Ultimate Guide: Kids' Basketball Shoes
by
Caitlin C.
on Jul 16 2024
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Rookie Kids carries a wide selection of boys’ and girls’ basketball shoes. But before buying the right pair, it’s essential to know a bit about the construction and support that different shoes offer. Keep reading to find the best basketball shoe for your child.
How should basketball shoes fit?
Basketball shoes should be snug enough to support the sport’s required movements but not so tight that they cut off circulation to the foot. Basketball shoes run true-to-size, so you can purchase the same size as their other sneakers.
Basketball shoes for Position & Play style
Quick and shifty players (point guards)
- Prioritize lightweight shoes with multidirectional traction and responsive cushioning shoes that support quick movement. Also, look for a flexible upper.
Point-scoring players (power forward, shooting guard)
- Prioritize shoes with fantastic traction to ensure you can instantly stop and set up a shot. The upper should be supportive, and look for extra cushioning in the heel.
Defensive players (center)
- Prioritize support, stability, and cushioning
Combination players (small forward)
- Balance the attributes of both offensive and defensive shoe styles. Prioritize a shoe that has the right amount of traction and stability but also allows you to cut and shoot with ease.
How to break in new basketball shoes
Buy new basketball shoes at least two weeks before use in a game.
Days 1-3
- Walk in the new shoes for 10 minutes per day.
Days 4-8
- Wear the shoes for a total of one hour a day. Start with walking for 45 minutes and jogging for 15 on days 6-7; split the time between walking and jogging.
Days 9-13
- Wear the shoes for a total of two hours a day. Split the time between walking, jogging, and maneuvers such as turns, pivots, hard stops, and jumps. By the end of this period, the basketball shoes should be molded to the foot.
How long do basketball shoes last?
According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, basketball shoes should be replaced after 60 hours of wear. Some other signs that basketball shoes need to be replaced are:
- Unexplained aches and pains in knees, hips, ankles or other areas of the body
- Losing traction with clean shoes
- Worn-down rubber soles
- Worn-out insoles/cushioning
How much should a pair of kids’ basketball shoes cost?
A good pair of kids’ basketball shoes will cost between $50 and $200, depending on the age range and construction of the shoe. Shoes on the higher end of this range are for athletes who wear them consistently; therefore, the price reflects the construction needed to withstand in-game conditions at a higher level.
Here’s a cost breakdown of basketball shoes by age range:
- Big Kid - $75-$200
- Little Kid - $65-$80
- Infant/Toddler - $50-$65
Which basketball shoes have the best ankle support?
Which basketball shoes have a wide toe box?
Buy basketball shoes online or in-store at Rookie Kids. Can’t find what you’re looking for on this blog? Shop the full selection of kids’ basketball shoes now.
Remember, all orders over $99 are eligible for free shipping!
Basketball shoes
