MEN'S BASKETBALL SHOES – NIKE, ADIDAS, JORDAN, LI-NING AND MORE
What should you look for in basketball shoes?
Basketball shoes are unique and designed specifically to help your feet and ankles cope with the rigorous demands of the game.
The first thing you should look for is the quality of materials used. Because of the physical demand you’re putting on your feet, legs and core, you want to be sure your basketball shoes can withstand some rough and tough treatment. If they are not made from high-quality materials, they will be unlikely to meet your needs on the court. The second thing you need to check is that they are indeed specifically basketball shoes. Basketball shoes, sneakers and running shoes are not quite the same — and it pays to check. Finally, you should make sure you obtain an ideal fit. Ensure they are the right size and design for your feet to maximise comfort and support. Basketball shoe sizes can vary, and it’s much better to invest in a high-quality pair of basketball shoes than to go with the less expensive ones that may wear down quicker — which in turn wears down your body as well.
What are the best shoes for basketball?
The best shoes for basketball contain several important elements. First, the sole is often different from other sports shoes. Because basketball courts can be slippery surfaces and players do a good deal of running, stopping, and rapidly changing direction, the risk of sliding and potential injury is high if you’re not wearing the correct shoes. They have firm grips on the soles often in a hexagon or herringbone pattern. This allows for maximum grip without compromising on a player’s ability to run. The second main feature is a higher upper sole to provide stability and support to the ankles and a cushioned inner sole. Because of the multiple starts, stops, direction changes and jumps, these two components are critical.
Are basketball shoes worth it for men?
Basketball is a fast-paced and intense sport that places enormous demands on the body. If you do not have the right shoes, you could not only risk performing poorly in the game, but you could also potentially suffer significant injuries. Slipping and sliding on the court could result in you hurting yourself or other players. The long-term impacts of playing basketball with incorrect shoes can be even more severe. Without properly cushioned soles to reduce the shock to your body from jumping and frequent stops, starts and direction changes, your joints can become degraded over time. Investing in a good quality pair of basketball shoes is undoubtedly worth it if you are a regular player; they will help keep your body safe as well as improve your overall performance.
How much do basketball shoes usually cost?
The cost of men basketball shoes varies widely, but it is important to avoid just choosing the most expensive because of the perception that it is the best, or the least expensive in order to save money. Your primary concern when choosing basketball shoes should be whether they are right for you. Consider the fit, the design, how they feel and support your feet and ankles.
How do I find the best basketball shoes?
To find the best basketball shoes for you, we recommend visiting your local INTERSPORT store and trying a few pairs on and lightly trying out how they feel on your feet. How did the last good pair feel when you first tried them on? Try to match that, so that you know how they will wear in. Comfort on the court translates to a better performance and lower risk of injury. Whether you are looking for black, white, colorful, or a custom basketball shoe, there's plenty of options available.
What should you look for in a basketball shoe for regular games?
If you're a keen player or part of a league team, it's vital your shoes have the best possible blend of support, comfort, and traction. They should give you the grip, speed, and stability to keep pace with a fast game, whether you're jumping, shooting, defending, or in the air during a jump shot.
A purpose-engineered pair of high-quality basketball shoes can help augment your gameplay–ensuring that the only time you need to give your feet a second thought is when you're defending or marking another player. It’s also worth considering the type of flooring or surfaces you’ll play on most often when picking a new pair–because the cushioning and ankle support you need for pick-up games on an outdoor asphalt or concrete court is a lot different from the experience of playing on polished wood indoor flooring.
Which brands are most worn by pro players?
Most professional basketball players have brand sponsorships, and if you want to replicate the game style of your favourite player, picking their preferred shoes is a great place to start!
The Nike LeBron range is a high-performing option with good grip, twist resistance, support, stability, and added shock absorption for comfort. Love a pair of retro Jordans? Try the Air Jordan One collection–they have among the best rigidity, which helps to protect your ankles and keep your feet well-supported.
Intersport stocks these and all other leading brands, including Adidas, Puma, New Balance, Wade, and Li-Ning.
Tips on checking the fit and style
Basketball footwear has a distinct aesthetic, partly due to the materials used by the top brands and partly because basketball runners need to be durable, flexible, and tough enough to withstand the most explosive of games.
Players often pick basketball brands based on the NBL teams or superstar players they support or to match the colours of their club jerseys. However, even the coolest colours and loudest designs will only improve your game if the fit is spot on.
As a rough guide, you want to feel about one to two centimetres of space between your toes and the front of your footwear. This allows you to move and flex your feet without letting your feet and ankles slip.
Comparing popular basketball footwear designs
There are three main types of basketball shoes:
- High tops are the classic basketball shoe. They have a higher profile that sits around your ankles and gives you the ultimate support. The drawback is the extra weight, although forwards and centres often pick high tops to prevent strain.
- Mid tops are slightly lower and combine a decent amount of ankle support with extra flexibility, which means you can wear the same shoes when playing in any position.
- Low tops don’t have added ankle support and are designed to optimise agility and speed, making them a great option for defensive stoppers and guards who need to move fast.
In our huge range, you’ll find a comprehensive collection of every style and design, giving you the freedom to choose whichever types of shoes appeal to you or suit the position you most like to play in.
What INTERSPORT offers: Nike, Adidas, and all your favourite basketball shoe brands
INTERSPORT offers a huge selection of new arrivals for all your needs on the court. Choose from many different styles, sizes and fits from all of your favourite brands such as Air Jordan, Anthony Edwards, Lamelo Ball, and more. INTERSPORT’s selection of basketball shoes will make sure you play your best game yet.
