Trying to find new basketball shoes is not as easy as some might think. While it is exciting to get a new pair, it can be a tough task finding ones that fit correctly. How can it be so so difficult to pick out a pair of new kicks? Just find some that look sharp. Right?
There is actually a lot more to it than that, especially if you are using them to play some serious hoops. You may be someone who only cares about how they look, but if those new shoes are getting serious playing time, there are some important things that you will want to consider.
Why Is Fit Important?
As a basketball player, your shoes are your only real piece of personal equipment, so it is important that they fit correctly. Finding a sneaker with the perfect fit will give you the confidence to play without any worries. Let’s take a look at some of the main reasons you will want to make sure the ones you select fit properly.
Comfort
Your basketball sneaks will be worn for at least a couple of hours during practice or a game, so you want to be sure they are comfortable. It is difficult, and not a lot of fun quite frankly, playing in shoes that hurt your feet. Concentrating on the game is difficult when all you are thinking about is your tired aching dogs.
Support
Comfort may be king but support is a necessity. Without it, injury or long term damage to your feet and ankles could potentially keep you off of the court. A proper fitting shoe will provide you with the support you need and protect your feet, ankles and lower leg area.
Performance
Most of us want to be the best players that we can. We look for any edge we can find and use it to our advantage. Finding the right shoe for your body and your game is definitely a part of that equation. A good fitting shoe will allow you to run, cut, jump and stop to the best of your ability.
What to Look for?
There are a few things to keep in mind when searching for that perfect fit. First of all, don’t just go by the brand, look, popularity, or because your favorite player wears them. We are all different and may require specific features in a shoe. What works well for one player may not work well for another. Don’t get a shoe just because it’s the one your friends think would be the coolest.
Also, consider the type of player that you are. Are you a point guard that needs a light shoe that allows for easy movement and making quick cuts? Or are you a big power forward or center who needs a very sturdy pair with extra support? Pinning down your individual needs and finding something that can meet them will put you in a position for optimal comfort.
Lastly, when trying on shoes, make sure to put them fully on your feet. Wear socks that are similar to what you wear on the court. Lace the shoes up properly and stand up to ensure your foot is positioned properly. Try both left and right and if you have a chance, move around in them to see what they feel like.
Now let’s take a look at some of the things you might want to look for as you try them on.
Ankle Support
Ankle injuries are one of the most common injuries in sports so good ankle support is a must. You want the upper part of the shoe to fit firmly around your ankle, with the ability to tighten it with your laces. Make sure it is not so tight that it cuts off your circulation but snug enough to keep your foot in place. You also do not want any part of the sneaker cutting into your lower leg or Achilles as this can be quite uncomfortable.
Arch Support
This is important in most shoes but you don’t want the arch support to be too extreme or it can cause pain and discomfort. The arch of the shoe should match up with the arch of your foot when you stand flat-footed. You need to feel adequate support but avoid shoes that feel like they have a lump in the side of your foot. If it does they may be a bit narrow or have too high an arch.
Broad Toe Box
The toe box is the front half of the shoe where your toes rest. You don’t want your toes to feel crammed in or crunched together. You will be able to move them freely, but they will still have some support. When standing, you should have about a thumb’s width between your big toe and the tip of the shoe. If it has too much space it can get caught on the ground.
Heel Counter
The heel counter needs to provide support and keep your heel from sliding in any direction. It will also have some cushion for comfort but you don’t want it to be raised or elevated. You need to feel like it “gently cradles” your heel.
Vamp
The vamp is the upper portion of the shoe that covers the top of your foot. The vamp will usually wrap snuggly around the top of your foot but it doesn’t rub or irritate. If it is too tight it can force the tongue to dig into your foot. It should also be able to flex with your foot while also supporting it.
Bend
With a proper fit, the bend will be in the same place that your foot bends near the ball of your foot. If it is too large, it will bend closer to your toes and if it is too small, it will bend closer to your arch. This will lead to blisters, foot pain and possibly other serious problems.
Laces
When tightened, they will feel like they are holding your feet in place. If the shoe is too big or wide, you may still feel your foot slide around even when the laces are tight.
All Feet Are Different
When looking for your new pair of kicks, remember that all feet are different. Most people have one foot slightly larger than the other. Because of this, you may need to compromise on size and fit. Most likely you will need the size that fits the larger foot. Hopefully, the size difference is negligible so you won’t really notice a difference.
Final Words
Finding new sneakers for your favorite pastime of playing basketball can be fun but could prove difficult due to the multitude of factors to consider. Since a good pair of basketball sneakers aren’t usually cheap you must make sure they fit as close to perfect as possible. A great fitting sneaker will have you hooping with the confidence necessary to up your game.
Many players often prefer specific brands because of the way they consistently fit. Do you have a specific brand that you find fits you the best? We’d love to hear from you, so please leave your comments.
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 shoes for basketball? | iMotion
Perseverance and the desire to win, regular training and exercise are all important components of a successful sports activity. Equally important for performance, comfort and avoidance of injury is the right choice of equipment. The constant load on the legs - running, jumping - makes you think about comfortable shoes for training and performing at competitions.
Basketball shoes, designed specifically for basketball - they fix the ankle very well , so mostly basketball models are "high". These shoes provide stability during lateral movements and protect against shock loads when jumping. Let's talk a little more about how to choose the right shoes for basketball.
Choosing the right shoes for basketball!
The main selection criteria for basketball shoes are:
Outsole
Material
Degree of fixation of the ankle joint
First of all, you should pay attention to them:
Sole. It is divided into two types - for playing on the street and in closed halls. So, soft sole is best suited for playing on artificial surfaces of indoor stadiums , while the hard sole is the best option for street play . The area of the sole is also important - the larger it is, the better the friction and braking. Stability during stops and turns will give the correct tread pattern - Herringbone pattern is recommended.
Material. It is considered that for basketball it is most comfortable to wear shoes made from a combination of leather and synthetic mesh . Leather is one of the most durable materials, and mesh provides flexibility and ventilation for the foot. However, basketball shoes with full synthetic uppers are becoming more and more popular on the market and are rapidly gaining popularity as they are lighter and stronger due to the use of modern synthetic materials.
Ankle protection and fixation. Basketball shoes are divided into three types depending on the design:
1. High sneakers (high). They have the advantage of providing protection to the athlete's ankle as well as good ankle stability. Ideal for beginners, this shoe is the most popular type of sneaker among basketball players. Strong and versatile basketball players love to wear them.
2. Trainers (mid) with medium height. The strength of this shoe is freedom of movement. Mid-height sneakers do not restrict the movement of the athlete's legs, unlike high ones. However, there are caveats - these sneakers will not guarantee the safety of the ankles, and inexperienced players can lead to injury. These shoes are most often chosen by fans of high-speed basketball.
3. Low sneakers (low). They are rarely used in basketball. The top of low shoes ends at anterior ankle. Light and free, they allow the basketball player to show the maximum of their abilities. But the high risk of injury makes players think twice before buying low-top basketball shoes. Suitable for very fast and agile athletes.
Also ! Optimal fixation of the ankle is provided by a system of laces, Velcro and other fasteners.
Some fitting tips
After choosing a particular model, you must immediately try on a pair of sneakers on both feet. It's best to try to jump into them or stop abruptly, that is, try to do what usually happens in the game.
When trying on basketball shoes, it is advisable to try them on with socks that are similar to the ones you are going to play in. If a player constantly uses an elastic bandage or ankle calipers, shoes should be tried on in them.
It is important to determine if the foot is stable enough in the shoe. It must not be pinched, but must not slip or dangle. Like any sports shoe, basketball shoes need to be chosen 0.5 sizes looser. Because the leg swells from tension during the game, and the shoes will press you and injure your foot and fingers. Thus, trying on sneakers is a very responsible step, which will provide you with comfort, convenience and health of your feet.
Basketball shoes for kids - which is better?
An important choice of children's basketball shoes. Fast movements, sudden stops, maneuvers - all this can lead to possible injuries. The ankle is particularly susceptible to these injuries. Therefore, the best choice for children will be - safety :
Mandatory requirements for choosing basketball shoes for children are a hard heel, elastic and soft sole. Try to keep the sneakers fixed the entire foot, while the toe of the shoe should be soft and easy to bend.
If the child plays basketball indoors more often, make sure that the soles of the shoes do not slip . If, however, most of the time training takes place on the street, then pay attention to the choice of sneakers with excellent abrasion resistance so that you do not have to buy several pairs per season.
For the grass turf option, any running shoe will fit, which is soft on its own and will not hinder the movement of a beginner athlete.
And finally! We also advise you to choose shoes from well-known manufacturers. This is a good way to protect yourself from fakes and buy a quality product. After all, to maintain its reputation, the manufacturer tries to make quality things, and you are guaranteed comfort and safety. You can buy children's sneakers from well-known manufacturers here.
Leading manufacturers or how it all began!
Now the leading brands of manufacturers of basketball shoes, which invariably fight among themselves for the best quality and "game wins", traditionally include such giants as Adidas, Nike, Puma, Converse and Reebok. And this continuous "race" began one fine day in 1917. When famous basketball player Chuck Taylor tried on the Converse All-Star sneakers. He was fascinated by the novelty and from that moment played only in them. Soon the model name was changed to Chuck Taylor All-Star , thus, the famous sneakers became the first personalized basketball shoe in history.
The Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star dominated for more than 40 years before being gradually replaced by leather sneakers in the early 70s. Over 750 million All-Stars sold in 144 countries. Converse sneakers are inextricably linked not only with basketball, but also with modern culture, which they became an integral part of in the 50s. Buy basketball shoes from leading European brands here!
Note
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How to choose indoor basketball shoes
What to look for when choosing indoor basketball shoes.
What to look for when choosing indoor shoes.
WE HELP YOU TO CHOOSE SNEAKERS
Today we will tell you a few nuances that you should pay attention to when choosing a basketball pair for playing on parquet, rubber and other indoor surfaces.
Today we will tell you a few nuances that you should pay attention to when choosing a basketball pair for playing on parquet, rubber and other indoor surfaces.
Safety
First of all, you must be responsible for the stability and support of the foot in the last of the shoe. To do this, it is important to pay attention to the height of the side profile, the width of the sole, and also to understand how flat it is.
Pictured: Nike PG 5
Traction
The next thing we want to point out is the amount of traction the outsole has on the court. This is an important aspect that will determine the speed of the first step, as well as the reaction time of the sneaker to a change in direction of movement. We recommend choosing pairs with a classic herringbone pattern on the sole, or similar tread patterns with small and frequent elements. Also, pay attention to the density of the rubber in the outsole. A softer and more pliable outsole will give you a better grip on the court and will not take time to adapt. On the other hand, do not forget that the softer the outsole material, the faster it will wear out. This rule works even in the hall on high-quality parquet.
Pictured: Nike Cosmic Unity
Cushioning
This item could have been part of the safety paragraph, but we've taken it apart because you're supposed to play in your most cushioned shoe in the gym. In a basketball hall, there is no danger of piercing a balloon on a stone or glass, and it will take much longer for the outsole to be wiped down to the shock-absorbing element.
In the photo: Nike KD 14
Comfort
This item directly depends on the combination of all the previous aspects. Therefore, when choosing a basketball pair for the hall, we recommend considering the flagship branded models of brands.
We are all different and may require specific features in a shoe. What works well for one player may not work well for another. Don’t get a shoe just because it’s the one your friends think would be the coolest.
You want the upper part of the shoe to fit firmly around your ankle, with the ability to tighten it with your laces. Make sure it is not so tight that it cuts off your circulation but snug enough to keep your foot in place. You also do not want any part of the sneaker cutting into your lower leg or Achilles as this can be quite uncomfortable.
When standing, you should have about a thumb’s width between your big toe and the tip of the shoe. If it has too much space it can get caught on the ground.
This will lead to blisters, foot pain and possibly other serious problems.
Low Top Basketball Shoes
Wear them for several minutes in the store before buying them.
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.
However, after several recent studies, we have learned that high tops don’t protect the ankle any better than low tops. 
The mid-tops will provide a decent level of stability but won’t be as heavy as high tops.
Many players notice that the new shoes start to feel better after only wearing them around the house for a few days.
These shoes provide stability during lateral movements and protect against shock loads when jumping. Let's talk a little more about how to choose the right shoes for basketball. 
Trainers (mid) with medium height. The strength of this shoe is freedom of movement. Mid-height sneakers do not restrict the movement of the athlete's legs, unlike high ones. However, there are caveats - these sneakers will not guarantee the safety of the ankles, and inexperienced players can lead to injury. These shoes are most often chosen by fans of high-speed basketball. 
It's best to try to jump into them or stop abruptly, that is, try to do what usually happens in the game. 
Fast movements, sudden stops, maneuvers - all this can lead to possible injuries. The ankle is particularly susceptible to these injuries. Therefore, the best choice for children will be - safety : 
This is a good way to protect yourself from fakes and buy a quality product. After all, to maintain its reputation, the manufacturer tries to make quality things, and you are guaranteed comfort and safety. You can buy children's sneakers from well-known manufacturers here. 
Also, pay attention to the density of the rubber in the outsole. A softer and more pliable outsole will give you a better grip on the court and will not take time to adapt. On the other hand, do not forget that the softer the outsole material, the faster it will wear out. This rule works even in the hall on high-quality parquet. 
