10 Best Insoles For Work Boots in 2022 For Comfort,Support and Stability

Working while standing for hours can be difficult, and the last thing you want is uncomfortable footwear making it worse. If the problem is not fixed, you’ll probably experience foot aches, backaches, and fatigue that could affect your health. 

Quick Answer : Best Insoles for Work Boots

So what should you do about it? It’s simple, just wear comfortable insoles that are designed for work boots; you’ll feel like you’re stepping on soft fluffy clouds even if the surface is rock hard. Spoiler alert; the only challenge might be choosing from the wide array of insoles for work boots and inserts.

Lucky for you, we have done comprehensive research to make it easier for you to choose the best insoles for work boots. Let’s get started, shall we? 

In this article, we’re going to review the best insoles for work boots

Walk Hero Plantar Fasciitis Feet Insoles (Best overall)

No products found.

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Ideal for patients with plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and diabetes	Chemical smell
Deep heel cup to protect your feet
Designed for all types of shes
Improves foot alignment
Cushioned arch support

Do your feet roll inward or outwards when you walk? If yes, the Walk Hero Plantar Fasciitis Feet Insoles are just the thing you need since they’re designed with a deep heel and superior arch support to help align your feet for natural movement.

Impressively, they relieve pain from diabetic ulcers, bunions, arthritis, or plantar fasciitis. Also, the EVA gel used to make the insoles has shock-absorbing properties that protect the foot from impact; you can work long shifts without feeling the impact from hard grounds weighing down on your feet.  

Nonetheless, most insoles require a break-in period and the Work Hero insoles are no exception but they get more comfortable with frequent use.

Dr Scholl’s Insole for Work Boots (Best ventilation)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Designed with massaging gel technology	They’re a bit thin for some people’s liking
Additional arch support
Trimmed to fit any boot
Multi-layer for foot cushioning
Built with cooling vents

Dr. Scholl’s Insoles for work boots are made with massaging gel technology for shock absorption and comfort. This is important because it enables you to stand for long hours without feeling muscle fatigue, hence increasing productivity. 

Another thing, they’re thin enough to be fitted on top of your existing work boot insoles for extra cushioning and stability. Speaking of stability, the gel used to make them is rigid to offer reinforced arch support.

What’s more, they have extra cushioning under the ball of the heel to protect the plantar fascia from getting injured or inflamed while you perform heavy tasks. 

On the flip side, they don’t have enough padding. Regardless, it shouldn’t be an issue if you plan on putting them on top of your current work boot insoles.

Timberland PRO Anti-fatigue Insoles (Best Anti-fatigue)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Designed with high rebound foam	Take up a lot of room
Anti-fatigue technology insole
Ultra-lightweight material
Sweat-wicking technology
Can be cut for a custom fit

Just as the name suggests, these removable insoles are formulated with anti-fatigue technology. It absorbs energy from the impact of the ground as you stand or walk, then distributes it throughout the arches of the foot to provide all-day comfort and support.

What if you sweat a lot? These insoles are made of lightweight synthetic material that keeps your feet dry and cool; you don’t have to worry about stinky sweaty feet when the temperatures are high. 

Not to forget, they’re contoured and padded with high responsive wave cushioning; these features provide arch support to ease pain and prevent inflammation and further injury to the plantar fascia.

The downside? They’re thick and might feel bulky in some boots.

Superfeet Green Insoles (Best high arch support)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Suitable for running hiking and casual shoes	More costly than other insoles
Deep heel cup to improve comfort
It gets rid of odor-causing bacteria
High arch support
It has a durable construction

For what they are worth, the Superfeet green insoles are awesome for people with high arches; the deep heel cup maximizes the foot’s natural padding for shock absorption. 

If your work involves carrying heavy loads or you’re heavily built, you don’t have to worry about replacing this insole after a few wears because of compression. This is because they’re made of high-density foam that can withstand intense pressure.

Still not convinced? These insoles are contoured to distribute your body weight across the foot and ultimately ease the pressure that would otherwise rest on the ball of your feet; relieving pain from plantar fasciitis.

It’s also worth mentioning that they’re antimicrobial treated to eliminate microbes that ultimately cause athlete’s foot and toenail fungus.

Unfortunately, one of the advantages is also a disadvantage. They’re heavy-duty insoles and might feel too rigid for some people.

Carhartt Insite Footbeds (Best insoles for work boots on concrete)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Suede top cover with dual-density foam	Not moisture absorbent
Designed to reduce foot slip
They’re full length and wide
Made with shock-absorbing pads
They’re durable

Carhartt is a popular brand known for its durable, steady, and comfortable work boots. For starters, they’re designed with a suede top cover to prevent your feet from sliding around in your boots and causing slip and fall accidents as you work on low traction surfaces.

Additionally, they’re made with dual-density foam which offers comfort without giving in after a few wears; if you weigh over 200 lbs or perform physically demanding tasks, you’re sure to get value for your money. To top it off, they offer great arch support which improves posture and prevents aches by the end of a long workday.

Even better, they’re full length, which means they can replace your worn-out removable insoles and offer maximum support and comfort from heel to toe.

The deal-breaker is, the suede top can sometimes create too much friction and cause blisters; you can prevent this by wearing proper socks.

Footminder Arch Support Insoles (Best for low arches)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Convenient if you stand or walk for hours	The arch support might fall low for people with large feet
Dual-layer cushioning to improve comfort
They can be used on running shoes and hiking boots
Designed to help with foot and leg alignment
Appropriate for plantar fasciitis

It doesn’t get more comfortable than the Footminder Insoles if you have flat feet or low arches; because of their deep heel cups they increase ankle stability and prevent over supination as you work.

Believe it or not, these insoles for work boots can relieve pain on your entire foot. They’re specially designed by podiatrists to alleviate aches caused by bone defects, arthritis, and other foot conditions that might affect your work productivity.

Thanks to the EVA gel used to make them, they’re rigid and have great shock absorption properties to help heal plantar fasciitis. Furthermore, the gel insoles provide cushioning that absorbs pressure when you stand on hard floors. 

Despite them having an anatomic shape that follows the foot’s natural curve, they can feel strange and uncomfortable on some people’s feet. We’d recommend you to start by wearing them for one hour then build up from there till you’re accustomed to them.

Form Premium Insoles (Best moisture absorption)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Made with durable EVA foam base	The fitting is too narrow for some people
Shock absorbent high arch support insole
Moisture reduction fabric
They help to treat plantar fasciitis
Unisex shoe inserts

These insoles for work boots are appropriate for people with flat feet or high arches who prefer a custom fit. The Form insoles are made of high-density foam with a sunken heel cup that stabilizes the foot for proper alignment. 

When it comes to moisture absorption, these work boot insoles are constructed with Temperweave fabric which absorbs sweat and eliminates odor. This helps keep your feet dry and keep off odor-causing bacteria. 

Beyond that, the EVA foam material used to make them has amazing shock absorption properties which protect the foot from pressure. Similarly, the arch support feature enables you to survive through standing activities at work without feeling fatigued and sharp stabbing pains; especially if you suffer from bunions, arthritis, and plantar fasciitis. 

It’s almost perfect, but some reviewers with wide feet claim they’re a bit narrow.

Powerstep Pinnacle Insoles (Best for moderate arches)

No products found.

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Moderate arch support	Only efficient for people with neutral arches
Low budget orthotic insoles
Reduces heat friction and perspiration
Dual-layer cushioning
They’re durable

If you don’t have a high or low arch, the Powerstep pinnacle shoe insole is meant for you. They have inbuilt neutral arch support and dual-layer cushioning; this helps to improve comfort as you work. 

Remarkably, if you weigh 200 lbs and suffer from plantar fasciitis, you don’t have to worry about these insoles collapsing after a few wears and worsening your condition. Quite impressive, they’re made with a semi-rigid support shell that alleviates heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis and ultimately rids you of the condition without getting compressed in a short period.

Of course, with the Powerstep pinnacle insoles, you don’t have to worry about foot fatigue, back, knee, and ankle aches after a long workday. This is because they’re made with dual-density cushioning that protects the foot from pressure emanating from the ground.

Winna Heated Insole (Best heat insulation)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Medium arch support	Not washable
Fits in all types of work boots
Lasts up to 5 years
Easy heat regulation
Can be trimmed for a better fit
They’re waterproof

If you work in a cold room, with snowplows, or perform any other duty that exposes your feet to low temperatures, you should consider the Winna heated insoles for work boots. As the name suggests, they’re designed to keep your feet warm and cozy.

To begin with, the insoles have three heat settings ranging from 104°F to 149°F to protect your feet from frostbite as you work outside in the snow. The big question is, how do you keep them from overheating? They have a wireless remote control that allows you to regulate the temperature so you can turn them on and off at will. 

Better yet, they don’t compromise on support and comfort just because of heat. They’re designed with arch support and heel pads to help distribute the body weight across the foot and prevent straining the ball of the heel and ankles.

However, the fact that they’re waterproof doesn’t mean you can wash them; the only thing you can do to keep them fresh is disinfect them using concentrated rubbing alcohol or deodorize them using baking soda.

Easyfeet Insoles (Best for all arch types)

What We Like	What We Don’t Like
Versatile shoe inserts for men and women	A tad bit thick
Anti-fatigue technology
Provide support for all arch types
Foot pain relief
Improves posture

How about the best insoles for all arch types? They’re formulated with polyurethane and cushioning pads that make them semi-rigid for posture pain relief and joint relaxation for high, low, or medium arches.

Did we mention they’re biomechanically engineered to correct abnormal movements such as over supination or overpronation? Also, they have gel forefoot and air capsules that absorb shock; this helps to improve endurance while you perform high-impact work duties like construction.

In terms of improving mobility, these velvet-covered cushioned insoles alleviate pain caused by bunions, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and even diabetic ulcers. Not to forget, they’re smooth to prevent friction that causes blisters. 

Beyond that, they’re breathable to prevent moisture buildup which leads to microbial growth; you won’t have smelly feet caused by athlete’s foot or toenail fungus.

The only issue with these work boot insoles is that they have a break-in period. Nonetheless, you can start by wearing them for a few hours then build up with time.

When should I change my insoles? 

Damage

The first red flag you’ll notice when your insoles need to be replaced is aesthetic wear and tear. If the color and the logo of the insoles have faded and there is an imprint on your feet, it’s time to replace them. 

Another thing, there is a high chance they won’t offer you comfort and support like before if they’re breaking apart, torn, ripped, and cracked.

Odor

Most insoles for work boots are antimicrobial treated to eliminate odor molecules; this means even if you have sweaty feet your shoes won’t smell bad. However, once your insoles continue emanating an unpleasant odor after several attempts of cleaning them; it’s an indicator that moisture is trapped in them and they need to be changed.

Still, wondering why you should replace the insoles instead of just spraying deodorant on them? Moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus which can lead to infections such as toenail fungus and athlete’s foot.

Pain

The thing is, you don’t have to wait till your insoles are damaged to replace them. If you start experiencing pain on your knees, back, ankles, or plantar fascia; it probably means that your insoles aren’t serving their purpose. 

What’s more, if you have flat soles and raised arches, you might experience pain because most off-the-counter insoles that come with some work boots aren’t biomechanically engineered for your feet; you need to replace them with specialized insoles.

Compression

Are your work boot insoles flatter than what they used to be? It’s because the foam or gel used to make them has lost its spring and formation; if you don’t replace them soon, you could experience foot pain and fatigue. 

It gets worse if you have plantar fasciitis and your insoles are flat like crapes; your body weight will rest on the ball of the heels and cause further inflammation to the plantar fascia.

Life changes

You might need to replace your regular insoles with orthopedic insoles if you’ve had surgery, during pregnancy, or developed complications that require specialized support and comfort.

Similarly, if you’ve gained weight and weigh over 200 lbs you might need to swap your regular insoles with dual density footpads; they can handle pressure and provide comfort without getting compressed after only a few wears.

Types of insoles 

Gel comfort insoles

As the name suggests, these insoles are made of high-quality gel and other materials which are springy and soft to improve comfort.

Impressively, these insoles have great shock absorbing properties that safeguard the foot from pressures emanating from hard surfaces; making them perfect for working on concrete, asphalt or rocky grounds.

To top it off, some manufacturers incorporate gel technology into the arch of the insole; to prevent injuries and inflammation on the ligaments that run from the heel to the toes.

What more could you ask for if you have plantar fasciitis?

Insulating insoles

If you’re working outdoors during winter, you can find insoles that are engineered to insulate your feet and keep them from getting frostbite.

The main material used to make some insulating insoles is wool; it can absorb moisture from the air allowing it to hold in heat when it’s cold and cool air when it’s hot.

Then again, if you’re allergic to wool you can opt for battery-powered insulating insoles. The amazing thing about them is that they allow you to regulate them and turn them on and off at will.

Memory Foam Insoles 

These insoles are the epitome of comfort; they’re light, soft, bouncy, and absorb shock. For that reason, you don’t have to worry about fatigue if your work involves standing and walking for hours.

What’s more, they relieve pain for people who have shin splints, bunions, diabetic ulcers as they work. Likewise, some are formed with arch support to help fight the pain that results from plantar fasciitis.

Dual-density insoles 

If you perform physically demanding jobs and use normal insoles, you’re probably tired of replacing them frequently because of damage and compression; the solution is dual-density insoles.

Dual-density insoles are made using tough material that doesn’t compress easily but still offers comfort. Also, they have semi-rigid arch support; this helps to improve posture and reduce foot strain and fatigue. Not to forget, they’re padded to reduce pressure on the feet if you’re carrying something heavy or walking on hard surfaces.

Orthotic insoles 

These special insoles are formulated to correct biomechanical foot issues like high arches, flat feet and improve foot movement. Better yet, some are designed to alleviate the heel pain that comes from conditions like plantar fasciitis and shin splints.

Not to mention, they’re rigid to semi-rigid to provide arch support and distribute body weight evenly across the arches; they prevent foot pain and strain.

Read our guide on best insoles for flat feet

Molded insoles

These insoles conform to the shape of your foot. How do they achieve this? They’re heated in an oven until the material becomes malleable. Then left to cool a bit so that they don’t scald the foot. Lastly, once they’re cool enough to touch, you can step on them; just like that, you have insoles with your foot imprint.

The only disadvantage with these types of insoles is that if you have problems like flat feet, poor pronation, and heel spurs, they won’t help correct them.

How to choose the best insoles

Choose insoles that offer you the right support 

When shopping for the best insoles for work boots, you should prioritize those that offer you support according to your needs and gait type.

What if you don’t know your gait type? You can take a walking wet test. It’s very simple, just walk on a long piece of paper with wet feet, and see if your foot rolls inside or outside.

Read about best work boots for men

Rigid support 

If your foot rolls inwards while you walk, you can prevent excessive turning by investing in insoles that are rigid with deep heel caps.

In the same way, rigid insoles will force your feet to roll inward for more natural alignment if you have over supination. Additionally, they offer arch and heel support that prevents foot fatigue and pains.

More impressively, some rigid insoles are made with the polyurethane which is excellent in resisting heat and absorbing shock; these properties make them perfect for asphalt pacers who work on hot hard surfaces. 

To add on, if you carry heavy loads at work or have weight issues, insoles with rigid support will help you distribute weight evenly across the arches of the foot. This will help eliminate ankle, knee, and plantar fascia pain and stain.

Soft support 

Insoles that offer soft support are mostly foam or gel-based because of their spring and shock absorbing properties that ease pressure especially if your work involves standing for hours.

But that’s not all; if you have diabetic ulcers, foot bunions, or arthritis insoles with soft support, the best insoles for work boots will cushion your feet from the impact that might make the condition worse.

Semi-rigid support 

Are you in need of both soft and rigid support? You might as well opt for insoles with semi-rigid support since they’re made with layers of soft material and reinforced with more rigid materials.

If you have flat feet, insoles with semi-rigid support will help you relieve pain and strain; this is because some are biomechanically engineered to mimic an arch and improve posture to balance out the pressure across the foot.

Size

When buying insoles remember to check the size and pick ones that fit well in your work boots. The last thing you want to do is to buy insoles that are too small; they’ll probably float around in the boots and cause discomfort. On the extreme, if they are too big they won’t fit in your boots.

But that’s not all, if you buy insoles that require trimming, ensure your hands are stable. If you have shaky hands, ask someone to help you cut them so that you don’t mess up.

Insole placement 

When purchasing new insoles, consider whether you want to replace your current insoles or if you want additional support on your existing insoles.

If your old insoles are worn out, compressed, smelly or you’re experiencing pain, you probably need to get full-length insoles to replace the existing ones. Most full-length insoles cannot be placed on the existing ones because they’ll be too bulky and uncomfortable; unless they’re thin and flat.

On the other hand, if you purchase ¾ length insoles, you can place them on top of your current ones for extra support.

Arch type

Before purchasing the best insoles for work boots, it’s crucial to understand if your arch type is high, low, or moderate. Furthermore, wearing insoles that aren’t designed for your arch type, will likely lead to knee, back, and feet pain or cause plantar fasciitis.

When choosing the best work boot insoles for high arches, ensure they’re firm to distribute pressure that would otherwise lie on the plantar fascia. Besides that, the insole should have a deep heel cup to maximize the foots’ natural padding.

Likewise, if you have low or flat arches, it would be a huge mistake to buy soft insoles; you’ll probably experience arch pain. Instead, choose insoles that are rigid and contoured to support the ball of the heels.

Of course, moderate arches also need support. If you have neither high nor low arches, you need to choose insoles that are comfortable and shock absorbent to prevent foot pain and fatigue.

Material 

Some of the common materials used to make work boot insoles are: gel, foam, wool, and leather. If you have foot issues that require cushioning, pressure relief, and support you should opt for insoles made of foam.

The best work boot insoles should be made of gel with excellent shock absorbing properties; they’re a good choice if your work involves standing for hours on hard surfaces. Also, they offer arch support to prevent foot strain and pain.

What’s the best insole material for extreme weather conditions? Insoles made of wool insulate heat during winter and trap cool air during summer keeping your feet cool.

How to clean and maintain insoles

Clean the insoles with soap and water

Nothing beats old-fashioned soap and water when it comes to cleaning insoles; gets them looking nice and smelling fresh.

Step 1. Remove the insoles from the work boots and brush off loose debris, dirt, or lint and let them air for some minutes.

Step 2. Combine hot water and soap in the sink or a container then stir it till you see lather.

Step 3. Dip a small bristle brush or an old toothbrush to the soapy solution and shake off the excess; so that the insoles don’t soak in water and cause damage. 

Step 4. Scrub the insoles gently using circular motions and concentrate on areas that are stained especially the toe and heel area which emit the most odor.

Step 5. Leave the insoles to air dry in a well-ventilated area; if it’s sunny, hang them to dry since it will also help kill bacteria.

Disinfect the insoles using rubbing alcohol

If your insoles aren’t antimicrobial treated, you can avoid bacteria and fungus by disinfecting them with regular isopropyl alcohol; it has antibacterial properties.

Step 1. Pour equal amounts of rubbing alcohol and water into a spray bottle and shake them.

Step 2. Place the insoles on a waterproof surface and spray a generous amount to the insoles;  you don’t have to worry about it soaking in since alcohol evaporates fast.

Step 3. Put the insoles in a place with a lot of airflows to dry; leave your insoles clean, fresh, and microbial-free.

Deodorise it using baking soda

Baking soda is not only a common household ingredient used for baking but also has an awesome odor-absorbing ability.

Step 1. Take a container that has a lid or a zip lock bag and fill it up with baking soda

Step 2. Submerge the insoles in the container or ziplock with the upper part in contact with the baking soda.

Step 3. Let the insoles sit overnight so that they can lock in all odors.

Step 4. In the morning, remove the insoles from the container and shake off the excess powder, then let them air for a few minutes before you put them back in the work boots.

Common Q&A

Conclusion

Now that you know the best insoles for work boots, you can choose whatever suits your preference, work, or condition. Nonetheless, if we had to choose the overall best insoles for work boots, we would pick Walk Hero Plantar Fasciitis Feet Insoles. This is because they’re affordable, comfortable, and help to relieve foot pain.