In b-ball, what’s on your feet matters. For the best dribbling, slam dunk, jump shot, and kicks, you’ll want to get the right high-top basketball shoes.
Basketball shoes are designed with performance, fashion, and comfortability in mind. But not every sneaker is perfect for your game. Before deciding on the right shoes, understand your playing capabilities and style.
Are you comfortable in the key, or do you shoot from long range? Does your game display aggression and power or speed and agility? Do you stay back and maximize on transition, or do you crash the boards for rebounds?
While there’s so much to check on, you don’t want to get it wrong when choosing high top basketball shoes. Playing in the wrong shoes can result in foot, ankle, and even back problems. Some of these injuries can render you incapable of participating in your favorite sport for long.
For the ultimate experience, a durable and high-quality pair of basketball shoes is invaluable. But how do you choose the best shoes for the game? To get you started, here are key tips in choosing the right high-top basketball shoes.
Anatomy of a Basketball Shoe
Understanding the anatomy of basketball shoes is key to choosing the best. Typically, a b-ball shoe is separated into three main parts; the upper, out, and midsole. Every section has unique qualities affecting performance and durability.
In finding your perfect gear, it’s vital to identify features that suit your playing style and needs. Here’s a more guide to the features of the three sections of a basketball shoe.
The Upper
The upper section comes in three heights; low-tops, mid-tops, and high-tops. Picking the upper type comfortable with you is the start point of choosing a basketball shoe.
When choosing the upper type, consider your playing position and how dynamic or aggressive your game is. Also, determine if you are prone to spraining or rolling your ankle.
High tops offer a great deal of support since it wraps around your ankle. However, the more support you get, the heavier the shoe. High-top shoes are ideal for the centers and forwards to ease the strain on their ankles and feet.
Mid-tops basketball shoes provide some ankle support but at lower levels compared to high-tops. They reach the ankle level, and they are more flexible than high-tops. If you play various positions in the court, then mid-tops will offer the flexibility you need.
Low-tops basketball shoes provide little to no support to the ankle. However, this is compensated by the agility and speed offered by low-tops. If your game is a showcase of speed, then low-tops are the ideal option.
The Midsole
The midsole features the cushioning of the footwear. Cushioning is one of the key elements of high-performance b-ball shoes. Different brands utilize different cushioning techniques, including lightweight foams pressurized-air or EVA.
When choosing a basketball shoe, check on the midsole. A flexible and comfortable midsole provides the required cushioning. It absorbs impact and also minimizes stress on pressure points, thus preventing injuries.
The Outsole
The outsole offers traction, and it’s mostly made of either synthetic or rubber material. When choosing the next basketball shoe, pick one offering maximum grip. This allows you to jump, pivot, and change directions without slipping.
Also, the midsole should be wide and flat to offer maximum balance.
For extra grip, consider an outsole with hexagonal or herringbone patterns. These designs help in securing your feet and preventing sliding on the court.
When determining the outsole for your shoes, consider where you play. Most basketball shoes are designed to fit indoor play. If you play outdoor, find a shoe with a durable and thicker outsole to prevent the rough surface from eating up the treads.
Shoe Size and Fit
The basketball game is fast-paced and involves jumping, pivoting, and running in different directions at once. With the right high top basketball shoes, you can perform all these movements without sustaining injuries. While a shoe might be of the right quality, it doesn’t matter if it doesn’t fit well.
Leave about half of an inch of space between the shoe front and your toes for a good fit. However, if you leave out too much space, you are prone to slip while less space restricts movements.
Consider Budget
Your budget matters when buying basketball kicks. Basketball shoes will range from a few dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on their performance. Knowing the impact of basketball shoes on your overall game, develop a reasonable budget to enhance your experience.
Opting for cheap and low-quality shoes not only cripples your game but increases the chances of injury. By sparing a few dollars to get low-quality pairs, you may sustain severe injuries that could take months to heal. Invest in high-performance and durable basketball shoes to be guaranteed performance and safety.
Consider Aesthetics
While it’s important to check on the durability and performance of a basketball shoe, aesthetics matters; you don’t have to lose your sense of style. When shopping for basketball shoes, rest assured to find one that suits your style.
Reflect your personality by selecting designs and color patterns that match your taste. If you want to stand out in the court, opt for a style with unique design elements and bold colors.
In addition, basketball shoes can be worn anywhere, not just on the court. Well, a pair of sneakers with signature details from a top athlete can make you stand out. Also, basketball shoes, such as Air Jordan Future, are versatile, and you can wear them anywhere.
Use These Tips to Find the Best High Top Basketball Shoes
What’s on your feet affects your play. When shopping for basketball shoes, be keen to buy a pair that meets your game style, needs, and preference. Conduct firsthand research to know what elements to check for when buying high-top basketball shoes.
Here are tips for choosing the best basketball shoes.
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