Basketball players typically invest quite a lot of money in their shoes, but what most people don’t know that even the priciest pairs of sneakers aren’t as comfortable after a couple of training sessions at the court.
If you’ve been experiencing pain or discomfort, you should probably upgrade your insoles instead of spending fortunes on new pairs of shoes.
Today we are going to talk about some of the best insoles for basketball players, provide a comprehensive buying guide, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the topic.
Without any further ado, let’s dive into the reviews.
Best Basketball Insoles
Enertor Performance Insoles
We’re starting off big with Enertor’s performance insoles. In short, these insoles may be the most expensive set in our review, but they offer the ultimate level of comfort and versatility atop perfect cushioning and impact absorption.
First and foremost, Enertor’s insoles feature the patented D30 material that can be found in the shoes of none other than Usain Bolt, so it’s pretty safe to say that they’ll fit basketball players nicely.
Furthermore, these insoles are remarkably thin, but they’re also incredibly sturdy and are supposed to last nearly seven times as much as similarly priced models.
Overall, Enertor’s performance insole set is the ultimate Jack of all trades that has a single drawback – it costs just a little bit more than average.
Pros:
- Features the unique D30 shock-absorbing material
- Ultimate level of versatility and comfort
- Nearly impervious to wear and tear
- Super thin profile
Cons:
- Pretty expensive
Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx
Next up we have Powerstep’s Pinnacle Maxx insoles; these insoles feature anti-microbial polyester material and a sole made of top-quality synthetic, they offer full-length and full-foot support, covering the arch, ball of foot, and heels while also providing extra ankle support.
What’s more, these insoles feature double-layer shock-absorbing EVA base equipped with variable cushioning, which makes them substantially more comfortable for use over extended periods of time. This is especially important for longer sport matches, obviously including basketball, football, and rugby.
They also sport a universal fit, which means that they can be used with every kind of shoe, regardless of the size. The Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx insoles are just a tad pricier than regular insoles, but they’re beyond great for the money.
Pros:
- Universal fit
- Helps with calluses, plantar fasciitis, heel pain and hammertoes
- Excellent cushioning
- Comfortable even after extended periods of time
Cons:
- Pricey
Sof Sole Men’s Airr insole
Here we have Sof Sole’s Airr Insole set; these insoles are available in several shoe sizes, ranging from Men’7 through 8.5, 9, 10.5 and 13 to Men’s 14, and they’re among the most comfortable athletic insole models available on the market.
This insole set features air bubbles made of Skydex implanted on the heel & arch areas that provide a drastic boost to their comfort rating while also absorbing impact and shock. What’s more, the Sof Sole’s Airr Insoles feature Coolmax fabric on the top that helps repel moisture and heat build-up.
The only thing that you might not like so much about these insoles is that they’re a bit stiff in the arch area, but they’re still incredibly comfortable and supportive.
Pros:
- Exceptionally comfortable to wear
- Coolmax fabric on the top
- Boasts moisture wicking properties
- Great shock absorption and cushioning
Cons:
- Stiff arch area
Storelli SpeedGrip Insoles
Storelli’s Speed Grip Insoles are excellent for heavy sweaters as they feature built-in suede materials that wick away moisture and odours while also providing a much tighter grip. They offer superb comfort due to excellent cushioning, and what’s even more important is that they are thin as a piece of paper.
Wearing Storelli’s Speed Grip insoles will not feel much different from wearing your regular shoes at first, but you will certainly be able to reap the huge array of benefits that they bring to the table.
Superb all-day wearing comfort and reduced heat build-up are just some of the most notable advantages that they will be able to provide for you.
The only thing that is both convenient and inconvenient in a way is that these insoles feature relatively long insertion ‘strips’; on one hand, these should be used to pull the insoles out when you are not using them, but on another hand, they might feel a bit odd at first to some people.
Pros:
- Ultra-thin profile
- Exceptional build quality
- Superb grip
- Customized fit
Cons:
- The insertion strips might feel uncomfortable until you get accustomed to them
X-Muscle Shoe Insoles
Next up is X-Muscle’s Shoe Insoles; these mid-priced insoles are outfitted with patented UD foam technology that features motion responsive material, allowing you to feel as much comfort while you’re active.
These insoles also sport grapheme-compound fabric that boasts superior breathability and moisture-wicking properties, making them an excellent choice for basketball players, football players, and athletes in general.
Some of the most notable benefits of X-Muscle’s shoe insoles include the fully adaptive fit, incredible responsiveness, and impeccable shock absorption, but they’re also significantly more comfortable and durable in comparison to average sport insoles.
Pros:
- Adaptive fit
- Exceptionally responsive UD Foam inserts
- Grapheme-compound construction
- Durable and exceptionally slim
Cons:
- Mediocre ankle support
Superfeet FLEX Comfort Insoles
The Superfeet’s FLEX comfort insoles are, just like their name suggests, one of the most flexible insole sets for athletes on the current market.
They feature ventilated forefoot that remains breathable and comfortable even after hours of jumping and running, and their dynamic shape ensures that every bit of your feet is covered, providing optimal protection at all times.
These insoles are made of top-shelf synthetic materials and offer much in terms of stress reduction, foot support and cushioning. Additionally, they’re a bit thicker than average, which means that they’re also sturdier and able to absorb greater volumes of impact and shock.
Pros:
- Made of high-quality synthetic materials
- Unparalleled flexibility
- Dynamically shaped, superior responsiveness
- Highly comfortable and brethable
Cons:
- Thicker than average
Spenco Polysorb Walker/Runner
Spenco’s Polysorb Walker/Runner insoles are relatively simplistic; this model boasts a unisex type design and is available in six shoe size options, it’s made of ultra-light and durable nylon material, and it features four-way stretch fabric that keeps the odours at bay while preventing any blisters from emerging.
These insoles are made of the patented Spencore material that offers exquisite impact absorption and cushioning properties. However, instead of targeting specific areas these insoles offer ‘overall’ cushioning and protection.
They’re versatile and nearly weightless, and what makes them so good for the money is the fact that they remain comfortable even after they are ‘kicked in’.
Pros:
- Exceptional level of comfort and versatility
- Basically weightless
- Made of patented Spencore material
- Prevents blisters and wicks odours away
Cons:
- These insoles do not target specific areas for additional protection or support
MegaComfort MS M1011/W1213 MegaSole Gel Memory Layer Foam Insole
Our next pick is MegaComfort’s MS M1011 MegaSole; basically, this insole set features gel infused heel and arch areas while the ball of foot area is drilled with miniature holes for extra breathability.
Some of the most notable features that these insoles are outfitted with are the patented dual-layer memory-foam technology and Silver-Ion technology that offers both anti-odour and anti-perspiration properties.
Additionally, MegaComfort’s MS M1011 MegaSoles sport temperature-regulating features that drastically reduce heat and sweat build-up. They are machine washable and are both ultra light and ultra thin.
The cushioning and support MegaComfort’s MS M1011 MegaSole offers is almost unparalleled in comparison to similarly priced models; further on that note, these insoles are actually pretty cheap as well.
Pros:
- Highly durable construction
- Available at a very attractive price
- Easy to wash and maintain
- Breathable and comfortable for all-day wearing
Cons:
- Slightly less cushioning in the ball of foot area
Silica Gel Sport Shoe Insole
Silica’s Gel-sport shoe insoles are among the finest budget insoles for basketball players. They offer high-impact five-spring cushioning that helps jumpers absorb unparalleled volumes of shock and impact; furthermore, they are infused with Silica gel that massages the feet while also improving comfort and cushioning.
Apart from being absolutely great for physically active people and athletes, these insoles also work like a charm for people who are struggling with Achilles tendonitis, hip pain, knee stress or plantar fasciitis.
They do not directly mend the aforementioned areas, but they offer enhanced support to them, soothing the pain and preventing further injuries.
These insoles are remarkably light and sturdy, but they’re also just a bit bulkier than average, which might make them a tad less comfortable for day-to-day usage.
Pros:
- Silica gel infusion
- Five-spring massaging technology
- High-impact cushioning
- Available at a bargain price
Cons:
- Bulky construction
Dr. Scholl’s Running Insoles
Our final pick is Dr. Scholl’s running insoles; they offer triple-zone protection that can reduce the total amount of shock by up to 40%, which means that you’ll be able to delay both pain and fatigue until your game or training is done.
They are exceptionally comfortable and they sport Sweat Max technology that helps reduce odour and sweat build-up. Furthermore, they’re the most affordable insole set in our review, so if you are on a cash strapped budget you might want to take them in consideration.
Pros:
- Triple-zone protection
- Lowers sweat and heat build-up
- Great for athletes that suffer from leg and foot-based pain
- Very comfortable to wear
Cons:
- Do not offer universal fit
Best Basketball Insoles Buying Guide
Basketball insoles are slightly different from regular ones, and you only have to pay attention to several factors, such as:
Shock absorption
Definitely one of the most important aspects of a quality pair of basketball insoles is their ability to absorb shock and impact. Basketball players run and jump for hours at a time, which means that the insoles also need to be at least decently durable.
Comfort
Comfort is necessary for players to retain their focus, which is the main reason why you should look for insoles that feel right. It doesn’t really matter if they feature a universal fit or if they correspond to certain shoe sizes.
Keep in mind that uncomfortable insoles are not as easy to detect as uncomfortable shoes. You might end up feeling slight discomfort at first, and eventually you might even get used to it.
Some of the most obvious results of wearing uncomfortable insoles are blisters and foot ‘cramps’, so you should always double check how you feel wearing the insoles that you’ve chosen.
Breathability
Breathability affects heat and sweat build-up, which is obviously something that athletes should worry about. Sweaty feet not only smell, but they can also inconvenience you and make you feel ill at ease pretty quickly.
Breathable insoles are easy to spot as they either have a peculiar form of design or special ventilation holes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of insoles do basketball players typically wear?
Most basketball players wear orthotics as they provide more protection, better cushioning, and superior comfort. People who have suffered injuries more often rely on specific insoles that feature reinforced areas and provide more comfort and support.
What separates basketball insoles from other insole types?
Generally speaking, athletic insoles that are specifically designed for sportspeople need to have superior shock absorption qualities; it’s preferable if they also feature moisture-wicking elements, but this is usually subsidiary in contrast to shock & impact absorption.
Are durable insoles more important for basketball players than light models?
Essentially, basketball players need the benefits of both lightness and durability. Flimsy insoles will ‘kick into’ the shoe and tear rapidly while thick models simply do not feel as comfortable as thinner, lightweight sports insoles.