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How to get grip on new 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. 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.

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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!

👆 Basketball shoes for the hall and street - high, medium, low, universal, for playing on asphalt, for parquet

Basketball shoes are divided into high, low and medium (universal), as well as street and for the hall. In addition to the appropriate size, when choosing basketball shoes, you need to pay attention to materials, the degree of ankle support, ankle height and sole.

Best basketball shoes 2014 made in Nike

High top basketball shoes

Shoes with the High marking are suitable for tall and heavy players. High sneakers have the thickest fit and very strong fixation of the ankle, which is very important for a basketball player with a lot of weight. Of course, a high ankle slows down movement and slows down speed, so these shoes are usually worn by centers and power forwards. In principle, the choice of a specific type of sneaker is based on the position of the player in the team.

All-Purpose Shoe

A mid shoe for basketball shooters and small forwards like Mike Jordan. It is no coincidence that these sports shoes are often named after the great basketball player. For example, Jordan Super Fly 2. The task of medium sneakers is to increase the player's speed on the court.

Women's medium basketball shoes

The ankle joint is fixed here less, about half in height, but the sneakers themselves are much lighter than high models, but the sole is still quite thick.

Low basketball shoes

Low shoes for point guards and the fastest players (i.e. number one and number two). Lightweight and practical, low-top basketball shoes do not hold the ankle at all, so it is important for players to know how to move correctly so as not to get injured in basketball. But due to speed, low sneakers wear out faster than heavy models with high ankles.

Hence the strong prejudice towards low models, although they are the ones that make it possible to make quick stops and jerks. In fact, it's all about training: in such sneakers, you can change direction very quickly, but you need to do it right. Even high-top sneakers sometimes do not protect against damage. The Nike Zoom Kobe 8 is a guideline for low basketball shoes. Nike Air Max dominate XD. On the soles of streetball shoes there are herringbones for better grip on the asphalt.

How to stretch sneakers to length or width

If the shoes are tight, it is not only uncomfortable, but it can harm the feet. This is especially true of sports shoes or sneakers. Stretching sneakers, making them more comfortable to wear is quite possible. The main thing is to know what material they are made of and apply the appropriate methods.

Which sneakers can be stretched

Do not rush to start the procedure of stretching a pair immediately after purchase. Often, after long loads and shopping, the legs get tired and swell. Perhaps in the morning your sneakers will no longer reap. If they still seem small, try stretching them out. But first find out what they are made of. Otherwise, there is a risk of irreparably spoiling them.

The easiest way to give the desired shape to sneakers made of suede, leather, nubuck. Be careful with fabric shoes: they can easily be deformed if not used correctly. The most difficult thing is to stretch the leatherette product. This material is hard to tolerate exposure to boiling water, steam, ice. And it is not easy to stretch it in the usual “wet” way. Perhaps it is better to sell or donate such sneakers. But if this option is not suitable, you can try stretching with the help of products containing alcohol.

Please note:

Sports shoes are easier to stretch in width.
Fabric can be lengthened by a maximum of half a size. You can stretch sneakers to size if they are made of leather, suede or nubuck.
The skin becomes fragile after the procedure. Before stretching, especially with the use of heat, it is better to treat the product with shoe cream.
Sneakers made of artificial materials are easy to deform with an inept approach.
Stitching seams do not stretch.
Do not pour boiling water on the rubber sole.
If the heel is very high, try not to break it.
At first, it is better to try to spread an uncomfortable pair, but not longer than three days.
The best time to buy new shoes is in the evening, when the feet are a little swollen.
Do not take sneakers without trying on, as each manufacturer has its own dimensional grid.

The smartest solution

If, after buying a sneaker, you realize that they are too tight, it is best to return or exchange them at the store. According to Russian laws, any buyer can return a new product under warranty within two weeks. To do this, you need to present your passport, cash receipt and warranty card. The main thing is that the shoes should be in the same form as when you bought them. It should not have signs of use: creases, scuffs. Make sure all liners, insoles and laces are in place.

If the pair is old, or you could not return it under warranty, the surest solution would be to take it to a professional workshop. The shoemaker knows how to stretch sneakers or sneakers.

Each shoe has its own suitable product. Special pads on screws that can stretch any material help to increase the length. Masters use different creams, aerosols, powders that can cope with an uncomfortable couple. The shoemaker will take into account all your wishes and features of the foot, pull the sneakers in the area of the bone.

If this method does not suit you for some reason, you can try to increase the sneakers or sneakers at home.

How to stretch shoes to length

There are several methods. Just remember that no sneakers or sneakers can stretch more than one size.

Steam and paper

This is a fairly simple and cheap method to pull leather, rubber, fabric sneakers and sneakers at home. It takes a few minutes to hold the product over the steam. The main thing is to do it carefully so as not to burn yourself. Then stuff your sneakers with dry, crumpled newspaper. To prevent the upper part of the shoe from deforming, do not dry it with a hair dryer, in the sun, near the radiator. Wait for the newspaper to dry. To speed up the process, paper can be changed. The same method helps to enlarge sports shoes if they have sat down after washing.

Vinegar

To stretch the sneakers, dampen a cloth with vinegar and then put it into the sock and into the back of the shoe. Cotton pads can be used instead of cloth. Put on shoes with impregnation and wear for about two hours. The method allows you to lengthen the product by a couple of millimeters.

Spacers

This is one of the most effective methods, the closest to what the masters do. To manage on your own, buy spacers at a shoe store. They are equipped with a screw mechanism, fit any size, pull leather materials well. In addition to the spacers, plastic pads are sold that take into account the characteristics of the foot.

You will also need professional products for the surface treatment of sneakers. It can be a special liquid, stretching foam or spray. This method works well for all types of leather and suede, but is unlikely to be useful for stretching the fabric.

Liquids containing alcohol may be used instead of professional products. For example, cologne. Or just water. Apply the product inside and out. Using the screw, set the block to the desired value, place it back to back. Keep the spacers inside until the sneakers are completely dry. If you repeat this procedure several times, you will completely relieve yourself of discomfort.

Before using an aerosol or spray, check how the shoe material will react to them. To do this, apply the product to an inconspicuous area. If after a couple of hours the treated area has changed color, it is better to look for another drug.

Water and ice

There are several ways to stretch sneakers or sneakers with water and cold. You can wear wet sneakers over your socks and then lace them up tight. Until the shoes dry, you need to actively move: run, jump, walk. If at any point your feet get hot, just pour cold water on the soles.

You can expand fabric sneakers with ice. To do this, use the physics course familiar from school:

Take two thick plastic bags, place inside each sneaker and carefully unfold.
Fill the bags with water and tie them up conscientiously.
Place the sneakers in the freezer for 24 hours.
If the steam presses into the toe, put something under the heels so that the bulk of the water "flows" down.
After a day, take the sneakers out of the freezer.
Let the ice melt a little.
Remove the cellophane.
Remove excess moisture with a tissue, dry the sneakers.

The method has one nuance: if the fabric is too thin, it may tear under the influence of ice.

When he presses the back

Sneakers can press not only in the heel area, but also on the side edging. It can be stretched in the same way as the heel. There are several proven methods to make the material softer.

Hammer

Moisten a soft cloth with water, apply to the back of the back from the inside. Then lightly tap with a hammer. The heel of the shoe must be on a firm surface.

Fingers

If the back of the shoe is made of hard leather or rubber, you can simply massage it with your fingers. The heel of the sneaker is especially easy to soften in this way: it is usually made of hard cardboard. In order not to spend a lot of time and effort on kneading, first hold the product over the steam. After a few minutes, the skin or matter will become more pliable.

Hair dryer

The method is suitable for softening pressing leather elements of sports shoes. To do this, you need an ordinary hair dryer. Hot air stretches the skin, making it more supple. After heat treatment, simply pull the sneaker with your fingers or put it on your foot. Be careful when heating the seam: there is a risk that the glue will melt from excessively hot air.

How to stretch shoes wide

It is much easier to increase sneakers or sneakers in width than in length. Suede is the easiest to stretch. Sneakers made of this material are enough to put on voluminous socks. After a couple of days, the legs will become much more comfortable. You can also pull the product at home with the help of professional tools that are produced by shoe brands and sold in special stores.

But you can use the available tools that are always at hand.

Alcohol and laundry soap

This method expands leather sneakers well. The following steps must be followed in sequence:

Pour alcohol or vodka (cologne works) into shoes.
Rub the interior surface with soaked laundry soap.
Let the resulting compound dry.

This method has some nuances. In particular, if the interior of the sneakers is made of low-quality matter, then a bad smell will appear in them. Getting rid of it in the future will be problematic. If this is your case, forget about soap, use only alcohol (vodka, cologne).

To do this, thoroughly moisten the inside of the product, put it on your feet and pour alcohol on the outside of the sneakers. You need to wear shoes for about two hours. So you will not only stretch the tight pair, but make it softer. The method is suitable even for sneakers made of synthetic materials. But if the sneakers are made of genuine leather, they must be rubbed with special protective agents or castor oil before being treated with alcohol.

Kerosene

Flammable liquid can be used as an alternative to soap and alcohol. The principle of processing is the same: grease the inner surface of the shoe with kerosene, wear for about an hour. As with laundry soap, there is a risk that the sneakers will have a stubborn smell.

Window Cleaner

The method is based on the principle that glass and mirror cleaners contain alcohol. Proceed according to the following instruction:

Spray the sneakers liberally inside and out.
Put on thick socks.
Wear for about two hours.

The effectiveness of the method is confirmed by many lovers of sports shoes. It can be used for natural materials and leatherette products. Another plus of this approach is that the smell of washing liquid quickly disappears.

Boiling water

This approach is only suitable for leather shoes that can withstand 300-degree boiling water. The procedure requires some courage, since boiling water must be poured into the product and left for 8 minutes. Then drain and allow the skin to dry at room temperature. Never use this method to expand products made of synthetic materials. Otherwise, it will lead to deformation.

Moisture

The so-called "military" method is suitable for stretching leather and fabric products. It is enough to moisten socks in water, put them on with sneakers and wear them until completely dry. To remove excess moisture from the shoes, after the procedure, the shoes need to be stuffed with crumpled newspapers.

If the situation is hopeless

When none of the above methods help, and the purchase is still too tight, try simply removing the insoles. If this approach seems unhygienic to you, replace the thick sports insole with a regular thin one. In extreme cases, you can sell or give a couple to friends.

And remember that you can not buy sneakers without trying them on. The best time to buy sports shoes is in the evening. After all, at this time our feet are a little larger.