Category: Basketball Shoes

If you’re looking to buy basketball shoes in Australia it may seem like there are endless options to choose from. In today’s shoe market, these can range from very cheap up to thousands of dollars. With so much variety and an overwhelming amount of information, it can be tempting to just opt for the cheapest choice— but is this a good idea?

The truth is, very cheap basketball shoes (under $50) come with a hidden price tag. Not only do they generally have lower technology and outdated designs, they are also less durable, meaning they may end up costing you more in the long run.

Today we explore the topic: very cheap basketball shoes, are they a good idea? Let’s begin by looking at the primary disadvantages of very low cost shoes.

1. Less than optimal performance technology

Producers of extremely cheap basketball shoes in Australia aren’t concerned about giving you the best experience, they’re concerned about keeping costs downs. As a result, they often sacrifice on shoe technology. While this isn’t an end of the world scenario, your legs will have to compensate for it and it may hinder your in-game performance.

Luckily, there are affordable basketball shoes with sound technology in the market. For example, the Gamma 2.0 features a high performance PU chassis and a full length injected EVA midsole for just over $100.

2. Outdated designs

Similarly, cheap shoes are sometimes cheap because they are old. This implies outdated, subpar technology and designs that have now gone out of fashion. While these might have been okay or even good when they first came out, it’s likely there are better affordable options available today. After all, with advancements in basketball shoe technology in Australia and research and development from companies across the world, brands are constantly updating their shoes to improve comfort, flexibility and visual appeal.

3. Most are not durable

Cheap basketball shoes are almost always made out of cheap, low-cost and low-quality materials. Unfortunately, it follows that cheap shoes tend to be lower quality and quickly suffer wear and tear. While you may be considering super cheap basketball shoes in Australia to save money, having to buy a replacement pair in just a few months might end up costing you more than if you had just invested in good shoes in the first place.

For example, the Tai Chi Racers are currently priced at $130. This may seem a little bit pricy at first, but it is important to consider their durability. As it turns out, buying a pair of the Tai Chi Racers is most likely cheaper in the long run than purchasing multiple pairs of low-cost shoes that just keep on breaking.

So is buying very cheap basketball shoes a good idea? In short, the answer is no. However, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on shoes to ensure optimal performance and durability. And1 is a leading provider of basketball shoes in Australia, offering a wide range of budget-friendly quality shoes that last. To find out more, visit the And1 Australia webpage today.

Fast-paced and agility-focused, basketball is a great team sport for kids. But, owing to the athleticism involved, it can increase the risk of injury to their ankles, feet and knees.

Luckily, And1 has the kids’ basketball shoes Australia needs to keep our young players shooting for the stars. Here are some tips on how they, combined with skill-specific exercises, can help prevent injury.

FOOT INJURIES

There’s no doubt that court surface plays a role in the likelihood of a basketballer injuring their feet. While wooden, indoor courts provide the most shock absorption, in reality, games will sometimes be played on more punishing surfaces, like concrete.

Jumping, running and making sharp rapid turns can put basketballers at risk of plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, achilles heel, and, sesamoiditis, a painful injury where the tendons of the foot become inflamed.

To minimise risk, look for footwear with features such as moulded side panels for increased lateral support, outriggers for swift cuts, and fixed internal footbeds for cushioning – and encourage lots of stretching.

ANKLE INJURIES

Junior basketball means at least 30 minutes of jumping, block-outs and cuts, during which a young player can roll their foot, land badly, or even stand on a fellow player, all of which can damage the ankle.

Studies have shown that high top or high cut shoes can limit ankle motion during planting and cutting because they provide valuable stability.

Look for junior kicks like the Spin Move which have low profile EVA cushioning to ensure a soft and connected landing.

ACL INJURIES

Very few players are unfamiliar with the pain of an ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injury. This crucial ligament, one of four that stabilises the knee, gets a real workout on the basketball court, where rapid direction changes, jumping and pivoting are key.

Serious ACL injuries require surgery, so it pays to prevent them at all costs, though a combination of targeted strength training, stretching and, of course, well-fitting shoes that provide traction, stability, cushioning and grip.

The Pulse Mid 2.0 feature a radial herringbone sole pattern and thin-ribbed treads increase court contact to limit bad landings.

APOPHYSEAL INJURIES

These injuries, which range from soreness right through to fractures, are specific to children and happen where tendons and bones meet, such as in the heel and shin.

The underdeveloped nature of kid’s bodies make these injuries more likely but is also what gives junior players their impressive flexibility.

To support this hypermobility, and ensure they have the confidence to shoot or steal without worrying about sitting out the season, look for a shoe with a cushioned and fixed internal footbed.

START WITH A SAFE FOUNDATION

Of course, injury prevention always beats treatment. Targeted stretching, balance training and stability exercises – such as standing on one leg on a balance dome – and exercises that improve core strength, like planks and skipping, are vital.
With the right conditioning and well-fitted, purpose-designed shoes, you can ensure your junior basketballer spends more time on layups – and less time being laid up.

For all basketball players, the choice of on-court shoes is an integral part of their performance. If you play basketball and you want to know how to choose the right basketball shoe, then it’s going to be vital to avoid the pitfalls and ensure you are making the right decisions.

First of all, the court where you are going to play, plays a role. When playing on an outdoor court, the court can be harder and often the natural elements (dust, dirt, grass and rain) can come into play. Therefore, you will need a shoe with a sole that won’t break easily, a sole that is strong and will last all the wear and tear that often comes with outdoor courts. In most cases, basketball shoes are made for indoor use unless otherwise stated. So if purchasing a shoe for outdoor use – look for a shoe that specifies that it is suitable for outdoor courts (the Tai Chi is one of our favs) or know that in purchasing a basketball specific shoe – wearing them on hard outdoor courts may mean they don’t last as long.

Size Matters

Having decided on which court surface, the next thing to look out for is the right shoe size. Generally, your foot should be comfortable inside the shoe, with the big toe having a maximum distance of half a toe from the top of the shoe. In addition to finding the perfect sizing, depending on your position on the court – the weight of the shoe, whether it is lightweight or more sturdy, may also be important. Any athlete’s foot needs quality blood circulation and for this reason you should avoid undersizing. Feet can swell easily with increased blood circulation during playing. To ensure the perfect fit of your new shoes, try them on wearing the usual socks you would wear when playing.

The ‘make-up’ of the shoe

The standard basketball shoe is divided into three parts, the upper, middle and sole. Each one is vital to the way in which they fit on our feet. The upper part is the part of the shoe that will catch your eye on the shelf but besides making the shoe look good – it is also responsible for keeping the foot steady. The upper part of the shoe protects the top part of the foot and is internally connected to the middle part of the shoe. It has an important role and factors to consider are the height, construction and the lacing system.

Our Tai Chi Mid features Synthetic leather, which is often the preferred material for basketball players due to its durability. The modern design of basketball shoes allows for a wider range of motion of the foot, approaching natural movement and at the same time less weight on our feet.

The Mid Section

The mid section or sometimes referred to as the middle, connects the upper and sole of the shoe and is responsible for the absorption of vibrations, greatly affecting the stability of the gait. Basketball typically involves jumping, side to side movements, sprinting and often requires quick changes of movement. This means you need a shoe that will keep your feet supported, stable and balanced. When looking at the mid section you want a shoe that has a decent amount of shock absorption to help you move quickly and freely across the court.

However here’s the catch – a shoe with high levels of shock absorption can often be heavy which may slow you down on the court.

A thin mid section, whilst light and giving you excellent court feels and greater stability on the ground, has to compromise on shock absorption. So like we said it’s important to consider what position you play on the court and what kind of movements are typical for you in a game.

A person playing center, who rebounds consistently may prefer a shoe offering more shock absorption that the point guard who needs to be quick on their feet so will be choosing a shoe that is lightweight and low to ground.

Soles

The sole is the hardest part of the shoe, as it is the one that comes in contact with the ground. In basketball shoes the shape of the sole varies, but in any case it must be flat and ideally equipped with the so-called “herringbone pattern” to avoid unwanted slips. The herringbone pattern, found on our Cyclone Junior is essentially a pattern of small rectangular shapes which helps the shoe acquire longer lifespan. A good tip when choosing a basketball shoe is to caress the sole with your hand and consider the one with the roughest surface and the densest possible patterns. You will also notice that one way to reduce the weight of the basketball shoe is to create gaps in the sole, in places that do not affect the stop-braking, such as e.g. in the arch of the foot.

In many pairs of shoes there is an extra level of safety for extra stability and avoidance of unwanted turns, which is found either as an extra layer of material on the upper part of the shoe behind the Achilles and the axis of the ankle, or as a wall starting from the middle part and extends to the top, from the middle of the shoe to the front.

Here are some further things to consider.

Lacing System

When tying a shoe, you want to make sure your foot feets secure and stable. Loose laces mean a reduction in stability in the shoe. You want to make sure that the lacing system makes your foot feel secure.

Strapping/Support System

Some shoes have the added benefit of a Velcro or additional strapping system to keep the foot extra secure in the shoe. If you find that a simple lacing system doesn’t off you enough support, maybe a shoe with straps is an idea to consider.

Tongue

In basketball, for extra support and to avoid the tongue moving around in the shoe, the tongue is sewn making it feel like a sock. Whilst it might feel a bit hard to put on – it provides more support for the foot.

Expert Knowledge

If you have any questions about the basketball shoe that’s the perfect fit for you, get in touch with our friendly team today!

Did you know that some NBA players can’t spend more than a few games in the same pair of shoes?

Maybe you don’t need to switch kicks that often, but you definitely want a pair that gets the job done, especially when you have a young baller with a passion for the game.

You want to get them a pair that will help them dominate the season. However, you also want it to be a pair that you love and has all the right features.

Proper footwear is necessary for young athletes’ bodies and safety. Here’s all about finding the best basketball shoes for kids and youth in 2020.

1. The Best Basketball Shoes for Kids: Features You Should Look For

Here are some of the top qualities in a youth basketball shoe that you should consider.

Durability

It’s just a reality that kids can be pretty tough on shoes.  While buying shoes every season is sometimes fun, it’s not always affordable or economic.

If you need a durable option, take a look at the Takeoff Junior.  These kicks have a sturdy tread pattern fit for both indoor and outdoor playing.

The shoe gets its name from the lightweight aircraft-inspired top section, which balances out the robust feel.

In addition to the sturdy build, the shoe’s Ghillie lacing is designed to secure your child’s foot in place.  This can prevent unevenly applied pressure from causing any future wear and tear.

Grip

The ability to cut and easily change direction is an important part of any sport.

Basketball shoes can’t use the teeth of cleats for grip in the same way that non-court sports do.  So they have to rely on materials like rubber or ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) to hold traction.

The Cyclone Juniors are some of our best junior kicks for premium grip.  They have a tread zoned Herringbone pattern on the bottom that provides multidirectional traction.

The outsoles are also made of rubber which is the best material for slick or gritty surfaces like an indoor or outdoor court.

Rubber outsoles can have traction advantages over EVA outsoles, but each material has unique uses.

Since EVA is a great material for support, the Cyclones have an EVA midsole that reinforces the shoe.

Support

Support is essential for a basketball shoe to prevent short-term and long-term injury.

A quick way to find shoes with premium support is simply to look at the shoe’s ankle.  If it looks and is reinforced in this area, it will likely be one of your stronger options.  However, you should always have your child try on the shoes and test the ankle.

You may also want to consider shoes with a mesh collar surrounding the ankle in addition to the tall sides.

Although shoes with better support typically have taller sides, they can be irritating if the ankle is constantly rubbing against the sides.  A mesh collar improves breathability and comfort especially around the ankle, while supporting it.

The Ascender Mid Juniors combine these features.

They have a very narrow top to support sharp cuts and change in direction while running.  Although the shoe is closed in and secure, the soft mesh top provides breathability and minimizes irritation on the ankle.

These shoes are specially designed for pivoting or cutting to the basket.  Not only can these shoes handle aggressive play, but they also have a thin-ribbed herringbone pattern to promote maximum grip.

Cushion and Comfort

Although durability, grip, and support are important features in basketball shoes, your child will connect with the shoes based on comfort.

Comfortable shoes often have lightweight features that make the shoe easy to wear but they don’t perform well on the court.

The Chosen One II Juniors are designed to offer both cushion and comfort without sacrificing support or performance.

Not only do these shoes have an EVA midsole, but they also have a tactical EVA vamp mesh material that produces three features at once: flexibility, durability, and breathability.

To further reinforce the shoe, there are two straps that secure the mesh midsole in addition to the laces running top to bottom.

2. Starter Shoes and Shoes For Younger Children

If you’re just looking for something your child can ease into, then consider a lightweight shoe.  Having lightweight features like a tennis shoe offers more mobility and flexibility but you can also decide whether you want a bulkier build later.

The Chosen One II Juniors and the Takeoff Juniors are some of your best options for starter shoes.  Both are lightweight kicks that offer support and grip.

These are some of the main features to focus on for young ballers.  The more reinforced features are typically suited to older players who need further support since their feet are developing.

3. For Older Children

The more kids grow, the more susceptible to overuse injuries they become.  This is due to extended playing time since many older children start to play more seriously.

To combat this, look for shoes with substantial midsole paneling.  The midsole, or layer between the outsole and insole of a shoe, should be designed to reinforce support.

This layer is also generally is where shock-absorption occurs.  Adequate shock absorption will give your child the freedom to jump and cut without strain.

You should also be on the lookout for shoes with EVA midsoles.  Although certain types of EVA can make the shoe heavier, EVA in the midsole offers firm support.  This is why you’ll likely find heavier shoes for older children.

Since older children are typically in a developmental phase, they’re also more at risk of bacterial growth.  With older kids, it helps to have shoes that porous and breathable.

If you’re looking for shoes with qualities for older kids, consider the Size ‘M Up Junior series.

To help prevent bacterial growth, the show has a breathable top for increased airflow.  The full length of the midsole is injected with EVA to ensure support and shock absorption.

The Right Footwear is Key to a Great Game

Your child’s shoes are an important part of their basketball journey.  However, it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process.  A large part of it involves knowing what type of player your child is or what features you value the most.

Getting the best basketball shoes for kids simply means having the right footwear technology that suits each individual child.

To get started, find a stockist or specific retailer in your area today.

According to research, ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in basketball.

While running and jumping, your ankles may be subject to hard impacts. The best way to protect yourself is to invest in the best basketball shoes for ankle support.

We’ve put together a list of the top five styles for 2020. These shoes offer support and comfort without skimping on style!

1. And1 Chosen One II

The And1 Chosen One offers solid support and breathability. The shoe is made of tactical EVA vamp mesh for lightweight durability. The secret to preventing ankle injuries is having support with flexibility, which this shoe offers. The vamp mesh will allow you to move where you need to go without feeling locked into place.

What makes this shoe unique is its dual strap support system. Securing your laces in place means your feet have less possibility to roll or slide around. Choosing support doesn’t have to mean saying no to aesthetics. The Chosen One also comes in three different colours to match your personality and court style.

This style is also available in junior sizes for the younger players on the court. If you’re a younger or smaller player, it’s especially important to find a shoe that fits. Wearing a shoe that’s too big can leave your more susceptible to injuries.

2. And1 Size ‘M Up

The And1 Size ‘M Up provides support for the whole foot while including a slightly retro design. The shoe is built with open mesh and side panels to provide both structure and breathability. The design allows flexibility around the ankle yet offers a raised front panel to prevent straining.

Herringbone tread along the outside of the shoe also helps for maximum traction on the court. This shoe is designed for players dedicated to long-hours practising and using new moves to match their competition.

Choose the Size ‘M Up in all black or black and Junebug green.

3. And1 Ascender Mid

The And1 Ascender Mid is built specifically for women. This shoe’s shape allows players to grip onto hardwood or blacktop courts while enjoying the ability to make quick turns and jumps.

This shoe is made with hybrid mesh and synthetic materials to provide support and lightweight breathability. At the end of a game or practice, your foot will feel less tired than with other shoes that lock them into place.

The Ascender has a mid-top ankle with extra cushioning to prevent sore ankles and strains.

4. And1 Tai Chi Mid

A basketball shoe is only as good as its materials. The And1 Tai Chi Mid combines leather and nubuck to produce a form-fitting shoe that still allows maximum airflow.

True to its name, the Tai Chi lets you move purposefully on the court. Herringbone tread pods offer professional-level traction while an EVA footbed offers cushion and stability. Choose from olive and black or magnet and petitefour.

5. And1 Attack Mid

It’s all about defence. The most aggressive players on the court need stability and flexibility to help make sharp movements and quick decisions. The Attack Mid has a mid-cut ankle along with a big cat heel. The shape of the heel keeps you locked into the shoe while allowing more side-to-side mobility.

Breathability is key to maintain your comfort. The Attack Mid uses sleek micromesh to help your feet maintain stability and performance. This shoe is also great for practising your dunking. Enjoy Harmonix RX cushioning and an EVA midsole for shock-absorption throughout the whole shoe.

Choose the Attach Mid in neutral colours like black and red or white.

What Do Experts Say About Ankle Support?

According to experts, foot and ankle pain are common for a variety of reasons. People might experience pain depending on their work, activity, genetics, and more. Luckily, you can easily treat types of ankle pain with the shoes you wear.

Especially when it comes to a highly physical activity like basketball, it’s important to choose the right shoes that have comfort and support. Experts recommend wearing high- or mid-top shoes and staying away from low-cut street style shoes. High-tops offer more support to keep your ankle stabilized through most movements.

How to Choose the Best Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support

The best basketball shoes for you will depend on your preferences and needs. While you’re shopping, keep an eye on the following factors:

• Cost – Most basketball shoes are available in a price range of $40-160. More expensive shoes can mean higher-quality materials. However, keep your eye out for celebrity-endorsed shoes or heavily marketed styles. Some of these shoes may be designed more for aesthetics rather than play.
• Materials – The best basketball shoes will use lightweight, yet sturdy materials. When you try them on, you should feel secure without feeling like your feet are locked into place. It’s also important that your feet will be able to breathe while you’re playing and practising.
• Design – Basketball shoes come in a variety of high-top, mid-top, and low-top designs. For the best ankle support, choose high-top or mid-top.
• Cushioning – Cushioning is important to prevent injuries while you’re running and jumping. With basketball shoes, you’ll need support throughout the forefront, midsole, and heel of the shoe.
• Style – Choosing the right style is always up to your preferences. Pay attention to colour, design, and silhouette, though make sure the function comes before the form.

And1 offers basketball shoes and apparel for players of all skill levels. Contact us today to find the best shoe for support and performance.

For you, basketball is more than just a sport. And it’s more than just a pastime.

It’s a lifestyle.

If you’re serious about your basketball-playing game, it’s critical that you choose the right type of shoe for the sport. After all, playing basketball can never be enjoyable without the right playing shoes.

Here’s a rundown on seven eye-opening tips for buying basketball shoes.

Let’s jump in!

1. Pay Attention to the Top Part of Your Shoe

One of the most important decisions you must make when buying good basketball shoes is the height you’d like your shoe’s upper portion to be. The upper portion can be a low, middle, or high height.

When the upper part is high, it will wrap around the ankle to give you the extra stability and support that you need. Of course, this means that the high part will be a little heavy.

A mid-top shoe offers ankle support and increased flexibility. The material in this type of shoe sits at your ankle to give you coverage but without a design that is all enclosing.

Finally, a basketball shoe with a low height is built for agility and speed. Note that you won’t have much ankle support with this shoe due to its lower profile.

2. How Secure Is the Shoe?

As a general rule of thumb, basketball shoes that use laces remain the most in-demand among players versus other closure techniques, like straps or zippers.

A major benefit of choosing basketball shoes that have laces is that laces ensure that your shoe fits you properly. In addition, properly secured laces can help to prevent injuries.

3. Pay Attention to the Middle Part

In the midsole of a basketball shoe, you’ll find the shoe’s cushioning. The cushioning plays an essential role in your shoe’s performance, so pay attention to a shoe’s cushioning before you buy it.

For instance, the majority of shoes have midsoles featuring a variety of foams. EVA foam is a relatively light option for a midsole.

A major benefit of EVA foam is that it is sturdy and highly durable. This type of material is also water-resistant and resilient even after being used for an extended period of time.

4. Assess the Shoe’s Outer Part

The outsole of a basketball shoe is fabricated using either synthetic material or rubber. This part of the shoe is your footwear’s traction point.

As you decide on a basketball shoe, look for an outsole that is relatively wide and flat. This will give you maximum balance.

Also, for extra grip, look for an outsole that has a hexagonal or herringbone pattern. The purpose of these patterns is to keep your feet secure and help you not to slide while you’re running across the basketball court.

Also, be on the lookout for a basketball shoe that has a particularly thick outsole if you plan to play on an outdoor basketball court. The majority of basketball shoes are made for indoor use, but you’ll find some designed for use in the street as well.

5. Take Your Position into Consideration

When looking for a basketball shoe, look for a low-top one if you play in the guard position. That’s because, in this position, you need to be able to make quick movements while on the basketball court. A low-top shoe can help you to move more fluidly.

Meanwhile, if you are a forward, a high-top shoe is ideal due to its extra weight. This type of shoe comes with extra support and coverage, which is great for a large, aggressive forward.

If you play a wide range of basketball positions, a mid-top shoe is generally a good choice. This type of shoe provides plenty of ankle support. At the same time, it gives you the room you need to move about.

All in all, a mid-top shoe is highly flexible, which makes it excellent for multi-position, hybrid basketball players.

6. Choose the Right Size

Not sure which size your basketball shoe should be? Be sure to measure your feet at home before making a shoe purchase.

You can measure your foot using a tape measure or ruler. Alternatively, you can have a sporting-good store employee measure or size your foot.

Be sure that anytime you measure your feet, you measure them while your socks are still on. Also, be sure to measure your feet while you are standing up.

As a general rule of thumb, it is also best to measure your foot during the evening time. That’s because feet usually swell as the day progresses.

Also, if you end up being in between two sizes, make sure that you choose the higher-size shoe.

7. Consider the Shoe’s Appearance

Finally, take into consideration the design and colour scheme of the basketball shoe that you choose. Ideally, you want a shoe that doesn’t just function well but also showcases your unique personality.

If you’re interested in standing out, look for a shoe that sports bold design elements and hues. Or, feel free to look for a shoe that fits the colour scheme of the basketball jersey you typically wear.

How We Can Help With Buying Basketball Shoes

If you’re interested in buying basketball shoes, we’ve got your feet covered.