One popular way to treat flat feet is via shoe inserts, better known as orthotics. A quality shoe insert will provide solid arch support to help your fallen arches, while at the same time the shoe insert has to be comfortable enough to wear. Other traits you should look for in a shoe insert is one that helps control faulty biomechanics (pronation) that can lead to flatfeet. There are many orthotics and inserts on the market. The best shoe insert you can get for your flatfeet is a custom orthotic which is created by a Podiatrist specifically for your feet. These shoe inserts can run between 200-500 dollars. Now there are more inexpensive options on the market that can be as successful as a custom orthotic in treating your flat feet. Below I have listed what I believe are the best shoe inserts for flat feet:
Superfeet– What I like about Superfeet inserts is they provide arch support with a sleek presentation that fits comfortably in any shoe from a sneaker to a dress shoe. The other advantage of Superfeet orthotics is that they have created an orthotic specifically for flat feet. A lot of orthotics or inserts tend to be generic for every foot type. But Superfeet has created an orthotic specifically for flat feet.
Spenco Polysorb– What this orthotic lacks in arch support it makes up for in comfort. I like to say that wearing Spenco orthotics is like walking on an mattress. Spenco uses their own technology to create a comfortable orthotic. If you are on your feet all day and hoping to find a shoe insert to help reduce your pain consider the Spenco insert. They are the best at shock absorption brought about by standing.
Powerstep– My favorite orthotic or insole on the market. These inserts do the best job of combining comfort and support that can be provided by orthotics. These orthotics feature a polypropilene shell with a poron top cover to help reduce the force and stress on your foot. These are also the most popular shoe insert dispensed by Podiatrists.