Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

The right insole can meaningfully reduce plantar fasciitis pain — but the wrong insole can worsen it. The most common mistake is choosing overly soft, cushioned insoles when what plantar fasciitis actually needs is firm arch support to unload the fascial origin. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM tests and recommends OTC insoles for patients who are waiting for custom orthotics or who have mild to moderate plantar fasciitis that doesn’t require prescription devices. This guide covers what actually works.

Quick Answer: What Insole Does a Podiatrist Recommend for Plantar Fasciitis?

For plantar fasciitis, the best OTC insoles have a firm (not soft) arch support, a deep heel cup to center the heel fat pad, and a semi-rigid shell. The top podiatrist-recommended OTC insoles for plantar fasciitis are: PowerStep Pinnacle (best overall), PowerStep Pinnacle (best for high arches), and Total Support (best value). Avoid soft gel insoles — they provide cushioning but no functional arch support and do not address the biomechanical cause. Custom orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist are significantly more effective for moderate to severe plantar fasciitis and are covered by most insurance plans.

What Makes an Insole Good for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is driven by excessive strain at the plantar fascia origin on the calcaneus. The treatment goal is to reduce this strain. An effective insole achieves this by: supporting the medial longitudinal arch (reducing the stretch of the fascia during midstance and push-off), providing a deep heel cup (centering the heel fat pad and limiting calcaneal eversion), and having a firm semi-rigid shell (resisting arch collapse rather than simply conforming to the collapsed arch). Softness and cushioning alone — without structural support — do not reduce fascial strain and may make plantar fasciitis worse by allowing more pronation than no insole at all.

Top Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis — 2026 Rankings

1. PowerStep Pinnacle — Best Overall

The PowerStep Pinnacle is the most consistently recommended OTC insole by podiatrists for plantar fasciitis. It features a semi-rigid polypropylene shell, a contoured arch that provides firm support without being rigid, and a deep heel cup with encapsulated foam cushioning. Available in neutral and wide widths. Fits in most lace-up shoes and athletic footwear. Price: ~$30–40. View on Amazon

2. PowerStep Pinnacle — Best for High Arches & Runners

PowerStep Pinnacle has the highest arch profile of any mainstream OTC insole — making it ideal for patients with a high arch and plantar fasciitis. The biomechanical shell provides aggressive arch support and heel cup stabilization. Less appropriate for flat feet (use PowerStep Pinnacle instead). Excellent for running shoes. Price: ~$50–60. View on Amazon

3. Total Support — Best Value

The Total Support provides firm arch support and heel cup at a lower price point. A good choice for patients testing insoles before committing to a custom orthotic investment, or for backup insoles in additional shoes. Price: ~$20–25. View on Amazon

4. Tread Labs Pace — Best Customizable OTC Option

Tread Labs uses a rigid arch support in four arch height profiles (low, medium, high, extra high) paired with a replaceable top cover. This customization makes it the closest OTC option to a semi-custom orthotic. Excellent for patients who know their arch height and want structural support. Price: ~$80–100. Available at treadlabs.com.

Insoles to Avoid for Plantar Fasciitis

• Soft gel insoles — PowerStep gel heel cushions, Amazon gel insoles — cushion only, no structural support; do not reduce fascial strain
• Flat foam insoles — Standard shoe insoles; no arch support benefit
• Memory foam insoles — Conform to the foot shape without resisting arch collapse; aesthetically comfortable but biomechanically ineffective for plantar fasciitis
• Insoles without a heel cup — The heel cup prevents calcaneal eversion; flat insoles without a cup don’t address this mechanism

When OTC Insoles Are Not Enough

OTC insoles are appropriate for mild to moderate plantar fasciitis as a first intervention. They are not sufficient for: moderate to severe plantar fasciitis that has persisted more than 3 months, concurrent foot conditions (flat feet requiring specific correction, leg length discrepancy, overpronation with knee or hip pain), diabetic patients requiring accommodative protection, and patients who have tried 2–3 OTC insoles without improvement. Custom orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist are individually fabricated to your foot shape and biomechanics, and are substantially more effective for these presentations. Most insurance plans cover custom orthotics when prescribed for a medically documented condition. See our Custom Orthotics Guide.

Insole Fitting and Custom Orthotic Evaluation in Michigan

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM at Balance Foot & Ankle provides insole guidance and custom orthotic prescription at both our Howell and Bloomfield Hills locations. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.

Related Guides

• Custom Orthotics in Michigan
• Plantar Fasciitis Complete Guide
• Podiatrist-Recommended Shoes
• Best Running Shoes for Foot Problems
• Best Shoes for Flat Feet

Expert Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Michigan

Quality insoles provide essential support for plantar fasciitis management. Our podiatrists create custom 3D orthotics that offer superior correction and comfort compared to over-the-counter options.

Learn About Our Plantar Fasciitis Treatment → | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402

Clinical References

1. Landorf KB, Keenan AM, Herbert RD. “Effectiveness of foot orthoses to treat plantar fasciitis: a randomized trial.” Archives of Internal Medicine. 2006;166(12):1305-1310.
2. Wrobel JS, Fleischer AE, et al. “A randomized controlled trial of custom foot orthoses for the treatment of plantar heel pain.” Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. 2015;105(4):281-294.
3. Pfeffer G, Bacchetti P, et al. “Comparison of custom and prefabricated orthoses in the initial treatment of proximal plantar fasciitis.” Foot & Ankle International. 1999;20(4):214-221.

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.