The Best Allbirds Shoes For Any Activity: Runners Slip
A 24-year-old entrepreneur has launched a line of basketball sneakers thats designed exclusively for women and it all started with an ad for Nike shoes.
Natalie White, then a senior at Boston College in 2019, saw an ad from the sneaker site Eastbay featuring four of the top WNBA players promoting various models with some named after male NBA players.
It was basically Sue Bird, and under her name it said Kyrie 6,’ White told The Post, referring to Kyrie Irvings signature Nike Kyrie 6 sneaker.
I thought, How wrong is this? Basketball is one of the most widely played sports by women in the US and instead of having their own sneakers, they are promoting a mens shoe.
But what started out as righteous indignation quickly morphed into a clever business idea.
As the Manhattan native researched the industry, she realized that not only did WNBA ballers not have signature shoes, they didnt even have proper womens basketball shoes. Instead, basketball kicks from top brands are made to fit the male foot and marketed as unisex.
That makes basketball a curious outlier: Every other major sports category running trainers and soccer cleats included has designs that are crafted specifically for the female foot.
I said Oh my god, this is a huge performance issue. It ends up hurting your ankle, knee and body systems, White told The Post.
Im pushy. You keep working until you get the result you want, White said.
Learn More About Women’s Basketball Shoes
Selection
Designed for Performance: Women’s Basketball Shoes
Dominate the court-from the first tip-off to the final second on the clock. Make this season count with the latest women’s basketball shoes from DICK’S Sporting Goods.
The newest generation of women’s basketball shoes is optimized for the rigors of your game. Move fluidly on the hardwood with specialized outsoles that support the game’s multidirectional movements. A feather-light construction never weighs you down as you make your way down court.
Shop popular basketball brands for shoes you can count on, including Nike® basketball shoes and Under Armour®.
Looking for more? Browse the entire selection of basketball shoes in a range of sizes, styles and colors.
Expert Advice
Your women’s basketball footwear should be built for a light, responsive ride on the court. Look for the details that make a difference in your game.
A foam collar and padded tongue protect and secure the foot during play. High-abrasion mesh in the upper allows natural air flow to reach your foot-keeping you comfortable and fresh as you take on the competition.
New, dynamic lacing systems lock in your foot for unbelievable stability. Solid rubber outsoles with a classic herringbone pattern help keep you in control on the court. Light midsole cushioning absorbs shock to keep you going.
Make your statement on the court in a variety of sleek styles, fresh colors and remarkable details.
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Best Basketball Shoes For Women
I know there are lots of basketball shoes for women.
But, the question is, are those really good enough for women to play basketball?
I dont think so
Sometimes, after very good research, we still fail to choose the right shoes.
Its normal. Dont worry.
The good news is that You dont need to worry anymore. We have done everything for you.
Below, youll find a list of the best basketball shoes for women. You can choose any one of your choices.
Please take a moment to leave a comment & share your thoughts. I would love to hear your feedback!
Contents
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Under Armour Hovr Havoc 2
This is another mid top offering from Under Armour which will work for any basketball position.
The midsole for the Havoc 2 is made of HOVR. HOVR is a unique foam material created through a collaboration between Under Armour and Dow chemicals. You can think of this as Under Armours response to the React by Nike and Boost by Adidas. HOVR is extremely light and soft and gives excellent cushioning.
The HOVR midsole is wrapped with an Energy Web compression mesh to help keep its shape and provide responsiveness and bounce. The Energy Web mesh as the name suggests, captures the energy from your foots movements and returns it back to you. There is also a TPU shank between the midsole and insole for extra stability.
The shoe has a rubber outsole with the traditional herringbone pattern for great floor grip. The upper is made of molded textile which is comfortable and breathable. It has a traditional tongue construction made of mesh which helps increase the airflow and makes it easy for the wearer to slip the shoe on.
The shoe stays secure on your foot when making a dash for a loose ball thanks to the webbed lacing system and half bootie lining.
Pros
Should You Consider Mens Basketball Shoes
Shopping for basketball shoes in the mens section can give you more choices in terms of availability of designs and range of sizes.
How about the fit and sizing? Will a shoe created for a mans foot work with a womans? A study on gender differences in adult foot shape in April 2001 by Wunderlich RE, Cavanagh PR noted that for the same foot length, a womans foot will have a higher arch, a smaller instep in terms of circumference, a shallower height for the first toe, and a shorter length of the outside ball of the foot.
You can refer to the diagram below which I have created to see which exact parts of the foot were measured.
While there may be differences, these are typically subtle and it remains to be seen whether including these small changes in a shoe design will actually result in a much better fit. So yes, you can consider mens basketball shoes if you are unable to find anything suitable in the selection for women.
A good rule of thumb to get the equivalent womens US size from mens sizes is to subtract 1.5 from the mens size.
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Adidas Pro Bounce 2019
These shoes are comfortable, lightweight and responsive. This is another one of my picks from the mens section that can be suitable for women. The shoe has a minimalist and clean design making it a crowd pleaser.
The Adidas Pro Bounce 2019 features a Flexible Bounce midsole cushion, a type of foam that is meant to be soft, flexible and bouncy hence the name. The Bounce cushion was designed in-house by Adidas with performance as the primary consideration.
The outsole features a Zonal herringbone pattern with flex grooves for outstanding traction. It has a padded ankle collar with additional cushioning for added stability. The lace closure ensures a secure but pleasant fit. The upper is made of two-tone textile material and has a textile lining. It is secured to your foot with a lace closure.
The sizing on this shoe can be tricky. I recommend checking at least two sizes to try and get the right fit.
Pros
- Sizing can be tricky
Women’s White Basketball Shoes
Like black basketball shoes, white basketball shoes for women are widely preferred because of how easy they are to match with other outfits. If they aren’t that bulky, the ladies’ white hoop shoes can even be used for work and casual gigs. This has been the case with the form-hugging Adidas Hardens and the storied Nike Kobes.
Due to the high demand for white shoes, every basketball shoe model has an all-white or predominantly white version. The same can be said about soccer cleats and even football cleats. There’s no need to worry that the supplies won’t last, ladies! There are enough white basketball shoes for every woman out there.
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Nike Womens Hyperdunk 2016
The Nike Womens Hyperdunk 2016 is an iconic shoe released in the same year as Nikes way of celebrating the history of the Womens USA Basketball program. Fun fact: the Womens USA basketball team has won the gold in the Olympics since 1996 and has not been beaten. The low top version of this sneaker was worn by the Womens USA basketball team in the 2016 Rio Olympics. The one featured here is the mid top version for ultimate versatility.
The midsole is made of Phylon foam which is made of compressed EVA that was heat expanded then cooled in a mold. This is a very lightweight and responsive material that provides excellent cushioning. There are Zoom Air units in the heel and forefoot for even more bounce. The outsole has a traditional herringbone pattern for the ultimate traction and grip.
The Nike Hyperdunk has Flywire cables integrated with the shoelaces for a very secure and locked-down fit. The upper is made of breathable textile and comes in a huge range of color choices. This is one shoe that does not only perform well, you can also match it to the color of your teams uniform.
Pros
- Lightweight and responsive
- Fits securely thanks to Flywire cables integrated with the shoelaces
- Iconic shoe to commemorate the dominance of the Womens USA basketball team in the Olympics
Cons
Converse High Top: A Shoe For All Generations & Seasons
Chuck-Taylor All-Stars, also known as Converse All-Stars, started as basketball shoes back in the 1920s. Converse is now a generational brand that has remained unchanged since its introduction to the market partly due to its versatility. While the classic Converse high top is made from cotton canvas, you can still find the innovative details of the shoe in its leather versions.
In over 100 years, the Converse shoe with its trademark stitched upper portion, a white rubber toe-cap, and a brown rubber sole has remained almost unchanged. Today, not only is it one of the most recognizable styles around the world but its easily touted as one of the most comfortable shoes out there. Ready to be worn by all generations, all seasons, and to any occasion.
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Big Names In The Game
The biggest names in game both types have options galore for you. Whether its Nike, Jordan, adidas, Under Armour, or another, Footlocker.ca has your feet covered.
The Nike LeBron line of signature footwear has all the support and cushioning for any bigger-size baller like LeBron James. A Max Air heel cushions every landing, while a Zoom Air forefoot keeps your foot a little lower to the ground for a low-profile angle that propels you forward.
Paul Georges signature line, the Nike PG series, features low-cut options built for breathability as well as more open, natural ankle flexion. A forefoot Zoom Air unit adds low-profile cushioning.
Kyrie Irving is represented here, too, with the Nike Kyrie lineup. A common thread through his first half-dozen releases is the way the lateral edge of the outsole wraps up the side to contain his and your foot during hard cuts and slashes. And many of his signature models also feature a bold midfoot strap that helps lock you in.
And let your Freak flag fly with Giannis Antetokounmpos inaugural signature shoe, the Nike Zoom Freak 1. Easily recognizable with its rare reverse Swoosh at the heel midsole, its also built with a forefoot lockdown cage among a mesh upper designed to breathe.
How To Find Basketball Shoes That Fit Your Playing Style
The list above is a great way to find basketball shoes that perform well overall, but not every basketball shoe will work the same for different types of players. Quick guards will need different shoes than big and heavy centers.
But how do you know what kind of shoe you need? In the following paragraphs, I want to go into more detail and tell you what to look for to find your perfect fit!
Lets talk about the most important characteristics of basketball kicks and what you want to look for when you are in the market for a new pair:
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Womens Basketball Shoes Show Off Skills
Claim your spot in the lineup with women’s basketball shoes. A wide selection of designs brings features like cushioning, security, and stability to your game. Nike, Jordan, Under Armour, adidas, and other brands have all made something for every player. Every time you get the ball in your hands, you have a chance to stun them. Wear shoes built for the biggest moments.
Picking Your Next Pair Of Basketball Shoes
Picking your next pair of basketball shoes can be difficult. Finding out about the latest releases, reading reviews, checking prices, and getting the right size it often takes me days or even weeks to settle on a new pair.
Now, maybe I am just really picky when it comes to basketball sneakers, but there is a reason why!
- They grip the floor and allow quick cuts and crossovers
- They provide impact protection and reduce the stress on your knees and feet
- They fit comfortably and lock down your feet tightly
- They provide support and protect your ankles from rolling
In short: Good basketball shoes will help you to get the most out of your game!
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New Balance Basketball Shoes
New Balance BB891 is another good article that suits well to the high arches players and stands fourth in our list. It is constructed with synthetic and mesh materials that make New Balance BB891 extremely durable and breathable.
These shoes deliver great cushioning and stability because of the presence of the N-ERGYÂ system in the rearfoot area. Moreover, the forefoot and heel region of the shoes are featured with ABZORBÂ technology to deliver optimum shock absorption.
The supportive cushioning together with forefoot and rearfoot padding makes these New Balance BB891 largely appropriate for players having high arches.
These shoes have a rubber outsole and herringbone tread that contribute to offer you a great grip on any surface for all sorts of moves with exceptional stability.
The Different Types Of Basketball Sneakers
When shopping for a good style, there are some key features to look for. First up: decide whether you want a high, mid, or low-cut shoe. While low-tops are built for premium speed and agility, making them better for guards, mid and high-top styles lend more ankle support and stability, which is ideal for forwards as the position doesnt require a lot of quick movements. Mid-tops provide a happy medium for multi-position players.
But mostly, choosing the right sneaker height is about user preference, says Gately. Its about what makes you feel comfortable most of the actual stability and support your shoe is giving comes from the heel counter, anyway.
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Basketball Shoes For High Arches
Before beginning the discussion on the best basketball shoes for high arches, it is good to take a brief view of what actually high arches mean.
A high arch is a condition in which the arch of your foot is raised more than normal.
And as a consequence, you experience more weight, in some cases pain also, on your ball and heel while walking, running, and standing. Persons with high arches need more arch support from their shoes.
The basketball shoes designed for such players have more arch support, cushioning, impact protection, great padding, and flexibility.
We have searched many basketball shoes suitable for high arches and shortlisted seven best among with the help of different articles on them and based on opinions of different customers on them.
Contents
Style Of The Silhouette
There are three different styles of basketball shoes out there: Low tops, mid tops, and high tops. Traditionally, basketball players used to play in high tops that completely covered the ankle of players, but nowadays, more and more players are wearing low-tops that look more like regular training shoes. Lets take a closer look at each style and their pros and cons:
Low Tops:
Low-cut shoes provide maximum flexibility and are often very lightweight. They are perfect for guards who want to feel light and quick on their feet and dont want to add unnecessary bulk. Bigger and slower guys dont profit as much from low tops and might look for the protection of higher cut shoes. Low-cuts were made most popular by the Kobe signature line:
Mid Tops:
Mid Tops are a hybrid between low- and high tops and provide a little bit of both worlds: Good flexibility and mobility, but also a decent amount of ankle protection and more stability. Perfect for forwards or wings who dont need all the flexibility of a low top, but also dont like the bulkiness of true high tops. An example of a mid top basketball shoes is the Kyrie 3:
High Tops:
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Take A Quiz To Find Your Perfect Pair Of Basketball Shoes
If you are a little overwhelmed by all the things you need to consider, then you might be interested in a simple quiz I developed. You answer a set of simple questions about which type of player you are, whether you plan to play outdoors etc. and the quiz will automatically recommend the best-rated shoe that fits all your criteria. This way you can find a good basketball shoe within minutes instead of browsing the web for hours!
Nike Kobe Mamba Instinct
Nike Kobe mamba comes on the fifth position in our top ranks for best basketball shoes for high arches and is constructed with good aspects that grab the users attention.
Flyweave technology is used in the upper region that makes this pair of shoes breathable and supportive. The TPU strengthens the upper to deliver more durable, lightweight, and stability.
These shoes are comfortable and very flexible as well. It shows good lockdown, gives support to your arches, and also provides you ample support to your ankles and heels.
The cushioning is ascribed to the Drop-in Lunarlon midsole that functions to deliver incredible cushioning during the game and also provides appropriate protection to your feet from impacts.
The thin rubber outsole of Kobe Mamba Instinct is engineered to offer the players a multi-directional grip along with a splendid court feel.
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