Every mile you run puts significant stress on your feet, up to three times your body weight with each stride. For runners dealing with plantar fasciitis, overpronation, or recurring injuries, finding the best custom orthotics for running can transform your training. The right orthotic support addresses the root cause of pain rather than just masking symptoms.
But here’s the problem: the market is flooded with options ranging from drugstore insoles to high-end medical-grade devices. Not all of them deliver what runners actually need. Some provide cushioning without correction, while others offer rigid support that doesn’t account for the dynamic demands of running.
At Achilles Foot and Ankle Center, our podiatrists fit runners with custom orthotics regularly across our Central Virginia clinics. We evaluate gait patterns, assess foot structure, and see which products actually hold up mile after mile. This guide reflects our clinical experience treating athletes, from weekend joggers to competitive marathoners.
Below, you’ll find six orthotic options our team recommends, including what makes each effective, who benefits most from them, and when to consider professional fitting over off-the-shelf alternatives.
1. Achilles Foot and Ankle custom orthotics
Our custom orthotics represent the gold standard for runners seeking medical-grade support tailored to their unique biomechanics. Unlike over-the-counter insoles, these devices are fabricated from precise molds of your feet taken during an in-office evaluation. We assess your gait pattern, measure your arch height, and identify pressure points that contribute to pain or inefficient running mechanics.
What it is and how it supports running
These orthotics use semi-rigid polypropylene shells that provide controlled motion while allowing natural foot flexion during your stride. The design incorporates strategic cushioning at the heel and forefoot, reducing impact forces without compromising stability. Your orthotic addresses specific issues like overpronation, supination, or structural imbalances that cause compensatory problems up the kinetic chain.
"Custom orthotics work by redistributing pressure across your foot and controlling excessive motion that leads to overuse injuries."
Who it fits best
You benefit most from these orthotics if you run regularly and experience chronic pain that hasn’t responded to shoe changes or rest. Runners with flat feet, high arches, or diagnosed conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, or posterior tibial tendon dysfunction see significant improvement. Athletes training for marathons or logging high weekly mileage also use these devices to prevent injuries before they develop.
What to watch for
Your feet need time to adjust to the corrected alignment, typically one to two weeks of gradual break-in. Some runners experience temporary soreness as muscles adapt to proper biomechanics. The orthotics also require adequate shoe volume, meaning minimalist or racing flats won’t accommodate them properly. Annual reassessment ensures your orthotics still match your current needs, as foot structure can change with age or training adaptations.
Getting the right fit in your shoes
You need running shoes with removable insoles and sufficient depth to house the orthotic without creating tightness. Stability or neutral trainers with standard or wide toe boxes work best. Remove the factory insole completely before inserting your custom device, ensuring it sits flat against the shoe’s midsole. Test the fit by walking before running to confirm your heel doesn’t slip and your toes have adequate clearance.
Price range and turnaround time
Custom orthotics through our practice range from $400 to $600 per pair, with many insurance plans covering partial costs after deductible. The fabrication process takes approximately two to three weeks from your initial casting appointment to final fitting. You’ll return for a follow-up visit where we check the fit and make any necessary adjustments to optimize comfort and function.
2. Upstep running custom orthotics
Upstep offers remote custom orthotics designed specifically for runners who need professional-grade support without visiting a podiatrist’s office. Their service combines smartphone-based 3D scanning technology with podiatrist oversight to create semi-custom devices. You photograph your feet from multiple angles, answer questions about your running patterns, and receive orthotics fabricated from these digital impressions.
What it is and how it supports running
These orthotics use dual-density foam construction with firmer arch support and softer cushioning at impact zones. The design targets common running injuries by controlling pronation and redistributing pressure during your gait cycle. Antimicrobial top covers reduce odor buildup during high-mileage training weeks.
Who it fits best
You benefit from Upstep if you run regularly but lack access to local podiatry services or prefer the convenience of remote fitting. Runners with mild to moderate overpronation, general foot fatigue, or minor arch pain find adequate support. The system works well for standard foot shapes without extreme structural issues requiring hands-on clinical evaluation.
"Remote scanning technology has improved, but it can’t replicate the precision of in-office gait analysis and physical examination."
What to watch for
The digital scanning process depends heavily on proper lighting and following instructions carefully. Inaccurate photos produce poorly fitting orthotics. Without physical examination, you might miss underlying conditions that need different treatment approaches beyond orthotic support.
Getting the right fit in your shoes
You need running shoes with removable insoles and standard volume, similar to requirements for professionally made orthotics. Test the fit during a short walk before running to identify any pressure points or heel slippage.
Price range and turnaround time
Upstep orthotics cost approximately $220 to $300 per pair with shipping included. Turnaround time runs 10 to 14 days from photo submission to delivery at your door.
3. Foot Dynamics running orthotics
Foot Dynamics produces medical-grade custom orthotics through a network of certified podiatrists and pedorthists across the United States. Their running-specific devices use advanced computerized gait analysis combined with traditional casting methods to create orthotics that address biomechanical issues affecting your performance. The company has served athletes for over 30 years, refining their manufacturing process based on clinical feedback from runners at all levels.
What it is and how it supports running
These orthotics feature carbon fiber reinforcement in the arch area for runners who need maximum support without excess weight. The design incorporates metatarsal pads and heel cushioning strategically placed to reduce stress on common injury sites. Dynamic flex zones allow natural toe-off during your stride while controlling excessive pronation or supination throughout the gait cycle.
Who it fits best
You benefit from Foot Dynamics orthotics if you run with structural foot problems that require rigid control combined with lightweight construction. Runners with severe overpronation, rigid flat feet, or recurring stress fractures see substantial improvement. The devices work well for competitive athletes who need durable orthotics that withstand daily training and racing demands.
What to watch for
Your orthotics need proper break-in following the gradual wear schedule provided at fitting. The carbon fiber construction creates a firmer feel than foam-based alternatives, which some runners find uncomfortable initially. Annual replacement becomes necessary for high-mileage runners as the materials compress and lose corrective properties.
Getting the right fit in your shoes
You need running shoes with removable insoles and substantial depth to accommodate the orthotic’s profile. Stability trainers with structured heel counters work best, providing additional support that complements the orthotic’s function.
Price range and turnaround time
Foot Dynamics orthotics cost $450 to $650 per pair depending on materials and customization level. Fabrication requires three to four weeks from your initial appointment to final delivery and fitting adjustment.
4. Kila Run Pro custom insoles
Kila Run Pro insoles represent semi-custom orthotic devices that bridge the gap between off-the-shelf inserts and fully custom medical orthotics. These insoles use heat-moldable technology combined with biomechanical design principles to create personalized support for runners. You heat the insoles in your oven, then stand on them while they cool, allowing the material to conform to your unique foot contours and pressure patterns.
What it is and how it supports running
The insoles feature multi-density EVA foam construction with firmer arch support and softer cushioning at the heel and forefoot. Deep heel cups provide stability during heel strike, while the metatarsal pad placement reduces stress on the ball of your foot during toe-off. The heat-molding process creates a custom fit that adapts to your arch height and foot shape.
Who it fits best
You benefit from Kila Run Pro if you want customizable support without the expense of podiatrist-made orthotics. Runners with moderate arch issues, mild overpronation, or general foot fatigue find adequate correction. These work well for recreational athletes logging 15 to 30 miles weekly who need more than generic insoles provide.
"Heat-moldable insoles offer personalization that standard inserts can’t match, though they lack the precision of professionally crafted orthotics."
What to watch for
The molding process requires careful attention to the heating instructions to avoid damaging the material. Improper molding creates uneven support that fails to address your biomechanical needs. The foam compresses faster than rigid custom orthotics, typically requiring replacement every six months with consistent training.
Getting the right fit in your shoes
You need running shoes with removable insoles and adequate volume to accommodate the molded profile. Test the fit after molding to ensure no pressure points or heel slippage occur during movement.
Price range and turnaround time
Kila Run Pro insoles cost $90 to $120 per pair through online retailers. You receive them within three to five business days and complete the molding process at home in approximately 20 minutes.
5. SOLE Active Medium heat-moldable insoles
SOLE Active Medium insoles provide affordable heat-moldable support that appeals to runners seeking customization without the expense of professional orthotics. These insoles use recycled cork and EVA foam construction that you mold to your feet using body heat, creating a personalized footbed that adapts to your arch structure. The company markets these as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional running inserts while maintaining biomechanical support features.
What it is and how it supports running
The insoles feature deep heel cups and structured arch support that you customize through a simple molding process. You wear the insoles for several minutes, allowing your body heat to soften the cork base, which then conforms to your foot contours. Metatarsal pads and cushioned forefoot zones reduce impact forces during your running stride while the moldable design addresses individual arch variations.
Who it fits best
You benefit from SOLE Active Medium if you want customizable support at a lower price point than the best custom orthotics for running. Runners with neutral to moderate arch heights and general foot fatigue find adequate correction. These work well for casual runners logging fewer than 20 miles weekly who need basic biomechanical support.
"Heat-moldable insoles offer personalization at a fraction of custom orthotic costs, though they compress faster with regular training."
What to watch for
The cork material breaks down more quickly than rigid orthotic shells, typically requiring replacement every four to six months with consistent running. Initial molding takes several wearings to achieve optimal shape, and you can’t remold them once the cork sets permanently.
Getting the right fit in your shoes
You need running shoes with removable insoles and standard depth to accommodate the molded profile without creating pressure points. Allow the insoles to mold during walking before testing them on runs.
Price range and turnaround time
SOLE Active Medium insoles cost $50 to $60 per pair through retailers like Amazon. You receive them within two to four business days and complete the molding process over several days of regular wear.
6. Currex Runpro insoles
Currex Runpro insoles represent pre-formed orthotic devices that come in three arch profiles designed specifically for running biomechanics. Unlike custom or heat-moldable options, these insoles use biomechanical research and testing to create support patterns that match common foot types. You select your profile (low, medium, or high arch) based on a simple standing test, then receive insoles engineered for that specific foot structure.
What it is and how it supports running
The insoles feature dynamic arch technology with flexible support that moves with your gait cycle rather than providing rigid control. Deep heel cups stabilize your foot during heel strike, while metatarsal cushioning reduces impact at toe-off. The design uses breathable materials that prevent moisture buildup during long runs.
Who it fits best
You benefit from Currex Runpro if you want immediate support without waiting for custom fabrication or completing molding processes. Runners with standard foot structures and mild biomechanical issues find adequate correction through the pre-formed profiles.
"Pre-formed insoles offer instant support for runners with typical foot structures, though they lack the precision of the best custom orthotics for running."
What to watch for
The pre-formed design means you get limited customization compared to truly custom devices. Selecting the wrong arch profile creates discomfort or ineffective support that doesn’t address your specific needs.
Getting the right fit in your shoes
You need running shoes with removable insoles and adequate depth to house the profile you select. Test different arch heights if the initial selection feels uncomfortable during walking.
Price range and turnaround time
Currex Runpro insoles cost $60 to $70 per pair through online retailers. You receive them within two to three business days with no fabrication or molding time required.
Your next step
Finding the best custom orthotics for running starts with understanding your specific biomechanical needs. Off-the-shelf options like Currex or SOLE provide immediate relief for minor issues, while professionally made orthotics address chronic pain and structural problems that affect your training. Your choice depends on your injury history, running volume, and how much correction your feet require.
If you’ve tried multiple insoles without lasting improvement, or if you experience persistent pain that limits your mileage, you need professional evaluation. Our podiatrists at Achilles Foot and Ankle Center conduct comprehensive gait analysis and biomechanical assessments across our Central Virginia locations. We create custom orthotics backed by clinical expertise specific to runners, not generic solutions that fail to address your actual problems.
Schedule an appointment to determine whether custom orthotics will solve your running issues or if you need different treatment approaches entirely.
