PowerStep arch support insoles: what the range includes and how to choose
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- PowerStep Pinnacle (neutral arch). Best for: Everyday heel and arch pain with mild to moderate pronation. See options on Amazon
- PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx. Best for: Noticeable overpronation or flat feet that roll inward. See options on Amazon
- Non-brand alternative: semi-rigid arch support insole. Best for: Anyone who wants the same type of support from another maker. See options on Amazon
- Non-brand alternative: cushioning insole with mild arch. Best for: People who find orthotic shells too firm. See options on Amazon
- Non-brand alternative: silicone heel cups. Best for: Heel-only pain or shoes with no room for a full insole. See options on Amazon
What PowerStep insoles are
PowerStep sells over-the-counter orthotic insoles rather than soft comfort liners. The maker describes its Pinnacle insole as having a firm but flexible polypropylene support shell, a contoured neutral arch and a deep heel cradle for comfort, stability and motion control. Cushioning comes from a foam top layer over an EVA base, under an odor control polyester top fabric.
In its product guide, PowerStep lists the Pinnacle's support level as moderate, with semi-rigid arch support. That puts it between soft cushioning insoles and rigid custom orthotics. The maker says the Pinnacle is designed to relieve and prevent pain from plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis and shin splints, and from mild to moderate pronation. Those are the maker's stated design aims.
The main models compared
| Model | Maker's description | Who it is aimed at |
|---|---|---|
| Pinnacle | Neutral arch, semi-rigid shell, deep heel cradle | Everyday heel and arch pain, mild to moderate pronation |
| Pinnacle Maxx | Firmer shell with a 2 degree medial heel post | Moderate to severe overpronation, flat feet |
| Pinnacle High | Built for high arches and supination | High arches, feet that roll outward |
| Pinnacle Low | Lower arch profile | Flat feet and pronation |
| Plus | Listed for ball of foot pain (metatarsalgia) | Ball of foot pain |
| Pinnacle 3/4 | Three-quarter length | Tight shoes |
The Pinnacle collection page lists 14 insoles in total, including Work, Hiker (rigid shell), Wool, Memory Foam, Wide and children's Junior versions. Models change, so check the current page before buying.
Which one fits your foot
- Not sure, mild heel or arch ache: the Pinnacle is the maker's neutral starting point.
- Feet that roll inward noticeably: PowerStep says the Maxx has firmer arch support and a 2 degree medial heel post for stability and motion control.
- High arches: the maker explains that high arches cause supination, where the feet and ankles roll outward, and positions the Pinnacle High for that. Our high arch insoles guide covers the general approach.
- Flat feet without much rolling: the Pinnacle Low has a lower profile. See insoles for flat feet for how to judge arch height.
- Narrow dress shoes: the 3/4 version is aimed at tight shoes.
Sizing, trimming and break-in
PowerStep says the Pinnacle comes in 12 sizes, from men's U.S. 3 to 16+ and women's U.S. 5 to 12, and fits widths up to 2E. For 3E to 6E feet, the maker points to the Pinnacle Wide. The Pinnacle High comes in 10 sizes, from men's 4 to 15 and women's 6 to 12.
- Remove the shoe's factory insole. The maker positions these for shoes where the factory insole can be removed.
- Trim from the toe area only, using the factory insole as a guide, as PowerStep instructs for the Pinnacle.
- Ease in. PowerStep says most users adapt within 1 to 3 days. If yours feel firm, start with a few hours and build up.
The maker offers a 60-day guarantee on returns or exchanges, according to the Pinnacle page.
Who might prefer something else
A semi-rigid shell is not for everyone. If you want pure softness, a cushioning insole will feel kinder. If your shoes are shallow or you have a high instep, a full-length orthotic may crowd the top of your foot. And if you have a rigid or painful flat foot, a high arch that is new, or diabetes with reduced feeling, see a podiatrist before choosing any orthotic.
The picks below include non-brand alternatives for those cases.
What to look for when you buy
PowerStep Pinnacle (neutral arch)
Best for: Everyday heel and arch pain with mild to moderate pronation
The maker describes a firm but flexible polypropylene shell, deep heel cradle and dual-layer cushioning, with moderate semi-rigid support.
Watch out: Fits widths up to 2E; wider feet need the Wide version.
See options on AmazonPowerStep Pinnacle Maxx
Best for: Noticeable overpronation or flat feet that roll inward
PowerStep says the Maxx adds a firmer shell and a 2 degree medial heel post to limit inward rolling.
Watch out: Firmer and more corrective than the standard Pinnacle; not aimed at high arches.
See options on AmazonNon-brand alternative: semi-rigid arch support insole
Best for: Anyone who wants the same type of support from another maker
Semi-rigid shells with a deep heel cup are a common over-the-counter design; compare arch height and width ranges.
Watch out: Arch shapes differ a lot between makers; check the return policy.
See options on AmazonNon-brand alternative: cushioning insole with mild arch
Best for: People who find orthotic shells too firm
A softer foam or gel insole adds comfort without the stiffness of a polypropylene shell.
Watch out: Less arch control and compresses faster.
See options on AmazonNon-brand alternative: silicone heel cups
Best for: Heel-only pain or shoes with no room for a full insole
A small heel cup cushions the heel and fits in most closed shoes.
Watch out: No arch support.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What is the difference between PowerStep Pinnacle and Pinnacle Maxx?
- PowerStep says the Maxx has firmer arch support and a 2 degree medial heel post for stability and motion control, aimed at moderate to severe overpronation. The Pinnacle has a neutral arch.
- Can you trim PowerStep insoles?
- For the Pinnacle, the maker says to trim from the toe area only, using your shoe's factory insole as a guide.
- How long do PowerStep insoles take to break in?
- PowerStep says most users adapt within 1 to 3 days of wear. Build up gradually if they feel firm.
- Does PowerStep make insoles for wide feet?
- The standard Pinnacle fits widths up to 2E. The maker recommends the Pinnacle Wide for 3E to 6E widths.
Sources
- PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles (powerstep.com), PowerStep (maker)
- PowerStep Maxx Insoles (powerstep.com), PowerStep (maker)
- PowerStep Pinnacle High Insoles (powerstep.com), PowerStep (maker)
- Pinnacle Orthotic Insoles collection (powerstep.com), PowerStep (maker)
- Diabetes - taking care of your feet (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus (NIH)