How do I choose good basketball shoes?
Basketball shoes come in many different models! Do you want to know which basketball shoe is most suitable for you? In this article you will learn everything about the different models of basketball shoes. And how you make the right choice!
How do I choose good basketball shoes?
Basketball is a dynamic sport that requires quick movements, jumping, and the ability to stop and start suddenly. This means that you need shoes that are specifically designed for these types of movements. Regular athletic shoes are typically geared towards running and do not offer the specific support and protection that a basketball player needs. Basketball shoes, however, are made to support that power and explosiveness, with cushioning and traction that keeps your feet safe and supported on the court.
When buying the best basketball shoes, there are many factors to consider, from grip to cushioning and support. In this blog, we will discuss all aspects that will help you choose the best basketball shoes for your playing style.
What should you look for in good basketball shoes?
1. Fit
The most important thing when choosing the right basketball shoes is the fit.
A good fit means that the shoe fits well and is comfortable. Other factors, such as material, cushioning and grip, are usually already at a high level in quality basketball shoes. But without a good fit, these properties are less relevant.
There are big differences in fit between brands and models and every player has a unique body type and foot shape. The most common differences in feet when choosing basketball shoes are as follows.
Do you have thin or thick feet. What are thin or thick feet.
This often depends on the weight of the person and whether the foot is fully grown. Thin or thick feet are sometimes confused with wide feet. When we talk about thin or thick feet, we are talking about the height of the instep and the degree of maturity of the foot. If a shoe has some space at the top for a thin foot, that is not a problem, as long as the fit is good. You can possibly put an insole in the shoe, for which the foot is a bit higher in the shoe. If the shoe fits well and does not slip, some extra space above the toes is not a problem.
Do you have a high or low instep?
If you have a high instep, this can affect the comfort in the shoe. When trying on shoes, you will best find out how comfortable the shoe is to fit your instep.
Do you have wide or narrow feet?
When it comes to having wide or narrow feet, it really comes down to the width of the foot itself (not thick or thin feet). There are basketball shoes that are narrow, normal and wide. In our store we always let you try multiple pairs of basketball shoes that fit the width of your foot. On our webshot we have a filter so that you can also filter online on normal, wide or narrow shoes. We try on all our basketball shoes ourselves so that we can advise you well about the width of the models that are best suited for your foot.
Customers tell us that estimating the right fit online is difficult.
Most people have a normal to wide foot. In our store we often see customers who remain loyal to a certain brand because they are enthusiastic about the good fit. If they have been advised in our store about which fit really suits their foot and the customer then tries out other models of basketball shoes than what he or she is used to. Then we often see that customers make a different choice. Only sometimes we are used to choosing the well-known brands where we do not always check whether these basketball shoes also have the right fit for our own feet.
If you would like to be well advised about basketball shoes with a good fit for your foot, we would like to see you in our store in Den Bosch . We always have 100+ different models of professional basketball shoes in stock in our store.
2. Damping
Cushioning is essential to absorb the impact of movements on the field. When jumping and landing, a lot of pressure is put on your feet and joints. Good cushioning helps to absorb these shocks and reduces the risk of injuries.
Shock absorption: Quality basketball shoes usually have foam, air or gel cushioning, which helps return energy and make your movements more efficient. It also absorbs shock so that not all the work has to be done by your tendons and limbs.
Impact Reduction: The right cushioning protects your feet, knees and ankles by distributing pressure evenly, which is especially important for players who do a lot of jumping and sprinting.
Cushioning technologies: Different brands have unique cushioning technologies, such as Peak's Tai Chi cushioning, Under Armour's flow cushioning, ANTA or 361º. It is good to see which technology suits your playing style best. We will not go into all the different cushioning technologies in this blog. However, all our basketball shoes provide good cushioning for the entire body during the game.
Cushioning. Some shoes have the same cushioning over the entire length. Other shoes have different cushioning at the front and back. This has to do with impact cushioning when landing from jumping and cushioning when running and controlling the forefoot properly.
3. Support
Basketball puts a lot of pressure on your ankles and knees from twisting and jumping. This increases the risk of ankle injuries, especially if your shoes don't fit properly.
Ankle Support: All good basketball shoes have good ankle support. The most important ankle support comes from the fit. At the bottom of the blog you can read how shoes should fit
.Arch Support: A good arch support keeps your foot in place, which helps improve your balance and control while playing.
Freedom of movement: Low shoes offer more freedom of movement. Guards often choose lower shoes to maximize their speed and agility.
4. Grip
Basketball shoes need a strong grip to prevent you from slipping during quick movements.
Sole Patterns: Most commonly, basketball shoes have a herringbone pattern or other design with deep grooves, which helps improve traction on the floor.
Indoor vs. Outdoor: Indoor shoes usually have a smoother tread for wooden floors, while outdoor shoes have a coarser sole for asphalt or concrete playing fields.
Material Choice: Soles made of rubber usually provide the best grip, especially on slippery surfaces such as the typical wooden basketball floor.
Most modern shoes have new patterns that give you grip in all directions. And make pivoting movements even easier. (Pivoting: a player with the ball may take one or more steps with the same foot, in any direction, while the other foot remains in the same place).
5. Breathability
Breathability is essential to keep your feet cool and dry while playing. Excessive heat and moisture can lead to blisters and other foot problems.
Materials like Mesh: Mesh and other breathable materials provide ventilation, which prevents your feet from overheating.
Moisture absorption: Breathable material prevents sweat build-up, which reduces the risk of athlete's foot.
Comfort and fresh smell: Shoes that allow air to circulate well not only keep your feet cool, but also help prevent unpleasant odors.
Basketball requires speed, agility and explosive movements. Heavy shoes can hinder your movements and lead to rapid fatigue. In general, all our basketball shoes are made of lightweight material and the biggest difference in weight is around 150 grams. You will not notice this and it will not affect your presentations.
Agility and speed: Lightweight shoes reduce the pressure on your legs, which helps you perform at a high level for longer.
Material Choice: Materials like synthetic leather and mesh make it possible to design a lightweight shoe without sacrificing support.
Jumping Ability: Lighter shoes make it easier to jump high, which is especially important for blocking shots and rebounding.
What are basketball shoes made of?
Different materials offer different benefits. Here are the most common materials used in basketball shoes:
Synthetic Leather: This material resembles real leather, but is lighter and more durable. Synthetic leather offers a good balance between support and flexibility.
Mesh: Mesh is breathable and allows air to circulate. It is often used in the upper of the shoe to wick away heat and moisture.
Foam: Foam is used for cushioning in the midsole and insole. Some foams, such as EVA foam, are specifically designed to return energy.
Rubber: Rubber is commonly used for the outsole because of its excellent grip and durability, especially on indoor floors.
Basically, all the above materials are used. However, different brands have their own specific techniques and methods so that each model and type of shoe differs in quality and function. In this blog we will not go into this in more detail.
The parts of a basketball shoe
Basketball shoes consist of several components that all contribute to performance and comfort. Here are the main components:
Upper: This is the part that wraps around your foot and is usually made of materials such as synthetic leather or mesh.
Tongue: The tongue of the shoe protects your foot from the pressure of the laces and provides extra comfort.
Laces: Traditionally, basketball shoes have laces, but some models have alternatives such as Velcro or zippers.
Collar: The collar is the part of the shoe around the ankle, usually padded for extra support and comfort.
Midsole: This layer is located between the upper and the outsole and provides cushioning.
Outsole: The outsole is the bottom part of the shoe, usually made of rubber to provide traction.
Heel Cap: This stiff material at the back of the shoe holds your heel in place and provides stability.
Toe box: This is the front part of the shoe where your toes sit. A roomy toe box prevents pressure and allows room to move.
Insole: The insole is a padded layer that provides extra cushioning and support and can be replaced by orthopedic insoles. Most insoles do not provide extra cushioning. If there is a need for extra cushioning or softer soles, there are also gel insoles available. You can also purchase these at Burned.
High, mid and low basketball shoes
The height of a basketball shoe has some influence on performance and comfort but is often overrated. Depending on your playing style you can choose from:
High shoes: High shoes do not provide extra ankle support. Good ankle support is obtained by well-fitting shoes. The reason to wear ankle high shoes is often as a fashion item. The construction of the sole, the heel cap and the fit are the most important factors for stability. A high mid or low shoe is secondary for comfort or stability of the ankle. In general, most basketball shoes are made mid-high. They are not so high that they restrict your movements. But high enough that you have a stable feeling. A low shoe offers more freedom around the ankle and gives more feeling. The biggest advantage of a higher shoe is that it fits better when lacing around the ankle, which makes you seem to slide less in your shoe and therefore you experience an extra feeling of stability.
The back of the shoe is always slightly higher because there is a heel cap that provides extra stability and is attached to the sole.
Mid-high shoes: These offer a balance between support and flexibility, which is ideal for versatile players. So this is the mid-high shoe that is most commonly made.
Low shoes: These are light and flexible, perfect for guards and players who prioritize speed and agility. Because these are cut off below the ankle, you experience more freedom. Sometimes low shoes also have a more agile sole, but this type of low shoe loses stability.
How should basketball shoes fit?
A good fit is essential to prevent injuries and maximize your comfort on the field.
Tight but comfortable: The shoes should fit snugly without pinching your toes.
A little bit of sliding room: Prevent your foot from moving too much in the shoe, which can cause blisters. You always want a little bit of room in the shoe. But you don't want to slide too much because you didn't tie the shoe properly, for example.
Sock Test: Try the shoes with the same socks you wear during play. At Burned we sell special Burned Elite Performance Socks that are specifically designed to provide the comfort, support and performance benefits you need during exercise.
Try on shoes at the end of the day: Feet swell throughout the day; try trying on shoes at the end of the day to find the right size.
The importance of tying your shoelaces properly: It is important to always tie your shoes properly. This prevents you from sliding around in your shoe. Or getting injured because the shoe does not fit your foot completely. Do not just pull on the lace, but look carefully at how the lace goes from front to back. Try to pull it properly hole by hole, as it were. When you visit our store, we will show you how to tie your shoes in the best way so that the shoes fit your feet optimally and thus prevent injuries as much as possible.
Breaking in new basketball shoes
New shoes can feel stiff and often require a breaking-in period.
Improve Flexibility: Wearing your shoes at home for a few days can help you adjust the fit without causing pain or blisters.
Break-in period: Generally, it takes about two weeks to break in new shoes.
Maintaining basketball shoes
Proper maintenance helps extend the life of your basketball shoes.
Air them out: Air your shoes out after every match or training to prevent moisture build-up. You can use odor or bacteria eaters for this.
Cleaning: Use a soft cloth and mild soap to remove dirt. Avoid aggressive cleaning agents that can damage the material. Removing dust and dirt from the sole will provide better grip.
Keep indoor shoes indoors: Indoor shoes are not suitable for outdoor use; wearing them on asphalt or concrete can quickly wear out the soles.
If you play more than 2-3 times a week, it might be a good idea to get a 2nd or 3rd pair. This way you break them all in and they wear out less quickly. You can also let a pair air out when you play on another pair.
When to replace basketball shoes?
Even the best shoes wear out over time. Signs that it's time to replace your shoes:
Wear and tear on the outsole: Regularly check the condition of the outsole. And the bottom, the sole for the grip of the shoe. In addition, we recommend that you buy new shoes after 9 - 12 months when using them 2 x 3 times a week. At least once a season. Because wear and tear in the cushioning and loss of cushioning power is not visible. Compare it to chewing gum. At some point, the chewing gum becomes less elastic and the taste disappears. But if you look at it, you see no difference with new chewing gum.
Discomfort: New pain or blisters may indicate worn-out shoes.
Loss of support: If you notice that your shoes are providing less support, it is time for a new pair.
Conclusion
The right basketball shoes can make a huge difference in your performance and comfort on the court. By considering aspects such as cushioning, support, grip, breathability, and importantly, the right fit, you can find a pair of shoes that suit your playing style and needs. Take the time to compare and try on different models and brands to ensure you make the best choice. Experienced consultants are on hand in the store to help you make the right choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between basketball shoes and regular sports shoes? Basketball shoes are designed to provide support and cushioning for quick movements and jumps, while regular athletic shoes are primarily aimed at running.
How often should I replace my basketball shoes? On average, basketball shoes last 50-70 hours of play. Look for signs of wear and loss of comfort as an indication to buy new shoes.
Are high top basketball shoes better for ankle support? No, high basketball shoes do not offer more ankle support than mid or low basketball shoes. If you are looking for more ankle support, choose a good ankle brace. What is important for good ankle support is that the shoe fits well. The heel cap in combination with the connection to the foot as described at the top of this article.
What cushioning is best for basketball shoes? This is a matter of personal preference. Many brands offer special cushioning technologies such as Air Zoom, ANTA or 361º, which support both comfort and energy recovery.
Can I also wear basketball shoes outside? Yes, but make sure you choose a model with a sturdy sole that is suitable for outdoor use, as indoor shoes wear out faster on asphalt or concrete.
What requirements should a basketball shoe meet ? Good fit for your foot i.e. close and comfortable. In addition, cushioning, heel cap, support and grip are important.
