All good basketball shoes are cushioned, but the best basketball shoes for women are cushioned according to the position you play. Basketball is a rugged game that requires players to constantly start, abruptly stop, jump in the air and move quickly from side to side. The best shoes will cushion your feet in a protective manner while weighing a little as possible.
Player Type
A center or power forward needs maximum cushioning and stability. This might require a heavier shoe, but the trade-off is worth it in terms of protecting the feet and ankles from injury. An all-around player, perhaps a small forward or big guard, will benefit the most from a fairly lightweight shoe with a moderate level of ankle support and cushioning. Point guards whose game relies on speed, will want a lightweight shoe with moderate cushioning and plenty of flexibility.
Shoe Cut
High top basketball shoes are worn by about 70 percent of all players. They give you the maximum amount of ankle support. Mid-tops, which rise to ankle level, are for those who feel constrained in high tops and those who rely on their speed. Although low tops are worn by about 10 percent of women basketball players, the shoes give you no ankle protection and are probably not worth the risk of injury compared to the slightly lesser weight, according to Dick's Sporting Goods.
Midsole
The cushioning and shock absorbing part of the basketball shoe is the midsole, the layer between the material your foot rests upon and the outsole, the bottom of the shoe. It is the most important part of the shoe, and a variety of synthetic materials are used to provide cushioning and shock absorption while aiding in your leaping ability. A relatively thin but effective layer of cushioning is used in basketball shoes to keep the base of support low and stable.
Buyer's Tips
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons advises you to try on athletic shoes after a workout or at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest. You should be able to freely wiggle your toes in a properly fitting shoe. You shouldn't have any break-in period with athletic shoes -- they should feel comfortable immediately. Re-lace any shoe that you try on, using even pressure. The shoe should solidly grip your heel -- the heel can move but it shouldn't slip. Your foot size is likely to change over time and one foot may be bigger than the other. If so, buy for the larger foot size.
Buying Sites
Sites such as Eastbay offer a large selection of women's basketball shoes. Eastbay sells a number of models such as Nike, Adidas and Nfinity shoes. You can compare prices and read product descriptions and user reviews. For example, the Nfinity Bioniq Lite is described as the lightest shoe in its category with a natural fit around your toes and jumping area. It also has an outsole technology that helps to protect your knees when you pivot and change directions quickly, an important feature considering women basketball players suffer significantly more ACL injuries than their male counterparts.
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