With nearly 450 million players worldwide, it’s safe to say that basketball is a popular sport. Though they may not seem important, having the right pair of basketball shoes can help keep you safe and supported while playing.
Whether you’re looking to start playing or need to upgrade your current shoes, it can be challenging to know what to look for.
If you’re looking for the best basketball shoes but aren’t sure where to start, keep reading for some of the best tips and tricks to help you improve your game with the right gear.
Fit
The most crucial aspect of any shoe is the fit. If the shoe doesn’t fit comfortably on your foot, all the other factors are unimportant.
When you try the shoes on, you’ll need to pay attention to where your toes stop. There should be a finger’s width of space between your big toe and the tip of the shoe.
You’ll also want to walk around in the shoes to ensure they fit well. Your heel shouldn’t slip out of the back of the sneaker, and you shouldn’t feel as though your toes are smushed together inside the shoe.
If you plan to purchase sneakers online, it can be a bit more challenging to navigate sizing. Though shoe sizing tends to be universal, the overall fit may vary from brand to brand. Look at the sizing chart online and read the customer reviews to see if the shoe runs large or small.
Support
Next, you’ll want to pay attention to how supportive the shoe is. This includes ankle and arch support.
One way to test the support of a shoe is to twist it. Though this may seem silly, it can provide valuable insight into how reinforced the shoe is.
Take the shoe in two hands, with one hand by the toe and the other by the heel. The harder it is to twist, the more support the shoe offers. You can also push the shoe’s back heel, and if it stays sturdy, it offers support.
Another aspect you’ll want to look into is ankle support. As a basketball player, you’re constantly pivoting, stepping, and stopping short. Keeping your ankle intact and injury-free is crucial.
Many high-top shoes provide additional support, acting as built-in braces to keep your ankle in place. This eliminates the need for pricey ankle braces.
Traction
As mentioned before, indoor basketball is often played on wooden floors. These smooth surfaces make sustaining falls less painful, but can be a nightmare to run on.
If your shoes have no traction, you can resemble a cartoon character on the court – your legs are moving, but your body stays stationary.
In order to tell if a shoe has good traction, you’ll want to look at the bottom of the shoe. This is where the tread is. In general, the smaller the pattern of squiggles, shapes, and zig-zags are, the better the tread is.
Breathability
There’s no shame in admitting that foot sweat is a thing. However, improper ventilation and shoes can lead to serious side effects. If sweat accumulates, it can lead to painful and frustrating fungal infections.
You’ll want to ensure that you buy the best basketball sneakers for breathability. Though lightweight materials like cotton are great for ventilation, they aren’t great as supportive and functional basketball shoes.
Instead, the materials made for basketball sneakers tend to be heavier, in order to provide more functional support. Luckily, these sneakers tend to have built-in ventilation, helping keep your feet dry.
Style
Now we get to the fun part! Although the function of the shoe is the most essential aspect, there’s no harm in ensuring that you have a pair of sick kicks to rule the court with.
With so many options to choose from, you may be overwhelmed.
The first thing you’ll want to consider is the colors you’re looking for. If you plan to use these sneakers to play on multiple teams, sticking to a neutral color may be your best bet, as they will match any uniform.
However, if you’re looking to stand out on the court, you’re in luck. Basketball shoes are known for their eccentricity and colorfulness.
Position
Finally, you’ll need to consider what position you play on the court. This impacts the amount of support you need based on the movements you’ll make.
Luckily, Adidas Crazy Explosive shoes come in every style, making them perfect for whatever position you play.
For example, a guard is one of the quicker players on the court. They require fast movement and quick explosive steps. A low-top shoe with minimal ankle support will provide the flexibility you need to make your way around the court.
Power forwards, on the other hand, are some of the more aggressive players. Due to the man-on-man defense that this position calls for, you’ll need a supportive, sturdy shoe that helps keep you on your feet. Opt to buy sneakers with ankle support, like a high-top sneaker.
Find the Best Basketball Shoes to up Your Game
Though you may play basketball for the fun of it, keeping yourself safe is just as important as enjoying the game. Luckily, the best basketball shoes can do the trick.
When buying the best shoes, you’ll need to consider all these factors. Though no shoe is perfect, finding the right tone for you and your needs is essential.
If you found this guide to buying sports shoes informative, you’ll want to check out the rest of our website. There, you’ll find more great health and lifestyle tips and tricks to help you live your best life.
