Insoles for flat feet

Understanding flat feet and related pain

Many people with flat feet live with a steady, recurring ache. The day might start fairly comfortably, then as the hours go by the feet begin to throb or feel heavy. After long periods of standing, walking further than usual, or spending the day on hard floors, the tired feeling in the feet can spread into the calves, knees, hips, or lower back. It can be frustrating when pain behaves like this because it becomes hard to know what is driving it.

Flat feet do not always cause pain, and many people with low arches have no symptoms at all. When pain and flat feet do go together, it is usually because the feet are not sharing weight or guiding movement as well as they could. An ache in the arch or heel can, over time, contribute to more lasting aches in nearby joints and muscles if the way the foot moves does not change.

Understanding what flat feet are, how they change the way force moves through the feet and legs, and how that links to pain makes it easier to see how the right insoles can help.

How flat feet affect your body

Flat feet are a common foot shape in adults. Instead of the arch lifting off the ground, more of the sole touches the floor when you stand.

In a foot with a clearer arch, that curve under the foot helps:

• share body weight between the heel, arch, and forefoot,
• soften the impact each time the heel lands,
• control how the foot rolls as you move from heel to toe.

When the arch is low or collapses, the arch does less of this shock‑absorbing and weight‑sharing work. More weight is taken through the middle and inner side of the foot, and the ankle often rolls inwards. That change at the ankle is then passed up through the leg.

You might notice:

• pain or aching in the sole or arch, especially after you have been on your feet,
• tired, heavy legs or a sore lower back later in the day,
• the soles of your shoes wearing down more quickly on the inside edge of the heel or midfoot.

Flat feet can be due to family tendency, previous injury, or conditions such as some forms of arthritis. When the arch drops and the ankle rolls in, the shin and thigh bones can turn in too. This can:

• pull more on the band of tissue under the arch (the plantar fascia),
• strain tendons around the ankle,
• put extra pressure on the inner side of the knee,
• put extra twist through the hips and lower back.

If you run, play sports with a lot of jumping, or spend long hours on your feet, these changes can add up into more strain on the plantar fascia, tendons, and joints with every step. The sections below pick up how this can show up in different parts of the body.

Why insoles are often used for flat feet

When the arch is not supporting the foot well, the small joints in the midfoot, the band of tissue under the arch, and the muscles in the feet and calves have to work harder to keep things steady. Each step puts more pull and more impact through them than they would normally have to handle. Over time, this extra work can lead to soreness and irritation in the band under the arch, the joints along the inner side of the foot, and the tendons and ligaments around the ankle.

Simple soft pads may feel comfortable at first but tend to flatten quickly and do little to change how the foot moves. Orthotic insoles are different. They are shaped to alter how the foot sits and rolls with each step, for example by keeping the arch a little higher and the heel a little straighter.

These insoles are shaped to:

• give firm support under the arch so it does not collapse as much,
• cradle the heel to help keep it more upright,
• spread body weight more evenly along and across the foot,
• add cushioning where pressure tends to build, often at the heel and ball of the foot.

By supporting the arch and steadying the heel, insoles can reduce how far the ankle rolls in. This can:

• ease the pull on the plantar fascia under the arch,
• reduce twisting on the Achilles tendon,
• lessen the inward turn of the leg, which can take strain off the knees, hips, and lower back.

Many people find that when their feet feel better supported in this way, standing, walking, and light exercise feel steadier and less tiring.

So where does this tend to show up in day‑to‑day life? That depends on which tissues are taking the extra strain.

Common problems linked with flat feet

Flat feet do not behave in exactly the same way for everyone. Some people mainly notice aching in the feet themselves. Others feel it in the shins, knees, hips, or lower back. You do not need to have every problem listed here for your flat feet to be relevant.

The overviews below focus on different areas where flat feet commonly cause trouble. If one or more sound very familiar, that can be a useful clue that better foot support may help.

Posture and lower‑back fatigue

For many people with flat feet, the first warning sign is not sharp pain, but a sense of never quite feeling comfortable when standing. Even on days that are not especially busy, the legs and lower back may feel tired or “done” well before the end of the day.

When the arches drop and the ankles roll in, the legs turn slightly inwards. The knees and hips often follow this turn. That can tilt the pelvis and change the way the spine rests on the pelvis. Instead of sitting evenly over the hips, the back has to work harder to keep you upright.

You might notice:

• lower back or hip muscles tightening after spells of standing,
• feeling restless on the spot, always wanting to shift weight,
• a general sense of heaviness in the legs and back that builds as the day goes on.

It is understandable if this sort of constant tiredness wears you down over time. Over months and years, this extra effort, together with the altered joint position, can contribute to ongoing backache and earlier or more frequent episodes of back and hip pain than might otherwise be expected, especially if your job or lifestyle already puts a lot of demand on these areas.

Orthotic insoles that support the arch and steady the heel can improve this by giving the legs a more level base. When the arch is lifted and the ankle is stopped from rolling so far in, the shin and thigh bones sit more centrally. That helps the pelvis and spine rest on a more even foundation. Many people find that once their feet feel steadier, the back muscles do not have to work as hard just to keep them upright, and long periods on their feet feel more manageable.

Heel pain and plantar fascia irritation

A very typical flat‑foot pattern is sharp heel pain when you first put your foot to the floor in the morning, or when you stand after sitting. Those first few steps can feel as if you are standing on a very sore spot under the inner side of the heel. That first‑step pain strongly suggests irritation of the plantar fascia, although other causes of heel pain do exist.

The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that runs from the heel bone towards the toes along the bottom of the foot. It helps support the arch. When the arch is low and the foot rolls in, this band is pulled tight again and again, especially where it attaches near the front of the heel bone. As it tightens slightly while you are off your feet, then is suddenly loaded again when you stand, that repeated pull can irritate the attachment point.

The result is:

• sharp, often stabbing pain under the heel, slightly towards the inside,
• pain that is worst with first steps after rest,
• pain that eases a little as you move, but flares again with long walks or long periods on your feet.

This is why the heel can feel so sore when it first takes weight after a rest. To avoid the sore point, people sometimes change how they walk, for example, landing more heavily on the front of the foot. That shifts stress onto the ball of the foot and can also change how the knees and hips are loaded.

Flat‑foot insoles from this range are designed with firm inner arch support and a shaped heel cup to tackle exactly this pattern. The firmer support under the inner arch reduces how much the plantar fascia is stretched as you step. The contoured heel area spreads pressure over a wider area instead of one painful spot. Together, these changes can make those first steps and longer periods of standing feel less sharp for many people with plantar fasciitis linked to flat feet.

Ache and tightness at the back of the heel (Achilles tendon)

Achilles tendon problems linked to flat feet tend to show up during or after activity. You may feel a tight, nagging ache at the back of the heel or lower calf when walking uphill, using stairs, running, or after a day in flatter shoes.

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the back of the heel bone. In flat feet, as the arch collapses, the heel often tilts inwards. That tilt twists the tendon slightly with each step. Instead of pulling straight, the tendon is being pulled at an angle. Over time, this can irritate it.

People often notice:

• stiffness or tightness at the back of the heel first thing in the morning,
• discomfort that builds with repetitive activities like running or brisk walking,
• tenderness if you press the tendon a bit above the heel bone.

Most Achilles problems will not progress to a tear, but there is a small risk of more serious injury if severe pain is ignored. Sudden, severe pain at the back of the heel, often with swelling and difficulty bearing weight, must be assessed urgently by a clinician and is not something insoles alone can manage.

Orthotic insoles in this range help by supporting the arch and guiding the heel into a more upright position. The deeper heel cup is particularly relevant here. By limiting how far the heel tilts in, it helps the Achilles tendon pull more in line with the leg instead of being twisted with each step. When this is combined with calf stretches, strengthening and sensible changes in training load advised by a clinician, many people find their tendon becomes less irritable and hills, stairs and gentle runs feel easier.

Knee discomfort and strain

Flat‑foot‑related knee pain often shows up on stairs and slopes. Going downstairs, walking downhill, or rising from a low chair may bring on a dull ache at the front of the knee or just behind the kneecap. After a longer walk, the knee can feel tired, swollen, or as if it has done more than its fair share.

When the arch drops and the ankle rolls in, the lower leg bone tends to turn inwards. This can pull the kneecap slightly off‑centre in the groove at the front of the thigh bone and increase pressure on one side of the joint, especially the inner side.

You might notice:

• aching at the front of the knee after stairs or hills,
• occasional swelling or a feeling of fullness around the knee,
• grinding, catching, or a sense the knee is not as reliable as it once was.

That is why stairs and slopes are often the first things to bring on the ache. Over many years, this changed loading can add to the everyday wear that occurs in knee joints and may increase the chance of arthritis, particularly when combined with factors such as previous injury or higher body weight. The inner side of the joint, which is being loaded more heavily when the leg turns in, is especially at risk.

Orthotic insoles can help by changing the line of the leg from the foot upwards. In this range, models with firmer support along the inner arch and a deep heel cup are especially relevant. They reduce the amount the ankle rolls in, so the shin and thigh stay closer to a straight line. That can allow the kneecap to move more smoothly and reduce the extra pressure on the inner part of the joint. If your main problem is knee ache on stairs or slopes, these are the models to focus on. Used alongside strengthening exercises for the hips and thighs and activity changes suggested by a clinician, these insoles can form an important part of easing knee strain linked to flat feet.

Ball of foot pain (metatarsalgia and nerve irritation)

Flat feet can also cause problems at the front of the foot. When the arch drops and weight shifts forwards, the ball of the foot can end up taking more than its share of pressure.

Metatarsalgia is pain under the ball of the foot. People often describe:

• a burning or aching pain under one or more of the “knuckles” of the toes,
• discomfort that builds with walking, running, or standing for a long time,
• hard skin (calluses) and sometimes toes that start to curl or lift because of long‑term pressure.

In some people, the extra pressure between the long bones in the forefoot irritates the nerves that run between the toes. This can lead to Morton’s neuroma, which often causes:

• sharp or throbbing pain in the ball of the foot,
• tingling or numbness in one or more toes,
• the feeling of standing on a stone or a crease in the sock.

In metatarsalgia, the soreness comes mainly from the joints and soft tissues directly under the bones. In Morton’s neuroma, it is the small nerve between the bones that is irritated, which is why tingling and “pebble” sensations appear.

Orthotic insoles for flat feet can help by taking some load away from the forefoot. Supporting the arch means less weight is pushed forwards. Cushioning under the ball of the foot softens impact, and gentle shaping just behind the metatarsal heads can help spread the bones slightly, easing the squeeze on the nerves. If ball‑of‑foot pain is your main issue, it makes sense to choose a model in the range with a metatarsal lift as well as forefoot cushioning, because this supports the area just behind the sore spot and reduces pressure on the joints and nerve. Many people find this reduces burning, makes longer walks and standing spells more comfortable, and cuts down the build‑up of hard skin.

Joint wear and arthritis risk

Flat feet can be one of several factors that make joints more prone to irritation and, over many years, arthritis. If one part of a joint is regularly bearing more weight than it should, the cartilage there can be placed under extra stress for a long time.

Early signs that a joint may be under strain include:

• aching or stiffness after activity,
• swelling, warmth, or a feeling of fullness,
• restricted movement or a grinding or catching sensation.

Age, family history, body weight, and previous injuries all play a major role as well. Flat feet add to these by changing the angles at which joints are loaded and concentrating forces in certain spots.

Orthotic insoles do not reverse arthritis, but they can help joints cope better with daily life. By lifting the arch so the foot does not collapse as far, spreading pressure more evenly across the joints in the foot and ankle, and reducing the inward drop that increases strain on the inside of the knee or hip, they can make movement more comfortable and reduce the sense of joints being heavily loaded with each step. For many people living with early or established joint wear, using appropriate insoles alongside exercises, weight management where relevant, and other advice from a clinician can help keep joints as comfortable and mobile as possible.

Shin splints and hip ache

Shin splints linked to flat feet are often most noticeable when you increase walking or running. Pain tends to build along the inner edge of the shinbone during or after activity and can linger for hours afterwards.

With flat feet, the ankle rolls in and the lower leg twists slightly inwards with each step. Muscles on the inner and front of the shin have to work hard to control that movement. The repeated pull where these muscles attach to the shinbone can irritate the bone and surrounding tissues. It can feel as though the shin bone itself is sore to touch. This often worries people, but in many cases it reflects stress on the bone and its lining rather than a complete fracture.

You might notice:

• a dull or sharp ache along the inner border of the shin,
• tenderness when you press on this line,
• pain that flares during or after runs or brisk walks, especially on harder surfaces or after an increase in distance or speed.

If this carries on without changes in footwear, insoles, or training, stress in the bone can build. Pain that becomes very focused in one spot, is severe, or continues at rest should be checked by a clinician, as it may indicate a bone stress‑type injury.

The same inward twist from flat feet can also affect the hip. When the leg rotates in, the hip joint and the muscles around it have to manage extra twist and sideways forces. Over time, you may feel:

• a deep, aching sensation around the front, side, or back of the hip after walking or standing,
• stiffness when getting up from a chair,
• pain that radiates into the thigh or groin.

Flat feet are one of several reasons this can happen, along with muscle strength, sudden changes in training, and any previous injuries.

Orthotic insoles in this range can help by supporting the arch and reducing how far the foot and lower leg roll in. That gives the shin a more stable anchor point and reduces the repeated twisting that drives shin splints. For the hip, the same change brings the leg into a more neutral line, easing the twist through the joint. Combined with strengthening and a gradual, clinician‑guided build‑up of activity, this can help both shin and hip symptoms settle and make it easier to tolerate regular walking or running.

Ankle strain and repeated sprains

If your ankles often feel as though they might give way on uneven ground or small bumps, flat feet may be part of the reason. When the arch is low and the foot tips inwards easily, the ankle has less support from below. Even modest twists can strain the ligaments around the joint.

Patterns people often report include:

• aching or soreness around the ankle after walking on uneven surfaces,
• small twists leading to noticeable swelling or bruising,
• feeling “wobbly” on the ankle, especially when changing direction quickly.

If this continues and the ankle is repeatedly sprained, the ligaments can stretch and provide less support. Over time, this can leave the ankle more unstable and increase the risk of bigger injuries.

Orthotic insoles for flat feet can improve this by giving the ankle a firmer, more centred base. In this range, the most structured models, with a deep heel cup and firm arch support, are especially relevant. The deep heel section holds the heel bone more upright, while the arch support stops the foot rolling in so easily. Together, this can reduce the sense of the ankle wanting to “give way” and cut down on minor sprains. For many people, that makes walking on uneven ground or over small changes in level feel less as though the ankle might suddenly give way, especially when combined with balance and strengthening exercises advised by a clinician.

How this orthotic insole range is designed to help

The insoles in this range are shaped to match the way flat feet tend to roll in and overload certain areas of the foot. Unlike simple soft pads described earlier, they are built to support key areas such as the inner arch, heel, and ball of the foot, and to guide movement in a way that reduces twisting, pulling, and pressure on irritable tissues. The shaping draws on input from clinicians who regularly see people with flat feet, including podiatrists and physiotherapists, so it reflects the kinds of arch collapse and rolling‑in described above.

Support for the arch and heel

As described earlier, a common problem in flat feet is the arch dropping in and the heel tilting inwards. That pattern sits behind many of the heel, Achilles, knee, hip, and posture issues already covered.

To tackle this, the insoles in this range use:

• firm support along the inner arch to limit how far the arch collapses,
• a contoured heel section that cups the heel bone and helps keep it more upright.

By lifting the inner arch, these insoles reduce the constant pull on the plantar fascia, which is often at the root of sharp morning heel pain. By holding the heel steadier, they cut down the twist transmitted to the Achilles tendon and help the shin and thigh line up more centrally. That, in turn, can ease some of the strain described in the Achilles, knee, hip, and posture sections. In practice, that may mean less first‑step heel pain, less pulling at the back of the heel, and a knee that feels more settled on stairs.

Pressure relief at the ball of the foot

When flat feet push weight forwards, the ball of the foot can become a hotspot for pressure‑type pain (metatarsalgia) and nerve irritation (Morton’s neuroma).

To address this, suitable models in the range combine:

• cushioning under the forefoot to soften impact when you push off,
• shaping to share pressure across several metatarsal heads rather than one small area.

Some designs also include a gentle metatarsal lift just behind the ball of the foot. That slight lift supports the area behind the painful spot and helps open up the space between the long bones in the forefoot. This can take pressure off both the overloaded joints and the small nerves between the toes, tying directly back to the problems described in the “Ball of foot pain” section. If that section sounded like you, choosing an insole in this range with a metatarsal lift is usually the best starting point, because it directly supports the area that is often the source of pain.

Stability from the foot up for ankle, knee, and hip

Many of the problems higher up the leg – from recurrent ankle strains, through shin splints, to some types of knee and hip pain – are driven by the ankle rolling in and the leg twisting inwards.

By combining firm arch support with a shaped heel, this range is designed to:

• reduce inward tipping of the ankle, which helps with the “wobbly ankle” pattern,
• limit inward twist of the shin and thigh, which feeds into shin splints and some knee and hip aches,
• give the knee and hip a more balanced starting point each time you step.

When the leg is closer to straight from the foot up, there is usually less strain on the inside or outside of the knee and less twist through the hip. Many people notice that walking, using stairs, and light exercise feel smoother and more controlled once the foot feels stable underneath them. That reflects the same rolling‑in described in the knee, shin, hip, and ankle problems above.

Materials, comfort, and everyday wear

The insoles are made from materials chosen to hold their shape but still feel comfortable. Firmer sections under the arch and heel help the insoles keep their supportive shape rather than flattening out quickly. Softer top layers are used to reduce rubbing and make them more comfortable against the skin or sock, and some designs include breathable top covers to help with freshness. For you, that means the support under your arch and heel is more likely to feel the same at the end of the week as it did on the first day.

They tend to work best in:

• everyday footwear with removable insoles and enough depth,
• day‑to‑day activities such as work, walking, and lighter forms of exercise.

If you are involved in very high‑impact sport or have a heavy training schedule, it is worth speaking to a clinician to check whether these insoles alone are suitable or whether a more specialised option would be better.

Who these insoles may suit – and when to consider extra help

These insoles are mainly aimed at people who:

• have flat or noticeably low arches,
• find their feet ache or feel tired after walking or standing,
• notice that ankle, knee, hip, or lower‑back pain is worse after long periods on their feet.

They can also be helpful for people who:

• work on hard floors for much of the day,
• have recently increased walking, running, or other high‑impact activity and suspect their foot posture is part of the problem.

If that sounds like you, this type of insole is often worth trying in discussion with a GP, podiatrist, or physiotherapist. Pain in the legs, hips, or back can have many causes, and flat feet are just one possibility. If you are not sure whether your arches are contributing, it is sensible to ask a clinician to assess your feet and the way you move and advise whether this type of insole is likely to help.

These insoles may not be the best option on their own if:

• your feet have very unusual shapes or marked changes, such as severe bunions or stiff, rigid joints,
• you have had recent or complex surgery to the foot or ankle,
• you live with conditions that significantly affect sensation or blood flow in the feet.

In these situations, you may need more individual support, and it is important to take advice from a healthcare professional before making big changes to footwear or insoles.

How to use and fit your insoles

How you fit your insoles and how quickly you build up wear time makes a real difference to how they feel and often decides whether they feel helpful or just intrusive at first.

• Use them in shoes where you can remove the original insole, so there is enough depth for both your foot and the orthotic.
• Place the orthotic so the heel sits fully at the back of the shoe and the arch support sits comfortably underneath your own arch. If the insole is slightly too long, trim only from the toe end and only as much as you need. Trim a little at a time, following any guidance that comes with the product.
• Start with shorter periods, for example an hour or two a day, then gradually increase over several days or a couple of weeks. It is better to start gently and build up, rather than push through strong discomfort. This gives your feet, calves, and legs time to get used to the new support.
• It is common to feel a sense of working differently in the feet or mild tiredness in the calves at first. Strong, sharp, or worsening pain is not expected and is a sign to cut back or stop and seek advice.

Choose shoes that:

• have enough depth and width once the insoles are in,
• fasten securely, so your foot does not slide around on top of the insole.

If you are unsure about size or fit, or if you experience rubbing, slipping, or new pain, it is worth asking a clinician for advice and contacting the customer support team for practical fitting tips. They can help with choice and fitting, while clinical questions about diagnosis or wider treatment are best directed to a GP, podiatrist, or physiotherapist.

Evidence and clinical input behind this range

When flat feet roll in and strain the tissues in the ways outlined above, many clinicians find that the right insoles can make a useful difference.

Clinical experience and research together suggest that:

• supporting the arch and limiting excessive inward roll at the ankle can help some people feel steadier when standing or walking,
• insoles that combine arch support with heel cushioning can reduce heel pain and improve comfort in some cases of plantar fasciitis,
• guiding the heel into a straighter position may lessen strain on the Achilles tendon and help some people with soreness there,
• improving foot alignment and how pressure is shared under the foot can lead to less pain or fewer episodes of the joint wanting to give way in some people with knee pain, forefoot pain, or ankle instability.

Not everyone responds in exactly the same way, but these are the changes clinicians often see when flat feet and symptoms match these kinds of strain and pressure problems. The insoles in this range use firmer inner arch support and deeper heel cups for that reason. They are intended as a practical, ready‑made option that offers steady support for the way flat feet tend to roll in and overload key areas of the foot, while recognising that some people will still need custom‑made devices or additional treatments.

Why choose this range for flat feet

Many insoles on the market are mainly soft padding. They can feel comfortable at first, but often flatten out and do little to change how a flat foot is working. This range is designed specifically for flat and low arches.

A few features make this range particularly suited to flat feet:

• Firm inner arch support, aimed at the kind of arch collapse and inward roll seen in flat feet, rather than a generic “one‑height‑fits‑all” arch. This is there to support the rolling‑in described earlier, not just to “fill a gap” under the arch.
• Deeper, more structured heel cups than basic foam inserts, to tackle the heel tilt that feeds into Achilles, knee, hip, and ankle problems.
• A choice of designs with targeted forefoot cushioning and metatarsal support, for people whose main problem is pain under the ball of the foot.
• Shaping and firmness levels informed by clinicians who see flat or low arches every day in their practice, so the support lines up with the way these feet actually move.

For many people with flat feet and mild to moderate symptoms, a ready‑made insole built on these lines is a sensible first option. It gives support that actually changes how the arch and heel behave, not just padding under the foot, for the kinds of problems described above, without the cost and waiting involved with fully custom‑made devices.

If your foot shape is very unusual, your pain is severe, or problems have been present for a long time, a clinician may still recommend custom‑made orthoses or other treatments. In that case, this range can be part of the discussion with your clinician, helping you understand which types of support – firmer arch, deeper heel, forefoot cushioning – are most relevant to the way your flat feet behave.

Guarantee and support

These insoles come with a 30‑day money‑back guarantee. This gives you time to try them in your usual shoes and daily activities and to see whether they make a noticeable difference, for example less heel or knee ache by the end of the day.

Some people notice improvements quite quickly. Others notice benefits over a few weeks as their feet settle to the new support and they find the right footwear and wearing pattern. If they do not suit you, you can return them within this period.

If you are unsure which style or size to choose, or you need help with fitting, the customer support team can answer practical questions and, if needed, suggest a different size or model within the range. For advice on diagnosis, ongoing pain, or how insoles fit into your overall care, it is best to speak to a GP, podiatrist, or physiotherapist.

Safety, limits, and when to seek medical advice

Orthotic insoles are just one part of dealing with flat feet and related pain. They do not replace a full assessment or treatment plan from a clinician, which may also include exercises, footwear advice, and changes to activity.

You should seek prompt medical advice if you notice:

• sudden, severe pain in the foot, ankle, knee, hip, or back, especially after a fall or twist,
• marked swelling, warmth, or bruising around a joint, or if you cannot put weight through the leg,
• ongoing numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet,
• signs of infection such as spreading redness, warmth, and feeling generally unwell.

If you have diabetes, significant circulation problems, or nerve disease affecting the feet, changes to insoles or footwear are best discussed with a healthcare professional first. In these situations, the feet can be more vulnerable and need closer monitoring.

If you start using insoles and:

• pain steadily worsens instead of improving,
• new pain appears in another area and does not settle when you reduce wear time,
• you are unsure whether your symptoms are suitable for this type of support,

it is a good idea to stop using the insoles and seek guidance. A GP, podiatrist, or physiotherapist can help decide whether these insoles are right for you and what other steps may help, such as exercises, gradual changes in activity, or, where appropriate, advice related to weight.

Bringing it together – flat feet, insoles, and your next steps

Flat feet change how your feet share weight and how each step is absorbed and controlled. The same rolling‑in pattern at the ankle can contribute to heel pain, shin splints, knee ache, hip discomfort, or a tired, sore back that can get steadily worse as the day goes on.

Orthotic insoles for flat feet are designed to support the arch, steady the heel, and spread pressure more evenly under the foot. This range adds firm support along the inner arch and a deeper, more stabilising heel cup, so the foot has a more solid base. By improving the way the foot works at ground level, these insoles may help ease existing pain and reduce the strain that contributes to many of these problems. That is why many people with flat feet find that the right insole makes a noticeable difference to day‑to‑day comfort.

If your own pain or tiredness fits with any of the descriptions above – such as sharp heel pain on first steps, burning under the ball of the foot, aching knees on stairs, wobbly ankles on uneven ground, or a back that feels sore after long spells on your feet – it is worth discussing this with a GP, podiatrist, or physiotherapist. They can confirm whether your flat feet are a significant part of the problem and advise how best to use this type of insole alongside exercises and other measures. It can also help to match your main problem area (heel, forefoot, knee, ankle, or back) to the features highlighted above when you choose within the range, for example deeper heel cups for heel and ankle issues, firmer inner arch support for rolling‑in, or metatarsal lifts for ball‑of‑foot pain. For many people, trying a well‑fitted orthotic insole from this range, with appropriate clinical guidance where needed, is a straightforward way to make everyday standing and walking more comfortable.

Important information

The information on this page is for general information and guidance about flat feet, related pain, and the use of orthotic insoles. It is not a substitute for individual medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

If you have concerns about your feet, legs, hips, or back, or if symptoms are severe, changing, or not improving, please speak to a GP, podiatrist, physiotherapist, or another appropriate health professional. They can assess your specific situation and advise on the most suitable options for you.

Results from using insoles vary from person to person, and no particular outcome can be guaranteed.