Top 10 Best Insoles for Flat Feet to Buy Online in the UK 2020

Flat feet (also sometimes called fallen arches) refers to when the arch of a person's foot presses flat against the ground when standing, as opposed to there being a gap between the ball of the foot and the heel. 

While this is a very common and generally not a serious condition, it can cause foot pain while walking or exercising, and lead to problems further up the body as you try to deal with this discomfort by adjusting your posture. Thankfully, for many people with flat feet, the problem can be alleviated greatly by choosing appropriate footwear and using a pair of insoles specifically designed to tackle this condition. 

These insoles work by providing extra support underneath the arch of the foot, raising it to where it would be if you didn't have flat feet. They can also make for a much more comfortable shoe, by providing all-over support and cushioning that is far superior to that supplied by a standard insole.

When looking for insoles for flat feet, the sheer range of products can seem daunting. Luckily, we've done at least some of the work for you, and identified the following features as being the key things to think about and look for when buying insoles online.

When deciding which insoles to buy, one important thing to bear in mind is the type of activity you'll be using them for. For some people, their flat feet may only be an issue during a long walk or run, or other types of exercise. Whereas for others, being on your feet all day at work may be when your feet cause you the most trouble.

Some insoles are specifically tailored to these different uses, for example, sports-oriented insoles may provide better high-impact cushioning against jumps and sudden shocks. Others are not so specific and may be designed to provide comfort in a range of situations. Whatever the case, make sure you seek out the right insole to suit your lifestyle.

As well as the types of activity they are designed for, insoles can differ in the range of footwear they are best suited for. After all, you can hardly expect a thick, hefty insole designed for walking boots to fit into a ballet pump or winklepicker. 

Furthermore, you may want to think about whether you want one pair of insoles to fit in a particular pair of shoes you wear day in, day out, or whether you're looking for something you can move between different pairs of shoes with the minimum of fuss.

Most insoles are designed to fit a wide variety of shoes, but should list which in their product description. If still you're unsure whether a full insole will fit your footwear, you could consider a 3/4 length insole. These are generally slimmer as well as shorter, so may not offer the same range of benefits as a full-length insole, but we've included two in our list for you to see for yourself.

The final thing to think about, in relation to how well your insoles fit your shoes and your feet, is the range of sizes offered. You'll find that some insoles are sold in just three sizes – small, medium and large. The idea here is that the same insole should fit a variety of foot sizes, but if you'd like something more customised, look for those with printed dotted lines, which you can cut to fit as needed. 

Other models of insole come in a multitude of sizes, sometimes even one option for every size or half size of shoe. Such insoles could be a better choice if a perfect fit is very important to you, and if you want to avoid the faff of measuring and cutting down your insoles.

Nobody like smelly shoes, and if you spend enough time up and about that your flat feet are bothering you, then you may well also benefit from a pair of insoles that'll be easy on your nose as well as your arches. Special treatments and coatings in the uppermost layer of some insoles can prevent the odour-causing bacteria and microbes from multiplying, making your shoes more sanitary and smelling fresher for longer.

Additionally, keeping bad smells at bay can increase the lifespan of your shoes, namely by preventing you from throwing them away just because of their pong. Opting for these insoles also means that you needn't worry about kicking off your shoes in public, or whether your trainers will stink up your gym bag.

Having gone through the most important things to bear in mind, let's step right in and have a look at our pick of the top ten insoles for flat feet to buy online in the UK.

Our feet work hard for us, and whether you suffer from painful or uncomfortable conditions or just require some extra support throughout your daily life, taking the time to choose the correct footwear can really make a difference to their health. Check out our related articles for further advice and product recommendations to treat your feet to the care and attention they deserve!

So that was our run through of the top ten insoles for flat feet to buy online in the UK. We really hope you've found something that stands out for you, and that whichever product you go for it provides you with many miles of comfortable, pain-free support.