by Dr. Tom Lembo
Let's face it – arch pain can be a real heel.
In fact, it's enough to make even the most stoic among us want to throw in the towel (or perhaps more aptly, the shoe).
So, what's the deal with this foot fiasco, and how can we kick it to the curb?
Well, hold onto your socks, because we're about to embark on a toe-tally thrilling journey into the world of foot arch pain relief.
First, let's get to the root of the problem.
Most foot arch pain is caused by a condition known as plantar fasciitis. No, that's not a fancy pasta dish – it's an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes.
You could say it's the "sole" reason for your pain (pun very much intended).
Plantar fasciitis is a sneaky little troublemaker that often shows up uninvited, causing stabbing pain in the heel and arch of your foot.
It's particularly fond of making a grand entrance first thing in the morning, like a cranky houseguest who insists on waking you up before your alarm goes off.
But fear not fellow foot pain sufferers, we'll tell you the #1 solution to relieve your arch pain from the comfort of your home.
The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society has recommended the use of over-the-counter insoles and stretching exercises as a starting point for heel pain treatment.
According to one study performed, the vast majority of people who wore over-the-counter shoe inserts and followed a simple stretching regimen experienced significant relief from heel pain in eight weeks.
This illustrates what many have experienced in the past, that over-the-counter orthotic shoe inserts can be used as a highly effective first line of therapy for heel pain with positive results.
Ready to kick that pesky arch pain to the curb? Arch support shoe inserts are still the ultimate champion in relieving foot arch pain (Plantar Fasciitis).
For many, arch supports custom-made by a podiatrist are the answer. These unfortunately can cost hundreds of dollars, and can often end up limiting the types of shoes you can wear.
However, nearly all cases of plantar fasciitis can be addressed with a pair of QUALITY over-the-counter plantar fasciitis inserts. Not only do they average a tenth of the cost, but they are available in many different shapes and sizes, so you don't have to get rid of what's in your closet.
It sounds a little too good to be true, but once you understand more about what plantar fasciitis is, and what a good insole needs to help, you'll start to see why the solution doesn't have to break the bank.
#1- Samurai Insoles Ninjas ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why, in our opinion, are Samurai Insoles Ninjas the top pick for 2025 forfoot arch pain?
✔️ Great Reviews: "They work", "Amazing", "A Miracle", "A must have"; this is just some of the tremendous feedback Samurai Insoles Ninjas are getting from customers withflat feet.
✔️ Design: Samurai Insoles Ninjas are one of the few products on the market that are an ACTUAL ORTHOTIC that is not super rigid. This gives your feet the support and shock absorption they need to relieveflat feet discomfort while STILL being comfortable!
They also can be worn in nearly ANY shoe with a removable insole, giving you the flexibility of using them in many types of shoes!
And the best part? Because they aren't an insole made of foam and fabric, they last SO LONG! There isn't anything to wear out, just put them under the factory insoles of a new pair of shoes and you're good to go.
✔️ Price: At $39.99 these are an absolute steal! People routinely pay over $500 for custom orthotics forMorton's neuroma. For less than 1/10 the price, Samurai Insoles Ninjas can perform nearly as well for many people. .
✔️ Amazing Return Policy/Warranty: Samurai Insoles Ninjas have a 60 day return policy. You can literally wear them for 59 days, decide they don't work for you, and send them back for a full refund. Ninjas also have a ONE YEAR WARRANTY! No other product we reviewed even comes CLOSE to this type of guarantee.
✔️ Made in the USA: Samurai Insoles are made in an orthotic lab in the USA. The fact that an American-made orthotic can be purchased for under $40 is incredible.
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If you've been on the internet in the last year, you haven't sneezed without seeing a Protalus ad. They are comfy and can be very beneficial for flat feet. Protalus' hefty price tag remains their biggest negative.
✔️ Design:Protalus "kind of" has an orthotic merged with an insole. Protalus took a different approach by combining a thick piece of plastic on the bottom of the insole, instead of inside. This can do the job in some circumstances, but it also makes them thicker than Samurai Insoles, reducing the choices of shoes they'll fit in well.
❌Price: Here's the problem with Protalus; they're so expensive! At the time of writing this the current retail is $64.95. Oof. For that kind of money you'd better REALLY love them. It also reduces the chances you'd buy a whole bunch of them to put in all of your shoes.
✔️90 Warranty: Protalus products have a 90 day warranty. It's not one year like the Samurai Insoles Ninjas, but better than nothing...
❌Made in the USA: Protalus insoles are NOT made in the USA unfortunately. For the price we had hoped they were.
Superfeet have been around a LONG time. They got their start being sold in retail sporting goods stores, and have transitioned to selling online in recent years, but this has presented the company with some challenges.
✔️ Design: If you've checked out the Protalus design, just know that the Superfeet did it first. They were one of the first to incorporate an orthotic plastic layer on the outside of the insole. Once again, this does the job, but it also makes them thicker than the Samurai, reducing the choices of shoes they'll fit well in.
✔️ Price: Superfeet are borderline in the pricey range, current retail at the time of writing this article is $54.95
✔️ 60 Day Warranty: Superfeet green insoles come with a 60 day warranty, significantly less than Samurai Insoles Ninjas or Protalus products.
❌ Made in the USA: Superfeet are not made in the USA unfortunately. Once again, for this price we had hoped they would be.
✔️ Design: Not a full-length insole, but still designed to be placed on top of your shoe's factory insoles, which may make it difficult for some people to adjust to the feel. Once again, Dr. Scholl's Custom Fit combines a thick piece of plastic to the bottom of the insole, instead of inside the insole itself.
❌ Price: Dr. Scholl's Custom fit Orthotic Inserts currently are our second most expensive selection. At the time of this article they have a retail price of approximately $60
✔️ 90 Day Warranty: Dr. Scholls Custom Fit Orthotic Inserts have a 90 day warranty.
❌ Made in the USA: Dr. Scholl's "Custom fit" Orthotic Inserts are not made in the USA unfortunately.
❌ Design: Regrettably, there is not much to be said. Dr. Scholl’s Pain Relief Orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis consist of a very thin insole with equally thin piece of plastic attached to the bottom. It is uncertain how much weight they can support before losing their shape, but it appears that their capacity is limited.
✔️ Price: Well, at least they're affordable at $15! You may just get what you pay for however.
✔️ 90 Day Warranty: Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Orthotics have a 90 day warranty.
❌ Made in the USA: Dr. Scholl's Pain Relief Orthotic Inserts are not made in the USA unfortunately.
Whichever you choose to fight your flat feet discomfort, choose now!
The longer you allow your flat feet symptoms to linger, the harder it is to get rid of, and the longer it will take!
Best,
Dr. Tom Lembo
Dr. Lembo is the owner of Samurai Insoles Wellness, LLC, brand owner of Samurai Insoles. Samurai Wellness, LLC, is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking toAmazon.com and affiliated sites. Samurai Insoles are branded products made by Samurai Wellness, LLC, and we truly believe that our products are the best on the market! This article is a promotion of the Samurai Insoles branded products that we sell. It is important to know that our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.