Not only do basketball stars purchase stylish shoes to look the part on court, but they also need to deliver in all areas.
A key part of any professional player’s setup, the NBA stars of today and in the past carefully select the perfect basketball shoes for their needs. For instance, some players prefer lighter shoes, while others opt for a weightier pair.
For aspiring professionals or even casual players, it’s also important to ensure they’re wearing the right pair of basketball shoes.
The professionals they support in the NBA and the teams they back when it comes to betting on the NBA Playoffs wear a number of familiar designs, be it some Nike LeBron 22s or the Adidas D.O.N. Issue #6.
The options don’t end there, though. In fact, given the rise of basketball fashion, even people who aren’t interested in the sport wear basketball shoes to complete an outfit.
As such, with basketball shoes now being worn away from the court, some designs aren’t necessarily best suited to playing on it.
With that in mind, below we look at some key features basketball shoes should typically possess when you’re next in the shops mulling over a potential purchase.
Cushioning
First and foremost, there’s absolutely no point in parting with your hard-earned cash if your potential basketball shoes don’t provide you with the comfort you deserve.
Cushioning is, therefore, essential, offering shock absorption during any big jumps you execute. Popular inclusions these days include the likes of gel inserts and air cushioning.
Luckily, most modern-day releases contain these essential elements, but not every shoe does.
Support
Given the all-action nature of basketball, injuries can occur. As such, players who are taking part in the end-to-end action that typically ensues need shoes that offer solid support features.
Not only will it enable your ankles to take less of the strain, but it should also provide greater flexibility and reliable ankle and heel support.
Should you opt to purchase shoes that don’t offer the best support for you and your feet, then injuries could occur.
Traction
No player wants to be sliding all over the court and struggling to stay on their feet, making it important to select a pair of shoes with great traction.
Not only can shoes with good traction stop you from constantly falling over, but they’ll give you a more solid foundation to pull off any slam dunks or jump for the ball.
Whether you’re playing indoors or outside, if you don’t feel safe on your feet, you’ll struggle to impress.
Breathability
Another key feature when assessing any basketball shoes is that most leading shoes these days come with excellent breathability features, enabling your feet to feel cool and free.
During gameplay, a sweaty pair of shoes can be uncomfortable and, ultimately, create a smelly pair of feet.
In order to combat this common annoyance, brands these days add mesh panels and a variety of light materials, all of which offer more breathability and make for a more comfortable basketball-playing experience.
Lightweight
Basketball shoes should also be light in terms of their weight. No player wants to feel like they’re wearing bricks or walking in quicksand, making it hugely important to choose some of the lightest pairs in the shop or online at your favorite store.
Not only will you feel lighter on your feet and make faster movements. As a result, but lightweight shoes also reduce the chances of fatigue as they won’t zap your energy as much as a heavy pair would.
Other things to consider when purchasing basketball shoes include quality materials, outsole durability, look and fit, and fair pricing.
