Basketball
Find Basketball Footwear Here:
- Basketball is a sport of quick cuts, sprints and jumps. Choosing the right shoes can affect your game and the health of your feet, ankles, legs and knees.
- Don’t choose your basketball shoes based on brand, style or favorite player. Comfort is king. Make sure your hoop shoes are comfortable – not too tight, not too loose. And look for a pair that feels lightweight.
- Buy the right size! Make sure your toes have enough room with a broad toe box. Always stand up when trying basketball shoes and make sure that you have a thumbnail’s length of space between the top of your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Check that your heel fits comfortably and doesn’t slip.
- How do you play the game? Performance matters. An all-around player should look for a lightweight shoe with a thinner, molded insole. A power player needs a shoe with plenty of cushioning and ankle support. Fast players need a lightweight shoe with a lower cut for minimal ankle restriction.
- High-top or low(er)-top? The majority of players choose a high-top shoe because it gives the most ankle support. Molded insoles, arch support and cushioned foot beds also give much needed support for the soles of your feet.
- Make sure the outsoles (bottoms) of your basketball shoes are flat and fairly wide to create a stable base and help prevent ankle rollover. The herringbone pattern is the most common on the bottom of a shoe and will give you traction on the court. Most hoop shoes are designed for indoor use. If you play outdoors on a regular basis look for a shoe made for outdoor use (usually with a heavier rubber outsole).
- Most women should not buy a men’s basketball shoe. Men’s shoes are built on a wider last (or frame) than women’s shoes and are for the most part too wide, decreasing stability.