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Shoes are not JUST shoes!May 29 '01 Write an essay on this topic.
Popular Products in Sport and Outdoor
The Bottom Line High priced basketball shoes DO last longer. Also, find shoes that fit your particular needs. For example: don't buy low tops if you are prone ankle sprains.
In Response to the opinion by Selfhi5: As a former collegiate basketball player I feel that I am qualified enough to speak on the subject of basketball shoes. I also happened to work in sporting goods retail (The Finish Line Inc). I agree with Selfhi5 in that basketball shoes have definitely seen a dramatic price increase in the last few years. The shoes have become more flamboyant in both looks and names. When looking for basketball shoes in particular there are certain criteria that you must look for. But in order to know what to look for you have to first look at who's going to be using the shoe. Middle Schoolers and below I agree that basketball shoes for young children don't need to be the flashiest. They basically come with the same design and features within each name brand. For example, the higher priced Nike basketball shoes (including Jordan) come with the standard Air Pocket. Unless the player has particular heel or back problems, it is okay for the child to play in a less pricey, more practical shoes. Remember that there is no need to buy a middle school player the highest priced basketball shoe because chances are they they will grow out of them before they wear them out. They also need a shoe that is good for indoor and outdoor use. Outdoor basketball shoes can be used for indoor use but the opposite is not true. Also, for middle school players, high tops are not necessary and mid tops are sufficient. High Schoolers For this group of basketball players the norm has developed is to own at least two pairs of shoes. One pair for practice which are usually less costly and a pair strictly for game play that are usually the team shoe. If the team does not have a designated shoe, most player will opt for a higher priced Nike, Reebok, or And 1 brand. (Reebok basketball shoes seem to be disappearing from sporting goods stores nation wide. For basketball players who are extremely concerned about their shoes, a third pair is mainly used for outdoor use because they require a tougher durability and outer sole. My personal favorite for outdoor basketball shoe is the Nike NDestruct. Also, most high school basketball players prefer the high top shoe that are more supportive to the ankle. Collegiate Players For these intense players, it seems that the higher priced shoes indeed are more comfortable. When you try on different shoes at the store, it may not seem any more comfortable than the cheaper shoe. However, when you have to practice for 3 to 4 hours a day it is necessary to have a durable and comfortable basketball shoe. Your feet are the only part of your body that come in contact with the floor and you need your shoes to be an aid and not a hindrance. All collegiate basketball players wear high top shoes. Most Division I schools require their players to wear high tops to prevent ankle injuries. The best basketball shoes without a doubt are the Nike brand that are made strictly for indoor use. You may not like the way the control the advertising market or their prices but when matched with any other basketball shoe, they always come out on top. People say that basketball players just wear a particular brand because they are endorsed by them. This is totally untrue. Vince Carter of the Toronto Raptors used to be endorsed by Puma and under contract had to wear their shoes. They were so uncomfortable and poorly made that he started wearing a more comfortable shoe made by Nike. He faced a huge law suit and ended up paying millions of dollars to Puma. Therefore comfort is the main agenda for serious ball players. Recreational Players For the weekend warrior who plays basketball on a limited basis, there is no need to purchase high priced basketball shoes. A good mid priced Nike basketball shoe will be sufficient. Another thing that many consumers ignore is that many styles of crosstrainers can also be used to play basketball. This usually seems to be the best alternative for the occasional athlete because they on average cost less than basketball shoes and can be used for a variety of other sports. Lesson High priced basketball shoes may not be for you, but if you plan on spending a lot of hours in them, you want to buy shoes that will be comfortable and long lasting. Sometimes this will cost you a little more but think about this... You can buy a nice pair of pants for $40-50 that you wear once a month. Why can't you pay 90-100 dollars for shoes that you will wear at least 4 times a month? Point: Do not be afraid to return defective basketball shoes. If the seams tear or the rubber comes off the sole, you are entitled to a brand new pair, the store does not lose money, the shoe company does!)  |
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