You’ll Need Good Shoes For Basketball

Signing Up for an Adult Basketball League? You’ll Need Good Shoes

If you’ve finally decided that the time is right to sign up for an adult basketball league, there are a few things you should do to prepare for your first game. Of course, you will want to brush up on your dribbling, passing, and shooting skills, and you’ll want to make sure you understand the rules. If you haven’t already, you will also need to make sure you’ve invested in a good pair of sneakers. Below, you’ll learn what you need to look for in a pair of basketball shoes.

Why Are Basketball Shoes Important?
Choosing the right shoes for basketball can make a big impact on your game and is important for preventing injury. In every basketball game you are constantly running, jumping, and changing direction, so ensuring that your feet, ankles, knees, and even hips are properly supported by your shoes is imperative.

Steps to Buying Basketball Shoes
When buying basketball shoes, it’s always best to go to a store that specializes in adult sporting goods. Then, follow these steps:

Step 1: While at the sporting goods store, have your foot professionally measured. Many people actually buy and wear the wrong size shoes, and this can cause serious problems. Aside from your size number, you may also need a special width for the proper fit.

Step 2: Determine your playing style. If you move quickly and all over the court, choose a light shoe that offers some cushion, but is still flexible and supportive. If you are a power player, who might not move as quickly, but you move with force, choose a shoe that is heavier and offers maximum cushioning, with good traction.

Step 3: Make sure your shoe offers the protection you need. Though it’s true that a high-top shoe is ideal for players who want the best possible protection, many players find they can’t move as easily and instead opt for mid- or low-top basketball shoes. As a new player, a high-top may be the best option. If you plan to use ankle braces in your shoes, be sure to bring the braces with you as you try on various sneaker styles.

Step 4: There are different shoes meant for indoors and outdoors, so make sure you are selecting the correct ones for your basketball league. Indoor shoes tend to be lighter, while outdoor shoes tend to have heavier soles. Also, avoid purchasing black soled shoes for indoor leagues, as they can leave marks on the gym floor, which could cause you to sit out a game.

Step 5:  Test how well they fit, and make sure you’re wearing socks similar to those that you’ll wear during your games. There should only be a small amount of space – about ½ an inch to ¾ of an inch – between your toe and the end of the shoe. The shoe should fit snuggly, but not too tight or too loose.   

Make sure to replace your basketball shoes as needed in order to keep your game sharp and prevent injuries. In particular, if you’re wearing the shoes several times a week or for activities other than your games, you should replace them once a season. When buying shoes, pay more attention to comfort and features than brand and appearance. This will often save you money, and most importantly it will protect your feet and ankles.

Related Content: 5 Ways to Train for an Indoor Basketball League