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Standing all day long on any job is tough on the mind and body — but especially your feet. The best insoles for work boots can be a game-changer in your comfort and stamina during a work day, and they can also introduce essential cushioning to stiff boots that are built to withstand hard terrain.
If you’re on your feet for several hours at a time, you can thank top foot health brands like Superfeet, Timberland, and Dr. Scholl’s for sharing supportive insoles that are made specifically for work boots. Work boots are especially stiff and can wreak havoc on the feet and your alignment when you’re twisting, turning, and lifting in them, and most work boots are hitting hard surfaces like pavement all day long in the blazing sun. For intense labor and activity, ensuring proper foot support is critical, as seemingly minor foot strain can usher in a slew of debilitating issues in your lower back and legs, as well as malalignment that’s difficult to reverse — all of which is certainly counterproductive at the job site. The answer to stubborn back aches that can’t seem to go away might actually be inside your footwear.
While some top work boot insoles feature enhanced arch support for those with foot conditions like plantar fasciitis or overpronation, others simply offer an extra layer of cushioning underfoot to fight off fatigue even if you don’t have an underlying foot condition. There are insoles for work boots that boast special features, too, like moisture-wicking fabric that prevents sweat pooling and reduces odor or insoles for work boots with tapered toes that fit snugly into steel-toe boots. Plus, our over-the-counter recommendations are a fraction of the cost of custom insoles (which can run as high as $400).
Watch on FN
Ahead, shop the best insoles for work boots to add to your workflow. They’re highly-reviewed by customers and made by top work boot and podiatrist-approved insole brands, so you can feel comfortable and confident on the job.
What testers say: “These insoles are an absolute game changer. I am a brewer who stands on concrete all day. These have made my knees feel 10 years younger! I can’t believe the difference compared to the soles that came in my boots.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $54.99
What testers say: “I have tried them all and these Insoles are leagues above the rest. I have used these in my last three pairs of work boots. The others aren’t as long lasting and seem to flatten out. These have a very thick heel and midsection that do not flatten. They have great arch support. The price seems high but they aren’t much more than the other gimmicky ones for $25. I highly suggest you try these out. They are much thicker than they look in the pictures. The tops are very soft and comfortable too.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $57.46
What testers say: “Recently I got plantar fasciitis issues with my right leg and my foot doctor recommended wearing custom insoles for arch support. It took about three weeks for the custom insoles to arrive. In the meantime, I ordered these insoles from Walkhero and they’ve helped me walk again. I was in immense pain and a pinched nerve on my ankle was getting worse before I began my treatment with my doctor. After I replaced by regular insoles with these ones from Amazon, my feet felt a thousand fold better. Even with plantar fasciia, I was able to walk and stand comfortably and with regular use at home, these shoes helped me heal faster. I would highly recommend these insoles if you were on the fence about whether to buy these for your feet. Good quality insoles with an affordable price!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $19.99
What testers say: “After trying out the Superfeet Work Slim-Fit Cushion insoles in my work boots, I can confidently say they are a holy grail for anyone who spends long hours on their feet. They offer just the right amount of durability and comfort, ensuring my feet are well-supported throughout the day. Whether I’m standing, walking, or navigating all types of terrain for over 13 hours a day, these insoles keep my feet comfortable and pain-free.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $54.99
What testers say: “I work on my feet all day and was suffering from foot and leg pain. I bought these and am glad I did. They are easy to fit with guidelines to follow for trimming. So far they are holding up well and give excellent comfort and support. My foot and leg pain is non existent now and I am ready to keep going at the end of a 9 hour shift.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $12.54
What testers say: “I had a pair of Keen hiking boots with steel toes that I used to use for a labor job. They hurt my feet like crazy but I remembered when I bought them they were super comfortable. Now I need to be able to stand up for several hours a day. After I got these they took a few days to form to my feet but now they feel great. They’re also thicker than the original liners so if your boots are already tight they might not work right. You should leave plenty of room when you buy your boots for different socks so I had to loosen my laces a little bit after taking out the old pancake-looking soles.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $24.95
What testers say: “The most comfortable insoles I have ever tried! Out of the dozens of shoes and several insoles, this is by far the most comfortable. I can walk for five plus miles and feel little to no discomfort in boots. Right now, for my pressure points and walking pattern, they last approximately three to four months. Standing is also very comfortable too.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $24.99
What testers say: “I have very high arches, which usually require a full heat molded orthotic to get a good fit. I got the Form insoles intending to mold them, but when I put them against my feet I found that they matched my foot contour without molding, so I put them in my shoes as is and they’re fine.
I am an experienced orthotic tech, I used to work in a ski shop and have made hundreds of molded foot beds. Regarding the Form molding instructions, you’d heat them and put them in your shoes and put the shoes on to fine tune the fit if they are too high for your arches. If they’re too low you’d heat them and put them atop a memory foam pillow and stand on them, which will push the foot bed arches higher to match your feet.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $42.93
What testers say: “I have to wear extremely uncomfortable work boots everyday so I don’t slip and fall off a roof. I think I’ve tried every insole ever made trying relieve the foot, leg, and back pain caused by my boots. I’m so glad I found these, I don’t know what it is about them but they are by far the best insoles available. I can’t say enough about these — they’ve literally changed my life. I can work better and longer and all my pain is gone. I used to limp off the job site, now I’ve actually got energy and feel good after a long work day. Try them, they will make your boots more comfortable.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $29.99
When to Replace Insoles for Work Boots
Ideally, your insoles will be just as tough and durable as the boots they fit in, however they’ll certainly undergo wear and tear, especially if you’re on your feel for long periods of time. Generally, insoles should be replaced every six to 12 months, but if you work on hard surfaces like concrete or are on your feet for extended hours, you may need to swap your insoles for new ones sooner.
To determine whether your work boot insoles should be replaced, pay attention to whether their comfort or cushioning has reduced. If you notice discomfort or pain that did not use to occur, this is a sign that you’ve gotten as much use out of your insoles as possible. Beyond compression, check for tears or cracked fabric, as this can negatively impact underfoot stability, and, if you notice staining or odor as well, opt for a new pair instead.
How We Chose the Best Insoles for Work Boots
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
To create our top list of the best insoles for work boots, Footwear News Shop editors researched the market, taking into consideration different foot types, common foot conditions, and various activity levels. We also paid special attention to key features that bold well for work boots, such as sweat-wicking and odor-reducing fabrications and slim designs that are easy to trim. Additionally, we researched and compared popular options from popular foot health brands, including Superfeet, Timberland, and more, and analyzed customer reviews to select the most supportive, comfortable and universally satisfying insoles for work boots. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Author
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes and edits shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She updated this guide to the best insoles for work boots in June 2024 with new product recommendations and additional care tips.
