Are you interested in buying basketball shoes for the upcoming season? Have you ever wondered what the difference was between them all? If so, then you need to learn all that you can about basketball shoes before you shop.
It’s more than just a game. Sneakerheads all around the world are shopping for the best basketball shoes that money can buy. However, looking for a court-worthy shoe or a lifestyle-like basketball shoe is completely different.
See below for an in-depth guide on what you should be looking for when you go to purchase basketball shoes to elevate your game.
Table of Contents
1. Consider Your Style of Play
It used to be that you could decide what kind of basketball shoes you’d purchase based on your primary position, such as point guard, forward, or center. However, the game of basketball has evolved so much; so many players are considered a hybrid of two positions.
Just look at players like Lebron James. He’s got a power forward frame but plays similarly to what a coach would expect from a small forward. His skillset has turned him into an iconic player.
All of that being said, we recommend that you shop for your basketball shoes based on your style of play.
For example, if you pride yourself on quick transitions and speed, then a low-top basketball shoe is best. It provides more flexibility for your ankles, as well as provides a lightweight shoe to support your speed.
Meanwhile, those who fit more of the center or power forward spot will want high-tops with as much ankle support as possible. With their physical style of play and how much they have to jump up and down, it’s easy to see how their foot could land awkwardly.
Mid-tops are a great combination of both. Perfect for players that play multiple positions at any given time in the basketball game.
2. Consider the “Big Three”
To be fair, the “Big Three” has a few different meanings to it in the basketball world. These days, NBA teams seemingly stockpile superstars in pairs of three with the hopes that it puts them in the conversation of a championship. This is phenomenon has been coined “the big three“.
However, there’s another “Big Three” in basketball as far as their shoes are concerned: the shoe’s upper, midsole, and outsole. Let’s break this down a bit:
- Upper: The upper portion of the shoe. Comes in either high-top, mid-top, or low-top. Generally made of lightweight materials that support breathability.
- Midsole: The area of the shoe that’s directly under your foot. A good midsole is crucial for providing cushion, stability, and shock absorption. The latest technology focuses on providing even more relief for your heel and balls of your feet, which always take the biggest beating.
- Outsole: The bottom portion of the shoe. Mainly used for traction and balance. These are usually made of rubber to help you grip the court, this makes it easier for you to accelerate, cut, and jump.
All three of these areas work together to keep you at the top of your game. If you ever notice that your skills are starting to fade, it might be due to your worn-out basketball shoes.
3. Strive for Looks
It’s no secret that looks drive the market for basketball shoes. Take one look at an NBA or NCAA basketball game, and you’ll see an endless amount of innovative designs and awesome colors.
The aesthetics of basketball shoes has helped them grow so popular that they’ve taken on a market of their own. Basketball shoes aren’t just for the court; they’re used in skateboarding, walking, running, weightlifting, or just to add more flair to your lifestyle clothing.
When it comes to buying basketball shoes, the aesthetic you choose should reflect your personality and personal taste for fashion. That said, you can’t pass up on iconic shoe models like Air Jordan XIs, Air Force 1s, KD 7s, Lebrons, and so on.
If you’re into collecting shoes, then be sure to check out KicksCrew for the freshest pairs of basketball shoes in the marketplace. There, you can get your hands on some rare pairs!
4. Look for Inspiration
We all have favorite basketball players out there; players that we’ve modeled our game after. People that we wish to play like in our respective leagues.
Why not use that while you’re shopping for basketball shoes? If your favorite player has their shoe model, then that’s a great place to start looking.
This is a great way to find shoes that fit your style of play (as we recommended earlier) because you tend to model your game after the players you respect most.
5. Find the Right Size
Don’t ever sacrifice buying the right basketball shoe size just to get your hands on the pair that you’ve always wanted.The only exception is if you only plan on wearing them for hanging out with friends.
Wearing the wrong shoe size can have severe consequences. If they’re too small, your foot won’t have enough room to swell (which all feet do while exercising).
If your shoes are too big, then your foot will slide around inside the shoe, which can lead to severe injuries in your knees, ankles, or things like Plantar Fasciitis.
Invest in Basketball Shoes for Your Needs
Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on what to look for when buying basketball shoes, be sure to use this information to your advantage.
Take the time to browse our website for more articles on new basketball shoes, as well as many other topics that you will find interesting.
