Knock knees are not common in adults. However, in some cases, the condition doesn’t rectify itself and you may have misaligned knees into adulthood.
This can place strain on the joints of the knee and ankle, causing pain and damaging the joints.
While physical therapy and changing your footwear are recommended, we also suggest buying one of the best insoles for knock knees. These can add extra support and cushioning to help prevent pain associated with knock knees.
We choose the Tread Labs Pace as our top insole. They come in a two-part design with an easily replaceable top cover, offer suitable arch support for all arch heights, and have a Million Mile guarantee.
We’ve chosen the 6 best insoles for knock knees that you should be able to find at a shoe store or running store near you.
Top 3 Best and Favorites
Best Overall
| Best Overall |
Tread Labs Pace
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| Check Price |
Best Arch Support
| Best Arch Support |
Protalus M-100
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| Check Price |
TOP PODIATRIST RECOMMENDED INSOLE
| TOP PODIATRIST RECOMMENDED INSOLE |
SOLE Active Thin
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| Check Price |
Best Overall
1. Tread Labs Pace
The Tread Labs insoles are more of an insole system than an insole. A removable and replaceable top cover makes these insoles very convenient as well as supportive.
What We Like
The Tread Labs Pace insole has a distinct two-part system, including a medical-grade molded arch support and a thick, plush top cover.
To ensure the right amount of arch support for your feet, you can choose from four different arch heights—low, medium, high, and extra high.
The bottom piece also has a deep heel cup to keep the foot stable and help to correct gait problems like knock knees.
A 5 mm top cover cushions the foot and can be easily replaced when they wear out. The molded arch support comes with a Million Mile guarantee, or a lifetime guarantee, making these one of the most durable insoles you can find.
One thing to consider is these insoles are quite firm and do take some time to break in, so expect them to be uncomfortable in the beginning.
Why We Like It
This insole system is extremely durable, thanks to the Million Mile Guarantee on the arch support and the easily replaceable top cover.
We also like that you can get heel support and near-custom arch support thanks to a number of arch height options.
PROS:
- Two-part system with replaceable 5 mm top covers
- Choose from four arch heights to find the right one for you
- Deep heel cup protects against impact and keeps foot stable
- The molded arch support has a Million Mile guarantee
CONS:
- These insoles are firm and may take some time to break in
Top Runner-Up
2. Superfeet Orange
Superfeet Orange insoles are designed to protect the feet against impact, which helps to prevent jarring which can further damage joints.
What We Like
These insoles are a single-piece, but they’re effective at realigning the foot and reducing pain from knock knees.
A deep heel cup gently aligns the foot and the reinforced stabilizer cap helps to provide excellent support and shock absorption.
They are designed for protection against high impact forces, with extra cushioning in the forefoot, so you can wear these for running, other sports, or even everyday use.
The Orange offers good arch support for medium to high arches, which also helps with foot and joint realignment.
A full-length foam layer provides light cushioning on every step, and it also has an all-natural organic coating that prevents odor-causing bacteria from developing.
The manufacturer states that these insoles will last for 12 months or 500 miles, whichever one comes first. They can be easily trimmed to fit inside your shoes after removing the existing insoles.
Of note, some people may find that these insoles are very firm and may feel uncomfortable underfoot.
Why We Like It
The Superfeet Orange insole helps to keep your feet stable, properly aligned, and comfortably cushioned, reducing the negative effects of knock knees.
PROS:
- Designed for protection against high-impact activities
- Good support for medium to high arches
- Reinforced stabilizer cap with deep heel cup for stability
- Full-length closed-cell foam layer for cushioning and comfort
CONS:
- Some people may find the insole to be too firm
Best Arch Support
3. Protalus M-100
The Protalus M-100 is a high-volume insole that offers robust support thanks to its built-in Tri-Planar technology.
What We Like
This insole is high-profile and strong, offering excellent, semi-rigid arch support for medium to high arches.
It uses Tri-Planar technology, which combines strong arch support, a deep, sturdy heel cup, and a plastic shank to keep your foot properly aligned.
This is helpful for those with knock knees as it prevents rolling of the feet which could throw the knees further out of alignment and make the problem worse.
There is extra cushioning in both the heel and the forefoot, which increases the sense of comfort you feel when wearing this insole.
A moisture-wicking top cloth with antibacterial properties helps to keep your feet fresh and dry at all times.
The insole also has strategically-designed ridges underneath it that grip to the footbed of your shoe, stopping the insole from sliding around.
However, you should be aware that these insoles may not fit into low-profile shoes like dress shoes or thin sneakers as they are quite a high-profile insole.
Why We Like It
The Protalus M100 offers excellent, strong arch support for medium to high arches, as well as a deep heel cup that keeps everything aligned.
PROS:
- Features semi-rigid arch support to provide excellent stability
- Deep heel cup and plastic shank keep your foot in position
- Extra heel and forefoot cushioning protect against shock
- Strategically-designed ridges to stop slipping in your shoe
CONS:
- These insoles may not fit into low-volume shoes like dress shoes or some sneakers
Top Podiatrist-Recommended Insole
4. SOLE Active Thin
These insoles are recommended by podiatrists instead of custom-made orthotics. They are made for medium arches, so if you don’t have the budget for a custom-made set, these are worth trying.
What We Like
The SOLE Active Thin insole has been recommended by podiatrists as a suitable alternative to custom-made orthotics as it offers a number of different features that make it a great choice for knock knees.
It features a zero-drop platform, which means the heel and forefoot are at the same level and the foot stays well-aligned.
There is very little cushioning in these insoles, so we recommend wearing them in well-cushioned shoes if you need some padding.
The base of this insole is moldable and will contour to your feet with wear, creating a close-to-custom supportive shell.
Dynamic arch support provides stability where you need it the most, and there’s also a small metatarsal pad built into the insole for added support in the forefoot.
Why We Like It
This insole is thin but it molds to the foot to provide custom support. Plus did we mention it’s recommended by podiatrists!
PROS:
- Podiatrist-recommended as an alternative for custom orthotics
- Zero-drop platform for the most natural foot alignment
- Moldable orthopedic base contours to your foot
- Low-profile design is ideal for all shoes
CONS:
- These insoles may be too thin for use in high-profile shoes with the original insole removed
Best for High Arches
5. Currex RunPro High
The Currex RunPro High is an excellent option for those with high arches. Keep in mind that these insoles do come in three distinct arch heights—low, medium, and high—so make sure you’re getting the high arch option!
What We Like
Currex RunPro High insoles have a semi-rigid 3D Dynamic arch support piece, which offers excellent structure under the arch for the best alignment.
They’re specifically designed to be supportive and protective enough for running. However, that doesn’t mean you can only use them in running shoes—it just means that they offer excellent support.
Some may find that the insole seems very hard and uncomfortable, especially if you’re used to wearing more cushioned insoles.
The heel cup is low-profile but still helps to keep the foot safe and stable in the right position. Your feet shouldn’t pronate at all when wearing these, which will help to reduce stress on the knees and align them more correctly at the same time.
With bamboo and charcoal infused into the midsole, these insoles also offer excellent antimicrobial properties to keep your feet dry and fresh.
Why We Like It
Those with high knees will appreciate the strong dynamic arch support in this insole. It’s lightweight but still offers excellent support and gently aligns the foot.
PROS:
- Excellent dynamic support for high arches
- Lightweight and reduces foot fatigue when running
- Bamboo and charcoal help to reduce odor
- CurEVA absorbs shock and offers a deep heel cup
CONS:
- Some may find these insoles to be hard and uncomfortable
Most Durable
6. Vasyli Medical High-Density Red
The Vasyli Medical High-Density Red insoles are nothing fancy, but they’re made of high-density foam that lasts a long time even with regular use.
What We Like
These insoles are thickly cushioned with high-density foam, which absorbs shock and keeps you comfortable on your feet no matter what you’re doing.
You can wear them while playing sports or everyday activities and they’re highly durable. The density of the foam means they don’t compress easily, making them last longer than the average pair of insoles.
Its density also makes it greatly supportive. The insole is heat-moldable, so when you first get it you can mold it to your feet to provide you with support in all the right places.
Once it’s molded to your foot, it offers semi-rigid support in both the arch and the heel, which is helpful for knock knees.
Why We Like It
The firmness and dense nature of this insole makes it extremely durable and it doesn’t flatten easily, regardless of the situation in which you wear it. At the same time, the heat-moldable nature of the insole makes it very supportive of your own foot.
PROS:
- Firm density makes it both supportive and durable
- Heat-moldable to get the perfect fit on your feet
- Semi-rigid support for the heel and arches
- Versatile enough to be used for sports or everyday use
CONS:
- Slightly expensive
Buyer’s Guide – Insoles for Knock Knees
Arch Support
People with knock knees need strong arch support to prevent the feet from falling inwards due to the forces on the feet from the misaligned knees.
The insole you choose should provide excellent arch support for medium to high arches. However, this should be paired with supportive footwear for the best result.
Ankle Support
A deep heel cup helps to keep the ankle aligned, which is a starting point for aligning the entire lower leg. This can make keeping the knees in position easier.
Durability
The insole you choose should be durable enough to last for a long time before the cushioning and support wears down and you need to replace it.
FAQs
What Are Knock Knees (Genu Valgum)?
Knock knees—genu valgum—is a knee alignment condition in which the knees bend inwards and “knock” each other, while the ankles remain far apart.
This causes excessive force to be placed on the outside of the knee, which can eventually lead to pain and joint degeneration if the condition isn’t treated.
It most commonly affects children, who often grow out of it, but it can also affect adults.
Do Insoles Help Knock Knees?
Although there are no specific insoles made for knock knees, choosing an insole with heel and arch support can help to position the feet correctly and reduce pain and discomfort.
Can Knock Knees Be Corrected Naturally?
Children usually grow out of knock knees naturally; however, knock knees in adults can possibly be corrected with physical therapy. Doctors will usually recommend a combination of treatment consisting of physical therapy, specific footwear, and insoles.
Do Flat Feet Cause Knock Knees?
Flat feet do not cause knock knees; but, in some cases, knock knees can cause flat feet. The position of the knees can cause the feet to fall inwards, leading to problems associated with overpronation.
