Not yet bench-tested. This guide was written by Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS from clinical experience and moved to Podiatrist Tested from the practice’s patient library. The products named here have not been measured or worn under the Podiatrist Tested standard, so no scores and no Seal appear on this page. Tested reviews replace these recommendations as they are published.
Podiatrist Tested is reader-supported. Links to Amazon are affiliate links; commissions never influence a recommendation or a score. Read the independence policy.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what Currex vs Powerstep insoles means and what actually works.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
The most important clinical decision with Currex Vs Powerstep Insoles isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything.
Quick Answer
Watch: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
▶ Watch
📋 Dr. Tom Also Recommends
Podiatrist Recommended Orthotics 2026: Dr. Tom’s Top 10 Insoles & Arch Supports
A podiatrist’s complete clinical guide to the best insoles — custom orthotics, OTC picks, and what actually works for plantar fasciitis, flat feet, neuropathy & more.
Read the Full Guide →
Two of the most popular podiatrist-recommended insoles go head-to-head. In this comparison, Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM breaks down CURREX RunPro vs. PowerStep — covering arch support, cushioning, best use cases, and which patients he recommends each one to.
Quick Verdict
CURREX RunPro — Best for runners and athletes who need dynamic, biomechanically tuned support. PowerStep Pinnacle — Best for everyday plantar fasciitis relief and patients needing firm arch support in regular shoes.
CURREX RunPro: Built for Performance
CURREX RunPro insoles use a patented dynamic arch concept — the insole actually flexes with your foot’s arch during the gait cycle. Available in LOW, MED, and HIGH arch profiles. Lightweight TPU shell (28g), deep heel cup, and moisture-wicking top cover make it the top choice for runners logging 20+ miles per week.
View CURREX RunPro on Amazon →
PowerStep Pinnacle: The Plantar Fasciitis Workhorse
The #1 podiatrist-recommended OTC insole in the United States. Semi-rigid polypropylene shell, plush VCT® top cover, angled heel platform, and trim-to-fit design. My go-to recommendation for patients with plantar fasciitis who work on their feet all day — teachers, nurses, retail workers.
View PowerStep Pinnacle on Amazon →
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | CURREX RunPro | PowerStep Pinnacle |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Running, sports, high mileage | Everyday wear, plantar fasciitis |
| Shell stiffness | Flexible / dynamic | Semi-rigid / firm |
| Arch profiles | LOW / MED / HIGH options | Medium arch (one profile) |
| Weight | Very light (28g) | Moderate |
| Dr. Biernacki rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for runners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for daily wear |
Which Should You Choose?
- You run 15+ miles/week → CURREX RunPro (match your arch height)
- You have plantar fasciitis and wear regular shoes → PowerStep Pinnacle
- You’re a runner WITH plantar fasciitis → CURREX in running shoes, PowerStep in casual shoes
Ready to Get Expert Foot Care?
Get Dr. Tom’s Free Lab Test Guide
Discover the 5 lab tests every person over 35 should ask their doctor about — explained in plain English by a board-certified physician.
Download Your Free Guide →
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Get Directions →
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Get Directions →
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, and Dr. We perform on-site diagnostic ultrasound, digital X-ray, conservative care, advanced regenerative treatments, and minimally invasive surgery when indicated.
In Our Clinic
The patients we see for custom orthotic consultations usually fall into two groups. First are athletes — runners, hikers, basketball players — looking to correct a biomechanical asymmetry they’ve identified themselves or their coach has flagged. Second are middle-aged patients with chronic plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, or early arthritis who have exhausted over-the-counter inserts. Our process begins with a 3D foot scan plus a gait-video analysis on our in-office treadmill. We select materials based on activity — a stiffer carbon composite for performance running, a softer plastazote top cover for diabetic patients, a semi-rigid polypropylene for everyday wear. Most patients adapt in 2–4 weeks.
Most Common Mistake We See
The most common mistake we see is: Wearing new orthotics all day from day one. Fix: break-in schedule of 2 hours on day one, adding 2 hours per day until full-day tolerance.
Warning Signs That Need Same-Day Care
- New sharp pain under the arch that did not exist before
- Skin breakdown over pressure points
- Diabetic patient with any new pressure spot
- Worsening of original symptoms after 4 weeks
More Custom Orthotics Guides from Dr. Tom
- Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction Conservative Treatment: Orthotics Bracing and Physical Therapy
- Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD): Staging, Orthotic Management, and Reconstructive Surgery
- Midfoot Arthritis: Lisfranc Arthritis, Primary OA, and When to Fuse vs. Manage with Orthotics
Watch: Dr. Tom explains
Podiatrist-recommended products
As an Amazon Associate, Dr. Tom earns from qualifying purchases.
PowerStep Pinnacle OrthoticsSemi-rigid PowerStep favored for PF and moderate pronation.
View on Amazon → Metatarsal PadsAdd-on for either brand when forefoot cushion is needed.
View on Amazon → FlexiKold Gel PackIce the arches during the break-in period for either brand.
View on Amazon → Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain ReliefTopical relief during insole adaptation.
View on Amazon →Related resources
- Podiatrist Orthotic Picks
- Custom vs OTC
Ready to solve this? Book today.
Dr. Tom’s CURREX vs PowerStep Selection Protocol
- CURREX RunPro — Runners needing dynamic support: CURREX RunPro adapts its arch profile to your specific foot strike pattern — for runners who need biomechanical correction that responds to heel strike, midstance, and push-off forces. The premium running insole choice. ($15-18/sale)
- PowerStep Pinnacle — Walking, standing, and everyday use: PowerStep Pinnacle provides firm, static medial arch support — superior to CURREX for non-runners who need consistent correction throughout the day without dynamic adaptation.
- Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel — Foot pain during the insole transition period: arnica + camphor gel applied to the arch and heel reduces the adaptation soreness when switching from no support to clinical-grade insole correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for plantar fasciitis?
The shoe with more cushioning and a stronger rocker typically wins for plantar fasciitis. See full comparison for our specific verdict.
Which lasts longer?
Both options typically last 300-500 miles for runners or 9-12 months for daily walkers. Material durability varies; check our detailed comparison.
Which is better for flat feet?
Flat feet need stability or motion control. The neutral option is not ideal unless paired with a custom orthotic.