Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis
Reviewed by Dr. Bruce Whittingham · Gold Coast Chiropractor · 30 Years Clinical Experience
What are the best insoles for plantar fasciitis? It's one of the most common questions people ask once heel pain starts interfering with the first few steps of the morning. Plantar fasciitis affects the thick band of tissue running along the sole of the foot, and footwear is one of several factors people look at when managing it alongside professional care.
This page was reviewed by Dr. Bruce Whittingham, a Gold Coast chiropractor with 30 years of clinical experience, and covers what plantar fasciitis is, what the research says about supportive insoles, and where NuSole's tri-arch support design fits into that picture.
What is plantar fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue running along the sole of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis refers to irritation of this tissue, often associated with:
- Sharp heel pain on the first few steps of the day
- Aching along the sole after long periods of standing
- Discomfort that eases with movement but returns after rest
It's one of the most common foot complaints seen in clinical practice, and footwear, arch support and activity levels are all commonly discussed as contributing factors alongside the underlying biomechanics.
What does the research say about insoles for plantar fasciitis?
A 2020 systematic review in the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation looked at mechanical treatments for plantar fasciitis, including shoe inserts, orthoses, tape and shoes, across 43 studies and almost 2,800 patients. It found mechanical treatment can be beneficial in relieving symptoms related to plantar fasciitis, and that contoured full-length insoles were more effective than heel cups alone (Schuitema et al., 2020).
A 2024 randomised clinical trial in Foot and Ankle Surgery tested prefabricated insoles in patients with plantar fasciitis and found measurable improvements in pain scores, with some participants showing change as early as the two-week mark (Taseh et al., 2024).
A 2021 best-practice guide published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, combining a systematic review with expert clinical input, recommends a stepped-care approach — starting with taping, stretching and footwear education, with custom foot orthoses considered for people whose symptoms don't improve with initial conservative care (Morrissey et al., 2021).
Why arch structure matters
The foot has three arches, not one:
- Medial arch — along the inner foot.
- Lateral arch — along the outer edge.
- Transverse arch — across the ball of the foot.
Most standard insoles support only the medial arch, leaving the other two without structure underneath them. NuSole's tri-arch support system was designed by Dr. Bruce Whittingham to hold all three arches at once, distributing load across the whole foot rather than concentrating it at a single point — the general structural principle behind full-length, contoured insole design referenced in the research above.
Understanding the key terms
Plantar fasciitis
Irritation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes, commonly associated with heel pain on first steps in the morning.
Tri-arch support
A support structure that distributes load across all three arches of the foot (medial, lateral, transverse) at once, rather than supporting the medial arch alone as most standard insoles do.
Contoured full-length insole
An insole that follows the shape of the whole foot from heel to toe, rather than a heel cup or partial insert covering only part of the sole.
The bottom line
NuSole combines tri-arch support with intentionally placed magnets that ground you and stimulate the nerves in your feet, strengthening the mind-body connection with every step. It was designed by a chiropractor with 30 years of clinical experience, for people who spend long hours on their feet.
All-day comfort, complete support. Feel like you've got new soles in 30 days, or your money back.
NuSole is not a medical device and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure plantar fasciitis. If you have persistent or severe heel pain, speak with a chiropractor, podiatrist or GP.
Tri-arch support, designed by a chiropractor to slip into the shoes you already wear.
Shop NuSole Tri-Arch Support Insoles →Frequently asked questions
Do insoles help with plantar fasciitis?
Research suggests mechanical treatments, including shoe insoles, can be beneficial in relieving symptoms related to plantar fasciitis, with full-length contoured insoles performing better than heel cups alone (Schuitema et al., 2020). NuSole's tri-arch support was designed around this full-length, whole-foot support principle.
NuSole vs custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis — which is better?
Best-practice guidance recommends a stepped-care approach: starting with footwear support and education, and considering custom orthoses if symptoms persist (Morrissey et al., 2021). NuSole offers tri-arch support as an accessible starting point — for persistent symptoms, talk to a chiropractor or podiatrist about whether custom orthotics are right for you.
How long does it take for plantar fasciitis to improve with insoles?
This varies by person. In one 2024 clinical trial, some participants using prefabricated insoles showed measurable improvement in pain scores from around two weeks (Taseh et al., 2024). If your symptoms aren't easing after several weeks, see a chiropractor or podiatrist.
Are arch support insoles good for people on their feet all day with plantar fasciitis?
Full-length, contoured arch support is generally considered more supportive for all-day wear than a heel cup alone (Schuitema et al., 2020). NuSole's tri-arch design was built for people standing or working on hard surfaces for long shifts, distributing load across the whole foot rather than one point.
Where can I buy insoles for plantar fasciitis in Australia?
NuSole is designed and sold in Australia at nusole.com.au, with tri-arch support developed by Gold Coast chiropractor Dr. Bruce Whittingham. NuSole fits work boots, runners and everyday shoes.
References
- Schuitema D, Greve C, Postema K, Dekker R, Hijmans JM. "Effectiveness of Mechanical Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis: A Systematic Review." Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. 2020;29(5):657–674. PMID: 31629333. DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2019-0036.
- Taseh A, Mathur V, Weaver B, et al. "Role of insole material in treatment of plantar fasciitis: A randomized clinical trial." Foot and Ankle Surgery. 2024;30(6):524–528. PMID: 38677939. DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2024.04.006.
- Morrissey D, Cotchett M, Said J'Bari A, et al. "Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values." British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2021;55(19):1106–1118. PMID: 33785535. DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2019-101970.