DIFFERENT SHOES FOR DIFFERENT PLAYERS

Male basketball athletes develop their own playing styles, and each one requires a special design of shoes that enable them to execute it well.

Power players enjoy a physical game, make twisting penetrations, and contest each rebound with gusto. They need maximum ankle support and cushioning which they get from high-top shoes which are also the choice of 70% of basketball players.

All-around players need moderate ankle support and cushioning and are at their best in mid-top basketball shoes. This type provides less restriction on movement which fits a player's all-around game.

Finally, fast players like guards and forwards require low-top or mid-top basketball shoes which are lightweight and allow maximum flexibility. They enable you to quickly run up and down the court but provide less ankle support and cushioning unlike high-top or mid-top models.

WHAT THEY'RE MADE OF

Men's basketball shoes are specially constructed to provide support, traction, and comfort. It consists of an upper part, a midsole, and an outsole each of which performs functions that protect the feet according to the special demands of the game.

The upper part is soft yet keeps the foot snugly in place. The cut could either be high-top, mid-top, or low-top and is now commonly made of lightweight synthetic materials. Leather used to be the material of choice because of their durability, but synthetic has become the norm because of its flexibility and breathability.

The midsole, on the other hand, is the soft layer between the upper part and the outsole. Experts claim that it is the most important part of the basketball shoe because it provides the cushion that absorbs the shocks of the game. Depending on the manufacturer, the materials used for the midsole are ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane, or a combination of two or more synthetic materials. Differing densities of cushioning are also used to increase support and stability.

Last but not the least, the outsole is the bottom part of basketball shoes. It is commonly made of rubber and incorporates cushioning and traction technologies that differ depending on specific brands.

TIPS ON CHOOSING AND USING MEN'S BASKETBALL SHOES

• Get your exact measurement. Basketball shoes should provide a snug fit yet allow room for your feet to breathe and avoid foot odor.
• Try before you buy. Put them on and mimic some movements that you would normally execute on the court. It will give you an idea of how the shoes will respond and how your feet will feel while wearing them.
• Look for a thinner midsole for better cushioning support. Overly thick midsoles can have a negative effect on stability.
• If you're into street basketball or normally play the game outdoors on a concrete surface, choose basketball shoes with heavier rubber outsoles.
• Use your basketball shoes only for playing basketball. It will keep them in shape and in good condition.