Of course, sneakerheads would instantly recognize the shoe that I’m describing to be the Air Jordan 11 (BRed), which is widely considered to be the greatest shoe of all time. Now, I was still in high school then, struggling to find the balance between my swimming career (I was once a member of the RP team) and my passion for the game of basketball. Naturally, I didn’t have the finances to make such a purchase nor did I have the gall to ask my parents for it.
And dreamt I did for many long years until late last year. With that kid having grown up into a full-grown (I think) man with a kick-a*s job, the timing was just right that the said shoe made its latest comeback to the mainstream market. The date was set for December 23 and there I was, giddy like a kid on Christmas morning, receiving the shoe that haunted me like a ghost all these years. The shoe was finally mine and my soul for sole collecting was finally complete.
This is the life of true-blue sneakerhead. Over the years, I have accumulated, worn and subsequently disposed many pairs of shoes. A loyal Nike lover to the bone, I have had the privilege of wearing several the annual churn-outs of LeBrons, Kobes and KDs (Kevin Durant) along with the occasional dalliance with Hyperdunks and Hyperfuses. I am no Imelda Marcos, not by any means my friends. I may be limited by both geography and finances but nevertheless, my love for sneakerheads extends far beyond those limitations.
As I’m quite sure of, there are many of my kind here in Cebu and I must confess that I am no shoe expert. But rather, I’m a shoe connoisseur with a taste for basketball sneakers, who more or less, has a solid grasp of how this industry works. Hopefully, this brief guide will help you get on your feet, and get something ON your feet.
As I mentioned earlier, I’m a basketball freak, so I will focus with basketball shoes. With the help of Dick’s Sporting Goods, here are some tips on how to buy these kinds of performance footwear.
the sneakerhead with his MJ's!
How To Buy Basketball Shoes
To handle the rigors of the game, basketball shoes must offer durability, support, stability, flexibility and shock absorption. The constant starting, abrupt stopping, high jumps and quick side-to-side movements involved with basketball make these features absolutely essential when choosing your playing shoes. It's also important to factor in your personal playing style, which can make a difference in the type of shoe you'll need.
1. Determine what kind of player you are.
• Power player - Power players will want shoes with maximum cushioning and stability. You may have to play in a heavier shoe to get those benefits.
• All-around player - Look for shoes with moderate ankle support and cushioning. There are many shoes to choose from. Almost all types are fairly lightweight.
• Fast player - Choose a lightweight shoe that offers moderate support, cushioning and flexibility. Shoes with a lower-cut are often good choices
2. Shoe Construction - Understanding the construction of basketball shoes and determining which features are most important to you will help you select the right shoe.
• Upper - The upper is the soft top of the shoe. Its job is to keep the foot snug and securely in place during play.
• Shoe cut
Determining if you're most comfortable in high-, mid- or low-tops is the first step in finding the right shoe for you
- High-tops
- Keep in mind that the vast majority of players, around 70% choose high-tops for their ability to provide maximum ankle support. Power players and all-around players usually prefer the stability of this style
Mid-tops - For players who feel restricted in high-tops, and who use speed as their greatest asset, mid-tops, which come to right at the ankle level, may be the answer
- Low-tops -
Only about 10% of players wear low-tops for regular play. These are lighter, but don't offer the built-in ankle support that high-tops d
• Midsole - This is the layer of soft, shock-absorbing material between the outsole and the upper. It is often considered the most important part of a basketball shoe, because the construction and materials used will impact the levels of cushioning and shock absorption and can affect a player's ability to explode off the floor.
• Cushioning materials
The midsole is usually made of EVA, compressed EVA, polyurethane or a combination of these materials. Proprietary cushioning technologies are also found in many brands of basketball shoes. EVA/Compressed EVA offers lightweight cushioning, but not as much stability and durability. EVA can be compressed to make it somewhat more durable.
Polyurethane (PU) is a more dense and durable cushioning material. It can add stability to the shoe, but also adds weight.
Proprietary Cushioning Technologies are usually found in the heel and forefoot of the shoe and add an extra degree of cushioning without much extra weight
Nike's Kobe 7 Supreme (Leopard of the Predator Pack)
• Motion Control/Stability
Stiff materials are used in some basketball shoes on the medial or inner side of the shoe to reduce inward rolling of the foot. Heavier densities of cushioning materials may also be used in the medial area to increase a shoe's stability. The midsole can negatively affect stability if the cushioning materials are too thick. Look for relatively thin layer of cushioning to keep your base of support low and stable
• Outsole - This is the rubber bottom of the shoe.
• Stability
The outsole of a good basketball shoe should be flat and moderately wide to create a stable base and help prevent ankle rollover.
The herringbone pattern is most common and provides enough traction to keep you steady during quick stops and starts. Most shoes are designed for indoor play. If you play most often on outdoor courts, look for a shoe with a more durable outsole. Some basketball shoes are designed specifically for outdoor play and feature heavier rubber outsoles.
3. Determine Your Shoe Size - Determining your proper shoe size is essential to a comfortable fit. Don't assume your shoe size is the same as it always has been. The shape of your feet changes over time.
4. Price Range – Basketball shoe prices range from the mid-range ones which between P4,000 to P6,000 to the upper-tiered ones that cost between P7,000 to P9,000.
#####
Other Shoes in my Collection:
Jordan 11 Cool Grey
Blue Kobe 7 Shark of the Predator Pack
CP3 V Jeckyll of the Jeckyll and Hyde Pack
Lunar Hyperdunk 2012
Nike Manny Pacquiao Lunar Vapor Trainer
####
The same general tips can be utilized for buying shoes of any specific sport. Know your sport and know your game in order to maximize your abilities and avoid injuries.
Happy shoe hunting!
Jonas Rey N. Panerio
Shoe Connoisseur/ Sneakerhead (ahem!)
iSTORYAn League of Writers- Sports and Lifestyle
Sections
Recent Articles
vBulletin Message