The Best Replacement Insoles for Brooks Running Shoes (2025 Update)

This full guide walks through everything you need to know when choosing the right replacement insoles for your Brooks Running shoes.

If you're a dedicated runner, you know that the right gear makes all the difference. Brooks running shoes are already engineered with high-performance tech like DNA Loft v3 midsoles, nitrogen-infused cushioning, and GuideRails support systems. But even the best shoes can cause discomfort over time if the running insoles break down.

Most runners clock 300 to 500 miles before they’ve immediately noticed a drop in cushioning and support as the once-springy foam beneath their feet goes dull. And since Brooks doesn’t sell standalone sock liners, your best bet is a supportive insole tailored to your foot shape, gait, and training volume. This guide helps you find the best insoles for Brooks running shoes, whether you're running long distances or recovering from plantar fasciitis.

This article walks you through why replacement insoles matter, what to look for, and which brands deliver that fresh-shoe feel, all while preserving your Brooks’ original performance DNA.

Why Replace Your Brooks Insoles?

Even the best shoes can feel off once the insoles wear down. Here’s why a replacement running insole isn’t just a luxury. It’s essential for comfort, support, and injury prevention.

1. Revive the Original “Brooks Feel”

Brooks shoes are praised for their smooth ride and responsive cushioning, but that signature feel starts with the insole. Over time, the original insole compresses, flattens, and loses its rebound. If your shoes suddenly feel dull or “dead” underfoot, a replacement supportive insole can restore that soft cushioning and shock absorption that made you fall in love with your pair.

2. Extend the Life of Your Shoes

A high-quality insole doesn’t just cushion your step. It also protects your midsole from premature breakdown. Think of it as preventive maintenance: by reducing direct stress on the foam below, a new insole can help preserve your Brooks’ structure and give you another 100–200 km of effective use. This can reduce strain on your feet, knees, ankles, and even your leg muscles during long runs.

3. Prevent Injuries as Mileage Builds

Worn-out running insoles stop supporting the arch and heel, leading to poor alignment and common overuse injuries like shin splints, knee pain, or plantar fasciitis. A supportive insole with deep heel cups and proper arch support helps maintain proper alignment, protects your body, and supports foot health through high-impact sessions.

4. Fine-Tune Fit and Support to Your Foot

Brooks designs shoes to suit a broad range of foot shapes, but your feet are unique. Whether you have low arches, high arches, or overpronation, the right custom orthotic or aftermarket insole can give you extra support exactly where you need it. It’s about transforming a standard fit into the right fit for your stride.

5. Brooks Doesn’t Offer Retail Replacements

Brooks doesn’t sell replacement insoles at retail. Unless your pair qualifies under their Run Happy warranty, you’ll need to explore other insoles designed to match Brooks’ fit and performance. That’s where aftermarket insoles come in. They're not just replacements, but gear designed to improve performance, recovery, and foot pain relief.

For many runners, switching to a structured insole meant the difference between canceling runs and completing them pain-free. As one user put it, ‘Z-Liners got me through marathon training without a single flare-up.

What to Look For in a Brooks-Compatible Insole

Brooks shoes are already fine-tuned for performance, so your insole should work with the shoe’s design, not against it. Here are the five most important factors to consider:

1. Arch Type Compatibility

Start with your foot anatomy. Are your arches low, medium, or high? The wrong match can lead to instability, hotspots, or fatigue.

• Flat feet need firm medial support to control overpronation.

• High arches benefit from cushioned support to reduce impact loading.

• Medium arches should look for neutral or semi-rigid options that balance comfort and control.

If you’re unsure, try the wet test, use Brooks’ online shoe finder, or visit a retailer for gait analysis and better arch support.

2. Cushioning vs. Stack Height

Brooks shoes already feature varying levels of midsole cushioning. Choose an insole that complements the shoe’s feel, enhances alignment, and helps provide comfort during runs.

• Neutral or cushioned shoes (Ghost, Glycerin): use lower-profile insoles with soft top layers (e.g., Z-Liner or Currex MED).

• Racing shoes (Hyperion): prioritize lightweight, low-stack inserts (e.g., Superfeet Thin).

Avoid overstacking. Too much foam raises your center of gravity and reduces ground feel.

3. Stability and Heel Cup Depth

If you’re running in Brooks’ stability models with GuideRails (like the Adrenaline GTS), choose an insole that maintains rearfoot control without interfering with the shoe’s natural motion path.

• Look for deep heel cups that align the calcaneus.

• Choose semi-rigid frames for structure without stiffness.

• Avoid ultra-soft gel insoles in structured shoes. They can destabilize your stride.

4. Breathability and Moisture Management

Long runs mean sweat, and wet insoles mean blisters. Look for:

• Top layers made of moisture-wicking mesh or bamboo fiber.

• Perforated bases for airflow and heat dispersion.

• Antimicrobial treatments (like Polygiene®) are a plus for odor control.

Insoles like Z-Liner feature a honeycomb base that acts like a built-in air pump. This will circulate air with every step to keep your feet dry and cool.

5. Trim-to-Fit Precision

Most aftermarket insoles are slightly oversized by design. Always:

• Trim from the forefoot, not the heel or arch, ensuring enough space for natural toe splay and preventing pressure on your toes.

• Use your original Brooks liner as a tracing guide for accuracy.

A good fit ensures no heel slippage and keeps the arch aligned with the midfoot platform.

Top Brooks Running Insoles (2025 Rankings)

#	Insole	Arch Options	MSRP (₱)	Best For	Key Tech Highlights
1	Z-Liner Insoles	Self-Customizing Arch Support (self-molding)	2 999	High-mileage runners, PF relief; Also trusted by runners recovering from chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis and joint fatigue.	ZL™ HEXCORE Technology; self-custom fit; antimicrobial full length; breathable mesh fabric
2	Superfeet Insoles	Med arch	3 200	Neutral-arch shoes (Ghost, Launch)	EVOLyte® carbon stabilizer; Aerospring® rebound foam; 20 % thinner profile
3	Currex RunPro	Low • Med • High	2 900	Runners seeking dynamic “pop”	Triple-layer foam; 3 arch heights; moisture-wicking bamboo
4	Powerstep Pinnacle Running	Med arch	2 450	Over-pronators (Adrenaline GTS) who need added stability and arch control	Semi-rigid polypropylene shell + PORON® heel pad
5	Brooks Courtesy Sockliner	OEM shape	— (free)	Warranty claim only	BioMoGo foam identical to stock; limited availability
6	Endoto High-Rebound EVA	Uni	1 300	Budget & casual use	High-rebound EVA; full-length perforations
7	SOLE Active Medium	Heat-mold	3 050	Orthotic-level support	Cork/EVA base; oven mold @ 90 °C, 2-year warranty
8	Sidas 3Feet Run Protect	Low • Med • High	3 600	Long-distance recovery	Gel heel/forefoot pods; Polygiene® odor control

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Ready to Give Your Feet the Support They Deserve?

If you're dealing with foot fatigue, plantar fasciitis, or just want to upgrade the comfort of your Brooks shoes, Z-Liner Custom Orthotics are a smart step forward. Engineered with HEXCORE shock absorption and adaptive arch support, Z-Liners mold to your stride in just a few days—no oven, no hassle.

Thousands of runners and everyday athletes have already made the switch. Why not feel the difference for yourself?

👉 Explore Z-Liners Now — Your feet will thank you.

How to Pick the Perfect Insole for Your Brooks

Choosing the right insole can change how you move, recover, and even how long your shoes last. Here’s a practical guide to finding the ideal match for your Brooks running shoes.

1. Understand Your Foot Type

Before diving into product specs, it helps to understand the shape and needs of your feet. One simple test—the wet paper towel trick—can tell you a lot. Step on a piece of paper with wet feet: if you see your whole foot, you likely have low arches; if only your heel and forefoot show with a narrow bridge in between, you’ve got high arches.

Still unsure? Gait analysis at a local Brooks retailer can identify issues like overpronation or poor alignment. And if foot pain is already a regular guest, consider checking in with a physical therapist. A few minutes of professional input can spare you months of discomfort.

2. Match the Insole to the Shoe

Not all Brooks shoes are built the same, so your insole should complement—not clash with—their design. For cushioned models like the Ghost or Glycerin, look for soft but supportive insoles that won’t bulk up the interior and will provide ample cushioning. Z-Liner insoles fit beautifully here, maintaining the shoe’s plush feel while upgrading support.

Stability models like the Adrenaline GTS or Ariel benefit from firmer, more structured insoles. Brands like SOLE or Powerstep work well without interfering with the GuideRails system.

If you’re lacing up for speed with shoes like the Hyperion or Launch, weight matters. Stick with low-profile inserts—think Currex LOW or similar—that won’t get in the way of your stride or responsiveness.

3. Think About How and Where You Run

If you’re logging more than 40 km a week, your feet take a pounding. That calls for insoles with durable arch reinforcement and long-lasting cushioning. Z-Liners shine here, thanks to their shock-absorbing ZL™ Hexcore technology that stands up to repeated impact.

For trail runners or those dealing with unpredictable terrain, traction and stability take center stage. Seek out insoles with secure heel cups and grip-friendly bases to keep you grounded, even when the path isn’t.

4. Address the Specific Pain You’re Trying to Fix

When it comes to foot pain, specificity matters. Plantar fasciitis or heel discomfort often demands deep heel cradles and firm arch support—both strong suits of Z-Liner and Powerstep insoles.

Dealing with burning forefoot pain? Gel cushioning in the toe area (like what you’ll find in Sidas or Endoto models) can help disperse pressure and ease irritation. And if shin splints or aching knees are your challenge, cushioning and proper motion control become essential—look for insoles with a structured frame that balances support with shock absorption.

5. Break Them In Gradually

Even the best insole needs a little time to sync with your foot. Start slow: wear them for about 30 minutes on the first day, followed by a short 5 km jog on the second. By day three, most quality insoles (Z-Liners included) begin molding to your unique shape and feel like they were made for you.

Some runners feel the difference instantly. Others need a few outings to really break them in. Either way, give your feet the space to adjust—especially before ramping up mileage or tackling a long-distance event.

FAQs

How often should I replace my insoles?

Most high-quality insoles, including Z-Liners, should be replaced every 300–500 miles of running or walking. This typically means every 4 to 6 months for regular runners, or sooner if you begin to notice signs of wear.

Look out for a few key indicators: reduced cushioning, a flattened arch, lingering foot or knee pain after workouts, or persistent odor despite cleaning. These are all signs your insoles may no longer be offering the support your feet need.

Can I switch insoles between shoes?

Yes, switching insoles between shoes is generally fine—as long as the shoes have removable liners and a similar internal shape (last). For the best fit, always use your original insole as a cutting template if you need to trim.

Keep in mind that the insole should lie flat and flush inside the shoe without causing bunching or pressure points, especially under the arch or toes. Z-Liners’ thin and lightweight profile makes them particularly easy to move between different footwear types, from running shoes to work boots.

Are aftermarket insoles better than the ones from Brooks?

In most cases, the standard insoles that come with Brooks shoes provide light cushioning, but they typically lack the structured support and shock absorption that aftermarket options deliver.

Most aftermarket insoles offer extra cushioning, better support, and durable materials than standard stock insoles. Aftermarket insoles also often include adaptive arch support, energy return foam, deeper heel cups, and moisture-wicking layers.

These enhancements can extend the life of your shoes, improve comfort, and help prevent injuries—especially if you’re dealing with high mileage, foot pain, or specific conditions like plantar fasciitis.

Final Verdict

Brooks shoes are some of the best shoes for runners, but the right replacement running insole takes comfort and performance to the next level. In 2025, the Z-Liner Insoles rise above the rest for delivering personalized relief, lasting protection, and a fit that evolves with your stride.

Whether you're recovering from plantar fasciitis, logging 40km weeks, or just seeking more comfort for women’s feet, the right insole can help you run stronger, recover faster, and move pain-free, step after step.