The sneaker game these days is huge. People are spending thousands of dollars to snag that limited edition basketball shoe; mostly retro Jordan’s. I do love playing basketball but I don’t have the passion to collect sneakers. I just can’t see what the big deal is.
Recently though I have found myself thinking about the basketball shoes I have worn during the 21 years of playing basketball and wondered which shoes have been the best.
Background on what I look for in a basketball shoe
When I look at a basketball shoe I look for three things.
- How much does it weigh
- The sole of the shoe
- Lacing system of the shoe
Weight of a basketball shoe
During my time at the Tigers I was given free shoes so I wasn’t particular about what I wore. I wore whatever I was given to me. But for the last 10 years when I was purchasing my own shoes I have been purchasing it from Eastbay.
Eastbay has a great range of shoes with a lot of product information. I find the reviews and weight information very helpful. Eastbay’s listing of show weight helps me make my selection. I will never buy a shoe more than 13 ounces which is around 370 grams. That’s each shoe by the way!
As I am a point guard I like a lightweight shoe because speed is/was a big component of the way I played the game.
The sole of a basketball shoe
I will not touch anything that is not herringbone sole. Period! The shoe I currently play with is a full Herringbone sole.
Nike has done a lot of research into the best grip pattern and this article is worth a read. Inside access: the science of traction.
“Current research revealed that while the early design was effective, the herringbone pattern provides optimal traction. Creative takes on herringbone are used today in top-performing basketball shoe outsoles including the KD7, KYRIE 1 and KOBE 9.”
Personally speaking the herringbone sole allows me to get maximum grip on my first step. I rely on my first step quickness to get past a defender to penetrate and draw the D. The great thing the herringbone grip allows me to do it pull up quickly for a midrange jump shot. With other styles of soles I find during a quick pull up I lose my feet and get off balance on a jump shot.
If you are like me and are very active on defence the herringbone sole gives me the ability to maintain grip when defensive sliding laterally. The last thing I want happening is to slip and fall if someone crosses me over.
Lacing systems of a basketball shoe
Having a good looking basketball shoe is a great thing. Shoes these days are works of art. But I find there is a fine line of making something look good and being practical on the basketball court. In my time playing basketball I have seen a volume of different lacing systems. I have tried some of them but as the shoe gets older the laces tear through or the velcro straps lose their ability to stick.
I always go with a conventional lacing systems and try to get shoes with the lace holes reinforced with rubber or plastic grommets. This prevents the laces from tearing through the holes. I tie my shoes tight and pull on the laces as a result I have torn through lacing holes. When this happens the shoe becomes useless; I’m unable to tie the shoes tight.
High, mid or low cut basketball shoes?
In the past I’ve always stuck to high cut basketball shoes. I had issues turning my ankle and have torn ligaments in both my ankles. Since I started wearing ASO ankle braces I have been a bit more flexible with the cut of the shoe I wear.
Recently I have been wearing mid and low cut basketball shoes. I find them to be a lot more comfortable than the high cuts. High cut basketball shoes get tight around the ankle with my braces.
When choosing your game basketball shoe make sure you are choosing one that fits correctly to your foot and is comfortable. Don’t try and fit into a shoe because it looks good. I did that and missed half a season due to a plantar fascia injury. Find out what fit works for you by visiting Athletes Foot or a JD Sports store. They have special foot scanners with a staff of exports that can fit you into the perfect shoe.
What basketball shoe are you wearing now?
