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How to put grip on basketball shoes
How to put grip on basketball shoes
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!
How to Add Grip to Basketball Shoes?
From sole design and cushioning materials to complicated lacing systems, basketball shoe technologies have come a long way from the low-tech Chuck Taylors popular in the 1920s basketball scene. However, one thing that hasn’t changed in basketball shoes is that players are still asking the age-old question of how to add grip to basketball shoes.
Can You Put More Grip on Basketball Shoes? Grip, also known as traction, is crucial in good basketball shoes.
They’re needed primarily for mobility. It’s what causes friction between the court’s surface and the soles, which, in turn, propels each player’s stride. Usually, the better the traction on basketball shoes, the quicker a player can move. In a game that requires quick changes of direction and sudden stops, the additional grip can translate to a quickness advantage on the court.
But the question has to be asked. Can you put more grip on basketball shoes?
Luckily, basketball players are not only physically fit individuals; we’re pretty resourceful too. Some players were able to figure out how to add grip to basketball shoes beyond its sole’s original traction.
From wiping saliva or vaseline to applying specially formulated concoctions to the bottom of the soles, there are plenty of ways that players swear by that could add grip to basketball shoes. We rounded up some of the most popular ways for you in this article.
How to Add Grip to Basketball Shoes: 5 Ways Over the years, the quest to improve traction basketball shoes has resulted in various innovations and techniques that players are promoting.
In this list, we’ll start from the most basic to the most complicated:
1. Moisten the Soles to Give Your Shoes More Stopping Power
You may start to feel your shoes losing their original traction in the middle of the game as compared to when you initially stepped onto the court. This may be due to the shoes accumulating dust from the basketball court.
Some players try to rub the dust off their shoes by wiping their soles with a damp cloth. The cloth retains some of the dust while the moisture adds a bit more grip to the rubber soles.
However, it may be challenging to get a damp cloth when you’re in the middle of a game. Players caught in such a predicament often find themselves having to use saliva or sweat as the moistening ingredient to their shoes.
So, if you’re wondering why some players lick their hands then rub their shoes in the middle of the game, then this might be the answer – They’re moistening the soles of the shoes so they can move quickly around the basketball court.
This can also help increase ball handling as the moisture left in the palm can add a bit more grip to the basketball.
2. Rub Vaseline to Keep Your Soles Moist
At first, you may find that rubbing vaseline on basketball shoes to be counterintuitive for the purpose of adding traction. It is, after all, often used as a lubricant in our day-to-day activities.
However, it has the valuable property of moisture retention. Therefore, applying a thin enough layer of vaseline on your basketball shoes can help you keep the traction for extended periods.
3. Use Sand Paper to Add Traction
Much like the tread on car tires, the rubber soles of basketball shoes are physically designed to maximize traction on the court. However, the soles get so worn that it loses their grooves.
For these occasions, rubbing sandpaper on your soles can give your old shoes some renewed grooves. However, this may be a temporary fix. The grooves’ rough surface can easily smoothen out again with use.
This method, therefore, might last you one or two games before you have to do it again.
4. Apply Specially Formulated Gels and Lotions
Enterprising companies saw a demand for products aimed at improving traction on basketball shoes and decided to develop specially crafted products for this purpose. And there have been many iterations of these products.
There are from traction mats that aim to get rid of dust quickly and efficiently, chemical shoe grip sprays that react with rubber soles, to grip lotions for basketball shoes; we have plenty of products to choose from that promises to answer the age-old question of how to give your shoes more grip.
5. Thorough Cleaning
If these methods no longer work for you, then maybe it’s time to get your shoes some TLC and give them a good cleaning session. Accumulated dirt in between the grooves, dust, and other factors may be causing your shoes to slide on the surface of the court.
If this is the case, a thorough brushing may go a long way in adding some much-needed grip back to basketball shoes.
Can You Resole Basketball Shoes? But, if you really need to get traction back on your shoes as if you just unboxed it, then you may want to resolve them. It’s a drastic measure, but it’s sure much less expensive than buying a new pair.
There are a lot of shoe repair shops and services that specialize in resoling shoes meant for use in sport. Suppose you can find soles with better groove designs; this might make traction even better than its original state. However, it’s important to note that since resoling involves taking the shoes apart and putting them back together, the integrity of your shoes depends mainly on the skills of the craftsman doing the resoling of your shoes.
How to Maintain Basketball Shoes Grip: 3 Tips As the adage goes, “Prevention is better than cure.
” The same is true for your basketball shoes. In this case, to prevent your shoes from becoming too slippery, it’s crucial to be proactive.
Here’s a couple of interesting tips:
1. Keep Your Shoes Clean
One of the main culprits of slippery basketball shoes is dust accumulated on the soles. A build-up of dust reduces the friction between your soles and the court.
While dust can often be easily cleaned off with a damp cloth, there are times when especially fine dust can get so embedded this method can no longer get it off. In this case, a good rub with a stiff brush is the only way to get rid of persistent dust particles.
2. Clean the Surface of the Playing Court
Sometimes, the floor gets so dusty that it makes players slide across the court no matter how clean their shoes are. So, if you’re worried about traction, it may be worth investing some extra time sweeping and mopping the floor before tip-off.
Doing so can prevent injuries and make everyone more effective on the court, making the game more enjoyable for both spectators and players.
3. Don’t Use Your Basketball Shoes for Non-Basketball-Related Activities
There will come a time when your basketball shoes will lose their grooves. When this time comes, it’s probably time to retire them because no amount of vaseline, shoe grip sprays, or lotions can restore their original traction.
However, simply not using your basketball shoes for non-basketball activities can help you prolong your shoes’ lifespan. Basketball-specific shoes, after all, are quite a bit more expensive than regular walking shoes, so maybe saving them for the activity that it was intended for might be the intelligent thing to do.
Wrapping Things Up: How to Add Grip to Basketball Shoes? Traction is an essential feature for basketball shoes. It does not only help athletes move quicker and faster on the court, but it also helps them slow down quickly to avoid collisions and prevent injuries. Therefore, it’s crucial to monitor your shoe’s grip each time you play.
Once you find that the traction isn’t to your liking, there are a couple of ways to add more grip to their basketball shoes. Some players like to moisten the soles, and others like to spray special chemicals and compounds.
Of course, you can also try to prevent your shoes from becoming slippery in the first place by thorough cleaning, preventing overuse, and dusting off the basketball court.
Did you find this post helpful? Then you may also like our other basketball FAQ here.
> Why Do Basketball Players Wipe the Bottoms of Their Shoes?
> How Should Basketball Shoes Fit?
> How to Style Basketball Shorts?
Lord of the Ring: how to choose shoes for basketball
What you need to know when choosing shoes for basketball.
Author: Roman Huseynov
An interesting fact - one of the richest and most recognizable athletes in the world is Michael Jordan.
Needless to say, if people recognize him not even from a photograph, but from the silhouette of an athlete flying in a branded jump to the ring. Another fact is not obvious - Michael earned most of his fortune not by playing basketball (which is undoubtedly beautiful), but by sneakers.
Basketball shoes have been around for over a hundred years! In the beginning, they were just rag sneakers with very thin rubber soles. Their appearance and characteristics remained almost unchanged for the first 50 years.
Only at the end of the 60s did the first models specifically for playing basketball appear on the market. In the 80s, there was a real boom in basketball shoes. Many brands realized the potential of the game and its market and released their models.
Evolution gave way to revolution, and sneakers became more and more technologically advanced. In the 2000s, the technologies and materials used to develop basketball shoes, in terms of the complexity of manufacturing and design, become comparable to a Formula 1 car!
At the same time, old models are increasingly becoming elements of street culture.
While professionals choose other models, fans do not forget about the past.
The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing basketball shoes is the fixation of the ankle at the sneakers. Ankle injury is the most common among basketball players, and it's best to do your best to avoid it.
Traditionally, there are three types of models:
- High sneakers . They started the basketball era. They give you great ankle support and ankle protection, but you have to sacrifice your speed on the court as these shoes restrict your movement. Most often, these models are chosen by basketball players with a universal style of play.
- Medium trainers . More speed - more freedom of action! But, alas, the risk of injury is higher. Best suited for experienced basketball players whose main weapon is speed.
- Low sneakers . The most maneuverable, light and free.
Maximum movement speed. Great for athletes with an active play style. Rarely found among professionals, but little by little they find their niche.
Remember, however, that even the highest sneakers will not save you from a strong blow or dislocation. The most important protection is the good training of the athlete and the pumping of the most used joints in the game.
The second important point is to understand where you plan to play. Traditionally, shoes are divided into models for the hall and for the street. Sneakers will vary in the degree of rigidity of the sole.
For outdoor and hard surfaces, the is a hard-soled sneaker. For the hall and artificial surfaces - with soft. The tread pattern is usually made in the shape of a herringbone - this gives the shoe additional friction and braking control. Cushioning is critical, so be sure to pay attention to the composition of the sole.
When choosing shoes for children , you should pay attention to models with Velcro and elastic bands - they are quickly and easily tied, and also securely fix the foot.
At the dawn of the basketball era, sneakers were mostly leather. Strong and durable, these shoes have served basketball players well. But with the development of the industry, the skin was gradually replaced by plastic and synthetic materials - they are stronger, lighter, the foot breathes better in them. Moreover, the wear resistance and fixation level of synthetics are sometimes much higher than that of leather.
Therefore, do not be afraid to purchase sneakers made of polyester or polyurethane. They will fit snugly on the leg and will serve you for a long time.
How helpful was this material?
Which basketball shoes to choose for volleyball
More and more players can see shoes that are not volleyball at all.
Many athletes began to give preference to basketball models, and we decided to find out why this is happening.
The choice of volleyball players is easily explained by the fact that volleyball shoes should perform similar functions to basketball shoes:
· provide reliable protection of the ankle and the entire arch of the foot;
· provide a strong grip;
Reduce stress on joints with cushioning technology.
Below we will look at the models of basketball shoes that we recommend to take a volleyball player.
Adidas HARDEN VOL. 6
Basketball bestseller - model from James Harden Harden Vol. 6. Sneakers of medium profile, made of a dense textile top and leather inserts. For a more comfortable fixation of the foot, there are two loops on the tongue.
The inner heel area features soft pads for a comfortable fit and ankle protection. As a shock absorber, the well-known BOOST foam is installed. adidas Harden Vol. 6 with its characteristics are perfect for volleyball players!
Buy: Adidas HARDEN VOL.
6
Anta KLAY THOMPSON KT7
Golden State Warriors offensive guard Clay Thompson signature shoe.
The highlight is the Nitrospeed midsole, which provides powerful cushioning in a lightweight package. Smart S.A.M technology in the heel area absorbs shock, reduces pressure on the joints and provides additional heel support.
A durable rubber outsole with a unique wave pattern provides traction. Nike LEBRON WITNESS VI
The 6th model of famous basketball player LeBron James.
They are made of light synthetic material with a combination of dense fabric on the back. The main feature was - a pronounced lateral support in the form of a solid rubber plate smoothly passing into the sole.
This version of the shoe replaces the Zoom Air cushioning with the classic Max Air cushioning for superior shock absorption and responsiveness. The outsole pattern is made in the form of a classic herringbone, which has a good effect on traction.
Buy: Adidas TRAE YOUNG 1
Nike GIANNIS IMMORTALITY
Giannis Giannis Antetokounbo signature basketball shoes - Nike Immortality - Nike Immortality.
These low-top basketball shoes have a lightweight fabric upper made from thin, ventilated engineered mesh jacquard with fuse overlays in high-wear areas.
Full Phylon midsole with small cutouts to reduce weight and improve cushioning. A thick outsole with an original design, designed to dampen impacts and confidently keep the player on the court. The outsole is made of durable rubber with a classic herringbone pattern.
Buy: Nike GIANNIS IMMORTALITY
Adidas DAME 8
Damian Lillard's 8th signature shoe.
Sneakers made of textile and polymer materials. 25% of the upper elements are at least 50% recycled materials. Basketball style design with chunky padded collar.
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.
Buy: Adidas DAME 8
Nike KD TREY 5 IX The 9th model of NBA star Kevin Durant's signature shoe.
Lightweight, layered mesh upper adds breathability and support. Cushioning comes from Nike Renew technology, soft foam wrapped in firmer foam for added resilience. Zoom Air cushioning absorbs shock and returns energy with every step.
Wave-patterned rubber outsole resists slips and rolls on the court. Nike KD TREY 5 IX
A-Flashedge midsole that is lighter, more flexible, stronger and more cushioning for longer. A specially designed lacing and harness system allows for a customized fit for any foot. The mid arch uses a TPU insert that protects the foot from twisting and tucking. Outsole with a racing track pattern provides durable traction on any surface.
