Perfect Basketball Shoe

Basketball is an intense sport. In order to play at a competitive level, the athlete needs the correct type of basketball shoe. Basketball shoes must offer durability, support, stability, flexibility, and shock absorption. The constant starting, abrupt stopping, high jumps and quick side-to-side maneuvers involved with basketball make these features essential when choosing a playing shoe. Price range, type of shoe, and personal preference are also important considerations.

One never puts a shoe back on the shelf without looking at the price tag. With today's economy at an unusual low, money may be an issue to certain consumers. The price of "signature" shoes varies widely from $15 to over $200. Various NBA superstars have their own personal shoe. Stephon Marbury, former Knicks player, has recently released his own shoe at a very low price of $15 dollars. The low price allows lower income consumers to obtain a playing shoe at a reasonable price. Michael Jordan, former Bulls player, has his own brand shoe as well.

Unlike Marbury, Jordan's shoes start at a relatively higher price of $145. Each player tries to accommodate different target markets based on price. Price differences also exist among different brands of basketball shoes. Nike shoes are more expensive than those of competitors such as Reebok, Converse, or New Balance. Because price may be a crucial issue, one must seek a cheaper alternative when shopping for a basketball shoe.

Basketball involves constant movement. The only time a player is motionless is in a timeout or at the free-throw line. Two body parts vulnerable to injuries are your ankles and knees. Basketball shoes with durability, support, stability, flexibility, and shock absorption are key elements to consider to protect these parts of the body. One must also decide whether one prefers a high-top or low-cut basketball shoe. As an opponent dribbles the ball toward you, the type of shoe determines how the player will defend against an opponent. With high-top shoes the ankle is better protected from injury.

If one prefers a low cut playing shoe, the ankle is open without protection. With a low-cut shoe, it is best to wear an ankle brace to prevent injury. High- top basketball shoes should be worn at the more intense levels of basketball competition. Examples of extreme levels of basketball are the professional, college, or even high school basketball. Low cut shoes may be worn at intramural games, at pick-up games in the park, or at youth games at the YMCA. The level of competitive play and how often one competes are good determining factors in one's decision to purchase high-top or low-cut basketball shoes.

Price and type of shoe are important, but whether one likes the shoe is important as well. Consumers buy their basketball shoes for varies personal reasons. For example, people may buy a Jordan-endorsed shoe because they feel that they will play like the great Michael Jordan, but they also like the fact that people will know that they are wearing $145 shoes. People buy basketball to match team uniforms, to be in style, or just because they like the shoe for what it has to offer. Most important is that one feels comfortable performing in the shoe of one's choice.

Price, type of shoe, and personal preference are necessary when picking the perfect basketball shoe. Depending on the price one is willing to pay, there are various brands of playing shoes to pick from. If competing at a more competitive level, high-top is the best option. One is not restricted to playing only in high-top shoes, but if one does decides to wear a low-cut shoe, he or she should make sure to wear extra reinforcement to protect the ankle. Last but not least, make sure that the shoe fits one's personal preference. Whether it be team-related or for one's own personal style in the end it's one's hard-earned money you are spending. Choose wisely.