Attention Sneakerheads and Hoopers! Here’s a new series in our Basketblog titled SHOE ATTRACTION. A forum where we will unbox what makes for outstanding basketball shoes on and off the court. We care about your shoes as much as you, so we decided to create a space where we could explore:
- Sports, life and culture
- What makes for great shoe performance and traction?
- The latest accessories
- Current shoe trends and styles
- This month’s crossover “Kings, Queens and In-Betweens”
- Longevity, shoe maintenance and refreshers
Not all ball shoes are created equal
Great athletes use great equipment and Hoopers are no different. We’re not talking about armbands or headgear. We’re talking about shoes! So, what makes a great basketball shoe?
Here’s what we think makes for a great ball shoe. Let us know if you agree.
- Traction
It’s all about the grip! Optimizing your shoes traction will help you stick to the floor while you cut and drive to the net. Finding shoes with great traction support and maintaining that traction during the game is one of the many ways you can distance yourself from your opponents. Pick and rolls, crossovers and pivoting all require you to have optimal shoe traction so keep this is mind.
- Flexibility and ankle support
You’ll want a shoe that is flexible enough to assist with extra bounce yet supports the ankles for lateral and vertical moments like dunks and crossovers. A strong base that offers both support and mobility.
- Lightweight
A lightweight design means you’ll be quick on your feet. Less material equals softer and lighter designs to ensure you’re nimble during gameplay. Although, there’s a downside to purchasing a shoe with less material, longevity is often sacrificed.
- Comfort
If you ball hard and often, the comfort and feel of a shoe will play a major factor in your selection. These days, shoe companies are pulling out all the stops to ensure their customers are comfortable while still putting their opponents on skates.
- Soft tongues
- Cushioned insoles
- Ventilation (for Hoopers who run “hot”)
- Flexible uppers
- Fit formation
These are all examples of things you’ll be looking at while selecting your next ball shoe.
DUNK OR THREE’s has named the Adidas Crazy Explosive 2017 the best overall traction shoe on the market today. Review their entire list of the Best Traction Basketball Shoes in the game
Adidas Crazy Explosive 2017
Finally, take care of your shoes! The cost of basketball shoes generally ranges from $75 and $200 USD*. There are many products that can optimize your shoes performance and longevity. Be on the lookout.
*source - https://www.howmuchisit.org/basketball-shoes-cost/
Crossover Kings, Queens and In-Betweens
The 2021 NBA Conference Finals just concluded and we need to pay respect, where respect is due. This month’s winner is “Playoff P” aka “Pandemic P” aka Paul George from the Los Angeles Clippers. Watch as PG13 shakes one the greatest all-time crossover kings (CP3) out of his shoes. Enjoy!
Sports, life and culture
When it comes to shoe culture, it’s next to impossible to not mention Milwaukee Bucks star P.J. Tucker. His shoe game is unmatched on the court. Off the court, he’s decided he’s taking his talents to South Beach. P.J. will launch his own sneakers with Dolce & Gabbana.
Image via Publicist
Read the full article at Complex to see what inspired him to create what he’s describing as the “Miami” colorway style. A shoe line that embodies where he was in life at that time, which was literally in Miami.
Thanks for reading and check back next month for more updates on what's popping,
JA
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References:
https://dunkorthree.com/best-traction-basketball-shoes/
https://www.complex.com/style/pj-tucker-dolce-and-gabbana-new-sneakers