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How to get good grip on basketball shoes


How to Get Better Grip on Basketball Shoes 2019

How Do You Get Good Traction / Grip on Athletic Shoes for Basketball, Volleyball & All Sports on Indoor Courts?

Summary:
Google ‘how do you get better grip with basketball shoes,’ and you’ll find these common tips:

      1. Keep shoe soles clean.*
      2. Keep court floors clean.
      3. Use a traction mat, gel mat, or grip lotion.*

* Countless articles online advise wiping your shoes with a damp towel throughout the game. Some may even recommend a gel mat or grip lotion for shoes. Don’t believe them! 

We’ll explain the problems with these common tips and why Slipp-Nott Sports Traction System is truly the best solution for instant and consistently superior shoe grip.

More NBA & NCAA players use Slipp-Nott

There’s a reason why more pro and college basketball teams rely on Slipp-Nott than any other product to boost performance and safety on the court. One step on the sticky mat instantly removes dirt from the soles of athletic footwear.

Traction solutions for shoes – basketball, volleyball, badminton, racquetball and, fencing

If you play any sport on an indoor court, you know how important good shoe grip is for making quick and safe stops and turns. But when shoes pick up dust and wax off smooth gym floors, that buildup causes soles to lose their ‘grippy-ness.’ The result: Players can’t maneuver with precision, and the risk of injury due to slipping increases.

It’s no wonder that a question like ‘How do you get better grip with basketball shoes’ is often searched for online. Solutions range from simple hacks to products designed to improve traction on sports footwear.

In this post, we look at some common recommendations:

1. Keep shoe soles clean for better grip

Constant Wiping:  You’ve probably seen basketball players wipe the bottoms of their shoes with a damp towel…or lick their hands to wipe their shoes.

Why this is NOT the best solution:  While we completely agree that removing dirt buildup is the best way to improve traction, wiping shoes several times during a game is just plain tedious. In addition:

    • Using a towel can be hit or miss:
      • If you use too much water, your rubber soles become a wet slip hazard.
      • If the towel isn’t wet enough, it won’t do a good job of cleaning your soles.
      • If some areas of the sole’s surface are wetter than others, some areas may be cleaned while others may just get slick from all the water.
    • Wetting your towels will always yield inconsistent results because there is NO WAY to guarantee the material will have uniform water coverage.
    • Even if you could guarantee uniform coverage, it’s impossible to know exactly how much water is the right amount every time!
    • While you can (and many players still do) lick your hands to wipe the bottoms of your shoes, it’s unsightly. More importantly, though, this technique would work only if you have perfectly flat, large hands. Think about it: With your palms’ contours, it’s impossible to make contact with the entire surface of the sole.
Some basketball players try to improve shoe grip by licking their hands and wiping.

2. Mop the court regularly to minimize dust

A clean floor definitely makes a big difference, but dry mopping can’t and won’t guarantee a clean court. Wet mopping is the best way to keep the floors clean, but that takes a dedicated maintenance staff which is both costly and time consuming. Dry mopping is helpful in “moving” the dust and dirt but it does not REMOVE the dirt. Dry mopping is really only good for drying liquid spills or absorbing perspiration after players fall.

Sweeping or dry mopping court floors only moves around (not remove) dirt

3. Apply a grip gel/lotion on your soles

Of all the methods out there to get better basketball shoe grip, this is the worst choice! To illustrate why, take a look at how these products work:

    1. You have to sit down to apply the gel/lotion on one shoe and wait for it to dry. THEN, you repeat the process on the other shoe and must wait again for the gel to dry before you can even put your foot down on the floor.
    2. Grip is improved…but for only for a few minutes because the gel on your shoe ends up removing the dust on the floor – and soon you’re back to sliding. So, the product designed to improve traction actually does the opposite!
    3. To regain traction, you have to reapply the gel…but minutes later, you need to do it again! During a game, that’s a lot of reapplication – and you’ll have to wait for the gel to dry every time you reapply. When you’re in the middle of intense action on the court, do you really want to stop and go through this hassle every few minutes?
    4. Because the product is a magnet for dirt, each reapplication continues a vicious cycle of building layer upon layer of dirt and gel on your shoes. Eventually you’re left with a buildup of hard-packed gunk and slippery soles.

Do your shoes and yourself a favor. Avoid grip gels and lotions in all forms.

Ditch the two-bit hacks and…

4. Get a Slipp-Nott traction mat – instantly clean shoe soles

Do what the pros do. Get a Slipp-Nott. Used by more NBA and NCAA teams than any other brand, Slipp-Nott provides the best traction for basketball and all sports footwear designed for smooth, indoor floors.

Our sticky traction mat instantly and effectively grabs dirt off rubbery soles as you step on and off the adhesive surface. The result: Dirt-free soles with superior grip in less than 3 seconds.

Sometimes referred to as a ‘traction board’ or ‘sticky mat,’ a Slipp-Nott Traction Set consists of disposable adhesive sheets, secured on a sturdy base. Guaranteed for life, our bases are made with modified, high-impact, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Terpolymer (A.B.S) for durability. We then bond a ribbed, rubbery backing to the underside of the base to keep it from sliding and damaging floors.

Keep using the top sheet until all the adhesive is covered with dust and dirt. Then remove the top sheet of the mat to expose a new, clean sheet.

Keep using the sticky sheet until it’s covered with dirt. Peel off top layer to expose a new, clean sheet on your traction mat.

Traction sets include your choice of a mat with 30, 60 or 75 sheets. Additional replacement mats are sold separately:

When it comes to quality in sports traction, Slipp-Nott sets the standard

Slipp-Nott is the original traction mat for basketball, volleyball, badminton, fencing, handball, racquetball, or any sport played indoor on smooth floors. As the leading provider of sports traction for professional (NBA) and amateur (NCAA, High School and Middle School) athletes, we set the industry standard for quality and reliability, backed with a lifetime warranty.

There might be cheaper, low quality options out there, but if you want a traction base built to last, just do yourself and your team a favor and get a Slipp-Nott.

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4 Quick Ways to Get Grip on Your Basketball Shoes

Grip is an incredibly important part of any basketball shoes. No matter what surface you play on, being able to stick to the floor allows you to run, move, and cut to the best of your ability.

Soles wear down quickly. They also collect quite a bit of dirt. Both of those setbacks cause you to slip and slide while on the court. That then greatly hinders your ability to stop and go, which then makes it much harder to drive to the lane or play defense.

Even shoes with only slightly worn down grip can cause you to be one second too early or one second too late. In basketball, that makes all the difference.

Contents

  • 1. The Cleaning Method
  • 2. Utilizing Enhancers
  • 3. Fixing Grip in Game
  • 4. A More Permanent Fix
    • Final Words

1. The Cleaning Method

Though grip wears down over time, there are quite a few ways to keep your shoes in good shape. The first, and perhaps most effective, is by cleaning them.

Many basketball shoes start to lose their traction as a result of the dirt and dust they pick up from the floor. That layer, even if barely noticeable, causes shoes to easily slide across the hardwood.

There are two different cleaning methods that will help eliminate that layer and reliably give you more grip no matter how much you play.

First, you can wet a washcloth and use it to wipe down the bottom of your shoe. Just make sure to get into the grooves. You don’t need to do a deep scrub, but you need to do enough to lift off the dirt particles.

If you want to go bigger, you can also clean your soles with a stiff bristle brush and soapy water. Scrubbing down your shoe in this manner gives a deeper clean. However, I find that it is quite comparable to using a rag. It comes down to personal preference and the amount of dirt on your shoes.

2. Utilizing Enhancers

If cleaning isn’t working, or if you want to take an extra measure on the top of cleaning, you can always turn to special grip enhancers.

Grip lotions are easily available sprays that coat your shoe to add more tackiness to the sole. A quick spritz will be more than enough to give you the extra grip you need.

There are also special sticky pads, also called sticky mats, that improve grip. These are primarily used in a gym setting, where they sit off to the side of the court. You then step on them before the game or during breaks to get a bit of extra adhesion.

Both of the above methods improve your shoe’s grip. Though they both work on their own, I often use them in combination with the washing method to get the best of both worlds.

Just remember to never use your basketball shoes outside. The traction is specifically made for hardwood. Using it on any other surface can quickly break down the rubber grooves and cause you to slip.

3. Fixing Grip in Game

Sometimes you’ll find your traction steadily breaking down in the middle of the game. If that occurs, you want to moisten your soles right away to ensure you don’t lose your edge.

That can be done through either quickly wiping them down with a damp rag (which some teams or gyms may have on the sideline) or by wetting your shoe with saliva.

Rinsing your hand in a drinking fountain and then wiping it across the bottom of your shoe can help your footwear stick. However, if there’s no time for that maneuver, licking your hand and wiping it on the bottom of your shoe works just as well.

I know the idea of licking your hand mid-game is not the most appealing idea, but it does work. I’ve done it more times than I care to admit, and it always leads to better traction.

4. A More Permanent Fix

No matter how much you use the above methods, there will be times where your shoe grip wears down past the point of no return. If that happens, you can have your soles fixed by a shoe repair service.

Getting your old sole replaced can make your pair feel brand new. It may not be as easy as cleaning the sole or buying spray, but it’s typically much cheaper than going out and buying a new pair.

Of course, if the tread is worn through and shoe repair isn’t an option, the only way to fix the grip is going to be purchasing new shoes.

Final Words

Many people give up on their basketball shoes too quickly. The traction doesn’t feel right, or they find themselves slipping on the court, and they try a new pair. However, there are many easy methods you can utilize to keep your grip strong.

Make sure to try different methods and figure out which one works best for you. Some shoes respond better to cleaning, while others do well with general moisture of sticky pads.

What’s your favorite method for improving your grip? Do you have your own tricks? Let us know in the comments below!

How are basketball shoes different from the rest?

11:45, January 7, 2020

Fashion

Experienced basketball players know that to achieve victory it is not enough to be a goal-oriented and persistent player. Undoubtedly, long-term training always gives its positive results. But one of the most important components of victory is the right sports shoes. This helps not only to achieve maximum efficiency and comfort in the game, but also to avoid injuries that often accompany basketball players. After all, this game consists mainly of sudden movements, running, jumping. The player must be able not only to move well and quickly, but also to brake quickly in shoes. With constant stress on the feet, basketball players need sneakers that are somewhat different from everyone else and have some important qualities.

Choosing the Right Basketball Shoes

Basketball shoes need to have perfect ankle support in the first place, which is why most professional players prefer to play in high shoes. These shoes help keep the player stable during lateral movements. In addition, in high-top sneakers, the ankle is reliably protected when jumping. A large selection of both men's and women's sneakers is presented in the online store

For each sport, shoes must have certain qualities. For basketball shoes, three main criteria are important - the quality of the sole, the material from which they are made and the degree of fixation of the ankle.

Outsole

One of the best basketball shoes is the Nike Air Jordan. Their presence in the player is already the first step to victory.

Basketball shoe sole is divided into two types. The first is intended for playing indoors, on a smooth surface. It is soft and designed for playing on the artificial turf of the stadium. For street play, it is better to choose sneakers with a stiffer sole. When buying sneakers, pay attention to the area of ​​​​the sole. The quality of the game depends on this. Good braking and traction with the coating is provided by sneakers with large soles.

An important element is the protector on the sole. It affects the stability of the player and the ability to easily brake on turns and stops. The most popular and in demand are sneakers with a Herringbone tread.

Material

Basketball pros say it's best to play in a combination shoe that's made from leather and has mesh inserts. Leather material has long established itself as the most stable and reliable. And thanks to the mesh, the player's foot is provided with flexibility and ventilation. Recently, basketball shoes made of modern synthetic materials have become popular. They are not only light and durable, but also comfortable.

Ankle protection and support

There are three types of basketball shoes, depending on the design of the shoe. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages:

  1. High-top sneakers are most often used by players because they provide reliable ankle protection. In addition, in such sneakers, the player is as stable as possible. Air Jordans is exactly the model of high sneakers that appealed not only to professionals, but also to beginners. It is best to buy Air Jordan sneakers in a specialized store. This guarantees the purchase of truly original shoes.
  2. Mid-height shoes are preferred by players who care about speed in basketball and at the same time they are worried about avoiding ankle injuries. In such sneakers, the player feels less movement restriction than in high-tops. The manufacturer warns that this type of shoe is not recommended for players with little experience. Such negligence can lead to traumatic situations. Medium height sneakers are suitable for speed basketball lovers.
  3. Low sneakers are used in the game less often than those listed above. Their top is just at the level of the ankle, which cannot protect it during the game. Undoubtedly, due to their lightness and convenience, such sneakers give a basketball player a chance to reveal all their hidden talents. But, if you choose between security and quality of the game, then many tend to ensure security. Low running shoes are the choice of fast and agile athletes.

In ordinary running shoes, the manufacturer pays little attention to the fixation of the foot. Sports shoes for basketball should securely fix the foot. This helps the lower leg to remain stationary while playing, braking, accelerating or changing direction quickly.

A quality basketball shoe should be lightweight and have excellent cushioning. Ease is provided thanks to production from special modern materials. Depreciation manufacturers think through to the smallest particles. The heel part in sports shoes for basketball is high, its width is increased. This reliably protects the player from falls during sudden movements.

Clasp

The clasp, at first glance, seems to be an unimportant detail. But when buying sports shoes, you should especially pay attention to it. During the fitting of sneakers, the foot must be securely fixed with a fastener. In this case, there should not be a feeling of discomfort and the presence of free space in the shoes. You can get fewer injuries if you choose sneakers with the right fastening. Professional basketball players prefer laced shoes. It securely fixes and protects the foot during the game.

Don't buy the first model you see. It is better to consider all possible options and opt for a reliable and comfortable pair. In order to avoid fake Nike Air Jordan, it is better to buy in Ukraine in a specialized store.

Adidas basketball shoes - Crazy, Rose, Adizero crazy light 2 and other models

Good shoes are a guarantee of health, especially for athletes. Incorrectly selected shoes can cause complex injuries and permanently deprive a person of doing what they love. How to choose the “right” sneakers from such a wide range?

  • Varieties ↓
  • High ↓
  • Universal (mid) ↓
  • Low ↓
  • Basic selection criteria ↓
  • Material ↓
  • Ankle brace ↓
  • Sole ↓
  • Unique patented technologies for the production of sports shoes Adidas ↓
  • Description of the most popular models ↓
  • Model adidas T-Mac ↓
  • Model Adidas Crazy 8 ↓
  • Model Adidas D. Rose ↓
  • Model Adidas CrazyQuick ↓
  • Model Adidas Isolation ↓
  • Adidas AdiZero Crazy Light 2 ↓
  • Comparative analysis: top best ↓
  • Adidas Rose 4.5 ↓
  • Adidas Crazy Light 3 ↓
  • Adidas Rose 773 2 ↓
  • Adidas Crazyquick ↓
  • Nike Hyperdunk 2014 ↓
  • Nike Kobe IX SYSTEM ↓
  • Air Jordan XX8 ↓
  • Jordan CP3. VIAE ↓
  • Reebok Question Mid ↓
  • Reebok Men's Wall Season 3 ↓
  • New model of the line of premium sneakers - D Rose 4.5 ↓

The difference between basketball shoes and other shoes is obvious - they are more massive, high and quite heavy. A closed ankle protects the foot from injury as contact sports involve frequent confrontations and jumping.

Another distinguishing feature of basketball shoes is the high degree of cushioning, which often affects the performance of an athlete.

Varieties

High

The main difference between the models is the height of the sneaker, which can be low, medium, or completely cover the ankle. These shoes are preferred by athletes of the highest weight category and those who are taller than the rest. The sole of the high sneakers is very durable, the foot is fixed, and the shin is covered.

Universal (mid)

Medium or universal mid is chosen by snipers, forwards, and attackers. The height of this variety is slightly less, and the sole is made of less soft and pliable materials. The main advantage of such shoes is their lightness, and, consequently, their mobility.

Low

The lowest is worn by the first and second players who simply need high movement speed and maneuverability.

The downside of low-type sneakers is the lack of fixation of the foot and an increased risk of injury. These shortcomings are minimized if the athlete knows how to move correctly and group at the right moments.

Main selection criteria

The main things to look for when choosing specialized basketball shoes are ankle support, sole rigidity, lacing quality, and material.

Material

If genuine leather used to be the main material for making sports shoes, now combinations of natural and synthetic materials are in vogue. This is due to the fact that the skin takes and changes shape very well, and synthetics make shoes more durable and wear-resistant.

The most common materials are polyurethane, synthetic leather and rubberized padded synthetic inserts. Some materials are developed directly by Adidas specialists, in accordance with their observations and conclusions.

Ankle fixation

The quality of the fixation mechanism determines the safety of the athlete's ankle, the speed of his movements and the level of maneuverability.

Main types of fasteners:

  1. Lacing is one of the most used and popular mechanisms that allows you to independently adjust the degree of fixation. A good lace should consist of a material that will not slip and stretch quickly. The disadvantages include the possibility of unexpected untying, which can lead to injury.
  2. The fixation belt is a kind of mechanism that tightly fits and fixes the athlete's leg well.
    The main plus is that such a system has a lock that will not allow the belt to untie.
  3. Lightning - such a lock has recently been used in sports shoes. It should be noted that this approach has found few supporters and professional athletes do not choose such shoes for themselves.
  4. Velcro is a type of fastener that consists of two parts that are tightly connected to each other. Most often it can be found on children's shoes, but not on basketball shoes.

Sole

The outsole of the basketball shoes has a larger area, which provides good grip on the court. Good fixation serves as insurance against dislocations and other foot injuries.

The herringbone pattern of the outsole performs the same function as the tire tread: allows for sharp cuts, quick stops, and increases the speed of the athlete. Materials must be wear-resistant and moderately flexible.

Adidas is a company with many years of experience in sports shoes, apparel, and equipment.

The company's products have a lot of advantages due to their patented technologies, which are developed not just by designers, but also by engineers and technologists. Products for each sport are made with the participation of athletes who can test and evaluate the level of quality and comfort.

Unique patented technologies for the production of sports shoes Adidas

To date, the company has patented more than thirty technologies that have raised the quality of the product to a new level.

Below are the technologies that are used in the manufacture of basketball shoes and clothing:

  1. Midsole - includes a combination of technologies that are aimed at achieving three goals: stability, flexibility, and increased cushioning. This technology is designed specifically for basketball players in the most active positions. These shoes are highly cushioned and flexible. The breathable insole and elastic outsole help to gently fix the foot and open up horizons for new maneuvers.
  2. Shell Toes - literally translates as “toe frame”. This technology includes additional layers of protection around the fingers. The scallop shell emblem is often found on sporting goods shelves. It was not chosen by chance, but because the direction of the overlays from the bottom to the top creates a pattern on the toe of the sneaker that resembles the shell of the aforementioned marine inhabitant.
    Torsion – technology is designed to provide maximum foot lockdown and limit unplanned rotation. Shoes with such a sole adapt perfectly to all the imperfections of the surface and to any type of coating.
  3. Sprintframe – this innovation was made by Adidas at the suggestion of the athletes among whom the survey was conducted. Such shoes are very light and maneuverable, the sole made of synthetic alloy allows you to fix the foot and change the vector of movement with lightning speed.
  4. SprintWeb - this technology appeared as a modification of the previous one. It is used in shoes that attacking athletes purchase, as they have to run a lot and perform maneuvers that require dexterity and clarity. The new model is more resistant to damage and will last longer.
  5. EVA is a technology to improve shock absorbing properties. Most often used in the creation of the midsole.

Description of the most popular models

adidas T-Mac model

The model that the company's customers were looking forward to in 2004. T-Mac sneakers have a wide range of color combinations. At that time, the new technologies "HUG", "EVA" and "Adiprene +" were involved in the development. As a latch, a double sealed strap was chosen.

This model is hard to come by, chosen by famous player Tracy McGrady. The advantages include high rates of air exchange and coupling, strong fixation of the foot and high sensitivity due to the flexible sole.

Of course, there are disadvantages, the main among which is a lot of weight and lack of versatility (not suitable for those with narrow feet).

Adidas Crazy 8 model

First appeared on the market in 2006, then re-released in 2011. Three main technologies were used in this model: "Feet Your Wear", "Torsion", and "EVA" (for the midsole).

Advantages: high tangibility of the surface, good fixation of the ankle, lightness, wear resistance. Of the shortcomings, it should be noted stiffness at the first socks and poor ventilation.

Model Adidas D. Rose

For those who need to run hard and fast.

Faux leather base material, Sprintweb and Sprintframe sprint technologies for added durability.

The main advantage of the model is the good cushioning, which was achieved thanks to the use of the Adiprene material.

Model Adidas CrazyQuick

They have increased cushioning and foot fixation.

This model is suitable for both amateur and professional basketball players. The color basis of the line is silver, which is combined with other colors. The flexible yet durable outsole makes the shoe indestructible. Finding flaws in this model is almost impossible.

Adidas Isolation Model

Made from synthetic materials making it lightweight and comfortable. High throughput is achieved thanks to the additional ventilation of the top.

The insole of this shoe is soft and shock-absorbing, and the sole is non-marking. Reliable fixation of the foot makes this model a leader in safety. These men's basketball shoes have a lot to be proud of! The upper is made of leather and synthetics, so the shoes are lightweight and comfortable, while the breathable tongue provides extra breathability. TORSION® SYSTEM for flexible midfoot support.

Adidas AdiZero Crazy Light 2

A model that is not designed to be played on asphalt, as it may damage its sole.

Most commonly used by athletes in training. The model is relatively new, so it can be easily purchased at Adidas stores or on specialized sites. The advantages include lightness and excellent ventilation. The disadvantages are poor depreciation.

Benchmarking: top

Aspiring athletes began to pay special attention to the quality of their shoes, which caused an incredible increase in the productivity of companies producing such products.

Let's take a look at a sneaker that has only recently entered the market but has already broken all sales records:

Adidas Rose 4.5

This is a tall model with a very powerful construction. They minimize injury, adhere well to all types of surfaces, and provide high maneuverability. The disadvantages include their weight and considerable cost.

Adidas Crazy Light 3

Modification of an already sold model, which has become even lighter and airier. Cushioning is enhanced by the use of EVA technology in the footbed. The outsole is reinforced with a polyurethane alloy. Disadvantage: inaccessibility.

Adidas Rose 773 2

The high-top model with the rose emblem has already entered the sports market. The difference between the old and new models is striking: they have become taller, additional tread patterns have appeared on the sole for better grip and maneuverability, breathable inserts have been added around the entire perimeter.

Adidas Crazyquick

Lightweight, comfortable, mid-length Adidas was the breakthrough of 2014. They are designed for summer training or gym activities. The unique pattern of the outsole allows you to develop such a speed that the athlete was not capable of before. Cons: More suitable for smaller players. Nike Hyperdunk 2014 Soft, shock-absorbing foam and polyurethane soles make jumping with ease. The color scheme is amazing, and the price does not scare. An excellent choice for amateurs, but not always suitable for professionals.

Nike Kobe IX SYSTEM

Available in all heights. High fit for professionals who need extra protection for the foot, lower ones can be afforded by amateurs. Buyers respond positively to this model, especially about their wear resistance.

Air Jordan XX8

A unique line inspired by the NBA's most famous player. Their design attracts attention, but the functionality is amazing. They combine everything: looks, safety, durability, breathability, and maneuverability. Of the minuses, only the price of this design masterpiece comes to mind.

Jordan CP3.VI AE

For hard training. They are strong, safe and almost impossible to damage. But there are also downsides: it will take some time to blow the new Jordan CP3.VI AE, and there will be problems with the access of oxygen inside.

Reebok Question Mid

The legendary Reebok model, which differs from the above models not only in appearance, but also in material. This is the rarest model made of genuine leather. This is where its drawback lies, because the skin loses its shape much faster than synthetic materials.

Reebok Men's Wall Season 3

Mid height basketball shoe with distinctive tread pattern. Provides good hold and maneuverability with good heel coverage. Laces are used as a fastener. The level of wear resistance is rather weak for professional athletes.

New model of the line of premium sneakers - D Rose 4.5

The D Rose 4.5 is an upgraded model of premium specialized basketball shoes.

They were custom made for Derrick Rose.


Learn more