When picking out a basketball shoe you need to check for the traits outlined in this section as they will help you get a strong, well-rounded model. In this article, i am going to show you how to choose the best basketball shoes since you know basketball shoes helps to improve your game.
Here are what you should consider when buying the best basketball shoes:
- Traction
- Weight
- Lockdown
- Ventilation
- Support
- Durability
- Comfort
- Budget
- Look & Style
Basketball Shoes Buying Guide For 2023
Read Also: 10 Best Basketball Shoes For Flat Feet
Traction
Basketball is a high-flying, explosive sport, but it all starts on the ground. That is why you need shoes that have plenty of traction. If you slip or slide around the court you’re going to run into issues. Not only will you not be able to stop on offense, but your defense will suffer as well.
The better your shoe’s grip, the more effectively you’ll be able to cut, accelerate, or take off. That then increases your general performance. Always look for models with unique traction patterns or extremely strong grips that are specially made to hold onto the gym floor.
Weight
Whenever you’re looking at new shoes it’s important to consider how heavy you want them to be. Overall, lighter tends to be better. You get to run and jump without anything holding you back. That adds a certain amount of speed and performance. However, it’s not so cut and dry.
Heavier shoes are not without their pros. They are much more durable and tend to offer extra padding or protection (which is where the weight comes from). The style you pick for your own individual games is all about what traits you value the most and how you tend to play.
Lockdown
When playing for any duration of time you want your feet to stay put inside your shoes. That’s where lockdown comes in. If you’re someone who’s prone to blisters or who sweats a lot, you should get shoes that keep your feet in place. A snug fit and straps are both key in that regard.
When picking models that best fit your feet, always pay attention to your size and shape. You don’t want something too tight, but you also don’t want a size too big as that will create friction. You want a middle ground that ties tight and provides support throughout your whole foot.
Ventilation
Every basketball player can benefit from shoes with extra breathability. It’s a hard sport, and the strain typically causes you to sweat quite a bit. Even if you’re not someone who runs hot, a shoe that wicks moisture and lets out air is much more comfortable to wear than something stuffy.
Mesh uppers or special lightweight designs are both keys when focusing on ventilation. You want something that helps you stay dry both when you’re out for casual practice and when you’re in the gym for hours grinding out a hard game. The more porous the material, the better.
Support
As fun as basketball can be, it’s also incredibly intense. That intensity is part of the fun, but it also creates a certain amount of injury risk to your body. A good shoe with ample support cuts down on such injuries and helps prevent any issues that might arise when running or jumping.
Look for shoes that come with heel, forefront, and ankle support. All three of those areas are vulnerable during play and they need to be protected. That’s especially true if you have a history of injuries. The more support you get, the better off you’ll be and the longer you’ll be able to play.
Durability
High-quality basketball shoes tend to be expensive. As such, you want to invest in a pair that’s going to be around for a long time. Durable shoes not only help save you money down the road, but they also protect your feet by not wearing down as fast as more shoddily-made options.
There are many nice-looking shoes out there. However, you never want to forget that your shoes protect your feet first and foremost. Always think about the brand and build quality before taking in things like color, appearance, or even additional features.
Comfort
A big part of basketball is focus, and staying zoned in on the game is difficult to do if you’re dealing with hurt feet. That’s especially true if you’re trying to overcome hot spots or blisters. Comfortable shoes with good insoles and soft materials minimize those problems quite well.
Always ensure your footwear feels good when running or pushing your body up and down the court. Extra padding goes a long way in this regard, as does a soft upper that isn’t too restrictive. The less you notice your shoes when playing, the more they’re doing their job.
Budget
There are many shoes on the market. Most of them have different traits, and they all come in at different price points. While more expensive shoes tend to have more features, don’t assume that you can’t get a good, more affordable pair. Always pick what best fits your budget.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to suit up before practice or a game. You can undoubtedly shell out a lot of cash for more premium shoes, and that can be worth it. However, you never want to overpay, especially if you’re someone who likes to play more casually.
Look and Style
Though it’s not as important as the other traits in this section, the look is important. Shoes are tools first and foremost, but they are also fashion accessories. You want them to look good. As such, you want to get a pair that fits your individual style, look, and color scheme.
Once you have all of the other necessary traits nailed down, don’t be afraid to choose a specific sneaker for its appearance. That includes the style (high-top vs low-top) as well as the general colors or patterns. As long as the shoe is comfortable and tough, it can look how you want.
Basketball Shoes FAQs
Once you’ve outlined the shoes you want on the court, you may have some additional questions. This section goes over some of the most popular ones to better explain basketball footwear.
Do Basketball Shoes Make a Difference?
Absolutely. Though you can play in regular shoes or even flat tops, you’re going to pay the price in terms of comfort. Non-basketball shoes are uncomfortable, lead to blisters, and won’t give you the traction you need for a gym floor. That then hurts your overall game.
What is a Good Price for Basketball Shoes?
The price depends entirely on the shoe. Some shoes you can get from $30 to $50, while others can cost anywhere between $100 and $200. In that way, it comes down to what traits you’re looking for as well as how much you’re willing to spend. There are many good shoes at different prices.
Do NBA Players Buy Their Own Shoes?
No. For the most part, all NBA players get shoes provided to them by the team or a big company if they have a deal. They go through a lot of shoes during the course of a season, and having premium gear is an essential part of their job.
Can You Wear Basketball Shoes for Walking?
Absolutely. There are plenty of basketball shoes that people only use as walk-around options rather than for playing on the court. Almost all models are comfortable and stylish, two traits that make them perfect for when you’re going out with friends or simply walking around town.
Should I Buy Basketball Shoes a Half Size Bigger?
This entirely depends on the shoe you get, as well as your foot size. Those with wider feet or who need more room may want to go a half size bigger, while those with narrow feet or who enjoy a more snug fit will want shoes that are either a little bit smaller or more true to size.
Are Basketball Shoes Bad for your Feet?
No. In fact, well-fitting or well-made basketball shoes are some of the most comfortable and supportive sneakers money can buy. Not only are they great options for players out on the court, but they are also excellent walk-around options for everyday life too.
Why are Basketball Shoes so Heavy?
Not all basketball shoes are heavy. In fact, many popular models are quite light. If you do have a heavier model, it’s likely because they come with extra durability or padding to make them more comfortable or supportive out on the court. Get a weight that works best for you.
How Long Should You Wear Basketball Shoes?
A good shoe from one of the top brands will last a long time with the proper care. Just note that, even with heavy use, the best models will give you about six months before you need to replace them. If you only play once or twice a week (or less) you can have the same pair for a year.
Will Basketball Shoes Stretch?
Like any other type of sneaker, basketball shoes take a little while to break in. You always want them to be comfortable out of the box, but do note they will stretch out or mold to your foot shape as you wear them over longer periods of time.
Why Do Basketball Shoes Hurt My Feet?
If your shoes bother or hurt your feet it’s likely because they don’t fit right. They may be too small, too large, or too narrow. The soles may also not be right for your arch shape. Though some take a while to break in, if the discomfort continues you should get a new size.
Are Expensive Basketball Shoes Worth it?
If you can afford a more expensive shoe, go for it. High-end models with large price tags tend to come with plenty of premium traits or attributes that put them ahead of cheaper shoes. However, more affordable options work well too. It all depends on what you’re willing to pay.
Additional Tips
Here are some helpful tips to help you select a shoe that fits you the best, along with advice on how to wear and care for it.
Sizing
Always understand how your shoes fit. Not just right out of the box, but before you buy them. Some brands, such as Adidas, have footwear that fits on the large side. In that case, you’d want to go smaller. Pay attention to fit when picking out your shoe and choose accordingly.
Buying Basketball Shoes as Women
As few basketball shoes are manufactured as “women’s shoes,” it can be frustrating when looking for a pair as a female. However, most shoes are actually gender-neutral. Feet are just feet, after all. As such, you can get any “men’s pair” as long as it translates to your size.
When getting a size for women, you simply need to do some quick math. Take whatever men size you see and subtract two. That’s it. An eight in men’s is a six for women, a ten is an eight, etc. As long as you stick to that you’ll get a pair that fits.
Break-in is a MUST
When you get a new pair of basketball shoes, regardless of brand or style, you must break them in. That makes them more comfortable and much easier to wear. While most high-performance shoes form around your foot to a certain extent, they will rarely be game-ready right away.
The best way to get your feet used to your shoes is by wearing them in a few light practices or taking them out on a few walks around town. Just be patient with this process. Some shoes can take a week or more to break in. That can be a hassle, but in the end, it will all be worth it.
The most important part of this process is that you shouldn’t take any shortcuts. It can be tempting to try and go hard right away, especially if it’s been days since you’ve bought your shoes, but you should go through the process slowly and let them form to you in time.
Playing in a high-end pair right out of the box can have some rough consequences. Not only will it hurt the shoe’s comfortability, but it may also affect the performance as well. If you want to play your best, take your time.
How to Clean Your Shoes
One of the most important things you can do to upkeep your shoes is to keep them clean. No matter where you play, they’re going to get dirty. Going over them helps fight some of that grime and ensures the materials last much longer than they normally would.
To properly clean your shoes you should first use a toothpick to go over the grooves and knock out any rocks or debris. From there, take a soft brush dipped in soapy water and gently scrub off any dirt on the sides or bottom. Next, wipe everything down with a wet cloth.
After the above steps, rinse down the shoes to get rid of leftover suds and take out the insoles/laces. Put those in the washing machine and set them out to air dry.
How to Store Basketball Shoes
When it comes to shoes, proper storage is also important. Always keep yours in a sealed bag when putting them away to keep out any dust or humidity. Silica gel packs are also good to place in the bags as they stop any molding.
When storing, you should keep the shoes somewhere that’s secure and doesn’t have a lot of moisture. A closet is best, but anywhere that meets those descriptions is fine. Look for cooler areas that are cool without being frozen.
Final Thoughts
Out of all the shoes in the above list, the Kyrie 7 gets my nod for the best of the best. That’s because, while many models excel in one or two areas, few are as well rounded as the Kyrie 7. It’s a complete shoe that does a fantastic job of blending durability, mobility, and cushion.
The shoe has a tough rubber sole and strong construction made to last quite a while. Backing those high-quality materials are a 360-degree traction pattern, top-tier responsiveness, and Air Zoom Turbo unit. It also looks great, which is always a welcome bonus.
The bottom line is, no matter how often you like to play or what position you are, you’re going to get plenty of value and time out of the shoe. It’s truly the complete package for everyone out on the court or blacktop.
