You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what Currex vs Powerstep insoles means and what actually works. Call (810) 206-1402 for a same-week appointment at our Howell or Bloomfield Township office.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
CURREX RunPro vs. PowerStep: Which Insole Does a Podiatrist relates to orthotic fitting — typically caused by biomechanical foot needs. Most patients improve in 2 weeks to break in with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township: (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-certified foot & ankle surgeon, 3,000+ surgeries performed. Updated April 2026 with current clinical evidence. This article reflects real practice experience from Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan.
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Last updated April 2026.
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📋 Dr. Tom Also Recommends
Podiatrist Recommended Orthotics 2026: Dr. Tom’s Top 10 Insoles & Arch Supports
A podiatrist’s complete clinical guide to the best insoles — custom orthotics, OTC picks, and what actually works for plantar fasciitis, flat feet, neuropathy & more.
Read the Full Guide →Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
Two of the most popular podiatrist-recommended insoles go head-to-head. In this comparison, Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM breaks down CURREX RunPro vs. PowerStep — covering arch support, cushioning, best use cases, and which patients he recommends each one to.
Quick Verdict
CURREX RunPro — Best for runners and athletes who need dynamic, biomechanically tuned support. PowerStep Pinnacle — Best for everyday plantar fasciitis relief and patients needing firm arch support in regular shoes.
CURREX RunPro: Built for Performance
CURREX RunPro insoles use a patented dynamic arch concept — the insole actually flexes with your foot’s arch during the gait cycle. Available in LOW, MED, and HIGH arch profiles. Lightweight TPU shell (28g), deep heel cup, and moisture-wicking top cover make it the top choice for runners logging 20+ miles per week.
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Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Most new patients are seen the same week.
PowerStep Pinnacle: The Plantar Fasciitis Workhorse
The #1 podiatrist-recommended OTC insole in the United States. Semi-rigid polypropylene shell, plush VCT® top cover, angled heel platform, and trim-to-fit design. My go-to recommendation for patients with plantar fasciitis who work on their feet all day — teachers, nurses, retail workers.
View PowerStep Pinnacle price →
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | CURREX RunPro | PowerStep Pinnacle |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Running, sports, high mileage | Everyday wear, plantar fasciitis |
| Shell stiffness | Flexible / dynamic | Semi-rigid / firm |
| Arch profiles | LOW / MED / HIGH options | Medium arch (one profile) |
| Weight | Very light (28g) | Moderate |
| Dr. Biernacki rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for runners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for daily wear |
Which Should You Choose?
- You run 15+ miles/week → CURREX RunPro (match your arch height)
- You have plantar fasciitis and wear regular shoes → PowerStep Pinnacle
- You’re a runner WITH plantar fasciitis → CURREX in running shoes, PowerStep in casual shoes
Both are excellent — but if OTC insoles haven’t resolved your pain in 6-8 weeks, call us for a custom orthotic evaluation. Balance Foot & Ankle — (810) 206-1402
Ready to Get Expert Foot Care?
Dr. Biernacki and our team at Balance Foot & Ankle are accepting new patients in Howell and Bloomfield Township, MI. Most insurances accepted.
or call (810) 206-1402
🔗 Related Care & Resources
Treated by Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM — Board-certified podiatric surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI.
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
Get Directions →
Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Get Directions →
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
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Same-week appointments available at both locations.
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Podiatrist-Approved Guides for Every Foot Type & Condition
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist
All guides are written and reviewed by licensed podiatrists. Schedule an appointment →
If home care isn’t resolving your your foot or ankle concern, a visit with a board-certified podiatrist is the fastest path to accurate diagnosis and a personalized plan. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, and Dr. Daria Gutkin offer same-week appointments at both our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices. We perform on-site diagnostic ultrasound, digital X-ray, conservative care, advanced regenerative treatments, and minimally invasive surgery when indicated.
Call (810) 206-1402 or request an appointment online. Most insurance plans accepted, including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare.
In Our Clinic
The patients we see for custom orthotic consultations usually fall into two groups. First are athletes — runners, hikers, basketball players — looking to correct a biomechanical asymmetry they’ve identified themselves or their coach has flagged. Second are middle-aged patients with chronic plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, or early arthritis who have exhausted over-the-counter inserts. Our process begins with a 3D foot scan plus a gait-video analysis on our in-office treadmill. We select materials based on activity — a stiffer carbon composite for performance running, a softer plastazote top cover for diabetic patients, a semi-rigid polypropylene for everyday wear. Most patients adapt in 2–4 weeks.
Most Common Mistake We See
The most common mistake we see is: Wearing new orthotics all day from day one. Fix: break-in schedule of 2 hours on day one, adding 2 hours per day until full-day tolerance.
Warning Signs That Need Same-Day Care
Seek immediate evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle if you experience any of the following:
- New sharp pain under the arch that did not exist before
- Skin breakdown over pressure points
- Diabetic patient with any new pressure spot
- Worsening of original symptoms after 4 weeks
Call (810) 206-1402 — same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices.
Watch: Dr. Tom explains
Podiatrist-recommended products
As an Amazon Associate, Dr. Tom earns from qualifying purchases.
Semi-rigid PowerStep favored for PF and moderate pronation.
View on Amazon →Add-on for either brand when forefoot cushion is needed.
View on Amazon →Ice the arches during the break-in period for either brand.
View on Amazon →Topical relief during insole adaptation.
View on Amazon →Related resources
Ready to solve this? Book today.
Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Township · 4.9★ (1,123+ reviews)
☎ (810) 206-1402Book Online →More Podiatrist-Recommended Orthotics Essentials
PowerStep Pinnacle
The podiatrist-recommended OTC orthotic — arch support + heel cup.
CURREX RunPro Insole
Performance insole for runners — reduces fatigue and prevents injuries.
Tuli’s Heel Cups
Shock-absorbing heel cushion — adds lift and relief under painful heels.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
When to See a Podiatrist
Off-the-shelf inserts help 70% of patients — but if you’ve tried several without relief, custom orthotics molded to your specific foot mechanics are usually the next step. Balance Foot & Ankle makes custom orthotics in-office and most major insurance plans cover them. We’ll cast or scan your feet and have them ready in about 2 weeks.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for orthotics
Advantages
- ✓ Custom orthotics 80%+ improvement
- ✓ Most insurance covers
- ✓ Lasts 3-5 years
Considerations
- ✗ 2-week break-in
- ✗ Custom can be $400-700
- ✗ OTC limits effectiveness
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for orthotics
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: High-arch + severe plantar fasciitis
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Week Appointments Available
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom’s CURREX vs PowerStep Selection Protocol
- CURREX RunPro — Runners needing dynamic support: CURREX RunPro adapts its arch profile to your specific foot strike pattern — for runners who need biomechanical correction that responds to heel strike, midstance, and push-off forces. The premium running insole choice.
- PowerStep Pinnacle — Walking, standing, and everyday use: PowerStep Pinnacle provides firm, static medial arch support — superior to CURREX for non-runners who need consistent correction throughout the day without dynamic adaptation.
- Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel — Foot pain during the insole transition period: arnica + camphor gel applied to the arch and heel reduces the adaptation soreness when switching from no support to clinical-grade insole correction.
Neither OTC insole resolving foot pain after 6-8 weeks? Custom orthotics provide the patient-specific correction OTC insoles cannot match. Custom orthotics → (810) 206-1402
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for plantar fasciitis?
The shoe with more cushioning and a stronger rocker typically wins for plantar fasciitis. See full comparison for our specific verdict.
Which lasts longer?
Both options typically last 300-500 miles for runners or 9-12 months for daily walkers. Material durability varies; check our detailed comparison.
Which is better for flat feet?
Flat feet need stability or motion control. The neutral option is not ideal unless paired with a custom orthotic.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) 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 made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.
More questions patients ask
What is the difference between CURREX and PowerStep insoles?
See our full guide from Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM at Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI.
Which insole is better for running: CURREX RunPro or PowerStep?
See our full guide from Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM at Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI.
Do I need custom orthotics or will OTC insoles work?
See our full guide from Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM at Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI.
When should I see a podiatrist about insoles and orthotics?
See Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle — same-day appointments. Call (810) 206-1402. Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI.
Does insurance cover custom orthotics?
Most PPO and Medicare plans cover medically necessary foot care. We accept BCBS and most Michigan insurers. Call (810) 206-1402.
Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.