If you experience foot or leg pain while on the job, you may need a better pair of insoles for your work boots. There’s nothing worse than pain during or at the end of a long work shift. Your feet are crucial to getting your job done.
Even if you have purchased the best pair of work boots and have acquired an excellent pair of work boot socks, you may still need extra help when it comes to protection and comfort.
So, before running out to buy a new pair of work boots when foot pain is intolerable, consider memory foam insoles for your work boots. You’ll save time and money. Insoles are fundamental for protecting your feet, so they also need to be the correct fit.
Here is our list of favorite memory foam insoles for work boots. We did a lot of testing on hard surfaces and uneven terrain to select these insoles. All the insoles on this list merit your consideration.
Our top overall pick is the Megacomfort Personal Men’s Anti-fatigue Memory Foam Insoles. These insoles were selected because they have been designed ergonomically by a podiatrist and the dual-layer memory foam offers substantial foam cushioning for feet.
Antimicrobial treatment for odor control and aeration holes for ventilation keep feet cool, fresh, and dry. Another great option is the Powerstep Memory Foam Comfort Insoles made with semi-rigid arch support.
| Insole | Customizable | Features | Washable | Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Megacomfort Personal | No | Aeration holes, Antimicrobial treatment | Machine washable | Men’s 6-13, Women’s 5-13 |
| Powerstep Memory Foam | No | Semi-rigid, Arch support | – | Men’s and women’s available |
| Sof Sole Memory Foam | Yes | Moisture-wicking | – | 7 to 13 |
| Happystep Orthotics Polyurethane | Yes | High-density foam, Deep heel cup for stability guarantee | yes | Men’s 6-12, Women’s 5-14 |
Our Favorite Memory Foam Insoles for Work Boots
Best Overall Memory Foam Insoles for Work Boots
1.) Megacomfort Personal Men’s Anti-fatigue Memory Foam Insoles
- For maximum shock absorption and comfort in industrial footwear
- Original patented Dual Layer 100% memory foam technology
- Memory foam compresses for safe clearance in steel toe footwear
- Ergonomically designed by a Podiatrist
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
These insoles manufactured by Megacomfort in memory foam have been designed ergonomically by a podiatrist making them a great choice for work boots. The dual-layer of memory foam is patented and offers substantial foam cushioning for your feet.
The arch is contoured for arch support and these insoles boast an antimicrobial treatment for odor control as well as aeration holes for ventilation, so feet remain cool, fresh, and dry.
This dual-layer offers great shock absorption. Thanks to memory foam compression capabilities, these insoles offer clearance for safety toes in work boots.
Pros
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- Ergonomic design
- Aerated, antimicrobial
- Dual-layer of 100% memory foam
- Anti-fatigue
- Shock absorbing
- Appropriate for steel toe boots
- Durable
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Cons
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- Limited arch support
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Best Arch Support Memory Foam Insoles for Work Boots
2.) Powerstep Memory Foam Comfort Insoles
- Full length insoles, neutral arch support, maximum cushioning, medium activity for moderate support.
- FOOT PAIN PREVENTION AND RELIEF
- NEUTRAL ARCH SUPPORT | MAXIMUM CUSHIONING
- DESIGNED FOR EVERYDAY USE
- PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Manufacturer Powerstep was founded by a podiatrist in the 1990s a produces a variety of insoles for differing needs.
This particular model is most appropriate for delicate or sensitive feet because it offers point pressure relief thanks to extra padding on the heel and at the balls of the feet.
With ten available sizes, they are unisex and perfect for both men and women professionals. The insole arch is semi-rigid encapsulated with a shell made of polypropylene for increased support.
Memory foam is double layered produced on a base in EVA foam. This insole forms to the contour of your feet.
An upper layer of fabric reduces heat and friction to prevent blisters from forming, and the antimicrobial treatment fights odors. The foam thickness will take up some room inside your work boots.
Pros
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- Soft memory foam
- EVA foam support
- Arch is contoured
- 30-day guarantee
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Cons
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- The higher profile may take up more room in boots
- Expensive
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Best Moisture-wicking Memory Foam Insoles for Work Boots
3.) Sof Sole Memory Foam Men’s Comfort Insole
- Sof Recall Memory Foam molds naturally to the foot for personalized comfort
- Flexible design fits into any shoe type
- Trim to fit any shoe size
- Perfect for low profile footwear
- Ideal for work, casual wear, and walking
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
North Carolina’s Implus LLC is the owner of manufacturer Sof Sole, a renowned foot care brand. This insole is produced with Sof Sole’s memory foam for excellent molding to the shape of the foot.
They come with size markings printed on the insoles which you then trim to get a customized fit.
These unisex insoles work well for both men and women professionals. The upper layer is moisture-wicking to keep feet dry and fresh during long work hours.
The company claims these insoles are good for 500,000 steps, after which they will need to be replaced. They do not offer specific heel or arch support.
Pros
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- Unisex
- Can be trimmed
- Moisture-wicking
- Mold to feet contours
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Cons
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- No specific heel or arch support
- Narrow for some boots
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Best Memory Foam Insoles for Work Boots for Stability
4.) Happystep Orthotics Polyurethane Memory Foam Insoles
- Provide full length customized soft cushioning and orthopedic cushioned neutral arch support to your feet while in standing or in motion.
- Made of premium quality material: smooth and cozy superfine velvet top and high-density PU memory foam sole.
- Designed as everyday insoles, best fit in medium and high-volume footwear with removable insoles.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
High-density memory foam offers support and cushioning for your feet all day long. These insoles boast a heel cup that is deeper to offer more stability during movement and they boast minimum arch support.
They are unisex and work well for both men’s and women’s work boots as they can be appropriately trimmed.
Cushioning is both soft and orthopedic and is made in premium high-density polyurethane foam. The manufacturer also offers a 30-day guarantee to refund your money if you are unhappy with the product.
Pros
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- High-density foam
- Stability thanks to a deep heel cup
- Unisex
- Custom-fit thanks to trimming
- Shock absorbing
- Customer guarantee
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Cons
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- Very little arch support
- Little heel cushioning
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What’s so Special about Memory Foam?
Nowadays “memory foam” is used in many things from pillows to mattresses to seats and much more. Developed by NASA in 1966, it was initially created for astronauts during space travel for added seat protection and specifically to absorb shock.
Originally it was named “spring back foam” for the foam’s action after pressure is applied. The foam will mold itself to the form and contours of the object or person that places pressure on it. Once the pressure stops or is removed, the foam will pop back to the form it originally had.
This dense foam is also known as low resilience polyurethane foam and viscoelastic polyurethane foam. In the end, it is memory foam.
It gained popularity when during the 1980s when it was used to manufacture Swedish Tempur-Pedic bed mattresses and was mass-marketed. Now more and more manufacturers use memory foam in their products that require cushioning.
While best known for pillows and mattresses, it is used in a myriad of products that include plane and car seats, prosthetics, horse saddles, bulletproof vests, and all kinds of seating.
Advances in technology have improved breathability and now include cooling capabilities. And now memory foam is used in insoles for footwear of all types.
What Does Viscoelastcity Mean?
Memory foam is viscoelastic, so what does this mean? Is this important for work boot insoles?
Yes, viscosity refers specifically to the foam’s ability to change its shape slowly, and elasticity refers to its capability to return or to bounce back.
When considering work boot insoles, this indicates that the insole will move and flex with your foot and offer cushioning the entire time that it is in use.
Can Memory Foam Support Your Feet Adequately?
Memory foam can offer a certain amount of support to feet. Undoubtedly this support will not be the same as a steel or fiberglass shank inserted in the boot design.
On the contrary, it will respond to your body heat by becoming more elastic, allowing it to mold to the contours of your feet.
Benefits of a Memory Foam Insole
The Benefits of memory foam insoles include:
1.) Adaptability
This material adapts to your feet and your movement constantly regardless of what you are doing. Heels and arches are enveloped in a foam cradle.
2.) Cushioning
Memory foam is soft and will compress and expand with movement, increasing comfort and cushioning when you are working or standing on hard surfaces.
3.) Pressure Point Relief
Because this foam will absorb pressure, it will neutralize the strength of the pressure helping to protect your legs and feet from fatigue and permitting you to work longer if necessary.
4.) Responsiveness
Memory foam reacts to body heat and movement pressure, molding to individual feet contours. This means support will be shaped to your feet and not to a predesigned mold.
5.) Weight
While this foam assists in absorbing shock from movement, it also encourages even distribution of your weight and pressure throughout the entire foot. This helps to prevent repeatedly stressing only specific points of your feet.
What Should We Look for in a Memory Foam Insole?
If you have decided to try a memory foam insole in your work boots, there are a few factors that you may want to reflect upon when choosing. Among these:
1.) Aeration
Look for insoles that have some form of ventilation, usually air holes that permit your feet to breathe on the job.
2.) Antimicrobial Applications
Feet at work, especially inside boots, perspire becoming sweaty and hot. This is the optimal environment for breeding bacteria. With bacteria multiplying, foot odor will increase.
The application of an antimicrobial treatment will impede the formation of bacteria and reduce the risk of odor.
3.) Arch Support
Because memory foam adapts to your foot shape, it will also adapt to your arch shape. Arches will nonetheless compress the foam.
You can look for insoles that have more padding in the arch area or that have built-in rigid support. This will be crucial if you have flat feet.
4.) Heel Cups
Insoles that feature heel cups in their design help to stabilize feet and maintain a correct alignment. When selecting an insole look for one designed with a thicker foam that has a heel cup to cradle your heel in place. This will help to avoid pain in the legs and feet when you move.
5.) Undersole Grip
Insoles designed with ridges or a grip design on the bottom will help keep your insoles in place within your work boots. Undersole grip will prevent footbeds from sliding around or even bunching up inside your boots.
6.) Moisture-wicking
Moisture-wicking capabilities are not characteristic of memory foam, and this is decidedly a limit. If your feet perspire heavily, the inability to wick away moisture can cause the formation of blisters that lead to infections. Some memory foam insoles come equipped with a top layer that wicks away moisture.
7.) Foam Thickness
The more foam, the thicker the insole and this will translate into more protection, more support, and more comfort. The only downside to a thicker insole is that it will require more space inside your work boot.
Memory Foam Insole Fit
Many insoles are created so they can be trimmed to achieve your customized fit. Some will even have lines designed on the insoles to help you cut them to size.
A quick way to get the correct fit is to use the old insole from your work boot as a size pattern and cut accordingly.
See also: How Often Should You Swap the Insoles of Your Boots?
Conclusion
Memory foam insoles provide tons of comfort underfoot, and the good thing is that so many insoles in work boots nowadays are removable. So, if you want extra cushion and comfort on the job, memory foam insoles become the perfect solution.
