Best Gel Insoles For Running in 2023

1. Sof Sole AIRR Insole

This bubbly-looking outsole uses gel in the forefoot to absorb and disperse shock, reducing the chance of injury to your feet.

It’s ideal for forefoot strikers, but heel strikers won’t miss out. In the heel and midfoot, Skydex air capsules do an excellent job of converting impact into energy return.

The Skydex air unit covers the entire heel and runs up the medial side of the foot, providing shock absorption and support to the arch too.

The rest of the footbed is crafted from polyurethane, and features a Coolmax fabric layer on top which wicks away moisture and keeps your feet cool and dry. It’s also antimicrobial, keeping your feet fresh.

It’s important to take note of the shape of these insoles. Although they boast a new, slimmer design, the forefoot is rather wide and might not fit into narrower shoes. There’s also no way to cut it, due to the shape and size of the gel pad in the forefoot.

It might not be a suitable option for those with narrow feet!

2. Dr. Scholl’s Comfort and Energy Insoles

Dr Scholl’s has a reputation for making good foot health products, and these insoles are made for comfort and light support.

They use gel “wave-cushioning” to provide a subtle massaging effect when you’re wearing them, while absorbing shock easily on every step and reducing foot fatigue and pain.

The gel footbed is layered to create this wave effect. In the heel, a “Ripple Wave” effect offers a good combination of softness and a bit of extra bounce, with a lighter waviness to the midfoot and forefoot for more firmness and less energy return.

There’s extra support for the arch on both the medial and lateral side of the midfoot, and a harder circle of material around the pad in the heel for a bit of extra support.

They’re designed to fit into any kind of shoes, from smart dress shoes to sporting footwear. They’d work well for running, thanks to the cushion and springiness in the heel and the level of comfort they provide your feet.

You can trim them down to size to fit into your shoes. Make sure you follow the instructions and take it slow! If you trim too much, there’s no reversing it.

There have been some reports of this insole bunching up under your toes. It might be a good idea to stick it to your shoe with a bit of double-sided tape to stop this from happening, but that may make it difficult to move them from one shoe to another.

3. Envelop Gel Insoles

These insoles have an ergonomic design that offers support in all the places you need it most.

They’re filled with gel from toe to heel, and use a unique honeycomb pattern to disperse shock across the foot without jarring joints or harming the muscles.

These insoles have been designed to contour to a neutral arch. Although they say that they’re suitable for arches of all types, they may not be comfortable or effective for supporting feet with low or high arches.

Keep in mind that the insoles will (to a degree) work with the arch support in your shoes, so this may be different for everyone.

There are actually two different gels in this insole. Softer, blue gel makes up the majority of the insert and features the honeycomb shock-absorbing pattern. Under the heel and arch, firmer purple gel provides extra support while still staying comfortable.

They also retain their shape well after being used for an extended period of time. The silicone gel is also super easy to wash and doesn’t hold onto odors.

A textured underside helps this insole to grip the inside of your shoes, preventing them from sliding around as you walk.

Trim carefully to the right size for your shoes. Considering that these insoles are made entirely of shock-absorbing silicone gel, they’re an excellent option for their price.

4. Keen Utility K-30 High Arch Insole

Support is important in an insole, especially if you’re placing it in a shoe that doesn’t offer adequate support for you. The Keen Utility K30 High Arch insole is extra supportive for all arch types, reducing muscle fatigue and pain.

Although it’s a high-arch insole, it’s fairly comfortable for everyone. Those with high arches will find the support they need. On the other hand, those with low arches will have enough support under their arch to counter pronation (along with the right pair of stability shoes – the insole alone won’t do it!).

Runners with neutral arches may find it slightly uncomfortable, but it’s also entirely possible that their feet enjoy the extra support.

They feature a layer of high-rebound foam, which helps to absorb shock and protect your feet. Underneath, gel pads in the heel and forefoot provide well-rounded impact protection, reducing fatigue and jarring no matter what kind of foot striker you are.

A deep heel cup helps to anchor the foot firmly and facilitates a better and more effective gait. Another nice feature is the Cleansport NT technology, which helps the insoles to dry quickly and prevent odor-causing bacteria from growing.

These insoles have been designed to fit Keen boots, but they can be easily trimmed to fit into any shoe. They’re fairly firm underfoot, so those who have foot conditions that cause them pain or simply prefer softer cushion may not enjoy these.

5. Spenco Total Support Gel

This insole features a full-length layer of thermoplastic rubber gel in varying densities, to provide excellent support while still being super comfortable.

The TPR gel is highly effective at dispersing shock across the foot and preventing jarring, and is also said to offer a 40+% energy return!

In the heel and midfoot, a “stability cradle” offers good arch support and prevents twisting. A 3-pod cushion system in the heel is ideal for heel strikers, absorbing much of the impact of every landing.

There’s good cushion in the forefoot too, though, with a forefoot impact zone that offers cushion as well as extra support for the metatarsals thanks to a unique thick, ribbed texture in the gel.

The low-friction top cloth makes it easy on the feet and reduces the chance of blisters, and it’s also treated with Silipure Antimicrobial technology, reducing any hint of odor.

As an added bonus, these insoles are approved by the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) and recognized as being a product that promotes good foot health.

6. Dr. Pedi Gel Massaging Sport Insole

Technically, ladies can wear any insoles that provide the right support for their feet. These ones are women’s sizes, which means less trimming and more retention of the gel cushion material.

They’re made of medical-grade silicone. This is excellent for impact absorption, but those with a silicone allergy won’t be able to wear them. An EVA layer on the top adds a bit of extra cushion and energy return, and is topped with a comfortable velvet top-coat.

They’re lightweight and flexible, and won’t feel intrusive in your shoes. A non-slip design keeps them steady and still within your shoes, and the light texture on them offers a massaging effect, stimulating circulation and easing muscles.

Simply cut them to size with a pair of scissors.

7. VALSOLE Plantar Fasciitis Orthotic Shoe Inserts

Heel strikers, this insole would be ideal for you.

A thick gel cushion underneath the heel, paired with a deep, rigid heel cup, keeps the foot properly aligned, as well as reducing the shock up the foot from each foot strike.

The insole is fairly thick, using a polyurethane layer to create arch support and increase shock absorption. Above that, an anti-slip velvety layer makes it soft on your feet and also wicks away moisture, keeping you dry and cool.

There’s also decent support in the forefoot, with a gel pad positioned strategically under the metatarsals for relief from metatarsal pain and better forefoot support.

This insert can take up to 200 pounds of weight before being at risk of losing its shape.

8. RightFoot Orthotic Gel Insoles

This insole is a low-profile and lightweight one, and its design also makes it extremely breathable. If breathability is something you look for in an insole, then we highly recommend this one.

The foam layer is generous and well-perforated, allowing for excellent air circulation throughout the insole while you’re wearing it. Gel-infused rearfoot and forefoot sections offer great shock absorption too.

The gel is uniquely textured in a triangle shape to offer the best support, comfort, and impact absorption possible.

A light, thin top layer protects your foot and socks, preventing blisters from developing by reducing any chance of chafing.

9. Ariat Power Support Wide Square Toe Insole

Looking for an insole that fits your square-toed shoes? These ones would be ideal.

They have a very square toe, fitting perfectly into work boots, dress shoes, or other shoes with a similar shape. Running shoes with a wide toe box would also benefit from these insoles.

They’re well-cushioned, with a thick foam layer using honeycomb patterns in the forefoot and heel for the most effective shock absorption. A generous gel pad in the heel offers even more cushioning, making these comfortable and protective insoles.

The top layer is lightly textured to prevent slipping, and also sports moisture-wicking properties. Mid-level arch support is also provided, ideal for neutral arches but potentially not the most supportive for low or high arches.