How much do basketball shoes add to height

How Much Height Do Basketball Shoes Add? [The Real Truth]

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Adam Gotelli

Chief Editor | Product Tester at Outdoor Basketball Hub

Born and raised in California, Adam is a professional basketball player, currently crushing it in Messina, Italy.

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It’s all about the shoes, baby.

Whether it’s to make us look taller, run faster, or just feel more confident, shoes play a big role in our lives.

As any basketball fan knows, shoes make a huge difference in your game. With the right pair of sneakers, you can jump higher and run faster. Some shoes can even make us taller!

But how much height do basketball shoes add?

It turns out that basketball shoes add between one and two inches to your height. Typically, the heel of the midsole will add more height than the forefoot.

That may not seem like much, but it can make all the difference in the world on the court.

Let’s understand why!

Contents

• Why Is Height Important For Basketball Players?
• Do Basketball Shoes Make You Look Taller?
• What Are Basketball Shoes Soles Made From?
  • The Outsole
  • The Midsole
  • The Insole
• What Are The Pros Vs. Cons Of Basketball Shoes That Make You Taller?
  • More Impact Protection, Comfort, & Bounce
  • More Cushion Means Less Court Feel And Responsiveness
  • Lack Of Stability & Balance
• Does The NBA Measure Height With Shoes?
• What Are Shoe Lifts?
• What Are Jump Training Shoes?
• Do Basketball Shoes Make You Jump Higher?
• What Basketball Shoes Add The Most Height?
• How Much Height Do Basketball Shoes Add? (A Comparison)
  • How Much Height Does Nike Lebron 17 Add?

Why Is Height Important For Basketball Players?

Height is one of the most important traits a player can have when it comes to basketball. A height advantage allows you to shoot over defenders, grab rebounds, and block shots. So if you get the opportunity to add height with your shoes, you should take it.

A University Of Utah study discovered that height is correlated with winning position and rebounding rates (particularly in NBA playoffs).

Height specifically helps basketball players because it gives them an advantage when shooting the ball. When they can shoot over defenders, it makes it more difficult for the other team to block the shot. 

In addition, tall players are more likely to grab rebounds and block shots since their height gives them a more extended reach than shorter opponents.

The tallest player in NBA history is Manute Bol, who was 7 feet 7 inches tall. He had a significant advantage over his opponents because of his height. He was able to shoot over defenders and block shots with ease.

Other tall NBA players who have had success in the league are Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard. Shaquille O’Neal, who is 7 feet 1 inch tall, was one of the most dominant players in the NBA. He was able to score at will and rebound with ease.

However, there are a few very successful players that are short as compared to others. Allen Iverson is one of them.

Do Basketball Shoes Make You Look Taller?

Yes, basketball shoes make you look taller because basketball shoes have a thicker sole than regular shoes. But, generally speaking, basketball shoes can give you a bit of an advantage when you’re playing against someone who’s wearing typical shoes.

Take the Nike LeBron James Soldier X, for example. These basketball shoes have a thick sole that can add up to 1.5 inches of height. And if you’re looking for even more height, there are elevator shoes with soles that are even thicker.

So, if you’re looking to add a little bit of height to your appearance, wearing a pair of basketball shoes is a great way to do it. Not only will you look taller, but you’ll also be able to play better basketball.

As a related read, read my article on Steph Curry’s height when he was 16.

What Are Basketball Shoes Soles Made From?

The soles of basketball shoes are made from durable rubber that provides good traction on the court. The rubber is also flexible, which allows the shoes to move with the player’s foot. 

In addition to adding height, a quality sole is essential for players as they run, jump, and pivot. The rubber also protects the shoe’s longevity by protecting against wear and tear. This is useful when you use your basketball shoes for badminton, for example, or playing any other rigorous sport.

As a related read, read our article “Does Basketball Make You Taller“.

The Outsole

The outsole is the part of the sole that makes contact with the ground. Since it’s made of thick and rugged rubber or a synthetic material such as polyurethane, the outsole is what provides durability and traction.

Usually, the soles are covered with special treads such as herringbone, which provide traction for the player.

The Midsole

The midsole sits between the outsole and the insole. It is typically a foam made of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyurethane (PU). The midsole provides cushioning for the player’s foot and helps absorb shock.

That makes a massive difference if a player suffers from shin splints or has knee issues. Other shoe models such as Converse, for example, don’t offer such advanced cushioning.

The Insole

The insole is the part of the shoe that comes into direct contact with the player’s foot. The insole is usually made of foam or a synthetic material. The insole provides comfort for the player, and it also helps to keep the shoe in place on the player’s foot.

Having a quality insole is especially important if the player has pain in the Achilles tendons.

What Are The Pros Vs. Cons Of Basketball Shoes That Make You Taller?

So, what are the pros and cons of basketball shoes that make you taller? Some people might like the idea of shoes adding to your height, while others might find that it makes them feel awkward and unbalanced.

More Impact Protection, Comfort, & Bounce

On the pro side, taller shoes can offer more bounce and impact protection. In addition, since taller shoes offer a thicker midsole, they can help to cushion your feet and reduce the impact of jumps and landings. 

This is important for athletes, who need all the protection they can get in order to stay healthy and perform at their best.

The most common injuries from high-impact landings are ankle sprains, knee sprains, and Achilles tendonitis. These injuries can sideline players for weeks or even months, so it’s essential to take measures to prevent them.

Wearing shoes with a thicker midsole can help to cushion the feet and reduce the impact of these landings.

When you’re wearing shoes with a thicker midsole, it feels like you’re walking on air. The extra bounce and cushioning make it feel like you’re floating on top of the ground, which can be really comfortable and reassuring.

More Cushion Means Less Court Feel And Responsiveness

When you’re playing ball, you need to feel the court. That’s why I’m not too fond of thick midsole basketball shoes. Since they minimize your court feel and responsiveness, you can’t move as quickly in them.

They also don’t have excellent energy return – an essential need for explosive basketball players. You want that energy to propel you forward when you make a move.

With thick midsole shoes, that’s not always the case. The cushion disperses the force you exert into the ground rather than returning it to you.

I always go with a thinner midsole because it gives me the best court feel and responsiveness. As a result, I can move around more efficiently and make more precise moves.

Plus, the energy return is stronger, which helps me jump higher and move faster. Try them out for yourself and see what you think.

Lack Of Stability & Balance

On the con side, taller shoes can make you feel unbalanced. They can also be more difficult to walk in and harder to move around in. 

On the other hand, if you’re not used to wearing taller shoes, they can take some getting used to.

Overall, I think that the pros outweigh the cons regarding shoes that make you taller. They offer more bounce and protection, making me feel more confident on the court. 

Does The NBA Measure Height With Shoes?

Some people might wonder how the NBA measures the height of players for the NBA combine. Do they measure with or without shoes? Before 2019 the NBA measured with shoes on – they called this “shoe height.” 

After 2020, the NBA measured without shoes – this is called “barefoot height.” The NBA made this change because they wanted to measure the players’ heights more accurately.

What Are Shoe Lifts?

Shoe lifts are a type of shoe insert that increases a person’s height. They are not meant for basketball and can be dangerous if used while playing sports. 

Shoe lifts can cause ankle and knee injuries because they change how a person’s foot and ankle moves. This can cause the player to over-extend their ankle or knee and get injured.

While they’re not safe for sports, shoe lifts are an excellent way for people who want to add a little bit of height to their appearance. They come in different heights, so you can choose the right lift for you. 

There are also different lifts, such as heel lifts and insert lifts. Heel lifts are the most common type of lift, and they are inserted into the heel of your shoe. Insert lifts are a bit smaller than heel lifts, and they are inserted into the insole of your shoe.

On the other hand, if you’re not used to wearing taller shoes, they can take some getting used to.

What Are Jump Training Shoes?

Jump training shoes are shoes that help you jump higher. They are often heavier than other shoes to increase your vertical leap. Some jump training shoes such as Jumpsoles completely isolate your calf muscles and force you to use them to jump.

Isolating the calf muscles forces them to work harder, making them stronger and better able to generate power.  

One European study analyzed a group of participants using jump training shoes over an 8-week period. The results of this study show that jump training with raised forefoot platforms is an effective way for athletes to increase their agility and performance.

So do you need jump training shoes?

No, you don’t need jump training shoes to jump higher. However, they can help you achieve your jumping goals faster. So if you’re looking to increase your vertical leap, then jump training shoes can be a great investment.

Do Basketball Shoes Make You Jump Higher?

Yes, basketball shoes help you jump higher. This is because they provide you with more stability and traction, allowing you to jump off the ground with more power. 

So, while the shoes themselves may not make you jump higher, they provide a platform that will enable you to reach your maximum jumping potential. And, in the world of basketball, that can be the difference between making and missing a shot.

Feel free to check our article about some affordable shoes under 150 bucks.

What Basketball Shoes Add The Most Height?

Forefoot Height

Heel Height

Model	Height (Inches)	Height (Millimeters)
Nike Lebron 15	1. 267	32.18
Nike Lebron 17	1.190	30.22 mm
Nike KD 11	1.034	26.26
Adidas D Rose 9	1.025	26.04
Nike Kyrie Flytrap 4	0.976	24.80

How Much Height Do Basketball Shoes Add? (A Comparison)

While some shoes may add a mere half-inch or so to your height, others can give you a few extra inches. It depends on the type of shoe, the construction, and how it fits.

Generally speaking, basketball or athletics shoes will give you the most height. These shoes contain thicker soles and more cushioning, which can add a couple of inches to your height. For example, such are some Nike Jordan models for wide feet.

Conversely, style or fashion shoes will typically have thinner soles and less cushioning so that they won’t add as much height.

How Much Height Does Nike Lebron 17 Add?

The Lebron 17 shoes add 1.190 inches (30.22 mm) in the heel. In the forefoot, they add 0.926 inches (23.53 mm).

The Lebron 17’s are notorious for having a thicker midsole than most shoes, which can add height for people looking for a taller shoe.

One reason why the shoe adds so much height is that it boasts a complete Nike Air unit. So not only is it large, but it also provides excellent shock absorption. The outsole also features a durable rubber tread that helps you grip the court and makes the shoe very stable.  

For a full Lebron 17 performance review, check out this video:

This version of the LeBron 17 also has a taller height, which gives you an edge on the competition.

“The King” is a specimen of a man, and his namesake shoe provides performance for players of all sizes. 

Overall, the Nike Lebron 17 is an exceptional basketball shoe for anyone looking for superior cushioning and support.

Hopefully, this article was able to help you understand the answer to: ​​How much height do basketball shoes add?

How Many Inches Do Basketball Shoes Add: (The Definitive Guide)

How much height do basketball shoes add? This is a question that we get asked all of the time. How can you tell if your shoe size is right for you and how much should it be adding to your height?

Well, there are a few things to consider before making any final decisions. How many inches do basketball shoes add to your height, depending on the type of shoe and the fit?

Today we will go over what factors make up an appropriate height increase from wearing different types of footwear and how to measure yourself accurately in order to determine which size would best suit your needs. Ready? Let’s dive in

How Many Inches Do Basketball Shoes Add – Regular Shoe Sizing vs. Performance

Regular shoes are meant to be worn regularly and with proper support, not for basketball or other athletic activities. While these types of shoes may give you a slight increase in height (1-2 inches), most will agree that this is not enough to make much of a difference.

Today’s best-selling basketball shoes will provide an average of 1.5-2.5 inches in height increase. This is the standard when it comes to performance footwear and you should expect this from any top-selling shoe.

If you are a serious basketball player or someone who is looking to make a noticeable difference in height, then look no further than performance shoes.

What many people don’t know, however, is that all footwear production follows the same guidelines and industry standards regardless of whether they are made for casual use, training or competition. This means that a size 12 in one type of footwear will be the same as a size 12 in any other.

Here Are Some Other Important Factors Affecting shoe Height

Depending on the type of shoe you are wearing, will affect how much your height is changed. A basketball shoe may give you more of an increase than a performance running shoe.

• The Brand Of The Shoe

The brand of the shoe will play a key role in the height added by the shoe. There are some that are more flat and lightweight, while others are more heavy-duty and bulky. For instance, Nike has a different design on their shoes than on their Air Jordans.

The Nike Air Max DF 2018 Men’s Basketball Shoes is one of the most popular basketball shoes on the market today because they provide an average of 2. 5 inches in height increase.

• The Midsole

The midsole is the part of the shoe that affects ride height. This should be obvious to some of you, but the major component of the shoe that impacts ride height is the midsole.

• High Top Vs Low Top Shoes

High tops will generally give more height than low tops and come up higher on the ankle. They can add 2-3 inches of height to your appearance so you should expect this when shopping.

• The Right Fit

The right fit is important in determining how much a shoe will add in height. If a shoe is too loose, you won’t feel the difference as much and if it is too tight then this can affect your performance on the court or cause foot discomfort after long periods of wear.

• Shoe Materials

Synthetic materials offer more flexibility and breathability compared to their leather counterparts which will help keep your feet cool and comfortable. Additionally, the lighter a shoe is, the less it will affect your height.

• Insole

The thicker and more cushioned an insole is, the taller you can expect to feel. If you like a lot of cushioning and comfort under your feet then this will make a difference and increase your height by 1-2 inches.

Can a basketball shoe actually help you reach your full height potential? There is a lot of debate about this and it largely depends on the person.

A general consensus from most experts is that if you have already reached your highest possible height then no, basketball shoes will not allow you to grow taller.

However, what basketball shoes can do for people who are shorter than average is give them the extra inches they need to feel more comfortable with their appearance. This can have a positive impact on confidence, social life, and overall quality of life.

Shoes make you taller in different ways. For example, shoes with a heel will make you taller by pushing your body upward and forward. Shoes with pop on the bottom will push you up with extra propulsion.

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The more advanced the technology of the shoe is, the better it pushes you up which equals a higher increase in height.

The proper height for a basketball player varies depending on different factors. For example, if you are playing the point guard position then you should be around 6’0″ to 6’3″. On the other hand, if you are playing center then it is preferable that you be at least 7 feet tall.

However, this does not mean that if you are 5’7″ then you cannot play the center position. For players who are short, the best position for them is to be a power forward.

Growing taller or gaining height is a dream for many people, especially kids. A lot of parents tend to think that buying their children Air Max shoes will also give them the desired height.

No, it won’t make them grow any taller but yes, it may make them look several centimeters taller than they actually are. However, this fact has been misconstrued by several people over the years.

No, basketball shoes do not make you jump higher.

Studies show that the key to jumping high lies in an individual’s flexibility and strength, not what they wear on their feet.

Just like you can’t make a professional track runner sprinter by putting them in running clothes (or vice versa), you definitely can’t give someone with no jumping prowess any advantages by slipping them into some small sneakers.

And if anything, many shoe brands are considering lowering the sole height of shoes for this very reason – because it improves balance and stability rather than providing added height.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) requires that league officials measure the height of players.

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This measurement is conducted by measuring with shoes on, which means that you must remove your shoes before standing on the measuring device, which is usually a stadiometer. The official should be using his hand to touch (not press down on) the top of his head.

The stadiometer is marked in intervals, so if you are 6ft 3in tall, there should be three marks on the stadiometer above your height, with the highest mark being 6ft 6in. If you are shorter than this, then it is likely that you were measured improperly.

If you want to jump higher, should you wear shoes or go barefoot? Sports shoes have become increasingly popular in the last few decades and it is common for people to train exclusively in their sports shoes.

In fact, developing your jumping ability with shoes on could be a big challenge. However, researchers from Brigham Young University found that wearing sports shoes may actually be a good idea as over 80% of basketball players performed better on a jump test with their sports shoes on.

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Useful Resources:

How to buy basketball shoes

Every centimeter counts: how to look taller than your height

It's no secret that shoes with a hidden or small external platform are made not only for women, but also for men. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev (he is 162 cm) appeared at the gym in Nike Air Max 90 sneakers, which have the highest part of the platform - 4 cm. This allowed him to slightly pull himself up in height to Vladimir Putin (170 cm). But, of course, it is worth noting the skill of photographers who skillfully use such small professional tricks as a wide-angle lens and a certain shooting angle.

Dmitry Medvedev carefully approaches the choice of shoes for official events. In 2014, at a meeting with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, he wore Prada derby boots with three-centimeter soles.

Shoes with a high platform are very popular not only among the first persons. It is no coincidence that in Italy, where the average male height is 175 cm, there are huge queues for Hogan sneakers on sales days. This is a relatively young Italian shoe brand founded in 1986 within the Tod's Group, whose main concept is to combine modern materials and design to achieve maximum comfort. Their best-selling model, the Interactive urban sneaker, has been in production since 1997. In addition to fantastic comfort for the foot, it can also increase height by 2.5 cm. Using the Hogan Atelier custom service, you can modify the shoes in any way, including the height of the platform and insole.

Of course, it is always better to order suits from a good tailor who can carefully balance the proportions, including taking into account the height of the client. Most likely, he will advise you on a jacket and trousers that are narrower, find the exact fit of the shoulders and sleeve length. Try not to unbutton your jacket, especially a double-breasted one, otherwise the figure will visually appear low and overweight.

Trousers should sit on the hips, as a high waist visually shortens the upper body, but even when out of the office, tuck a fitted shirt into trousers, otherwise you will get the opposite effect.

Not tall famous designer Tom Ford (pictured) knows better than anyone how to dress so that lack of growth is not noticeable: tight trousers and a fitted jacket do the job perfectly.

Excessively long clothes are the enemy of all short people. As for T-shirts, it is worth choosing those that are no longer than the upper thigh.

It is well known that a vertical stripe visually stretches, while a horizontal one immediately draws attention to short stature. Cell and large prints also look unfavorable.

Accessories must be selected according to the proportions. The tie should not be short and wide, but long and of medium width, the buckle should not be wider than the belt. It is better to choose a portfolio according to the size of the paper folder so that it does not visually "crush" you.

And most importantly - do not forget to visit the gym regularly. People of short stature very often have a disproportionately large head, which makes the figure small. The gym is here to help. Slimness is always a plus, emphasis on the press and shoulder girdle will help correct the proportions. At the same time, do not forget about the legs.

How low can basketball shoes be? - StreetBall Library

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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.

These two methods of protection do not seem to 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.

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