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How to give your basketball shoes more grip
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!
9 Ways to Restore Traction and Make Basketball Shoes Grippy
Today I’m going to show you how to make basketball shoes grippy again.
So if you have a match around the corner, or your shoes are just less grippy and you can’t afford to get a new pair of sneakers at the moment, you’ll love the tips shared in this guide.
To be clear:
None of the tips I’ve shared below is better than the other is.
So if you prefer to clean the outsoles, you find using a sandpaper easier, or you prefer to work with a sticky get, what really matters is ending up with a pair of sports shoes with better traction.
Below are 9 ways to make your basketball shoes grippy and ready for an upcoming training or championship match.
1. Clean the Soles of the Shoes
Dirt and dust stuck on the outsole can make your basketball shoes slide like a car on a wet road.
Why?
Because the accumulation of foreign particles prevents the optimal sole to floor contact, leading to shoes being slippery and hard to use during training or an actual game.
The solution is simple.
You have to remove all the dirt and debris stick on the outsole to restore the grip of the shoes ready for the next big game.
Use a hard bristle brush to remove debris on the bottom of the shoes. You can also use toothpicks if you don’t have the brush.
Dip a towel in a mixture of clean water and a liquid detergent and wipe the outsole of the shoes.
Then, use a toothbrush or a soft brush to scrub the remaining dirt off the outsole.
If you’ve cleaned only the outsole of the basketball shoes, you can use a towel to dry the pair. If you’ve deep cleaned the sneakers, air-dry them.
You could clean the shoes in a washing machine, but you’re more than likely to compromise the quality of the fabric.
So hand washing is the only way to go.
2. Use a Sticky Mat
Often placed at the corners of a court, sticky mats can easily pull out dirt from the soles of your basketball shoes.
SATECH Sticky/Tacky/Adhesive Mat 18" x 36" White...
And they’re very easy to use.
Simply get off the court, step on the mat, and that’s it. The process should help to restore the grip of your basketball shoes.
3. Clean the Court Thoroughly
Assuming your basketball shoes are clean from the inside out, but you still get the slippery effect as you run and practice or play, there’s a high chance the court needs thorough cleaning.
By cleaning the court, you’ll do away with dirt and dust that would have otherwise stick on your shoes and make them slippery.
And cleaning the court shouldn’t be difficult, as there’s no unique procedure to follow.
Just use the same mop and water that you use to clean your house.
4. Use a Sandpaper to Increase the Grip of Your Basketball Shoes
If you can’t afford expensive traction products, use a sandpaper. You’ll love this technique because it’s very easy to use.
Remove your shoes and rub the heavy grit sandpaper against your sole until they feel rough enough. This should increase the gripping of the shoes and give you more stability as you run in the court.
If your shoes smoothen after a while, just re-use the sandpaper to restore the grip.
A nail file is a good option to use in the place of a sandpaper. It works pretty much the same way and therefore the results should be the same.
5. Use of a Sticky Gel
Sticky gels are great for increasing the gripping power of basketball shoes.
Easy to apply and quite effective, the gel is easy to apply and takes effect almost immediately.
Take off your basketball shoes and apply the gel on the sole. Let the content stick on the sole unit and then wear the shoes for your next practice or match.
Although sticky gels are good at increasing the grip of your basketball shoes, its effect is only temporary.
Even then, a single application should give you a good grip for a full match.
6. Use of Sweat and Saliva
When desperate moments call for desperate measures, even your sweat and saliva can go a long way to give your basketball shoes some grip.
Now, I know what you’re thinking:
Spitting saliva and smearing sweat on the sole of the shoes is unhygienic and disgusting.
And you’re right.
But if your sneakers become slippery in the middle of a game and you can’t make your best moves, what options do you have?
Probably none!
So wipe your hand over your face, collect some sweat, and apply it on the sole of your sneakers. You can also spit some saliva on the sole to make the shoes wet.
And what’s the benefit?
Sweat and saliva will moisten the soles, reduce the thin layer of dust, and add some grip so you can keep playing your game.
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7. Use Hair Spray to Add Traction to Your Basketball Shoes
Hair spray is a quick and temporary solution to improve the grip of your basketball sneakers.
And it’s very easy to use.
Simply clean and spray the soles for about 20 seconds. Then, let the spray settle.
While it’s only a temporary solution, hair spray will go a long way to improve the stickiness of the sneakers.
After applying the hair spray, you won’t have to worry about shoes being slippery maybe until after the first quarter of the game.
That’s because hair spray helps to improve the stickiness of the sole, therefore giving you a little grip that can keep you from slipping.
8. Use Vaseline to Improve Your Shoes’ Traction
Vaseline enhances the grip of the shoes by keeping it moist for a long period.
To use this solution, first clean the sole of your basketball shoes thoroughly and dry them completely.
Then, smear Vaseline coating over the sole. Use a toothbrush to spread the oil well.
9. Replace the Sole for Better Grip in the Court
Sometimes your basketball shoes are less grippy because the sole unit gave up its function.
If you think about it, worn out soles don’t have the kind of grip that your body deserves.
Instead of replacing the whole pair, simply replace the sole and you’ll be good to go.
Final Thoughts
What do you do when your basketball shoes become less grippy? Do you put them aside for a new pair? Or do you have a little secret of your own to improve their grip and traction?
If you had no idea how to make your pair less slippery, the tips we’ve shared in this guide should be handy.
Remember, basketball shoes with good grip will give your leg the support you need for every game. Not to mention protect you from getting injuries.
From gripping the curt to enhancing swift movements as you dribble and dunk, shoes with solid grip and traction lets you get the most out of the four quarter of every game.
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TOP-5 sneakers with the best grip
The grip of shoes with playing surface or in other words it is also called traction is one of the most important characteristics for basketball shoes.
The quality of the game, the speed of movement, the comfort and safety of being on the court depend on its level.
We have collected the most tenacious selection of the 5 best models for playing basketball and below we will tell you about each of them in more detail.
Adidas TRAE YOUNG 1
Collaboration with famous basketball player Trae Young turned into something more than just shoes.
Buy: Adidas TRAE YOUNG 1 .
Unique signature style, low profile, thick textile mesh in a one-piece construction and great cushioning.
Cushioning on this shoe is a combination of Lightstrike foam throughout the foot and Boost in the heel. This combination keeps the responsiveness of the shoe high.
The outsole is flat and stable, preventing the foot from turning in, even during the most abrupt and maneuverable stops and movements. In the middle part of the foot, the outsole pattern is made in the form of zigzags, the middle part is in the form of straight lines, and underneath there is a circular pattern expanding from the center. This outsole design with a multi-directional pattern gives excellent grip and prevents slipping.
Nike GIANNIS IMMORTALITY
Milwaukee Bucks basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo's shoes.
Buy: Nike GIANNIS IMMORTALITY .
Thin, ventilated engineered mesh upper with fuse overlays in high-wear areas.
Full Phylon foam midsole with small cutouts to reduce weight and improve cushioning.
The most important thing is the traction of this model. The outsole features a classic herringbone outsole pattern. The deep-groove rubber outsole itself is partially divided by three grooves for superior traction and flexibility. This allows the rubber to flex better when doing Giannis' favorite side-to-side Eurostep. The sole does not collect a lot of dust, makes a characteristic sound during active movements and is wear resistant.
Adidas DAME 8
The 8th signature shoe from Damian Lillard.
Buy: Adidas DAME 8 .
Breathable mesh upper. Cushioning in the Dame 8 is handled by Bounce Pro instead of the usual Lightstrike.
The sole is made of durable rubber that prevents slipping.
The tread pattern is made in the form of wavy lines leading to the toe and slightly to the side panels. The outsole grips the parquet very well. The rubber density of these sneakers allows you to play not only in the hall, but also on street surfaces.
Anta KLAY THOMPSON KT7
The signature model of Golden State Warriors shooting guard Clay Thompson is the perfect balance of style, comfort and unique features.
Buy: Anta KLAY THOMPSON KT7 .
The main feature is the Nitrospeed midsole, which provides powerful cushioning with its low weight. Smart S.A.M technology in the heel area absorbs shock, reduces pressure on the joints and provides additional heel support.
Traction is provided by a durable rubber outsole with a unique pattern. A wavy diagonal wide line runs from the heel to the toe area, and on the outside of the sole there are patterns in the form of "blobs" that add stability and more grip.
Nike LEBRON WITNESS VI
Next in line are LeBron James' signature shoes from the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers.
The upper is made of an inexpensive and rather thin mesh textile reinforced with nylon threads. This version of the shoe replaces the Zoom Air cushioning with the classic Max Air cushioning for superior shock absorption and responsiveness.
Buy: Nike LEBRON WITNESS VI .
The durable rubber outsole features a classic zigzag tread pattern from start to finish. The rubber section is split and partially cut under the arch to reduce weight and provide more flexibility. The material does not give slippage, tightly fixed during sharp maneuvers and keeps the foot stable.
Conclusion
To make the game more enjoyable and stop you from sliding on the parquet, choose the tenacious models presented in our selection!
These and other models of sneakers can be found on our website in section "Basketball shoes" , as well as in our offline stores:
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St. Petersburg, Pravdy street, 17
How to choose basketball shoes
Hello, dear visitors of the site basketball-training.org.ua ! Basketball shoes are one of the most important pieces of equipment for a basketball player. Basketball is a fast-paced game where players constantly have to deal with sudden jerks and stops, jumps and turns, and quick changes of direction.
That is why basketball shoes must meet a number of serious requirements: sneakers must be stable, have good grip on the ground, support and partially fix the ankle, and provide good cushioning of the foot. And this is not to mention the fact that sneakers should be worn well and look decent. The tips in this article will help you make the right choice when buying basketball shoes.
How to choose the right basketball shoes
Often, when choosing sneakers, we don't even think about how they will fit our style of play. But this is very important! So, a small classification of sneakers and the positions they correspond to:
High sneakers (high). These shoes are most often chosen by tall and heavy players. After all, they are very important indicators of depreciation and stability. A thick sole and reinforced ankle support (article ankle injury and treatment ) are the main characteristics of these sneakers.
Universal (mid) sneakers. These shoes are the perfect choice for sharpshooters, small forwards and some shooting guards. The fixation of the ankle joint is, of course, lower than in high-top sneakers, and the sole is a little firmer. But universal basketball shoes are much lighter than high ones, which means you will be faster and more mobile.
Low shoes. If you play number one or number two and like to move fast, this is your choice. There is practically no ankle support, because the weight of a basketball player playing in this position is much less than that of a center or heavy forward. In return, you will get low weight, the ability to quickly change direction, and adaptation to quick stops and jerks.
In fact, I was skeptical about low-top sneakers, citing low ankle support. However, as practice has shown, even a very good high-top sneaker will not help much with an unsuccessful landing. I'm thinking of getting something low and light. If you have experience of playing in low sneakers (positive or negative) - share it in the comments, I will be very grateful.
Basketball shoes: material, ankle support and sole
So let's start with material selection for basketball shoes. If you still think that all-leather sneakers are the best option, I will disappoint you. Light combinations of leather and synthetic base mesh are much better! The leather will provide durability, while the synthetic material will provide sufficient flexibility, strength and ventilation. Another point: Recent material trends in basketball uppers are showing the popularity of synthetic materials. These sneakers are cheaper and not inferior in wear resistance.
Ankle fixation in sneakers is achieved with laces, a fixing strap, zipper or Velcro. Sometimes there are combinations of laces and Velcro. It seems to me that there is nothing better than the good old shoelaces. The main thing is that the laces themselves are of high quality, do not stretch or untie during the game. Oh yes, Velcro can close the lacing itself and prevent them from coming loose, dangling, etc.
Shoe sole. To begin with, decide right away: where you will play. The soft sole is not suitable for playing on asphalt courts; and too hard will bring discomfort when playing on the parquet. So it's better to buy different models for the hall and the street. A bit of physics: the larger the sole area, the better the grip on the ground. And the herringbone pattern will give additional points during turns and stops. Remember that the foot should not be pinched in the shoe. But it shouldn't wobble or slide either.
Choosing sneakers: a couple more tips
Determine your foot size both in centimeters and using the size chart. It often happens that the size 43 declared by the manufacturer actually turns out to be 42, and then, with a stretch. This is where the biggest disadvantage of online shopping appears: the sneakers that come to your home do not fit at all.
Trainers are best bought in the afternoon, after walking. Foot size increases in the evening, so either come after 3-4 pm or give your feet a good workout and after that welcome to the store (don't forget to wash your feet).
Don't buy the most expensive and cheapest sneakers. Sneakers for a couple of tens of dollars can't be good (although there are exceptions, once in Second Hand I bought awesome AND 1 sneakers, which served me for 2 years. And this is on asphalt!). And sneakers bought for $400-500 “from Michael Jordan himself” will not be much better than a good, but not named analogue for $200.
Well, such a banal thing: distinguish between women's and men's basketball shoes . The female foot is much sleeker, and girls may not be very comfortable in men's sneakers.
A quick spritz will be more than enough to give you the extra grip you need. 
You can also spit some saliva on the sole to make the shoes wet.
The rubber density of these sneakers allows you to play not only in the hall, but also on street surfaces. 
Petersburg, Pravdy street, 17 
These shoes are most often chosen by tall and heavy players. After all, they are very important indicators of depreciation and stability. A thick sole and reinforced ankle support (article ankle injury and treatment ) are the main characteristics of these sneakers. 
Sometimes there are combinations of laces and Velcro. It seems to me that there is nothing better than the good old shoelaces. The main thing is that the laces themselves are of high quality, do not stretch or untie during the game. Oh yes, Velcro can close the lacing itself and prevent them from coming loose, dangling, etc. 
It often happens that the size 43 declared by the manufacturer actually turns out to be 42, and then, with a stretch. This is where the biggest disadvantage of online shopping appears: the sneakers that come to your home do not fit at all. 
