Walk Hero All-Purpose Plantar Fasciitis Relief Review

Our Analysis and Test Results

Comfort and Fit

As the name implies, the Walk Hero All-Purpose Plantar Fasciitis Relief is designed for those with chronic foot problems, but it doesn't prevent other users from enjoying the benefits. The insole comes in specific shoe sizes and doesn't need trimming to fit properly. The firm backing makes it easy to insert into the shoe, and it locks firmly in place. The insole is significantly wider than other insoles, and it's noticeable in use. The width helps to correct foot alignment issues and provide support. It is not uncomfortable or painful, but we found it feels different from other insoles. Depending on the type of shoe worn, this width may be too much for some users and become uncomfortable because of the extra volume.

When using the Walk Hero, we found the insole properly fit the anatomy of our foot and filled in the spaces in the arch and midfoot. The rigid-style insole may look uncomfortable, but that wasn't the case. We found that its stiffness helped prevent fatigue and excessive flexion in the small bones of the feet. The heel cup is 2.3cm tall and locks the heel in place, preventing sliding or shifting, but doesn't add too much height to make it uncomfortable or tight in various shoes.

Cushion

The All-Purpose Plantar Fasciitis Relief uses dual-layer memory foam to absorb impact and provides average cushioning throughout the insole, with 0.7cm in the heel and 0.4cm in the toe area. We found these insoles to have good cushioning for everyday use around town or at work, and we wore them for 12 to 14 hours at a time on some busier days.

Since these are designed as an orthotic/arch-style insole, they don't have the thicker foam you find in insoles designed for high-impact activities, but that doesn't mean the Walk Hero is obsolete. The heel cushioning absorbs a firm heel strike, and the stiff sole helps distribute weight evenly across the padded foot, reducing the jarring we felt on our joints. The average cushioning level mixes well with the added support, and they don't add much volume inside the shoe like other insoles, which can make your footwear tight and uncomfortable.

Arch Support

Arch support is one area where the Walk Hero All-Purpose Plantar Fasciitis Relief really sets itself apart from the competitors. The arch measures 3.2cm and provides significant arch support and noticeable support on the lateral side of the insole. We found these insoles to be one of the few that provided support on the outside of the foot. The mix of arch and lateral support feels very foreign at first, but after some use it feels completely natural. One of our testers has chronic foot pain and loved these insoles for the relief they provided.

The manufacturer lists these as suitable for flat to high arches, but we found them better suited for mid to high arches. The arch support seems a bit too aggressive for those with flatter feet or who aren't accustomed to an orthotic-style insole. You notice the extra arch support on longer walks or when you're on your feet for long periods, and we found they seemed to lessen fatigue and foot strain. We can't make any promises, obviously, but if you suffer from chronic pain or foot problems, you may benefit from trying this design.

Footbed Support

The Walk Hero insole has a rigid backing that resists flexion and twisting. This helps to stabilize the foot and provide support. The heel cup is very stiff and continues to the midfoot, where it becomes somewhat flexible to allow flexion into the toe area for natural gait. We found this design to stabilize our feet and help maintain good balance and alignment. The stiff insole also helps transfer momentum forward when walking, reducing fatigue through the foot.

Cushioning at the midsole is 0.65 cm, which is about average, but the semi-rigid backing helps in this area also. Walking on uneven surfaces can cause the foot to contort or bend in unfamiliar ways, which strains muscles and ligaments. The stiff support doesn't flex or twist with lateral motion or uneven ground, reducing strain on the small bones and joints in the midfoot and toes.

Construction and Durability

The All-Purpose Plantar Fasciitis Relief is made of 70% EVA foam and 30% polyurethane. After using these insoles consistently, we didn't notice any foam breakdown or material splitting. The only change we found was the lettering wearing off in the heel cup, which happens with use.

We found these insoles held up well to regular use and showed no signs of failure or delamination. The foam remains cushioned, with no flat spots or areas that don't rebound, and still feels comfortable underfoot. One benefit of the stiffer sole may be reduced flexion and breakdown that can cause premature wear in non-rigid insoles. All told, we were very surprised at how durable these insoles were for their low price.

Should You Buy The Walk Hero All-Purpose Plantar Fasciitis Relief?

We think this is the best insole you can get at this price. We loved them and recommend them to our friends, especially those with chronic foot pain who don't want to spend a lot on an insole. Walk Hero did a good job designing these insoles, with a nice mix of anatomical support and gentle cushioning that doesn't add too much volume to a shoe. We should reiterate that these insoles feel different from the others we tested. The change isn't a bad thing and has its benefits, but it takes a little time to acclimate to how they fit the structure of the foot.

What Other Insoles Should You Consider?