6 Best Basketball Shoe Insoles for Flat Feet—Boost Your Game


Updated May 2, 2023.

Actions commonly associated with playing basketball, like running, jumping, and changing direction quickly, can lead to foot problems and injuries. These include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, joint fractures, etc.
Players with flat feet are more susceptible to injury because, without foot arches, the natural shock-absorbing qualities of their feet are reduced. But by wearing the correct insoles, your feet receive proper arch support and heel cushioning, reducing foot pain and improving natural balance. Below we've listed the best basketball insoles for flat feet to boost your performance during your game.
Top 6 Basketball Shoe Insoles for Flat Feet as Recommended by Experts
- Best Overall Insoles: Upstep Basketball Custom Orthotics
- Best Cork Insoles: SOLE Performance Medium
- Best Pain-Relieving Insoles: Superfeet Run Pain Relief
- Best Thick Insoles: Protalus M-75
- Best Short Insoles: Tread Labs Pace Short
- Best Shock-Absorbing Insoles: URthotics Active/Sports
1. Best Overall Basketball Shoe Insoles for Flat Feet
Pros
- Tailor-made
- Lightweight and durable
- Compatible with any sneaker
- FSA and HSA eligible
- 180-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Short waiting period before receiving your insoles
Upstep’s Basketball Custom Orthotics are custom-made to suit the exact shape of your flat feet, ensuring maximum comfort and support. This lightweight custom insole is designed to absorb shocks and maximize energy return without dragging you down. The top layer of the insole absorbs moisture, helping to control odor and making sure your feet don't slip. They'll easily fit within low-, mid-, or high-top sneakers for on-the-court comfort.
These custom orthotics are affordable, with different payment options, including FSA and HSA cards. Each pair becomes cheaper as you purchase more. Upstep has a 180-day money-back guarantee on all orthotics and offers free shipping and returns (including adjustments).
2. Best Cork Insoles for Basketball Shoes
Pros
- Sustainable
- Built-in metatarsal pad
- Affordable
- 90-day guarantee
Cons
- Molding process may cause incorrect fit and support
- Not specifically designed for basketball shoes
SOLE Performance Medium Insoles With Met Pad offer optimal comfort through a built-in metatarsal pad, designed to support your forefoot. The insoles support your feet in their natural position, while providing good arch support and cushioning for flat feet. Additionally, these insoles are affordable and have a 90-day guarantee, reducing your risk when making a purchase.
The insoles are bought standard and require you to heat up and mold the insole to the shape of your feet. This process does leave room for error to provide an improper fit and support. Also, these insoles are not specifically designed for basketball players and may be better suited for other activities.
3. Best Pain-Relieving Insoles for Basketball Shoes
Pros
- Removable shoe stabilizer
- Odor control
- Therapeutic foam
- Affordable
Cons
- Own trimming can result in an uncomfortable fit
- More suited toward running and walking
Superfeet Run Pain Relief Insoles are designed for those with an active lifestyle and include a removable shoe stabilizer to increase structure and support. Its durable design further includes a moisture wick for odor control and therapeutic foam that reduces friction while protecting and cushioning your feet.
These insoles are affordable and available in multiple sizes. You're required to trim the insole to fit in your shoes. However, if done incorrectly, this can result in an uncomfortable fit and diminished support. These insoles are also more suited for running and walking.
4. Best Thick Insoles for Basketball Shoes
Pros
- Suitable for full-volume shoes
- Tri-planar alignment system
- Higher sides to reduce pressure
- 90-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not custom-made
- May provide insufficient support
Protalus M-75 Insoles boast maximum comfort and support (including your arches) at an affordable price. Ideal for full-volume shoes, like basketball shoes, these insoles can be placed straight inside your shoes if you can't remove the factory insoles. The higher sides aim to reduce pressure placed on your feet while Protalus's signature tri-planar alignment system moves your body into its proper position.
These insoles can be bought over the counter and come with a 90-day money-back guarantee. However, the M-75 insoles are not custom-made and may possibly not provide you with the same support as custom orthotics.
5. Best Short Insoles for Basketball Shoes
Pros
- Medical-grade
- Extra firm support
- Deep heel cup
Cons
- Not custom-made
- Better suited for tight-fitting shoes
Tread Labs Pace Short Insoles are medical-grade insoles designed to give extra firm support, perfect for those with plantar fasciitis or overpronation. The insoles don't run the length of the shoe, instead focusing mostly on the heel and arch area. The deep heel cup aims to reduce impact, improve balance, and reduce foot pain.
The insoles have a choice of four different arch heights. However, they're not designed specifically for basketball, nor are they custom-made to the exact shape of your feet. These insoles are better suited for tight-fitting shoes like ballet flats, dress shoes, and other footwear without a removable insert.
6. Best Shock-Absorbing Insoles for Basketball Shoes
Pros
- Custom-made
- Custom arch support
- Comfortable
- FSA and HSA eligible
- 6-months money-back guarantee
Cons
- Waiting period before receiving your insoles
- Not specifically designed for basketball
URthotics Active/Sports Insoles are custom-made insoles designed for those who have an active lifestyle and partake in sports. These durable insoles provide custom arch support based on your foot shape while their impact-absorbing qualities maximize comfort during all your sporting activities. Affordable and FSA/HSA eligible, URthotics insoles also come with a 6-month money-back guarantee.
While these insoles can improve your overall comfort and stability on the court, they are not designed specifically for basketball.
Custom Orthotics Slam Dunk
Custom orthotics that are professionally manufactured are the best option to provide your feet with sufficient cushioning and support in the long term. Custom orthotics will ensure maximum comfort from the get-go and improve your efficiency on the court while preventing injuries or foot pain.
» Not convinced yet? Discover more benefits of orthotics for basketball players