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Nothing takes you farther in a basketball game better than comfort. And for such high-contact sports as basketball, protection is equally important. To treat yourself with both, or if you are dealing with any injury that could tank your performance, you need a pair of the best basketball insoles.
Gone are the days when insoles were meant for comfort and fitting only. Professional-grade insoles approved by medical boards offer strategic arch support and weight distribution while you run and jump. Especially for conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat foot, tendon, and ligament injuries, you need medical-grade insoles for your basketball shoes to perform sufficiently.
This article lists and reviews top 9 basketball insoles that will protect you against the injuries caused by excessive ankle movements, and help you perform better.
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Product
Why Choose?
Score
Check The Price
Spenco Total Support Max Shoe Insoles
Best Overall
(4.7 / 5)
Sof Sole Insoles
Best Alternative
(4.6 / 5)
Superfeet GREEN High Arch Support Orthotic Shoe Inserts
This pair of full-length insoles are the favorite among basketball players who want to keep the overpronation and excessive mediolateral movements of the heels and ankles. The arch is firm and tough and the additional 3-POD system provides some extra stability and shock absorption.
Two blue pods in the heels and a single stiff red pod in the mid-foot area provide a perfectly safe and sufficient range of motion. The SpenCore foot crash pad provides the cushion for safe landing and the spring effect for better performance while running.
This pair of insoles is not all tough and stiff, it also uses a soft EVA foam layer for comfort. It also helps the foot and its high-pressure points conform effortlessly with the shape of the insole. There are fine perforations in the forefoot area of the insole, which provides ventilation and air crossing effect which keeps your feet clean, cool, and dry.
To enjoy the benefits of prevention and healing of foot injuries, these insoles should fit snugly with your shoes. Unlike other athletic insoles that run smaller than the standard sizing, this one tends to be bigger. We recommend sizing down, especially if you fall in the smaller size range.
Pros
The soft EVA foam layer provides a cushion
These insoles align seamlessly with the feet and shoes
Perforations allow crossing of the air
3-POD system for restriction of excessive movement
These insoles can be used casually and for athletics alike due to their neutral arch and moderate heel cups. Since these insoles use gel pads and medium-level cushioning throughout the length, they won’t bulk inside your shoe.
The gel pads also provide a seamless impact absorption when you land back on the ground from a high jump or when you are running the fastest you can. The neutral arch goes with all foot types, so no worries there either.
The hydrologic moisture-wicking treatment keeps your feet and the soles dry and free from the stinking odor. Sof Sole insoles are lightweight, neither too thick nor too thin, and offer incredible support and stability. Besides, due to the gel padding which doesn’t wear out easily, these insoles are durable enough as well.
This pair of insoles are not the most specialized orthotic insoles but for those who are looking for mediocre support and stability with comfort and durability, Sof insoles can be just the right option.
Pros
Hydrologic moisture management
Gel and foam cushions which are durable
The heel cup provides stability
Versatile; suits all kinds of foot shapes and purposes
If you would prefer to go for a reputable brand, and full feet support, these professional-grade SUPERFEET orthotic shoe inserts are what you need.
Basketball players are definitely going to love this full foot support made from high-density foam, and that too with an additional stabilizer cap at the base of the heel. This high-volume support and stability help those with flat foot or high foot arches as it provides structure and shape.
The deep heel cup, due to the base-layer stabilizer cap holds the feet in shape and provides optimum shock absorption. The closed-cell foam layer provides a cushion for the high-stress regions of the foot to land on and also protects against external impacts.
The foam makeup allows you to cut or trim the insoles nicely to fit any type of shoe and foot shape. The support, stability, alignment, and comfort are top-notch, but we feel that the insoles are not tough enough to last for years of your basketball games.
SUPERFEET is known for making professional-grade athletic insoles for flat feet, and plantar fasciitis and that provide overall support and stability for basketball players.
These premium insoles come with the same stability and comfortable foam material as the SUPERFEET green and orange ones, but with a thinner and softer structure.
The arch is not as high as in the other SUPERFEET insole variants and is made for a narrow and tight fitting. The insoles, however, use the same high-density foam for cushion and comfort effect in a low-volume insole.
These also use a heel cup, which is a bit less deep than the other SUPERFEET variants. This option is suitable for those who want to play basketball with flat feet or mild injuries. The reinforced stabilizer base provides extra support and stability to reduce stress on the more vulnerable parts of the foot.
Pros
Orthotic shape and structure; suitable for injuries and flat foot
If you are interested in something springier for your basketball shoes, the New Balance orthotic shoe inserts can help you out.
These insoles are perfect for both men and women who are looking for a lightweight and cushioned structure for comfortable basketball performance.
The double layer of foam won’t let your feet and ankles fatigue. Due to its thin and lightweight structure, this pair of insoles go just fine with all kinds of shoes, whether casual or athletic. The heel and the metatarsal joint cushion soften the impact and keep the foot a few nanometers above the underfoot.
The arch is comfortable and flexible so that it conforms and adapts to the motion of the feet. The firm support and cushioning of the insoles ensure durability.
At the same time, this also means that you will be wearing them for a few hours every day to finally get used to the arch support. But once you transition, running and jumping with these insoles feel like walking on air!
Pros
Double foam layer for comfort
Heel and metatarsal joint cushions for the spring effect
This is another pair of full-length insoles, but these come from a reputable brand trusted by podiatrists. These insoles have been designed to provide firm support to the feet with neutral arches. For this purpose, PowerStep has structured the insole with a firm shell and deep heel cup. The heel platform is also a bit angled to relieve the pressure on the big toe while you walk or run.
The mid-foot support along with the strong arch and angled heel cup prevents overpronation and helps the healing process for any previous injuries. The sizes are perfect, almost made-to-fit. However, you should expect a transition period to get used to all-day support of these arched insoles.
The insoles use a double EVA foam layer for the cushion and comfort you need while performing on a basketball court. The polyester fabric layer on top is there to provide ventilation and keep the sole of the foot dry.
These insoles are true to the size chart and are suitable for both men and women. One downside that we have seen with the PowerStep Maxx insoles is that the top polyester fabric layer tends to come off and peel after excessive use, which gets annoying.
Otherwise, quality and durability-wise, and performance-wise, these insoles can be your best shot!
Pros
Perfect sizing; no need for trimming
EVA foam layer for cushion and comfort
Firm support for neutral arched feet
The particular structure and design help prevent overpronation injuries
Due to their lightweight construction and strategic support at the right areas of the feet, these Soul Insole orthotic insoles can help heal heel pain due to plantar fasciitis or over-pronation. Also, they offer support only to the concerned areas of the foot, not the whole of it.
These are medical-grade gel insoles that are gentle on the soles of your feet, guiding them in a perfect alignment. This helps the body align better from the ground up to the lower back and upper spine.
These shoe bubble orthotic insoles can fit perfectly fine with every type of shoe, thanks to their minimalist and lightweight design.
Soul Insole is using non-porous, skin-friendly memory gel that maintains its arch shape even after years of using them. This premium material also resists odor and sweat. What makes it the best for plantar fasciitis is that it provides just the right support and comfort to the arch.
The loveliest feature of this pair of insoles is that they are easy to place in the shoes – peel and stick! They are easy to clean and maintain as well. Wash with water and the adhesive back will be as fresh as new.
These insoles may not be coming from a big, fat brand or for a big, fat price tag. Their low-profile design which produces results is what brings them on this list!
Pros
These insoles avoid unnecessary support and bulking
Medical grade gel which is durable and odor-resistant
The peel-and-stick design makes them versatile and easy to use
Easy to clean and wash
Minimum break-in period
Cons
Soul Insole is still a new brand working its way up!
This pair of insoles feature an accentuated arch and a deep heel cup and that is why these WALKHERO foot insoles are often recommended for flat feet that need arch support. The thick midsole is ideal for basketball players dealing with plantar fasciitis.
This sole is firm and thick and has been manufactured using durable EVA foam. The deep heel and the high arch protect against the pounding impacts while running. This firm arch and heel shape also keep your feet in an ideal position in order to distribute the body weight evenly and prevent foot pain.
This accentuated arch support is also recommended for people with flat feet, as this can help them run, jog, and play. The premium EVA foam also keeps you cool, but there are some downsides that you should know about these WALKHERO insoles.
Due to their unique shape and construction, these soles do not fit all shoe types and sizes. The high arch area cannot retain its shape and form for long as it is made from foam. But we rate WALKHERO five stars for their customer service. You will always get a reasonable solution if you do not like your pair of WALKHERO insoles – it’s a no-risk purchase!
Pros
A no-risk purchase
A high arch is recommended for flat feet
Provides sufficient impact protection while playing
WALKOMFY Pain relief insoles are here with some of the most excellent features of the premium basketball insoles, but for a much nicer price. These have been specially designed to help with your foot, heel, and knee pains.
The central budge is rock solid, and it provides the required arch support for proper weight stabilization. The heel cup does the same by embracing the heel. Together, these help with knee and foot pains without your having to stay away from basketball for weeks.
You may feel the solid arch, the heel cup, and the solid support a bit annoying in the beginning. However, that is the science behind this insole helping your joint pains. You will have to acclimatize your body with a certain foot alignment, especially when you are playing basketball.
The front portion of the insole features a metatarsal pad support in addition to the EVA foam layer throughout the insole. This ensures comfort and cushion for the weight-bearing feet.
On top of everything, the WALKOMFY pain relief insole pair is a no-risk purchase. You can always contact their customer service and ask for returns, refunds, and exchanges!
Pros
Maximum support and stability
Metatarsal support pad for comfort
No-risk purchase
Effective against pain in the weight-bearing joints
Cons
These insoles will need a break-in period
Choosing Best Basketball Insoles – Our Buying Guide
You should consider the following factors when buying basketball insoles:
Support
The support and stability are the main reasons we are getting basketball insoles and these should be your top priorities. Your basketball insoles should provide a comfortable and stable alignment to the feet for that perfect balance and stability that you need.
If your feet have a high arch, prefer insoles with accentuated mid-foot arches. Arched insoles with deep heel cups are also suitable for those with flat feet, but most of them prefer moderate or neutral arches.
For support, balance, and stability, the insoles should be firm and tough. The best ones take time to adjust with your feet and shoes for comfort, but they definitely go a long way!
Thickness and Material
It really depends on personal preference and comfort whether you should go for a lightweight and thin insole or a thick and firm one. If you are looking for comfort and shock absorption only, lightweight, thin basketball insoles will do.
But if you are looking for heavy-duty support with a deep heel cup and protection against overpronation injuries, you should opt for thicker insoles with high arches. EVA foam is one such sturdy material used for durable and stiff arched insoles, and it does not compromise comfort either.
Size and Fit
Some insoles need to be cut and trimmed to better fit your feet and shoe shape. Most of them run smaller or larger than the standard sizing charts, so sizing and fitting are important factors to consider before buying the best basketball insoles for your feet.
If insoles don’t fit snug and comfortable, you may end up with discomfort instead of the stability and support they are supposed to offer.
Durability
Basketball insoles are not the cheapest, because obviously, most of them are medical-grade tools designed to provide you with magical stability, comfort, and pain relief. So, whenever you make this investment for yourself, make sure you look for durability.
EVA foam is the most popular material being used in basketball insoles for its cushion and firm nature. Looking for a good brand name that makes insoles for a reasonable price can also ensure that you get a high-quality pair of insoles.
Also, some brands’ warranties and flexible returns policies also speak for their confidence in their quality. You can use that to judge whether a pair of insoles is worth your money or not!
Break-in Period
If you are already using a pair of insoles for playing basketball, you may have to keep using them for the most part of the day before buying new ones. Some basketball insoles are so firm and tough, and they feel uncomfortable in the beginning, that you will need to wear them a few hours a day to acclimatize your body.
Some of the most durable and firm arch supporting insoles come with a break-in period of weeks. If you are looking for an immediate solution and basketball cannot wait, you should go for insoles with a minimum or zero transition period.
Best Basketball Insoles – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do Professional basketball players wear insoles?
Professional NBA players have started to acknowledge publicly that they use orthotics. These insoles play an important role in increasing their overall performance while preventing them from overextension and overpronation injuries.
Can you play basketball with flat feet?
Yes. You can play basketball with flat feet. However, to facilitate your performance and running, professional-grade insoles can really help. You can simply use the basketball insoles or the medical-grade ones with medium to neutral arch and heel cups.
Final Thoughts
The shape of your feet and the structure of your shoes also play an important role in how comfortable you are with a certain pair of insoles. So, sometimes, you may have to try one or two insoles before knowing what works for your heel, or ankle pain and comfort. This list of the best basketball insoles will definitely help you pick the right pair of insoles.
