If you're after the best soccer cleat insoles then you're in luck - and your feet will be thanking you later.
That's because, while all of the best soccer cleats on the market already come with insoles, the majority just aren't up to scratch. Often flimsy and lacking in any real, discernible support, the insoles are rarely comfortable and don't protect against those large impacts which can cause injuries.
Equipping yourself with a new pair of soccer cleat insoles, therefore, is truly essential. So no matter if you're after the best soccer cleats for defenders, midfielders, wingers, strikers or even 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 cleats up. Fortunately, I've got you covered...
Best soccer cleat insoles
Sure, the Gold VKs are extremely expensive, but they're worth all the money they cost. A high-spec performance insole desgined to provide your step with extra spring, I found they did exactly that. Through the stiff carbon fibre, pushing off at speed and twisting and turn felt like I had a booster in my feet, propelling me forward a lot faster than I could manage by myself.
There's a great level of shcok absorption, too. Usually, I would come off the field fatigued in both my feet and ankles - but not with the VKTRY Performance Insoles. These take the majority of the impact and reduce the pressure going through your joints, while there's a great amount of ability to customise the insoles based on personal preferences.
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.
Something I've struggled to find variance in when it comes to insoles specifically designed for soccer players is the type of arch support that is provided. So, when I stumbled upon these fro 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.
ProPo+ - CurrexSole's technology - also provided a responsive aspect to my game, helping in the acceleration phase of my sprints by providing greater levels of traction underfoot. Shock absorption isn't an issue, either.
Though the anatomically-placed silicone anti-slip strips improve lockdown within the cleat, I did find fit to be somewhat of an issue.
I thoroughly enjoyed using the FootActive insoles, especially by the comfort provided through the high-quality EVA foam, which reduced the impact in landing and running movements. They had superior orthotic support, too, helping promote proper alignment and reducing foot fatigue. This helps to prevent foot injuries like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and Achilles tendonitis.
Not only that, but I found my foot was kept stable at all times through the strong arch support reducing overpronation - something I am prone to doing when running. 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.
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.
How we test soccer cleat insoles
Our expert tester wears a variety of different insoles over a number of training sessions and soccer games 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 soccer cleat 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.
