Wearing the right basketball shoes can improve your overall performance and can make the difference between a win and a loss. Each basketball team has different types of players, ranging from a power player, all-around player or speed player with each type of player wearing shoes with different designs and features. The speed player, for example, wears basketball shoes designed for quick, explosive movements while maximizing support, stability and flexibility.
Materials
To promote speed, quickness and agility, men's basketball shoes are made with a combination of lightweight, breathable materials. The speed player chooses the lightweight shoe for quick leg turnover and changes of direction while providing enough support, cushioning and flexibility to reduce the potential for injuries. Upper materials combine synthetic mesh and synthetic leather for flexibility, durability and breathability without excessive weight.
Traction
Speed in men's basketball requires more than simply running up and down the court. As a result, basketball shoes for speed must maximize traction on the court and allow you to make quick cuts and explosive changes of direction on offense and defense. During a game, you are constantly accelerating, decelerating, jumping and making side-to-side movements, and the outsole on the shoes provides traction and stability. The outsole for speed shoes has a flat, wide base to prevent ankle rollovers while the herringbone tread pattern improves traction for stopping and starting.
Design
Men's basketball shoes built for speed are made with a streamlined, low-cut design. This design promotes fast leg turnover by providing a natural shoe that doesn't restrict movement. A low-cut design is lighter in weight, but it has the least amount of ankle support. As a result, some players who require additional lateral support will choose midtop designs. The midtop shoes still provide speed potential, but they provide additional support.
Considerations
The overall fit is one of the most important considerations for basketball shoes designed for speed. With the proper fit, you will maximize your potential for speed, agility and quickness on the court. In the toe area, you want about a thumbnail's length of space between your big toe and the end of the shoe. The width area should fit comfortably without excessive stretch in the upper materials, and your heel should be secure within the heel area.
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