Why NBA Pros Swear by Custom Insoles and Why You Should Too

Ever watched NBA players effortlessly glide, leap, and land gracefully on the court, game after game? It’s tempting to think it’s all natural talent. And sure, genetics, relentless training, and hours in the gym play huge roles. But there’s another secret at play: what’s under their feet.

The Unseen MVP of the NBA

Here’s a stat you might not know: about 80 percent of NBA players use custom insoles. When you are sprinting, jumping, pivoting, and changing direction hundreds of times in a single game, basic insoles simply won’t cut it. Custom insoles act as the behind-the-scenes MVP. They improve balance, help maximize vertical leap, and dramatically reduce injury risk.

Think of every ankle roll you’ve seen in a game, every sore knee or plantar fascia strain. Many of those injuries happen because the foot is not properly aligned or cushioned. A good insole corrects mechanics and reduces shock so joints don’t take the brunt of every movement. For elite athletes, that difference can mean staying healthy for the playoffs or spending months on the bench.

How Custom Insoles Took Over the League

Back in the early days of basketball, athletes played in sneakers that offered little more than a rubber sole and canvas upper. Players stuffed their shoes with generic insoles and hoped for the best. It was the equivalent of buying clothes without ever trying them on: fingers crossed that they fit.

But professional sports evolved into a science. Biomechanics, kinesiology, and data-driven training now shape how athletes prepare and compete. Footwear became part of that equation. Custom insoles emerged as a critical edge. They are precision-engineered to match the exact contours of each player’s foot, correcting misalignments and offering personalized cushioning. For someone making explosive cuts or coming down from a 40-inch vertical jump, that precision matters.

Today, custom insoles are as common in the NBA as strength coaches and recovery ice baths. They are no longer a luxury but an expectation. If you are competing at the highest level, you need gear that supports every stride.

The Science of Support

It is not just about comfort. Studies have shown that properly designed insoles can reduce ground reaction forces by up to 25 percent, lowering stress on knees, hips, and lower back. They can also decrease the risk of plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and ankle instability. For basketball players who run, cut, and jump on hardwood night after night, those benefits add up quickly.

Even the smallest adjustment in foot alignment can create measurable improvements in performance. A straighter landing means less wasted energy and fewer injuries. A more balanced push-off means quicker acceleration. Over 82 games in a season, that efficiency is invaluable.

The Groov Advantage for All

Now here’s the thing: you might not be dunking on NBA rims or logging 40 minutes a night under stadium lights, but your feet deserve the same level of care. Everyday athletes, weekend warriors, and even people just trying to get through long workdays face many of the same challenges: misalignment, shock absorption, and fatigue.

Groov’s Plush model takes performance insoles to the next level. Using AI-driven 3D scans, Groov creates personalized insoles tailored to your exact foot shape and gait. That means the kind of precision NBA stars pay thousands for is available to you too.

Slip Groovs into your running shoes for a smoother stride, your work sneakers for long shifts, or even your basketball kicks for that pickup game at the local gym. The same technology that keeps pros performing at their peak can keep you moving with less pain and more energy.

From Hardwood to Sidewalk

Because let’s be real: whether you are hitting the court at your local rec center, jogging around the block, or just hustling through a long day on your feet, performance starts from the ground up. NBA players know it, and now so do you. The secret to longevity, agility, and confidence isn’t just in training plans or flashy sneakers. It is in the foundation under your soles.

So the next time you lace up, remember what the pros already know: custom support isn’t optional, it is essential. With Groov, you get NBA-level technology personalized for your life. No highlight reel required.

Game on,
Anita
Resident Runner & Groover