Basketball shoes are some of the most necessary pieces of equipment and clothing you can own in your closet. A great pair of basketball shoes will last you for years to come. Not only are basketball shoes stylish, relatively comfortable, and able to prevent, or mitigate, injuries to the ankle, but they can also be worn throughout the day as casual shoes.
However, if you are looking to take the comfort of your basketball shoes to the next level, then you’ll definitely want to invest in some basketball insoles. Basketball insoles are inserts which you place in your basketball shoes. These inserts help to increase the comfort and support of your feet while playing basketball.
In addition, insoles are a great, relatively inexpensive option to extend the life of your basketball shoes. If your current insoles are damaged or worn out, then replacing just that part of the shoe can be done easily.
Below, we are going to specifically review the best basketball insoles for flat feet. As someone with flat feet, I’ve often found it difficult to find both shoes and insoles which are not only comfortable but also form-fitting. Believe me, I’ve tested many, many different basketball shoes and insoles and the ones listed below are my all-time favorites.
Disclaimer
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What is Flat Footedness?
Being flat footed is nothing to be ashamed of or any cause for concern. In fact, more than 3-million people in the United States alone are diagnosed with flat footedness per year.
But what does it mean to be flat footed?
Being flat footed simply means that the entire sole of the feet touches the floor when standing. Being flat footed is common and is typically painless. However, being flat footed can sometimes cause problems in your ankles or knees because the condition can alter the alignment of your legs. If you aren’t having any pain, then there aren’t any worries. However, if you are having pain, it is best to consult with a medical professional.
How do Insoles Help with Basketball?
Basketball is a fast-paced, high-energy sport which requires an athlete to be in near constant motion. From running, to jumping, to diving, to squatting, to boxing out, a basketball players body and feet are in constant flux. All of this movement places strain and stress on your feet.
Insoles, however, are meant to ease that stress.
Not only can basketball shoe insoles provide a better fit, but they can also add an extra layer of warmth and comfort. Designed to fit neatly into the shoe, basketball insoles are typically made of a gel, foam, aircushion, or a leather material making the fit incredibly comfortable.
In addition, one of the biggest benefits of using an insole, particularly for basketball, is that they can help prevent blisters. With all that running, jumping, and standing, basketball and blisters go hand-in-hand (or should we say, foot-in-foot).
However, by adding an insole to your basketball shoe, you are able to provide added protection and comfort, which can help to mitigate the occurrence of blisters. This is also done by creating a tighter, more snug fit between your foot and the shoe. As blisters occur due to the rub between the foot and the shoe, having a tighter fit will naturally minimize the occurrence of blisters.
How to Choose the Right Basketball Insoles?
Now that we understand how insoles help with basketball, it’s time to deep-dive into choosing the right kind of insole. Insoles are typically made to assist one or more common issues a wearer of a shoe may find.
- If your heel is slipping then you should opt for a simple gel insole, which will be able to keep your heel in place. This is typically the best option for flat footed individuals.
- If there is too much room in your shoe, then a full-length insole should be your best bet. A full-length insole will help to close any gaps between your feet and the shoe. For many people who are flat footed, they may have this issue as they are missing the arch on their heel which would close some gaps in the shoe.
- If you feel that your feet are burning or aching, then typically the best insoles are ones that are smaller and contain ball cushions can help.
Pro Foot Flat Fix
Perhaps there is no single better basketball insole for flat feet then the Pro Foot Flat Fix. I mean, the name of the product itself indicates that it helps to support and correct flat footedness. And in our own testing, this was definitely one of our favorites and the insole that I wear for both basketball and my regular walking shoes.
These insoles are specifically made for people with flat feet. The inserts mold to your feet for a more personalized and comfortable support. But it does so for low arches. In addition, these insoles have a trampoline effect heel, which is able to absorb over 20-pounds of shock with each step.
Walkomfy Basketball Shoe Insoles
First of all, we love the name of the product.
Walkomfy Basketball Shoe Insoles, however, are a great option for anyone with flat feet. They provide a multifunctional, memory foam material, which is both durable and comfortable.
However, what we really enjoyed with these insoles was the U-shaped design, which we found to give a nice lift to the bottom of the heel and foot. As someone with flat feet, this design was instrumental in giving a bit more support to the knees and entire body.
Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit Insoles
We’re gonna admit, there are many opinions about the Dr. Scholl’s brand, with either die-hard fans or people who simply loathe them. We’re not sure why. I mean, they’re just insoles after all.
But, we really liked the Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit Insoles. They are specifically designed to form-fit each individual person’s foot and to be customized. So, whether you’re flat footed or not, you can use these insoles in your basketball shoes.