In a sport as intense and physically demanding as basketball, what you wear on your feet is crucial if you want to be fast, turn on a dime and ensure you don’t get any injuries. There’s a lot of flashy footwear out there but what happens if you have flat feet and fancy shooting the hoops?
Well, don’t despair because there are some great shoes out there that look great but also ensure your feet are protected and you’re comfortable on the court.
In this article, you’ll find information about our top picks for best basketball shoes for flat feet both men and women. So, if you want to dive straight into the reviews check them out directly after this short intro.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Under Armour Men’s Ua Curry 2.5
- Best Budget: Adidas Performance Men’s Cloudfoam Ilation
- Best Wide Flat Feet: Nike Lebron Soldier XI
- Editor’s Pick: Under Armour Men’s Curry 3
- Best High-End: Nike Men’s Kobe Xi Elite
Reviews of Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet and Arch Support
1. Under Armour Men’s Ua Curry 2.5
Are you short on cash yet would want to enjoy the best that these kinds of basketball shoes have to offer? Well, you may want to try this pair out. That is because the pair is primarily manufactured using synthetic materials. It is subsequently cheaper to come by compared to those that are made of leather.
This notwithstanding, the pair is still great to make use of. On the whole, it provides you unconstrained support which allows you to exercise with relative ease. Further to that, it does have some rubber soles which as we all know is pretty agile. You will therefore not have to struggle too much to have your way in the process of playing.
2. Nike Kobe XI Elite Low 4KB Men’s Cross-Trainer-Shoes
A basketball shoe is not just a basketball shoe. The brand which manufactures it also matters a lot. Why don’t you try this pair out? It is of the globally-renowned Nike brand. By placing your bet on this pair, you get to enjoy the salient benefits that the brand ordinarily has to provide to every other user.
This pair also features synthetic material construction. For this reason, it is also cheaper to come by more so when compared to the other leather counterparts. At the same time, it possesses authentic rubber soles. Apart from guaranteeing you some longevity, the sole is agile enough to allow for maximum flexibility in times of use.
3. Adidas Performance Men’s Cloudfoam Ilation mid Basketball Shoe
If you are a professional basketballer who is involved in intense physical exercises at a time, you definitely want a pair of shoes that are optimized for performance. Look to no other pair than this specific one. By virtue of 100% leather and fabric composition, this pair is strong and durable enough for intense performance.
It also possesses a rubber sole, some air mesh tongue, and a warm midsole. All these combine to confer to you some great warmth, awesome support, and excellent breathability. You are less likely to experience too much heat and sweating not to mention being able to conduct the most intense of exercising. What’s more? It is also lighter in weight and less strenuous to walk in!
4. Nike Kyrie 2 Basketball Shoes
As the name suggests, this pair is mostly great for use in the summer months. That is because it is designed in such a way as to allow for excellent heat dissipation and unconstrained flow of air. By putting it on, you will less likely confront sweating and excessive buildup of heat. This means greater reliability in times of too high temperatures.
A number of factors combine to make this a reality. These are its extreme lightness of weight, highly breathable fabric component, and great responsiveness in times of use. Just about every other skill level of a basketball player will find the pair quite relevant to his needs. This means a higher value for your money and consider as best basketball shoes for flat footed.
5. Nike Lebron Soldier XI Men’s Shoes
This Nike is yet again meant for those who are short on cash. The underlying reason here is that it comprises materials that are on the whole cheaper and less bulky in size. Apart from that, the materials are also largely synthetic in nature. This notwithstanding, the pair is still great and highly capable of discharging awesome performances when needed.
Unlike your ordinary budget basketball shoe, this pair is of the globally renowned Nike brand. Because of this brand, the pair is strong, durable, tough, and backed by some great customer care services. Its shaft which is longer concludes the list of its most admirable features. It keeps your feet tightly locked in to prevent the possibility of falling off.
6. Under Armour Men’s Curry 3 Shoes
To boost your basketball prowess, you definitely have to practice every quite often. Not any shoe picked at random may yield you the required levels of performance and resilience. Only a pair that is specially designed may do you that good. You have this particular pair for your consideration as it is well suited for that job pretty well.
With meshed fabric, suede soles, and tough durability, no other pair delivers the necessary support like this one. That it comes in the form of some lightweight package makes it all the more outstanding. Its upper features the great synthetic material and is hence cheaper to come by. What’s more? The pair is also very stable indeed!
7. Adidas Performance Men’s Crazy Bounce Basketball Shoe
Are you a career sportsman who plays a couple of sporting activities at a time? We invite you to try this pair out. A number of factors do converge to enable it to perform well across the numerous sporting fields of choice. These include the rubber sole, lightweight upper, synthetic overlays, and TPU midfoot panel.
With these features, you may obtain some excellent traction and grip on the surface of practicing. They also confer some great stability, last longer and allow for faster and expedited practicing sessions. It is the sum total of these factors that make the pair great for handling numerous activities at a time.
8. Under Armour Men’s Torch Fade Basketball Shoes
Do you experience athlete’s feet every now and then? Well, you need not necessarily do so. That is because you have these shoes for your taking and consideration. This pair is mainly optimized for breathability. This is evidenced by the numerous perforations which adorn the entire fabric of the pair.
They let in the fresh air and out stale air. At the same time, they also maintain some cool temperature of your interior which minimizes the likelihood of the condition arising. Moreover, the pair also provide adequate protection to your sensitive feet. You are hence less likely to sustain any adverse injuries by using this pair for your basketball.
9. ASICS Gel-Spotlyte-U
Are you the kind of person who plays basketball in extremely cool places? Well, you have this specific pair for your choosing. By its sheer construction and formation, this pair is typically designed to trap as much warmth as possible. This mainly stems from the durable suede upper that is thick and highly absorbent.
Over and above furnishing you with the warmth you require, this pair also confers some added support. It protects and props your ankle for its optimal performance at all times. Its rubber soles are very agile, provide you tight grip not to mention allowing you to undertake the most intense of maneuvers smoothly.
10. Nike Men’s the Air Overplay Ix Basketball Shoe
It is not uncommon for you as a basketball player to perform some hard landings. Woe unto you if you use weak pairs of shoes. Such pairs will usually sustain some cracks along the soles which might endanger your life not to mention making your experience and performance wanting. You have this particular pair for your taking if you play such kind of a position.
Thanks to the extra-thick suede sole, this pair is indeed well-equipped for that very role. It also has a breathable yet lighter upper. This arrangement keeps you feeling warm, soft, and very comfortable indeed. Its synthetic makeup assures you lower costs of acquisition whereas the Nike brand is a trust of quality.
Buying Guide for Best Flat Feet Basketball Shoes
Through this article, you’ll gain tips on selecting the best basketball shoes for flat feet. Basketball shoes are tricky to shop for, why? Because there are literally hundreds if not thousands of pairs to choose from low tops to high tops to Shoes For Flat Feet – What’s Special About Them? to wide shoes. So, if you have flat feet this is the right article for you.
For those who aren’t aware of what flat feet is, here’s a quick summary from Medical News Today
“People with flat feet have a very low arch or no arch, meaning that one or both of their feet may be flat on the ground… their feet may roll to the inner side when they are standing and walking. This is known as overpronation, and it may also cause the feet to point outward… The most common symptom of flat feet is pain in the feet. This can occur as a result of strained muscles and connecting ligaments.”
Flat foot makes it difficult and discomforting for people with the condition to stand or walk for prolonged periods of time.
However, that hasn’t stopped Dwayne Wade or Kobe Bryant from being the best in their sport. Roughly 12% of players in the NBA have flat feet. People with flat feet can play sports just like others, and excel, provided they have grit and the right shoes on.
Shoes for Flat Feet – What’s Special About Them?
Usual shoes with normal arches don’t fit people with flat feet very well. A person with a normal arch cannot wear flat arch shoes either. People with flat feet are often prone to forefoot pain, tenderness, and back and knee pain. If things get worse, people with flat feet may even suffer from Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. Thus, it is imperative that those with flat foot pay more attention to their footwear, even more so, if you are aiming to play sports.
Improper shoes can lead to stiffness and inflexibility of the muscles. This may eventually develop into irreversible stiffness of the lower joints. Impact protection and ankle support are important on the court. To this end, doctors highly recommend wearing shoes with good arch support and cushion.
What Do You Need to Pay Attention to?
Shoes play a vital role in sports, and basketball is no exception. Good shoes prevent heavy impacts during gameplay from affecting your feet. They also provide substantial midsole cushion to your feet from hefty landings. Choosing the right basketball shoes for flat feet can be tricky. However, learning the key aspects to be considered while selecting your shoes makes the job easy.
Here are some key features to look for when selecting a pair of basketball shoes for flat feet.
Comfort & Durability
Comfort is perhaps the most important aspect of any shoe, whether it’s a sports shoe or everyday shoe. You shouldn’t even notice your shoes if you pick the right pair. Choose shoes that feel like they don’t even exist. They should feel like a part of your leg and not like an accessory. Try on different shoes. Walk and run in them and check if they are easy on your feet.
Basketball is a sport that demands fast-paced foot movements. Naturally, the shoes should be durable and accommodating. Pick high-quality shoes that can cope with the jerks and slides that are part of every basketball game. A soft, durable flat sole with the proper fit is what you need. Shoes like these help you play the game without becoming sluggish quickly.
Ankle Support
Ankle support is another important feature that makes a pair of good basketball shoes ideal for people with flat feet. Straps are an ideal fastening type for providing additional ankle support. Proper ankle support enables you to make quick cuts, twists and turns on the court with ease. A shoe with high-quality ankle support will provide stability and flexibility, increasing the quality of your game.
A shoe with ankle support will also drastically decrease the chances of regular flat foot-related injury. There are some shoes that come with no ankle support. Such shoes, although having high-quality cushioning, will hurt your feet.
The Material Matters!
The top basketball shoes for flat feet are made of high-quality synthetic material and leather. They are also light. The quality of the materials used definitely plays a part in improving on-court mobility.
You need to consider the entire shoe, leaving no aspect, when choosing the material. The material used in the midsole of a shoe is important for people with flat feet.
To enhance breathability, some basketball shoe manufacturers fuse several materials into one. Shoes made of such good modern materials are also great for people with flat feet as they enclose the feet thoroughly. They also last longer.
The Look Matters too!
A person’s footwear reflects his or her personality. Your quest for the best basketball shoes for your flat feet would be incomplete if you don’t consider its aesthetics too. Stylish shoes boost your confidence. Look for an ergonomic design that suits you.
Many people like bright colored shoes that reflect their personality! Looking at the demand for flat feet shoes, companies are engineering shoes that cater to all the above requirements and are super good-looking as well! But, remember, comfort over style is the number 1 rule to follow when selecting your shoes.
Run Like the Wind with Shoes That Suit You Best
Considering that people with flat feet are prone to injuries, preventive measures should be taken to avoid them. Choose the right pair of shoes without compromising on any of the factors mentioned above, and you’ll see a marked improvement in your game. Pick out shoes that meet all the above criteria and nothing can stop you from slam dunking the ball into the basket without fear of injury. With the right shoes on, you could be the next Bryant or Wade!
The Importance of the Mid-Rise/Arch
Proper Distribution of Pressure
The mid-rise of your shoe helps in the proper distribution of pressure. It does so evenly across your feet and in line with your body.
Provision of Stability and Balance
It also contributes to your support and balance. This is because it improves your posture and handles those issues which are known to cause some imbalances.
Appropriate Support
In case you require specialized support, the arch yet again comes to your rescue. That is because this portion of your shoe has the ability to prop your feet in such a manner as to alleviate plantar fasciitis.
Prevention or Lessening of Pain
Some pains can be easily handled and mitigated by these parts of your shoes. With regards to this, the part of the shoe prevents much of the discomfort that ordinarily comes along with this pain.
Propping the Arches
Lastly, the mid-rise can also prop your arches. In so doing, it alleviates pain and also prevents the arches from possibly collapsing. This spares you from the unnecessary pains that ordinarily come along.
Proper Ankle Coverage and Support
Proper ankle coverage and support are absolutely essential for your safety and wellbeing while in the pitch. Below are some of the issues and dangers that may be mitigated by this form of support:
Injuries
When your ankle is appropriately shielded from all forms of external contacts, you are less likely to incur any injuries in whichever shape or form. This means you stand to enjoy greater confidence while playing.
Mobility
Your mobility is also not impeded at all. On the contrary, you get to move out and about with much ease and fewer strains. Definitely, this leads to better performance and higher scores on your part.
Stability
Needless to say, your stability is also not compromised in whichever shape or form. Instead, you get to step on the ground firmly and with the leas incidences or likelihood of tripping off.
To be guaranteed these two benefits, you have to implement the following:
Reinforced Ankles
You have to reinforce the ankles of your shoes for added support. This reinforcement adds some strength, durability, and vitality to the shoes and makes it likely to safeguard you.
Arch Support
Apart from the ankles, you should also reinforce the arch portions of your shoes. Yet again this reinforcement goes a long way in enabling you to enjoy some added support while exercising.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Flat Feet?
Also called fallen arches or pes planus, flat feet are deformities in your posture. In this sense, the arches of your feet collapse. The entire sole of the foot comes into some form of contact with the ground.
Around 20-30% of the global population experiences this issue in some shape and form. Other than childbirth, this condition may also often arise as a result of injuries and accidents. Some people also develop it as they age.
Some of the symptoms of this deformity are excessive foot pain, loss of stability, and poor posture. Other than putting on specially designed shoes, it is also necessary to seek medical support and intervention to combat the menace.
Are Kobe’s good for flat feet?
YES, they are! They do possess some distinctive ‘responsive cushioning’ which absorbs impacts and makes your running and hiking quite comfortable. At the same time, this kind of shoe has flat and wide soles which provide you the stability you require to play comfortably.
Why do my arches hurt when I play basketball?
This issue could arise due to a number of problems and issues. Chances are that your arch has some inflammations, could be injured or overused. If you do play basketball with any of these three conditions, your arches may hurt considerably. You may consider moderate playing or added reinforcements for your expedited comfort.
Are basketball shoes good for plantar fasciitis?
YES, they are! They do have some specialized set of features which are designed to shield and safeguard you from unnecessary injuries. These include reinforced arches and ankles and some flat and wide midsoles. Also, the material fabric which is used to make them up are breathable to prevent overheating and allow for smooth circulation of air into and out of the pair.
Is it bad to have flat feet?
Yes, it is! Apart from that loss of stability and self-confidence, this condition also subjects you to intense pains. Persons with this condition are not as agile and active as their ‘normal’ counterparts. You hence want to do everything you can to prevent or deal with it.
Can flat feet be treated?
Yes, it can! However, whether or not you can completely heal from the condition is dependent on a number of factors. The severity of your problem alongside the competence of the healthcare practitioner of your choice are two of these.
Final Word
Our team has done its part by delivering to you the information concerning the best basketball shoes for flat feet. Is it too much of us to ask you to go ahead and acquire at least one pair that closely mirrors your expectations? How else can you possibly enjoy the advantages that these kinds of shoes have to offer?
We challenge you also to share this information as far wide as you can. You are not the only one who may have this problem, are you? Best of luck in your subsequent purchase of at least one pair above. When do you intend to make that acquisition? Who else shall you sell this idea to? Have you found our information above insightful? Let us know in the comment segment below…