Basketball players commonly wreak havoc on shoes, stopping short, jumping and running constantly throughout the game. For this reason, basketball shoes wear out faster than shoes you wear every day. Dick's Sporting Goods states that ideal basketball shoes are durable and provide the right amount of protection for your feet and ankles, depending in your team position and playing level. Following a few buyer's guidelines will ensure that you get the most out of your shoes and your game.
Step 1
Choose a shoe that provides ample support to your arches and ankles. Basketball shoes come in low and high-cut makes to fit comfort level and support requirements. According to Dick's Sporting Goods, 70 percent of basketball players choose high-cut shoes for the added protection from sprains and strains. Cushioning of the mid-sole is important to adding support to your arches and preventing injury to supporting tendons and ligaments,
Step 2
Inspect the box, or toe of the shoe. Narrow, more rounded boxes increase the risk of toe crowding and the formation of blisters and callouses, states Keith Kingston of Jordan Basketball Shoes. Wider set toe boxes will prevent crowding and allow you to jump, stop and run without placing additional pressure at the front of your feet.
Step 3
Opt for a durable material that withstands the many rapid movements required during basketball play. Leather is a durable material; however, advances in modern technology are improving upon leather's durability by offering synthetic composite materials that are designed to withstand more pressure than leather, according to Dick's Sporting Goods. These materials are lighter and also allow your feet to breathe, reducing occurrence of athlete's foot and other fungal infections.
Step 4
Determine your shoe size by standing upright and placing your full pressure on the shoe. As you stand and run, your feet spread and elongate, according to Kingston. For this reason, trying on shoes while sitting will give you false results. A clearance of 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch between your longest toe and the toe box is required to ensure proper fit.
Step 5
Choose a shoe that provides security to your feet. Lace up shoes and zipper shoes are commonly used by basketball athletes, providing the most stability and comfort. Velcro shoes are also available but do not secure your foot into your shoe as well as its lace up and zipper counterparts, according to Dick's Sporting Goods.
Member Comments