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As parents and guardians, we would be lying if we said that we weren’t slightly excited when our kid came home from school to announce that they wanted to join the basketball team, right? But where do you even begin when it comes to kitting out a child for basketball. In today’s post, we are starting with the shoes. Continue reading to find out everything you need to know about kids basketball shoes and to see a few of our best buys.
Why Real Kids Basketball Shoes Are Important
Basketball is a very fast-paced sport that involves a lot of running and jumping. Because of this, players are constantly on the go. From sprinting down the court to a split-second change of direction, one of the most important areas of movement is their feet. Standard sneakers just won’t cut it. Basketball shoes are specifically designed to help support the foot and ankle which will protect and prevent injury. Wearing the wrong type of shoes on the basketball court can cause multiple injuries. They can affect the jump of a player, it can damage the knees, and of course, the feet and ankles.
Style
It goes without saying that your child is going to want to look good out on the court and luckily that won’t to too hard to do. Almost every pair of basketball shoes on the market have a great look to them. Basketball shoes come up higher than general everyday sneakers, commonly known as hi-tops. This is because they need to support the ankle. If you come across kids basketball shoes that don’t come up to the ankle, then take a good read at the benefits of them and the reviews. Basketball shoes are available as a high, mid, or low shoe but each one has a specific benefit. These will likely depend on the child’s ability and age. Essentially, it shouldn’t be too hard to find a pair of basketball sneakers that your child will gladly wear and that will protect their body.
Durability
You’ve probably lost count by now how many times your child has come back from school having broken, damaged, or lost different items of clothing. As a parent or guardian, this becomes extremely annoying, not to mention expensive. The materials that kids basketball shoes are made from will play a part in the longevity of the sneaker. They aren’t going to last forever but, you don’t want to be forking out a healthy sum of money for them to be broken within a couple of weeks. Once the sneakers become damaged, they will start losing their support which is something that nobody wants.
The Soles
One of the most important factors when buying basketball shoes is the soles. Not only will they absorb the impact of jumping but they will provide the grip that a player needs. Again, this is a very fast-paced sport and so grip and balance are essential. You will probably notice different patterns on the outsoles of basketball shoes which usually indicates the level of grip. Higher grip is generally found on shoes with a hexagonal or herringbone pattern. Another thing to consider is whether they will be playing mostly indoors or outdoors. Usually, games are played indoor but during free time and especially on warmer days, kids will likely play outdoors. The biggest difference with playing outdoors is that the surface will wear away the tread a lot quicker. So, if a child is playing outdoors more often then choose a shoe that has a thicker outsole.
Midsole
The midsole of a basketball shoe is the inner cushion area. This is what provides comfort and support. A majority of shoes will consist of some type of foam as well as polyurethane. A good quality basketball shoe will have a midsole that caters for the different points of impact on the foot. It will keep the foot secure and prevent things like rolling over on the ankle.
Best Kids Basketball Shoes Available Online
Now that you know what you are looking for in a basketball shoe, its time to choose which one to buy. Below are a few of our favorite kid’s basketball shoes that will help to protect and support them.
Nike Kid’s Team Hustle D 8 Basketball Shoe
A great basketball shoe for young beginners. The Nike Kid’s Team Hustle D 8 Basketball Shoe provides a great level of protection while staying relatively lightweight. They have a Velcro strap across the laces to ensure that the foot is secure. Wrap around soles will help your aspiring basketball player to manage their balance while maintaining good traction with the floor. Made by a well-respected brand these kids basketball shoes are available in a range of colors suitable for both boys and girls.
- Lightweight midsole foam
- Rubber outsole for traction
- Back loop for easy foot insertion
- Additional Velcro strap for a secure fit
Under Armour BGS Lockdown 3 Basketball Shoe
Another popular brand and shoe are the Under Armour BGS Lockdown 3 Basketball Shoe. These sneakers don’t have the additional Velcro strap like the ones above but they are a higher rise. A great choice for young basketball players that are strengthening their ankles or that are working on their jump shots. The chunky outsoles offer fantastic grip and help with balance. Breathe holes are found in the tongue and at the end of the toes.
- Chunky wrap around outer soles
- Breathable
- Back loop to help get the foot in and out without crushing the ankle support
- Traction pattern that comes right up to the front of the toe
WETIKE Kid’s High-Top Outdoor Basketball Sneaker
A slightly more affordable option is the WETIKE Kid’s High-Top Outdoor Basketball Sneaker. Suitable for both girls and boys, these sneakers have a non-slip rubber sole. Designed with molded quarter panels that provide support while enabling the feet to breathe. Herringbone traction pattern for utmost grip on slick outdoor surfaces.
- Fast-drying
- Flex grooves both vertically and horizontally enable full flexibility
- Long-lasting cushioning
- Leather overlays for stability
As children are still growing basketball shoes will, of course, need to be replaced regularly. Because of this, choosing reasonably priced shoes that cater to a child’s needs is advised. Most basketball shoes need to be replaced every three to four months unless a child has outgrown them beforehand. Most importantly though, is choosing a shoe that is suited to their abilities.
