There’s a reason why NBA players traded in their Converse in the late 1980s for something more substantial. Beloved as they are, the timeless Chuck Taylor doesn’t offer much in the way of support. That’s why the best insoles for Converse are a must.
Whether you’re a high-top guy or prefer a low profile (or love both) you’ve probably considered trading in those insoles for something comfier. From high arches to low arches and plantar fasciitis, the best insoles support a variety of foot ailments. Even if you don’t have specific foot problems, a good insole can be preventative and cushion your feet all day.
Don’t feel like you have to give up your sense of style if your Converse ain’t cutting it. Here are the 8 best insoles for Converse for supporting comfy, classic wear.
Key Takeaways
For this assignment, I pored over dozens of photos, reviews, and even my own shoe closet until I whittled it down to the 8 finalists you see on this list.
Overall, the best insoles for Converse are Dr. Scholl’s Ultra Thin Insoles because of the low profile, gel massage waves for deep cushioning, and the ability to trim for the perfect fit. If foot conditions like pronation or plantar fasciitis are a concern, Physix Gear Sport Insoles are excellent for a variety of foot ailments.
Why it’s Great: Dr. Scholl’s are famous for their supportive footwear inserts, but it wasn’t until I got my hands on the ultra thin inserts that I considered them for my Converse. They’re 30% thinner than their typical insoles and made specifically for narrower shoes with the option to trim for the best fit. Even though it’s thin, the gel is firmer than most, and comes with durable heel and arch support.
How it feels: Replace the Converse insole with these gels, complete with massage waves, for cloud-like cushioning. This won’t last forever, though. Best when replaced every 6 months.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: While they certainly supply support at the heel and arches, reviewers say they aren’t the best option for those with high arches.
Material: Gel | Sizes: 8-13
Why it’s Great: Not only are Physix insoles the cheapest, but they cover the greatest variety of foot ailments, including plantar fasciitis, flat feet, shin splints, tendinitis, and more. What makes them so capable is 3D orthotic arch support and a molded TPU stabilizer that secures the ankle and foot in place. Good for work boots, too, they’re an ideal insole for Converse because they’re thin, lightweight, and low profile. Anti-odor and air vented moisture-wicking properties make them perfect for a sneaker, which can get stinky.
How it feels: Many customers have noted how much better these insoles feel on the foot than custom orthotics. Expect a springy rebound with every step, and plenty of shock absorption.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Some reviewers say they feel stiff initially, but break in well after a few wears.
Material: Polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate | Sizes: 3-14.5
Why it’s Great: If ¾ length has you thinking it has ¾ the amount of support, think again. This length is actually perfect for a narrower profile shoe like Converse, or for the guy who simply needs more room in the toe. It’s ideal for those looking for neutral arch support, overall pain relief, or a good insole for tight shoes. Though it comes with the highest price tag, it’s been clinically proven to strengthen the body’s alignment, thanks to a deep heel cradle with stability and motion control.
How it feels: On the foot, it feels firm yet flexible because of a semi-rigid support shell. This makes them the best insole for Converse if you have foot pronation.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: While clinical alignment is one of its strengths, it may not be the best option if you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis.
Material: Polyurethane | Sizes: 4-13
Why it’s Great: Spenco makes the best insoles if you have a low arch. That makes sense, because at a glance, they’re impossibly thin—maybe too thin, I thought at first. But there’s a lot of support built into this slim profile. It absorbs impact and shock, and prevents blisters, all while keeping your foot fresh for every wear. The fabric is surprisingly stretchy, thanks to four-way stretch.
How it feels: I love this insole for Converse because it’s as light on the foot as it looks. You can even add it underneath the included insole.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Most insoles last a good 6 months, but expect 3-4 months of wear with these. That being said, they provide excellent support that thousands of customers are happy with.
Material: Spenco Material | Sizes: 6-15.5
Why it’s Great: There’s something so convincing about squishy, cushy gel soles. While they aren’t the only insoles that alleviate pain associated with plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or weak arches, they’re the only ones on this list that soothe feet suffering from corns, calluses, neuroma and spurs.
How it feels: Envelop’s pair comes with a special honeycomb design at the forefoot and heel that minimizes stress and fatigue, especially if you suffer from lower back pain. Additional textured grip at the top bottom prevents slipping, which makes it safe for a work environment.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Reviewers say the insole can be too thick for some shoes, but if they fit well, you’ll get around two years of wear with this pair, while most tap out around 6 months.
Material: Silicone gel | Sizes: 8-13
Why it’s Great: High arches might look attractive, but they can hurt, especially in flat, unsupportive Converse. Enter Walk Hero, an excellent pair of insoles that support arches, alleviate foot pain, and enhance skeletal alignment. This is as close to custom orthotic arch support as you’re going to get. You’ll find semi-rigid support underneath a high-density foam layer that gives great energy return, topped with a durable antibacterial velvet cover that reduces stress on the feet, ankles, and knees. Talk about covering all your bases.
How it feels: You’ll feel the effects of the deep stability heel cup within hours. This helps evenly distribute the weight of your body.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The brand recommends subscribing and replacing your insoles every 2 months, but unless you’re wearing them constantly, you should get a few months more of life.
Material: Ethylene vinyl acetate | Sizes: 4-16.5
Why it’s Great: I like Happy Step because these insoles are a little different from the rest. Instead of gel or PU cushioning, they’re made with fine terry cloth, which actually makes them good for bare feet (though I can’t imagine you’d go without socks in Converse). While they aren’t going to alleviate serious medical problems, they will support the foot, all while absorbing sweat and unwanted odors. Not to mention it’s handmade, with a 3-step zig-zag edge seam for added durability. But their best feature? The ability to hand-wash regularly. Simply lay flat to dry.
How it feels: Latex padding is nice and flexible, giving you a comfortable yet ultra-lightweight feel on the foot. Replace with a fresh pair every 6-8 months.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Despite what the description says, it does not come with two pairs. Rather, it has one insole for each foot.
Material: Terry cloth, latex | Sizes: 8-13
Why it’s Great: Feet can get funky when walking around in Converse all day. While all of the insoles on this list come with some form of odor resistance, Sof Soles are treated with Hydrologix moisture-wicking to keep feet dry and improve the management of temperature and odor. They’re nice and contoured, too, for supportive neutral arch support. The ground will suddenly feel much softer with these insoles inside your Converse.
How it feels: Ultra-comfortable gel pads at the heel and forefoot provide lightweight cushioning at every step.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Insoles wear out more quickly than expected with frequent use, although one customer who stands on their feet for 10 hours per day says they relieve foot pain.
Material: Gel | Sizes: 7-14
Buying Considerations for The Best Insoles For Converse
Thickness
Because they’re somewhat narrow with a low profile, the best insoles for Converse should be thin. There is some room to play with here, as Converse do have laces for adjusting roominess, but overall, a thinner, more streamlined insole works best. Fortunately, thin doesn’t mean support is lacking.
Arch Support
Speaking of support, this is the category where Converse needs improvement. The shoes are quite flat by nature, and if you’ve ever worn your Converse all day, you know what I’m talking about. The best insoles for Converse will have plenty of arch support, whether it’s intended for high, low, or neutral arches.
Anti-odor
This might not seem like a make or break for the best insole for Converse, but this is a sneaker we’re talking about. They just tend to get stinky, especially if you’re going sockless. If your insole doesn’t have anti-odor or anti-microbial properties, it’s going to stink and wear out much faster than insoles with that technology. Fortunately, every insole on this list has been pre-approved for its anti-stinkage factor.
Why you should trust us
As a fashion and grooming writer at FashionBeans, it’s my job (and pleasure) to compare, test, and research all things clothes, body care, and footwear. For this review, I leaned in to my host of trusted sources and even scoped out my own Converse to understand what makes them so great and how insoles can improve their wear for the utmost comfort and functionality.
I started off with over 50 considerations and narrowed it down to the top 8 that fit the widest range of discerning customers. Ultimately, I want everyone to find the best insole for Converse for them.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, the best insoles for Converse should be thin, lightweight, and support the feet for hours on end. Because they’re nice and slim for a low profile shoe like Converse, Dr. Scholl’s makes a great option. Trust me on this one, those dogs will thank you down the road.
FAQ
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It’s a great idea to put an insole in Converse, especially if you need extra support. Just remember to remove the insole the shoe comes with first.
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Add an insole with extra support, like any on this list, to make Converse more comfortable.
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