Do vertical jump insoles improve performance?

So, can insoles make you jump higher? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. Orthotics used for basketball generally could provide some benefit thanks to added comfort and improved biomechanics, allowing the user to reach maximum athletic potential. However, while the technology sounds impressive, the actual science supporting these claims is not conclusive. Some insoles claim to increase vertical jump height by up to 1-2 inches. While this is possible for certain users, the improvement is marginal compared to strength training or plyometrics. Studies on performance insoles have shown mixed results, with some athletes experiencing slight improvements and others noticing no difference at all.

VKTRY Insoles, made from 100% aerospace-grade carbon fiber, are designed specifically for athletes and claim to improve performance by increasing energy return and reducing the impact of landing. Independent, PhD-led research has shown that VKTRY Insoles can have a positive impact on vertical jump height. In studies, participants increased their vertical jump by an average of +1.6 inches. The data shows that VKTRY Insoles are a legitimate and effective tool for improving jump performance. However, their ability to significantly improve speed or jump height is questionable, because laboratory tests show a slight improvement that doesn't always translate into real-world gains.

Do vertical jump insoles improve performance?

In a study, athletes who used VKTRY's energy-returning insoles increased their vertical jump height by an average of +1.6 inches (+4.06 centimeters). Several independent, third-party studies have found that athletes jumped higher and ran faster while wearing VKTRY Insoles, with participants recording an average increase in their broad jump distance by 4 inches (10.16 centimeters). While this is possible for certain users, the improvement is marginal compared to what is achieved through strength training or plyometrics.

This is where the scientifically proven technology of carbon fiber sports insoles bridges the gap between human effort and maximum output. The plate acts as a lever and a springboard-it restricts excessive toe bending, stores your downward mechanical force, and snaps back into shape instantly, returning the energy directly into your upward propulsion. This results in an increased ground force, causing a propulsive effect that helps the athlete increase vertical jump height as well as sprint speed. However, some users say slight vertical jump increase with VKTRY, and many say VKTRY performance as underwhelming. A study had no vertical jump improvement from carbon fiber insoles. VKTRY insoles is one hundred and fifty bucks, and cost per inch is 60 to 100 bucks for insoles. Jump training yields 3 to 5 inches (7.62 to 12.7 cm) better, makes lasting body changes, and costs less per inch.

And carbon fiber insoles change movement and raise stress on ankle joint and knee hinge. Excessively rigid composite insert raises risk of broken bones from too much use. Adjustment needs about two weeks to around three weeks of habitual use. And not all shoes accept them, some shoes have fixed insoles that cannot be taken out, like Sneaker LeBron 20. The impact of insoles on jump height is likely to be more significant for athletes who are already at a high level of performance. The most significant and durable improvements come from jump training and strength exercise, not from insoles alone.

I used carbon fiber insoles. The lightweight, strong material insoles had a springlike effect during toe-off. However, the sensation didn't raise my jump height significantly or permanently. The stiffness made discomfort in my soles and fatigue in my legs. That's why the slight improvement was not worth the expense and physical discomfort. Plyometrics has excellent long-term gains. Weightlifting has advancements. Enduring has long-term gains. Technology gives energy efficiently, but incremental improvements from insoles are not worth the physical discomfort.