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How much toe room in basketball shoes
How Should Basketball Shoes Fit?
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From the toe box to ankle support, found out how your sneakers should fit before taking to the court
By Connor Groom
You've probably asked yourself 'how should basketball shoes fit?' if you've ever been on the hunt for a new pair of sneakers to take to the court.
If this is something you've been trying to figure out, don't worry.
We've put together this guide to talk you through each area to determine how your sneakers are supposed to fit to help you perform to the best of your ability with your top basketball out on the court.
So, with that being said, let's start with the toe box. ..
Basketball Shoes Fit - The Toe Box
The toe box refers to the front half of the shoe where, predictably, your toes sit, and in basketball shoes, like the new Dame 7 EXTPLY's, this is typically a fairly wide area.
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Image Credit: adidas
Similar to most trainers, you don't want to feel as though your toes are restricted and crammed together inside your shoes, but you also don't want to leave so much space that you feel off-balance and out of control.
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An improper toe fit can lead to a number of problems including an increased likelihood of rolling your ankle, blistering, and calluses, so it's important to get it right.
Clarks recommend you leave about one finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of your shoe, and this should also be applied to basketball shoes as you want to ensure your toes have enough room to move freely to avoid lateral compression.
Basketball Shoes Fit - Ankle Support
The most common injuries in basketball involve the ankle which is why finding a pair of shoes with good support is vital.
Ideally, you want the upper part of your trainers to fit firmly around your ankle with the ability to tighten it to your discretion with laces in order to provide maximum support.
Some sneakers like the upcoming Air Jordan 11 Adapts feature self-lacing technology, designed to ensure the perfect lock-in so you're both comfortable and supported during a match.
High top shoes, like the Nike LeBron 18's found in our best basketball shoes list, may seem like the best option for keeping your ankles secure, but in actuality, a study on 10,000 Australian basketball players found no link to high or low tops being a major risk factor for ankle injuries.
If you want to find out more about high-top sneakers then check out our guide on whether high or low tops are best for basketball.
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Image Credit: Nike
What is key to the protection of your ankles is the insoles and cushioning as these will both help to absorb the shock felt from high-impact landings after attempting a layup in a top basketball hoop.
Like the Nike's seen above, or the new Under Armour Lockdown 5's, trainers with added cushioning and technology like Air Max in the heel are vital for ankle protection.
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Basketball Shoes Fit - Width and Bend
This area essentially covers the middle part of your foot or, more simply, the widest areas area.
With the correct fit, a basketball shoe will bend near the balls of your feet and not around the midsoles as this would indicate your trainers are too loose.
Feeling the bend around the midsole can lead to blisters, foot pain, and potentially more serious problems like breaking your ankles as you won't be secure inside your shoes.
Basketball Shoes Fit - Heel Counter
The heel counter refers to the support your trainers provide to prevent your heel from sliding in any direction.
It is recommended that your heel should feel firm and snug within your shoes in order to keep your feet stable and secure.
Having some slight motion side to side is fine as this should help with comfort, but the key is not to feel your shoes sliding up and down as this would indicate they're too big.
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We think one of the most important things to remember is all feet are different so finding the right fit isn't necessarily a simple task.
In fact, a 2011 Footwear Science study found that there are differences between the fit of basketball shoes and their perceived comfort which might make finding the right fit even trickier.
The bottom line is basketball shoes should fit snug to your feet around the midsoles, heels, and around your ankles for added protection, but having some space for your toes is key to avoiding compression and discomfort.
Most basketball shoe manufacturers have a handy size guide to help you pick the perfect fit, so make sure to measure your foot and compare it to the charts before buying.
If you're into basketball shoes through watching the NBA, then check out our top TVs for sports games to watch your favourite teams in the best quality possible.
The material appearing on RealSport101 is for educational use only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. (learn more) RealSport101 is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. Looking for specific products? Visit Stockinformer.co.uk / stockinformer.com.
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How Should Basketball Shoes Fit? A Simple Buyer’s Guide
I remember buying my first pair of Nike basketball shoes as a young teenager. I was shocked at how much better I played simply because the shoes fit me so much better than previous pairs. After buying those Nike’s, my feet didn’t feel as beat up after games and I no longer got painful blisters or calluses.
Finding the perfect fitting basketball shoes can be tricky, so we have assembled this simple guide to help you. Learn how to find the right pair of basketball shoes for you and your game.
Table of Contents
Do You Need Special Shoes for Basketball?
How to Know What Size Basketball Shoes to Buy?
Should Basketball Shoes be Tight or Loose?
Do Basketball Shoes Run Big or Small?
Should Your Toes Touch the End of the Shoes?
High Top Basketball Shoes vs. Low Top Basketball Shoes
How to Break in Your New Basketball Shoes
Do You Need Special Shoes for Basketball?
Absolutely! Basketball is incredibly rough on the feet because it requires intense sprinting and the ability to quickly change directions on the court.
Investing in a quality pair of basketball shoes will help protect your feet from injury. You’ll also perform better in basketball shoes than you would in regular running shoes.
How to Know What Size Basketball Shoes to Buy?
While most people will probably just go by their normal shoe size, this isn’t always a wise move. Basketball shoes are made differently from other types of shoes and all brands are sized differently. Always try basketball shoes on before buying them.
When shopping for the perfect fitting basketball shoes, be sure to take your thick basketball socks with you to see exactly how the shoes will fit during a game. After putting the new shoes on, do some jumping and stretching to find out how they feel on your feet. Wear them for several minutes in the store before buying them.
Should Basketball Shoes be Tight or Loose?
Neither. The keyword is SNUG. You want basketball shoes that have a snug fit, but you never want a shoe that suffocates your feet. You’ll never play your best basketball if your feet feel uncomfortable.
If your toes are touching the top part of the shoe, the shoe is too small. You also want to make sure that you find a shoe with a broad toe box (especially if you have wide feet), otherwise, you’ll end up with a lack of blood flow and possibly some broken toenails (OUCH!).
Do Basketball Shoes Run Big or Small?
This really varies depending on which brand of basketball shoes you buy. This is why it’s so important to always try your basketball shoes on before buying them, especially if you are thinking of trying a brand that you’ve never worn.
Many basketball players find that Nike basketball shoes tend to run a little on the small side. Adidas basketball shoes seem to run big. Most folks think that Under Armour’s basketball shoes fit true to size. Also, keep in mind that men’s shoes and women’s shoes are sized differently.
Should Your Toes Touch the End of the Shoes?
No, you never want your toes touching the end of your basketball shoes. Your feet tend to swell during intense exercises like basketball due to the heat and high amount of impact. You need to keep this in mind when buying your new basketball shoes.
The perfect fitting basketball shoes will give you a thumbnail’s length worth of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. The ideal fit is tight enough for support but loose enough to give your feet a little bit of breathing room.
High Top Basketball Shoes vs. Low Top Basketball Shoes
Ahhh, now we get into the great debate of whether to go with high top or low top basketball shoes. During my playing days, I endured several ankle injuries so my coaches always pleaded with me to wear high tops. If you’ve ever rolled an ankle while on the court, you know how painful it can be!
The old-school thinking was that high top shoes provided more ankle support than low tops, making it less likely that you’ll suffer from a rolled ankle. However, after several recent studies, we have learned that high tops don’t protect the ankle any better than low tops.
With this new knowledge, what type of basketball shoe should you buy?
Post Players
Big men who are power forwards or centers usually prefer a high top basketball shoe. The big boys down low on the block don’t rely on speed as much as the guards do so they can get away with a heavier shoe. Post players typically like high tops since they tend to have to deal with more contact when going up for rebounds.
Guards
Most guards opt for a low top shoe since they need the lightest weight possible to play at top speed. Low tops enable guards to have a greater amount of traction and change directions quickly. Any player who relies on agility as part of their game should choose a low top.
Wing Players
For small forwards or wing players, it may be best to opt for a pair of mid-top basketball sneakers. The mid-tops will provide a decent level of stability but won’t be as heavy as high tops.
How to Break in Your New Basketball Shoes
Nothing is more comfortable on the court than a pair of well-worn basketball shoes! Like any type of shoes, basketball shoes feel their best when they are broken in.
Wearing brand new shoes on the court that haven’t been broken in can be uncomfortable and even hurt your feet. Here are a few tips to break in your new basketball shoes.
1. Give Yourself Plenty of Time
Never buy your shoes right before the basketball season starts. Always purchase your new shoes at least a couple of weeks before the season so that you won’t be rushing to break them in. This will also give you enough time to get used to the feel of your new shoes.
2. Wear Them When You’re Not on The Court
To break your new shoes in faster, wear them even when you’re not on the court. Obviously, you don’t want to get your new kicks dirty, but if you’re just hanging around the house all day, put them on. Many players notice that the new shoes start to feel better after only wearing them around the house for a few days.
You can also walk or lightly jog around the neighborhood in your new shoes. This will help the rubber and leather components to loosen up a little bit.
3. Wear Two Pair of Socks
To break your new shoes in even faster, wear an extra pair of socks. This will help stretch the heels of the shoes out. Lots of basketball players choose to keep wearing a couple of pairs of socks even after the shoes are broken in for the added protection against blisters.
Related: Check out our guide on finding the best pair of basketball socks.
4. Do Drills
Before competitive games start, take a few days to put your new basketball shoes through some drills. Since these drills will simulate some game movements, you’ll get a better idea of how tight or loose you want your shoes to feel. This is the ideal time to adjust your laces if needed.
5. Game Time
Once you feel comfortable and confident in your new basketball shoes, it’s time to wear them in games. With a stylish new pair of kicks, you’ll be ready to dominate the competition!
Mike Noblin
Mike has been involved with basketball for over 30 years as a player, coach, and bettor. He has a degree in Sports Psychology and enjoys following both the NBA and College Basketball on a nightly basis.
How to choose the right running shoe size
When it comes to running shoes, size matters. It depends on how responsibly you approach this issue whether you will suffer from corns or have fun and improve your own results. We deal with ASICS experts how to make the right choice and not make a fatal mistake.
1. Don't look only at the size
Buying shoes only by looking at the size labels is not very correct. When you run, your foot "falls out" slightly forward due to inertia and your toes rest against the toe of the sneaker more than usual. Shoes that are too tight are a direct path to calluses and pain in the big toe, while shoes that are too loose allow the foot to dangle, leading to ankle and knee injuries, making it easier to twist the foot. It is important to find a balance so that there is a small amount of room for the thumb, but at the same time, the shoes fit snugly in fullness.
2. Buy generously
There should be about the width of your thumb between the tip of your big toe and the tip of your shoe. The fingers should move freely inside the shoe - this, by the way, is the recommendation of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Your running shoes should be about half a size larger than your normal size.
3. In the middle of the foot, the shoe should fit snugly.
The shoe should be like a glove in the part where your foot has an arch. At the same time, it should be like this initially, even if you do not tighten the laces as much as possible. If your sneakers are comfortable but not perfect, it might be worth picking them up, but trying a different lacing method can often help improve the fit.
4. Pay attention to the heel
The heel of a running shoe that is loose or too tight can be a "killer" on a run: no one liked calluses. When trying on, pull on your sneakers and try to walk: if the heel dangles, choose a smaller size.
5. Shoes should fit right from the start
You should be comfortable from the moment you put them on. If you think - "somehow I break it", immediately refuse to buy these sneakers.
6. Take your socks with you
Try on your running shoes with the socks you usually wear: some, when combined with an unusual new pair, may slip, others may rub. And it is better to know about it before buying. You will never guess what kind of socks you will be offered in the store: perhaps they can hide the flaws of sneakers. For example, high socks - the fact that sneakers are the wrong height and rub your bone. If you wear special orthopedic insoles, take them with you to try them on: they can seriously affect what size you need.
7. Simulate your run
If possible, try running your shoes on the surface you normally run on to see how well they support or cushion your foot. Good running shoes vary in the type of surface they are designed for, as well as in distance, pronation, and running style - well, you should first know these indicators, and then go to the store.
8. Learn all about your pronation
As much as we would like to find the perfect pair of colors and comfort, we should not discount the anatomical features of the foot. Therefore, before buying, it is worth knowing your pronation and choosing shoes with appropriate support: it is better to buy something that looks “scary” than to get injured in “beautiful” sneakers later. Indirectly, pronation and supination can be judged by the imprint of the arch of a wet foot on paper: if the isthmus between the toe and heel is more than half the distance from the outer to the inner edge of the foot, then most likely you will need sneakers with an arch support and even an orthopedic consultation.
9. Measure the foot
The foot tends to change: with age, weight gain or loss, pregnancy or injury. It is not worth hoping that one day you can remember the cherished figures of the size and not remember the need to try on forever. Always be sure to try on new sneakers: the size may differ not only for different brands, but even for different models within the same brand - some sit more tightly in the toe, some, on the contrary, are very “voluminous”.
10. Go shopping in the evening
When you run, the blood rushes to your legs, and therefore they swell. It may not be noticeable during a typical fitting in the store, but it's worth remembering: it's good if you come to the store after a hard day with swollen and tired legs - this will give you an idea of \u200b\u200bwhat they can be like after a run.
11. Don't get hung up on shoes only for your gender
Most often, women ask to bring sneakers from the women's line, and men - from the men's line (which is quite logical). But if you are a man and have a small foot size and a narrow foot, it is likely that you will be comfortable in a women's size. And if you are a girl, and you, on the contrary, have a wide leg, it makes sense for you to try on something from the men's line. Fortunately, now there are colors for every taste.
12. Check return policy
Always check what to do if you come home, put on your sneakers and realize that something went wrong in the store and you made a mistake with the size. It is important that you can easily change a pair that does not fit.
See the original article "How to choose the right size of sneakers" on The-challenger.ru0001
It is very important to properly lace your basketball shoes.
It is very important to lace up your basketball shoes correctly. The laces hold the shoes in place for optimal support. Improper lacing can lead to blisters, twisted ankles, and even foot injuries.
There are over five different lacing styles, all of which provide a comfortable fit for your foot type.
Butterfly Stitch
This style of lacing is ideal for people who have wider feet at the toes and a narrower back. Women who play basketball often find that this style will help them fit their shoes better.
For this type we use the standard criss-cross method until we reach the eyelet closest to the last shoe. In the penultimate eyelet, we will pass the lace through the top and make small loops on each side of the hole. Then we pass the second lace through these loops and pull the lace tightly.
This style of lacing creates a snug collar at the ankle so the shoe sits snugly in place. When the laces are tight, you tie them in the standard way.
Double lace
This method is often used by women and men whose feet are wider in front than at the heel.
For this lacing we need 2 sets of laces. The short ones are perfect. One set to lace up the bottom of the eyelets and another for the top. The standard transverse lacing method is used on both the bottom and top of the shoe. Leave the bottom of the laces looser when you tie them to fit the width of your foot.
Tighten them at the top so that the ankle collar fits snugly.
Skip lace
The lace style is great for relieving pain in the top of the foot.
Using the standard crisscross lacing method, lace up the shoe from the beginning to the third hole. For the next two eyelets, move the laces straight up and through the holes without crossing them. From the fifth loop we continue the standard cross-lacing method.
Splay Lace
This is the ideal lacing technique for people with high arches.
Divide the string into segments of equal length. Start at the bottom and insert one end into the eyelet and then go straight through the shoe to the other hole. This will allow the lace to form a straight line on the shoe.
Now use another piece of lace and draw a stripe on the eyelet just above the last one used. Then we move the lace straight to the next hole without crossing the shoe. Move this lace to the next hole without crossing the shoe. Now we continue to create stripes, alternating one lace after another.
When we get to the end, we'll just tie it up as usual.
Trouble Spot Lacing
If you have hammer toes or similar foot problems, this lacing method can relieve pressure in those areas of the foot.
Take two-thirds of the cord length in one hand and one-third in the other. Using the longest part of the lace, we create a strip of the desired diagonal by threading it into the opposite eyelet so that it is over the tongue and in reverse order, but already under the tongue strip. Repeat this system until you reach the top. Then we will tie, as usual.
How tight do you tie basketball shoes?
Shoes should be laced tight enough to feel close to your foot. It should not allow your heel to move up and down when walking, running or jumping.
How to tie basketball shoes without showing the laces?
Tie the shoes in the usual way and tuck the laces under the tongue of the shoes so that they are not visible. Always tie your shoelaces in a double knot so they don't come undone.
What is the best way to lace up basketball shoes?
Traditional lacing is the best way to lace up your shoes. We cross one lace over the other until we reach the top of the shoe, and then we tie them with a double knot so that they do not come undone.
I was shocked at how much better I played simply because the shoes fit me so much better than previous pairs. After buying those Nike’s, my feet didn’t feel as beat up after games and I no longer got painful blisters or calluses.
You’ll never play your best basketball if your feet feel uncomfortable.
Your feet tend to swell during intense exercises like basketball due to the heat and high amount of impact. You need to keep this in mind when buying your new basketball shoes. 
He has a degree in Sports Psychology and enjoys following both the NBA and College Basketball on a nightly basis.
It is important that you can easily change a pair that does not fit. 
Then we pass the second lace through these loops and pull the lace tightly. 
From the fifth loop we continue the standard cross-lacing method. 
Using the longest part of the lace, we create a strip of the desired diagonal by threading it into the opposite eyelet so that it is over the tongue and in reverse order, but already under the tongue strip. Repeat this system until you reach the top. Then we will tie, as usual. 
