Objective To understand relevant characteristics of foot soles in older adults during walking through three types of insoles, so as to provide references for current design of the insoles for older adults, as well as theoretical basis for the manufacturers’ production. Methods A total of 25 physically and mentally healthy older adults were selected. They put on Pedar-x plantar stress test equipment, and performed walking test on a treadmill at the speed of 4 km/h, so as to obtain the plantar force, pressure and pulse. The subjective feedback from the subjects were obtained through questionnaire survey. Results There was a very significant difference between insole A and insole C in the average score of soft and hard liking and rebound strength of rear feet (P<0.01). The maximum force and average pressure of insole C in each plantar region were significantly lower than those of insole A and insole B (P<0.01). The impulse of insole C from M1 region (heel) to M7 region (2nd-5th phalanx) was lower than that of insole A and insole B, and there was a significant difference in M1 region (heel) (P<0.05). The impulse of insole A and insole C in M2 region (lateral arch) had a significant difference (P<0.05), and the impulse of insole B and insole C in M5 region (2nd-4th metatarsal) also had a significant difference (P<0.01). Conclusions Changing the insole design can effectively interfere with plantar pressure of older adults during walking. Polyurethane foam material is suitable for the insole of older adults. Adding gel shock absorber in front foot and heel of the insole can effectively reduce high pressure of older adults during walking. However, the physical thickness of the front, middle and rear part of the insole is different, which is easy to cause foot fatigue of older adults during walking.