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Basketball Shoes: The Ultimate Buying Guide

Basketball Shoes: The Ultimate Buying Guide

Apr 13, 2023

These days, there are a variety of different types of basketball shoes. Some are specifically for forwards, and others are better for guards. You have options from a variety of professional NBA players, including LeBron James, Trae Young, Giannis “The Greek Freak” Antetokounmpo, Donovan Mitchell, Under Armour’s Golden Boy Steph Curry and, of course, the G.O.A.T. himself, Michael Jordan.

With the near-countless number of good basketball shoes on the market, finding the right pair may seem tricky. To keep you on top of your game both on and off the court, we’re breaking down the types of basketball shoes, how to fit them for men, women and kids, and many other need-to-know tidbits. Whether you play at the Y, on a college team or in your driveway, we’ve got the info you need to play basketball like a boss.

Nike Lebron XX

What Do I Look for When Buying Basketball Shoes?

There are a variety of different things to keep in mind when selecting good basketball shoes. Here’s a list of considerations to get you going in the right direction:

  • Look. No, style doesn’t top the priority list, but you shouldn’t disregard it. Sometimes how a shoe makes you feel is equally important as other qualities. First and foremost, select a sneak that is functional, but don’t be afraid to go for a little flash or the latest colorway either.
  • Feel. Sometimes a shoe’s medial areas are made of stiffer materials for added stability and increased protection against ankle rolls. Look for a moderate to thin layer of cushioning in the midsole region to ensure a solid base without losing comfort.
  • Durability. A shoe that can’t last through the season isn’t worth it, plain and simple. When the fabric and seams stretch out (whether it’s after one month or one year), your shoes lose their ability to provide proper support. While a sneaker with extra weight usually equates to more durability, plenty of lightweight shoes are built to last as well.
  • Skill. A weekend warrior who plays every other Sunday probably needs a different type of basketball shoe than a D1 athlete. Think about how often you play and your level of competition before deciding which shoe you need.
  • Build. Bigger players like LeBron James and Zion Williamson need a lot more support than smaller, faster guys like Steph Curry or Chris Paul. An NBA star’s signature sneakers will often reflect their body type and playing position. Don’t be afraid to go with a more well-rounded option if your build doesn’t match up to a particular style.

How Much Do Good Basketball Shoes Cost?

A player’s ability doesn’t come down to how much their basketball shoes cost or even what brand they’re wearing. With that in mind, set a reasonable budget to find the type of basketball shoe that fits your needs. Here are some price ranges to help you out:

  • Men’s Shoes: $65 to $225
  • Women’s Shoes: $70 to $200
  • Kids’ Shoes: $40 to $200
Reebok Question

How Should They Fit?

When searching for good basketball shoes, select kicks that provide a comfortable upper made with the right materials for your playing style. Do you need serious stability, or do you prefer more flexibility and a sock-like fit? Basketball shoes constructed with leather uppers are solid, sturdy sneaks that don’t bend as easily as sneakers built with breathable, more flexible synthetic materials.

While the old-school styles from brands like Nike and Jordan often rely on thicker, durable materials like leather, many newer models, such as those from Paul George’s line, employ a blend of mesh overlays to meld comfort with reliability. Both are great options but keep in mind that leather will wear over time, loosening the shoes’ fit.

Additionally, you should leave approximately one-quarter to one-half inch between the big toe and the end of the shoe. In terms of width, the shoe should fit comfortably without feeling too snug or too loose.

What Are the Best Basketball Shoe Brands?

Some of the top basketball shoe brands include Nike, Jordan, adidas and Under Armour. However, it doesn’t always come down to the brand when finding the best shoe. Remember: The best shoe is the right one for you, regardless of brand.

Under Armour Curu

What Sole Material is Best for Good Basketball Shoes?

Did you know basketball players usually run anywhere from one to two miles each game? All that motion can take a toll on players’ feet and overall energy, making it extra important for their basketball shoes to provide game-long comfort and responsiveness. That’s why you should look heavily at the midsole and outsole of your bball shoe:

  • Midsole: This part of the shoe is located between the upper and the outsole and is the source of the shoe’s cushioning and energy return. Most types of basketball shoes are built with traditional EVA midsoles, a lightweight, compression-resistant foam. Options for more tech-heavy advancements in midsole materials include Nike’s Air, Zoom and React tech, Under Armour’s HOVR system, Reebok’s Hexalite material and adidas’ Boost cushioning.
  • Outsole: Basketball players need optimal traction to quickly change direction or stop and start on a dime. An ultra-grippy outsole is a crucial component for good basketball shoes. The kick’s outsole is where the rubber quite literally meets the road. (Or in this case, the hardcourt.) This outermost part of a sneaker’s sole is typically made of rubber or synthetic materials and features traction-grabbing patterns like concentric-circle pivot points and hexagonal or herringbone patterns. Newer models may include graduated, multi-angle blades that deliver enhanced on-court grip. An added bonus on any type of basketball shoe is an outsole that curves along the shoe’s sides to help maintain traction throughout your entire step while optimizing your ability to roll through your stride.
Air Jordan

How Do I Choose a Shoe for My Specific Position?

Do you prefer to drop buckets from outside the arc or get down and dirty inside the paint? Think about how you like to play and where you’re most likely to find yourself on the court before choosing a shoe. The right basketball sneak (accompanied by the optimal sole and height) can help enhance your on-the-court performance while boosting your confidence in the process. Here are some tips on how height can help:

  • Low tops optimize speed and agility and are an excellent go-to choice for guards since they provide flexibility at the ankle.
  • Mid tops provide a happy medium for players who want something in between rigid ankle support and unrestricted flexibility. They’re also good basketball shoes for players who aren’t sure of their position yet.
  • High tops deliver extra ankle support for enhanced stability. Forwards and centers prefer them to ease the strain on their ankles and feet.

Anatomy of the Basketball Shoe

  • Toe cap
  • Upper
  • Toe vamp or toe box
  • Eye stays and eyelets
  • Midsole
  • Outsole
  • Heel counter
  • Heel tab
  • Tongue
  • Throat

This season, let Hibbett | City Gear hook you up with your next pair of good basketball shoes. If you prefer to shop locally, our in-store professionals can pair you with the type of basketball shoes best-suited for your playing position, style and budget. You can also shop online for this season’s latest basketball shoes. Do you have questions about your size? No problem! Just refer to our shoe size measurement and size conversion guides for assistance.

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