A (Somewhat) Serious Investigation
picture this: it's game day. You've been practicing all week, your jump shot is on point, and you are ready to take your game to the next level. You walk into the locker room to put on your shoes and...you can't find them. You search high and low, but they're nowhere to be found. Finally, in a moment of desperation, you go for the old standby pair of sneakers in the back of your closet...but they're low tops.
As you lace up your shoes, you can't help but wonder: do basketball shoes have to be high tops? And if they don't, could low tops actually be better for your game?
Let's investigate.
The Case for High Tops
For years, high top basketball shoes have been the standard. And for good reason—they offer ample support to the ankles, which is essential for players who make sudden stops and starts as well as sharp cuts. In fact, many professional players credit their high top shoes with saving their careers; without that extra support, they may have suffered serious ankle injuries that would have sidelined them for good.
What's more, high tops offer added protection from contact with other players. If you've ever had someone accidentally step on your foot during a game, you know how painful it can be—and trust me, you don't want to do it again. Wearing high tops can help prevent those types of injuries by creating a barrier between your feet and the hardwood floor.
The Case for Low Tops
So why would anyone want to wear low top shoes on the court? For one thing, they're lighter weight than their high top counterparts—and that can make a big difference when you're running up and down the court. What's more, many players find that they have greater range of motion in their lower legs when they wear low tops rather than high tops. That could explain why so many creative players favor low tops; without those constricting ankle supports, they feel freer to move and make plays that other players simply can't match.
Conclusion:
There's no easy answer when it comes to whether basketball shoes have to be high tops or not. It really depends on what works best for you as an individual player. If you need extra support for your ankles, go with high tops; if you prefer the lighter weight and greater range of motion offered by low tops, go with those instead. No matter what type of shoe you choose to wear on the court, just make sure that it fits well and provides the level of support that you need to play your best game.
One More Thing:
So your planning on being a guard and running up and down the court. Based on what we just concluded, you should probably purchase a pair of low tops.
Well, we've got you covered. Tap the button below and discover some of the best low top basketball shoes to fit your need. Then when you find the perfect pair, tap the link below the item and check the price on Amazon. As your traveling up and down the court, your feet will thank you!
