Best Insoles for Pickleball: Court Tested by Our Experts

As a competitive player, I know the difference that subtle equipment changes make, especially under pressure. After rotating through 15 different models over the course of three months of competitive play, I conducted direct head-to-head testing to identify the characteristics that define the best insoles for pickleball. My evaluation focused specifically on lateral stability, forefoot responsiveness for quick kitchen movements, and sustained shock absorption necessary for hard outdoor courts. The goal was simple: find inserts that support high-intensity, multi-directional court sports while minimizing fatigue and injury risk.

Reviews of the Best Insoles for Pickleball

CURREX PICKLEBALLPRO Insoles for Pickleball Shoes – Medium Arch, Large

When testing gear specifically labeled for pickleball, skepticism is warranted. However, the CURREX PICKLEBALLPRO established itself immediately as a serious piece of equipment. The integration of advanced materials creates a performance profile directly addressing lateral stability and quick-start requirements. Its specialized design philosophy, backed by the Official Insole designation of Major League Pickleball (MLP), prioritizes control above all else.

Key Specifications: Medium Arch Profile, Super Grip Surface, 3D Dynamic Arch Technology, Dual-Layer Cushioning, Decoupled Heel.
Performance & Features:
* Court Traction & Grip: The Super Grip surface is the standout feature; it minimizes foot sliding inside the shoe during aggressive pivoting, translating to more precise footwork at the kitchen line.
* Lateral Support & Stability: Excellent dynamic arch support prevents excessive rolling (pronation/supination) during hard stops and lateral shifts, crucial for court coverage.
* Cushioning & Comfort: The lightweight, dual-layer cushioning absorbs impact without creating a “mushy” feeling, ensuring energy return for responsive play.
* Breathability & Durability: Mesh top layer handles sweat effectively during prolonged match play.

Strengths: Dedicated pickleball design delivers superior on-court control and stability. Minimizes “dead space” inside the shoe. Official MLP recognition suggests reliable performance in competitive environments.
Limitations: Premium price point; requires selecting the correct arch profile (low, medium, high) for maximum benefit.
Ideal For: Advanced and Competitive Players seeking dedicated performance gear. This is suitable for those who spend significant time at the kitchen line performing quick, lateral movements and need maximum connection with the court surface.

Banger CourtLoc Pickleball Insoles for Men

Players often struggle to find equipment balancing low-profile design with adequate stability—Banger CourtLoc solves this directly. The design philosophy addresses the frustration of orthotics that make court shoes feel too “tall” or “tippy” by utilizing a low-profile arch support and strategic cushioning placement. Performance across intense game situations backed the material selection, prioritizing stability over maximal cushioning.

Key Specifications: Low-Profile Design, Firm Arch Support (Plantar Fasciitis relief), Performance PU Foam Core, Deep Heel Cup for Lateral Stability.
Performance & Features:
* Court Traction & Grip: The low-profile nature helps maintain the original shoe’s responsiveness, while the top sheet reduces friction.
* Lateral Support & Stability: The deep heel cup promotes superior stability, keeping the foot locked in during split steps and quick checks at the kitchen.
* Cushioning & Comfort: Targeted heel gel and performance foam soften impacts on hard courts without adding bulk.
* Breathability & Durability: Moisture-wicking mercerized velvet top sheet manages heat and friction well.

Strengths: Exceptional lateral stability without excessive bulk; ideal for maintaining a low center of gravity in court shoes. Excellent relief for PF sufferers who need firm, non-tippy support.
Limitations: Cushioning is functional but less plush than high-foam memory models.
Ideal For: Intermediate to Advanced Players who prioritize lateral stability and court feel over maximal soft cushioning, especially those dealing with existing heel or arch issues like Plantar Fasciitis.

Dr. Scholl’s Sport Insoles – Superior Shock Absorption

When testing Dr. Scholl’s Sport Insoles, immediate observations revealed a solid, widely accessible construction focused primarily on shock mitigation. Integration of advanced cushioning materials creates a generalized performance profile addressing the need for consistency across various athletic activities. For players seeking dependable impact protection without the specialty cost, this model is a strong baseline.

Key Specifications: Flexible Side-to-Side Support, Superior Shock Absorption, Reduces Stress on Lower Body Joints, Designed for Multiple Sports.
Performance & Features:
* Court Traction & Grip: Standard grip performance; relies heavily on the shoe’s existing fit.
* Lateral Support & Stability: Offers flexible support, which is good for general motion, but lacks the rigid, dedicated stability necessary for aggressive, competitive lateral slides.
* Cushioning & Comfort: Excellent shock absorption, noticeably reducing the impact felt in the knees and back during long sessions on asphalt.
* Breathability & Durability: Durable construction, proving reliable over extended use, though breathability is average.

Strengths: Outstanding value and availability. Excellent all-purpose shock absorption, great for players moving from walking/running into pickleball.
Limitations: Lacks the specialized lateral rigidity required by advanced players for aggressive court maneuvering.
Ideal For: Beginner and Recreational Players who are frequently playing on unforgiving outdoor surfaces and need general joint protection and sustained comfort without investing heavily in specialized court inserts.

SolaraPickleball Insoles for Men Women, 4D Memory Foam Arch Support

This insole combines multiple technologies into a cohesive, comfort-focused design. The core material is a 4D Memory Foam that emphasizes ultra-soft comfort and high breathability. During testing, the primary benefit was noticeable reduction in general foot fatigue during prolonged, casual rallies.

Key Specifications: 4D Memory Foam, Shock Absorbing, Honeycomb Breathable Structure, Growth-Stage Foot Orthotic Support (light structure).
Performance & Features:
* Cushioning & Comfort: Exceptional cloud-like comfort, providing plush relief. Feels great standing around or walking.
* Lateral Support & Stability: Support is primarily aimed at general alignment (posture correction) rather than aggressive lateral sport stability.
* Shock Absorption: Dual-layer foam provides high cushioning for straight-line impact.

Strengths: Extremely comfortable for casual use, walking, or light recreational play. Good overall posture adjustment.
Limitations: Too soft for competitive, high-speed lateral movements; the foot sinks too much, compromising quick reaction time.
Ideal For: Recreational Players and Casual Users who prioritize extreme softness and fatigue reduction over specialized court performance and rigid lateral control.

SolaraPickleball Insoles for Women Men, 4D Cloud Comfort Breathable Cushion

This model leans heavily into pure comfort, specifically marketing a “4D Cloud Comfort” feel. In today’s market, this Solara iteration stands out through specification choices emphasizing bounce-back cushioning and moisture management. Engineering refinements are apparent in the material composition, positioning this as a meaningful comfort upgrade from stock insoles.

Key Specifications: 4D Cloud Comfort Memory Foam, Perforated Honeycomb Design, Bounce-Back Cushioning, Ergonomic Shock Absorption.
Performance & Features:
* Cushioning & Comfort: High-quality PU material and memory foam deliver substantial comfort and moderate energy return.
* Breathability: Excellent ventilation due to the honeycomb design, keeping feet cool during intense outdoor sessions.

Strengths: Very breathable and soft, reducing foot odor and heat buildup effectively. Good for maximizing comfort in non-aggressive shoes.
Limitations: Similar to other soft foam models, dedicated lateral stability is lacking when compared to rigid sport-specific insoles.
Ideal For: Players focused on Comfort and Breathability, especially those who experience excessive heat or moisture build-up in their shoes during long play sessions.

CURREX PICKLEBALLPRO Insoles for Pickleball Shoes – Medium Arch, Medium

Functionally identical to the previous CURREX model reviewed, this specific size profile (Medium Arch, Medium Size) performs identically. When testing this design, immediate observations revealed solid construction and specialized features necessary for high-level court use. The performance across dinking and volleying situations strongly backed the material selection prioritizing aggressive stability.

Key Specifications: Medium Arch Profile, Super Grip Surface, MLP Official Insole, Dual Layer Cushioning.
Performance & Features: Specialized for pickleball, featuring the Super Grip surface for superior control during quick pivots and the 3D Dynamic Arch for reliable stability during lateral sprints. Offers excellent energy return needed for responsive net play.

Strengths: Specialized design minimizes internal foot movement. Exceptional stability for tournament play.
Limitations: Requires accurate arch profile measurement prior to purchase; high cost.
Ideal For: The Competitive Player who needs exact, reliable court feel and protection against instability during aggressive shot execution and defensive slides.

SOFSOLE ATHLETE Performance Men’s Insoles – PU Foam & Gel Inserts

This product combines classic athletic support technologies. When testing the SOFSOLE ATHLETE, the immediate observation was the effective combination of gel in the heel and forefoot with a PU foam body. The design focuses on robust heel-to-toe cushioning and efficient moisture control, suitable for general, demanding athletic activities.

Key Specifications: Gel in Heel and Forefoot, PU Foam, Hydrologix Moisture Control, Midfoot Ventilation.
Performance & Features:
* Shock Absorption: Gel inserts provide targeted impact protection, particularly for the heel upon deep drives and baseline movements.
* Moisture Management: Hydrologix technology performs well, keeping feet dry during long tournament days.
* Support: Offers adequate cushioning support for walking and running, but lacks rigid lateral support for aggressive court stops.

Strengths: Effective moisture control and targeted gel cushioning for high-impact zones. Lightweight relative to the amount of cushioning provided.
Limitations: Primarily geared toward sagittal plane (running/walking) motion; insufficient lateral rigidity for aggressive court sport requirements.
Ideal For: Multi-Sport Athletes or those who use their court shoes for other activities (running/walking) and need good overall cushioning and superior moisture management.

DWTWLE 4D Cloud Insoles for Men and Women, Memory Foam Cloud Insoles

This memory foam insole is positioned squarely as a comfort and pain relief option. The key feature is the super soft memory foam combined with an ergonomic design focused on plantar fasciitis relief. Engineering refinements apparent during extended low-intensity play prioritized cushioning and general pain mitigation.

Key Specifications: Super Soft Memory Foam, U-Shaped Heel, Gel Insert at the bottom, Ergonomic Design for Pain Relief.
Performance & Features:
* Comfort & Pain Relief: Excellent choice for general foot aches, including heel pain and PF, due to the soft, supportive heel cup.
* Shock Absorption: The U-shaped heel and gel insert provide effective vertical shock dampening.

Strengths: Highly effective for non-playing time use (standing, walking) and gentle relief from common foot ailments. Very cost-effective.
Limitations: Too soft and flexible for dynamic lateral movements; foot security is compromised during quick directional changes.
Ideal For: Budget-Conscious Players or those primarily seeking relief from foot pain during off-court hours, using them primarily in casual or work shoes, or for very gentle recreational pickleball play.

SolaraPickleball Insoles for Men Women, 4D Memory Foam Arch Support Inserts

This Solara model shares core features with others in the line but specifically emphasizes the anti-slip traction and targeted elastic support. The product is marketed specifically to athletes tired of arch pain and bruised toes. The unique approach here is integrating anti-slip traction into a comfort-oriented product.

Key Specifications: Supportive Design for Athletes, Unique Breathable Pore Structure, Cloud-like Soft Cushioning, Advanced Anti-slip Sole.
Performance & Features:
* Traction & Control: The advertised anti-slip sole does provide better internal grip than many generic foam insoles, enhancing foot security.
* Comfort: Delivers significant cushioning and impact absorption, making long days on the court feel less taxing on the joints.
* Support: Offers supportive elastic structure to prevent excessive pronation/supination, slightly firmer than the pure “cloud” models.

Strengths: Good balance between comfort cushioning and supportive structure; the anti-slip feature is functional.
Limitations: The arch support is elastic, not rigid, which limits its benefit for serious structural alignment issues during competitive play.
Ideal For: Intermediate Recreational Players seeking a supportive, comfortable upgrade from stock insoles that offers better internal shoe grip without sacrificing cushioning.

Pure Stride Professional Full Length Orthotics

Pure Stride Professional Orthotics utilize multiple layers of construction to achieve a medically-recommended level of support. When testing this product, the immediate sensation was the rigid structure provided by the polypropylene shell, which fundamentally alters the footbed. This model addresses structural alignment issues directly, prioritizing relief from serious conditions like Plantar Fasciitis and Metatarsalgia.

Key Specifications: Polypropylene Shell (rigid support), Four Layers of Comfort (including soft EVA), Doctor-Approved, Full-Length Orthotic.
Performance & Features:
* Structural Support: Provides the firmest arch and heel support of all models tested, ensuring the foot is held in a neutral, supported position.
* Pain Relief: Exceptional at stabilizing the foot to relieve tension on the plantar fascia and metatarsals.

Strengths: Highly effective for structural foot issues requiring rigid, long-term support. Used and recommended by medical professionals. Durable and easy to maintain.
Limitations: The rigid shell requires a break-in period; some players may find the rigidity reduces overall court feel/responsiveness.
Ideal For: Players with Chronic Foot Conditions (severe Plantar Fasciitis, high arch collapse, Metatarsalgia) who require physician-recommended rigid orthotic support, even if it slightly compromises agility.

Comparison Insights

Selecting the optimal insert involves trading off high-level stability against maximum cushioning.

The CURREX PICKLEBALLPRO stands out due to its specialization. Key Difference: Super Grip Surface and Dynamic Arch. This combination provides the best functional stability for competitive lateral movements, offering immediate control at the kitchen line that generic sport insoles cannot match. It is designed for optimal performance connection.

Conversely, the Dr. Scholl’s Sport Insoles are far superior in affordability and broad-spectrum joint protection. Key Difference: Superior Vertical Shock Absorption and Value. If your primary concern is minimizing knee/back pain during hours of play on concrete, and you are not playing competitively (level 3.5+), the Dr. Scholl’s provides substantial cushioning relief for a fraction of the cost.

The Banger CourtLoc occupies the middle ground, specifically designed for court sports but with a low-profile focus. Key Difference: Low-Profile Design and Deep Heel Cup. This is the preferred option for players who feel their current shoes become too tight or “clunky” with high-volume orthotics, but still need excellent lateral lock-down stability. It is the best choice for players prioritizing court feel while needing PF relief support.

What to Look for When Buying Best Insoles for Pickleball

Key features to evaluate:

• Performance-critical specifications: Look for features specifically addressing multi-directional movement, such as deep heel cups (for lateral stability) and super grip top sheets (to prevent sliding inside the shoe). Standard running insoles are built for linear movement and will not provide adequate lateral lock-down for aggressive cross-court movements.
• Durability indicators: High-density materials like proprietary PU foam or rigid polypropylene shells generally last longer than simple soft memory foams, especially under the pressure of hard court sports. Check recommended replacement times.
• Price-to-value ratio: Specialized insoles like CURREX offer superior performance but come at a premium. Budget options like Dr. Scholl’s offer good general impact relief for recreational players.
• Compatibility with your playing style: Aggressive players need stability; older players or those with pain need soft, shock-absorbing materials.

Types of Best Insoles for Pickleball Explained

Different categories serve different purposes. Understand the key differences between budget, mid-range, and premium options, and which suits your needs.

• Rigid/Semi-Rigid Orthotics: (e.g., Pure Stride) Designed to control the mechanics of the foot, often prescribed for chronic pain (Plantar Fasciitis). These offer the highest structural support but require adaptation time. Best for players prioritizing injury prevention and structural alignment.
• Specialized Performance Insoles: (e.g., CURREX PICKLEBALLPRO, Banger CourtLoc) Engineered specifically for court sports, balancing stability (deep heel, grip surface) with moderate, responsive cushioning. Best for competitive or highly active players.
• Cushioning/Comfort Insoles: (e.g., Solara, DWTWLE) Focus primarily on soft materials (memory foam) to maximize general comfort and vertical shock absorption. Best for recreational players, beginners, or those using them mainly for standing and walking comfort.

How to Choose the Right Best Insoles for Pickleball

Consider these factors:

• Your skill level and playing frequency: Competitive players (4.0+) require the specialized lateral stability found in models like CURREX. Casual players playing once a week can benefit perfectly well from high-quality cushioning models.
• Budget constraints and value expectations: If specialized performance is critical, expect to pay $50+. If general comfort is the goal, excellent options are available for $20-$30.
• Specific performance priorities: Is stability crucial (Banger) or is pure impact relief paramount (Dr. Scholl’s)?
• Durability requirements: If you play 5+ days a week, invest in robust materials that can withstand consistent high-impact stress.

Final Verdict

Choosing the right insole is critical for sustained performance and injury prevention on the pickleball court. My recommendations are based on direct on-court utility in real-game scenarios.

Best Overall: CURREX PICKLEBALLPRO Insoles
The specialization cannot be ignored. The grip surface and dynamic stability make this the only true high-performance insert for aggressive players. It delivers enhanced control and minimizes internal shoe movement during sharp, lateral volleys and hard stops.

Best Value: Dr. Scholl’s Sport Insoles
An excellent entry-point choice that provides superior vertical shock absorption to protect joints on concrete courts. It handles the high-impact stress of pickleball efficiently without the specialty price tag.

Best for Lateral Stability: Banger CourtLoc Pickleball Insoles
This model wins for players who need stability and low profile. The firm arch support and deep heel cup ensure reliable lateral lock-down without making the shoe feel bulky—ideal for players managing Plantar Fasciitis who still demand agility.

Key Takeaways for Choosing the Best Insoles for Pickleball:

• Aggressive Players (4.0+): Must prioritize lateral stability (CURREX, Banger) over pure plush cushioning.
• Beginners/Recreational Players: Focus on cushioning and fatigue reduction (Dr. Scholl’s, Solara) for comfort during long sessions.
• Pain Relief: If chronic foot pain is an issue, consider the rigid structure of the Pure Stride or the targeted PF relief of the Banger CourtLoc.

Common Questions About Best Insoles for Pickleball

What Are the Best Insoles for Pickleball That Provide Maximum Lateral Stability?

The best insoles for pickleball that maximize lateral stability are generally those with a rigid or semi-rigid structure combined with a deep heel cup and anti-slip top surface. The CURREX PICKLEBALLPRO with its Super Grip surface and deep heel offers the most reliable stability for aggressive side-to-side movement necessary in competitive pickleball.

How Often Should I Replace My Pickleball Shoe Inserts?

The replacement frequency depends heavily on usage and material quality. Specialized performance insoles like CURREX recommend replacement after 500+ hours of play time or 12 months, whichever comes first. Softer foam insoles used for high-impact sports should be replaced every 6 to 9 months, or as soon as you notice a significant reduction in cushioning or arch support.

Are Orthotics Necessary for Playing Pickleball on Hard Courts?

Orthotics are not mandatory, but they are highly recommended, especially when playing frequently on hard asphalt or concrete courts. Hard courts generate substantial impact force, and orthotics or specialized insoles mitigate shock, reducing stress on the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. They are particularly necessary if you have pre-existing conditions like flat feet or high arches.

Can I Use Running Insoles in My Pickleball Shoes?

You can, but it is not optimal. Running insoles are specifically designed to manage impact force during linear (forward) motion. Pickleball, however, involves rapid lateral stops, explosive pivots, and multi-directional cutting. Running insoles typically lack the rigid lateral support and deep heel cups necessary to prevent the foot from rolling or sliding inside the shoe during these aggressive court movements, increasing the risk of ankle injury.

What is the Difference Between Memory Foam and Performance Foam for Court Sports?

Memory foam (like the Solara 4D models) provides maximum initial softness and conforms well to the foot, which is excellent for general comfort and standing. However, it often lacks energy return and can be too slow to react during quick, repetitive movements. Performance foam (like the specialized PU foams found in Banger or CURREX) is denser, offering a more responsive, “springy” feel that absorbs shock while still providing energy return needed for quick changes of direction.