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When it comes to selecting the best basketball shoes, everyone is going to be different and there are a lot of factors that go into picking the perfect shoe
As an athlete, it's fair to say that you're only as good as the shoes that you wear. And in basketball, this is especially true. Your basketball shoes can control a lot about how you move on the court, so choosing the right shoes is crucial to achieving your peak performance, speed, and agility.
In this article, we are going to cover the basics of how to pick the right type of basketball shoe, what to look for in a pair, and how they will change your game for the better. You may not believe in fairy tales, but this guide is going to show you how to find that perfect shoe.
When it comes to selecting the best basketball shoes, everyone is going to be different and there are a lot of factors that go into picking the perfect shoe. So, what do you need to look out for when you first start browsing?
Types of Basketball Shoes
Whether you're an avid basketball player or a beginner looking to step up your game, you've likely heard of the different types of basketball shoes out there. Each one is slightly different and provides unique support, traction, and agility to players. These include:
1. High-Top Basketball Shoes
Benefits: Increased ankle stability and support, lots of style options.
High-top basketball shoes are probably the most well-known type of basketball shoe on the market. First appearing on the courts in the form of the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star, many brands have come out with their own take on the high-top style. High-top basketball shoes are great for players who rely on quick and sudden movements, jumps, crossovers, etc. which can cause strain on the ankle.
Investing in a pair of high-top basketball sneakers will help protect your ankles and give your lower legs support when you do make sudden movements. Modern high-tops are also for the fashion-conscious, so if your look is something you take into consideration, then a high-top basketball shoe, like the Nike LeBron XVIII basketball shoe range would be a great option.
2. Mid-Top Basketball Shoes
Benefits: Extremely versatile, combines best parts of high and low-tops.
Mid-top basketball shoes are probably one of the most versatile basketball shoes worn on the court. As the name suggests, the mid-top shoe is a balance between your high-top and low-top variations, which means that the player is provided ankle support as well as increase speed and agility when going for the winning dunk.
If you're an all-rounder player, who needs both strength and speed, then a mid-top upper basketball shoe will be your go-to. There are lots of styles and looks to the mid-top, so if you're also looking for something fashionable, then the Jordan Zion 1 basketball shoe collection is both a stylish and practical option.
3. Low-Top Basketball Shoes
Benefits: Unparalleled ankle mobility, lightest type of basketball shoe.
The low-top basketball shoe is a great option for those players looking for a shoe that will provide complete speed and agility. The low-top upper was first popularised in 2008 with the release of Kobe Bryant's first low-top - the Kobe IV - and from there, the low-top shoe has seen more players choosing this type of style.
The low-top upper is not restrictive around the ankles, which gives players the chance to move freely, giving them a speed advantage. Most low-top shoes are made with lightweight materials, meaning that your momentum won't be compromised during the game. A basketball shoe like the adidas Harden range would be a good choice for a low-top upper.
Choosing the Best Shoe for Your Position
Picking the right basketball shoes is also dependent upon what positions that you play. Each position requires a different level of strength or speed, depending on if that position is either a defence, offense or mixed position.
- Defence: If you predominantly play in a defence position, like a point guard or a shooting guard, then you will want a lightweight, unrestrictive shoe. A mid-top or low-top shoe is going to be your go-to for speed and fluid movement.
- Offense: If you play offense, like a power forward or a small forward, you will require more strength and power when commanding the court. Depending on your preference, a high-top upper will have enough ankle support and weight to allow for sudden movements like crossovers and layups that require more stability.
- All-round players: If you're an all-around player, like a centre, or perhaps you switch between different positions, then going for a mid-top upper shoe will give you enough variety and scope of both speed and strength during the game.
How to Choose the Right Size?
When it comes to picking the right basketball shoe, having the correct size is just as important as the type of upper or aesthetic. With any shoe size, you want to make sure that your foot has enough room at the front, is firm but not too tight. To test this, make sure that you have a thumbnail length between your big toe and the end of the shoe.
For basketball shoes, in particular, there are a few more aspects to finding the perfect shoe. Firstly, it's common to need a half size bigger for athletic shoes. When we exercise, our feet can swell and expand, so extra room is crucial for comfort and mobility. Along with a thumbnail length in the toe box, look for a non-slip heel and enough room between your foot and the upper, so that your foot won't stretch the upper over continual wear, making it loose and unstable.
More often than not, it could take a few wears to break in the shoe. However, if you are finding that your shoes are causing blisters or callouses, your shoes may be too small. If your heel is slipping, try a different lacing technique or an innersole. If you're still having trouble deciding on the right fit, come in-store and have your feet professionally fitted, which will give you a sense of what to look for when picking the right shoe size.
Features to Look For
When it comes to basketball shoe features, there are heaps of styles, colours, and aesthetics on the market. Basketball shoes are not just athletic shoes - they are also a statement of personality and who you are. It's important to not only look for functional features but also aesthetic qualities that can make a statement while on the court.
Outsole
Traction on the outsole is super important to be aware of when picking a shoe. It will help you make quick jumps, stops, and starts without slipping. Positions like a power forward and centre will require more traction to support the power of these players. Look for outsoles with a herringbone or diamond shape for maximum grip.
Mid-Sole
When it comes to basketball shoes, the less cushioning the better. Because of the complexity of the footwork and the speed required for the game, a thinner midsole will give players more control over their movements. Positions like a point guard, small forward, and shooting guard will need less thickness than other players because they need to feel the court to have control over their feet.
Materials
What kind of material should you look for when picking a basketball shoe? This question can be tricky to answer, and it really comes down to weight and positioning on the court. Like we said above, a defensive position is going to need a lightweight shoe to run quickly up and down the court. A material like EVA foam or compressed EVA foam is going to be your lightest material in the midsole.
For offensive positions, players may like a more weighted shoe. A material like polyurethane is more durable and denser, meaning that your midsole has more weight and is more durable for players who are heavy on their feet.
Many brands will implement their own technology into the midsoles of their shoes. This technology is brand-specific and can add extra cushioning to pressure points that will feel the most impact during a game. For example, Nike has implemented their Nike Air Cushioning technology into their basketball shoes. The added pressurized air in a durable membrane material provides lightweight cushioning that doesn't compromise on speed or agility.
With the aesthetic qualities of basketball shoes, there are many brands and styles to pick from that make super stylish, trendy shoes that can be worn on and off the court. For instance, if you're looking for something a little more understated and sleek, but also on-brand, the Nike PG 5 range are a combination of style and function, that can be worn for games and out and about.
However, if you're really into colour and statement styles, then check out the adidas Dame 7 basketball shoe collection. These shoes will definitely make a statement on the court with their high-impact colouring, while their lightweight build will only enhance your performance and leave the crowd speechless.
When it comes to picking the right basketball shoes, there are many features to think about that can impact your performance. Picking the perfect basketball shoe comes down to personal preference and position on the court. Once you have the perfect pair, you'll be able to train and play like never before and carry your team to a win.
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