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Some of us labor at jobs that require work boots. Safety first, but the fact is work boots can be hard on your feet, especially on hard surfaces. Sore, tired trotters can make the workday a grind.
But there is something you can do for relief. A new set of work boot insoles can provide the needed cushioning and support for your feet. They can also correct that over-pronation and provide relief for common conditions like plantar fasciitis.
So, which are the best insoles for work boots? Well, we have done the homework and created a list of the finest selections just for you.
No Time to Read the Detailed List?
The overall best insole is the Timberland Pro. A joint effort between Timberland and Ortholite (a leader in insoles), this product packs lots of technology into your work boots at a reasonable price. Your feet will be supported and cushioned over a long work day.
To relieve foot pain, you might consider the Powerstep Pinnacle Insole. These are designed to reduce the most common sources of foot pain. They also come in versions for low, neutral, and high arches.
For those with high arches, the Superfeet GREEN insoles may be your best choice. These are a bit more expensive, but provide the support needed by high arches. This insole is also green and Superfeet donates 1% of your purchase to charity.
Low arch people can look at the Samurai Instant Relief Orthotics. Designed by a podiatrist with flat feet, these correct over-pronation and provide all day comfort. No need to spend hundreds of dollars on custom orthotic inserts.
We have compiled a collection of the best insoles for work boots. These include work boot insoles for flat to high arches and men or women.
Arch: Neutral
Two companies joined to create an insole designed to prevent fatigue. This joint effort is quite interesting. Timberland work boots are well-known to tradesmen and Ortholite has earned praise as an insole manufacturer.
Timberland touts these insoles as an upgrade for your work boots. They identified “unmet” needs for workers in demanding environments. Then they did something about it. The result is an insole that absorbs shock and keeps a spring in your step.
Then, they installed a top layer for comfort and moisture management, one made by Ortholite. The result is a “pro” insert contoured to provide support at key pressure points and improve impact resistance.
Unique shock-absorbing “cones” populate the bottom of the insole. These compress on impact but quickly rebound to provide support. This helps to reduce fatigue, giving you stamina for those long days.
The cone idea came from Timberland’s anti-fatigue mats. A plant manager for a large manufacturing firm mentioned he loved the mats. But workers trip on mats. He mentioned it would be better if the technology was part of a shoe and an idea was born.
Timberland provides these insoles for various sizes. But you can trim them if necessary to achieve that perfect fit. However, woman sizes are not noted. The product as sold only lists men’s sizes.
One thing to note, the cone technology works but it is a bit thick. You will need to remove your old insoles prior to inserting these into your boots.
Arch: Low to high (your choice)
People who work on their feet, wearing work boots, amplify foot problems. Plantar fasciitis, over-pronation, metatarsal pain, heel and arch discomfort, flat feet, and sore/tired feet can make your work day miserable.
Powerstep designed an insole to prevent and relieve these conditions. A lofty goal, but many users have found these Pinnacle insoles relieve their work boot discomfort and pain.
EVA foam comprises the base and provides a degree of cushioning. Then a “top” layer of cushioning is added, with a heel cup sandwiched between. This composite is then topped with an antimicrobial treated fabric to provide moisture control.
This construction allows the insole to provide ample padding. But it also provides support. However, some users do not like the heel cup embedded in this insole.
For arches, Powerstep uses “semi-rigid” support. They also offer three insole options to work with all arches, low to high. So, be sure to select the right arch height when ordering.
To install in your work boots, you will most likely need to remove the existing insole. These are thick, a result of the dual layers of foam cushioning.
You can also trim these to achieve that custom fit. Simply use your old insole as a pattern and cut to size.
Arch: High
If you have high arches and need a wide, deep heel cup, then the Superfeet Green insoles may be your best choice.
These insoles use a full length, high-density foam to support and cushion your foot. A stabilizer cap supports the heel end and reinforces the foam core. The closed-cell foam is also contoured to provide a deep heel cup.
On top, there is a fabric layer. It uses “MoistureWick” technology to keep your feet dry and comfortable. Plus, a special coating imparts antimicrobial resistance.
The high profile design supports and reduces stress on feet, ankles, and knees. It also adapts the flat midsole of your boots to your foot and stabilizes the stance. And the deep, structured heel cup and foam provide shock resistance and comfort.
Superfeet GREEN insoles are also designed for those who value eco-friendly products. All the materials used are “vegan.” And they are also free of latex, nickel sulfate, formaldehyde, and preservatives.
Plus, 1% of Supergreen’s sales goes to charity. They focus on charities geared to getting people back on their feet.
This insole has been around for a while and has gained a good reputation. But you do pay for quality. This one of the more expensive products on our list.
Arch: Low or flat
The height of your arch support is important to know when buying insoles. That is especially true for those with flat feet. For those who have low or fallen arches, the Samurai Instant Relief Orthotics are an insole made just for you.
These insoles were designed by a podiatrist with flat fleet. He understood that insoles often have arches that are too high or hard. This causes pain and discomfort unless you modify the insert.
But Samurai Instant Relief insoles correct the overpronation associated with low or fallen arches. They also support and cushion for relief from plantar fasciitis and heel pain. You simply order your shoe size and slide these in,no modifications necessary.
As for construction, it starts withs a resilient, forgiving orthotic. No hard plastic that hurts or foam that loses its shape over time. It molds to your foot and provides support. Then it also springs back as you walk and move to prevent fatigue and pain.
The orthotic is sandwiched in between two cushion layers. Then the top is covered with fabric. This construction makes for an insert that is simple to use and it works in most shoes, including work boots.
To get a custom orthotic designed by a podiatrist you can spend hundreds of dollars. But these are affordable and if you have flat feet or fallen arches, you should consider this insole.
Arch: Neutral
Do you have sweaty feet? Then you might want an insole that provides them the moisture management you require. Enter the Sof Sole Airr Insole which is designed for athletes and active people.
This insole incorporates “COOLMAX” fabric as a top layer. It is designed to wick moisture away from your skin. This helps to keep your feet cool and dry.
But Sof Sole did not ignore your comfort. The Airr insole integrates air bubbles into the heel. They make it cushiony and allow the heel to absorb impact.
At the front, gel provides maximum padding. The gel is soft on the forefoot and provides even more impact resistance for your foot.
The top layer of fabric is treated with Microban. This provides odor and stain resistance. It also provides foot protection against bacteria, yeasts, mold, and fungi that can grow in warm damp environments.
Sof Sole also used a durable polyurethane for the footbed. While it is tough, it is also flexible for additional foot comfort.
While this insole assembly is solid, trimming is not recommended. You need to order the correct size for your shoes.
For a reasonable price, you get a lot. In particular, you will appreciate the moisture management if you have feet that get hot and damp while working.
Arch: Normal
Those who wear work boots know the name Carhartt. So, it is no shocker that a company known for its work clothes also makes insoles. And of course, they designed them for hard-working people who stand all day.
To create the footbed, they used 3D scans from 120,000 people. This allowed them to fit and from the footbed for maximum comfort. Then they selected springy polyurethane and put “tetrapods” on the bottom to dissipate and absorb shock.
The end product is a footbed that feels like a custom orthotic, but for less money. They acknowledged the importance of the many scans and extensive research with the name “Insite” technology. They also used the word Insite to name the product.
On the top surface, they employed a covering of AX suede to reduce foot slippage. This reduces heat build-up as well as fatigue. The leather wear surface is also durable.
The top layer of foam, just under the suede, adds to the cushioning and comfort. It was also selected to work with the footbed to prevent fatigue.
Incredibly, the price for this well built product is quite reasonable. Workers out there that swear by Carhartt will want to know about these comfortable insoles.
The arch is normal to high, depending on the height of your boot arch. So, if you have low arches, these may be a bit too high for you.
Arch: Neutral
Quality insoles can keep your feet comfortable and healthy. Plus, they can keep a spring in your step all day long. But protective boots can be affected if you use after-market insoles.
Luckily, if you wear Keen safety boots, these replacement insoles are designed to work in their boots. Your protection is unaffected and your feet remain comfortable. In addition, you can trim these to fit any brand of boot.
The heel forms a deep cup to support and stabilize your foot. It also helps to keep your ankles, knees, and hips aligned and prevent fatigue. Plus, it cushions with every step to keep you feeling fresh.
The top layer is designed to dry quickly and is treated with CleansportNXT Natural Anti-Odor Technology. There are enzymes in this treatment that break down your sweat and prevent foul odors.
In addition to the technology built into the insole, they also come with a small price tag. So, there is no reason to prolong replacing those old or ineffective insoles when there is nothing else wrong with your boots.
Arch: Neutral
Anyone who has been in a pharmacy, and that is most of us, knows the Dr. Scholl’s name. They have sold insoles for decades and are everywhere. But did you know that they have a product specifically for those who work on hard surfaces all day?
Well, they do. And these are designed for people who experience discomfort and fatigue in their feet and legs. Plus, they are inexpensive.
To provide the needed protection and comfort while working on hard surfaces, Dr. Scholls incorporated gel foam into the insole. The extra heel cushioning absorbs shock and prevents fatigue. It also keeps you feeling energized and productive.
A reinforced arch provides support to this critical area, even while working on hard surfaces. This design also helps to keep your foot stabilized.
In the fore of the insoles, they provide ventilation holes to help keep your feet cool. A cool, dry foot is a happy foot.
While these are intended for boots, and other work shoes, they are thin enough to use in most shoes. However, you will need to trim them to fit your shoes.
On top of it all, If you are not satisfied with them, Dr. Scholls has a money back guarantee. There is a lot to like for little money with these insoles.
Arch: Neutral
If you move your insoles from one pair of shoes to another, or you just do not like finding the right arch height, these Physix Gear Sport orthotic inserts may be for you. They are designed as a neutral arch, but work for people with low arches, too.
That means no finding your arch height, like with some competing products. It also allows you to switch from running shoes to work boots, and still have a great insole for that activity.
To achieve this, they made a thin insole using two layers of foam to create the base. In between, Physix Gear sandwiched in a heel cradle to provide support and stability. Then they finished the top with an antimicrobial treated fabric.
This design helps to relieve problems associated with flat feet like pain in the ball of the foot and in the heel. It also helps to correct walking patterns and reduce stress on the knees and back, as well as help with shin splints, achilles tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis.
Those are lofty claims. But Physix Gear believes in their insoles so much, it backs up their claims with a 100% risk free guarantee. If you are not satisfied with your insoles, contact them for a refund or replacement.
For a reasonable price, you can get a pair of insoles that function for play or work. Simply buy your size and trim for the perfect fit in your shoes.
Note, these insoles will work for most arches. But if you have high arches and need extra support, you may want to look elsewhere.
Arch: Neutral
Working on hard surfaces is tough on the body. Some even have to use insoles to correct over-pronation, helping them keep a more natural stride. Spenco’s insole heel construction is different and is intended for maximum reduction of over-pronation.
The heel cushioning is a patented 3-pod system. One of the pads is stiffer, to counter for over-pronation. The other two pads are softer and help to steer your steps to reduce stress and impact on your feet, knees, and back.
You will notice when you look at the construction that these insoles have more “parts” than competing products. This allowed Spenco to design each part to reduce impact and stress on specific parts of your feet.
This multi-component strategy also allows for an insole that is flexible enough to move with your feet. But at the same time, it provides the needed support and corrects your stride.
On the top surface, you will find a low-friction fabric intended to reduce blisters. It is also treated with Silpur, their antimicrobial treatment.
The bottom line is you get an engineered insole at a reasonable price. If you suffer from over-pronation, these are worth considering. Also, they have a “max” version of this insole for those with high arches.
When looking for a pair of insoles, there are a few details to consider. We have summarized the most important below for your use.
People come in all shapes and sizes, and so do arches. To satisfy the needs of all, you will find insoles for flat, neutral, and high arches. So, it is important to know if you have a low/fallen arch or a high arch.
It should go without saying, but we will say it anyway. Match the insole you consider to the height of your arch. Most manufacturers note the height of the arch. But if it is not stated, it is most likely a neutral arch.
Interestingly, most “complaints” about insoles are that the arch was too high or low for my feet.
You will find many insoles claiming to correct over-pronation. But what does that mean?
Well, for many of us, the foot rolls inward as we walk. To correct this, an insole can incorporate various support mechanisms. Of course, this support is designed to prevent the “roll” inward and prevent the associated stress and pain.
Some insoles provide more support than others. And they vary where they apply the support. So, you have choices to correct the problem. But how do you know if it is a problem for you, and how much correction do you need?
It is easy to check. A quick look at the sole of your running shoes can reveal if you suffer from over-pronation. If your stride is over-pronated you will see excess wear on the outer heel edge and under the big toe in the front.
Many people suffer from common foot problems like plantar fasciitis. The good news is a pair of properly selected insoles can help.
Manufactures will often note when they have designed an insole for a particular foot condition. So, it pays to read the label and pick an insole designed to help your condition.
If you are not sure what insole will work with your specific foot problem, you may also ask your podiatrist for recommendations. They often want to sell you expensive custom orthotics. But if you ask you may find you can get an off the shelf, affordable insole.
Hot, sweaty feet can cause problems. So, cool and dry is what you need. But during a long day in work boots, that is not easy.
Insoles can help. Some incorporate ventilation holes at key points to prevent trapping moisture at your foot. Also, the fabric used as a top layer on some insoles is also designed to wick moisture away.
If your feet tend to be hot and moist, then look for these features in your new insoles.
Stinky feet, no one likes them. Not even in work boots.
If you want to help reduce foot odor, look for insoles that use an antimicrobial treatment. This helps to prevent the bacterial activity that causes odors.
This is also healthy. The antimicrobial treatment can prevent mold, mildew, and fungus growth. These can cause dermatological problems on your feet. So, preventing their growth protects your skin.
There have even been studies that have shown use of insoles with an antimicrobial treatment reduces skin problems on the foot.