What Are Gel Insoles & Do You Need Them?

Wondering if gel insoles could make movement a little more comfy and effortless? At iHeart Wellness, we’ve spent years helping people move with ease. So in this article, we’re sharing all about everyday insoles. From how they work to who needs them (spoiler alert: probably you), here’s everything you need to know.

Firstly, What Are Gel Insoles?

They’re soft, shock-absorbing inserts that go inside your shoes to provide extra cushioning and support.

Like Dr Jess says: They’re cushioning every step. Unlike standard shoe insoles, which can wear down quickly, thanks to the gel, they retain their shape and offer long-lasting protection for your joints.

Think of them as safety cushions for your feet. They help distribute pressure evenly, absorb impact, and make every step feel smoother. Whether you’re standing all day, working out, or just walking around, they reduce strain and help keep you moving comfortably.

Plus, a study published in The Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association found that insoles with shock-absorbing properties significantly reduced plantar pressure, decreasing foot fatigue and strain.

Here’s How They Work for Your Body

Every step you take impacts your body from the ground up. They work by:

Shock Absorption

They reduce the stress on your knees, hips, and lower back. And this way they protect your joints from injury!

Even weight distribution

Thanks to evenly distributing weight, they they help prevent foot fatigue and pain. Studies from The Journal of Foot and Ankle Research highlight the importance of even weight distribution in reducing long-term joint stress.

Arch support

So that your posture can be aligned and balanced. To us, this is extremely important. Moving at ease and working on your posture to improve your Inner Mobility - It all starts with quality foot support and being pain free.

The British Journal of Sports Medicine even published a little study on this. They found that arch-supporting insoles significantly reduced plantar fasciitis pain in 70% of participants. And this way helped people bring more freedom into their movement routines.

Overall Inner Mobility support

Gel-based insoles support your Inner Mobility by creating a strong foundation for movement. They start from the feet and influence the entire body. Inner Mobility, as Dr. Jess (the founder of iHeart) explains, is the ability of your body’s core structures—your spine, ribcage, diaphragm, and pelvis—to move freely and function optimally.

When your feet are properly supported, it reduces strain on the rest of your body, allowing for better alignment, posture, and overall Inner Mobility.

So that you could fully nourish your body with every breath and ensure it works at its best!

Circulation boost

They also support your blood circulation to efficiently flow through your feet and legs. Research in Diabetes Care found that insoles significantly reduce foot pressure and improve circulation, helping prevent long-term foot damage.

Proper foot support means less strain on your joints, better posture, and an easier road to long-term Inner Health. And that’s exactly what we’re all about at iHeart Wellness—helping you optimize your body for long run.

How to know if you need ~ feet cushions

Wondering if gel insoles are right for you? If any of these sound familiar, they might be exactly what you need:

• Your feet ache by the end of the day.
• You stand or walk for long hours at work.
• You experience knee, hip, or lower back pain.
• You feel like your shoes don’t give enough support.
• You want to improve posture and joint health and this way achieve overall better Inner Health
• You’re looking to stay active and protect your body for the long run.

Even if you don’t have foot pain right now, the wear and tear on your joints happens over time. Insoles are one of the simplest ways to prevent issues before they start.

And the best time to start? It was probably 10 years ago, but the second best time to start is now.

Things to know about gel insoles

Before you grab a pair, here are a few key things to keep in mind:

• They fit into most shoes. You don’t need special footwear to use them.
• They work best when replaced regularly. Like anything that absorbs impact, they wear down over time.
• They can help with foot conditions. Plantar fasciitis, arch pain, and general foot discomfort? These can offer relief.
• They’re not just for foot pain. Even if your feet feel fine, they help protect your joints and posture long-term.

How long do they last?

On average, gel-filled insoles last about three to six months with regular use. If you’re on your feet a lot, replacing them every three months ensures you’re always getting the best support. If they start feeling flat or less cushioned, it’s time for a fresh pair.

Actually, a study from The Journal of Biomechanics suggests that worn-out insoles lose their ability to absorb shock, increasing stress on the lower limbs.

Where to put the insoles?

Put them directly inside your shoes, replacing or sitting on top of the existing insoles. Make sure they lay flat inside your shoes so they can properly support your feet.

Some people also swap them between different pairs of shoes—work shoes, sneakers, hiking boots. As long as they fit snugly, you’re good to go.

So, do you need everyday insoles?

Our simple answer is a straight yes! Everyone can not only benefit from gel-based yet they’re essential to long-term health & wellness. If you want to take charge of your health, protect your joints, improve posture, and move with ease, having feet cushions is an easy win.

They’re simple, effective, and designed to make every step better for your body. At iHeart Wellness, we believe movement is key to lifelong health. And movement should feel good.

Lastly, track your progress

At iHeart, we believe taking care of yourself shouldn’t be a guessing game.
It’s why we don’t just focus on good foundations like gel insoles. Instead, we track how it all adds up with the iHeart Wellness Monitor.

This small but mighty fingertip device gives you real-time data on your Internal Age (by measuring your Aortic Stiffness—something no other device on the market can do), HRV, and so much more.

It shows you exactly how your posture, breathing, and daily habits are shaping your Inner Health. So as you strengthen your feet, move more, and protect your joints, you’ll actually see the difference you’re making inside your body.

Because movement should feel good—and you deserve to see the difference (in real measurable data!). And that’s why… When you order your iHeart Wellness Monitor, you’ll also get a FREE pair of gel insoles to help you start building that strong foundation right away.

But the real magic? Watching how better posture, deeper breathing, and stronger Inner Mobility can actually improve your Internal Age over time. Start supporting your body from the ground up. Order your iHeart Wellness Monitor here or the gel insoles here.