Plantar fasciitis insoles help relieve heel pain by supporting the arch, stabilising foot alignment and reducing tension through the plantar fascia during standing, walking and everyday movement.
If you suffer with heel pain, arch discomfort or that classic sharp pain with your first few morning steps, the right insole can make walking feel noticeably more comfortable and supported.
Plantar fasciitis insoles are structured shoe inserts designed to support the plantar fascia, the strong band of tissue running from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot.
Rather than acting as simple cushioning inserts, they are designed to support the arch, stabilise the heel and improve the way pressure is distributed across the foot.
This can help reduce mechanical strain on irritated tissue and improve comfort for people dealing with heel pain, arch strain, overpronation, flat feet and everyday plantar fascia overload.
Plantar fasciitis insoles are manufactured from a combination of supportive and cushioning materials to improve comfort and reduce pressure on the foot.
Common materials include polyurethane, EVA foam, polypropylene, Poron and silicone gel.
Polyurethane and EVA foam provide lightweight cushioning and shock absorption, helping reduce impact during walking. Polypropylene is often used as a supportive shell to stabilise the foot and support the arch.
Poron offers excellent impact absorption and long-lasting cushioning, while silicone gel inserts provide targeted shock absorption and pressure relief, particularly in the heel area.
Clinicians and orthotic professionals often choose polypropylene or EVA when firmer control and durability are needed. Consumers who prioritise comfort may prefer polyurethane, Poron or silicone gel options for cushioning, shock absorption and pressure relief.
One of the most common causes of pain in the arch of the foot is plantar fasciitis. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, the strong band of tissue that runs along the sole of your foot, becomes irritated or inflamed.
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People often search for “NHS recommended insoles for plantar fasciitis”, but the NHS usually provides general advice rather than recommending one single insole brand for every patient.
NHS guidance commonly focuses on practical self-care measures such as wearing supportive shoes, using cushioned heels, trying insoles or heel pads, and reducing strain on the painful area where appropriate.
Algeos supplies a wide range of orthotic insoles, heel cups and plantar fasciitis support products used by healthcare professionals, including products available to NHS clinicians through recognised procurement routes.
The best insole depends on the person’s symptoms, footwear, foot shape, activity level and whether they need cushioning, arch support, heel stability or stronger biomechanical control.
NHS advice for plantar fasciitis commonly includes wearing supportive shoes, using cushioned heels and trying insoles or heel pads to help reduce strain and improve comfort. The NHS does not usually recommend one single insole for everyone, as the right option depends on symptoms, footwear, foot shape and clinical need.
The best insoles for plantar fasciitis usually combine firm arch support, heel cushioning and rearfoot stability. They should support the foot without feeling excessively hard, help reduce strain through the plantar fascia and fit properly inside your everyday footwear.
Plantar fasciitis insoles can help when they are correctly matched to your foot type, footwear and symptoms. They are designed to support the arch, improve heel stability and reduce repeated stress through the plantar fascia during walking and standing.
Plantar fasciitis insoles help support the arch, stabilise the heel and improve pressure distribution under the foot. This can reduce excessive pulling on the plantar fascia and improve comfort during daily activity.
For plantar fasciitis, insoles should usually be supportive rather than simply soft. Very soft or flat insoles may feel comfortable at first, but they often lack the structure needed to support the arch and control excessive foot movement. A firm but comfortable orthotic insole is often a better choice.
Yes, arch support is one of the key features to look for in plantar fasciitis insoles. Supporting the arch can help reduce strain through the plantar fascia and improve the way pressure is spread across the foot.
They can be very helpful for heel pain linked to plantar fasciitis, especially when the insole includes a supportive arch, stable heel cup and suitable cushioning. Heel pain can have different causes, so persistent or worsening symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Standard cushioned insoles usually focus mainly on softness and comfort. Plantar fasciitis insoles are more structured and are designed to support the arch, stabilise the heel and influence foot function in a more targeted way.
Full-length insoles can provide cushioning and support across the whole foot, while 3/4 length insoles are often useful in tighter-fitting shoes where a full-length orthotic may take up too much room. The best option depends on your footwear, comfort and support needs.
Yes. 3/4 length plantar fasciitis insoles can be a better option for formal shoes, tighter footwear or shoes with limited depth. They provide arch and heel support while leaving more space in the toe area.
They may help if flat feet or overpronation are contributing to plantar fascia strain. In these cases, a more supportive orthotic insole may help improve foot alignment and reduce excessive loading through the heel and arch.
Yes, but high arches may need a different type of support from flat feet. People with high arches often benefit from insoles that combine arch contact, heel cushioning and shock absorption to help reduce concentrated pressure under the heel and forefoot.
It is usually best to introduce new orthotic insoles gradually. Start with short periods and increase wear time as your feet adapt. If discomfort persists, the insole may not be the right fit, support level or shape for your foot.
Yes, many plantar fasciitis insoles can be used in work shoes, trainers and everyday footwear, provided there is enough room inside the shoe. For best results, remove the existing shoe liner if needed and check that the shoe still fits securely without pressure on the toes.
Yes. Selected Algeos orthotic insole ranges, including Slimflex and Interpod products, are available to NHS clinicians through NHS Supply Chain. These insoles are used by healthcare professionals to support patients with plantar fasciitis, heel pain and related biomechanical foot conditions.
A good place to start is by matching the insole to your footwear, support needs and symptoms. Slimflex insoles are widely used for everyday orthotic support, Interpod insoles are often chosen where stronger biomechanical control is needed, and FasciaFix insoles are designed specifically for plantar fascia and heel support.
You should seek professional advice if your heel pain is severe, worsening, affecting daily activity or not improving with self-care. A podiatrist, physiotherapist or GP can help confirm the cause of pain and recommend the most suitable treatment, footwear or orthotic support.
Always choose insoles based on individual symptoms, footwear fit and activity level. Persistent, worsening or complex heel pain should be assessed by a suitably qualified healthcare professional.
Australian and New Zealand clinicians and patients can access orthotic insole options from Algeos Australia.
AAOS OrthoInfo – Plantar Fasciitis
NHS clinicians and procurement teams can access selected Algeos orthotic insole ranges through the NHS Supply Chain portal. Direct search links are provided below.
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