Basketball is one of the most famous sports that even kids of different age range love. Boys and girls alike can play this sport even at a very young age. Just like in any other sport, injuries in basketball are inevitable. The best kid basketball shoes can help them play their best and stay protected.
Basketball shoes offer different features and benefits to your kids. However, there are some that you should really pay attention to and look for in a basketball shoe. Author Tim Frechette shares the most common features that you should look for in basketball shoes for your kid.
Fit
The number one thing that you have to consider before buying any kind of shoes is the fitting. No matter how fashionable it looks and how comfortable it promises it is, it will not be the best if it does not fit your child’s feet perfectly. If it is too small, their feet will hurt in the middle of the game, and may not be able to perform well.
If the shoes are too big, they will not be comfortable wearing them. It may even cause their ankle to twist. Improperly fitted shoes may also cause other kinds of injuries. If the basketball shoes do not fit properly, your kid’s feet, ankles, and knees may receive all the impact from the game. It can also affect their spinal column.
Collar Height
The height of the collar is important to protect the ankles from several injuries. It will depend on their movement and position on the court. High-top shoes should be worn by players whose positions are forward or center. It is the best choice for players that needs more ankle support for their aggressive or sudden movements.
The mid-top shoes are good if you want your kid’s shoes to provide ankle protection and still be lightweight. It is good for almost any position on the court. Lastly, low-top shoes are best for players who need to move and run quickly. They need very lightweight shoes which can still give them support.
Durability
Of course, you want to buy basketball shoes for your kid that are worthy of your money. The durability of the shoes will give you justice when it comes to that. Also, you don’t want to see your kid running to the side of the court holding the sole of his shoe. That would be very embarrassing.
The basketball shoes that you should buy for your kid should last from practice to the end of the season and even longer than that. The durability of the shoes will also depend on how often your kid uses them and the way he/she uses them. Remember that not all branded shoes are durable.
Cushioning
The cushion is very important for a basketball shoe since it is considered a high-impact sport. Proper cushioning prevents damage and injury on the knees and heels while playing.
However, be careful with highly cushioned shoes because it may result in less stability. It should have enough responsiveness while still providing a proper and normal feel on the bottom part of the shoes. The cushion can either be made of air or foam.
Comfort and Support
The overall composition of the basketball shoes should provide full comfort and support. If your child feels comfortable and supported by the shoes he/she is wearing, he/she will feel more confident in the game and may perform better.
Strong ankle support is needed in this kind of sport. They can move freely and easily if their ankle is supported and not very prone to injury at every move. However, do not overdo with the ankle support because it also limits their movement.
Shoe Traction
After checking on the inside, the outside quality of the basketball shoes is also important. One of those outside qualities is the traction on the outsole of the shoes. Having a good grip and appropriate traction type based on whether your kid is playing indoors or outdoors is crucial.
Look for a pattern that offers great traction and is suitable for the area where your child will use it.
Skill Level
Assess your kid’s playing ability or ask his/her coach to provide a skill evaluation. If your child is a beginner, they don’t need very high-end basketball shoes. Once your child has improved and you think he/she needs a more comfortable pair of basketball shoes, reward him/her.
The kind of basketball shoes that they should be wearing should match their ability so that they can carry them properly and they can play at their best. A pro kid will have more games or competition and training compared to a novice one.
Budget
You have to consider the price and your allocated budget for your kid’s shoes. You don’t have to go overboard just to give him/her the fanciest pair of basketball shoes. Although, even if you’re on a specific budget, you still have to consider the quality of the shoes you’re buying. Don’t settle for just a month-long durable shoe.
Style
Having a good-looking pair of shoes will give them a confidence boost on the court. Though the color of their shoes does not make them a pro, it will be easier for them to step on the court with a nice pair of basketball shoes. Also, they wouldn’t want to wear it if it looks awful.
Conclusion
The best kind of basketball shoes for kids should allow them to play comfortably. It should provide them comfort and support during the game. The shoes should also be durable, breathable, and lightweight. Making them look good with their basketball shoes, will make them feel good in their play.
