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- Best Overall – Sof Sole Athlete Performance
- Best Wide Range Options – WALK-HERO Arch Support Insoles
- Best Under $100 – Superfeet Carbon
For some of you who may not know, insoles are a very important factor in your basketball shoes. One of the biggest reasons as to why you must take importance in it is because these keep your foot comfortable and prevent any injury or disorders from happening. Insoles also have the ability to absorb foot pressure whenever you stand, walk, or run. In terms of basketball use, insoles have the ability to improve your game!
Companies that manufacture shoes all give the same recommendations to players which is to wear lightweight sneakers that have minimal support. The lighter the shoes, the better you can maneuver around the court. However, do take note that you have to purchase the right support for your foot. If you happen to choose poorly, well, that’ll make more room for serious foot problems that’ll keep you from moving around the court.
Most often than not, there are better insoles out there than the ones that came in with your awesome pair of LeBron’s. So ditch that insole and try out the insoles we have on our list! These will surely give you the support you need in your ankles, arch, and heel.
This is why we are gladly introducing you to our list of the best basketball insoles! You may scroll down further to see a more detailed review of each insole.
Table of Contents
What Is The Purpose Of An Insole?
The sport of basketball demands a lot from players and that means they must be able to move swiftly all over the court and perform quick movements to pass the opponent’s defense and score a shot. In order for players to execute such movements, they must be equipped with the proper footwear that’ll support their constant actions such as running, jumping, and quick movements.
The insoles that come with the basketball shoes right out of the box are decent enough for casual and occasional games, however, they will not suffice in the long run. For those who are serious about playing basketball, they must look for the appropriate insoles to pair with their basketball shoes. The right insole will be able to provide firm support on the heel with cushioning that’s needed to reduce impact while increasing the support on the arch in order to prevent injuries on the foot’s joints such as overpronation.
If you don’t know what overpronation is, it’s an injury that takes place in the joints of the foot. This happens when the foot rolls too far inward before the person pushes off to move forward. Once this happens, the alignment of the foot will be in shambles and the person will be experiencing a tremendous loss of efficiency in every step he will take.
How Do We Pick The Best Basketball Insole?
Here are some factors you may want to consider before purchasing an insole for your kicks.
- Proper arch support. The purpose of a basketball insole is to provide the player with support. So when you’re about to buy an insole for your shoe, make sure the insole gives enough support on your feet. Find an insole that mimics the contour or shape of your feet. This will ensure that there is enough support being given to your arch.
- Firm support. Avoid soft or cushy foam insoles because these won’t be able to endure the intense impact you’ll get from playing basketball. The best type of basketball insoles are the firm ones and these support the arch very well and also limit overpronation. Moreover, it improves the alignment of your foot and prevents injuries like stress fractures.
- Deep heel cup. For this section, we’ll be talking a little about the anatomy of a person’s foot. Beneath the heel bone is this fatty part that acts as a shock absorber for each step you take. In order for the heel to absorb shock effectively, you must search for a deep heel cup so that it keeps the fatty part centered beneath the heel, only then can the heel absorb shocks properly. Insoles that have deep heel cups also add stability so your form will be kept balanced and your overall performance will most likely improve as well.
Overview Of The Best Basketball Insoles
1. Sof Sole Insoles Men’s Athlete Performance
- 5/5 rating
- Fabric Type: 100% Implus Foam
- Sole Material: Other
- Insole Type: Comfort Insole
- Size: Men’s 11 – 12.5
- Brand: Sof Sole
- Color: Blue
- Material: Synthetic
2. WALK-HERO Arch Support Insoles
- 1/5 rating
- Insole Type: Arch support midsole
- Size: Women’s 6 – 6.5 / Men’s 4 – 4.5
- Brand: WALK-HERO Comfort and Support
- Color: Black, Grey, Blue, Light Blue
- Architecture: High Arch, Low Arch
- Material: Silicone
3. Sof Sole Airr Performance Full-Length Insole
- 5/5 rating
- Fabric Type: 100% Coolmax
- Insole Type: Impact Protection
- Brand: Sof Sole
- Material: Polyurethane sole
4.Superfeet Carbon
- 4/5 rating
- Fabric Type: Lightweight High-Density Foam
- Sole Material: Other
- Size: US Men’s 9.5 – 11 / US Women’s 10.5 – 12
- Brand: Superfeet
- Color: Grey
5. Shock Doctor Active Ultra Insole
- 9/5 rating
- Insole Type: Comfort and Shock Absorption
- Brand: Shock Doctor
The 5 Best Basketball Insoles
1. Sof Sole Insoles Men’s Athlete Performance
4.5/5 Overall Rating
Pros:
Insole has ideal arch support which makes them highly comfortable Cushioning is placed on both the heel and forefoot for comfort Support is really good. This helps eliminate any pain while playing Very durable. These insoles were built to last Stays in place very well so you won’t have to adjust it every now and then
They come in pretty thick. It may not fit some basketball shoesFeet tend to smell on these insoles
What do most people think of this product?
Before I talk about the insole itself I’ll be giving a little bit of background behind the company Sof Sole. This brand has a mission which is to help people customize their footwear for maximum comfort, support, and style. They have claimed that each and every one of their products is designed to bring functionality and comfort in your daily life. They offer a wide array of insoles that adhere to different types of activities and needs of the person.
This insole is from the brand Sof Sole and it’s a full-length gel shoe that improves the comfort and fit of casual and athletic footwear. This specific insole is ideal for walking, cross training, running, jumping, and casual use. It features a contoured Neutral Arch design which caters to most foot types. The cushioning is lightweight and there are gel pads on the heel and forefoot which provides comfort without feeling too bulky. It makes use of this treatment called the Hydrologix moisture-wicking treatment that’s advertised to keep the feet dry and improve its control of temperature and odors. The Sof Sole Insoles Men’s Athlete Performance is available in five trim-to fit sizes for both men’s athletic and casual shoes. The size ranges are: 7-8.5, 9-10.5, 11-12.5, 13-14, and 15-16.
This insole is perfect for those who prioritize comfort when playing. This insole features a gel pad on the heel and forefront area and this helps you keep your foot cushioned all throughout your game. The insole is advertised to keep your feet from getting moist and keeps it dry while you play, all thanks to the Hydrologix moisture technology. However, there have been mixed reviews about this, the majority of them are consumers who often complain that it doesn’t really do anything about keeping moisture out of the insole and the same goes for the odor.
The Neutral Arch feature that this insole has may run too wide for most foot types despite being designed to fit almost every foot type. The great thing about this is that it can be used for both casual use and for sports. So whether you’re a person who just does the normal walk and jog in the morning or you competitively play basketball, this insole would be perfect for you.
You can transition easily due to the flexible arch pad, and do take note that this doesn’t sacrifice your cushioning, so you still get that responsiveness you need on court. These are very durable insoles. They were designed to last for a long time compared to other competitors who seem to have insoles that wear and tear easily after some time, especially when used for basketball.
Overall, Sof Sole is a great brand to kick things off when you’re planning to buy your very first insole. This can dramatically change the way you play your game and make it an even more comfortable experience than it ever was before. Pair this awesome insole with a Klay Thompson shoe to create the perfect combo!
2. WALK-HERO Arch Supports Inserts
4.1/5 Overall Rating
Pros: This is great for those with flat feet because these were specially made to support the arches of your foot Keeps your feet dry at all times It helps eliminate the feeling of pain on your feet after long hours of strenuous activities Great quality and great price It features a deep heel cup which targets those who may suffer from plantar fasciitis. This works well for basketball players who are suffering from this type of pain
For those who are looking for soft and cushioned insoles, this may not be for youHigh arch may not be suitable for everyone because your heel may not feel the court or any impact whatsoever due to the highness of the arch
What do most people think of this product?
The brand behind the Arch Supports Insole is called WALK-HERO. This branding is responsible for creating new insole technology that helps correct overpronation (which is also known or referred to as flat feet). They have claimed that in the past year they have helped change the lives of numerous people with their insoles. More of these people have experienced a more solid support on their feet. These insoles are ideal to help with other feet and heel conditions such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, foot and arch heel pain, and arthritis, knee pain, supination, bunions, overpronation.
This insole was designed to provide support on the arch which gives pain relief through the firm support. This is very comfortable to use all day and makes you extend long hours into doing your activities. Overpronation will be further prevented and controlled and pain will be relieved, these are all possible thanks to the ongoing support of the insole. You won’t feel any type of restrictive force against your feet as this insole provides excellent mobility and makes room for free and easy movement as you maneuver on the court. For the point guard’s out there, we suggest you try these out. Anyways, this is also very breathable on the foot because of the fabric that reduces friction and makes your feet feel cool all day. The insoles are also made out of silicon material which are great for shock absorption and they also reduce foot pressure and relieve soreness all at the same time.
These insoles were designed to fit wider shoes such as boots, basketball shoes, casual shoes, running shoes, and dress shoes. These insoles are advertised to last for more than two years which is considerably pretty long and you can easily replace them again with the same type of insole since they’re quite cheap.
These insoles are pretty easy to set up as well. All you have to do is take out the factory insoles that came in with your basketball shoes. Second, you place the Arch Support Insoles into the shoe. The last step pretty much depends on whether or not the insole fits in your shoes or not, if it doesn’t fit then feel free to trim it along the outline on the bottom of the insole near the toes.
If you’re a person who suffers from the pains of plantar fasciitis then you may want to opt for this insole. This is actually pretty common for basketball players to experience because of how demanding the sport is. The great thing about this insole is that it gets the job done. With the help of the arch support, it keeps your feet aligned with your whole leg. If you’re a player who happens to have flat feet then this will also be perfect for you. One thing you need to know about the sport of basketball, you always land on your heels, a lot. So the deep heel cup will save your heel from sudden impacts. Another thing, it keeps your feet dry and free from sweat.
Overall, for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis and have flat feet, this would be the perfect insole for you. It gives a very good support on the arch of your feet and helps the foot in maintaining its alignment with the whole leg. However, if you don’t like firm insoles and a high arch, then this insole is probably not suitable for you.
3. Sof Sole Airr Performance Full-Length Insole
4.5/5 Overall Rating
Pros: Offers great impact protection which is great for basketball players Offers great impact protection which is great for basketball players Features a moisture-wicking property that prevents sweat Soft cushioning Very comfortable to wear for long periods of time Has minimal to no chance of getting any foul odor
Sizing may not be accurate sometimes. Make sure to double check the measurements of your shoesToo thick for other people
What do most people think of this product?
Another insole from Sof Sole is the type that caters to impact protection. This is an important thing for people to have in their shoes, specifically, athletes. A basketball player always does vigorous movements and these take a toll on the feet. The feet must have enough impact protection in order to prevent injuries from happening. This is why the Sof Sole Airr Insole features an encapsulated chamber in the heel and arch, as well as Polymer Gel on the forefoot, these features greatly improve the impact protection on your feet and are very effective when it comes to shock absorption.
It’s also equipped with a Coolmax fabric that has a moisture-wicking property which means you don’t have to worry about your feet getting too sweaty. The Skydex technology creates an ideal environment for your foot because of the air capsules it has which are present in both the hell and arch. These come in handy especially in basketball because it converts impact to kinetic energy. The colorways of the insoles are neutral so it can be paired with almost any type of shoe. The insole was designed to be thinner so that it would be able to fit into various athletic shoes. The footbed is made out of polyurethane for full-comfort.
Like any basketball player, comfort and impact protection are essential things that their shoes must have. If these are absent in their arsenal then that would be a very big problem because that will make room for more injuries and may possibly damage your feet for a long time. Being an athlete, you must not let that happen. This is why the Sof Sole Airr Insole is the perfect type for basketball players who want added impact protection.
Overall, these shoes are really great for impact protection. If you want to prevent injuries then purchase this insole immediately. Plus, it keeps moisture away so you won’t feel discomfort during a heated game, literally. Comfort, durability, and affordability are just some of the things that make this insole worthwhile.
4. Superfeet Carbon
4.4/5 Overall Rating
Pros: Carbon fiber feature is light and durable Has an anti-odor feature Supportive arch and heel cup
Quite expensive
What do most people think of this product?
Our 4th insole has over 8,000 reviews and has received a rating of 4.5 from loyal consumers. The brand behind the successful launch of this insole is Superfeet. The thing that makes this insole so special is its Carbon Fiber, we would like to say right off the bat that this feature is the main highlight of the insole itself and here’s why. The Carbon Fiber is a breakthrough design combined with an ultralight foam which makes it a high-performance insole.
This insole is ideal for athletes that dedicate themselves to their sport, take basketball for example, this sport demands a lot from players which is why basketball players should take the time and check this insole out. It gives the player a lightweight experience to move quickly around the court, plus, the ultralight foam layer it has is highly durable! The orthotic shape and low-volume design the insole has can help improve the fit and feel of some tight basketball shoes. It has a beveled foam edge that improves the fit on tighter footwear as well.
Overall, if you want to spice things up with your insole then definitely try these out! Basketball players will surely enjoy the springiness it provides! Plus, anti-odor feature so you won’t have to worry about odors when things start to get heated up on the court.
5. Shock Doctor Active Ultra 2 Insole
3.9/5 Overall Rating
Pros: Ideal for those who have plantar fasciitis Has an adaptive arch technology which makes them a versatile option for many Offers type support Features a shock absorption technology that protects our whole foot when doing various activities Has great cushioning which is important if you’re an athlete that plays an intense sport like basketball
Not enough toe padding on the toe areaA bit thick for most people
What do most people think of this product?
The insole that Shock Doctor has designed is the type that has the ability to adapt quickly to any type of shoe or foot shape. These serve a purpose of giving the wearer an improved fit, very good shock absorption, stability, and support. For athletes, they know that these are essential features that insoles must have in order to make them perform at their best level and they get to minimize the pain they feel on their feet. This insole has a lot of features to offer and the first one being the Adaptive Arch Technology, this one has the ability to flex vertically and horizontally which makes it able to adapt to any kind of foot shape in order to get that perfect fit, protection, and shock absorption.
It also utilizes a Biomechanical Contoured Design which adheres to the shape of your feet for superior comfort and support. We can’t stress enough how important this is. Besides, can athletes really play for long periods of time without getting the support and comfort they need? This is why we keep reiterating how important insoles are. Anyways, another feature this shoe has is the Full-Foot High-Rebound Foam. if you get tired and feel pain easily when you play, then this feature will take all of that away and provide you with 20% rebound which is more than what standard insoles have.
It has a lightweight support cap that creates better balance on uneven surfaces, a full-foot control bartm for proper alignment and reduction of lower body joint stress, additional cushioning on the forefoot, heel, and midfoot for absorbing shocks more efficiently and prevention of plantar fasciitis, and lastly an anti-microbial top-cover that reduces friction and controls the odor of the feet.
Setting up this insole in your shoe is pretty easy. First you remove the factory insole inside your basketball shoe and then insert the Shock Doctor Active Ultra 2 Insole. Pretty easy so far, right? The next step is trimming. This is optional and it will depend on the fit of the insole in your shoe. Use your previous insole as a guide and then trim your Shock Doctor insole. Breaking-in these insoles will take up to 7 days in order for it to adapt to your foot shape.
Overall, this insole stays true to its advertised features, however, do take note that this doesn’t have enough padding on the toe area and it’s a bit thick as well. The pros outweigh the cons though so we recommend you try this out!
