From foot aches to hot spots, stinging blisters, brute force shock and all-around discomfort, if there’s one thing the job site doesn’t do, it’s pamper your feet. Luckily, you don’t have to go a day spa to treat your toes to a little luxurious slice of paradise.
Let’s face it, even some of the best men’s work boots out there fail to meet the grade when it comes to insole quality.
In reality, it’s one of the best places to cut corners when it comes to manufacturing costs.
While your new pair of boots might feel phenomenal for the first few weeks, within time most will end up feeling as flat as pancakes. It’s a fact of life. Worst of all, those cheap standard insoles will often degrade your work boots faster than a good aftermarket pair.
Now, if you’re considering going the aftermarket route, just know you have lots of choices. For instance, if you operate a jackhammer, shovel a lot of dirt, or put a lot of pressure on your feet, shock-absorbing insoles can be god sent. Or, if you work outdoors in the frigid winter cold, a pair of thermal insoles can be worth their weight in gold.
Of course, there’s also messaging gel, moisture wicking, pain relief, odor control, anti-fatigue and beyond when it comes to the benefits. Which you choose is entirely up to you and your specific needs.
With that said, I’d like to share with you my favorites in this list of the top 18 best insoles for work boots below. Each has been handpicked to suit the working man, from welders to lumberjacks, carpenters and beyond.
Best Insoles For Work Boots
1. Dr Scholls Massaging Gel
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You can’t discuss padded insoles without bringing up Dr. Scholl’s, one of the most popular brands in the market for such products. These Messaging Gel Work insoles are made from a soft rubber material that is designed for all-day use on hard or uncomfortable surfaces. The massaging gel not only provides untold levels of comfort, but it protects against vibration and moisture.
2. Spenco Polysorb Heavy Duty
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Neoprene is the core material for these advanced insoles, and Spenco uses one of their patented materials called Spencore for the heel pad. The additional cushioning along the heel offers shock absorption and reduces moisture, and the forefoot pad is made from durable EVA rubber that not only offers amazing comfort but also provides a spring in your step via energy return through the material.
3. Superfeet Carbon Premium Pain Relief
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Superfeet has taken the idea of an insole and completely changed the game. Using a combination of powerful carbon fiber and premium, lightweight foam, they have produced one of the most efficient and comfortable insoles available anywhere. The result is incredibly thin compared to other insoles, but it provides the same or better support and relief from foot and leg pain.
4. Superfeet Premium Shoe
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If you want a pair of work boot insoles with a proven track record of results, look no further than these Superset GREEN insoles. They were designed in 1977, and the design was so perfect that it hasn’t been changed since. They use an ergonomically designed shape that works with the natural biomechanics of your foot.
5. Danner Dxt Comfort Footbed
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Danner is well-known for their durable men’s boots, but their DXT Comfort Footbed Insoles are bringing new attention to the brand. You’ll find two cushioning layers of varying density throughout the entire footbed, and a heel with a third layer for the ultimate in protection against knee stress. The included X-Static lining prevents moisture from being a problem, and it combats the growth of fungus.
6. Dr Scholls Pro Pain Relief Orthotics Heavy Duty Support
Some insoles aren’t up to snuff when it comes to protecting against the most extreme situations. These pain relief orthotic insoles, however, are in a class of their own. Specifically designed for the larger man, these Dr. Scholl’s P.R.O. Insoles can support over 200 pounds, and they have a thick heel that is meant to reduce shock on any terrain. These are great for alleviating back and leg fatigue.
7. Airplus Ultra Work Memory Plus
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Those long days working out in nature with your thick work boots will be far more comfortable with these exquisite Ultra insoles by Airplus. Each is made from soft memory foam that instantly contours to every curve in your foot. Not to mention, each features thick heel protection to help absorb shocks and protect against pain. Using these insoles is like stepping from a concrete surface onto a cloud.
8. Archmolds Maximum
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Work boot insoles are brought to the next level of comfort technology and innovation with these Archmolds Maximum insoles. They’re made from an innovative cloth and synthetic moldable cushioning that reacts to high heat in order to permanently mold to your foot. The patented Nano Silver antibacterial layer wicks moisture away from the foot and stops odor from forming within the insole.
9. Jobsite Power Tuff Orthotic
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These heavy-duty insoles from JobSite are built from durable and long-lasting EVA rubber, and the insoles are pre-molded with a lightweight and flexible design. The internal cushioning is covered with a permeable cloth layer that fights against bacteria, microbes, and general odor. Those with common foot pains or plantar fasciitis could deeply benefit from these insoles.
10. Jobsite Therapeutic Massaging Gel
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Everyday comfort might seem like a long way away for those who are on their feet all day, but these therapeutic gel inserts by JobSite provide the answer to continuous comfort. They are made from a strong gel rubber material that repairs bone alignment in the feet and offers additional support through the thick heel. Blood flow and circulation are improved thanks to the massaging action.
11. Profoot Dura Sole
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These professional strength Dura-Sole insolesby Profoot are capable of straightening Hammer toes, which can be quite painful for those on their feet all day. Just like braces for your teeth, they can help realign any painful crookedness or overlapping that may be the result of overwork. They’re so durable that they include a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer, which is far more than other insoles can boast.
12. Red Wing Heritage Comfort Force Footbed
Red Wing Shoes has plenty of experience producing top-tier foot products for men, including shoes, work boots, and protective insoles. These insoles in particular are quite comfortable, and they’re made from durable polyurethane rubber for maximal shock absorption potential. They also come with a suede covering that helps reduce moisture and protects the integrity of the insoles.
13. Sof Sole Airr Orthotic Full Length Performance Shoe
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Unlike other orthotics that only protect against shock with rubber or gel material, these Airr Orthotics include an internal stability plate made from sturdy nylon. The plate helps feet with low arches stay aligned optimally, and the added support is perfect for the worksite. The heel cup is infused with air bubbles to create additional give and shock absorption.
14. Thermacell Original Heated
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Insoles can be much more than mere pieces of molded rubber or space-age materials. They can also include technology that allows them to provide heat for the wearer. These ThermaCELL heated insoles offer just that, and they can hold a charge for up to 5 hours. They are powered by internal lithium-ion batteries and can be controlled by the included wireless remote. If you work outdoors in the winter of fall, it goes without saying, these are a must have for any gentleman.
15. Thorogood The Deuce Two Density Polyurethane
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Some of the best insoles available anywhere are made in the United States, and imported products have a hard time matching the quality of these Thorogood insoles. They’re made from high-quality polyurethane rubber, and they have an included air flow zone in the forefoot that allows moisture and odor to wick away harmlessly. These insoles are so effective that they’re the default in many men’s Thorogood boots.
16. Timberland Pro Anti Fatigue Technology
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Timberland is one of the most recognizable names when it comes to premium gentlemen’s boots, and their insoles are just as wonderful. The footbed is contoured with an ergonomic shape that perfectly cradles the foot, and the design of the arch support and the material it’s made from allows for adaption to any foot shape.
17. Timberland Pro High Rebound Cushion
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The Timberland brand has been constantly setting new standards within the footwear industry and then breaking them before others can catch up. Needless to say, their PRO line up of men’s work boots are arguably the best of the best. Their new replacement insoles are just a small piece of that innovation. They are designed with a shape that is anatomically correct, and the synthetic OrthoLite open-cell foam material easily molds to adapt to your foot over time while offering optimal resilience and support.
18. Wolverine Durashock Cushion
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Wolverine has been producing premium leather work boots for quite some time, and they understand that insoles sometimes need to be replaced. That’s why they offer these Durashock insoles, which are designed for use with their Wolverine DuraShock footwear. These insoles are so supportive that they may not even fit into standard shoes, and they are covered with odor-resistant fabric.
