What separates a good soccer player from an exceptional one is more than talent and skills. But also the equipment they use, and cleats are some of the most essential equipment when it comes to playing soccer.
Finding the perfect cleat is more than just finding the shoe that fits you the best. Other accessories, such as insoles, can make your cleat the best fit for you.
Let’s find out more about these insoles for soccer cleats.
Top 5 Insoles for Soccer Cleats
The protrusions on the bottom of the shoe create friction between the soft ground and the foot, ensuring balance and better footwork. Since soccer requires more effort from your feet, your cleats must give you the utmost support.
Otherwise, you can even end up with an injury or, at the very least, harming your feet permanently. This is where insoles will save you from a lot of pain.
Insoles come in many shapes and fits and are specific to your requirements. Some are catered towards flat feet and other ailments, while some are designed for a better balance and more comfort.
Depending on what they are offering, insoles vary in price as well. We have shortlisted five insoles for you to give you a selection of choices depending on your requirements and budget.
1. Scholl Active Sport
Are you up for a pair of soccer cleats that fit your pocket? Well, that’s what we’re here to tell you.
At less than $15 a pair, Scholl Active Sport insoles are the most budget-friendly option for anyone looking for some extra support from their cleats. It is ideal if you want your cleats to be just a little bit more comfortable.
Even though these are designed for soccer players, they can be inserted in various shoe types due to their gel base. The gel base makes it more flexible and allows for varied uses.
If you are a runner, it will protect the base of your feet from heavy impacts and reduce muscle fatigue. This will support your heel and ankle area if you have got flat feet.
For those with high arches, the gel-based insole will also support this area of your foot. In short, you don’t have to be a soccer player to enjoy the benefits of using this insole.
More than just ensuring your feet’s health, it will also help with their hygiene. The coating on the insole absorbs sweat and odors, keeping the foot dry and feeling fresh.
The downside to Scholl Sport insoles is that they do not have a wide range of sizes available. You will have to trim them down to your size manually to fit them in your cleats.
Even though they do provide a trimming guide along with the insole, if you trim them wrong, they will not be as comfortable or supportive anymore.
2. Move Game Day Pro
If you want insoles that come in your size, Move Game Day Pro is the best option for you. However, it is on the higher side when it comes to the price. It’s about $60 a pair.
The price is justified by the fact that this insole is preferred by many professional players, as well as Nike. Nike uses Move Game Day Pro insoles for premium comfort in almost all of their premium collection soccer cleats.
The very first selling point is that you do not have to manually trim them to your size. This means they will fit you much better than the more budget-friendly options.
If you are not sure which size will fit you perfectly, Move offers a 30-day free trial of the insoles for those ordering from the US. This way, you can try them out for one month and only commit once you are satisfied that they are the right ones for you.
The insoles are made up of a carbon composite material. With repetitive use, this material molds according to the shape of your feet. This ensures an even better fit.
Another innovative feature of this insole is the improved grip on the toe end as well as on the heel. This keeps your feet snug inside the cleats. It also prevents your feet from moving inside the shoe, increasing your balance and foot grip.
The extra support also relieves your feet of any muscle fatigue and pains. Secondly, it will also prevent your foot from getting injured.
3. Spenco Polysorb Shoe Insole
The Spenco Polysorb Show Insole is designed for sports running, walking, and training. Their design ensures that your heel is cradled and supported at all times.
They will absorb all shocks, allowing you to be on the ground for longer periods. Not only this, the shock absorption technology also prevents your shoe from wear and tear.
The soft material of the insole prevents blister formation while providing maximum comfort.
The material of the insole absorbs all odors, making it perfect for when you have to be somewhere else after your intense workout or soccer game.
4. CURREX CleatPRO Insole
CURREX CleatPRO Insole is engineered to easily fit any cleat. This has made it the best option for those who prefer online purchasing. You will not have to worry about how the insole will feel inside your cleat.
Its 3D arch provides support as well as dynamic stability, relieving your foot of any pressure. This ensures that even after a strenuous day, your feet are not in pain and are also protected from injuries. The super grip of the insole enhances the control and the grip of your foot, which is ideal for soccer players.
5. Blusol Shoe Inserts
The selling point of the Blusol Shoe Inserts is that they will keep your feet cool and feeling fresh even after working out in the hottest weather.
It eliminates any odors while absorbing the sweat as well, making sure your feet are comfortable throughout.
They are designed to be extra thin and flexible, so they can easily fit your cleats and will not ruin the fit either.
The material might be lightweight, but it provides the ultimate comfort and support to your feet, protecting them from blisters and pain.
The material is shock absorbent, and therefore, you can wear them on a long day to keep your feet feeling as light as ever.
What to Look for When Choosing Insoles for Your Soccer Cleats?
If you are investing your precious money in something you don’t know about, it might go to waste. That’s why it’s very important to understand insoles and what to look for while choosing one for yourself.
So, let’s have a look at some of the interesting facts that you should be aware of before purchasing one.
1. Material of the Insole
Your comfort lies within the material you wear. If the material makes you feel comfortable and relaxed, it’s good to go. But if it’s itchy and makes you feel agitated, get rid of it!
The same goes for insoles. It’s wise to have a look at the materials first. They come in various materials such as foam, cork, leather, gel, wool, EVA, etc.
But it’s not necessary that you would be comfortable with all of them. Each material has its own properties and advantages.
If you ask me, the gel is suitable for shock absorption and cushioning. At the same time, cork and rigid plastic are best for providing support.
However, it’s all about your personal preference and whatever suits you comfortably. So, choose what’s best for you.
2. Arch Support
Besides material, there are other factors to consider as well, such as support. Some people do not pay much attention to their arch type and end up having injuries and painful arches. This is because your choice of insole does not match your arch type.
If you are confused about whether you have flat feet or high arches, refer to our guide to choose the best insoles.
Generally, there are three types of arches: Neutral or medium arches, Low or flat arches, which are also called fallen arches, and lastly, there are high arches.
Try to figure out your arch type after going through these categories and look for relevant insoles. Make sure you are buying an insole built for your arch type. Each pair of insoles should be suitable for the arch and fit you well.
3. Anti-slip Properties
Another feature of insoles you wouldn’t want to miss out on is the Anti-slip feature. Some of you might not be aware of this feature, but let us make you familiar with it.
The anti-slip feature makes sure that the foot slides less within the shoe since it prevents the foot from slipping out of the heel.
Additionally, the use of soft leather in the shoe’s design is probably going to increase comfort and lessen the potential of pressure points, especially on the back of the heel.
Soft leather is best for minimizing friction and pain because of its flexibility and capacity to mold to the foot’s contour.
Other than that, the anti-slip element appears to be self-adhesive, which makes it simple to stick it to the inner side of the shoe without using any extra adhesive alternatives.
This makes it a practical and simple method for enhancing shoe fit. So, always look for anti-slip properties in insoles if you need comfort and a smart fit.
4. Size of Your Cleats
Whether you are a professional athlete or not, the size matters a lot for the overall walking experience and performance. If you got it right, you are good to go.
But, if you got it wrong, the disbalance might cause you severe injuries. That’s why the size of your cleats is crucially important if you are going to buy insoles.
This is true for the majority of insoles because they are made to be precisely cut to fit your shoes. If you are aware of your foot dimensions, choose an insole that fits them.
Choose the insole that fits the size of the exact shoe you wish to put it in if you don’t know your foot dimensions.
The size range on the product indicates the footwear sizes in which 3/4-length insoles and other insert pieces can be worn comfortably; 3/4-length insoles and inserts are typically not intended to be cut in any manner.
5. Trim-to-Fit Insoles
Insoles may be simply and quickly customized at home by trimming them to fit your feet perfectly. Follow these detailed guidelines to achieve a proper fit:
Choose the Best Pair of Shoes: Begin by picking out the shoes you’ll be wearing the insoles with. For instance, choose your running shoes if you want to lessen pain when jogging.
Remove the Manufacturer’s Insole: Most shoes allow you to remove the original insole without using too much force or making any modifications. Be cautious, though, since some shoes contain insoles that should not be taken out because they are fixed to the sole, and doing so might ruin your shoes.
Align the Insoles: Make sure the heels are completely aligned by lining up the insole provided by the manufacturer with the replacement insole you intend to use. It’s critical to avoid cutting this part since many insoles feature additional padding or anatomical shapes to give essential heel support.
Trace and Mark: Wherever the manufacturer’s insole crosses your new insole, make a mark with a pen. You can refer to some visual representation of marking or any video. It’s best to start carefully because you can always cut more afterward.
Trim the Insole: Since insoles are frequently made of sturdy materials, use scissors that are sharp for a clean, exact cut. Trim the new insole following the drawn lines until it is in the same form as the old one.
There you go! The customized insole should now be fitted precisely to the original. It might not quite replicate the silhouette, but it has to work well with your shoes.
FAQs
Do soccer cleats need insoles?
The answer is yes. Soccer players often struggle with excessive flattening of the foot, which the right insoles for cleats will prevent while restoring healthy biomechanics.
A player with enough support will have improved balance, strength, and stamina, as well as less risk of injury.
Do professional soccer players wear insoles?
Yes, absolutely. Athletes wear insoles called orthotics. But professional athletes are not the only ones who wear orthotics; amateur athletes and others with foot discomfort or other issues also wear them.
Wrapping Up!
Ever wondered why it is so necessary to look deep into insole properties and choose wisely? Let me tell you why!
It is essential to choose the proper insole for a shoe since it has a direct impact on comfort, foot health, balance, and performance as a whole.
For diverse activities, carefully selected insoles provide the required support, cushioning, and customization, reducing discomfort, suffering, and potential long-term problems. They also increase shoe longevity and provide a proper fit, which improves the overall experience and foot health.
So, choose wisely and enjoy walking with firm feet and toes!
