For some of you that consistently wear work boots, it’s easy to understand why being comfortable on your feet is a top priority. In addition to splurging on a high-quality pair of work boots (Click on this link to read my buying guide on the best winter work boots), a quality pair of work boot insoles can radically improve your feet’ health and transform your day. It’s no wonder some of them even cost as much as shoes themselves.
Insoles are the part of any shoes that are directly in contact with the soles of your feet. The shape, size, materials, and overall build quality of the insoles matter a lot. They are especially important if you have a foot condition that makes your feet hurt, like plantar fasciitis. This means that only the best insoles for work boots will suffice. As we now know that it is always better to buy your own insoles when you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis or any other foot condition.
In this buying guide, I have put together a nice selection of the best insoles for work boots for both men and women that meet your needs for most feet conditions and working environments.
- Best work boot insoles for cushion and comfort
- Best work boot insoles for support and feet conditions
- Buyer’s Guide To The Best Work Boot Insoles
- Should you change your work boot insoles?
- How do you know which is the best insoles for your work boots?
- Best insoles for work boots for when you need cushioning and shock absorption.
- Best work boot insoles for when you need support
- How insoles help different feet conditions
- What can you do if you have any of these conditions?
- Fitting your work boot insoles properly.
- How can I replace my work boot insoles?
- How often should you change your work boot insoles?
- Work boot and socks are important too.
Best work boot insoles for cushion and comfort
- Dr. Scholl’s Work massaging gel advanced Insoles
- PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles
- Dr. Scholl’s Performance Sized to Fit Running Insoles
- Timberland PRO Anti-Fatigue Technology Replacement Insole
- KEEN Utility Men’s K-20 Insole for Neutral Arches
- Currex Runpro insoles
Dr. Scholl’s Work massaging gel Advanced Insoles
Pros
- Can fit into any work boots easily
- Advanced Gel pad on the heel and ball areas for cushioning
- Rated to last for at least 6 months
- Suitable for normal or flat feet
- Great heel cup stability
- cooling vents to support moisture wicking
Cons
- Thick heel can cause your feet to slide forward when walking downhill
- Needs some trimming to find the proper fit
When it comes to additional insoles, Dr. Scholls is a household brand that excels at crafting some of the best insoles in the market. This Dr. Scholl’s Work massaging gel Advanced Insoles is one of the best insoles for work boots for those who spend long hours on their feet every day.
They have extra padding on the ball of feet area that provides ample cushioning and a patent gel padding in the heel area for constant shock absorbtion. These insoles have Dr. Scholls patent “Responsive Wave Cushioning”. This basically means that the gel padding in the ball-of-foot area is softer than the gel in the heel area. This creates a bouncing and ripple effect that makes your steps well-cushioned and bouncier.
These insoles come in men’s shoe sizes 8-14, and women’s shoe size 6-10, and can easily fit into your work boots with a little trimming. Overall, these are some of the best insoles for work boots for comfort and shock absorption and is deserves to be at the top of this list.
PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles
Pros
- Semi-rigid arch support
- Dual-layer cushioning for best comfort
- Deep heel cup for improved stability
- Antimicrobial top fabric covering
- Does not need to be trimmed
Cons
- Padding too thin on the ball-of-feet area
- More suited for wide shoes
If you can do with a little less padding and more arch support when wearing your work boots, then these PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles could be a great fit for you. They are designed with high quality “ultrathin bed” which is covered with a dual EVA cushion layer that provides good cushioning to the feet. The EVA cushion material may not be as shock-absorbing as Gel padding for running and other heavy use, but it holds up admirably for most every day work use.
Where these insoles shine is in the arch support, especially for those who have normal arches. The PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles have a semi-rigid arch construction that allows it to keep your arch in place, reducing pressure on your heels and ball-of-feet area.
These insoles come in multiple sizes for both men and women (from 6 – 14), and can are usually recommended by many podiatrists as one of the best insoles for work boots you can buy.
Dr. Scholl’s Performance Sized to Fit Running Insoles
Pros
- Sized to fit insoles that require no trimming
- High impact reduction by up to 40%
- Good arch support for neutral arches
- Dual-Layer Cushioning with rebound technology
- Rated to last for at least 6 months
- Great heel cup stability
Cons
- A thick overall profile may not fit into your boots.
- No gel padding
These insoles from Dr. Scholls are primarily made for runners and athletes, but they are so versatile that they work just as well when used in work boots. They are made with Dr. Scholls “ActivPerform Technology” which reduces shock impact on feet and knees by up to 40 percent when running. When you’re standing still, it feels like standing on a thick foam – really good.
For this Dr. Scholl’s Performance Running Insole, you don’t need to trim any parts as they are sized to fit your shoes, which makes them easy to just slip into your boots. It does not use any of Dr. Scholls Gel padding technology, but rather, relies on a thick padding of polyurethane foam. You will quickly notice a nice depth of cushioning around the ball-of-feet area, which is more than many other insoles I’ve tried.
Timberland PRO Anti-Fatigue Replacement Insole
Pros
- Are built by timberland specifically for work boots
- shock-absorbing, geometrical technology that returns energy back to the foot
- Comfortable insoles with generous padding
- Semi-flexible bottom area for arch support
- cooling vents to support moisture wicking
Cons
- Thick heel can cause your feet to slide forward when walking downhill
- Needs some trimming to find the proper fit
Timberland is a large brand with a great reputation for making sturdy boots. This Pro insole follows in that tradition. These insoles are made with Timberland’s proprietary foam material and rubber sole design which they claim to have better shock absorption than traditional gel insoles. Their claim is backed up by lots of happy customers who all agree that these are very comfortable to wear and help with pain relief, especially for those with heel pain. With over 2,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, it has a strong claim to being one of the best insoles for work boots.
As with many other insoles, you need to trim them to fit your shoes. One downside is that the ball-of-feet area is not as padded as most users expect, especially when coming from some other more expensive insoles.
KEEN Utility Men’s K-20 Insole for Neutral Arches
Pros
- Can fit into any work boots easily, especially keen work boots
- Has a deep heel cup that centers and aligns the heel and foot
- Thick high-rebound foam padding
- Has Keen 90-days warranty
- Suitable for normal or flat feet
- Anti-Odor Technology used for the top layer fabric
Cons
- Low profile arch support that is best for neutral arches
- Needs some trimming to find the proper fit
KEEN Utility Men’s K-20 Insole for Neutral Arches works best for people with “normal” feet and would love a lot more cushioning while walking around in their work boots. They are made from a thick, full length shock absorbing material that evenly cushions the entire foot and keeps it comfortable throughout.
The heel cup is deep and well-rounded to provide a good amount of heel support and stability as you walk. Also, KEEN Utility Men’s K-20 Insole for Neutral Arches has Keen’s trademark “CleansportNXT Natural Anti-Odor Technology that uses a quick drying, natural, probiotic-based technology microbes producing enzymes that break down the odor in sweat and help prevent footwear from smelling bad.”
If you need a bit more arch support for high arches, overpronation or flat feet, then these insoles might not work for you. However, if you just need the high quality cushioning and shock absorption, then these are comfortably among the best insoles for work boots that you can buy right now.
Currex Dynamic Runpro insoles
Pros
- There’s a style for everyone – low, medium, and high foot arches
- Scientifically designed insoles
- Deep decoupled heel cup for a snug fit
- High performance cushioning and energy rebound
- Fits to shoes size
- Bamboo for moisture wicking
Cons
- Goes out of stock a lot
- a bit pricey
Currex Dynamic Runpro insoles are a high quality pro-grade insoles designed by Germany sports scientists to greatly improve running experience, comfort, and increase energy return for athletes. Regardless, they are one of the best insoles for work boots if you are always on your feet.
They offer a near-custom fit as every pair of insole has a different shape, arch height & flex, adjusted to the size. This means that the heel cups, arch area, and ball-of-feet area are well adjusted to the size of your feet. These insoles feature deep heel cups that help to maintain correct foot positioning, protect your heels during heavy impacts, and stabilize the feet. They also incorporate some Bamboo material that effectively wicks moisture away and contributes to the overall dryness and removal of bad odor from your work boots.
SOLE Active Thick Shoe Insoles
Pros
- Podiatrists recommended insoles
- Shock-absorbing gel heel and forefoot pads
- Deep heel cups for heel and ankle stability
- Suitable for normal, high arches, and plantar fasciitis
- Made from custom neoprene material
- Polygiene coating for active odor-control using recycled silver salt
Cons
- Thick heel can cause your feet to slide forward when walking downhill
- Needs some trimming to find the proper fit
SOLE Active Thick Shoe Insoles give the perfect amount of cushioning and compression to your feet while also leaving them breathable with just the right amount of arch support. They keep sensitive feet protected from potentially painful rubbing against the shoe while still being lightweight.
They are made from breathable and environmentally friendly materials, including recycled tires and the highest quality neoprene for comfort and durability. What’s unique about the SOLE Active Thick Shoe Insoles is that they can be remolded with heat to fit your heels and arch exactly. The outer layer is coated with
SOLE Active Thick Shoe Insoles are available in a variety of sizes to best fit your foot size, ranging from x-small to x-large for both men and women. They are one of the best insoles for work boots you can buy if you are conscious of the environment.
Keen Utility Men’s K-30 Gel Insole for High Arches
Pros
- Shock-absorbing, Gel Fiber Core
- Can fit into any work boots easily
- Anti-Odor technology
- Solid build quality with Keen’s 90 days warranty
- Suitable for high arches and plantar fasciitis
- Mesh air vents for wicking moisture
Cons
- Arch support too high for people with flat feet
- High heel may tighten the fit of work boots
They are made from a blend of materials to ensure a snug fit made specifically for your feet. Constructed with a shock-absorbing, Gel Fiber Core, this insole is strategically designed to provide maximum comfort and support. It also features molded heels for extra support and an anatomical arch contour for the perfect fit. They’re also made to keep feet dry by wicking away sweat, as well as keeping them cool with mesh vents along the arch and will help you get through the day without any discomfort or lasting pain in your feet and legs.
Keen’s probiotic-based technology that releases enzymes to combat strong odor alse features in this insole, making it odor resistant. If you factor in the complete offering, the Keen Utility Men’s K-30 Gel Insole for High Arches is one of the best insoles for work boots.
Sof Sole Plantar Fascia Support Insoles
Pros
- Good support for the plantar fascia, heels, and arches
- Made with durable nylon composite plates that reduce stress on the feet, ankles, and knees
- The gel padded heel cups
- Deep heel cups for lasting ankle support
- moisture-wicking breathable top cover keeps feet dry and prevents slipping
Cons
- Only available for women and in smaller sizes
- Needs trimming to get a right fit
Sof Sole Plantar Fascia Support Insoles are a good pair of insoles designed to help relieve discomfort from heel spurs as you walk. They are also designed to help relieve pain from Plantar Fasciitis. The insoles will help take pressure off the plantar fascia ligament at the bottom of your foot when you walk to give you relief from any heel or plantar fasciitis discomfort or pain.
They come in women’s sizes 5 – 11 that can accommodate most foot sizes, although they run a little narrow and the larger sizes are hard to find. They are made with a durable, cushiony material that is comfortable on your feet while you walk. They fit into the shoe easily with an adhesive that is included, and you also get a 90-day Money Back Guarantee, which is always nice to know that you can return it if you don’t like them for any reason.
Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Insoles
Pros
- Sized-to-fit with no need for trimming
- Gel padded heel section for superior shock absorption
- 3D Targeted Arch Support to prevent the plantar fascia from stretching
- Polygiene Odor Crunch Technology that continuously removes bad odor
Cons
- Starts to wear out a bit faster
- Does not suit people with high arches
Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Insoles are another of the top 11 best work boot insoles from Dr. Scholl’s on our list. These inserts are well-built to support your arches, relieve friction between the foot and shoe, provide cushioning for heel strike impact shockwaves, and take pressure off of sensitive spots like bunions or metatarsals.
These Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Insoles come in men’s sizes 4.5 – 13 and women’s sizes 5.5 – 13 so you can find a pair that fits your foot exactly without needing to trim any extra parts out. They are also cost effective when compared to many other top insoles.
Spenco Total Support Max Insoles
Pros
- Mainly made out of comfort gel thermoplastic rubber
- Deep heel cups
- Sized to fit
- Semi-rigid arch support for high arches
- Top layer covered with Silpure Antimicrobial material to eliminate odor-causing bacteria and reduce friction
- 3-POD cushioning system that absorbs impact at heel strike
Cons
- 3″ arch semi-rigid arch is too high for people with flat feet.
Spenco Total Support Max Insoles are designed with both support and comfort in mind. It features a silicone support zone in the arch for better stability and shock absorption; Ortho Maxx Gel which aids in shock absorption and relieves pressure on the joints; breathable air mesh top cover to keep feet dry and cool.
The Spenco Total Support Gel Shoe Insoles are made with an exclusive conical design that ensures proper distribution of weight bearing points. This ensures maximum comfort while walking or standing.
It is one of the best work boot insoles for many people who have high arches and/or flat feet but may not be well suited to those looking for just “comfort” insoles. You can get them for men’s and women’s size from 6.5-10.5 is available in 4 different colors – Black, Chocolate, Blue, Red.
Buyer’s Guide To The Best Work Boot Insoles
Should you change your work boot insoles?
Any shoes you buy, including work boots, will typically come with their own pair of insoles. However, many manufacturers don’t give a lot of thought to the insoles in their work boots or have used inserts that are not suited to your specific feet’ support needs. The good news is that most of these included insoles are removable and so you always have the opportunity to replace the manufacturer’s original insoles with something that works better for you.
If you have feet conditions such as plantar fasciitis or high arches, then it’s almost a given that your original work boot insoles would not provide the additional support and cushion for your feet. Another reason why you may need to change your work boot insoles would be if you work in a place that requires you to stand for long hours at a time. It is quite important, in this case, to have enough cushioning on your feet so that you don’t develop foot pain, or worse, lower back pain.
How do you know which is the best insoles for your work boots?
In general terms, most shoe insoles can be divided into:
- Insoles for comfort
- Insoles for support
When choosing the best insoles for your work boots you need to decide if you primarily need an insole that supports your feet in different specific ways such as arch support, heel support, ball of feet support, etc. These kinds of insoles work best for people with feet conditions such as you high arches or fallen arches (flat feet), plantar fasciitis (inflammation of parts of the sole of your feet that cause heel pain), overpronation (when your foot rolls inward as you walk), or something else. If this is the case for you, then there are a line of work boot insoles that would be more suited to your needs.
Actually, there would be 100s of them in the market, which means that your next step should be to do a bit of research on your own by reading buying guides like this article, and also reading reviews of any boot insoles that catch your eye on Amazon. Doing this should help you to narrow down your selection based on other people’s experience of using the same product.
On the other hand, if you spend hours on your feet, or your feet start to hurt and get tired, or you start to get lower back aches when you stand on your feet for a few hours, then it might be better to take a look at work boot insoles that are made for comfort. These insoles provide extra cushioning and shock absorption for your feet.
In any case, you should avoid picking the wrong insoles, or quickly discard any insoles that you’ve bought that are not providing support and/or cushioning to your feet. Otherwise, you could run the risk of worsening your feet pain, soreness, and cause lower back pain faster.
Best insoles for work boots for when you need cushioning and shock absorption.
When you need additional padding for your feet because you stand all day, walk on a hard concrete surface, or feel leg pain when you stand for short hours at a time, look out for gel or foam padded insoles at specific areas. Some of the more common gel insoles are those made by Dr. Scholls, and are typically padded in the heel and ball areas. (These are the areas most likely to be affected by high impact activity.
Best work boot insoles for when you need support
Work boot insoles that provide support are made a bit differently than those made for comfort. These insoles are made in such a way that they latch onto a specific part of the feet and hold it in place. As a result, they are actually firm, more structured, and less flexible than the comfort insoles.
How insoles help different feet conditions
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition where there is frequent inflammation of a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes called the plantar fascia. The best insoles for plantar fasciitis are able to provide excellent arch support that removes excessive pressure from the heel by forcing the foot to be in a more natural position.
Overpronation
Overpronation is when the foot rolls in with every step you take. Pronation means flattening of your feet. So, if you overpronate, you overly flatten your feet as you walk. In typical overpronation the outer edge of your heel hits the ground first, and then your foot rolls inward onto the arch. With the best work boot insoles for overpronation the inner part of your feet around the arch is firmly supported to stop your feet from rolling in.
High Arches
High arches are, as the name implies, when the distance between your arch and the floor is high. This causes excess amounts of weight to be placed on the ball and heel of the foot, which can cause pain. For those with high arches, the best work boot insoles should be contoured to provide firm additional support under the arch. This helps to relieve the pressure on the heels and toes which otherwise, would be bearing the full weight of your body.
What can you do if you have any of these conditions?
The first important thing to do is to pay a visit to a Podiatrist near your area. Podiatrists are doctors who are specialists in taking care of different feet conditions.
If a trip to a podiatrist is too expensive and/or is not covered by your insurance, then you have the option of using some vending-like machines in some large grocery stores that are able to scan your feet and suggest a matching pair of insoles based on their scan results. You might need to shop around a bit to find the stores that have these machines.
Another last option will be to try several insoles until you find which one fits your needs perfectly. Because this option involves a lot of trial and error, be patient and prepared to be disappointed a few times. But chances are quite high that you’re going find a good pair of work boot insoles that work really great for your feet.
You should also try to educate yourself on your feet condition by reading several resources online (including kickschoice!) and engaging with communities that are built around your feet condition on sites like reddit.
Fitting your work boot insoles properly.
One nice and easy way to get a great fit for your insole is by simply standing on it with one foot. To do this, place the insole on the floor, stand on it and then raise your other leg from the floor so that the weight of your body is transferred to the foot standing on the insole.
This allows you to properly assess whether the insole fits and supports your feet properly. The things you should be thinking about are:
- If your feet feels stable
- If your feet arch is properly supported by the insole
- If your heel is feeling too much pressure or not
- If there is ample cushion in high impact areas like the ball of your feet and heel.
- If your heel is well cupped and supported
Doing this with your old insole and a new one that you’re fitting, will help you to notice the differences and highlight whether or not the new ones are better suited to your feet.
Some insoles might start to feel better as you wear them, i.e “breaking them in”, but more often than not, this is not the case. So generally, if at the first instance, you feel something to be off with the insoles, then go ahead and try another pair. Chances are, they won’t quite be the right fit for your feet.
How can I replace my work boot insoles?
Here is a simple step by step guide that you can use to replace your work boot insoles or custom insoles for any other shoe.
- Remove the insoles that are currently inside the boots. Most times, they are removable by just slipping them out. But other times, rarely, they may be glued to the boots and you may have to use a prying tool, or pull a bit harder to remove the current insoles.
- Compare the size of the insoles that you have just taken out with the new insoles that you’re about to put in. If they are exactly the same size, then you don’t have to worry. If the new insole is bigger, then you have to trim the toe area carefully, using a pair of scissors until both sizes match. Cut your new insole to match the size of the original/old insole. If the new one is smaller, then you are likely to return them for the correct sizes.
- Next, you should fold the insole in half and slide it into your work boots, making sure to slide in the toe-area first. Go ahead and unfold the insoles and position it properly, flattening any lumps and creases. It should sit completely flat on the sole of your boots from heel to toe.
- If the insoles are half-size, then they should be lying flat in the area which they are meant to cover.
How often should you change your work boot insoles?
As a general rule of thumb, most insoles start to lose their firmness and cushioning after about 4 – 8 months of regular use. But generally, here are some things to look out for – signs that tell you that you need to replace your insoles.
Thinning – once your insoles start to thin out in the heel or ball of feet area, then you should probably change them. You’d usually notice the thinning out when there is reduced cushioning of your feet when you stand for a few hours.
Comfort – you might start to notice your insoles feeling uncomfortable and pinchy in those areas where they used to provide good levels of comfort. This could be a good time to replace your insoles.
Odor – Bad odor in shoes and insoles that won’t go away is a big sign that you need to replace your insoles. What’s usually happened is that your insoles have become a breeding material for bacteria and fungi. If this happens very early on, then it would be better to consider washing and drying the insoles before replacing them outrightly. Also, try to take some of the measures mentioned in one of our guides on how to get rid of smelly feet.
Work boot and socks are important too.
In addition to finding the best insoles for work boots, your work boots are a very important part of the overall feet comfort and support formula. Truthfully, no matter how well-made your insoles are, if you don’t pair them with the best work boots for standing on concrete all day, you’ll likely not reap the benefits of having such high-quality insoles. Be sure to also check our or best construction boots review.
Additionally, take some time to shop for good quality socks as all socks are not made equally. Some socks are more comfortable in hot weather while others are more suited to cold weather. So, take your time to read about our socks guides and pick the right socks for you.
