Basketball shoes are one of the best investments you can make for your outfits. They go with so many different things, last a long time, and can help you exude your personality. Buying basketball shoes wiill help you unlock a whole new level of swag in your wardrobe.
That said, they are—first and foremost—meant to be used on the court. While there are some models, like the Jordan 3s, that are more decorative, b-ball shoes should be picked with care to ensure high performance.
See below for an in-depth guide on what to look for when you go to purchase basketball shoes.
1. The Big Three
Perhaps you’re a recreational basketball player that needs a pair of basketball shoes to use on the court by your house. Maybe you play for a club team.
Whatever the case might be, you need to ensure that the pair you purchase can keep up with your level of play. To ensure that they do, you can look into the big three factors of basketball shoe performance: traction, support, and cushion.
The first factor, traction, is used to measure a shoe’s grip on the court. The more traction a shoe has, the more you can cut, start, and stop while playing.
Second, we have support, which is used to measure a basketball shoe’s ability to withstand the force of how you play. Support can help absorb the shock that comes from running, jumping, and stopping on a dime while you play. It’s incredibly important for protecting your knees and ankles from severe injury.
Third, there’s a cushion. This measures the shoe’s comfort level, which is critical for helping you outlast the competition while you play. The more cushion your shoe has, the more you’ll feel like you’re running on a cloud. You wouldn’t believe the amount of cushion that some basketball shoes, such as the Puma Clydes have on today’s market!
2. Know the Levels of the Shoe
Speaking of the “Big Three”, there are three different levels to a basketball shoe that you should be aware of: The upper, the midsole, and the outsole.
The “upper” is the primary body of the shoe. It’s generally made of leather or mesh. The primary responsibility of the upper area in the shoe is to provide stability (keeping your foot in place) and breathability. These days, basketball shoes use different materials to make the shoe as light as possible. It comes in three different styles: high top, mid top, and low top. Also check plantar fasciitis shoes san dimas.
The midsole, as the name would imply, is the area between the upper and outsole. Its primary responsibility is to provide as much cushion as possible to absorb shock. The battle that shoe designers have is finding a material for the midsole that absorbs as much weight as possible while also allowing the shoe to remain flexible and lightweight.
Then there’s the outsole, AKA the bottom sole, that’s used to provide traction. This part of the shoe has one responsiblity: to help you maintain a firm grip on the court, thus allowing you to turn, start, stop, and move with ease.
3. Prime Aesthetics
Basketball shoes allow you to show off your personality on the court. They give you the chance to add a bit of flair to your game.
Fortunately, there is no shortage of colorways for you to do that. Every shoe model in today’s game has bold colors and designs to help you stand out from the crowd. Many kids intentionally buy the loudest pair they can find to stand out to college scouts at tournaments and summer camps.
If you want your veritable pick of the litter, be sure to shop online. You’ll get full access to all the colors in your preferred model. Even if major retailers don’t have your size in stock, there are eCommerce sites you can buy them from or purchase them used to save a bit more money.
4. Get the Right Size
Of course, if you’re shopping for a specific basketball shoe, you might be tempted to purchase the next size up or down if they don’t have them in your size. We urge you not to do that.
Buying the wrong size shoe can affect your game and lead to injury. If the shoe is too large, then your foot will slide around, which can cause an achilles strain or tear.
Make sure to get your foot measured by a professional. You want a tiny bit of room in the toe to compensate for your foot swelling while you play (don’t worry, it’s a natural part of the game).
5. Use Your Favorite Player as Your Guide
Are we insinuating that you should only purchase a shoe because it’s named after your favorite player? Of course not.
However, keep in mind that basketball shoes are created with that player’s playing style in mind. So looking at shoes from a player that you model your game after could ensure that it can keep up with how you play.
For example, let’s say you’re a guard who loves to fly around the court and push the tempo in transition. You might consider the Jordan Why Not Zer0 shoes, which are designed for Russell Westbrook, a player who flies down the court and never shies away from contact.
Use These Tips When Buying Basketball Shoes
Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on what to look for when buying basketball shoes, be sure to use this information to your advantage.
Take the time to browse our website for more articles on new basketball shoes, as well as many other topics you will find helpful.
