Best Shoes For Inserts

Inserts are a great way to get the support you need to keep your feet healthy, but they aren’t all created equal. Sometimes you’ll find yourself stuck with inserts that don’t fit properly, or that just don’t do what they’re supposed to—and even if you have a pair that fits well and does what it needs to, it can be difficult to determine which shoe will work best for your particular insert. That’s why we’re here! We’ve put together this guide to help you find the best shoes for inserts so you can get back on your feet—literally—without wasting money on shoes that won’t work for your inserts.

Best Shoes For Inserts

7 Best Running Shoes For Orthotics, 90+ Shoes Tested in 2022

Running shoes for orthotics tend to be wide. Given the number of wide running shoes on the market, choosing can be a drag. Having tested loads of running shoes that match well with the orthotics, we’ve selected the finest models from various categories to help all runners.

How we test running shoes

We don’t just randomly choose the orthotic-friendly running shoes we put on this list. We pace and test each one of them to see if they’re worth recommending. Some of the steps we take include:

• Buying them with our own money to avoid brand loyalty
• Logging 30-50 miles worth of test runs
• Slicing them to pieces
• Measuring each part of the shoe in 30 different parameters
• Calculating the Corescore for each running shoe to see how well they go against other running shoes

Hoka One One Mach 4

Pros

• Glove-like fit
• Perfect lockdown
• Has an elf tab
• Lightweight
• Balanced
• Superb comfort
• Extremely stable
• Large reflective elements

Cons

• Stiff for an everyday trainer
• Not a tempo shoe either
• Break-in period needed

Verdict

The Hoka Mach 4 is what we consider a do-it-all daily running shoe that shines in medium to medium/fast days. It’s touted as a fast shoe, but we didn’t find it speed-inspiring. It’s light and nimble, but not mushy, making it a shoe that’s comfortable enough for daily runs and capable when the pace is pushed. What’s surprising is that this Hoka doesn’t skimp on padding, but it’s one of our ultralight shoes!

Best road orthotic friendly running shoes

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22

Pros

• Fits true to size
• Promising durability
• Stability for all directions
• Improved aesthetics
• Phenomenal grip
• A firmer, faster midsole
• Consistent in all conditions
• Reliable daily runner

Cons

• Very heavy
• High price point for stability aimed at beginners
• Midsole is too hard for some

Verdict

One of Brooks’ most revered and popular stability shoes gets a well-needed modern update for 2022. This daily runner is loved by many because it’s seen as the Jack of all trades running shoe thanks to a bi-directional correction for different over-pronation. With fresher looks, it’s now an even more attractive option.

Best trail orthotic friendly running shoes

Altra Lone Peak 5.0

Pros

• Great for wide feet
• Superb grip (rocks, mud, ice, snow)
• Stiff and durable
• Sheds mud easily
• Great water drainage
• Balanced and stable ride
• Removable Ortholite insole
• Great for road-to-trail transitions
• Extremely breathable
• Rock plate for technical terrain
• Gaiter-friendly
• Easy to clean

Cons

• No ground feel
• Too cold for winter days

Verdict

The Altra Lone Peak 5.0 is a trail shoe that will make you run with confidence! It’s sturdy underfoot, supportive, and it’s got the right blend of comfort and responsiveness. Throw in any terrain, and this shoe will bite its way through them!

Best Nike orthotic friendly running shoes

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run

Pros

• Super-cushioned
• Insanely fun and bouncy ride
• Great grip
• Impressive foot lockdown
• Stretchy toebox
• Good for wider feet
• Not weighing you down
• Really breathable

Cons

• Unstable on uneven terrain
• Really tall
• Break-in period needed

Verdict

Now, this is what we call FUN! The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run literally made us feel like each step was made of springs. It’s NOT going to pace you, but it will make your runs lively and effortless! If you want a premium daily trainer that’s going to work best on long, easy days on the road, we tell you, this is THE best of its kind.

Best Asics orthotic friendly running shoes

Asics Gel Nimbus Lite 2

Pros

• Breathable
• Gusseted tongue
• Padded heel counter
• Soft and responsive
• Durable outsole
• Amazing comfort

Cons

• Too flexible upper
• Pricey

Verdict

My overall conclusion is finally something exciting from Asics, I am not a big Asics guy, but with this shoe you’ve got my attention. I love what Asics is doing with the Lite series. The Kayano Lite and the Nimbus Lite 2 are in my opinion just hands down better versions of their namesakes. I’m excited to see what 2021 brings for Asics if they can continue to follow this trend. These are going into my rotation for sure. Dare I say this is the best Asics shoe ever? I’ll end on that.

Best value running shoes for orthotics

Brooks Launch 8

Pros

• Hugs your feet
• No heel slipping
• Breathable
• Surprisingly flexible
• Easy to slide into
• Elf tab
• Feels light and fast
• Affordable speed trainer

Cons

• Not for slick surfaces

Verdict

A shoe that literally launched us forward – the Brooks Launch 8! Easily, it’s one of our best picks for speed training shoes that doesn’t break the bank. For a budget shoe, it goes above and beyond in areas of lightness, speed, and durability – something most speedsters don’t possess! If you already have an easy-day and race-day shoe, this will complete your rotation. And if you want a light daily running shoe, it can fit the bill too!

Most popular running shoes for orthotics

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38

Pros

• Wider than Pegasus 37
• Very stable ride
• Peppy toe-off
• Hugs your feet
• Padded upper
• Very durable (400-500miles)
• Grippy even on dirt roads
• Legit workhorse
• Doubles as a gym shoe
• A joy to run in

Cons

• Runs warm
• Above-average weight

Verdict

If there’s one thing we can’t take away from the Pegasus 38, it’s that it’s the GOAT of all workhorse shoes in our arsenal! It oozes with plushness, stability, and pop. It can do slow days, tempo sessions, and even gym workouts. If you want a fun ride, take the Pegasus 38!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M5H9u_PC38