As the saying goes, big things come in small packages. Nowhere does this hold truer than when it comes to a good pair of thin insoles. Though they make look assuming and you could be forgiven for underestimating the positive impact they can impart on your feet’s health, insoles are used by countless people across with world with a range of conditions and are recommended by doctors for various patients for good reason: they work.
Not only do they support your feet, alleviate pain, and ensure proper foot alignment, they ultimately make wearing shoes and walking over long distances a far more comfortable experience. Truthfully, it doesn’t really matter whether you have a foot condition or not when it comes to a good pair of thin insoles. They’re virtually unnoticeable when worn properly and can provide great health benefits for just about anyone.
This is where our list comes in. If you find yourself in the market for some thin insoles, don’t go out forking over your money until you’ve read our list below. We’ve reviewed some of the most popular thin insoles out there so read on to check out our take on the most popular products!
Best Thin Insoles
Dr. Scholl’s ULTRA THIN Insoles
Standing as one of the more recognizable products on our list, Dr. Scholl’s thin insoles offer comfort and relief to anyone who stands on their feet or moves around (e.g. in a commercial kitchen) for the better part of the day.
With its unique layer of massaging gel tech, this gel allows the force of your foot to be evenly distributed thanks to the cushioning a sole like this gives you. This means that your feet will feel less soreness and pain even as the hour’s tick by.
Additional padding via a firmer texture is also found around your heel and arch so as to provide further support for critical areas. This pair of insoles is also remarkably thin and will fit just about any shoe, from the most formal of dress shoes to even casual sneakers.
Dr. Scholl’s AIR-PILLO
Another solid product by Dr. Scholl that offers just as much as thinness as their sibling product but for those who just can’t get used to the gel-texture of the Ultra-Thin, the Pillo will be ideal for you.
Formed out of soft yet durable cushioning with its double-layer system, an insole like this can easily last for months on end even with daily walking. You’ll also find a bottom layer of foam (their unique Sure Grip formula) which ensures that even on the longest of walks or runs, that your insoles don’t shift around in your shoes, allowing you to spend more time on walking and less on readjusting them.
The trim-cut it comes with is also a plus as it’ll fit snugly in virtually any shoe from cross-trainers to dress shoes.
Dr. Scholl’s Work Insoles
By far one of the most durable and sturdy products in the market, Dr. Scholl’s Work Insoles are designed for those looking for something that screams heavy-duty.
A pair like this will not only absorb the meanest of shocks but will minimize all around foot fatigue even in the most demanding of environments. We’re talking about the intensity of a commercial kitchen or the dusty expanses of a hike and even the precarious environment of construction sites.
You’ll also notice little cooling vents strategically positioned in the insole will ensure your keep stay dry, sweat-free, and cool even during the longest of days. And yes, it features Dr. Scholl’s signature gel cushioning which you’ll find far more of here than in their other product.
Though it’s advertised as a work insole, you’ll still be able to squeeze a pair of these insoles into any type of shoe so don’t worry, this insole really is designed for anyone looking for that extra bit of comfort.
Spenco Rx Comfort Thin Lightweight Cushioning Orthotic Shoe Insole
Coming in a variety of sizes that’ll accommodate any woman or man, assuming you make the right choice, the Spenco Insole offers a unique take through constructing their product not out of a jelly-like substance but with pure, high-quality nylon.
Not only does this keep things light, but it keeps things soft. It doesn’t stop there though, you’ll also find Spencore material on its inside that’ll absorb the shock of walking and running.
Coupled with its 4-way fabric that contains a unique sculpture antimicrobial layer, also ensures that odor is kept to a bare minimum and reduces the likelihood of developing blisters on your tired feet.
Sof Sole Insoles Men’s ATHLETE Performance
Coming in either blue or orange (not that we think the color matters too much for insoles), Sof Sole’s Insoles are designed for the athletes among you or someone looking for something both thin and light.
Designed specifically for both intense use on the running track and playing field to casual use, you’ll find its neutral arch contouring to be ideal for all sorts of situations and feet shapes. Gel pads are also situated intentionally in the heels and forefeet that offer the most amount of support for areas that receive the most force of impact.
Feet sweat is also kept to a minimum here thanks to its Hydrologix wicking treatment that ensures your feet stay not just cool and moisture-free but also odorless.
Plantar Fasciitis Insoles
Designed specifically for those with high feet arches, the Plantar Fasciitis is a product designed just for you. With its heel cup that is incredibly deep as far as insoles go and paired with its high-grade fabric that allows your feet to remain odorless and cool even during long days, you can’t go wrong with a pair like this.
With its 1.38-inch arch support and smooth texture, it’ll provide every kind of foot with ample support and will reduce the strain of friction from walking and running. It also features memory foam that’ll adapt to the unique contours of your foot over time to make an even better fitting insole.
Finally, note that it comes in every conceivable size so don’t worry about not being able to find your ideal fit.
Shoeslulu Magic Lambsin Leather Insoles
Stylishly crafted out of real leather, this pair of insoles are ideal for those looking for something fashionable and slick. Don’t worry though, it’s not just a pretty looker.
Your feet will still be in good hands here thanks to its Magic Absorbent technology that ensures its ultra-thin design will provide all the cushioning and padding your feet may need across the longest of walks while ensuring that it takes virtually no shoe space. It also is perforated throughout that’ll ensure your feet don’t sweat and stay odor-free.
Coupled with its carbon bottom, this really keeps things under control down there even during the hottest of summer days.
Superfeet CARBON, Thin and Strong Insoles
Though the Superfeet Carbon sits as one of the more expensive options on our list, what you pay in the money you receive in long-term foot health. Formed out of super light-yet yet dense foam, this pair will fit any shoe tightly and securely like a glove.
It also takes up minimal space in your shoe with its low profile and volume yet still provides, thanks to the carbon fiber stabilizer cap that is reinforced with carbon fiber and polymers, all the support and comforts your feet might ever need.
It also features a heel cup that adds further shock-absorbent properties and stabilization so if you are willing to invest a little more right now, a product like this is right for you.
XIANEWS 2020 New Heel Insoles
For those among you who wear heels throughout the day, we’re sure you’ve experienced how uncomfortable it can be across long stretches of time.
Xianews’s insoles are designed just for you – easily trimmable and able to fit into most insoles and totally self-adhesive that prevents it from sliding when worn, these insoles will provide much-needed comfort for you heel-wearers.
With its spongey yet durable material that minimizes all sorts of pain from heel sores, spurs, and even metatarsal pain, if you own a pair of heels we suggest not going out until you secure a pair like this.
Best of all, if you find your feet still in pain and believe that your money has been wasted on this pair, you’ll be pleased to know that it comes with a full money-back guarantee. Just give them a holler and you’ll be set.
Spenco Total Support
Crafted meticulously out of polyester that keeps things both thin and light yet flexible enough to support just about any kind of arch, this low-profile insole will provide all the comfort and stability the average user might need. With its gel air pods and forefoot pads, these will absorb all the painful shocks of walking and jogging.
It also features a unique 3-Pod Modulation system which essentially positions pods with differing hardness in key areas under your feet which enables it to optimally reduce the negatives of walking and jogging on your feet’s health in the long run.
A Buyer’s Guide to Thin Insoles
Size
Size is crucial when deciding on an insole simply because if you get it wrong, your insole won’t fit and won’t be as effective. You’ll notice that most insoles don’t come in a single, specific size but as a range. Simply stick to the range and you’ll be fine, but you’ll also notice that sometimes, you’ll have excess material in your insoles if you err on the smaller side of size in that range.
This is simply because those insoles are meant to be trimmed by you before you use them. Of course, this doesn’t apply to all insoles across the market so do check your insole’s instructions before reaching for the scissors!
Material
Insoles are often made with a variety of materials. These include foam, leather, and gel. You really can’t go wrong so long as you stick to the standard but note that each has its own unique features, pros, and cons.
There isn’t a single ‘best’ insole material as it all boils down to preference but generally speaking, leather is great for cushioning, gel for absorbing most intense shocks (e.g. when running) and foam to provide all round general support and cushioning.
Price
Higher priced insoles often come with better quality materials. Sure, this doesn’t mean that the more expensive of insoles are necessarily better by virtue of price. A comfortable insole you like is far better than an expensive one after all.
But generally, price is a good barometer for quality so if you find yourself hesitating over purchasing your dream pair of thin insoles because of its price think of it this way: your feet’s health is at stake here. Consider a more expensive purchase in the now as an investment to your future. More money spent now will mean less feet pain as you age!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I use my insoles for?
Each insole usually has a shelf life of its own, just refer to its instructions and you should be set. Just don’t make the mistake of assuming that an insole will last forever – this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Most come with a lifespan of about 6-months before needing replacement (you’ll notice wearing out and tears by then) but this depends on your lifestyle. If you’re living a mostly sedentary life, this would probably apply to you. Conversely, if you’re active (e.g. a daily jogger), you might be needing replacements sooner.
Like my leather shoes, is there any ‘breaking-in’ required for my insoles?
Absolutely not! Just slip them on and trim if need be and you should be set. Some may come with memory-foam features, but these will automatically adjust to the shape of your feet without needing any breaking in overtime.