Today’s basketball shoes are as much of a fashion statement as athletic gear, so let’s get the lowdown on the highs, mids and lows.
University of Connecticut forward Alex Karaban picks up his lost shoe / Photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated
By: Tyler Church
Sneakers are an essential part of the basketball look. But today, choosing the right one can be a complicated matter. As a customer, there are ultimately three pillars of a good basketball shoe: performance, or how well the shoe serves you on the court; style, or how good it looks on your feet and worth, or how much the shoe costs compared to its quality. As someone who both sold basketball shoes for nearly my entire adolescence and played basketball nearly my entire life, I can promise that these three deliberations require analysis that goes far beyond the sneaker box art.
Basketball shoes and their influence have seeped far beyond the sport itself, becoming mainstream fashion. Yet performance still matters. And with prices sometimes surging to well over $200 for a pair, making the right choice is an investment. Not all expensive shoes perform well, either.
For Jelani “Champ” Howard, this push and pull of requirements means careful consideration.
“I’ve bought a ton of shoes,” Howard said. “I would say every year, from seventh grade to my senior year, I bought two pairs of shoes.”
Howard has been playing basketball for nearly two decades. He was on the court all the way through high school. Once he got to college, he covered the sport until he graduated as the University of Minnesota’s student newspaper, the Minnesota Daily,’s sports editor.
Shoe selection can be a careful balance, Howard said. Whether you plan to wear them for fashion or for sport, you need to look at them as a multipurpose item. Even if you plan to use them for daily fashionable wear, you still need to ensure they are right for you to play in, just in case you need an emergency in-game pair. Here are some things to look for:
Important Considerations
Traction
Traction is absolutely one of the most important considerations you should make when finding the right shoe. Basketball is a sport that relies heavily on a player’s ability to change direction quickly and repeatedly, so you need to ensure that your shoe has the traction and grip pattern to support those movements.
Support
Good support in a basketball sneaker helps keep the foot and ankle stable, preventing injury when making those cuts or landing from a jump. Much of this support depends on the type of shoe, whether it be a high-, mid- or low-top, or the fit of the shoe.
Comfort and Size
If you’re looking to spend any amount of time wearing a shoe, you should look for something that feels comfortable and snug on your feet. Factors such as breath ability, cushion and fit all play important roles in making sure you’re at your best when you’re on the court. For general guidance on the sizing of a basketball shoe, most experts and shoe testers recommend a quarter to a half inch between the tip of your big toe and the tip of the shoe. That space helps to create breathing room for your feet, but keeps the shoe snug enough to prevent slippage.
Longevity and Durability
If you’re spending good money on a shoe, you will likely want a shoe that lasts. Due to the extreme forces that are exerted during the game of basketball, shoes often wear down much more quickly than a normal pair of everyday shoes. Because of this, you should consider the materials the shoes are made of and the reviews of players who have spent more than just a few hours on the court with the sneakers. More robust materials and thicker uppers will often give a shoe more time on the court, but will limit factors such as breath ability and overall comfort.
Price
Basketball shoes are known to be expensive, so it’s important that you set clear limits on what you’re willing to spend for a solid sneaker. Shoes often range from as little as $80 to well over $200, but I recommend setting a limit somewhere around $125 for the right pair. Anything over that, you’re likely to overspend. For pairs under that, you may have to sacrifice quality to save a couple of bucks.
Aesthetics
While often underrated, aesthetics have recently become extremely important in the world of basketball. Even if your shoes feel great and check all other boxes, you’ll likely hear about it from opponents and even teammates. In today’s day and age, looking good on the court can be as essential as every other factor. When buying shoes, it’s always worthwhile to consider the colorway and any potential special editions you can get your hands on. If you’re planning on investing in a pair, Howard said, make sure it fits your look; otherwise, you’ll be wasting your money.
“It has to look cool,” Howard said. “I don’t want to wear a shoe that doesn’t look great.”
Shoes by Position
Guards
Guards need to consistently be some of the most mobile players on the court. As a guard, you’re expected to be light on your feet and extremely mobile. Because of this, most guards typically gravitate towards lighter shoes with more traction and bounce, often low-top sneakers. This means shoes like Under Armour’s Curry 12, Nike’s Kyrie 4 and, recently, the Sabrina 2.
Forwards
As a forward, you’ll likely be expected to be the most athletic person on the court at any given moment. Lots of jumping, cutting and general movement mean forwards need an agile shoe with lots of ankle support to limit injury. Aim for a mid- or high-top sneaker with good grip and solid durability. For years, Nike’s KD line of sneakers has been a go-to for some of the most dynamic athletes in the world, making them a popular choice for forwards.
Centers
Big men are often heavy on their feet and constantly jumping, so they’ll need a shoe that supports these movements. As a center or power forward, expect to need a shoe with lots of ankle support and durability. Taller players tend to prefer heavier shoes, so be aware that much of what you will find will likely feel heavier on your feet. From my experience, shoes such as the Nike LeBron 20 and the 361 Joker 1 have maintained popularity among big men, though the newer LeBron 23 seems to have established itself as a mainstay for centers and power forwards.