You need shoes that can keep up with your quick pace if your gameplay calls for quick actions, or if you enjoy changing positions or running around the court, without sacrificing the durability and comfort you require. You can do that by wearing lightweight footwear. The best option for athletes is a pair of lightweight sneakers, especially for those who want to wear them during long performances without their feet getting tired. The advantages of wearing light basketball shoes are listed below.
Low-Cut Lightweight Basketball Shoes
Basketball shoes with low tops have short collars that end at the ankle. They feel light and enable quicker, more precise movements on the basketball court. Low-top basketball shoes are the best option for smaller, shorter basketball players like wings and guards who must cut and sprint a lot on the court. These players need shoes that won’t limit their movement or feel heavy.
Cons of Low-Cut Lightweight Shoes
- Their light weight enables swift movement and speed
- The wide range of motion is made possible by their high flexibility.
- Greater breathability because less padding and material are used
- There are no limitations on foot movement
Benefits of Lightweight Basketball Shoes for Playing
Breathable
Nobody likes slipping their feet into heavy shoes. Lightweight basketball shoes allow you to play more easily because they increase foot ventilation. Mesh lining or waterproof membranes or lining can both be breathable membranes. Consider a waterproof material if you intend to play in wet weather-prone areas.
More Responsiveness
One of the most crucial characteristics of lightweight basketball shoes is that they respond much better than regular or heavy basketball shoes. This enables you to develop your attack, dribble, and tackle skills all at once. As long as your shoe’s weight isn’t too heavy, you can move easily left or right. Moving around will become more challenging as this weight increases.
Gives you the Right Support
If you like to work out before playing, lightweight shoes give you the most support for a satisfying walk or run. Simply looking at shoe support won’t make sense. Pay attention to the arch, the sole, and the feel of the material to determine whether something is supportive. The likelihood of the material offering the best support is higher if it is thicker and softer.
Helps to Improve Basketball Performance
Basketball players who wear light shoes perform better when they jump and sprint, respectively. Basketball players’ performance may be improved. Choosing lightweight footwear will help you gain benefits on both a mental and physical level.
Good for Dribbling Performance
A shoe style with a lower cut provides more stability and is lighter. A basketball player can effectively run and dribble on the court while wearing very lightweight shoes.
Tips for Choosing your Lightweight Basketball Shoes
Even though weight is the most important factor to take into account in this situation, many people are unaware of the material that should be used to make basketball shoes to reduce weight. Additionally, there are undoubtedly other factors to take into account when selecting a lightweight basketball shoe.
Material
Material is what determines a shoe’s weight. Basketball shoes were traditionally made of high-quality leather. Leather was thought to be a heavy material, so it was substituted by others even though it could withstand damage and rough use.
Basketball shoes made of knit, synthetic mesh, or lightweight leather are the best options. They are good for running and are more resilient to rough treatment. Additionally, these basketball shoes are excellent for jumping and gliding.
Internal Comfort of the Shoe
The internal factors are equally important to the external and material factors. You won’t be able to play well in a lightweight shoe that is uncomfortable on the inside. To make the shoe breathable and cozy to wear, the interior padding must be soft and padded.
Durability
One major issue with many lightweight basketball shoes is that the durability is compromised by the material. The shoes can easily break down because they are not made of sturdy, heavy materials. However, some businesses use synthetic material that is both strong and light. It is therefore the best option. Remember to check that the basketball shoes you select have a suitable liner and a solid grip on their soles.
If you have to choose between two pairs of shoes, the second pair is preferable because it is slightly heavier but has greater durability. This is because a small weight change won’t have a significant impact on your performance. Furthermore, a durable shoe won’t malfunction in the middle of a game. Therefore, avoid taking the chance of choosing a lightweight but weak shoe.
Balancing
One of the most crucial considerations when choosing a basketball shoe is maneuverability. You should wear shoes that provide you with better balance because of this. Only then will you be able to swerve, make those precise cuts, and create a basket with ease. For this reason, experts advise that you look for an outsole that is relatively flat and wide to allow for a better grip. In comparison to experts, newcomers should prioritize this. You will be able to control your game much more once you can match your balance and have a better grip.
The kind of soles you are wearing has a big impact on how well you can balance. Rubber soles are typically worn by players because they improve grip. Due to the slick surfaces of indoor basketball courts, rubber-soled shoes are especially recommended. On such surfaces, the rubber sole helps to maintain grip.
How Light Should Your Lightweight Basketball Shoes Be?
Basketball shoe manufacturing processes and material substitutions over the past few years have drastically reduced shoe weights, shaving 2 or 3 ounces off the typical pair. Even though this might seem like a small amount, removing this bulk has caused players to notice significant differences in their performances.
Lightweight sneakers will therefore weigh between 10 and 12 ounces for men and 8 to 9 ounces for women, depending on shoe size.
How do Lightweight Basketball Shoes Differ From the Bulkier Ones?
- Swift and Speedy
- Lesser Cushioning
- Super-Ventilation
- Smooth Heel-to-Toe Slope with a Thin Sole
Conclusion
It is best to play in light basketball shoes if you want to enjoy yourself on the court without having a change in your performance. The advantages of wearing lightweight shoes are numerous, and you will be able to play your best games thanks to their increased responsiveness and aggressiveness.