Quick verdict
I was given a StepCraft OTC insert (Low arch) as a free sample at the Western conference, and I have been playing pickleball in them in my Diadem court shoes. It is the rare insert that is thin enough for a snug shoe and still genuinely supportive, and of every orthotic I have tried, it took up the least space in my shoe. Easy to recommend.
Low-profile, supportive, and a fair price
Straight disclosure: I did not buy these. I was given a sample at the Western conference, and I have no other relationship with StepCraft. I wore them the way a patient would, on the court: I pulled the removable insole out of my Diadem shoes, dropped the StepCraft inserts in, and they were ready to go. No trimming, no heat molding, no modification.
What stands out is how much support they pack into so little space. Getting real support into a shoe that is already snug is the hard part, and StepCraft does it: the support comes from a sturdy carbon fiber-reinforced polymer shell, so through the hard lateral cuts pickleball demands, my foot felt well supported while the insert all but disappeared into the shoe. At $54.95 a pair, that is a lot of support for the money in an over-the-counter insert.
Bottom line
I tested these for pickleball, but I would recommend them for everyday wear just as readily. They are a genuine standout for anyone who struggles to find enough room in their shoes and wants a low-profile insert that still supports the foot. For that person, the StepCraft OTC (Low arch) is the best, and it drops right in with no modification. An over-the-counter insert like this is a sensible first step; a custom orthotic is a different tool for feet that need one. I will add to this review as I log more time on them.
Pros
- + Genuinely thin, took up the least space of any orthotic I have tried
- + Real support in a low-profile insert: my foot felt well supported on court
- + True drop-in fit, no trimming or heat molding needed
- + Sturdy carbon fiber-reinforced polymer shell
- + Excellent in a snug court shoe (tested in my Diadem pickleball shoes)
- + Strong value for an over-the-counter insert ($54.95 a pair)
Best for
- ✓ Athletes fighting to fit a supportive insert into a thin, low-volume sport shoe
- ✓ Pickleball and court-sport players who want lateral support without bulk
- ✓ Anyone who wants a drop-in insert with no trimming or heat molding
Skip if
- × You want a thick, plush, cushioning-first insole
Last updated: July 20, 2026
About the author
Written and reviewed by a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) practicing in Arizona for 6+ years. Board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM); graduate of Midwestern University Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine.
Last clinically reviewed: July 20, 2026