Patricia
Are you shopping for new basketball shoes but not sure how to tell the difference between an average shoe and one that will help you take your game to the next level?
It can be a challenge to find the right shoe when you don’t know what to look for. What you might not realize is that there are several easy ways to know if the shoe you’re considering buying is right for what you need.
If you want to find out how to buy the best basketball shoes that money can buy, read on and we’ll tell you what you need to know.
Knowing How Shoe Sizes Work and How They Should Fit
Since basketball is such a demanding sport that involves making quick movements, lots of running, and plenty of jumping, you need to have a shoe that fits correctly. If you don’t, it’s possible you’ll get injured. Incorrectly fitting shoes will also hold you back from playing at your very best.
Most experts suggest that you leave at least a quarter of an inch or a half of an inch between each of your toes and in the front part of each of your shoes. If there is more space than this, you’ll probably be slipping around. If there is less space, your foot is going to feel uncomfortable and won’t be able to move as it should.
Finding the Best Basketball Shoes: A Shoe’s Basic Anatomy
In the most simple terms, there are three main parts of a basketball shoe that you should be aware of: the upper, the midsole, and the outsole. Each of these sections of a shoe plays an important part in how well the shoe will perform on and off the basketball court.
The Upper
You can break the uppers into three different parts, which are the high tops, the mid-tops, and the low-tops. When you’re looking to buy sneakers, the first thing you want to consider is what kind of upper you prefer to have.
In order to find clarity on what kind of upper is best for you, there are several other things that you should take into account. You should know what position you’re going to play on the court.
You also need to be aware of what your playing style is. Are you aggressive on the court, or do you make clear and deliberate movements?
If you have a history of injuries such as ankle sprains, you’ll probably want to invest in a high-top since this type of upper offers more protection. If you’re looking for the best basketball shoes that have a high-top, you can’t go wrong with the Air Jorden Melo. If you want to find out more about this great shoe, why not read an informative Air Jordan Melo review?
If you play as a forward or a center, it’s a good idea to invest in a high-top. The trade-off for those who purchase basketball shoes with a high-top is that they tend to be heavier.
Though mid-tops still offer support for the ankle, they don’t offer the kind of support that high-tops do. This style of upper sits comfortably around the ankle, which means that they offer more flexibility than high tops do. If you play various positions, mid-tops might be the best option for you.
Low-tops offer very little ankle support. You might consider buying them if you want to be agile on the court. They are a great option if you play as a guard or a defensive stopper.
The Midsole
You’ll find most of the cushioning on a basketball shoe on the midsole. This is an important part of any quality shoe. A good midsole should offer comfort and flexibility while also offering plenty of cushioning.
The Outsole
The outsole is the part of the shoe that gives you traction. Some outsoles are made of rubber and others are composed of synthetics. It’s important that you get a shoe that has as much grip as possible so that you won’t have a problem with changing direction and making pivots.
A quality outsole will give you the traction you need in order to keep your balance and form on your jumper. It also will help you to keep your rebounding position in the low post.
Knowing the Best Types of Shoes for Different Positions and Styles of Playing
Some people make the mistake of choosing a basketball shoe for the simple reason that they like the brands of the shoe’s colors. This can be a big mistake. When thinking about what shoe to buy, you should always think about things like what position you play and what your playing style is like.
Since a guard is a team’s main ball-handler, they need to be light-footed. This is why you should consider buying a low-top shoe if this is your main position.
Centers and forwards often score their points from the low post. Since they’re often the best at rebounds as well, it’s a good idea to have high-tops if you play this position.
Small forwards are often more fluid on their feet and are able to play many different positions. It’s best if you choose a mid-top shoe if you have a versatile playing style and prefer to play many different positions.
Once You Know What to Look For, It’s Easy to Find the Right Shoe
When you’re shopping for the best basketball shoes, remember that there is no single model that works best for everybody. If you need more support, consider buying a high-top shoe. If you want to be agile and need less support, a low-top shoe will probably work best for your needs.
If you want to find out more about choosing sports accessories that will help you perform at your best, don’t forget to check out the Health section of our website where we publish many informative articles on this topic.
