Your vertical jump isn’t just a measure of raw leg power — it’s the product of force transfer from your feet up. If your insoles collapse under load, that energy bleeds into your arch instead of propelling you upward. The right insole locks your foot in a stable, energy-returning position for every takeoff and landing.
I’m Emma — the founder and writer behind Baby Bangs. I’ve spent years analyzing insole construction, carbon fiber layering, and dynamic arch profiles to understand what actually translates to measurable inches on a jump test.
From reactive carbon plates to moisture-wicking performance foam, I’ve found the seven best picks available right now. This guide breaks down exactly what makes each one work so you can stop guessing and start jumping with the absolute best insoles for jumping higher.
How To Choose The Best Insoles For Jumping Higher
Jumping requires your foot to act as a rigid lever. Soft, marshmallowy insoles that feel great for walking will actually rob you of power. You need a balance of shock absorption for landing and a firm, responsive platform for takeoff. Focus on heel cup depth, arch profile match, and materials designed for rebound.
Arch Profile and Foot Type
A low arch needs a flatter profile with moderate support to prevent overpronation. A high arch demands a pronounced cradle to avoid collapse under load. The wrong arch type shifts the force up your kinetic chain — leading to knee or hip pain and lost jump height. Brands like CURREX offer three distinct arch profiles per size to dial this in.
Cushion vs. Rebound Balance
Too much cushion means energy absorption instead of return. Too little means painful landings. The sweet spot he sporting insole often uses a dual-layer design — a thin, responsive base for power transfer plus targeted gel or foam pads in the heel and forefoot to soften impact. Carbon fiber composites provide the highest rebound-to-weight ratio.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOVE Game Day Pro | Premium | Explosive power & court sports | X-Frame torsional support | Amazon |
| VKTRY Silver | Premium | Maximum energy return | Carbon fiber composite | Amazon |
| MOVE Game Day | Mid-Range | All-around performance | Composite heel & reactive foam | Amazon |
| CURREX ActivePro | Mid-Range | Shock absorption & stability | Dynamic arch & decoupled heel | Amazon |
| Superfeet Green | Mid-Range | High arch & plantar relief | Deep heel cup & closed-cell foam | Amazon |
| CURREX SupportSTP | Mid-Range | High-mileage training | Heavy duty shell & air vents | Amazon |
| Sof Sole Men’s Athletic | Budget | Budget jump performance | Heel & forefoot gel pads | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. MOVE Game Day Pro
The MOVE Game Day Pro is the closest you’ll get to a custom orthotic straight from the box for explosive sports. Its X-Frame Torsional Support system wraps your midfoot and heel with a rigid chassis that prevents energy loss during lateral cuts and takeoffs. The Active Heel Technology specifically targets pressure points in the heel pad — the exact area that takes the brunt during jump landings — making each landing quieter on the joints.
Testers noted a locked-in feel that eliminated blisters even after full volleyball seasons, with a firm yet responsive arch that doesn’t flatten over time. The foam layering provides a springy push-off that feels immediate, not delayed. It’s built thin enough to fit snugly in basketball and volleyball shoes without crowding the toe box.
Co-founded by Damian Lillard, this insole is trusted by professional athletes across multiple sports. While it’s a premium investment, the combination of torsional support, responsive energy return, and cushioning makes it the single best option for athletes serious about increasing vertical jump height.
Why it’s great
- X-Frame prevents foot collapse under heavy jump loads
- Active Heel pads absorb shock without losing rebound
- Molds to your playing style for a personalized fit
Good to know
- Premium pricing
- May feel stiff during the initial break-in period
2. VKTRY Silver Performance Insoles
VKTRY takes a completely different approach — instead of foam layers, these insoles use a multi-layer carbon fiber composite structure engineered specifically to maximize energy return during running, cutting, and jumping. This is the same material family used in high-end running shoe plates, but VKTRY applies it as a full-length insole to create a rigid platform that stores and releases elastic energy with every step.
The ergonomic arch structure and deep heel cradle stabilize foot positioning, ensuring your foot stays aligned during explosive takeoffs. The carbon fiber construction is extremely lightweight despite its stiffness, adding minimal weight to your shoe. Reviewers report major relief for knees, ankles, and lower back, especially on hard court surfaces where impact is severe.
This insole is best suited for non-cleated athletic shoes — basketball, volleyball, tennis, and training. It’s the top choice for athletes who prioritize raw energy return over plush cushioning. The carbon fiber layering can feel very firm if you’re used to traditional foam insoles.
Why it’s great
- Carbon fiber composite stores and releases energy for jumps
- Lightweight design at only 8.15 ounces per pair
- Deep heel cradle provides exceptional stability for landings
Good to know
- Very firm compared to foam-based insoles
- May require adjustment period for those with flat feet
3. MOVE Game Day Performance Insoles
If the Game Day Pro is the top-tier option, the standard Game Day is its slightly more accessible sibling that still delivers excellent jump performance. It features a Composite Heel and Reactive Stability foam that provides lasting comfort and high-level support without the torsional chassis. Reviewers specifically noted it eliminated shin splints — a common barrier to jump training — after years of chronic pain.
The molded forefoot design ensures a secure fit that conforms to your foot and shoe, preventing slip inside the shoe during explosive movements. The arch support targets plantar fasciitis and flat feet, two conditions that severely limit vertical jump potential by destabilizing the foot. One volleyball player reported significantly reduced knee pain after switching to these for an entire season.
For athletes playing basketball, volleyball, or running, this insole hits the sweet spot between performance features and cost. It provides enough rigidity for jumps while still offering a comfortable cushion for long sessions. Also co-founded by Damian Lillard, the Game Day carries the same performance DNA as the Pro version.
Why it’s great
- Composite heel provides excellent shock absorption for landings
- Molded forefoot prevents foot slip during takeoffs
- Proven to reduce shin splints and knee pain
Good to know
- Less torsional rigidity than the Pro version
- Adds noticeable weight to lightweight shoes
4. CURREX ActivePro Insoles
CURREX’s ActivePro is designed specifically for high-intensity movements like basketball, volleyball, dance, and running. Its standout feature is the multiprofile arch support system — you choose low, medium, or high arch support based on your foot type. This ensures the arch doesn’t hit your foot in the wrong spot, which can reduce power transfer and cause irritation during jumps.
The decoupled heel cup wraps and locks the heel in place, improving stability and reducing fatigue during multi-hour sessions. Targeted cushioning in the heel and forefoot absorbs shock on landings while maintaining a slim profile that fits well in performance shoes. Reviewers noted it excels during high-intensity movements, providing mechanical support that prevents foot fatigue and maintains alignment.
The ActivePro uses premium foam cushioning with moisture management to keep feet dry. For athletes who jump but also need insoles for broader daily training, the CURREX ActivePro offers versatility without sacrificing performance. It’s also one of the lightest performance insoles available.
Why it’s great
- Three arch profiles for a near-custom fit
- Decoupled heel cup reduces fatigue and improves stability
- Thin profile fits well in court shoes
Good to know
- Arch support is dynamic rather than rigid
- Not as responsive as carbon fiber options for explosive jumps
5. Superfeet All-Purpose Support High Arch Insoles (Green)
The Superfeet Green (now called All-Purpose Support High Arch) is a legendary insole for high arches and plantar fasciitis. It provides firm, dense support that doesn’t compress over time, which is crucial for maintaining foot alignment during jumps. The sculpted heel cup cradles your heel to maximize natural shock absorption — a key factor for athletes who land repeatedly.
The closed-cell foam is high-density, meaning it resists flattening under load better than open-cell foams. This is important for jumping because a collapsed insole means lost energy. The MoistureWick top layer helps reduce odors and keeps feet cool during intense sessions. Reviewers note the arch support is firm and requires a gradual break-in, but once adapted, it provides exceptional pain relief.
While the Superfeet Green isn’t specifically marketed as a jump-performance insole, its rigid arch support and deep heel cup create a stable platform that can improve power transfer. It’s a great option for athletes with high arches who need extra support throughout the day as well as during sports.
Why it’s great
- Dense closed-cell foam doesn’t flatten under jump loads
- Deep heel cup provides excellent shock absorption
- MoistureWick top keeps feet dry during intense play
Good to know
- Trim-to-fit design requires careful cutting
- Minimal energy return compared to carbon fiber options
6. CURREX SupportSTP
The CURREX SupportSTP is built for runners and walkers who want more stability, but its heavy-duty shell and dynamic arch support translate well to jump training. The deep decoupled heel cup wraps and locks the foot in place, reducing fatigue during long sessions. Strong midfoot support helps prevent overpronation, which can rob you of vertical power by causing your foot to collapse inward during takeoff.
Air vent technology improves breathability over extended wear, and the three arch profiles (low, medium, high) allow for custom-like fit. Reviewers noted that the SupportSTP helped stabilize their stride and relieve foot pains from standing or running long distances. It’s less aggressive than the ActivePro but offers more durability for high-mileage use.
For athletes who do long jump training sessions (multiple hours of plyometrics), the SupportSTP’s heavy-duty shell provides consistent support without breaking down. It’s a solid mid-range choice that prioritizes durability and stability over pure energy return.
Why it’s great
- Heavy-duty shell maintains structure through long sessions
- Decoupled heel cup reduces fatigue in the foot
- Air vent tech keeps feet dry during sweaty training
Good to know
- Thicker than many performance insoles
- Minimal energy return — more about stability than spring
7. Sof Sole Men’s Athletic Performance Full-Length Insole
The Sof Sole Athletic Performance Insole is a budget-friendly entry point for athletes who want better cushioning than stock insoles without a major investment. It features lightweight cushioning with gel pads in the heel and forefoot — the two primary impact zones during jumping. The neutral arch design makes it suitable for most foot types, though it won’t provide aggressive arch support for severe pronation issues.
Reviewers praised it for revitalizing old tennis sneakers and providing solid, high-quality cushioning for running and sports. The moisture-wicking top cloth helps keep feet cooler during intense activity. It’s a full-length insole that works well in athletic and casual shoes, making it a versatile daily option.
For jumpers on a tight budget, this Sof Sole insole offers a noticeable upgrade over stock shoe insoles. It lacks the advanced features of premium options (carbon fiber, torsional support, variable arch profiles) but provides a solid foundation for recreational athletes who want better comfort and basic support for jumping.
Why it’s great
- Gel pads in heel and forefoot absorb jump landing shock
- Lightweight design adds minimal bulk to shoes
- Budget-friendly entry point for jump training
Good to know
- Neutral arch lacks the aggressive support for severe pronation
- May not provide enough rigidity for explosive takeoffs
FAQ
Can stiff insoles really improve my vertical jump height?
Which arch profile should I choose for jumping?
Are carbon fiber insoles safe for daily use?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most athletes serious about jumping, the best insoles for jumping higher winner is the MOVE Game Day Pro because it combines X-Frame torsional support with responsive foam and Active Heel Technology for the best balance of stability, rebound, and cushioning. If you want maximum energy return and are okay with a very firm platform, grab the VKTRY Silver. And for a mid-range option that still delivers excellent performance for court sports, nothing beats the MOVE Game Day.