the contour of your feet for low to moderate geometric support. It also features an odor-control coating to deter foot odor causing bacteria, so your feet can stay fresh all day!

• Aetrex Neutral Insoles - For those who desire supreme comfort but who don’t necessarily need the lateral support of an orthotic, the Aetrex neutral cushioned insole is the perfect choice! 

• UGG Men’s Sheepskin Lined Insole - Looking for something a little more warm and plush? Prevent foot pain and check out the UGG insole to turn even your most basic tennis shoe, work boot, athletic shoe, walking shoes, or clog into a cozy haven for your feet!

• Superfeet Berry Active Insoles For Women - Designed with a woman’s foot in mind these memory foam insoles for active ladies are designed to provide the superior comfort and support you need while on your feet and on the go!

• Cadence Orange Insole Unisex - This luxurious insole for men and women is perfect for adding an additional layer of comfortable support to your daily work shoes. Ideal for those who want a contouring support for arch pain prevention without too much rigidity, this supportive insole prioritizes your comfort. 

Find Your Insoles Today!

We hope this list serves as a good jumping off point for finding a pair of comfortable insoles to soothe your aching feet. Spending all day on your feet doesn’t have to be a pain, and neither does finding an insole! Thanks to Boot World you can turn suffering through a double shift into striding through even the longest workday pain free! Boot World doesn’t just make finding the perfect insole easy, we make your work days more comfortable as a result.

Looking for the best insoles for work boots? Read our linked blog!

Reviewed By:

Ed Stone brings over 45 years of footwear knowledge and passion to his role as President of Boot World, a family-owned company and an industry leader in safety and occupational footwear. A second generation "shoe dog” Ed's footwear knowledge is unparalleled, serving as an informal advisor for some of the worlds largest footwear brands including Wolverine, Timberland PRO, and Reebok Works.

A lifelong Southern California resident, and ardent conservationist, Ed enjoys hiking and open water swimming.