Basketball requires you to be extremely active while running, jumping, shooting, blocking and performing other moves on the court. All this running around can cause a lot of strain on the feet and hence wearing the right kind of basketball shoes is vital.
Often, wearing the wrong basketball shoes causes not only foot and ankle problems but also hip, leg and back problems. Basketball shoes can also be referred to as sneakers. Basketball shoes that are durable, a good fit, lightweight and offer maximum support are the ideal choice. Basketball shoes should also provide comfort, traction, stability, flexibility and shock absorption, as well as coming in a stylish design. The traction provided by basketball shoes prevents slipping and offers a firm support on the ground or court. A good pair of basketball shoes should also endure wear and tear and should expedite swift movements and easy transfer of body weight from one leg to the other.
Basketball shoes have been around for as long as the game itself. In 1930, Converse’s original Chuck Taylor All Stars were the first basketball shoes that gained popularity. They were made of canvas, had a high-topped upper design to support the player’s ankles and came with a hard rubber sole. Today, basketball shoes are made mostly of leather with the ever popular high-topped style and have mid-sole cushioning for extra comfort.
The upper of basketball shoes is soft and is designed to fit snugly and accurately around the foot. Most uppers are a combination of durable leather and synthetic material that prevent and absorb perspiration. Most basketball shoes have lace-lock holes to keep the laces in place. But some of them may also have zippers, Velcro or straps.
The mid-sole portion is an important part of a basketball shoe and is usually made of shock-absorbing material and soft cushioning. Compressed EVA and polyurethane are often used in the manufacture of mid-soles. The heavier the density of the cushioning in the mid-sole of the basketball shoe, the better the shock absorption and comfort level. Generally, the outer soles of basketball shoes are flat and wide, and still made of heavy-duty rubber.
Some basketball shoes come with high-tops, mid-length tops or low-cut tops to offer variety to the basketball players. High-topped basketball shoes offer good ankle support and hence are preferred by most players.
Basketball shoes for women and children are also available. Nike, Reebok, Adidas and Converse are some of the renowned manufacturers of basketball shoes. Nike’s Air Jordan series are amongst the best-selling basketball shoes and have been named after the famous basketball player Michael Jordan.
Buy on Dealtime:
