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How to keep basketball shoes from slipping
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:
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- Keep shoe soles clean.*
- Keep court floors clean.
- 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-NottThere’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:
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- 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:
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- 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. - 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!
- 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?
- 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.
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!
What to do if sneakers slip in the hall
When leading an active lifestyle, you need to control your own health and, above all, do not harm it. Properly selected footwear helps to keep fit and not harm the body. Therefore, you need to buy comfortable, high-quality sneakers that are designed specifically for sports activities. Often, during training in the gym, the surface is slippery, which leads to injuries. In addition, some of the products have a sliding sole, which does not allow the foot to be firmly fixed on the floor surface.
In some cases, the product slips heavily on the floor in an enclosed area.
The problem of slippery soles of sneakers worries many people involved in sports, so it is necessary to take into account the recommendations of experts. To get rid of the problem, you should use several effective methods that have been tested by time.
Choice of shoes for the gym
To reduce the chance of slipping in the gym, you need to choose the right shoes. When choosing shoes, you should focus on the following nuances:
- Shoes with a wide toe and a narrower heel should be preferred. Such a product will provide proper adhesion to the coating.
- Buy shoes that are specifically designed for training. The developers of such models of sneakers specifically produce a silhouette with characteristic features for comfortable use.
- Each shoe manufacturer has its own line for indoor and outdoor training.
For each type of sport, different designers produce separate types of sports shoes. It is advisable to buy products that are designed for such purposes from trusted manufacturers who have proven themselves well.
Go to the workshop
The most reliable way to eliminate the slip of the sole is to take it to a shoe repair shop. But, this option is more expensive. The specialist attaches silicone pads to the sole to provide proper grip and prevent slipping.
If the product is given for repair, you need to clarify to the master that it is planned to be worn in the gym.
The main advantage of this method will be the preservation of a bright appearance. The specialist does everything carefully and reliably, because the appearance of the product remains the same. Various homemade methods can ruin the look of sneakers. Therefore, when it is important to maintain quality and presentability, it is advisable to go to the workshop.
Apply glue with sand
This method is considered the most budgetary and extremely effective. The meaning is as follows: Moment glue is purchased in the store and applied evenly to the sole. Before the procedure, it is required to clean the product from contamination and dry it.
When the surface is smeared with glue, it is required to become sneakers on the sand. Wait for the final drying of the glue. The sand on the sole can last longer than the patch, so the technique will be more effective.
Sandpaper
When at home there is no glue, but there is emery, you can use it. The following is done:
- The product is degreased properly.
- Sandpaper is taken and the sole is rubbed properly.
- To get more effect, several pieces of paper are glued to the bottom of the product with superglue.
The sole is rubbed carefully so that holes do not appear.
Homemade protector
When sneakers have a flat, smooth sole, small screws help to add relief to it and eliminate slipping. They are screwed into several places. To prevent the pointed end from causing damage to the shoe before the procedure, it is necessary to bite off the pointed part with pliers.
This technique is available only in a situation where the product has a dense, wide sole, thin screws are able to deform.
Sweetened water
This sweetened drink is considered one of the most common ways for people who play sports to eliminate slipping. The algorithm of actions is simple:
- Before training, the platform of the shoe is poured with a drink.
- Left for a quarter of an hour until completely dry.
Then you can head to the hall without any hesitation. Slip will be completely eliminated.
Other methods
There are situations where the lower limbs slip due to dirty or wet surfaces. In such a situation, it is necessary to constantly wipe the bottom of the shoe so that it remains clean, monitor the coverage in the gym.
In addition to the main ways to help prevent slipping, there are other proven ways:
- It is possible to rub the bottom of the sneakers with wax, raw potatoes or fatty oil.
- Chewing gum or 2-sided adhesive tape is glued to the sole.
Similar options are also common, but they are one-time, because the tape or gum can come off.
For indoor sports to be comfortable and safe, you need to choose the right running shoes. When sports shoes are comfortable, but slippery, this problem needs to be fixed as soon as possible, as this becomes a provoking factor in injuries. Following the above recommendations, it is possible to eliminate this complexity completely.
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What can I do to keep sneakers from slipping on the floor?
Home / Out of place / Consumer corner / What to do to prevent sneakers from slipping on the floor?
January 16, 2019
With an active lifestyle, it is necessary to prevent harm to health, which can happen, for example, with the wrong choice of sports shoes. Particular emphasis is placed on sneakers, since when training in the gym, a significant load is placed on the joints and feet. It is optimal to purchase shoes specially designed for this purpose from popular brands with their own line of shoes.
Sometimes the product can slip heavily on the floor in enclosed spaces. The problem of slippery sneakers is of concern to a large number of sports fans, therefore certain recommendations must be taken into account.
The right choice of shoes
The best way to fix the problem is to buy a new product. In particular, this will be relevant for those who have purchased almost the first product they come across for classes, and have not given proper emphasis to the selection of shoes. Before you buy an Air Jordan, you need to consider a large number of factors so that the product does not slip, choose shoes in which the front is slightly wider than the heel. This ensures proper adhesion to the coating. In addition, you need to purchase a pair that is specialized for a particular type of sport.
When running shoes have recently begun to slip and have been correctly fitted, the cause of the problem must be determined. The sole of the shoe wears out over time, in particular when the loads are intense and actually everyday.
To eliminate this difficulty, it is recommended to buy Nike Jordan shoes, which provide reliable grip on the surface.
Help in the workshop
The most expensive and reliable method of fixing the problem of slipping shoes on the floor is to bring sneakers to the workshop. The master attaches special anti-slip pads that improve grip with the coating. It should be clarified that the classes will be held in the hall on the parquet. This is due to the fact that the service is extremely popular in the winter period: people bring shoes to the workshop so that they do not slip on the ice.
A significant advantage of this technique will be the aesthetic appearance of the product after the workshop. Other techniques can somewhat spoil the aesthetic appearance of shoes. The master will put the overlay in such a way that it becomes virtually invisible on the product.
Plaster
To prevent the product from slipping on the parquet, it is necessary to stick a regular plaster to the sole.
The method is completely opposite to the first: inexpensive, not durable, and the patch itself will be noticeable on the sole. When shoes slide in the hall, they need to be properly washed, degreased and dried. A roll patch is glued on the sole in some areas. It needs to be cotton, not a smooth, slippery material. This method of solving the problem will be cheap. However, it must be taken into account that the manipulation is repeated almost every time before going to the gym: the patch may peel off over time. So that it does not attract attention, it can be painted with a black marker.
Shoe care
It happens that shoes slip on the parquet due to insufficient cleanliness in the room. The dust will settle on the soles of the sneakers, adding slip to it. It helps to temporarily wipe the product from dust. Others wipe the soles with their hands, which is against the rules of hygiene. The second method: from time to time to stand on a damp cloth. Wet sole does not slip on the floor in the gym.
Glue and sand
There is also a fairly economical and fairly effective method:
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Requires glue to soleplate.
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Shoes are pre-washed and the sole is degreased.
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Glue is smeared all over the sole and sneakers are placed on the sand.
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Leave the product for a day until completely dry.
The sand will adhere firmly to the sole, resulting in proper traction of the sneakers to the parquet. Unlike a patch, glue and sand stay on the product for quite a long time, which makes it possible to do the procedure less often. However, once a month (taking into account the frequency of training) the sole of the shoe is covered with glue and sand.
Sandpaper
Sandpaper can be used in the following ways to prevent slipping in the gym. First: the sole is rubbed with it.
Do not be overly zealous so as not to spoil the product. Second: glue pieces of paper to the sole of sports shoes. The method is also quite economical.
Homemade tread
When the sole of the sneakers is smooth, and slip on the floor in the hall is provoked by such, it is possible to make a pattern at home. It will give the necessary grip to the surface in the gym. Please note: the method is carried out only for sneakers with thick soles, otherwise there is a risk of damage to the product. The pattern on the tread is made by means of a nail, other sharp metal objects.
Coca-Cola
This method is quite unusual, but it is considered common and effective in order to eliminate slippage on parquet. Some professional athletes actually moisten the soles with this drink before training, performances. It is necessary to wash the sole of the shoe with Coca-Cola, let it dry and start exercising. The procedure itself is carried out right before class.
