Selecting the Right Basketball Shoes for You
The right basketball shoes are a must for getting the
most out of your basketball camps, games and practices. While some kids may pay more attention to how stylish their shoes are, there are a number of important factors to consider when buying basketball shoes.
So before summer basketball camps and training at Triple Threat Academy begin make sure you have the right pair of shoes to get the most out of your time on the court. Some important factors to remember when shopping for basketball shoes include, Fit, Durability, Price, and Support.
Fit
Far and away the most important factor when it comes to picking a pair of basketball shoes. No matter how a pair of shoes looks, the player will be uncomfortable, unhappy, and maybe even unsafe if they don’t fit properly. Basketball is a high-impact game that puts a very large amount of stress on feet, ankles, and knees. If shoes don’t fit correctly, that impact is not properly absorbed by the body, and injuries or health problems are much more likely to occur.
A shoe that is too loose (or simply doesn’t mold around the foot correctly) is a recipe for a twisted ankle, or too much impact on the knees. A shoe that’s too tight can result in injured toes or arches. As a result, it’s very important to buy basketball shoes in person, where you can try them on, run and jump in them before you purchase them.
Durability
It’s also important to consider how a shoe handles wear and tear before buying it. Between practice and games, basketball season is usually three to four months long; if you add in summer practices, AAU leagues and Triple Threat basketball camps, your basketball shoes are going to have to withstand six to eight months of rough wear. The reality of most basketball shoes is that they are often only designed to withstand one or two months of play.
While basketball shoes are still wearable even after they start to age, they become less safe to wear on the court because the fit, support, and absorption benefits begin to fade. So it’s important to find a durable pair.
Price
Price is a very important factor when it comes to basketball shoe selection. While it’s true that the absolute cheapest pairs aren’t usually the best pairs, it’s also true that many basketball shoes have inflated prices for reasons that don’t pertain to fit, safety, or practicality.
Some shoes are absurdly priced not because they’re great for playing basketball, but because they’re fashionable status symbols. As a result, don’t just buy the most expensive pair hoping that it’ll be the best quality. It’s always possible to find the right shoe in your preferred price bracket.
Support
The best way to support your ankles while playing basketball is with athletic tape. That said, it certainly doesn’t hurt to also have shoes that offer strong ankle support. Ankle support varies from shoe to shoe, so it’s important to find a pair of basketball shoes that has strong support. It’s crucial, though, to make sure that there’s still ample room for movement.
Some shoes have such overbearing ankle support that it limits the ankle’s range of motion, which is less than ideal. Finding a proper balance between movement and support is key when searching for a pair of basketball shoes.
The Right Basketball Shoes Make Better Players
Before hitting the court to play it’s important to make sure you have the best basketball shoes. With these tips, you should be able to find the perfect pair of basketball shoes so that you are ready to go when TTA basketball camps begin. And be sure to try on a number of different pairs to get the one the fits best. It will be time well spent.
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