If you're after the best football boot insoles then look no further, because our expert tester has scoured the market for what they believe are the best options to keep your feet comfortable, supported and protected.
The best football boots on the market come with removable insoles, though they're often flimsy, poorly designed and shoddily constructed. In essence, you're doing your feet no favours. Accessories are essential, too - the best goalkeeper gloves and best grip socks for football can also help you level up your game.
That's why, regardless of if you're after the best footboots for defenders, the best football boots for midfielders or even the best football boots for wide feet, it's best to focus on making sure you have a good pair of insoles to stick straight in before you've even laced your new boots up. Fortunately, we've got you covered...
Best football boots insoles
High-spec performance insoles intended to give you an extra spring in your step, I found the VKTRY Carbon Fibres did exactly that. While carbon fibre is extremely stiff, the material has a high strength-to-weight ratio and plenty of flexure strength. This was extremely noticeable when pushing off, with the insoles acting like a spring to propel me forward with a greater force.
I also enjoyed the shock absorption these insoles provided, with the base of the product reducing the pressure through my knees and ankles by taking the majority of the impact. There's also greater support to help prevent injuries from twisting and turning, while there are plenty of options to customise the insoles based on personal preferences and sport recommendations.
If you’re not a fan of grip socks, then these insoles might be the perfect alternative. Offering an insole that does the same job as the best grip socks available, WeFoot's product includes the brand's grip system which is inspired by the suction cups of an octopus, helping provide unmatched stability when dry or wet.
With three layers on the insole, the other two layers are reserved for enhanced shock absorption in order to protect your foot and provide comfort, which is helped by the ortholite foam used throughout. As a result, I believe these are a great option at an extremely affordable price range, with a clear focus on stability and comfort.
Something I've struggled to find variance in when it comes to insoles specifically designed for footballers is the type of arch support that is provided. So, when I stumbled upon these from CurrexSole, I was pleasantly surprised - and they've not disappointed. Players with wide feet, flat feet or high arches can all find insoles that will properly support their feet, helping to limit the amount of injuries by maintaining proper foot posture during intense activities.
They also sport an in-built grip system for enhanced underfoot traction and shock absorption properties in order to provide a comfortable and responsive playing experience. This is enabled through the ProPo+ technology, which I felt had a positive impact on the acceleration phase of my sprints.
Fit wasn't an issue, either, with the super-grip technology of anatomically-placed silicone anti-slip strips improving lockdown within the boot.
With superior orthotic support, I thoroughly enjoyed using the FootActive insoles. Not only comfortable, which is helped by the high-quality EVA foam, they also limited large amounts of the impact I felt whenever I was running or landing.
By promoting proper alignment and reducing foot fatigue, these insoles help prevent foot injuries like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and Achilles tendonitis, too. The cushioned design aids in energy return, improving athletic performance by reducing foot fatigue, while the insoles feature a strong arch support designed to stabilise the foot and reduce overpronation, which is crucial for preventing injuries. A deep heel cup offers additional stability and helps absorb impact, reducing strain on the ankles and knees.
Offering enhanced support and comfort for players, I found the Pedag Viva Sport insoles to be a good option for those wanting slightly more support and cushioning throughout their foot. Featuring a semi-rigid orthotic bed with neoprene material, as well as arch support, a metatarsal pad and a shock-absorbing heel cushion, comfort and safety is clearly at the forefront of Pedag's thinking.
The materials used are vegan, too, with the structure promoting natural foot movement and absorbing impact. Truly, I really liked wearing these while training and playing - though they're slightly bulkier than I would prefer.
An excellent choice for individuals seeking superior shock absorption and comfort, the Sorbothane Double Strike insoles are designed to protect both the forefoot and heel from impact, which is needed throughout both training and games.
With Sorbothane's advanced polymer, which is supposed to absorb up to 95 per cent of impact vibrations - a noticeable aspect I felt while wearing these - the insoles also include a comfort contour and heel cup for added stability. My foot not only felt locked in when sprinting on the pitch, but they were kept super comfortable through the different technologies designed to limit the impact of foot striking.
Thanks to the insole's technology, the Mizuno Zero Glide Insoles are a standout choice, providing maximum grip and shock absorption. It's called Zero Glide technology and it has a gritty texture that, when it comes into contact with your sock, provides traction underfoot without causing discomfort.
Underneath the top layer with its gritty texture, the insole features EVA foam, which provides comfort to your feet but also does a great job of absorbing the impact that comes with playing football. The EVA foam means the insole is lightweight too, so there's no negative change in how your boots feel or added bulk.
In short, if you're looking to add grip and comfort to your boots without affecting their bulk, the Mizuno Zero Glide is a top-tier choice. It's also great if you need added shock absorption in your boot.
There's some interesting technology provided in the GEARXPro soccer insole as it uses a knurled texture, which provides grip and prevents movement inside the boot. The texture might be uncomfortable at first, but it feels fine after a few wears.
It's great for high-intensity games or training as well as extended sessions, thanks to its use of an EVA cushioning zone and a PU pad. These materials also mean it's lightweight, which is great in any insole as it doesn't affect the bulk or weight of your boot.
An added feature that makes the case for these insoles in longer and higher-intensity sessions is that it has ventilation holes for breathability. The shape and support of, and materials used in this insole reduces fatigue on your feet, making these an excellent insole for your boot.
These Digi Instruments insoles provide a snug fit and excellent support by using lightweight materials, which also offer stability within your boot. By having a responsive feel and shock absorbing abilities, they're ideal for quick turns and sprints when in play. An anatomical Heel cup is used to spread the impact over the surface of the insole, rather than focussing on one area.
They feature an anti-slip coating, which prevents movement, reduces the risk of blisters and in turn, adds comfort. While these probably aren't the most elite choice of insoles for football boots, they're a solid choice for players who play with quick movements and sharp turns.
How we test football boot insoles
Our expert tester wears a variety of different insoles over a number of training sessions and football matches to try and ascertain the true performance level of each individual insole.
There can be great variance in how each insole performs, especially considering the different price points some are at on this guide. What our expert does, though, is use their own expertise in the different technologies to see if a brand is offering what they're claiming to offer.
How to choose the right footabll boot insoles
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. There are a range of options covered in this guide, each of which has their own positives and negatives. Some provide better arch support, some focus on protecting the heel and forefoot, while some aim to give a better energy return when sprinting.
It's truly up to the individual, as well as how much they're willing to spend.
