Category: Basketball Shoes

Thanks to online shopping, being busy no longer stands in the way of going shopping.  You can get anything you want online- except some sunshine of course! And with COVID-19 sending more shoppers online, there’s bound to be an influx of online stores-some offering great deals & quality products and others cashing in on bloated markups and cheap rip-offs.

According to Statista, footwear revenue in Australia is projected to reach US$1,432million in 2021 with a CAGR of 5.04% between 2021 and 2025. That’s a clear indication that online shopping for shoes is pretty much here to stay.

But buying basketball shoes online is a bitter-sweet affair. There’s always a chance that you may not get what you’re hoping for. Other times, you get just the right fit on your feet to help you perform better on the court.

This article will help you understand the pros and cons of buying basketball shoes online.

The Pros

Whether you’re shopping for your children or yourself, the following list highlights the benefits of buying online versus spending your time in a brick & mortar store.

Online Stores Never Close

Round the clock shopping means you don’t have to wait to leave work or have to leave the house to go shopping. You can use the same computer at work to browse for shoes and get what you want.

First Access to New Releases

You can get instant notifications, early access or an email newsletter about new releases so you never miss out on a owning the latest shoe release. Email signups or newsletters also provide access to shopping discount codes, sales, and new-release information to keep you at the front of the line.

Variety of Brands and Stores

These days, an online store is a point-of-entry for every ecommerce business. Everyone from the largest brands to your local athletic start-up has a solid online presence. This gives the customer much easier access to all their favourite brands and styles.  Competition is cutthroat stiff online and this plays out to the consumer’s advantage.

Multiple colors

Where certain local stores may be out of stock or don’t stock a certain colourway, size or style, online stores typically offer an entire range to the consumer. This is especially helpful when you’re shopping for children. If their teammate has a certain shoe colourway, they may want to shop the exact same model.

Quite often, you can request custom colourways, designs or additions, you can choose custom colours -although this may mean waiting for longer for it to arrive. But it’s worthwhile when you get exactly what you wanted.

Different styles

If your child’s school changed the jersey and you’re looking for their team’s right shoe match, you have better chances of finding the right basketball shoes online than in a physical store.

Wider size array

For those with larger or wider feet, it’s harder to find shoe sizes at either end of the size spectrum in a physical store than an online store. You can also get extra width or smaller width if need be.

DYOR – Do Your Own Research

Firstly, you can compare styles, colours, and the compare durability from reviews online. Secondly, you get to compare prices from different stores and brands before settling on one. The time you save by simply not commuting to and from multiple retails stores allows you to read more reviews, deep-dive into forum communities and really get to understand what shoe is right for you.

Free shipping

Free shipping has become a standard offering for so many ecommerce stores these days. Most retailers offer it standard or with certain promotions, while with others, you can “unlock” free shipping by spending over a certain amount. This is great when you’re buying several pairs or buying new shoes every season.

Brand New Out Of The Box

Physical retail stores allow customers to try shoes on. By the time you’re buying a pair, it may have been worn by hundreds of feet. This isn’t an issue online, all shoes are brand new out of the box. So you can rest assured knowing your new purchase is made for you!

Cons

Not all great things come without drawbacks. Here’s a shortlist of ‘cons’ to consider when purchasing your new basketball shoes online.

Are these shoes the real deal?

If it’s too good to be true, it quite often is. In other words, the online shop is trying to sell you substandard shoes by offering a huge discount, for example, ‘get 80% off or buy 3 pairs at the price of one’. Worse, when you realize that the shoes are substandard; these stores refuse to accept the returns.

And1 is the sole distributor of And1 branded shoes in any store in Australia. All of the other stores that sell And1 basketball shoes are supplied from our warehouses. So, don’t fret, you’ll get the same quality, comfort and performance.

Uncomfortable Fits

It’s hard sometimes to tell your size online. For example, the shoes may come in UK sizes which are different in the US. You may also forget to include your foot’s width and end up with an uncomfortably or painfully tight shoe. In case you have tapered feet, you may end up sliding on the court because there’s too much free space inside. And1 provides a sizing chart so that you can get the perfect fit. Check it out here.

Shipping Regulations

Shipping costs are not always shared upfront in every online store. For instance, you may buy a shoe for $50 only to find out the shipping fee pushes the product out of your original budget. The best thing to do is to find this out before you make a purchase. And1 products offer free deliveries for orders above $100.

Varying Sizes across Manufacturers

A size 6 from one brand may be a size bigger or smaller from another brand. Often, this brings friction between the disgruntled customer and an online store with an unfair return policy, charges for return shipping, etc.

The And1 size chart will help you get the right shoe in UK, US, EUR, AUS and CM.  If you’re still unsure, you can visit our stockist page to find your closest retailer and try them out.

Unfair Exchange and Return Policies

Some stores require special return paperwork. You may also have to pay return shipping fees for returning your new basketball shoes.  If you can’t meet these regulations, you’re stuck with shoes you can’t use and lost money.

And1’s customer support is open to guide you on returns and exchanges. The customer support agent will help answer your questions and concerns, and assist with exact instructions on how to return or exchange an item. Customer service is a top priority to And1 and ensuring their customers are happy is the number one goal.

Actual Product and Description Don’t Match

This is a common problem where dishonest online stores show a different picture from what they have. In some cases, their appearance may be awkward, or the quality is unacceptably poor.

At And1, we will offer a refund, store credit, or an exchange on any item purchased from And1 if the product has a genuine manufacturing fault or does not match with the description you were given.  If you want an exchange but the shoes are unavailable, we can get you a refund or a store credit of the same value as the shoes you bought.

Buy Basketball Shoes from And1

Can’t find the right basketball shoes for you or your loved one? We’ve got you covered. Shop now or contact us  today to experience the difference that quality basketball shoes can make.

Feet, like every other part of the human body, come in all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, for people who have feet that are wider than average, finding shoes that fit comfortably can be a challenge. At And1 Australia, we believe that everyone should have the most comfortable basketball shoes available. That’s why a number of our shoes are suitable for a wider foot. Read on to discover how to find styles that are going to provide the space and comfort your feet need, as well as the pick of our basketball boots when it comes to footwear for a wider foot.

Measure your feet accurately

Whilst it’s common for children to have their feet measured each time they buy new shoes, the same can’t be said for adults! Whilst the length of a foot may not change significantly over the years, factors such as fluctuations in weight, trauma, the development of medical conditions or degenerative joint problems can all cause a variation in foot width. We recommend measuring your feet before purchasing basketball shoes, to check their width. The easiest way to do this is to draw around them: see our sizing guide for how to do this. Once you’ve accurately measured your feet, check our generous sizing – you may be surprised to see that basketball shoes such as the Attack 2.0 Mid or the Tai Chi Mid are exactly right for your needs.

Look for “give” in the design

The best basketball shoes for wide feet are those that provide more rigid support towards the rear of the shoe, but which have a softer, stretchier material covering the lower part of the foot, particularly the area which covers the little toe across to the interior (medial) side of the foot. Shoes such as the Tai Chi Mixtape for example, have a durable fabric upper that has plenty of “give”, exactly where wide feet need it.

Consider the fastenings

If you have wider feet, show fastenings can play a critical role in determining how comfortable a shoe might be. Look for shoes that use velcro fastenings for a beautifully adjustable fit. Laces that start low on the shoe are also a helpful feature, enabling the width to be varied in order to accommodate a wider foot. The Gamma 2.0 features an adjustable velcro strap, which is just the thing for a player with a wider foot.

Men’s sizes provide more width

As a general rule, men’s feet tend to be slightly wider than a female foot of equivalent length. For this reason, men’s basketball shoes will be a centimetre or so wider than the equivalent female-orientated shoe, even if the size is the same. For female basketball players with wider feet, simply buying a male-orientated shoe could mean you end up with the additional room your foot needs.

We provide the basketball shoes Australia sports lovers can depend on to provide excellent value and a great fit, no matter what size or shape your foot might be.

So your old basketball shoes are worn out and you’re in the market for a new pair. Naturally, you are going to want to know which type of shoe is best, high-top or low-top? And it’s no wonder you’re confused because there is so much misinformation out there it can be difficult to know who to believe.

Die-hard high-top wearers swear by them and wouldn’t wear anything else, while low top wearers shudder at the thought of going back to high-tops. A look at what the pros wear won’t help either, because they are pretty much split down the middle. Around half of all professional basketball players wear low-tops while the other half wear either high or mid-tops.

So we thought it would be a good idea to get to the bottom of this high vs low-top debate once and for all. Once you are armed with the right information, it’s actually pretty straightforward which one to choose. Let’s start by looking at the two types of shoe individually.

High tops

High-top basketball shoes get their name from their high collar, which was originally designed to protect and support the ankle. But today’s high-tops are more sophisticated than that. The latest shoes provide impact protection and cushioning, thereby reducing stress on the ankle, knee and lower back.

Now you know that it makes sense to always go for high-tops, right? Not necessarily! While they do provide extra support, high-tops actually restrict ankle movement. This could cause a problem for shooters and guards whose game thrives on being lightning quick around the court.

High-top pros

• Good ankle support
• Soft cushioning for impact protection
• Stronger, providing higher durability

High-top cons

• Reduced ankle movement
• Heavy construction
• Reduces response time

Low-tops

Low-top basketball shoes are familiar to almost everyone since they look very much like a standard running or tennis shoe. But they are actually very different beasts. The low-top wasn’t traditionally used in basketball until Kobe Bryant, – who else? – introduced them professionally in 2007.

The low-top shoe was inspired by traditional soccer boots which allow for greater movement and flexibility around the pitch. Kobe thought he could transfer some of this flexibility to the basketball court. And so the low-top basketball shoe was born. And Kobe was right, pretty soon almost all attacking players were wearing them.

Low-top pros

• Lightweight and responsive
• Greater flexibility, allowing for good foot movement
• Gives the player more control

Low-top cons

• Not as strong as high-tops
• Less ankle support, increasing the risk of injury
• Less cushioning for the ankle and knee joints

Which one should you choose?

It should be obvious now that each shoe type is designed with a different type of player in mind. High-tops are for big guys who typically don’t move around the court so much, while low tops are ideal for guards or shooters who require quick feet and good flexibility.

But what if you are somewhere in between? We are not all super-athletic professional basketball players, are we? This question can be answered by considering your physical body size. Big players, regardless of which position they play, put increased pressure on the ankle and knee joints, so would benefit from high-tops.

Smaller, more athletic players should be able to get away with wearing lighter low-tops. But there are no rules, so ultimately the choice will come down to which shoes you feel most comfortable in. The best advice you can get is to try both of them out to see which one suits your game best.

Which position do you play?

Still can’t decide? We’ve put together this position guide which recommends the most appropriate shoe for each of the five main basketball positions:

Point guard

This player is usually the team’s best ballplayer and passer. They need to be quick on their feet and ideally small framed. So it makes sense for them to wear low-tops. A high-top shoe in this position could restrict movement and badly impact their passing play.

Shooting guard

Shooting guards typically cut across the court a lot, so they need to be able to change direction quickly. Players in this position will benefit from wearing low-tops. The lighter shoe will also allow them to run quickly, which is great for attacking play, while high-tops will restrict their ability to cut across the court.

Small forward

The small forward is one of the most versatile players on the team. They need a combination of good dribbling and ball-handling skills. Because these players need to be light on their feet, they too will benefit from wearing low-tops. High-tops will slow them down and affect their dribbling skills.

Power forward

The power forward plays down the centre and is usually the team’s most dependable scorer. Because forwards need to be strong, they are usually big framed which naturally restricts their agility. Therefore, the high-top shoe is the recommended choice because it provides the strength and support such players need.

Centre

The centre or pivot plays near the baseline closest to the basket. The centre is usually the tallest player on the team and needs to be skilled at both shooting and gathering rebounds. Because they are very tall and don’t cut across the court very much, centres will benefit from wearing high-tops.

What about mid-tops?

If you are still having trouble deciding, there is, of course, another option – the mid-top. These halfway house shoes provide a good combination of support and flexibility. Mid-tops have become popular fashion accessories in recent years, so check out our colourful basketball shoes Australia players will love today.

Many non-professional players love mid-tops for the support they provide without restricting play too much. But some professional players have also taken to wearing them. From a professional perspective, mid-tops are most suitable for power forward positions, but smaller framed centres will also benefit from them.

Conclusion

All that being said, there are no hard or fast rules about which shoe is best. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If you are a forward player and prefer playing in mid-tops, then go for it. No one is going to stop you. The one caveat is, should you find you are getting injured often, it’s a good sign you are wearing the wrong type of shoe.

If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the basketball lover in your life, then we’ve put together an elite list of the best 5 basketball shoes to give this Christmas.

1. For the serious ballers – THE ATTACK 2.0 MID

With a pair of the ATTACK 2.0 MID under the tree, your loved one can supercharge their game with this latest incarnation of the classic design. It has a micromesh upper and full heel-to-toe Harmonix RX cushioning to make every step a breeze, plus an interior footbed to anchor every land. The low collar guarantees flexibility for those who want to stay agile and unpredictable. Plus in three iconic colourways – white, red and purple – there’s a choice for every taste.

2. For the limited edition junkie – ATTACK LOW – LIMITED EDITION

In a neutral black and white, or out-there fluorescent pink, green and orange ombre design, these ATTACK LOW-TOPS command attention. They were a limited edition run and there’s still a chance to snatch these up for basketball fans who are looking for a larger-than-life identity to match their aggressive approach on the court. Complete with an injection moulded shank for stability, they have a double-mesh front for breathability and are suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

3. For those who love a reinvested classic – TAI CHI MID

The AND1 TAI CHI is one of the most iconic basketball shoes styles around, and it makes a welcome return in four fresh and invigorating designs. It’s been updated with a form-fitting profile from leather and nubuck for a classic look that can be worn on and off-court. For those still in the game, it’s got a low profile design for better agility and court feel, while the EVA footbed keeps everything locked in place and the mesh tongue improves airflow. A mid-budget basketball shoe that’s perfect for those old-school lovers who relish a comeback.

4. For the best of budget – BASELINE MID

The perfect budget buy for emerging basketball fans who want to go from court to street, these BASELINE MID kicks offer a great entryway into the sport but are by no means basic. Benefiting from a heel-to-toe footbed, with a welded upper and herringbone design outsole for better traction, they’ll show your star-to-be how to stay light on their feet and ready to adapt.

5. For the up-and-comer – TAKE OFF 2.0

The TAKE OFF 2.0 is the perfect new pair for the next future superstar. A new release this season, these child’s basketball shoes have a cutting-edge lightweight sole that makes it super-easy to fly high while the anchored midsole helps your budding basketball hero find their feet. Designed for indoor and outdoor use, they’re a versatile pair for junior players.

For the best selection of AND1 basketball shoes Australia wide, check out the range today.

Fast-paced, high-adrenaline and enormous fun, basketball is a demanding sport that requires commitment and dedication from its players. The right footwear can make a noticeable difference to performance, as well as increasing levels of comfort and helping to reduce the risk of injury. With so many types of basketball shoes on the market, working out which one is going to be right for your specific needs can be a challenge. We’re here to help! At And1 Australia we have a leading collection of basketball shoes Australia loves. Take a look at our guide to selecting good outdoor basketball shoes, no matter what your style or level of play. We consider variables such as comfort, support, styling, traction and other factors that can determine which shoe is going to give you the best results on the court.

Ankle support – hi-top, mid-top or low-top

One of the biggest decisions when it comes to basketball shoes is whether to opt for a hi-top, mid-top or low-top design. A major consideration for many players is the level of ankle support that a shoe can offer. In theory, a hi-top offers more ankle support, minimising the risk of an injury. Whilst a hi-top may intuitively feel like a safer boot, there’s actually little scientific evidence to support this. The majority of foot and ankle injuries on the court are caused by other players accidentally treading on a player’s foot, rather than injury sustained whilst moving. Provided the basketball shoe is a good fit around the heel, holding the foot securely, hi-, mid- or low-tops are all good choices.

Currently mid-rise basketball shoes are on-trend. For a pair of shoes that offer excellent support as well as plenty of cushioning to reduce the risk of stress fractures and make play more comfortable, we recommend the Size-M Up. With a high-grip sole that’s ideal for an outdoor court, the Size-M Up is a good, versatile option.

 

Comfort

There are a number of features that characterise a comfortable trainer: support; cushioning; ventilation; and fit. The Tai Chi Racer for example, benefits from leather and suede uppers. Natural materials that have an excellent reputation for comfort and breathability, the uppers ensure a shoe that will keep feet at a comfortable temperature, no matter how hot the action gets on court. Mesh panels provide additional ventilation. Alongside great temperature control, a good fit is guaranteed by the combined ghillie and leather loop system fastening, This helps to keep the shoe firmly in place on the foot, significantly reducing the risk of injury.

If padding is a priority, it’s worth considering the Attack Mid. The major advantage of this shoe is the Harmonix RX cushioning that’s inlaid along the length of the shoe. When fused with an injected EVA midsole section, the result is a lighter-than-air tread that’s energising as well as enormously comfortable. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor play, the Attack Mid is one of the most comfortable and supportive shoes on the market.

 

Traction

When trying to work out which basketball shoes are going to be the ultimate outdoor choice, grip is obviously an important feature to consider. The degree of grip that’s required indoor and out are different: in general, outdoor shoes need to be firmer and have a higher level of grip, to cope with the varied conditions that an outdoor court can bring. Whilst it’s possible to play outdoors with indoor shoes, for optimal performance you sometimes need a pair of shoes that have been specifically constructed to meet the demands of an outdoor court.

Whilst outdoor shoes do need a higher degree of grip, it’s important that the grip isn’t overstated: if the foot sticks to the ground during motion, the risk of a torsion (twisting) injury to the ankle or knee increase significantly. For this reason, many basketball shoes sacrifice a degree of grip in the name of safety. This results in most shoes being suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

One of the best all-round basketball shoes for outdoor use is the Attack Low SL. Specifically intended for summer league play, this shoe has sufficient firmness to make it a good outdoor choice, as well as suitable for the court. Alternatively, the Tai Chi Mix Tape benefits from a distinctive herringbone tread that is designed to provide a high level of grip at the same time as plenty of foot feedback.

 

Weight

Obviously, nobody wants to be weighed down by basketball shoes that weigh kilos! The reality is that modern materials used in sports shoes are universally lightweight. Synthetic cushioning and soles, along with carefully chosen uppers, result in shoes that offer support and security, without the burden of additional weight to slow the wearer down and potentially increase the risk of injury. The And1 range of basketball shoes use cutting-edge materials that have been specifically developed for use on sports shoes. Innovations such as micromesh; injection moulding; EVA midsoles; and Harmonix RX cushioning are used to give the shoes structure, support, comfort and a secure fit, without adding significant amounts of additional weight.

 

What is the ultimate outdoor basketball shoe?

The reality is that each player will have a slightly different idea of what the ultimate basketball shoe might be. Some players favour comfort, others love a shoe that has a firm feel, or which offers plenty of spring when they move. In order to find the basketball shoe that’s going to be best for your needs, we recommend reading product descriptions thoroughly and taking the time to try on several pairs of shoes before making a final decision.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to the shoe that’s going to work best on the outdoor court. Some players have several pairs of shoes, picking their final choice depending on variables such as weather conditions, or the position that they’re playing. No matter what you value in a basketball shoe, there’s an And1 product that’s going to meet your needs.

Browse our collection now to see some of the ultimate outdoor basketball shoes on the market, including a mixture of old favourites and stunning new arrivals.

If you’re a quick and successful point guard, we know that you’ll be looking to beat your opponent straight off the dribble. To master swift pull-up jumpers and lethal crossovers, you’ll need a pair of shoes that can enhance your gameplay, and not deter your skills. Here we discuss the features that make a great basketball shoe for point guards and provide you with some of our best examples.

There are four main components that point guards should consider when choosing their new shoes. These are:

 

Material

No matter how good the rest of a shoe’s features may be, its material makeup will always be at the core. For example, synthetic materials and materials such as leather are more durable than something like mesh, but mesh tends to be more lightweight, enhancing the speed and support needed for point guards.

It’s important to look for a shoe with a durable sole, and at least some level of durability when it comes to the outer body. As a point guard, we imagine you’ll be partaking in some speedy lateral movement, which can put significant strain on your shoes. The last thing you want is your shoes to fall apart in the middle of a basketball game.

You should also take into account whether your shoes need to be used for outdoor play as well as indoor, as many synthetic materials are useful for both options.

 

Traction

Shoes with great traction are an absolute must for a good point guard. Good traction is the reason why some of the world’s greatest point guards are able to quickly change direction to confuse their opponents without slipping or damaging their ankles.

We recommend paying attention to the shoe’s track patterns as a simple fact like the deepness of the groves can drastically affect the level of traction you will get. Smaller groove patterns also tend to be more ideal for outdoor use.

Designs

The classic style that most point guards often go for is the low and mid-top shoe, which tend to be cut lower for optimal mobility and space. Many point guard shoes tend to lack ankle support, however, they more than make up for this with their good traction and top-quality sole.

You should also look for tight stitching, as this tends to be better suited to wear and tear, which is common if you’re regularly playing basketball.

 

Cushion

The final element to consider is the cushion. You don’t want to feel every impact of force on the sole of your foot, so it’s better to look for shoes with good cushioning, as these are more shock-absorbent. In general, comfort leads to better play, so this cushion-level should definitely be one of your priorities.

 

Best basketball shoes for point guards from And1

Here are some of our best options for point guards:

• The Attack 2.0 MID
• Attack Mid
• Attack Low SL
• Chosen One II

You can browse our full range of basketball shoes in Australia here at And1 Australia.

If you’re looking for the best basketball shoes Australia wide, look no further than And1. Feel free to contact us for more information or advice.

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.