Choosing The Right Basketball Shoes

Many young people are interested in playing basketball, which is one of the most popular sports in many countries. While they may have played some basketball games wearing their sports shoes, they are told by their coaches and other players, that they should wear basketball shoes, if they want to play basketball well. Since these players are purchasing the basketball shoes for the first time, they would like to find out what to look for in basketball shoes, so that they can make the right choice. Some tips for choosing the right basketball shoes are provided below.

While playing basketball, the player has to run fast, change direction frequently. He also has to make cuts. If he wears the standard shoes which are available, he is likely to slip while changing direction. Hence it is advisable to purchase shoes with proper traction, so that the player does not slip. The traction depends on the kind of rubber material which is being used for the soles. Soft rubber offers better grip, yet dirt will accumulate quickly, so it is mainly suitable for indoor courts. It is also less durable. In comparison to hard rubber, the grip is not very good, yet the soles are more durable.

The traction also depends on the pattern on the soles of the basketball shoes. The shoe manufacturers are using different patterns on the shoe soles, which have their own advantages and disadvantages. The herringbone pattern is the most popular pattern for shoes . It is a zigzag pattern which offers a grip in different directions. There are also gaps in the rubber, so that dirt does not accumulate. The honeycomb pattern is also used on the soles of some shoes, with hexagon shapes linked to each other. Power coral sole pattern also is popular since it offers good grip for different kinds of basketball courts.

Since the basketball player is always jumping, running and changing direction, there is a lot of pressure on the feet. While the pressure will be less for a player who is short and light in weight, for taller heavier players, the pressure is far more and can cause injuries like twisted ankles. Hence it is recommended that the player should purchase shoes with the right cut depending on the level of support which is required. High cut shoes are popular with injury prone players since they offer maximum support for the ankle and feet. Low cut shoes are suitable for lighter and shorter players who do not face injury problems.

Many players prefer medium cut basketball shoes since they offer some ankle support without being very heavy. Heavier basketball players also require more cushioning for their joints when they play the game. Hence it is necessary to have shoes with proper cushioning. The cushioning design varies depending on the brand. Some of the more popular brands like Under Armour have two layers of foam, with a softer foam layer for greater comfort, and thick firm layer for more support to the feet. The budget of the basketball player is another important consideration while choosing the right shoes.