10 Best Insoles for Cycling: Ride Longer and Stronger
Updated April 13, 2023
As a passionate cyclist, you want to feel as comfortable as possible when hitting the road or trail, and one way to achieve this is by using the right insoles that will provide your feet with optimal cushioning and support while pedaling.
Did you know that cyclists are at a higher risk of injuries related to high-intensity training and repetitive movements? In fact, 50% of competitive cyclists experience some form of knee pain, and 37% of all cyclists report some form of injury.
This is where a well-chosen insole comes in handy. As a physical therapist with years of experience working with cyclists, I have witnessed firsthand how a good insole can protect the joints, ligaments, and muscles, allowing you to cycle for longer periods. With hundreds of insoles to choose from, finding the right one can be daunting.
That's why we've conducted extensive research at Footora to bring you some of the best insoles available, saving you time and effort.
Our Top Picks for the Best Insoles for Cycling
- Best Insoles Overall - Upstep Cycling Custom Orthotics
- Best Insoles for Cycling Shoes - Tread Labs Lael Wilcox Cycling Insoles
- Best Thin Insoles - SOLE Active Thin
- Best Custom Insoles for Cycling Hot Foot - URthotics Active
- Best Foam Insoles - FitMyFoot Pine Green
- Best Stability Insoles - Superfeet Carbon
- Best Comfort Insoles - Tread Labs Pace
- Best Cushioned Insoles - Protalus T-100 Elite
- Best Cork Insoles - SOLE Performance Thin
- Best Shock-Absorbing Insoles - Superfeet Orange
A Closer Look at Our Top 10
Let's go into detail and discuss some of the best insoles for cycling available on the market today.
1. Best Overall Insoles for Cycling
Footora score: 9.5
- Intended use - Cycling
- Material - Upstep's own unique materials
- Support - Fully customized arch support
- Cushioning - Cushioned to reduce impact
- Sizes - Custom-made
Upstep's custom cycling orthotics are specifically designed for cyclists, allowing you to get an insole tailored to your unique foot shape and size. The insoles stabilize and cushion your foot during your ride, minimizing the risk of injury and maximizing energy return from pedaling.
What We Love
- Uniquely designed material
- Keeps your arches relaxed and pain-free
- Different colors available
What to Consider
- High price point
2. Best Insoles for Cycling Shoes
Footora score: 9.2
- Intended use - Endurance cycling
- Material - Carbon fiber
- Support - Molded arch support
- Cushioning - Lightweight 1.25mm cushioning
- Sizes - M4-12.5 and W5-12.5 with 4 arch heights
Endorsed by endurance competition-winning cyclist Lael Wilcox, Tread Labs' cycling insoles are made from lightweight, carbon fiber material and are specifically designed to offer exceptional arch support. These insoles are durable and reliable, making them a great choice for endurance cyclists.
What We Love
- Incredibly thin yet supportive
- Fits brilliantly in most cycling shoes
- Variety of sizes and arch heights
What to Consider
- No custom fit option
3. Best Thin Insoles for Cycling
Footora score: 8.2
- Intended use - Everyday comfort or high-exertion activities
- Material - Recycled cork plus Polygiene® stays fresh technology
- Support - Sturdy yet flexible support
- Cushioning - Moldable orthopedic cushioning
- Sizes - M3-17 /W5-19
Make your budget go further with SOLE's environmentally friendly Active Thin insoles. Designed to mold to your foot shape over time, providing natural foot alignment within your shoes. These environmentally friendly insoles offer comfort and support for your feet while cycling, helping to alleviate common issues such as plantar fascia strain and pain.
What We Love
- Lightweight and ultra-durable
- Designed for slimmer feet
- Hygienic breathable material
What to Consider
- Not specifically designed for cycling
4. Best Custom Insoles for Cycling Hot Foot
Footora score: 8.7
- Intended use - Tough high-impact activities
- Material - Maximum impact absorbing Poron
- Support - 3-5mm Polypropylene orthotic base
- Cushioning - Cushioned to reduce impact while being durable
- Sizes - Custom-made
URthotics Active insoles are custom-fit to provide precise cushioning, comfort, and support for high-impact activities like cycling. These insoles are designed by podiatrists and chiropractors and offer optimal performance for those seeking a custom-fit insole.
What We Love
- Useful for cycling and other sports
- High-quality materials
- Reduces pain from multiple conditions
What to Consider
- Pricier than some other options
5. Best Foam Insoles for Cycling
Footora score: 8.9
- Intended use - High-impact sports
- Material - Premium foam for high-quality compression
- Support - Deep contoured heel cushion plus custom arch
- Cushioning - All-day shock absorption and cushioning
- Sizes - Custom-made
FitMyFoot's custom insoles help reduce the risk of cycling-related injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, and knee, hip, and back pain. These 3D-printed insoles are custom-fit to your foot and provide cushioning and support for high-impact activities.
What We Love
- Excellent value custom fit option
- Alleviates pain during cycling
- Reduces foot fatigue
What to Consider
- Sizing can be innacurate
6. Best Stability Insoles for Cycling
Footora score: 8.5
- Intended use - To fit athletic footwear
- Material - Carbon fiber and ultralight foam
- Support - Supportive base reinforced with EVOLyte®
- Cushioning - Lightweight yet high-density cushioning
- Sizes - M5.5-15 / W4.5-14 / Kids 2.5-4
Discover the value of Superfeet Carbon Insoles, offering maximum support without breaking the bank. These affordable carbon fiber insoles provide exceptional stability and are specifically designed for use with slim footwear like cycling shoes.
What We Love
- Ultralight material
- Intended for use by cyclists
- Great for people on a budget
What to Consider
- No custom fit option
7. Best Comfort Insoles for Cycling
Footora score: 8.5
- Intended use - Reducing pain during high-impact activity
- Material - 100% recycled polyester fabric top covers
- Support - Podiatrist-recommended extra firm support
- Cushioning - Cushioned to reduce plantar fascia pain
- Sizes - M4-13.5 and W5-12.5 with 4 arch heights
Find relief from plantar fasciitis or overpronation while cycling with Tread Labs' medical-grade, extra-firm Pace Insoles. These insoles are recommended by podiatrists and promote fresh and healthy feet with their breathable material.
What We Love
- Deep heel cup reduces impact
- 5mm thick and durable covers
- Different levels of firmness available
What to Consider
- Only for use with shoes with fully removable inserts
8. Best Cushioned Insoles for Cycling
Footora score: 8.0
- Intended use - All-day comfort in sneakers
- Material - Patented high-rebound Polyurethane
- Support - Contoured shape for stability and support
- Cushioning - 3mm forefoot and heal cushioning
- Sizes - M5.5-15 / W4.5-12.5 / Youth 13.5-4
Save time and effort with Protalus' T-100 Elite Insoles, designed to fit directly into your existing cycling shoes and aim to reduce pain from common cycling-related issues, such as ankle, knee, and hip strain. These insoles also relieve pressure on your arches with a slightly raised edge.
What We Love
- Helps people with flat feet
- Helps align the ankle joint
- Can be used by all ages
What to Consider
- Designed for use with full-volume shoes
9. Best Cork Insoles for Cycling
Footora score: 8.3
- Intended use - For slim-fitting footwear during high-impact activity
- Material - ReCORK recycled wine corks
- Support - Lightweight support
- Cushioning - Even distribution of weight and pressure
- Sizes - M3-1 6 /W5-18
Go eco-friendly with SOLE's Performance Thin insoles made from recycled wine corks. These lightweight insoles forego bulky foam, ensuring they won't slow you down during your cycling adventures. Designed specifically for thinner shoes like cycling footwear, they're built to withstand high-impact activities.
What we love
- Support pad reduces metatarsal pain
- Carbon-negative design
- Hygienic stays fresh design
What to Consider
- No custom fit option
10. Best Shock-Absorbing Insoles for Cycling
Footora score: 8.5
- Intended use - Engineered for high-impact activities
- Material - Organic odor-control coating
- Support - Medium to high arch orthotic support
- Cushioning - Shock-absorbing forefoot foam pad
- Sizes - M5.5-17 / W6.5-14
Discover Superfeet's affordable, shock-absorbing Orange insoles, designed for those who engage in high-impact activities. The insoles feature a thick heel cup that cradles your foot inside your shoe, minimizing sliding and movement during cycling. With durable construction, they help maintain optimal performance for longer rides.
What We Love
- Can be trimmed for better fit
- Good value for money
- Maximum shock absorption
What to Consider
- Intended for medium to wider-fitting shoes
How We Choose
Drawing upon our extensive experience treating patients and evaluating the benefits of various insoles, our team has established a set of criteria to help identify the most effective solutions for individuals with foot issues. We rate a number of factors on a weighted scale and aggregate them to create a single metric called the Footora Score, which reflects the overall usefulness of the product. Do note that the score may vary depending on the specific purpose it’s being reviewed for.
Here are the factors we considered for cyclists:
- Fit
- Support
- Comfort
- Durability
- Value for Money
- Customer Reviews
Pedal With Peace of Mind
For anyone who loves cycling and racking up the miles on the road or trails, protecting your feet and lower limb joints is crucial to reduce the risk of pain or injury.
Finding the perfect insoles tailored to your specific needs can boost your confidence, helping you achieve your goals and enjoy cycling for longer. Invest in a pair of high-quality, well-fitting insoles today, and experience greater comfort and peace of mind on your next ride.