Standing 12-hour shifts wrecked my feet, bruised heels, aching arches, pain up to my back. Creams, stretches, new shoes didn’t help. I tried Dr. Scholl’s, PowerStep, and OrthoFlexx. Here’s my honest experience with all three.
1. Dr. Scholl’s Heavy Duty
I started with Dr. Scholl’s Heavy Duty, since that’s the one they recommend for people who are on their feet all day.
At first, they felt soft and cushy, so I thought I’d finally found a fix. But by the end of a shift, my foot pain was right back.
The problem is the arch support. It’s very thin and doesn’t provide enough support. Even the Heavy Duty model barely has any arch built into it.
Pros:
Cheap and easy to find.
Provide some short-term cushioning that feels good at first.
Cons:
Arch support is too low and too soft to help with real conditions like plantar fasciitis or flat feet.
Feels more like a temporary comfort product than something built for long-term pain relief.
Verdict: If their Heavy Duty insole can’t hold up, none of them will. Fine for short-term cushioning, but not a real solution for foot pain.
2. PowerStep Pinnacle
I moved on to PowerStep. The reviews were really good, so I thought these would finally give me the support I needed.
At first, they felt like they had good structure. But as soon as I stepped on them, the arches collapsed.
That was such a disappointment. On top of that, they’re stiff because there’s barely any padding under the insole. After a long shift, that stiffness just turns into soreness.
Pros:
Better structure than Dr. Scholl’s
Good reviews and reputation
Cons:
Arch support isn’t firm enough for heavier people or those who need stronger alignment.
Too stiff, with very little cushioning in the heel and forefoot.
Verdict: A step up from drugstore insoles, but not enough for real support or comfort.
3. OrthoFlexx Max
After being let down twice, I finally decided to try OrthoFlexx. They have great reviews on Trustpilot, so I gave them a shot.
From the very first shift, I noticed the difference. The arch support is firm, reinforced, and high enough to keep my feet properly aligned, which immediately took pressure off my heels and big toe.
The arch only lowers slightly under weight, just like it should. On top of that, they have enough cushioning to stay comfortable all day.
Pros:
Firm arch support that doesn’t collapse, even for people over 220lbs / 100kg like me.
Affordable compared to $800+ custom orthotics.
Comfortable balance of support and cushioning, perfect for long shifts.
Cons:
Only available online, not in stores.
Can feel a little firm at first if you’re used to regular inserts.
Verdict: The only insole that actually held up and let me finish 12-hour shifts without ending the day in pain.
Why OrthoFlexx works when nothing else does
Most people don’t realize how much pain comes from poor alignment and collapsing arches.
Soft and regular insoles feel nice at first, but they flatten fast.Once the arch collapses, the pain comes back worse
Orthoflexx Max Arch Support Insoles are built differently. The Tri Support System™ does what ordinary insoles cannot:
- Structured Arch Support: With the right firmness and height, it provides stable arch support that won’t collapse under pressure.
- Deep U-Shaped Heel Cup: Cradles your heel and provides stability to the foot, so it stays lined up and does not roll in Cushioned
- Forefoot & Heel Pads: Helps to absorb shock and reduce pressure on these areas.
Trusted Quality: 94% of interviewed customers reported
experiencing pain relief.
See our 500+ reviews on
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Join thousands who’ve already transformed their daily comfort with Orthoflexx.
- Instantly relieves foot, knee & back pain
- Fits comfortably in any type of shoe
- Built to last with durable, supportive design
"As an experienced podiatrist who also suffers from Plantar Fasciitis, I confidently recommend OrthoFlexx Max Arch Support insoles.
They provide excellent support, comfort, and meet all the qualities I seek when suggesting insoles to my patients."
Advisory Board Member
