The roots of basketball have a strong heritage of pickup games on the playground, and outdoor summer games are still popular in basketball cities such as Detroit, New York and Philadelphia. This usually brings up the discussion of some inexpensive shoes needed to play the game outdoors.
Proper Support
Regardless of brand, basketball players looking for shoes for outdoor games will need proper cushion and support. Blacktop and pavement are extremely hard surfaces, and playing multiple games over the course of one season will leave significant wear and tear on your body and joints without proper support. Manufacturers have designed basketball shoes specifically for outdoor play. These shoes have added cushion, wider soles and better support for cutting and motion on harder outdoor surfaces.
Option 1: Nike Men's Shox
Most Nike shoes are higher end clubs designed for the competitive player on indoor surfaces. The Nike Shox shoes are a versatile shoe designed to take a pounding on the outdoor courts. These shoes are a high-top version designed to support your ankles, knees and legs, and they come in a varieties of color with sizes available in both medium and extra wide. As of January 2011, they were cost about $60.
Option 2: Adidas Pro Model
While $60 can still be a steep price for some consumers, several shoes are available for less than $50, as of January 2011. Adidas makes a full line of basketball footwear and the Pro Model shoes can be used indoors and outdoors. These are high-top shoes designed to create a spring-like effect for added support of the inner sole. Basketball players that have run up and down the court for days on blacktop are satisfied with the performance of these shoes.
Option 3: Reebok Deep Range II
Reebok takes the price cutting even further with the Deep Range II model. This shoe is provides added durability and cushioning and has an interchangeable liner that accommodates orthopedics and specialty soles. For the price of under $40, as of January 2011, this shoe provides a stylish option that is available in a variety of color combinations and sizes. This is a mid-cut design that appeals to better players.



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