Choosing the proper basketball shoe these days can be overwhelming, what with hundreds of choices and scores of individual features to choose from. Your choice of basketball shoe can directly affect your level of comfort, support and overall performance during a game.
Step 1
Determine whether your game relies especially on speed. If so, you'll want to make sure that your shoe is light, with some cushioning and moderate support for your ankles.
Step 2
Determine whether your game relies especially on power. If so, you'll probably want a heavier shoe, something with maximum cushion and ankle support. If you find that you rely more or less equally on speed and power in your game, consider a basketball shoe that falls somewhere in between--fairly light, but not necessarily ultra-light, with good cushion and good ankle support.
Step 3
Determine your shoe size. Don't assume it is the same as it was a year ago. Foot size changes.
Step 4
Walk around in high-tops, mid-tops and low-tops. High-tops provide maximum ankle support, but may restrict a player's speed. Mid-tops still provide some support to the ankle, but are less restrictive. Low-tops, though only worn by a small minority of basketball players, allow for maximum speed, even if they don't provide much ankle support. Note which is most comfortable for you--but remember what you determined in Steps 1 and 2 as you make your choice.
Step 5
Check the shoe laces. You don't want them coming undone during play. Some shoes offer zipper systems that secure the laces, others offer straps of various types to hold them in place. Determine which is best for you.
Things You'll Need
- Basketball shoes
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