While running can be great exercise for the whole body, there are times when it can be hard on your feet. The repetitive motion and the constant movement, when you are on a hard surface, can be difficult for your feet, especially when you do it for a long time.

This can lead to a lot of issues with the feet over time, causing them to wear out and feel tired in no time. There are many opinions out there when it comes to the feet of a runner and how to protect them.

It can sometimes come down to wearing the right shoe to make sure the foot gets the proper support and help that it needs along the way. Another option to help, especially if you already experience foot pain when running is to pick out a running insole.

There are a lot of benefits to getting insoles for running. They can provide more support, reduce the shock and impact you feel when running, and will ensure you do not run into more injuries as you move. 

What to Look for in Running Insoles

Now we need to look at which insoles you should pick out when you are a runner. Whether you are trying to prevent foot issues or you already have a foot condition and want to make it feel better, these running insoles will make a big difference.

Below are some of the features that are important when it comes to running insoles. The type of insole that is best will depend on the runner, but some things to look for when purchasing an insole for running include:

• Purpose

First, consider what you will use the insole for exactly. Maybe you have a flat foot issue like plantar fasciitis and you want to be comfortable when it is time to run. In this case, you will need to pick out an insole that has the right amount of arch support to keep you comfortable.

For runners who have shin splints or who spend a lot of time running on pavement, it may be a good idea for you to get a bit more cushioning instead. Ensure that the insoles you choose to go with are suitable for your running gait, any of the potential injury risks, and your unique feet as well.

• Support

The second thing you should look for when choosing running insoles is support. You need to pick out a good insole that provides firm and durable support to help counteract the hard running you do. Pick an option that has cushioning that is meant to last.

• Fit

Look for the insole that has several lengths for the arches. This makes it easier for you to pick out one that has a more custom fit.

If you have wide feet, you need to ensure that the insoles are wide enough to provide the protection you need. A custom orthotic can work well here too.

Custom Orthotics Vs Store Bought Insoles

Although over-the-counter insoles may help, custom orthotics are guaranteed to reduce your pain and improve your gait. They are made especially for you from a mold impression taken of your feet.

The orthotic designers will consider any foot condition in the manufacturing process to ensure you will be comfortable in your running shoes. Store-bought insoles are made to fit as many feet as possible.

Often this results in ill-fitting shoes that can add to the original issues you have with your feet, and they can make running harder on your body as a total. Most insoles are not made with shock-absorbing materials and can leave you with intense pain.

Bilt Labs Custom Orthotics vs. Over-the-Counter Insoles: Which Ones Are Right for You?

If you're experiencing foot pain, you may be wondering if custom orthotics are right for you. Custom orthotics are shoe inserts that are designed specifically for your feet, while over-the-counter insoles are mass-produced and come in a variety of standard sizes and shapes.

Here's a look at how Bilt Labs' custom orthotics compare to over-the-counter insoles:

• Fit

Custom orthotics are made from a mold of your feet, so they provide a precise fit. This is important because a good fit is essential for providing support and reducing pain. Over-the-counter insoles come in standard sizes and shapes, so they may not fit your feet perfectly. This can lead to discomfort and even more pain.

• Support

Custom orthotics are designed to provide support for your individual needs. For example, if you have flat feet, your orthotics can be designed to support your arches. If you have high arches, your orthotics can be designed to distribute your weight more evenly across your feet. Over-the-counter insoles may not provide the same level of support, especially if you have a specific foot condition.

• Materials

Bilt Labs' custom orthotics are made with high-quality materials that are designed to last. Over-the-counter insoles are often made with less expensive materials that may not last as long. This means that you may need to replace your over-the-counter insoles more often, which can add up over time.

• Price

Custom orthotics are typically more expensive than over-the-counter insoles. However, it's important to remember that custom orthotics are an investment in your foot health. They can help to reduce pain, improve your foot function, and prevent future problems.

• Guarantee

Bilt Labs offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on their custom orthotics. If you're not happy with your orthotics for any reason, you can return them for a full refund within 6 months. Most over-the-counter insoles don't come with a guarantee. 

Best Insoles for Running Shoes | Over The Counter

• Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis

The first insole that we will put on our list is this option from Dr. Scholl’s that can work well with plantar fasciitis. These are designed to work with your foot to fight off the inflammation and to keep away the aching and burning that happens in the heel as well. These are pain points that are often associated with plantar fasciitis.

This particular arch is designed with an arch that is high enough to help provide some additional support to your fascia, which will then help to take some of the excess weight off the heel. The gel cushioning at the heel is useful for absorbing some of the shocks you feel while adding some more protection for the heel.

In addition to those neat features, Dr. Scholl’s insole will have a heel cup, which is important if you would like to help distribute your weight across the whole foot when you run, while also enjoying a good deal more stability and support.

For all of the benefits it provides, this insole is budget-friendly, making it one of the best options on the list for running.

• SOLE Active Insoles

For those who tend to have problems with their arches and may suffer from flat feet, these insoles from SOLE Active will be a good option to choose from.
The insole will help support the lower arches that come with flat feet while molding to the foot so you can enjoy a perfect fit. They will work best to relieve some foot pain that happens with pronation.

These insoles are designed to help ensure that the foot will not underpronate or overpronate. This happens thanks to the zero drop, deep heel cup that can help aid with the pressure distribution and natural alignment of the foot. The meta pads inside the insole will add more support because they keep the bones of the foot in alignment.

There are many times when you will want to wear these insoles to provide arch support comfort and alignment to the foot, which can then help to keep the pain away. You may also enjoy the Polygiene coating that will provide some odor control so you can wear the orthotic wherever you would like to go.

• Physix Gear Sport

We just looked at a good insole if you have flat feet, but what happens when you want to run and have a high arch? When this is a problem for you, the best option to choose is the Physix Gear Sport insert. These are designed to provide a lot of cushion and support for those who like to run on the road.

While this insole lists out how they can help out with flat feet, they often are better if you have higher arches because they may have an arch that is too intense if you are not used to it. The high-quality materials inside the insole will be able to absorb shock well and can assist with injury protection and reduce foot fatigue as well.

This one is a dual combination that will keep you running hard. The heel cup and the semi-rigid arch support will be able to provide your foot with the stability it needs when you run. And it comes with some non-slip heel fabric that helps to hold the insole in place, making it harder to slide around when you are running.

• VKTRY Insoles

If you would like an insole designed to help you go as fast as possible, then these VKTRY insoles are some of the best for you to choose from. They are more durable, lightweight, and stiffer than some of the other insoles you can choose from. When you land while using these insoles, more energy is returned to the legs to make you fast.

You will also like that the ankles and feet will be able to store and return some of the energy, which will increase how efficient the insoles can be when you plan to go on a run. The stiff carbon fiber in the insoles will make it easier so that the feet can spring off and do a good job during a run.

Due to the design of these insoles and how they work with the natural movement of the leg and foot, you will be able to utilize these insoles to make you more efficient when running. They are best for any short race you run or for some of the speed work that needs to get done too.

• Bilt Labs Custom Orthotics

Despite all of the benefits of the insoles above, custom orthotics are preferable and prescribed by podiatrists everywhere. Bilt Labs makes its orthotics from EVA, Polypropylene, and Poron, a mixture proven to be especially beneficial in improving gait and stability while reducing pain felt in the feet, legs, and back. They even offer vegan leather options. Bilt Labs uses the same medical-garde process that doctors use, by taking a mold impression of their customers’ feet, asking about previous known medical issues, and designing an orthotic to counter specific problems.

Custom orthotics can benefit runners, and Bilt Labs even has an orthotic designed just for active lifestyles. They improve balance, provide maximum comfort during a run, push your endurance, and make for peak performance.

Choosing the Right Insoles for Your Feet

Running can be a good exercise to keep the heart working hard and to help the muscles get the movement they deserve. But over time, this repetitive motion can wear out the feet and make them uncomfortable. When this happens, it is time to consider one of the options above for insoles to keep your feet happy.

When you are a runner and you would like to take control and ensure your feet are protected and safe, it is important to work with a doctor to figure out the best solution.

Our free quiz can help you learn more about your feet and figure out which insoles can provide the best protection and keep your feet safe when running. Order your first pair of custom orthotics to help reduce the pain you feel during your runs today!