Maybe you find that your feet are always sore? Perhaps you have trouble getting traction on the court? Whatever the case may be, you’re seeking out a pair of high-quality basketball sneakers.
Rest assured, that’s the right decision. Finding an appropriate pair of basketball shoes will not only help protect your feet but will also enable you to maximize your skills and physical capabilities.
So, how do you find the right shoes for basketball? The answer: by reading this article! Here is how to find a pair of high-quality shoes for the basketball court.
Assess Your Playing Style
The first key in choosing the right basketball shoes is to assess your playing style. Different types of shoes accommodate different playing styles, allowing players to get the most out of their games.
Is your game based on quickness and agility? Do you excel at crossing over defenders? If so, you would best benefit from a shoe that’s tight-fitting, lightweight, and narrow.
Do you drive to the basket a lot? If so, you need to be sure that your shoes have ample cushioning and support.
Maybe you’re used to playing with your back to the basket and doing most of your work down in the post? This would demand a shoe with a wide base and ample ankle support.
You can find these characteristics at varying levels and in a variety of combinations. So, assess your playing style and ensure you prioritize the characteristics that are most important to you.
Get the Size Right
Another key to choosing the correct basketball shoes is to get the size right. You don’t want to go too small or too large. Too small a shoe will leave you feeling trapped and uncomfortable; too large a shoe will leave your foot unsupported, not to mention with a lack of traction.
Generally speaking, it’s wise to choose a size that leaves around a half-inch between your big toe and the front of the shoe. This provides some freedom but without sacrificing anything in the way of grip or support.
It’s important to note that not all shoes are sized the same. As such, whereas one size 11 shoe might fit you perfectly, another might be a little too big. For this reason, you’re strongly advised to try shoes on before purchasing.
If you don’t have a chance to try the shoes on in person, make sure to read buyer reviews. These will provide you with information on whether the shoes fit small or big. From there, you can make an informed choice and purchase a pair that’s likely to fit you.
Choose the Correct Amount of Ankle Support
Basketball is a sport that puts a lot of stress on the ankles. Whether you’re making a sharp cut between defenders or coming down awkwardly on someone else’s foot, your ankles are going to be seeing a lot of action. As such, you need to make sure that your shoes can properly support them.
Basketball shoes come in one of three different levels of ankle support. These include low-tops, mid-tops, and high-tops.
Low-Tops
Low-tops provide the least amount of ankle support. They don’t provide much ankle support at all. What they do provide, however, is speed and agility.
These shoes are exceedingly lightweight, allowing their users to move as fast as they possibly can. This makes them most appropriate for point guards, though some shooting guards choose to wear them as well.
Note, if you have existing ankle issues, low-tops aren’t going to suit you. As was noted, they provide almost no ankle support at all.
Mid-Tops
Next up are mid-tops. These shoes go up to around the middle of the ankles. They provide a decent amount of support, all the while allowing for a good amount of speed and agility.
These are popular amongst many basketball players, particularly point guards, shooting guards, and small forwards. Note, however, that power forwards, and centers wear them as well.
If you’re unsure how much ankle support you need, this is probably a good place to start. These shoes offer a bit of everything and won’t hurt you in most scenarios.
For an example of mid-tops, check out these Kobe Nike basketball shoes.
High-Tops
High-tops go well above the ankles. They provide tons of support and are great for those who play around the basket. This includes power forwards and centers.
Make note, though, that high-tops are heavy and bulky. For this reason, they’re usually avoided by the speed and finesse players.
Ensure Breathability
Another thing you should do when choosing basketball shoes is to ensure breathability. While playing basketball, there’s sure to be a great deal of heat buildup within your shoes. If your shoes aren’t breathable, this heat will accumulate, resulting in an irritating burning feeling.
Therefore, before purchasing your shoes, make sure they’re designed with breathability in mind. This includes perforations on their tops as well as a breathable material, like mesh, for example.
Set a Budget
As with all basketball accessories, basketball shoes should be purchased with a certain budget in mind. This not only prevents you from overspending but also ensures that the pair you choose meets a minimum standard of quality.
Though you can find basketball shoes for as little as $40 (and sometimes even less), we recommend spending at least $75 on your pair. Ideally, you’ll spend between $120 and $150, as this will virtually ensure a quality pair of shoes.
Finding the Right Basketball Sneakers Is Imperative
Basketball is a fast-paced game requiring a great deal of jumping, cutting, and running. As such, if you want to succeed at it, you must wear a good pair of basketball sneakers. Take advantage of this guide, and you’re sure to find the right shoes for you.
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