| What basketball shoe you wear is a crucial part of | | | | support and comfort. All-around players like |
| your game, especially at the competitive level. | | | | "Kobe" or "T-Mac" usually will wear a midsole type |
| Oh, sure you can play in any pair of tennis shoes | | | | of shoe and speedsters like "Iverson" wear low |
| but you risk the chance of sliding, being slowed | | | | tops for light weight and non-restriction of the |
| down by weak grip or worse of all, injury. | | | | ankles. |
| Competitive ball players take their basketball | | | | TRACTION: Have you ever played on the |
| shoes very seriously. I know I do. | | | | hardwood floor of a gym that didn't clean the |
| In today's market there are so many different | | | | floors? Your slipping, sliding away and it's hard to |
| styles of bball shoes. So how do you choose | | | | cut and slice your way to the hoop. Wearing the |
| what's best for your game? There are a few | | | | wrong shoes can have the some results. You |
| important things to look for in your shoes. By | | | | must be able to stop and start on a dime. Look |
| nature, basketball puts a lot of wear and tear on | | | | for good traction on both the forefoot and the |
| your shoes. All the constant starting, abrupt | | | | heel. |
| stopping, high jumps and quick side-to-side | | | | COMFORT: The goal is to find a basketball shoe |
| movements really take it's toll. | | | | that fits like a glove. You don't want your foot to |
| So what do I look for in a basketball shoe? I'm | | | | be swimming in any area. Since the toes, arch and |
| glad you asked. The most important factors are | | | | heel all have different needs for comfort, you |
| durability, support, traction, comfort and for most | | | | want a shoe that provides comfort in each area |
| ballers, style. | | | | and still provide the support you need for your |
| DURABILITY: Have you ever seen the movie | | | | type of game. |
| "Like Mike"? Lil Bow Wow plays an orphan boy | | | | STYLE: And, of course, you gotta look good on |
| who finds a pair of magic shoes with "MJ" written | | | | the court. Whether you're wearing the "Jordan |
| on the tongue. He suddenly has super bball skills. | | | | Retro", the "T-Mac 5", the "Air Zoom Kobe I" or |
| Anyway, in the most important game of the | | | | either of the "Answer 1 - 9" pair of shoes, style is |
| season "Calvin" drives the lane and gets fouled. | | | | definitely key. |
| When he gets up his magic shoes have | | | | The bottom line is you must think of your shoes |
| completely fallen apart. Magic shoes or not you | | | | as an investment in your game. If you're looking |
| want to make sure that never happens to you. | | | | to excel, then don't cheat yourself when it comes |
| Buy quality shoes. And yes, sometimes that | | | | to your gear, especially your shoes. |
| means paying a little more. | | | | The right pair will not only help you play at top |
| SUPPORT: Different types of players require | | | | level but most importantly help prevent injury. If |
| different types of support. Power players like | | | | you're hurt you can't play! So go get some quality |
| "Shaq" need high tops with maximum ankle | | | | kicks and get out there and play! |