How often do you find your feet hurting after playing a game? Are you still on the hunt for insoles, which will allow you stability and overall comfort? The purpose of an insole is to provide you added comfort. If you’re reading this, you likely need more insole support. 

Athletes may need insoles for several reasons. This can include flat feet, joint pain, or simply increased comfort. Imagine playing a basketball game for the last two hours to finish and realize you can barely walk on your feet. Continually playing in shoes that place strain on your feet is a terrible idea.  This is part of the reason you need an insole.

This article will go in-depth about a variety of information concerning insoles. This includes the best basketball insoles for flat feet, knee pain, and even plantar fasciitis.  We will also cover how you should go about choosing the best insoles for you.

Basketball is a sport that places considerable strain on the body. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that as an athlete, you are taking care of your body in the best way possible. Keep reading for more information on how you should be caring for your feet and the best basketball insoles.

If you want to get back to playing basketball, get our top pick for best basketball insoles here.

Our Favorites for the Best Basketball Insoles

Physix Gear Sport Full Length Orthotic Inserts

Physix Gear offers several insoles, socks, and other materials to aid you in working at your fullest potential. The Physix Gear Sport Full Length Orthotic Inserts are great for many athletes.  This not only includes basketball players but runners, campers, rock climbers, and several others. These insoles provide lasting comfort for people in high-performance scenarios.  

What Makes It Unique:

• These Physix Gear Sport Full Length Orthotic Inserts are an affordable option for athletes looking for high arch support.  If you are someone who suffers from shin splints, or Achilles tendinitis, these are the perfect option for you. 
• These full sport insoles also help in alleviating knee pain, lower back pain, and pain experienced on the bottom of the foot.
• With an ultra-thin design made from medical grade materials, these are good insoles for basketball shoes.  
• These insoles provide shock absorption functionality aids in reducing fatigue, which is experienced in the legs and feet.
• The nonslip heel allows you to feel comfortable in any shoe.  The insoles stay in place regardless of your level of activity. 

Why Choose These Basketball Insoles:

• Many individuals purchasing these Physix Gear Sport Full Length Orthotic Inserts love them so much that they often buy multiples.
• Specific individuals with plantar fasciitis and arch issues say that these significantly reduce the pain they feel within a few days of wearing them. 
• There is no break-in period; however, if you aren’t 100% satisfied with your purchase and the support you receive from these insoles, the manufacturer offers a money-back guarantee.  

---

Powerstep Mens-Adult Pinnacle Insole

Powerstep is a company that provides a multitude of options for foot health.  Their designs are made by podiatrists to allow for maximum benefit. This US manufactured company offers a variety of options for reducing the effects of common issues like stress, joint pain, and common ailments like shin splints and plantar fasciitis. The Powerstep Mens-Adult Pinnacle Insole pulse are two great options for basketball players looking to increase their game with little to no pain. 

What Makes It Unique:

• The Powerstep Pinnacle is excellent for shock absorption and proves a heel cradle and semi-rigid arch support. This option is also an excellent option for motion control.
• These insoles are ideal for treating conditions like ankle and knee pain, as well as over-pronation.
• The Powerstep Mens-Adult Pinnacle Insole come in three options.  These include options for high and low arches, as well as neutral arches. 

Why Choose These Basketball Insoles:

• These insoles offer a high level of quality for moderately low prices. 
• They are podiatrist recommended and loved by several athletes. Many athletes are surprised by just how comfortable they are. 
• These Powerstep Mens-Adult Pinnacle Insole fit snugly in your shoes and do not move around as you walk or run. 
• The durability of a pair is up to how often you choose to use them.  Some users have raved that they have used them every day for lengths up to 1.5 years with no issues. 

---

No products found.

If you are looking for great insoles, the No products found. are highly rated by basketball players all around the world.  They are well known for their adaptive technology and pain-relieving abilities. Though they weigh less than two ounces, they provide extreme stability for athletes.

What Makes It Unique:

• These insoles are 5mm thin and can provide pain relief for ailments like plantar fasciitis and provide full foot alignment. Being that they are so thin, they will not interfere with the wear of your shoes. 
• The No products found. insoles are perfect for basketball players as they allow them to play harder and longer. They create better balance ability on surfaces that are uneven as well as providing the ability to reduce lateral torque.
• These insoles boast a design that contours to the shape of your foot without any heat molding having to be done. 
• These insoles absorb the shock, which can harm your joints and helps your foot to relax.

Why Choose These Basketball Insoles:

• Some individuals say that these insoles cured their plantar fasciitis.  They were the perfect solution after going through several other athletic insoles. 
• These No products found. heavily reduce back pain and even lower leg pain in basketball players. 
• Many purchasers also found that they are great for several hard court sports like tennis or outdoor activities like hiking.  People using them regularly say they generally have a life of 6 months, depending on use.

No products found.

---

The Runner-Ups for the Best Basketball Insoles

Sof Sole Insoles Men's High Arch Performance

Sof Sole is a company that began in 1991, which has become a leading provider for sports-centric footwear accessories.  They now sell insoles like the High Arch performance insole, as well as socks and shoe care items. This Sof Sole Insoles Men's High Arch Performance is designed with high arch individuals in mind for high impact activities; however, they are great for all foot types. 

What Makes It Unique:

• These Sof Sole Insoles Men's High Arch Performance provide high arch support and offer players better stability when running and jumping. If you are looking for enhanced comfort and cushioning, these are the perfect options for you. 
• This design has gel drops and a deep heel for maximum comfort. This heel cup keeps your foot stable and prevents slippage. 
• With the top cover treatment, Sof Sole aims to prevent bacteria growth as well as odor from extensive use. 

Why Choose These Basketball Insoles:

• Many say these insoles have a resemblance to Shock Doctor insoles.  
• Players using these in their basketball shoes say they provide an unparalleled difference, even for athletes with flat feet. 
• Though these are excellent supports, some individuals say that they had to be cut down to size.
• For the lower price point, they provide excellent quality and coverages. 

---

Dr. Scholl’s Sport Insoles

When you think about foot health or general orthotics, Dr. Scholl’s is always a brand that comes to mind.  They have become a household name synonymous with comfort and general pain relief in feet. Dr. Scholl's Sport Insoles are the perfect basketball insoles. They aid in reducing pain and stress on lower joints. 

What Makes It Unique:

• These insoles utilize a gel technology that gently massages the foot as you move. This same technology also keeps you on your feet longer and reduces the stress placed on your legs, knees, and feet.
• The Dr. Scholl's Sport Insoles also have a rugged design that can hold up against high impact.
• These insoles also utilize active performance technology.  This allows for motion control and side to side stability.

Why Choose These Basketball Insoles:

• Many athletes find that these insoles are cheaper than most and offer excellent support and comfort. 
• These Dr. Scholl's Sport Insoles aid in providing relief for shin splits and do not move while inside of your shoe.  It’s essential to be careful when cutting them down as not to cut too much.
• Some athletes even say that after using them, their posture improved as well as the length of time on their feet with no pain. 

---

The Value Picks for the Best Basketball Insoles

SpringBak Athletic Shoe Insoles

SpringBak Athletic Insoles allow players the ability to jump higher and run faster.  Though at first glance, they don’t look like they will provide quality support, many users are greatly mistaken.  These are the perfect insoles for athletes and greatly aid in reducing shin and foot pain. 

What Makes It Unique:

• These inserts feature a recoil technology that returns energy to the wearer.  This is done through compression and a snap back to their original shape.
• These insoles limit the wear and tear that your joints feel.  They provide comfort for long days on and off the court.  

Why Choose These Basketball Insoles:

• These insoles will not automatically increase your basketball performance; however, they will provide more leverage when running and jumping.  They allow you to push yourself to higher physical limits.
• Many athletes with current and past foot injuries rave about how great these are for pain relief in the foot and even legs.

FAQ on Basketball Insoles

What are the Different Types of Basketball Insoles? 

There are three main types of insoles.  These three include molded insoles, comfort insoles, and custom orthotics.  There are several differences with each one, and they each serve a different purpose.  Determining the type of insole you need is pertinent to choosing the best one for you. 

Molded Insoles: Molded insoles can also be referred to as heat-moldable insoles.  These insoles provide comfort and support for people who have low or completely flat arches.  These insoles can mold to the curves and likeness of your feet. The mold can set in minutes, whereas it may take much longer to break non-custom insoles.

Heat moldable: Heat Moldable insoles can be heated in the toaster or oven.  After heating the insole to make it malleable, you would then step into them to let them take your foot’s shape.  You can even manipulate the arch before the insole is cooled. This is an excellent option for basketball insoles as it eliminates the trip to the podiatrist and the expense of custom orthotics.  

Comfort Insoles:  Comfort insoles do precisely what their name entails.  They offer added comfort for the player wearing them. Their ultimate goal is to make you more comfortable while running, walking, or simply being on your feet. Comfort insoles can elevate a basketball shoe to new levels.

Custom Orthotics:  Custom orthotics are like molded insoles; however, they are made by a professional.  Custom orthotics are custom made by a specialist and are doctor recommended. This orthotics type is meant to treat several issues, including irregular motion, plantar fasciitis, and heel pain.

What are the Best Basketball Insoles for Knee Pain?

Knee pain is a consistent complaint of athletes and individuals who do extensive work on their feet.  This pain can often be attributed to issues within your feet. Luckily there are several insole options to aid in reducing or eliminating knee pain. 

The Physix Gear Sport Full-Length Orthotic Inserts with Arch Support for Men & Women is a great insole which alleviates knee pain felt from prolonged activities. They are ultra-thin and designed with medical grade materials. 

The Rx Sorbo Sorbothane Ultra Work Sports Insole is another excellent insole for reducing knee pain.  They provide a layer of Sorbothane for shock absorption as well as having a distinct layer to prevent bacteria growth and odors  

What are the Best Basketball Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis?

Basketball insoles treat several issues, including plantar fasciitis.  If you are unsure of what that is, it is a common disease that affects millions of people in the United States.  Plantar Fasciitis occurs when there is inflamed tissue along the foot. People will often have pain on or near the heel.  The pain will generally be worse during the morning hours. There are several basketball insoles for plantar fasciitis. These insoles include but are not limited to the following.  

Spenco GRF Basketball Insoles are excellent for combatting plantar fasciitis. Though they can be pricey, they were specifically created with athletes in mind.   The insoles utilize a spring-like technology to give basketball players better lift and aid them in jumping higher as well as having shock absorption.  Along with these advantages, they provide stability and arch support.  

Walkhero Plantar Fasciitis Insoles though not solely basketball insoles, they are a great option for players with plantar fasciitis.  However, they primarily appeal to basketball players for their shock absorption ability. They are thick, durable, and the manufacturers offer a full refund if you are not satisfied with their performance.  

ProFoot Orthotic Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain are designed with Plantar Fasciitis in mind. These insoles will fit in almost any shoe and are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association.  They are heel pads that aim to decrease pain brought on by plantar fasciitis and increase performance.

All three of these insoles are great options if you are looking to treat plantar fasciitis. Though they are not the only options, they are some of the most recommended ones. 

Is Arch Support Important for Basketball Insoles?

Arch support is significant for basketball insoles.  How you play, the game is based mainly on the strength of your feet.  If your feet are week, you cannot expect to play a good game. Constant running on hard surfaces over time will cause your arches to fall, which leads to flat feet.  If flat feet are left untreated, it can lead to several other ailments, which at some point can tank your basketball career. These ailments include misalignment in your legs, pain in the knees, heels, and legs, as well as a condition called overpronation.  Having arch support is essential to ensuring this does not happen, which means having a great pair of basketball shoes and, if needed, an excellent pair of insoles.

Do Basketball Insoles Help with Flat Feet?

Yes, the whole point behind adding insoles to your shoes is not only to make them more comfortable but to decrease pain.  Basketball insoles provide added padding and aid in ensuring that your shoes stay firm. If you are someone who has flat feet, adding an insole to your shoe can be an excellent treatment and aid in avoiding critical damage to your feet. Though insoles are small, they are an investment in your future on the court. Playing with a foot condition can be extremely painful, and insoles work to ensure that this pain is alleviated or not felt as strongly as it would be without them.

How are Orthopedic Insoles Different from Basketball Insoles?

Orthopedic Insoles or orthotics are generally a last resort.  Though insoles and orthotics are similar, they offer the extreme difference of being custom made to fit a person’s feet.  They aim to combat the personal ailments of one induvial. They can also be quite pricey. Before receiving a pair of custom orthotics, extensive tests and doctor input is needed.

Orthopedic insoles also aim to combat many different issues that a person may have. Though they can definitely be used to provide arch support and provide comfort, they can do so much more.  Orthopedic insoles can also be used to correct the way some individual walks or stands. They work by spreading the pressure your feet feel evenly around the foot and alter the angle that your foot hits the ground.  

Outside of merely providing comfort, these custom orthopedic Insoles are also used to treat conditions like hammertoes, diabetes, arthritis, back pain, injuries, heel spurs, and more. Due to the range of conditions they may treat, they are far more custom than moldable insoles.  A doctor will not only take a mold of the foot; he/she will also take an impression. This impression is made in a position that is weight-bearing.

Orthopedic insoles also have a longer lifespan than typical basketball insoles. While the orthopedic option may last upwards of 5 years, insoles typically last no more than six months. With orthopedic insoles, you will also see a more immediate change than you usually would with regular insoles. They are prescribed for more constant pain rather than something which may come and go only at certain times.

Do NBA Players Wear Orthotics?

If you’re wondering if NBA players utilize orthotics, the answer is a resounding yes.  With a career centered around being able to run, jump, walk, and sprint taking care of their feet is essential. As a basketball player with a multimillion-dollar contract, would you take a chance on ruining your feet? Or, would you do all you could to ensure they were as healthy as possible?

Players often wear orthotics as they are custom made strictly for their feet. These orthotics are generally shock absorbent and provide treatment for whatever pain or ailment that they need. 

Do Insoles Hurt at First?

As a mechanism designed to provide comfort and accessibility to you, they should not hurt when you put them in.  You should not have to “break-in” an insole. Though your body will need to adjust to the change in wearing them, you should not feel uncomfortable.

When purchasing a new pair of insoles, you should not open the pack and just start wearing them all day every day; you will need to build up to that.  Start by merely practicing in your new insoles for small periods at a time and gradually increase your time wearing them. This allows your ligaments and muscles time to adjust.  You also should wear your new insoles in an older pair of shoes that you are comfortable with. If you buy a new pair of shoes and a new pair of insoles all at once, you may not be aware of what is causing the issue.

Wearing a pair of insoles that are hurting your feet is overall not a good idea.  It may be a better idea to cut your losses and simply look for a new pair of insoles rather than trading pain for pain. 

How to Choose the Best Basketball Insoles for You

Choosing good insoles for basketball can be hard. Before you even begin to choose an insole, you must have some knowledge of your feet. This knowledge is more than just about shoe size.

Our feet are incredibly fragile, and the prolonged stress of basketball can cause you more trouble, sooner than later. Before searching for insoles, you should, of course, be aware of any pre-existing conditions which could be affecting your feet.  These types of conditions include being flat-footed, heel spurs, bunions, etc.  

Before settling on your final insole, there are many questions you should ask yourself. We have listed a few of these below. Use these questions to guide your insole decision.

What type of insole am I looking for? 

There are three basic types of insoles. These three types are custom orthotics, molded insoles, or comfort insoles. All three types were referred to above, rewind if you need a refresher.  Custom orthotics are not something that you may need. A doctor generally prescribes these if you have a severe foot condition or otherwise recommended.  

What do I need my insole to do?  

This is a great question and one that will guide your insole search. You should ultimately know what you are looking to get from your insole. Do you need one that will increase your performance? Are you looking for something which will provide you pain management? Are you looking for joint relief? Your insoles should be comfortable and ultimately make your job as the athlete easier.

Have I had injuries in the past?  Do I have any pre-existing conditions?

One thing you should undoubtedly take into account when looking for new basketball insoles is any current conditions or past issues.  It’s vital to pick insoles that will work in tandem with your basketball shoes to combat things like flat feet or heel pain.

How much am I looking to spend?  

The cost can be a deterring factor in the type of insole you receive and the quality it offers.  Most likely, you have heard the phrase, “you get what you pay for.” This phrase applies in several scenarios, including this one.  Though you may find good cheap insoles, chances are they will not last as long as the more expensive ones. Before beginning your search for basketball insoles, make sure you set a budget.  

Ask yourself what you are willing to spend.  If basketball is your career or you are attempting to make it your career, you will most likely want to spring for a better insole.  If you are someone who plays leisurely and doesn’t have an invested interest in the sport, an excellent cheap insole may be a better fit.  Also, before purchasing an insole, you should try them on inside of the shoes they will be housed in. You will need to check that the price is worth the quality you are paying for.

How long do I need my insoles to last? How often am I playing basketball?  

One thing you should take into account is how often you are playing basketball and how commonly the insoles will be used.  If you are doing more physical activity, likely, your insoles will not last as long. The lifespan of your insole will vary based on the amount of usage it gets. If you are someone who plays basketball every day, seven days a week, it is safe to say that your insole will not last the same amount of time as someone who only plays basketball twice a week. 

Outside of these questions, a few other factors should be taken into consideration when looking to get new insoles.  These include the level of support the insole offers and the thickness of the insole.

Summary of the Best Basketball Insoles

Putting everything together, in this guide we reviewed the following:

Shopping for the good insoles for basketball shoes doesn’t always have to be hard.  If you are looking for an insole to replace your stock Nike basketball insoles, the items on this list are a great place to start. As an athlete, without your feet, you are nothing.

Intense pain and discomfort can severely reduce the amount of time you can play, as well as how well you can play. Playing with constant pain and foot injuries can also take a toll on other parts of the leg and knee if left untreated.  Don’t sabotage yourself by not getting a pair of insoles that will elevate your game.

No products found. insoles, as well as Sof Sole Insoles, can significantly reduce the pain felt from extensive physical activity.  However, if for any reason, you are not fond of the items on this list, don’t worry, the tips we provided above will help you select the best insoles for you. By considering things like past injuries and current foot problems, you can pick the perfect insole for you.  

It’s also important to remember that something which is supposed to provide excessive comfort when performing high impact activity should not hurt.  If your insoles hurt, cut your losses and get a new pair before you create more issues in your feet and joints. Though we hope that you will find a sole on this list which helps you, we know that everyone’s feet and preferences are not the same. Personal preference is a significant deciding factor in the sole you choose.  Happy hunting!

If you found this post helpful, check out our other basketball gear reviews here.

> Best Basketball Socks

> Best Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support

> Best Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet

> Best Women’s Basketball Shoes

> Best Basketball Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis