Fact Check: Are VKTRY insoles banned?

Are VKTRY Insoles Banned?

The claim that VKTRY insoles are banned has circulated in various sports communities and media outlets. This assertion raises questions about the legality and acceptance of VKTRY Performance Insoles within professional sports leagues, particularly in light of recent evaluations by regulatory bodies.

What We Know

1. Regulatory Findings: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of the BBB National Programs has evaluated claims made by VKTRY regarding their insoles. They found that while some claims about performance benefits were supported, others were challenged and recommended for discontinuation. This indicates a nuanced view of VKTRY's marketing practices rather than an outright ban on the product itself 146.

2. Legal Status Across Sports: A blog post on VKTRY's official website asserts that their insoles are legal across all major sports leagues, arguing that banning a product that purportedly reduces injury rates would be counterproductive 27. This suggests that there is no formal prohibition against the use of VKTRY insoles in professional sports.

3. Claims of a Ban: A video from "The Basketball Xpert" discusses a supposed ban on VKTRY insoles in the NBA, but it does not provide specific details or sources to substantiate this claim 3. This raises questions about the accuracy and reliability of the information presented.

4. Performance Claims: Various sources, including VKTRY's own marketing materials, assert that the insoles improve athletic performance by enhancing biomechanics and reducing injury risk 89. However, the NAD's findings indicate that some of these claims may not be fully substantiated, which complicates the narrative around their effectiveness and legality.

Analysis

The claim that VKTRY insoles are banned appears to stem from a mix of regulatory scrutiny and anecdotal reports. The NAD's evaluation is a credible source, as it is a recognized authority on advertising practices. However, the findings do not indicate a ban but rather a recommendation to modify certain marketing claims 156.

VKTRY's own communications emphasize the legality of their product, which may reflect a vested interest in maintaining a positive public image and promoting sales. This could introduce a potential bias in their statements 27.

The video source discussing a ban lacks detailed evidence and may not be as reliable as regulatory findings or official statements from sports leagues. This highlights the importance of scrutinizing the origins of such claims, especially when they could influence public perception and athlete choices.

Furthermore, the absence of comprehensive studies or official league statements confirming a ban on VKTRY insoles suggests that more information is needed to fully understand the situation. For instance, direct statements from the NBA or other leagues regarding their stance on VKTRY products would provide clarity.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that VKTRY insoles are banned is false. The evidence indicates that there is no formal prohibition against the use of VKTRY insoles in professional sports leagues. Regulatory findings from the National Advertising Division (NAD) have scrutinized VKTRY's marketing claims but did not conclude that the product itself is banned. VKTRY's official communications assert the legality of their insoles across major sports leagues, which aligns with the absence of any formal bans.

However, it is important to note that while some performance claims made by VKTRY may not be fully substantiated, this does not equate to a ban on the product. The narrative surrounding VKTRY insoles is complicated by anecdotal reports and unverified claims, such as those presented in the video from "The Basketball Xpert," which lacks credible evidence.

Limitations in the available evidence include the lack of direct statements from major sports leagues regarding VKTRY insoles and the potential bias in VKTRY's marketing communications. As such, readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and seek out reliable sources when assessing claims related to product legality and performance in sports.

Sources

1. National Advertising Division Finds Certain Claims Supported (https://bbbprograms.org/media/newsroom/decisions/vktry)
2. Why VKs are Legal Across All Sports Leagues (https://vktry.com/blogs/vktry-insoles-everything-you-need-to-know/why-vks-are-legal?srsltid=AfmBOoppZ8J_dFRRqSiNJgkjJO5KWivaSkvRCpmv2IXlqCitk2Znmrlk)
3. Are Vktry Insoles Legal In NBA? - The Basketball Xpert (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3FecPJbNLM)
4. VKTRY Performance Insoles: Claims Found Supported, Others Challenged (https://investorshangout.com/vktry-performance-insoles-claims-found-supported-others-challenged-271345-/)
5. National Advertising Division Finds Certain Claims for VKTRY (https://www.bakersfield.com/ap/news/national-advertising-division-finds-certain-claims-for-vktry-performance-insoles-supported/article_3c2a4cb0-ea2a-524a-b86d-6582b3faf7c2.html)
6. National Advertising Division Finds Certain Claims for VKTRY (https://icrowdnewswire.com/2025/04/24/national-advertising-division-finds-certain-claims-for-vktry-performance-insoles-supported-recommends-others-be-discontinued/)
7. Why VKs are Legal Across All Sports Leagues - VKTRY (https://vktry.com/blogs/vktry-insoles-everything-you-need-to-know/why-vks-are-legal)
8. Are VKTRY Insoles Legal? - ShowStoppers (https://showstoppers.com/are-vktry-insoles-legal/)
9. The Serious Athlete's Secret Weapon (https://world-masters-athletics.org/news/the-serious-athletes-secret-weapon/)
10. VKTRY Gear: The Fate of VKTRY Insoles (https://milled.com/vktry-gear/the-fate-of-vktry-insoles-jD1nEB3vmj1tAZES)