7 Best Cycling Shoe Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis

As good and enjoyable as cycling is, it can have detrimental effects on your feet. If you throw plantar fasciitis into the mix, cycling can become a significant source of pain and discomfort. While proper shoes, cleats, and techniques may be enough for the average cyclist, those with plantar fasciitis may also require insoles.

Whether you’re cycling for fun or professionally, those with plantar fasciitis must use the best insoles to maintain optimal foot mechanics, reduce plantar fascia stress, and, with time, reduce discomfort and pain.

In this article, we've reviewed some of the market's best cycling shoe insoles for plantar fasciitis.

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1. Upstep Plantar Fasciitis Custom Orthotics

Upstep plantar fasciitis insoles are made for you on-demand, factoring in your unique foot impression and lifestyle. The custom orthotics also guarantee maximum support and comfort, relieve pain, and ease the strain on the plantar fascia—possibly making them the best orthotics for plantar fasciitis and flat feet.

Upstep insoles are firm and sturdy to improve shock absorption. They're also affordable and eligible for HSA and FSA insurance.

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2. Upstep Cycling Custom Orthotics

Upstep cycling custom orthotics have better footbeds than those provided by most cycling shoes. That’s not entirely surprising seeing as they're designed to match the contour of the individual foot.

The benefits of cycling orthotics include high durability, improved performance, and reduced risk of injury. This is achieved by the unique materials the orthotics are made from because they evenly spread the pressure in the cycle sole to increase your foot's comfort, support, and stability.

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3. Tread Labs Lael Wilcox Cycling Insoles

Tread Labs Lael Wilcox cycling insoles are primarily performance-enhancing and not pathology-limiting, meaning they'll have a limited effect on plantar fasciitis. However, since they're made from 100% carbon fibre, they provide rigid arch support.

Lael Wilcox insoles are best for shoes with thin or no inserts and come in generic sizes. There are also four different arch heights for individuals requiring different levels of arch support. Tread Labs Lael Wilcox are affordable and will work well if you can find a perfect fit.

4. SOLE Active Medium Insoles with Metatarsal Pad

SOLE Active medium insoles with metatarsal pads are clinically proven to provide plantar fasciitis support. Due to the metatarsal pad, they also improve forefoot comfort in medium-fitting shoes.

These insoles are designed from recyclable wine corks, making them carbon-negative and increasing their shock absorption. They can be molded into shape by wearing them on the foot, as opposed to being wear-ready like custom orthotics.

5. Superfeet Run Pain Relief Insoles

As the name implies, Superfeet Run Pain Relief insoles are designed specifically for runners. However, they come with a wider forefoot and a deep heel cup, making them suitable for wide cycling shoes.

These insoles have moisture-wick fabrics for odor control and can keep your cycling shoes smelling fresh, especially for those who sweat a lot. They also have a heel stabilizer and therapeutic foam to stabilize the foot and reduce the effect of repetitive stress on the feet.

If you opt for Superfeet run pain relief insoles, you will have to worry about fitting as they come in generic sizes, which may somewhat reduce their effectiveness.

6. Protalus T-100 Insoles

Protalus T-100 insoles are best for low-volume shoes with removable inserts. Although thinner, they provide more cushion and comfort than the M-series. These insoles come in specific sizes meaning there may be a need for trimming to find your exact size.

Protalus T-100 insoles are affordable and can help improve performance as a cyclist. However, these insoles don't offer much benefit to those with plantar fasciitis.

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7. URthotics Active/Sports Insoles

The good thing about custom orthotics like URthotics active/sports insoles is that you don't need to know anything about your foot arch height or size beforehand. URthotics sports insoles are made based on the contouring of your foot. They also have a deep heel cup to keep the feet aligned.

URthotics sports insoles may be more expensive, but if you have an active HSA or FSA card, you can pay with that or you can pay in installments using ShopPay.

Final Verdict

If you have plantar fasciitis and plan on cycling often, consider getting custom orthotics. Even if you have no plantar fasciitis, the perfect fit of custom orthotics to your foot will have preventive effects and can help improve your performance and reduce your injury risk.

» Concerned about cycling with plantar fasciitis? Read these tips from a physical therapist