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Why Your $200 Golf Shoes Still Cause Foot Pain (And Why Superfeet Insoles Won't Fix It)

If you're struggling with stabbing foot pain on the course—and you've spent money on new golf shoes, Superfeet insoles, or custom orthotics—here's the hidden reason why they never work for golfers.

★★★★★4.8/5 from 9,240+ golfers

Hi, my name is Dr. Rothman, and I'm a podiatrist based in San Francisco.

Over the last 25 years, I've clocked in well over 10,000 hours in my field.

But more importantly, I'm a golfer. I've walked the course my entire life.

My love for golf led me to specialize in treating over 2,300 golfers dealing with:

You name it...

I've seen it all.

From mild discomfort and stiffness, to...

Plantar Fasciitis so bad that every step felt like walking on rocks.

But it wasn't until I experienced that same pain on the course...

When I finally realized how devastating it truly was.

It got to the point where...

I Was About to Give Up Walking the Course...

An older golfer sitting on the back of a golf cart, head down, while his friends walk on down the fairway

One Saturday about two years ago...

I showed up with my regular foursome... and took a cart.

My buddies didn't know what to say.

We'd been walking this course together for 20 years. They knew something was wrong.

Every single round, my feet were on fire. Every step came with a sharp pain in my heels...

And a burning in my arches that made me dread the walk between shots.

Like my patients, I assumed it was just age catching up... maybe too much walking.

But after a few sleepless nights and missed Saturday rounds...

I finally realized what was going on.

One night, I was reading an article on sports footwear—and something shocked me.

The Hidden Root Cause of Foot Pain on the Course

A golf shoe showing the two forces on the foot: constant impact from walking and rotational pressure from the swing

What if I told you that the stabbing pain in your heels and arches isn't just your age...

Isn't just wear and tear, or too much walking...

But because of what's under your feet?

It sounds counterintuitive, but it's true. And I'm not talking about your golf shoes...

I'm talking about what's inside them.

Look, I own 3 pairs of FootJoys. I love them.

But what about the stock insole that comes with them?

It's a cheap, thin piece of foam. No structure. No cushioning.

Now here's the real problem...

Every round, your feet deal with two very intense forces.

Force #1: Rotational Pressure from Swings

Every time you swing, your feet absorb 3 to 5 times your body weight in rotational force.

That's not a light tap—it's an explosive load that transfers in a split second.

Force #2: Repetitive Impact from Walking

Over 18 holes, you're walking 5 to 7 miles on uneven terrain. That's thousands of steps.

Uphill. Downhill. Side slopes. Every step sends impact through your heel, arch, and forefoot.

You do all of this for 4 hours straight with insufficient support.

Why? Well because...

Golf companies spend millions on style, waterproofing, and traction—not comfort.

And since all of their focus is on the outside...

That means the inside is made with little to no real support.

So Where Does All That Stress Go?

Foot anatomy showing the impact zone at the heel from walking and the rotational pressure zone at the forefoot from the swing

Right into your plantar fascia, arches, and heels.

They absorb these forces over and over, round after round...

Creating an overload that causes the soreness and pain that keeps coming back.

That's why that sharp pain keeps showing up on the back nine.

It's not your age. It's not too much walking.

It's the one thing under your feet that can't support:

1. The rotational force of your swing.

2. AND the repetitive impact from walking miles on uneven terrain.

Which creates what I call a Flawed Foundation for golf.

So I did what any golfer would do. I tried everything.

Stretches, rolling my feet on golf balls, ice packs...

I tried new FootJoys, Superfeet, Powerstep, gel inserts...

I even made my own $800 orthotics...

But nothing worked.

Because none of those solutions were ever designed for golf.

And once I understood that, it all started to make sense...

Why Every Solution Fails for Golfers

Stock insoles, Superfeet, gel inserts and custom orthotics, each failing a golfer in a different way

When I was reading that article, one line stuck with me:

"Most sport-specific footwear is optimized for a single movement pattern."

That was it.

Golf is the ONLY sport where you need support for BOTH forces I just mentioned:

Rotational stability for your swing—AND shock absorption to walk miles.

Think about it:

Runners need cushioning for forward motion—but they don't rotate explosively.

Basketball players need lateral stability—but they're not walking for hours.

Tennis players need quick movements—but they're on flat courts.

Golf is unique because it requires TWO opposites—stability and cushioning.

You need support from rigid materials to handle your swing...

But they hurt to walk on.

You need soft cushioning to absorb 12,000+ steps and stay comfortable...

But they collapse under swing pressure.

Every solution forces golfers to choose between stability OR cushioning.

Let me show you some examples...

Your $200 Golf Shoes Come with a $0.50 Insole

A golfer in his garage holding up a pair of thin, flat stock insoles

With stock insoles, there's actually neither stability nor cushioning.

No arch support. No heel cradle. Nothing.

Result:

So you look for alternatives...

Superfeet Insoles: Too Rigid

A rigid black insole on the grass with red arrows showing pressure pushing back up into the foot

Superfeet insoles DO provide support.

That hard plastic shell stabilizes your feet during swings.

But they're way too rigid.

That firm shell is exactly what kills your feet on the walk.

No cushioning. No give. Just hard plastic.

Result:

Now, maybe you go the softer route...

Gel Inserts: Too Soft

If Superfeet are too hard, maybe cushioning is the answer.

Something like Dr. Scholl's gel inserts feel amazing at first. Soft. Comfortable.

But the moment you swing, they flatten.

With all that torque, that gel compresses instantly.

Your arch collapses. Your foot slides inside your shoe.

Result:

At this point, maybe you even go the expensive route...

Custom Orthotics: Overpriced, Still Rigid

A custom orthotics invoice for $800, not covered by insurance, on a locker room bench next to the orthotics

Remember, I'm a podiatrist... and yes, I've prescribed orthotics to golfers.

They're the 'gold standard' in podiatry.

But the truth is...

They're just not made for rotating and walking on uneven terrain for 4+ hours.

They're too hard. They're made for standing on flatter, even ground.

But compared to other options...

I didn't have a better solution to offer... so I stuck to my training for years.

Most of my patients wouldn't even follow up with their prescription orthotics...

And trust me, I understood why.

Custom orthotics cost anywhere from $600-$1,200+...

To them, it just didn't seem worth it.

Result:

Noticing a pattern?

The Same Problem, Every Time

Insole TypeStabilityCushioning
Stock Insoles
Superfeet
Gel Inserts
Orthotics

No solution can deliver both stability and cushioning—it's either one, or the other.

They're all unable to solve the root cause of golfers' foot pain...

Because none of them were designed for the unique demands of golf.

That's when I realized: if I wanted something to work, I'd have to build it myself.

So I Engineered a Better Solution...

A podiatrist at a lab bench shaping a golf insole

I partnered with a biomechanical engineer I'd met at a sports medicine conference.

I presented him with a challenge that seemed impossible:

"I need an insole that's firm enough to provide stability... but soft enough to walk on."

He looked at me like I was crazy.

"You can't have both. It's either rigid or soft."

"Then we need to find a way. Because golfers need both."

We spent two years testing materials and prototypes.

And we finally cracked it.

We managed to create a support structure that responds to both of golf's forces.

When you touch it with your hand, it feels soft and cushioned.

Light pressure from walking? It stays soft and comfortable.

But heavy pressure from your swing? It firms up and locks into place.

The same insole delivers both—no compromise.

We call it the 18-Hole Support System.

The only system designed to support you through all 18 holes.

Let me show you how it works.

The 5 Layers That Deliver Comfort & Stability

The Back9Relief golf insole with its five layers numbered
The 18-Hole Support System™Tap a number to see what each layer does

The 18-Hole Support System uses five layers that work together.

Each layer has a specific job—allowing the system to adapt to both types of pressure.

(Tap the numbers on the image above to see each one.)

The shock-absorbing base continuously absorbs the impact of walking 18 holes.

The comfort surface on top distributes pressure evenly across your foot—no hard edges, no pressure points.

The heel pad and contoured arch lock your heel in place and support your arch, so you stay stable and balanced through every swing...

And the metatarsal pods support your forefoot during rotation and take the pressure off the ball of your foot.

All without the rigidity of Superfeet or custom orthotics.

Instead of breaking down, your feet can actually recover as you play.

And these 5 layers form the first insole ACTUALLY designed for golf.

Introducing the Golfer's Comfort Insole

We launched Back9Relief after two years of refining and testing.

That's when we created the Golfer's Comfort Insole.

The first insole built with the 18-Hole Support System—designed specifically for golf.

Not for running. Not for standing all day. Not for general foot pain.

For golf.

It gives you the firm stability you need to generate power through your swing.

And it gives you the deep cushioning you need to walk 18 holes comfortably.

No break-in period. No choosing between comfort and support.

And veteran golfers are already experiencing the difference.

Golfers 50+ Are Already Walking Pain-Free

Six golfers over 50 with their Back9Relief insoles, rated five stars by 9,240+ golfers

Since launching Back9Relief and the Golfer's Comfort Insoles...

We've helped over 9,240 golfers get back to walking the course comfortably.

Here's what they're saying:

Photo from Mike T.'s reviewSecond photo from Mike T.'s review
Mike T. – 58Verified Purchase
★★★★★
First time walking 18 in a year

Haven't walked 18 holes in a year because of plantar fasciitis. Last Saturday, I walked all 18 with my buddies. No golf cart! These insoles are the real deal.

42 people found this helpful
Photo from Robert C.'s reviewSecond photo from Robert C.'s review
Robert C. – 63Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Better than any insole I've tried

I've tried them all. Powerstep, Superfeet... Nothing worked. These are the first insoles that actually feel comfortable and keep my feet steady. Wish I'd found them sooner.

31 people found this helpful
Photo from Dave L.'s reviewSecond photo from Dave L.'s review
Dave L. – 54Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Playing 36 holes pain-free

My feet used to hurt so bad by the back nine I could barely finish. Now I'm walking 36 holes on weekends without any pain. Game changer.

26 people found this helpful
Photo from John M.'s reviewSecond photo from John M.'s review
John M. – 61Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Saved my walking game

I play four times a week and my feet were always sore. I was seriously considering giving up walking. These insoles saved me. Very comfortable from the first step.

37 people found this helpful

Others vs. The Golfer's Comfort Insole

OthersA foot on a thin flat insole, the arch collapsed and the ankle line bent

Other ‘health’ insoles

Built for the masses, not for golfers.

  • Either too soft, or too rigid
  • Minimal support layers
  • Quits on you by hole 6
  • Wears out in 2-3 weeks
Back9ReliefThe same foot on the Back9Relief insole, the arch supported and the ankle line straight

Golfer’s Comfort Insoles

Uses our 18-Hole Support System™.

  • Cushioned with enough stability
  • Five layers with specific jobs
  • Still comfortable on the 18th
  • Holds its shape for 12+ months

These insoles have helped thousands of veteran golfers play in comfort again.

And I'm confident they'll help you too.

Just imagine...

That's all possible with the Golfer's Comfort Insoles.

And the best part?

They start working the moment you slip them in your golf shoes...

So your feet can finally work with you, instead of against you.

Just place them in and let them do the work as you rack up pars and—hopefully—birdies.

Where Can You Get the Golfer's Comfort Insoles?

Dr. Rothman holding a pack of Back9Relief Golfer's Comfort Insoles in his clinic

And what's the price?

Well, the first question is a tricky one.

Because it takes a lot of time and effort to create these insoles.

From using medical-grade materials that won't flatten in weeks...

To engineering precision support that's specifically designed for golf...

To making sure every pair fits properly in golf shoes.

So we're constantly at risk of running out of stock.

Our team is working around the clock to create enough pairs for every golfer in need.

But I have to admit that we are currently struggling.

The demand is just too high.

Golfers who have tried Back9Relief are now buying more pairs for their friends and family.

Not to mention the thousands of golfers who are thrilled to finally find a golf-specific insole.

Many of whom are placing their orders right now...

All of this means that our stock is always low—and sells out quickly.

So, if you're reading this article right now, we likely have a few insoles left in stock.

But unfortunately, we can't guarantee how much longer they'll be available.

Popular Sizes Can Sell Out Fast

Nearly empty warehouse shelves with only a few boxes left

And once we're out of stock...

It could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to get more.

Because these insoles take time to build properly for golf.

So, if you're serious about fixing heel pain, walking all 18, and getting your game back...

I recommend you check availability before you leave this page.

Your size may not be in stock next time you look.

Now, let me show you how you can get yours before they sell out.

They're ONLY Available on Our Official Website

Not sold on
Amazon
eBay
Retail stores
Back9Relief Golfer's Comfort InsolesOnly sold atback9relief.com

You won't find them in retail stores. You won't find them on Amazon or eBay.

And that's intentional...

When you sell through third-party retailers... you lose control.

Knockoffs flood the market...

Quality suffers...

Prices get marked up...

Customer service disappears.

We built Back9Relief to solve a real problem for golfers—not to create a retail empire.

So we sell direct. No middlemen. No markups.

This allows us to maintain:

If you see something similar, it's just a cheap knock-off that won't last.

The only place to buy Back9Relief Golfer's Comfort Insoles is on our official website...

Where they cost less than a box of 12 ProV1s.

Now, when figuring out pricing, we hired business & marketing consultants to help us.

We needed an opinion from business-minded people...

Because I'm not a businessman—I'm a doctor.

And my only goal with these insoles is to help as many golfers as possible.

That's why our consultants were surprised when...

We Priced Them At 1/2 of What Marketing Experts Recommended

What one pair costs, side by side
A box of 12 ProV1s$55
One round at a decent course$70
Golfer's Comfort Insolesone pair$39.99

Less than a box of 12 ProV1s.

Less than a single round at a decent course.

Less than taking a cart for one round.

Let me put it in perspective...

Custom orthotics? $600-$1,200+

Superfeet insoles? $60-$90+

New golf shoes? $200+

And yet, all of them still leave you in pain.

So for about the price of lunch and a couple beers at the clubhouse...

You can fix your foundation and stop the pain that's been ruining your rounds.

And even if you don't spend money on any of those other solutions...

That's only a fraction of what you'd normally spend on:

When you put it this way, you realize the true value:

And look... I wasn't lying when I said that this isn't about money for me.

I want to help as many golfers as possible.

And I don't want money to stand in the way of that mission.

So to ensure that everyone has a chance to get their own pair—regardless of budget...

So Right Now, You Can Get 3 Pairs for the Price of 2, Plus Free Gifts

Buy 1 Pair+ $4.95 shipping
$39.99$59.99
MOST POPULAR
Buy 2, Get 1 Free$23 per pair · 3 free bonuses
$69.99$179.97
BEST VALUE
Buy 3, Get 2 Free$20 per pair · 5 free bonuses
$99.99$299.95

Here's the deal...

Right now, when you buy 2 pairs, you get a 3rd pair FREE.

Plus FREE gifts and FREE tracked shipping on top.

That brings each pair down to less than what you'd spend on a single cart rental.

As I said earlier, we make a limited number of insoles in each batch...

And this deal is part of our Black Friday Sale that ends soon.

Plus it's only a matter of time before popular sizes sell out.

And when that happens, you'll have to wait for the next batch, which can take weeks.

So if you want the best deal, now is the time.

Click the button below to check availability and grab the Buy 2, Get 1 Free deal.

CHECK AVAILABILITY 👉

You Have 90 Days to Try Them Out, Completely Risk-Free!

90-Day Money-Back Guarantee
  • Wear them for 90 full days
  • Returnable even if trimmed
  • Feet not better? Full refund

Yes, you heard me right.

I'm giving you a 90-day trial period.

You have 90 full days to try the Golfer's Comfort Insoles and feel the difference.

If it works as promised, you keep them and use them for life to keep foot pain at bay.

But if for any reason you're not happy with your purchase...

And you feel like there's a better solution out there...

Just let us know anytime in the next 90 days and you'll get a full refund.

No questions asked.

It doesn't matter if it's 89 minutes or 89 days after your purchase...

Our team will support you every step of the way with the product.

Oh, and don't worry...

Our team is super easy to reach, so it will be no hassle.

You can reach us at support@back9relief.com

No matter when you contact us, we'll get back to you fast.

Now that's what I call a RISK-FREE offer.

We made sure that the moment you order...

You, your time, and your money are protected!

There's ZERO risk involved in this offer.

Remember... This Isn't Just About Foot Pain

A golfer in a Titleist cap wincing on a bench by the fairway, holding his sore footThe same golfer sitting alone in a golf cart, head down, while his buddies walk on without him

It's about losing the game you love.

The only risk you could possibly face...

Is regret that you missed your chance to get the Golfer's Comfort Insoles.

Trust me, I know exactly what happens if you let this opportunity pass.

You’ll keep wasting time and money on new shoes, flimsy insoles, and quick fixes...

All of which don’t actually solve the root cause of foot pain for golfers.

And what happens six months from now?

You're still in pain...

Still taking carts when you'd rather walk...

Still skipping rounds because your feet can't handle it.

And when you play? You're still watching your pals walk ahead while you ride the cart alone.

The annual golf trip to Myrtle Beach? You skip it again. Your friends go without you.

The Saturday morning foursome? You back out more and more.

Eventually, they stop inviting you.

Your son invites you to play a round...

But halfway through, your feet are screaming.

You can't enjoy it. You're just counting down holes, wishing it was over.

Forget about the pain...

It's about watching from the sidelines while everyone else plays.

It's about missing memories. The time with your friends. The rounds with your son.

Those don't come back. And the pain? It only gets worse.

But now you know... there's another way.

Regain Control of the Game You Love

The same golfer in his Titleist cap laughing with three golf buddies on the fairway

You're literally one step away from solving this for good.

You try the Golfer's Comfort Insoles.

And for the first time in years, you walk 18 without thinking about your feet.

You're just... playing golf. And your feet? They actually feel good.

You're laughing with your buddies on the 16th fairway instead of silently suffering.

Your friends are happy that you're back in the mix.

You play with your son, and you're not distracted by the pain.

You get your game back. The joy. The laughs. The memories.

That's what happens with the right foundation—your focus is on golf, not pain.

You owe it to yourself to give this a shot.

Many of my patients—veteran golfers just like you—have already done it.

So if you’re ready to do the right thing…

Click that green button below to order your Golfer's Comfort Insoles.

And remember: if it doesn’t work as promised, you don’t pay.

CHECK AVAILABILITY 👉

Update

Demand for the Golfer's Comfort Insoles has picked up a lot since this article went out, and some popular sizes have been selling out.

If you order today, you still get Buy 2, Get 1 Free, plus free gifts and free shipping.

They're only sold on the official Back9Relief website, so you won't find this deal on Amazon or eBay.

90-Day
Guarantee
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9,240+ Golfers

Comments

Andy RogersCan anybody vouch for this?
LikeReply428 min
Ricky BarnesThese insoles help me a lot on the course. When I play I only walk so they've really helped with my foot pain.
LikeReply718 min
Tom JenkinsI bought one pair at full price and now it's Buy 2, Get 1 Free? That's not fair!
LikeReply553 min
Paul BeckerHow long does shipping take??
LikeReply21 h
Steve LongHey Paul, got mine after a week.
LikeReply324 min
Kevin ScottI like the support. I like the design and the way they feel on the course. They are comfortable. I enjoy wearing them.
Photo of the insoles shared by Kevin Scott
LikeReply61 min
Leonard BoydThis is what you need instead of those expensive foot physio sessions.
LikeReply42 h
Bill RobertsYup, I just ordered 2 pairs now!
LikeReply31 h
Alex MinterDid anyone buy some? How long does it take to get it?
LikeReply12 h
Ethan ThomasFor me, 7 business days.
LikeReply42 h
John MillerGreat insoles for support on the course. Different layers and cushioning made a big difference for me.
LikeReply43 h
Robert WalshWow looks amazing, does anyone actually have a pair and tested them?
LikeReply33 h
Brian ColemanI bought these a few weeks ago. I love the feel of them and felt immediate relief as soon as I wore them.
LikeReply542 min
Harry KeeganBought two pairs. One for me, one for my buddy who won't stop complaining about his feet. Hoping these help him out haha.
LikeReply821 min
Dan FosterThank you, mine arrived today. Will test them on tomorrow's round. My feet are usually done by the back nine.
Photo of the insoles shared by Dan Foster
LikeReply34 h

Advertorial / sponsored content. This is an advertisement for Back9Relief, not a news article or an independent review. Dr. Michael Rothman is a composite character based on the experiences of real customers. He is not a real podiatrist, and nothing on this page is medical advice. Any photographs of persons used on this site are models. Individual results may vary, and the experiences described are not a guarantee of results.

The Golfer's Comfort Insoles are a comfort product, not a medical device. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. If you have foot pain, a foot condition or any other medical concern, talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional before use.

Brand names mentioned on this page are trademarks of their owners and are used only to identify those products. Their owners are not affiliated with and do not endorse Back9Relief. Offers, prices and free gifts are subject to change and availability.

Privacy: this site uses cookies for marketing purposes. © Back9Relief. All rights reserved.

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