How to Choose the Right Insoles

Everyone's feet are different. Yours might be wide, flat, narrow or extremely arched. Maybe you are prone to developing blisters, bunions or tendonitis. Whatever the case may be, keeping your feet protected and cushioned is essential for tennis players of any level.

It is one thing to have a great shoe on the court. But even the best shoes come with standard insoles. Abrupt responses, changes in direction, constant pounding and acceleration all come together to form the one thing that can make or break your tennis game: footwork. By minimising stress and impact on your feet you are committing to bringing your best footwork every time you step on the court.

There is no doubt that you are on the right track when you make the decision to give insoles a try, but there are several types and certainly several brands out there. You might be asking yourself which are the best insole brands? More importantly, which ones are the best insoles for you?

Which Type of Insoles for My Feet?

First, there are two types of insoles. Deciding between custom orthotics and over-the-counter insoles is the initial step.

Custom orthotics are molded to your foot and can be ordered through a podiatrist or sports medicine doctor. This choice is the more expensive one and is usually recommended to correct poor foot mechanics that may be the cause of chronic pain. If you have any doubts about this course of action, it is often customary to try out the various high-quality over-the-counter alternatives before you find yourself out of hundreds of euros and unsatisfied.

Some of these over-the-counter alternatives include Superfeet, Sidas, and SofSole insoles offered at Tennis Warehouse Europe. Trying out these insoles is worth the fraction of the price of what custom insoles cost. With several options based on individual needs and specific foot types, these top-notch brands carry the potential to correct minor biomechanical issues special to your feet, designed to ease discomforts caused by the demanding physical aspects of tennis.

Below, we break down all models from our three insole brands to help you find the right insoles for your feet!

Superfeet Insoles

Superfeet insoles are designed with a firm belief that the human foot was made to adapt to uneven, natural terrain. But, over time our world has become flatter, harder and less natural. The unique Superfeet shape helps adapt flat, two-dimensional midsoles of your tennis shoes to your three-dimensional foot. Engineered for high impact performance, the patented technology of Superfeet stabilises the foot, while the deep, structured heel cup and full-length foam insole provide ultimate support and unmatched comfort to your feet.

Superfeet's Color Codes

• Orange: Ideal for medium to high arched feet and recommended for those seeking maximum shock absorption in the forefoot.
• Green: Superfeet's most famous insole. Designed for medium to high arched feet with legendary support built in.
• Berry: The Berry insole was made with a slimmer heel and arch length to fit the proportions of the medium to high arched female foot, while still maintaining Superfeet's trademark performance and comfort features.
• Blue: Ideal for flatter and low to medium arched feet, the Blue insoles provide all-purpose performance.
• Black: Made for those who have a lower arched foot, Superfeet's Black insole gives your feet the ability to perform at their best, but due to its low-profile shape this insole works well in tight-fitting footwear such as tennis shoes.

Sidas Insoles

Sidas has been working with footwear professionals to ensure remarquable expertise. Present on the market since 1975, the award-winning brand is trusted by many athletes in different sports as well as for your everyday use. Sidas insoles are oriented towards athletics and are greatly focused on comfort. Built to provide optimal shock absorption, improve performance and avoid injuries, they are suitable for a wide range of players whether you're on the court, cross-training or taking a rest day.

• 3D technology: Designed to fit a wide range of foot types and activities. This innovation helps every player with finding excellent comfort on and off the courts.
• Gel technology: Using a network of microbubbles located in the impact zone, the insoles with Gel technology gradually deform upon impact providing an exceptional dynamic cushion. You can even target and ease your pain with the Gel Heel Pad or the Gel Toe Wraps!
• Impact Reducer: Minimal thickness for maximal shock absorbtion, these insoles offer excellent protection against joint pain. They are perfect for various sport activites and also feature anti-bacterial technology. The Impact Reducer Insole provides a high level of impact dissipation, while the Impact Reducer Dual Foam Insole is made of two materials for shock absorbtion and better energy return during sport activities.

SofSole Insoles

SofSole, established in 1991, has since become a leader in athletic footwear accessories. SofSole insoles are extremely versatile and their uses range from everyday needs to high-impact performance activities. Technologically advanced designs optimise the functionality, comfort and performance of any shoe, making SofSole a great choice for tennis players of any caliber. In addition, for all three of these SofSole insoles, there is designated men's and women's sizing, ensuring the perfect fit.

• AIRR: This insole features an encapsulated air chamber in the heel and arch. There is also Polymer Gel in the forefoot to combat shock absorption. The AIRR Insole is complete with a moisture-wicking layer and a flexible design to fit in any type of shoe.
• AIRR Orthotic: Like the AIRR, the AIRR Orthotic also features an encapsulated air chamber in the heel and arch and to combat shock absorption and Polymer Gel in the forefoot. What sets this insole apart is the reinforced stability plate in the arch and heel, made for players with low to neutral arches looking for motion control and stability. It comes complete with a moisture-wicking layer on top to keep your feet dry.
• Athlete: Designed for the athlete in mind, these insoles remain lightweight while offering maximum amounts of cushioning through gel drops in the heel and forefoot. With a neutral arch design and added foam these insoles are suitable for all users who seek a high-performance option.

Choosing the Right Insoles: Final Thoughts

No matter the level at which you are competing, your feet deserve the best support possible. This can be attained through any of these performance insoles depending on your foot shape and comfort preferences. With so many choices, it is worth trying one of these insole brands before making the commitment to buy custom orthotics. It is likely you will find the support your feet need for a much lower price.