An ideal pair of basketball shoes delivers on-court advantages. Get shoes that fit your needs. (Photo by NOEL PABALATE)

The four corners of the hardwood demand a lot out of athletes. For some, it demands only the best of efforts. Ten players, two hoops and a basketball, it sounds pretty simple but it’s actually harder than it looks.

The factors involved in a single game of basketball far exceed the expectations of any common athlete. The gritty competitiveness of the game stems from our national passion for the sport, love of team play, and appreciation of style.

Apart from the mental aspect, the sheer physicality of the game alone is a lot to handle. Although having the right mindset is crucial, it is a mere trimming compared to the effort it demands to the body. Integrating a multitude of motions like running and jumping, while keeping a conscious effort at controlling the bounce of the ball is not a simple task. Add that to a series of directional changes from side to side, forward and back and sudden changes of pace makes for a total body workout.

Having such tedious motions rely mostly on a particular part of the anatomy, the legs and feet. The grind of the game often results in a lot of wear and tear and having the proper gear is as crucial as keeping these parts of the body fit.

A good base is always important and that starts with the feet, particularly the shoes that support the feet. “It’s very important to get the perfect pair of shoes. You’d want to take care of your feet because you use it all the time. You’d want to be comfortable and not get any discomforts during the game,” shares guard Chris Ross for the PBA team Sta. Lucia Realtors.

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the right pair of basketball kicks. There’s durability, support, traction, stability, comfort, and style. The first five factors mentioned are important as it translates to the overall performance of the gear while the last appeals to a player’s aesthetic needs.

These factors aside, it’s also important to know the type of game one plays. Generally, there are three types of playing styles that one can choose to employ, namely the power game, the all-around game, and the speed game.

Power players have a tendency to play nearer to the basket, which usually fall under the positions of centers and forwards. Because of their size and the frequency of contacts they commit, these players needs maximum ankle support and cushioning. Thus, high-top shoes are more adequately made for this style.

All-around players, on the other hand, basically do everything including positioning close to the hoop and running the full extent of the court. The versatile mid-top cut is more than ample enough to carry the demands of this type of game made for wing players namely the shooting guards and small forwards. With moderate ankle support and cushioning, comfort is not compromised with enough room to hold a fast transition game.

Fast players are exactly what they sound, they are fast. Weaving in and out of traffic, usually with the ball in hand, these players are built for speed. And speed requires freedom of movement, which low-top shoes can deliver. Designed to provide moderate support and much flexibility, low-top shoes can cope with the quick change of pace and directions that guards need to do.

“As a guard you need mid-top or low-top shoes. Because guards need comfortable shoes because we’re the ones moving around using our speed,” Sta. Lucia Realtor guard Josh Urbiztondo shares.

Aside from these three types of gears, recent advancements in shoe engineering have developed hybrid shoe designs that could support all three game styles with only one type of shoe. With sophisticated materials readily available, these types of shoes provide maximum support, total comfort while keeping it light and flexible enough not to restrict any range of movements.

One example of this “hybrid” shoe is the new Team Signature Heat Check released by one of the leading sport apparel provider Adidas. The TS Heat Check enhances the natural movement of the player’s foot for more speed, power, and agility. It also employs a stability triangle that increases lateral stability, cushion traction, and acceleration. It basically has all possible positive features rolled into one brilliantly designed shoe.

“The difference lies on how much the shoe weighs. Like they say, you’d want any kind of advantage you can get. If your shoes are lighter, you’re going to have an extra step. But it’s really all about the player you are,” Ross adds.

A great pair of basketball shoes does not automatically make for a great basketball player. That requires talent and an enormous amount of hard work. But having the right pair of kicks can help prevent injury and maximize speed, power, and overall effectiveness on the court. It can also add leaps to your style and maybe even get a few heads to turn on your way to the hoop.