Shoes And Sports: Choosing The Best Men's Basketball Shoes

Many shoe buyers go straight to the newest shoes, picking up the latest shoe from the favorite All-Star player. (A little hint: the professional basketball players often wear modified and improved version of the shoes you see in the stores.) The player may have designed the shoe, but he designed the shoe for what felt best for his foot. Everyone's feet need different things.

Some players and especially centers need extra cushioning. Every shoe has at least some level of cushioning. Some shoes cushioning consists just of rubber and the thin fabric insole on the outside of the shoes. More advanced cushioning shoes have an air, gel or shock system. Some shoes have a mix of two or even three of these. The best way to describe the differences is that air and gel cushioning is like that of a pillow. A shock system is more like springs, however they don't improve anyone's ability to jump, they are just for cushioning. Also, if you're in need of a stable shoe because your feet have a tendency to roll, shocks are the least stable. They are improving but air and gel cushioning is still the most stable. Experts recommend a shoe with at least one of those three cushioning systems because running up and down the court can take toll on your feet.

Another factor to consider the weight of the shoe. The major brands are now designing lighter and lighter shoes. A light shoe can improve your speed but the major benefit from a lighter shoe is that your legs will be less tired after a long game when you don't have to lug a heavy shoe. However, the weight loss has to come from somewhere, make sure to pick a shoe that isn't too light because all of the cushioning or ankle support has been removed.

A trend in popular basketball shoes are low cut shoes. The shoes may look good but provide little support and protection for the ankle. Ankle support is something every player needs. Some players with a history of ankle problems need even more support but not every basketball shoe is designed to support the ankle. A good test is try to bend the ankle area of the shoe. If it doesn't bend, the shoe is designed to give lots of ankle support.

Retro shoes are popular with basketball players as well as shoe collectors but the retros should really be left to the collectors. It seems all the designers are coming up with a new retro shoe or releasing a popular shoe from the past, but there is a reason these shoes are from the past. Each year, the major shoe brands are constantly coming up with new features and innovations improving the comfort and use of the shoes.

Always try on the shoe you're considering. Try on a few shoes to compare. They may look at you like you're crazy but run a little inside the store to get a feel for the shoes. Also, test the shoe for grip. Try pushing the shoe across a wooden surface. If it slides a lot, it doesn't have the best traction.

One last thing to remember, the most expensive shoe or most attractive shoe is not always the best shoe, and there's a good chance it isn't the best shoe for you.