"What Type of Basketball Shoe Will Benefit You the Most?" This is the question most basketball players are asked but the answer we gave is usually more of the asthmatic purposes.
To make an educated decision about your basketball
shoes and determining which features are most important, you should have
a basic understanding of shoe construction. Do you need a low-cut or
mid? What is teh material of the upper? Do I need more or less
cushioning?
Knowing how and why the shoes are made, could help you in decision making.
Highs, Mids Or Lows
Mid-cuts are for players who feel restricted in high-tops, and who use speed as their greatest asset.
Low-cuts are lighter, but don't offer the built-in ankle support that high-tops or even mids do.
Uppers
Today’s basketball shoes feature lightweight combination uppers,
which mix the stability and durability of synthetic leather with the
breathability of mesh.
High-tech, all-synthetic uppers are often more durable than leather
and have gained popularity for their ability to offer stability in a
super-lightweight shoe.
Cushioning
Midsole cushioning is that layer of soft, spongy material between upper and the outsole.
Midsoles will impact the levels of cushioning and shock absorption
in the shoe and can affect a player's ability to explode off the floor.
Most midsoles are made of EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate), polyurethane (PU) or a combination of these materials.
EVA offers lightweight cushioning, but not as much stability and
durability. EVA can be compressed to make it somewhat more durable
(CMEVA).
Polyurethane is more dense and durable than EVA and can add stability to the shoe, but is heavier.
Most brands also offer some form of proprietary cushioning
technology (Nike Air, adidas Bounce, Reebok Hexalite, etc.) that are
usually found in the heel and/or forefoot of the shoe and provide an
extra degree of cushioning without adding extra weight.
prepared and written by Zac Leow
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