Do shoe inserts work for plantar fasciitis and heel pain?
Short answerProbably not. Custom inserts were no better than cheap, ready made ones or a sham insert.
Evidence grade
Does not helpNot enough evidenceHelps a littleGood evidence
Probably does not help
What it is
Plantar fasciitis causes pain under the heel, worst with the first steps in the morning. Shoe inserts, also called foot orthoses, are fitted to take strain off the heel and arch. They can be ready made, or moulded to the foot by a clinician.
What the research shows
pooled 20 trials with 1,756 people with heel pain. The trials tested eight types of inserts. Pooled data from six trials showed no difference in short term pain between ready made inserts and sham inserts, which are plain insoles bought over the counter. Inserts were not better than other usual treatments for pain, function or recovery. Custom made inserts were not better than ready made ones.
Most studies showed improvement over time in all groups, which matches the way heel pain usually eases over about 12 months. This is why a sham insert is the fair comparison. of custom made foot orthoses also found that there was not enough high quality evidence to support them for heel pain.
Risks and effort
Inserts are low risk. Some people find them uncomfortable at first.
Heel pain often settles on its own. A sham insert gave the same short term result as a real one in the trials.
Is a custom insert ever worth it?
The review did not find that custom inserts beat ready made ones. The authors advised weighing patient preference and whether the person is likely to wear them.
Will an insert harm me?
Not in these trials. The risk is relying on it instead of stretches and strengthening.
Sources
Select a source to read what the study or guideline found, in plain words, with a link to the original.
Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Next review due October 2028.
