It’s Time To Insert a Little Love Into Your Chef’s Shoes. We’re Here To Help With the Best Insoles of 2024.
The late Winter lull is behind us—business is about to ramp up, which means more pressure and weight on your feet.
There’s nothing like a good pair of insole inserts to show tender love and care to those tootsies. To help you get started, we collected this year’s best brands with a focus on added comfort and support for the busy season.
Here’s the 2024 lineup of the best insoles for Chef shoes.
Dansko
Dansko clogs have long been a favorite in the hospitality world for the arch support and comfort. Unfortunately, the loose-fitting style with non-existent ankle support isn’t the most functional option for kitchen workers who slip and slide all over the place.
Now, with Dansko’s All Day Comfort Insoles, you can get that clog comfort you love inserted in whatever shoe you prefer!
The All Day Comfort Insoles are American Podiatric Medical Association Accepted and have the Dankso Natural Arch Technology for shock absorption, support, and stability—all necessary for an excellent insole.
The design includes PU foam for heel and forepart cushioning and a genuine leather cover for durability and breathability.
The only minor setback is that the insoles are designed for shoes with removable footbeds.
Overall, for $39.95, the Dankso All Day Comfort Insole is an option we’re excited about.
Shoes for Crews
Shoes for Crews is a go-to choice for chef shoes, but you should also check out their insole selection. They offer a few different types, but the PowerStep Pinnacle has the most technology and features that will be helpful for hours on your feet.
The PowerStep Pinnacle insoles are also American Podiatric Medical Association Accepted, like the Dankso’s, but are on the pricier end, coming in at $47.98.
The anti-microbial top fabric reduces heat, friction, and sweat—so your feet stay fresh all day. With neutral arch support and a deep heal cradle, these insoles are super comfortable while providing stability and motion control.
The PowerStep Pinnacle insoles are ideal for shoes with removable footbeds, and their site says they’re best in athletic shoes like walking and running.
Superfeet
Superfeet is a company dedicated to making insoles, so there isn’t a bad option here. You can even browse their products and narrow done to the best fit based on your needs, which is nice.
But if you want a quick suggestion, we suggest the Superfeet Work Cushion insoles. As the name sounds, these bad boys are made to support those working on their feet for long hours.
They have a structured heel cup to reduce pressure, and with extra cushioning to reinforce the foundation, they’ll help fight fatigue and provide long-lasting support.
Based on a survey, Superfeet claims the Work Cushion helped eight out of ten workers improve their knee, back, feet, and ankle pain.
The Superfeet Work Cushion is $54.99 and has a thick insole, so it is recommended for a wider shoe. A Work Slim-Fit Cushion offers a mid-thickness and could be better for tighter-fitting styles.
Bonus Rec: Guy Fieri loves the Superfeet brand, so they’re celebrity-approved!
Dr. Scholl’s
If you’re new to using insoles or just on a budget—you’ll probably want something more affordable. Dr. Scholl’s Work Massaging Gel Insoles might be a good option. They’re on the cheaper side, coming in at $12.99 online, but you can likely find them at a local supermarket.
While the price is way down from the previous three options, you’ll still get the shock absorption, durability, and comfortability to decrease fatigue, all the necessary features for a solid insole option.
These bad boys are also specifically made for people who work long hours on hard surfaces.
Complete with a polygenic technology, Dr.Scholl’s option will help your feet stay fresh and combat odor.
Timberland
For Chefs who stand all day—the Timberland PRO Anti-Fatigue insoles are another great option. They’re built for comfort and performance, offering cone foam to absorb shock and fight fatigue.
These insoles are middle-of-the-road affordable, coming in at $35.00 online. They have great reviews focusing on quality, pain relief, and comfort.
They come in men’s sizes, so women Chefs and other restaurant folk need to figure out the conversion to find the size that will work best for them.
They are on the thicker side without a deep bed for the heel—things to remember if your shoes are a bit snug already and you’re looking for something with a bit more stability.
Do Insoles Really Help?
Considering the number of hours you’re on your feet, whether stationary or moving around, researching and investing in the best inserts for your needs can do much more than just offer extra comfort—although that is a plus.
The right insoles can reduce and prevent pain and injury and improve posture and performance.
You need to know what you’re looking for to benefit from insoles.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for insoles:
- Where do you need the additional support or comfort?
If your feet feel achy with hot spots at the end of your shift, you might need insoles with extra cushion to alleviate pressure and pain. Consider insole pads instead of the full-length insole to add comfort in specific areas of your shoes.
If you have flat feet, you’ll want to look for insoles with arch support and a supportive heel cup. - How roomy are your chef shoes?
You don’t want insoles that make your shoes too tight and uncomfortable—that will defeat the purpose and potentially cause poor blood circulation.
Check if your shoes have removable inserts. If not, consider thinner insoles, or you might need a new pair of shoes. - Do you have diabetes or have pre-existing conditions?
If you have diabetes or pre-existing conditions, you may want to consult a doctor before purchasing insoles. You may need a pair of orthopedic shoes or inserts made specifically for your needs and medical history.
Sometimes, there just isn’t a shoe in the world that gives you everything you need: ankle support, arch support, shock absorption, comfortability, durability—and so on.
Insole inserts allow you to take your favorite chef shoes and add that extra comfort and support you need—so it is possible to have it all.
Check out the brands above to get a step ahead in your insole journey!
