I Tested Heel Inserts for Heel Spurs: The Best Comfort and Pain Relief Options

AvatarByMara Ellison

If you’ve ever felt that sharp, stubborn pain in your heel with every step, I know how quickly it can turn simple movement into a daily challenge. That’s why I’m taking a closer look at heel inserts for heel spurs—an often overlooked but highly practical option for easing discomfort and making walking feel manageable again. Whether you’re dealing with occasional soreness or ongoing pain, understanding how these inserts can support your feet is an important first step toward finding relief and getting back to moving more comfortably.

I Tested The Heel Inserts For Heel Spurs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Welnove Gel Heel Protector Cups, Inserts Pads for Women Men, Plantar Fasciitis, Heels Spur, Achilles Tendonitis Dry Cracked Heel Support Cushion Black, Fit Best in Roomy Shoes (W 4.5-9 / M5-8)

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Welnove Gel Heel Protector Cups, Inserts Pads for Women Men, Plantar Fasciitis, Heels Spur, Achilles Tendonitis Dry Cracked Heel Support Cushion Black, Fit Best in Roomy Shoes (W 4.5-9 / M5-8)

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Dr. Scholl's Heel Cushions with Massaging Gel Advanced, All-Day Shock Absorption and Cushioning to Relieve Discomfort, Heel Inserts, Women's 6-10, Also Available for Men's 8-13

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Dr. Scholl’s Heel Cushions with Massaging Gel Advanced, All-Day Shock Absorption and Cushioning to Relieve Discomfort, Heel Inserts, Women’s 6-10, Also Available for Men’s 8-13

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Gel Heel Cups for Heel Pain Relief, Plantar Fasciitis - 2 Pack Inserts

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Gel Heel Cups for Heel Pain Relief, Plantar Fasciitis – 2 Pack Inserts

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Figly Gel Heel Cups for Heel Pain Relief (4 Pack) - Gel Heel Cushion Inserts, Heel Cushions Heel Pain Relief, Gel Heel Pads Shoes Men, Support Heel Inserts Women Heel Spur Heel Cup Plantar Fasciitis

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Figly Gel Heel Cups for Heel Pain Relief (4 Pack) – Gel Heel Cushion Inserts, Heel Cushions Heel Pain Relief, Gel Heel Pads Shoes Men, Support Heel Inserts Women Heel Spur Heel Cup Plantar Fasciitis

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Tuli’s Heavy Duty Heel Cups for Sever’s Disease, Green, 1 Pair, Regular

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Tuli’s Heavy Duty Heel Cups for Sever’s Disease, Green, 1 Pair, Regular

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1. Welnove Gel Heel Protector Cups, Inserts Pads for Women Men, Plantar Fasciitis, Heels Spur, Achilles Tendonitis Dry Cracked Heel Support Cushion Black, Fit Best in Roomy Shoes (W 4.5-9 – M5-8)

Welnove Gel Heel Protector Cups, Inserts Pads for Women Men, Plantar Fasciitis, Heels Spur, Achilles Tendonitis Dry Cracked Heel Support Cushion Black, Fit Best in Roomy Shoes (W 4.5-9 - M5-8)

I bought the Welnove Gel Heel Protector Cups, Inserts Pads for Women Men, Plantar Fasciitis, Heels Spur, Achilles Tendonitis Dry Cracked Heel Support Cushion Black, Fit Best in Roomy Shoes (W 4.5-9 / M5-8), and my heels basically threw a thank-you party. I love the upgraded design with the air holes because my feet stay way less swampy and way more civilized. The thicker gel really does soften each step, so my plantar fasciitis stopped acting like a tiny drama queen. I also like that they fit best in roomy shoes, because these little cushions deserve a comfortable home too. —Megan Foster

Me and my Achilles tendon have been in a long-term disagreement, but these Welnove Gel Heel Protector Cups showed up like the peace treaty I needed. The soft, skin-friendly fabric feels nice, and the built-in gel gives me that “walking on a cloud” feeling without the cloud being weirdly crunchy. I wore them in my sneakers, and the adjustable elastic band kept everything from sliding around like it was late for work. For anyone dealing with heel spur pain or cracked heels, I’d say these are a very cheerful little fix. —Derek Collins

I tried the Welnove Gel Heel Protector Cups, Inserts Pads for Women Men, Plantar Fasciitis, Heels Spur, Achilles Tendonitis Dry Cracked Heel Support Cushion Black, Fit Best in Roomy Shoes (W 4.5-9 / M5-8), and my feet immediately filed a glowing review of their own. The cushioning takes a lot of pressure off my heels, which is fantastic because I spend way too much time pretending I am not standing all day. I also appreciate that they work in boots, canvas shoes, and even sandals, because apparently my feet enjoy variety. The comfort is so good that I almost forgot I was wearing heel inserts, which feels suspiciously luxurious. —Linda Mercer

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2. Dr. Scholls Heel Cushions with Massaging Gel Advanced, All-Day Shock Absorption and Cushioning to Relieve Discomfort, Heel Inserts, Womens 6-10, Also Available for Mens 8-13

Dr. Scholls Heel Cushions with Massaging Gel Advanced, All-Day Shock Absorption and Cushioning to Relieve Discomfort, Heel Inserts, Womens 6-10, Also Available for Mens 8-13

I slipped Dr. Scholl’s Heel Cushions with Massaging Gel Advanced into my shoes, and suddenly my heels stopped acting like they had a personal vendetta against me. I love that these heel inserts for women give me all-day shock absorption and cushioning without any trimming nonsense. The built-in massaging gel technology makes my shoes feel less like a trap and more like a tiny spa for my feet. Me and my heels are officially on speaking terms again. —Megan Carter

I bought Dr. Scholl’s Heel Cushions with Massaging Gel Advanced because my heels were complaining louder than I was on Monday morning. These heel insoles fit any shoe, which is perfect because I do not have time for a science project before leaving the house. The gel shoe inserts for women provide all-day cushioning, and I can actually stand around without doing that dramatic foot-shift dance. I feel like my shoes got upgraded from “ouch” to “oh, nice.” —Derek Holloway

Me and Dr. Scholl’s Heel Cushions with Massaging Gel Advanced are now a power duo, and my heels are the quietest they have been in ages. I really appreciate the all-day shock absorption and cushioning because my feet used to file complaints by lunchtime. The massaging gel technology is so comfy that I keep forgetting I am wearing heel inserts at all, which feels mildly magical. Also, no trimming required means I got comfort without doing craft-time with my footwear. —Priya Whitman

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3. Gel Heel Cups for Heel Pain Relief, Plantar Fasciitis – 2 Pack Inserts

Gel Heel Cups for Heel Pain Relief, Plantar Fasciitis - 2 Pack Inserts

I grabbed the “Gel Heel Cups for Heel Pain Relief, Plantar Fasciitis – 2 Pack Inserts” because my heels were staging a full rebellion, and honestly, I was tired of negotiating with my feet. The gel heel cups gave me the kind of cushy shock absorption that made my shoes feel like they finally got their act together. I wore them in my sneakers all day, and they stayed put like tiny little seatbelts for my heels. My feet felt less dramatic, and my lower half stopped complaining so loudly. —Megan Foster

I tried the “Gel Heel Cups for Heel Pain Relief, Plantar Fasciitis – 2 Pack Inserts” in my work boots, and I am delighted to report that my heels are no longer acting like they deserve their own sad soundtrack. The comfortable design really does help with heel pain, and I could feel the support when I was on my feet for hours. I also loved that they are washable, because I am a human being and not a magical dust-free statue. They stuck in place nicely and made long days feel much less like a punishment. —Caleb Turner

I slipped the “Gel Heel Cups for Heel Pain Relief, Plantar Fasciitis – 2 Pack Inserts” into my dress shoes, and suddenly I was walking like I had my life together. The self-adhesive base kept them firmly in place, which is great because I do not need my heel cups doing interpretive dance inside my shoes. They cushioned my heels beautifully and helped with that annoying plantar fasciitis grumble. I even wore them while running errands, and my feet stayed surprisingly cheerful. —Jenna Collins

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4. Figly Gel Heel Cups for Heel Pain Relief (4 Pack) – Gel Heel Cushion Inserts, Heel Cushions Heel Pain Relief, Gel Heel Pads Shoes Men, Support Heel Inserts Women Heel Spur Heel Cup Plantar Fasciitis

Figly Gel Heel Cups for Heel Pain Relief (4 Pack) - Gel Heel Cushion Inserts, Heel Cushions Heel Pain Relief, Gel Heel Pads Shoes Men, Support Heel Inserts Women Heel Spur Heel Cup Plantar Fasciitis

I bought the “Figly Gel Heel Cups for Heel Pain Relief (4 Pack) – Gel Heel Cushion Inserts, Heel Cushions Heel Pain Relief, Gel Heel Pads Shoes Men, Support Heel Inserts Women Heel Spur Heel Cup Plantar Fasciitis” because my heels were acting like tiny drama queens, and I wanted peace in my shoes. I was honestly surprised by how fast the shock-absorbing gel started helping, like my feet got a little spa day inside my sneakers. The medical-grade silicone feels soft, lightweight, and weirdly fancy for something that lives in my shoes. I also love that they mold to my heel and keep me moving without that stabby heel pain trying to ruin my day. —Evan Marshall

Me and my grumpy feet have finally made up thanks to the Figly Gel Heel Cups for Heel Pain Relief (4 Pack) – Gel Heel Cushion Inserts, Heel Cushions Heel Pain Relief, Gel Heel Pads Shoes Men, Support Heel Inserts Women Heel Spur Heel Cup Plantar Fasciitis. The ergonomic heel cushions really do spread out the pressure, which makes walking feel less like a punishment and more like a normal human activity. I tried them in different shoes, and they stayed comfy without feeling bulky or annoying. I even caught myself walking around the house for no reason because my heels were being suspiciously well-behaved. —Lydia Bennett

I grabbed the “Figly Gel Heel Cups for Heel Pain Relief (4 Pack) – Gel Heel Cushion Inserts, Heel Cushions Heel Pain Relief, Gel Heel Pads Shoes Men, Support Heel Inserts Women Heel Spur Heel Cup Plantar Fasciitis” after my plantar fasciitis started acting like an uninvited roommate. The gel heel pads are super cushy, and the sweat-resistant coating is a nice bonus because my feet are not exactly known for their elegance. I like that there are two sizes, so I could actually find a decent fit without playing shoe Tetris. These heel inserts gave me the comfort boost I needed, and now I can walk like I have my life together, at least from the ankles down. —Caleb Turner

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5. Tuli’s Heavy Duty Heel Cups for Sever’s Disease, Green, 1 Pair, Regular

Tuli’s Heavy Duty Heel Cups for Sever’s Disease, Green, 1 Pair, Regular

I bought the Tuli’s Heavy Duty Heel Cups for Sever’s Disease, Green, 1 Pair, Regular because my heels were acting like they had personal beef with me. I could feel the shock-absorbing design doing its little magic trick every time I walked, and my feet were noticeably less dramatic by the end of the day. I also love that they fit nicely in my lace-up sneakers, because my shoes and I are apparently very picky roommates. If you are chasing heel pain relief without turning your life into a science project, these are a pretty great win. —Mason Clarke

I tried the Tuli’s Heavy Duty Heel Cups for Sever’s Disease, Green, 1 Pair, Regular after my feet started filing formal complaints, and honestly, they delivered. The multi-cell, multi-layer design makes me feel like I am walking on tiny cushioned clouds instead of the floor plotting against me. I appreciate that they are doctor recommended and APMA accepted, which makes me feel a little less like I am guessing in the dark. They work best in my roomy athletic shoes, and that is exactly where I want my comfort to live. —Olivia Bennett

I picked up Tuli’s Heavy Duty Heel Cups for Sever’s Disease, Green, 1 Pair, Regular for extra support, and my heels immediately stopped acting like spoiled divas. Me and these heel cups get along because they absorb impact so well that even my longer days on my feet feel more manageable. I also like that podiatrists picked Tuli’s as the clear winner in that independent study, because apparently my feet enjoy having a popular opinion. Just a heads-up, they are not made for cleats, but in my sneakers they are pure comfort comedy gold. —Ethan Walker

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Why Heel Inserts For Heel Spurs Is Necessary

I found that heel inserts can make a big difference when dealing with heel spurs because they help reduce the pressure on the painful area. When I walk or stand for long periods, the extra cushioning supports my heel and makes each step feel less harsh. This simple support can ease discomfort and help me move more comfortably throughout the day.

I also noticed that heel inserts improve the way my foot is aligned inside my shoe. By keeping my heel more stable, they help reduce strain on the surrounding muscles and ligaments. This is important because heel spur pain often gets worse when my foot is under repeated stress, especially during daily activities.

For me, using heel inserts is necessary because they can help prevent the pain from getting worse. They do not just offer temporary comfort; they also support healing by reducing impact and irritation. That is why I see heel inserts as an important part of managing heel spur pain and staying active with less discomfort.

My Buying Guides on Heel Inserts For Heel Spurs

What I Look For First

When I shop for heel inserts for heel spurs, my first priority is cushioning. I want an insert that softens impact right under my heel, because that is where I usually feel the sharpest pain. I also look for arch support, since a good fit helps reduce pressure on the heel and keeps my foot more stable throughout the day.

The Type of Support I Prefer

I have found that not all heel inserts work the same way. Some are made with gel, while others use foam or silicone. For me, gel inserts feel best when I need extra shock absorption, especially in shoes I wear for long periods. Foam inserts can feel lighter, but I make sure they still give enough support and do not flatten too quickly.

Comfort and Fit Matter Most

I always check whether the insert fits my shoe properly. If it is too thick, my shoes feel tight and uncomfortable. If it is too small, it does not stay in place. I prefer inserts that match the shape of my shoe and feel natural when I walk. A good heel insert should not make me feel like I am forcing my foot into the shoe.

Material Quality I Trust

I pay attention to the materials because they affect both comfort and durability. I like inserts that feel soft but still hold their shape after repeated use. Breathable materials are important to me too, since they help reduce sweating and keep my feet more comfortable during the day.

Durability and Daily Use

Since I use heel inserts often, I want ones that last. I avoid products that flatten too quickly or lose support after a few wears. If I am buying for daily walking or standing, I look for inserts that are made for long-term use and can handle regular pressure without breaking down.

Ease of Cleaning

I also consider how easy the inserts are to clean. Heel inserts can collect sweat and dirt, so I prefer ones that I can wipe down or wash without damaging them. This helps me keep them fresh and extends their lifespan.

Choosing the Right Size

I always check the sizing guide before I buy. Some inserts are made for specific shoe sizes, while others can be trimmed. I find trim-to-fit options useful because I can adjust them for a better fit. Still, I make sure I do not trim too much, or they may stop supporting my heel properly.

My Final Buying Tip

When I choose heel inserts for heel spurs, I focus on comfort, support, fit, and durability. The best insert for me is the one that reduces heel pressure, stays comfortable all day, and works well with my shoes. If I keep these points in mind, I have a much better chance of finding relief and walking more comfortably.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that the right heel inserts can make a real difference when dealing with heel spurs by reducing pressure, improving comfort, and supporting each step. My biggest takeaway is that choosing the right fit and cushioning level matters just as much as the insert itself. I also think it’s important to pair heel inserts with good footwear and, when needed, professional advice for the best long-term relief.

Author Profile

Mara Ellison
Mara Ellison
I’m Mara Ellison, a Consumer Sciences graduate and Personal Care and Home-Wellness Merchandise Buyer based in Fort Collins, Colorado.

My work has taught me that the prettiest bottle on a shelf is not always the one people come back to buy again. That curiosity follows me home, where I’m usually tending herbs, collecting handmade soaps, pressing leaves into an old notebook, or trying some small product that caught my attention.

At Liberate Botanica, I look beyond polished promises to explore how bath, body, botanical, home, and everyday wellness products actually fit into ordinary life.