How to find the best shoes for basketball?
When looking for the best basketball shoes, it is important to take into consideration what exactly you are buying them for. Do you play basketball professionally, do you play for fun, or do you just like the style and look of these models?
Once you answer those questions you will know what to look for.
We will leave the fashion question aside for women interested in zumba or kangoo jumping, and will concentrate on the things to look for when shopping for the best pair of basketball shoes which you will use for actual ball games.
First of all, the models, the ankle height, and the weight and flexibility of the basketball shoes can differ depending on the position you are playing on the court.
The shoe models differ depending on whether you are a point guard, a shooting guard, a small forward, a power forward or a center player.
POINT GUARDS
For the basketball shoes for point guards must be lighter, durable for the explosiveness of today’s point guard game, and as a recent trend these are often low top shoes. Given all the amazing players we currently see playing point guards, it is no surprise that the leading brands are competing to create the coolest signature sneaker lines for the One position in the basketball game.
SHOOTING GUARDS
If you are playing as one of the shooting guards on your team, then you should choose shoes which offer better and more stable ankle support. When playing the sharpshooter of the team, the low cut models which offer the ultimate high performance and extra lightness and cushioning are recommended for those playing the shooting guard position.
SMALL FORWARDS
The players who play as small forwards on the basketball court can differ very much in their player style ranging from powerful and strong to agile and swift. Thus the shoes you should choose when playing this position largely depends on your playing style. The classic choices for shoes for players in this position are the models from the Nike and Jordan brands. They are of both types – low cut, light and flexible models vs high-top, heavier and durable ones for those who play down low.
POWER FORWARDS
The best choice for the power forwards must provide ultimate comfort, ample ankle protection and the maximum levels of support, which means that the high-top models or mid-cut ones are recommended for those playing the power forward position in the game.
CENTERS
The shoes for centers are required to be as durable as possible, to provide ankle protection because of the risk of rolling ankles, and also to provide extra cushioning and support.
Of course, no matter what position you play on the team, you must always look for the model which offers a good fit and feels comfortable. For those who actively play basketball, it is a good idea to measure your feet before buying a new pair of sneakers, because even after the years of active growing are over, the foot shape and size continues to change with time.
Always try before you buy. You can even do several jumps in the store and some movement to get the feel of the sneakers.
Also, as with other shoes, when you are trying them on, wear the type of socks you will be wearing when playing. It is a good idea to get basketball shoes which offer a snug fit, but remember to buy a size which has at least a finger width of space from the longest toe to the shoe.
ANKLE HEIGHT
The ankle height of the basketball shoes is also a matter of playing style and personal preference. Get high top shoes if you feel comfortable playing with shoes which offer the maximum support to the ankles but remember that this extra material makes them heavier and bulkier than other models.
The mid top shoes allow more freedom of the movement than the high tops. These models are the most popular ones and are an excellent choice for beginners and for all-round players.
The low top basketball shoes (some of which can even double as crossfit shoes ) offer very little ankle support but they are remarkably light and flexible. They have become a popular choice in the last several years, so more brands are producing low top basketball training shoes today.
Top Brands
Last but not least, when choosing the right basketball shoes, you naturally would want to buy a model made by a preferred producer. There are a number of brands which have established themselves as leaders in the basketball shoe industry. There are also a wide variety of signature models, so you can choose your shoes according to your preferences for teams and players as well.
Nevertheless, even if you have not chosen one of these extremely good basketball shoes for yourselves, always keep in mind that the classic and reputable brands such as Nike, Reebok, Under Armour and AND 1 will probably have the right shoes to meet your athletic performance and your personal taste.
