We give you a simple guide to refer to when buying your next, or even first pair of basketball shoes to play in.
At first glance, aesthetics might be the first part you’ll look for in a basketball shoe. This is understandable, given the variety of colorways and unique design philosophies employed in the countless pairs made all over the world.
But more than their unique designs, basketball shoes act as a form of protection. For starters, a proper pair mitigates a player’s injury risk and minimizes physical strain on their lower bodies.
With that, here is a quick guide on what to consider before getting your next pair of basketball shoes.
#1: Know your game
Whether it’s for your local community league, or a run with friends, ask yourself: Which position do you play? How do you play?
Are you a combo guard? A do-it-all forward? Or the tall or burly guy who would do the dirty work inside perhaps? Through this simple self-reflection, you might be able to streamline your choices for basketball shoes that will match the kind of role you play on the court.
#2: Determine your feet’s characteristics
Don’t forget to consider your own two feet when buying a pair of basketball shoes. To get more into the nitty-gritty details of it, one tip we can give you is to find out whether you are wide or narrow-footed.
For one, this allows you to gauge what size you should get for your next basketball shoe – whether it’s true to size, or a size up or down. Usually, wide-footed players might have to go a size up for their basketball shoes due to the narrow toe boxes in these shoes.
At the same time, some designs might not be for you. True to size is too small, while a size up is too big, even with proper socks. Arguably, this is a concern that most wide-footers can relate to.
#3: Good cushioning keeps the physical strain away
Simply put, cushioning lessens physical strain on your joints. Beyond ensuring comfort, these systems also act as shock absorbers, which is crucial for the long game. Of course, we all know how basketball involves lots of running and jumping within 40 to 48 minutes if timed. With this, you’ll want to make sure you have the right amount of support so in the long run, you can play for a longer time.
#4: Proper outsoles for local basketball courts
Outsoles should be a major consideration, especially in the Philippines. Most local courts here tend to be on concrete, which is way more unforgiving than hardwood courts. Should you be playing on concrete courts more, try getting a shoe with thicker outsoles.
Choosing the right outsole ensures durability for your basketball shoe, given the nature of basketball. Add in a good traction pattern, the right outsoles also provide proper grip, which is important for stability and injury prevention.
Nobody wants an easily worn down basketball shoe, or a slippery surface due to the wrong rubber right?
#5: Reviews still matter
Still undecided? Luckily, there are lots of blogs and YouTube content that perform basketball shoe reviews. While these are always subjective, these contents can provide a second, third, or fourth voice to aid your decision-making. At the end of the day, you’re the only one who will be able to know what’s right for your game.
Banner Image from Adidas Basketball on Instagram.
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