Good Insoles vs Bad Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis
One insole created 4 years of pain. And choosing the right one started my recovery. There are places worth spending money — and places that aren't.
I Had No Idea Insoles Mattered This Much
Honestly, I never once thought about insoles before plantar fasciitis. You buy shoes, they come with insoles, you wear them. That was it.
But the direct cause of my plantar fasciitis was a broken Skechers memory foam insole. After wearing them for a year — even in rain — the front padding completely collapsed. It looked fine from outside.
Wearing shoes without proper insoles is like walking barefoot on asphalt. The impact goes straight to your soles.
Signs of a Bad Insole
- Doesn't bounce back when pressed
If the insole doesn't return to its original shape when you press it, it's dead. - Front section is thinned out
The area under the toes breaks down first — it bears the most weight. You can feel it's noticeably thinner than the back. - Arch is excessively high
Insoles that push the arch up hard press on already inflamed fascia. The idea that arch-support insoles help plantar fasciitis is a myth. - Memory foam has been exposed to water
Wet memory foam degrades much faster. If it's been soaked, replace it immediately.
What Makes a Good Insole
- Even cushioning
Even shock absorption from front to back. If one area is higher or lower, it creates uneven pressure on your foot. - Proper thickness
Too thin and it won't absorb impact. Too thick and your foot becomes unstable in the shoe. The New Balance 1080 insole is a good example. - Durability
Material that doesn't break down easily when wet or worn long-term. Memory foam is comfortable but lacks durability.
Should You Buy Separate Insoles?
I never bought separate insoles. Instead, I changed the shoes themselves. The stock insole of the New Balance 1080 was good enough.
In my opinion, buying a good shoe from the start is better than putting aftermarket insoles in bad shoes. Good shoes are designed as a whole system — insole, midsole, cushioning, fit.
But if your current insoles are broken and you can't buy new shoes right away, at least get replacement insoles. Anything is better than wearing broken ones.
Check Every 6 Months
- Remove the insole and press the front (under the toes) with your finger.
- If it doesn't bounce back or feels crumbly, replace it.
- If they've been wet, check more frequently.
- If you run often, check every 3-4 months.
This post is part of the Coupang Partners program and may earn a commission.
This is not medical advice. I'm sharing personal experience only. If your symptoms are severe, please consult a medical professional.