My my My my
 
 
 
 
 
 

How high should basketball socks be


What are Basketball Socks and Can they Help Performance? – True Energy Socks

You may be asking yourself, "What are basketball socks?" And the answer is simple: they are socks designed specifically for playing basketball. However, there's so much more to them than that. Basketball socks come in a variety of styles and colors, but they all have one common goal—to improve your performance on the court. This guide showcases the benefits of wearing basketball socks, what's behind the best ones for the sport and how they can help you play your best game.

What do Basketball Socks Do?

There are a few key things that basketball socks do differently than other types of socks. They:

  • Help improve blood circulation, which can lead to better energy and performance
  • Wick away moisture from the feet, keeping them dry and comfortable
  • Protect against blisters and hotspots, which can be expected when playing basketball for extended periods
  • Provide extra support and stability for the ankle, which is especially important when playing on an uneven surface

Types of Features on Basketball Socks

Here are a few main features to look for when choosing a high-quality basketball sock.

Material

Most of the socks worn by basketball players are made from nylon and polyester or a synthetic cotton blend. Synthetic materials are typically used because they provide some stretch and retain their shape for a long time. They also offer durability and moisture-wicking properties.

TRUEENERGY® performance socks are made of a synthetic and cotton blend that wicks moisture and odor away from your feet. They also provide stretch-resistant properties that make them a long-lasting addition to your workout.

Length

Basketball socks can come in different sizes. Some players prefer ankle-length, while others may prefer crew socks. There are others who prefer socks that come up just below the knee. Ankle length is the shortest of the bunch, while crew are 6-8 inches tall. 

Taller socks like crew and knee-high provide extra cushioning and support around your ankles, shins and calves which can help reduce muscle cramps and chance of injury.

Cushioning

The amount of cushioning you want in a basketball sock really depends on what you prefer and the type of surface you are playing on. If you are playing outdoors on concrete, you'll likely want more cushioning than if you're playing indoors on a gym floor.

TRUEENERGY® socks provide a reinforced heel and toe that brings you extra cushioning and support just where you need it. They also feature a unique arch band that keeps the socks comfortably in place while simultaneously cutting down on the rubbing that makes blisters.

Fit

The silhouette of performance socks determines the levels of comfort that your calves and ankles experience during exercise. If your sock is sliding around or just distracts you when you are playing, it takes away from an opportunity to play your best. Crew socks, like the TRUEENERGY® Cushion Crew, provide a fit that’s both comfortable and durable– perfect for a basketball game. In addition, basketball socks with designated right and left feet give better fit and comfort levels.    

Compression

Sports compression socks are really popular for athletes of all kinds, and basketball players can get a lot out of them too. The technology that's involved in creating sports compression makes it an ideal sock to use when you're playing any sport. Since the infrared and compression technology keep your muscles warm while controlling blood flow and relieving pain, like TRUEENERGY® socks, you can get the most out of your time on the courts.

Which Type of Basketball Socks is the Best?\

When looking for the best basketball sock for your workout, consider the features in above as your starting point. As far as what's best, the most popularly worn socks among basketball players are crew-cut and low-cut socks. 

Others wear two layers of socks to the court for the pillow-soft feeling that extra cushioning brings. Then again, it all boils down to a personal preference and what the socks bring to your game.  

Here is a little bit more about the top basketball socks that help improve performance.

Crew-Cut Socks

Crew-cut socks are the most popular style and come up to just below the knee. They provide extra support and stability for your ankle while wicking away moisture from your feet. Many athletes prefer the length and extra cushioning that crew-cut style socks provide. Another reason to go with this type is if you sport ankle braces. Crews will keep friction from occurring in that area, and they'll also add some extra warmth to your feet. 

Low-Cut Socks

As the name suggests, low-cut socks are shorter in length and sit just above the ankle bone. They're a popular choice for basketball players because they provide more ventilation than other styles, which is great for hot summer days. This style is perfect for indoor play or when you're on a hardwood surface. The low-cut socks at TRUEENERGY® have a smart combination of infrared-infused polyester, cotton, nylon and spandex that keeps them from stretching and helps insulate feet from wear and tear when you are playing on rougher basketball courts.

Knee-High Socks

If you're looking for the most cushioning possible, then knee-high basketball socks are a great option. They offer extra support around your shins and calves while playing, which is perfect if you frequently experience shin splints or other injuries. This style is also a good pick if you're playing outdoors on concrete or another hard surface. Knee-high socks are made with moisture-wicking fabrics to keep your feet dry, and many include compression technology for improved blood flow.

Two Socks Worn Together

You can commonly see basketball players of all ages wearing two pairs of long socks during a game or practice. The double-layer helps eliminate friction between your foot, the shoe and the ankle brace. Players can wear two pairs of TRUEENERGY® crew socks in solids and colored accents together to look stylish, but make sure they're not too bulky or you might experience discomfort while playing. 

How Can a Well-Made Sock Help Performance?

 

So just what goes into a good performing basketball sock? Let's recap what we've gone over to answer that question:

  • The right material—Synthetic fabric will provide some stretch and retain a basketball sock's shape for a long time. It also provides the durability, anti-odor and moisture-wicking properties you need to get serious about your game.
  • The best length—How long your basketball sock is adds to your performance too.  Most basketball socks come up to just below the knee, but there are also ankle-length and crew options on the market if you prefer that style. Ankle length is the shortest of the bunch while knee-high provides extra cushioning around your shins and sometimes calves as well.
  • A good fit—The right fit will give you just the amount of support needed for making your way up and down the basketball court, giving you a boost of confidence when you need to grab the ball on the rebound. Expanded heel pockets will provide you with a snug fit and some extra cushioning.
  • Optimal cushioning—Cushioning is key for a lot of athletes, and basketball socks need to have reinforced structures in their heel and toes to provide protection from the added shock absorption that comes from hard landings on the floor.
  • The right amount of padding—The toe pockets should have just the right amount of padding so that your movements are not constrained. Contours around the arch band of the foot can help since they give you a snug, locked-in sense of security.
  • Compression and infrared technology—And finally, the compression and infrared technology in TRUEENERGY® socks help to control pain and keep your muscles warm while controlling blood flow, giving you an edge over the competition.

Invest in True Energy Basketball Performance Socks Today

Here's the thing, you really can't go wrong with any type of basketball socks if they fit well and provide the features you need. TRUEENERGY® socks are a great investment for any basketball player who wants to up their game. Plus, they check all the boxes for the features you need. With infrared and compression technology, they are sure to help you achieve your performance goals.  

Be sure to check out our blog to learn more about the science behind our socks and how they can help you!

How To Choose The Right Height For Your Basketball Socks – SwellCaroline

Basketball socks should reach somewhere between the middle of the calf and the bottom of the knee. The ideal height for a basketball sock depends on the player’s preference and what is comfortable for them. Some players prefer socks that come up to the knee, while others like them to be shorter. The important thing is that the sock is comfortable and does not slide down during play.

A pair of double socks with the Nike logo on each pair is fashionable for almost any team and color. A cotton garment absorbs a lot of moisture, takes a long time to dry, whereas a polyester garment absorbs a lot of moisture and dries quickly. Cushioning in key areas provides targeted comfort and a long-lasting garment. This technology, known as Dri-FIT, ensures that the soles of your feet stay dry and comfortable. It is not illegal for a player to roll his socks down his pants, according to the NBA’s operations manual. Today’s players prefer large, baggy shorts and jerseys rather than long, tight-fitting tops and shorts.

Basketball players also prefer a certain amount of length when it comes to basketball socks. As fashion becomes more popular, so does the way it pertains to us. For many years, knee-high socks were common for many soccer players. The ankle is now considered to be the most comfortable shoe length, with socks that are only half the length.

How High Should Basketball Socks Go?

They could have appeared on your legs as runners passed by, or on a basketball court worn by some players. This is the knee-high socks, also known as compression socks, which go up to the knees when worn, and the name implies that they go up to the knees when worn.

The main components of basketball are running and body movements, which are high-energy. In order to be successful at the sport, you will require a variety of sports equipment and kits. Custom basketball socks, when used properly, can help you improve your performance while also keeping your feet dry. They also benefit professional players in the long run by assisting them in giving their best performance in the game. Basketball socks provide a variety of benefits, including a higher level of comfort than standard sports socks. Basketball player socks not only provide knee and ankle protection, but they also improve a player’s balance and overall performance. All aspects of the game, from the shot to the tip, should be considered when choosing the best basketball socks for use.

It is possible that people will not consider purchasing Nike Elite socks because they believe that their less expensive counterparts will perform as well. Nike Elite socks, on the other hand, are made with a higher-quality material and are designed to last longer. According to some people, these shoes perform significantly better than Nike shoes in terms of durability and support. As a result, it is no surprise that Nike Elite socks are extremely popular. They provide excellent foot support and feel excellent on the feet, making them the ideal shoe for those who want to be comfortable, fashionable, and stylish. If you’re looking for high-performance basketball socks, look no further than Nike Elite socks.

How Do You Wear Basketball Socks?

In terms of style, wearing double socks has become more common. It is common for basketball players to wear two pairs of socks on both feet at the same time. A player must put on four socks if they want to be stylish and have proper comfort/friction between their shoes.

Should Basketball Socks Be Tight?

For example, if you wear socks that are too tight, it can be difficult to align your toes. You will be distracted from the game if your socks fall off during the game.

What Is The Official Socks Of Nba?

The NBA has agreed to a new sponsorship deal with the competitive basketball sock business, as the league will announce Monday that Stance will be its official sock and that players will wear it.

Do Basketball Players Wear High Socks?

The necessary compression mechanism is provided by knee-high socks. They can be seen on runners’ legs as they pass you in a park or on the basketball court in a game of one-on-one.

It may be a little strange to put on two pairs of socks at first, but there are a few reasons to think about it. A good fit and sock comfort are also important for basketball players to avoid blisters. Wearing Nike socks, for example, feels like lying on your feet. You can do this if you are a basketball player; simply buy socks to match your uniform. Because of the Fab 5, the mid-calf Nike socks are a popular choice for basketball games. Socks for running and basketball are the focus of Belisy’s footwear. The lower half of a basketball body is the most likely area to have a unique design.

As basketball pioneers, Nike socks are an essential piece of equipment. The Nike checkmark is seen as a style symbol and can be found on basketball courts all over the world. Because of their durability, it is simple to pair a pair of billy socks with a single sock. We recommend looking through the socks on this list.

Two pairs of socks provide better heel support and reduce shoe friction, both of which are important factors. When practicing or playing a game, this will help you avoid getting injured. A good basketball shoe has thick soles that allow for extra ankle support. In other words, wearing two pairs of socks during a game is the most effective way for both beginners and experienced players to stay safe and have a good time.

Can You Wear Short Socks With Basketball Shoes?

Most basketball shoes will come up to your ankle, or even higher, which leaves little room for show socks. You can wear short socks with basketball shoes, but they may not provide the support or cushioning that you need while playing. It is best to consult with the shoe manufacturer to see if they have any recommendations for socks to pair with their shoes.

It is possible to obtain basketball shoes for daily use. To accomplish the feat, you must first master the art of pulling it off with your appearance. If you want to wear basketball shoes casually, shorts or joggers can look great with them. If your shoes are too flashy, you can easily put it together. In the world of basketball shoes, there is a large selection. Whether you’re playing on the sand or on the grass, you’ll find some great basketball shoes here. When you pair your basketball shoes with cargo shorts, you give yourself a more mature look than when you wear regular sports shorts.

See also

The Nike LeBron Soldier XII is best suited to outdoor courts due to its comfortable rubber soles and Zoom Air cushioning. Adidas Cloudfoam is widely regarded as the most affordable, comfortable, and effective footwear on the market. The Under Armour Curry 5 is an excellent choice for runners who want to improve their agility and speed.

Ankle socks are available in a variety of colors, prints, and materials. Cotton, linen, and wool are some of the fabrics that are available, and they can be purchased in a variety of lengths and styles. They’re not only extremely fashionable, but they can also be worn with sneakers, boots, or sandals. The following factors should be considered when purchasing ankle socks. There is no material that is not present. Socks are typically made of cotton, linen, or wool, which are all natural materials with a soft and comfortable feel. socks are typically made of synthetic fibers, which are frequently more durable but less comfortable. Next, the length should be considered. Ankle socks are available in a variety of lengths, ranging from short to long, making them ideal for sneakers and boots as well as sandals and dress shoes. Finally, consider the color of the objects. Ankle socks are available in a wide range of colors, ranging from light colors that will keep socks dry to bright, bold colors. When selecting ankle socks, take into account your preferences and requirements, as well as what type of socks would look good with your outfit and lifestyle. Ankle socks are short enough to keep you out of the way while running or walking, but they are long enough to add a splash of color to your outfit and give the world a hint of your stylish style when they look down towards your feet.

Socks Matter: The Importance Of Choosing The Right Pair For Basketball

Socks are necessary in basketball. Footbeds can help you stay cool, protect your feet from blisters, and even keep you in bounds if you need them. It is critical to select the right type of sock for basketball shoes to ensure proper comfort. If you wear a low-cut basketball shoe, make sure your socks are low cut and sit perfectly around your ankles. It is not your socks that should shine your shoes. Socks, on the other hand, do not need to be tucked away in the back of your drawer unless you have a low-cut basketball shoe. Socks, in fact, can make you feel more at ease and perform better. If you want to improve your overall game, you should ensure that your socks fit snugly around your ankles. Whether you wear a low-cut shoe or not, socks are essential for basketball.

Nike Basketball Socks

Nike basketball socks are made to provide ultimate comfort and breathability during intense play. They are available in a variety of colors and styles to match any uniform, and their low-cut design ensures a full range of motion.

Athletic socks are the way to go if you want more support and coverage in your sock wardrobe. They’re typically thicker and made from a better quality fabric, so blisters won’t be a problem. If you want a more versatile option, consider wearing Nike crew socks. Because they’re versatile and can be worn with almost any shoe, they’re an excellent choice for everyday wear.

Are Nike Socks Good For Basketball?

Nike’s basketball socks prove once more that the company is one of the best sports brands. This clothing is made for comfort in the game while remaining supportive.

What Material Socks Is Best For Basketball?

It is common for basketball players to wear nylon or polyester socks or cotton blends with nylon or polyester in them. Synthetic materials are frequently used because they provide a little stretch and keep their shape for a long time. They not only provide resistance to moisture, but they also provide moisture-wicking properties.

Do Socks Matter In Basketball?

Socks may not have a big impact on the game, but small things like these can improve your overall performance both during and after the game. Of course, you should leave it for basketball shoes; small things like this can make your game and afterward more comfortable. When we know that basketball performance socks really do matter, we begin to believe in their importance.

How low can basketball shoes be? - StreetBall Library

Back to Articles List

High vs. Low

In the late 80's and through most of the 90's, high-top basketball shoes were the norm. Models such as the Command Force, Air Unlimited and Air Max CB'94 seemed to some like a cross between basketball shoes and cowboy boots. Their undeniably cool style and casual look were perfect for the zeitgeist. But along with the extra protection they offered was added weight, restricted movement and poor ventilation. And still, the fact remained that people continued to get ankle injuries.
According to Matt Nurse, senior researcher at the Nike Sports Research Lab, the reality is that ankle injuries happen when you play basketball. He explains that statistically, “if you play 1,000 times, at least once you will hurt your leg. Guaranteed." Whether it is contact with another player, an unsuccessful landing or a change in direction of movement, an abrupt stop - it will happen anyway sooner or later. Not surprisingly, a twisted ankle is the most common injury in basketball.

But high sneakers should help, right? Not at all, Nurse says. He says that "the wobble board (simulator) is the only tool that has contributed to reducing the number of injuries: you will not find other means in any literature." All the complexity lies in the simplicity of the joint. The upper part is responsible for the movement of the foot up and down, the other part is responsible for rolling from side to side. The position of the foot when the heel is higher than the toe is very important for basketball. It serves to soften the impact when landing. The problem is that in this position, the foot loses the protective qualities of the ligaments, which leads to instability and a greater likelihood of twisting the leg. It's not all bad news. Studies have shown that over the past 25 years, ankle injuries have decreased 6 times due to improved training methods.

It turns out that the debate about high and low sneakers is based on intuition, since high ones are tougher in stationary conditions. But in the “toe away from you” position, the line of force application changes. The interaction occurs with the same area of ​​​​the material in both low and high sneakers. The area where the maximum resistance is shown is located no higher than the ankle. Studies conducted at Nike showed no significant change in injury rates with high-top sneakers, even with taping and bandages.

It seems that these two methods of protection do not bring any significant results. "There's a ton of scientific literature on taping, for example," Nurse says. – “The mechanical advantage of the tape disappears even before you enter the court. You go out, warm up and stretch, and now all the advantage is lost. What tape does is give a sense of proprioception, which I think is important.”

There is a big difference between feel and support. This feeling will not help you avoid injury. However, keep in mind that the mind is a very powerful tool - playing in low shoes can become a barrier for the brain to play at top speeds, while high ones can make you feel more secure. On the other hand, it may limit your potential. According to a Nike study, high-top sneakers can limit freedom of movement and can reduce performance in speed and jumping exercises. Nurse: “If high-top sneakers were that much better, everyone would be playing in them, both football players and tennis players. There is a feeling and a whole culture associated with them, but you can go the other way.”

Based on this study, it's clear that low-top sneakers are great for basketball. Low sneakers are nothing new in basketball - check out the Air Force 1 low. Although they were used primarily for everyday life, players like Steve Nash and Mike Bibby have been playing them for years. Further, the Air Jordan III - we can assume that it was they who gave rise to the trend to reduce the height of the sneaker. They are with a height of ? were in opposition to the running shoes of the time, but the way they were presented got people thinking. So while Kobe isn't the first player in the NBA to play in low tops, he's definitely the best to own a low top.

reread Dmitry Marin
Source: Solecollector magazine

Article: Sneaker Review: Wade 1.3, Air Jordan XX2, Tmac 6, Chiefglider

How to choose basketball shoes | Useful tips and nuances

We love basketball because this sport is quite fast and dynamic. At some moments we make sharp jerks, high jumps, unexpected stops and, of course, this is what helps us to dominate the game and love it for unique moments.

When playing basketball, there is always a high risk of various kinds of injuries that overshadow our pleasure and send us to the infirmary for recovery, which can last from a few days to a year. But no matter what happens, we still love this game and try to protect ourselves as much as possible when necessary, in order to feel comfortable and convenient with every step.

But why should any basketball player think about safety as much as about a clean and beautiful hit in the basket, leaving behind a pleasant sound of rustling net? A simple example: the more powerful a car's engine is, the more manufacturers focus on various systems that help make driving safer and more enjoyable. The same goes for basketball, the more jumps and jerks we make, the more we need to pay attention to safety in this game.

Of course safety and comfort in basketball is achieved by many factors. For example, this is a complete and balanced diet that saturates our body with numerous useful microelements and vitamins. Also, safety in the game is achieved by performing various exercises to strengthen the ligaments and joints during training periods outside the game. An equally important factor is a good warm-up before the game itself and the cleanliness of the surface on which we will perform various movements. And all these are important components that will directly or indirectly help us avoid various injuries in the future.

Quality basketball shoes are essential for a successful, comfortable and safe game. Of course, it is important to mention that any footwear is not able to protect us from injury by 100%. Even if we follow all the recommendations described above.

But does this mean that you can play basketball in any sneakers? No. And here are a few reasons. Some models are simply not designed to perform the actions that a basketball game involves. Other sneakers may have mediocre quality or short-lived materials that can lead to unfortunate consequences.

And here comes the question. How to choose basketball shoes that would help you get maximum pleasure and enjoyment from the game? Based on the ratings and reviews of both amateur and professional athletes, BasketZilla has collected the necessary information to help anyone make a choice and understand what factors to look for when buying basketball shoes.

Original, branded shoes or any other?

We recommend starting your choice with this question. We immediately want to mention the importance of buying only original basketball shoes from reputable manufacturers. Why exactly? Signature sneakers from brands like Nike, Adidas, Jordan Brand, Under armour, Reebok, ANTA, PUMA, Converse, Peak and a few more provide quality shoes with durable materials and proven technologies that have passed quality control and numerous tests. The production of branded sneakers is based on the feedback of professional athletes and their subsequent use during the game itself. Accordingly, branded basketball shoes will allow us to feel more comfortable and confident on the court.

Here it is important to emphasize the danger of counterfeiting branded shoes. Now, when buying on the Internet or in shopping centers, you can stumble upon such fake basketball shoes that are difficult to distinguish at first glance, even for some specialists. There are a number of factors on how to distinguish a fake from the original. Here is some of them.

  • verified online stores or branded departments that represent the brand
  • sizes. Pay attention to the availability of half sizes and plus sizes. On sites selling fakes, often only running sizes for men and women.
  • prices should not differ much or even several times from the average market value among official sellers.

By the way, our service, BasketZilla, offers to buy only original basketball shoes from well-known manufacturers in trusted and reliable online stores that have proven themselves exclusively on the positive side! Everyone has the opportunity to compare prices among these suppliers, see photos, read reviews, learn about discounts and available sizes. Our service makes it much easier to find a better option. Available options can be found at the end of the article.

But does this mean that it is dangerous and better not to buy non-branded basketball shoes? Not always. In any case, when choosing sneakers, it is worth considering several factors:

  • how high-quality materials are used in them. For example, how are the seams made, are they taped in areas of increased wear? What is the upper material, does it have good wear resistance? How is the lacing system done? Is the sole durable and what is the cushioning system?
  • how comfortable the shoes are. For example, is your leg comfortable when you stand, when you walk, when you jump? How tight is the foot and is there any excessive discomfort?

So, regardless of the financial component and their priorities, everyone has something to think about. Some are guided by the phrase "the miser pays twice", others do not want to "overpay for the brand. " Be that as it may, pay attention to the performance of the specific basketball model that you want to purchase. Determine for yourself at what level you will play - amateur or professional, because the more serious the approach to the game, the more serious investments should be.

Shoe Heights and their Impact on Playing Style

There are three types of basketball shoe heights - High, Mid and Low. It used to be that taller players fighting under the basket should wear taller shoes, and accordingly the shorter the player, the lower the profile height of their model should be for speed and agility. Now, this stereotype has begun to become more and more blurred, as the concept of the position of a player in basketball has changed a lot. This is especially felt in the NBA, where the real breakthrough was made by Kevin Durant with the Nike KD line of sneakers and Giannis Adetoumbo with his Freaks, forever washing away the notion of classic position distribution according to player height.

Now, when everyone wants to be LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kevin Durant, profile height should be chosen based on your playing style. For example, if you want to play at high speeds, using dribbling and first step speed, feel free to choose a low profile and in some cases a medium one when it has an elastic zone in the ankle area. If you want to score from above or fight under the basket, look for higher models that will help protect your joints with excellent cushioning and a padded collar. That is, although height and weight sometimes affect the style of play and these factors also need to be considered when choosing the height of a sneaker, nevertheless, not everyone wants to play in a certain position, and not everyone plays at a professional level.

Therefore, the average height of the profile in modern basketball shoes is more versatile, which can be used by both center and heavy forwards, as well as small forwards, defensemen and even point guards. Don't focus too much on your height and weight, as your main factor should be comfort and convenience with the standard basketball moves that you tend to do the most. It's also worth considering that if you're using an ankle brace, then you should choose shoes that allow you to secure it tightly.

If you play at a professional or semi-professional level, then you should approach the choice of profile height more carefully, perhaps after consulting with your coach, who will tell you what position he is going to use you in the future. If you are clearly assigned to a certain position, then think about what role is assigned to you in the team, what exactly is expected of you? What do you tend to do during the game itself - go under the basket, fight for rebounds, or organize fast attacks?

There is also an opinion that the height of the profile greatly affects the protection and safety of the ankle. But think about this. For example, if the ligaments in the ankle area are naturally weak, prone to twisting, or even just already stretched over years of repeated injuries, then the height of the profile will not be able to save 100% from getting a relapse. For example, a high profile will protect the ankle, but when tucked, it will create a load on the ligaments and tendons of the knee joint. A low profile, on the other hand, has a high risk of re-injury, but allows you to wear a brace and does not burden the knee. The Mid profile has something in between and is therefore more versatile, although we emphasize that no profile can completely protect your ankle.

The height of the profile also allows for a different fit with the lacing system. Sometimes a lot depends on the leg lift, which determines the positive or negative feedback about a particular model.

So, the height of the profile should help when playing basketball, and not interfere or cause discomfort. The surest way to choose a profile height is to play with each of these types and try to experience their advantages and disadvantages for yourself.

About the surface on which we plan to play

Before buying basketball shoes, it is worth considering whether we buy them for indoor or outdoor play. In the halls, as a rule, there is often parquet and, in rare cases, a rubberized coating. In outdoor areas, the coating is usually more rigid for durability in open spaces. Therefore, depending on the surface, we should choose our running shoes.

For example, for the gym, we'd better take a softer sole, which will help to achieve maximum grip on the surface, of course, provided that the parquet is carefully cleaned and there is no dust, dirt or even unpainted spots on it. The tread pattern is also responsible for grip, and many note the high efficiency of the so-called “Christmas tree”, but it should not be made a priority when choosing, since other patterns have no less positive reviews.

For the outdoors, we should opt for a shoe with a firmer outsole to avoid wear and tear on tarmac or any other rough surface. It must be remembered that any sneakers on outdoor playgrounds wear out faster, which means that they should be more carefully cared for.

Many people point out the advantages of having models that flex better towards the toe and are fairly firm or less flexible in the midsection. This will make jumping much easier on any of the surfaces.

Another important factor is the cushioning system. Each brand and model is different. And of course, some shoes are designed specifically for speed, others for overhead shots. But depreciation should be, otherwise soon you can get problems not only with the knee, but also with the spine. Many basketball players who played on different grounds note that playing on asphalt is more traumatic and uncomfortable for jumping than on other surfaces. Therefore, if you plan to play at full strength on asphalt, then consider when choosing good cushioning and reliable traction with a wide sole that will increase stability and stability during the game.

Now there are balanced basketball shoes that can be used both indoors and outdoors. We emphasize that a lot depends on your style of play, further operation and care of the model.

Therefore, determine for yourself the surface on which you will play. It may be worth taking a few sneakers so that one can be used in the gym, the other on the street. This is the most correct approach if you play often and at the limit of your capabilities.

About the upper materials

Today's basketball shoes are made from different materials than they used to be. For a long time it was believed that only natural leather is able to meet all the requirements of basketball shoes. However, despite the high strength, such models are quite heavy for a modern fast game. And so now most brands use a combination of genuine leather, synthetic leather, textiles, mesh materials, plastics and other components that can create the perfect option for any basketball player.

Everyone has their own priorities when choosing the material of the upper. For some, the basis is durability and strength, for others, lightness and ventilation are the most important factors. Modern basketball shoes have a balanced composition of materials that meets even the most demanding requirements.

Look at your old running shoes and identify their weaknesses and worn spots. For some, this will be the area in the forefoot in the area of ​​​​the big toe, and not only the materials of the upper, but also the sole. Someone has a lot of wear on the rear end and the depreciation system. For others, the lacing system and uncomfortable tongue are uncomfortable. Whatever it is, take this moment to yourself so that when buying new sneakers, think about how they will cope with our problem areas.

So upper materials often emphasize certain points - lightness, ventilation, comfort, flexibility, and so on. Think about what is more important for you and choose ahead.

What to look for when trying on

Ideally, each model would be well measured. But what if you are shopping online? It’s good if you know your size for each brand and purchase it on subsequent purchases, because each manufacturer has its own size grid. But what if we buy sneakers for the first time and through an online store?

The most important thing is to determine the size of the foot in terms of length and width. It is important to focus on the size grid of the manufacturer! It is necessary to take measurements of the foot on a flat surface while standing and preferably in the second half for when we walked enough. Stand on a white sheet of paper and circle the foot at a vertical angle with a pencil or pen. Measure the length from the thumb to the heel. This is a classic version with the definition of the length of the foot. There are rare cases when different models sit differently in the same company. It depends on the structural features of the shoe and the technologies that were used to create it. Also, to determine the size, you can go to the nearest department with the sale of sneakers of a particular company. But this option is only possible if original sneakers are sold there, and not a fake, in which the dimensional grid has a difference. In extreme cases, you can try on your friend's shoes, who have a similar or close size.

If the purchase is made directly in the store, then it is best to do it in sports socks and after we have walked enough, because our legs have already received some tension and, accordingly, are slightly swollen. This is quite normal, because during the game our feet also tend to swell. If the purchase is made in the morning or when the legs did not have enough tension, then it is better to take a model half a size larger to avoid discomfort during the game. If you need a tight fit, it is better to take the size in size.

Be sure to try on both feet as the length of the foot may vary and one of the feet may feel uncomfortable later on.

Pay attention to the removable insole, which can be washed or even replaced in case of need.

The next step is to lace up the shoes tightly because one of the most important things about basketball shoes is the ability to lock the foot in tight with the lacing system. Now, in addition to the laces, there are various straps, latches and sometimes zippers. Tight fixation of the foot is the key to good stability and stability. Some NBA players, for example, periodically lace up their shoes at halftime during a game for optimal performance.

Of course, it is worth noting that some people do not like the tight fixation of the sneaker, which is why you can notice the models periodically flying off the feet of the players. The best thing is to find a middle ground. You do not need to pinch the foot too much, because there is a risk of poor blood circulation in that area of ​​the body. But you should not allow the foot to “walk” in the sneaker, because there is a danger of slipping, which can lead to injury.

Next, get up and walk around, if possible, make jumps and sudden stops, as during the game (Warn the seller in advance to avoid misunderstandings). Take your time in this moment, let your feet feel the shoes, get used to it.

If at this moment you notice a sharp discomfort, then either change the size or the model itself. If this discomfort is not significant, then this may indicate that the model needs to be smashed. Remember that if the shoes fit you in size, then subsequent rubbing and calluses are a feature of your foot or the operation of a particular model. If they do not go away, you can use various spacers, stretching sprays, special insoles, or use folk tricks to get the desired result.

If there are any features, such as a wide foot or anatomical deviations, then take care of a consultation with a specialist, orthopedic insoles, ointments, exercises, and so on.

So, trying on shoes should be mandatory. However, if the purchase is made through an online store, carefully take measurements and, if necessary, consult with a manager or consultant.

Conclusions and highlights

So, let's summarize and look at the points that you need to consider when buying.

  • Buy branded, branded and original shoes from trusted online stores or points of sale. Remember, the better your feet are taken care of, the more they will be grateful to us throughout their lives. If you find budget, non-branded sneakers, determine if they will meet the basic requirements of basketball models.
  • Define your playing style and choose a profile height that will help you perform your usual game movements with ease and comfort.
  • Consider what kind of surface you are wearing your shoes for. The hall is a soft sole, the street is more solid. You can buy universal ones, but do not be lazy to take care of the shoes so that they last a long time.
  • Consider what is most important to you in a basketball shoe? Lightweight, breathable, durable, flexible and choose your upper design accordingly. Think about the wear spots on old sneakers and focus on strengthening them in the model you're going to buy.
  • Do not rush to buy immediately. Try on carefully. If you buy through the online store, take measurements and consult with the sales manager. Do not be afraid to make a mistake, since most models are made to fit standard foot sizes.

Therefore, listen, but in any case do not rely on the opinions of others about this or that model, because not only the shape of the foot is different for everyone, but also the style of play.

Please note that finding the perfect shoe can take some time and effort.


Learn more