Basketball shoes come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and materials. You have outdoor shoes that are completely different from indoor shoes since there are a lot of factors to consider. Above all, the comfort of the player as well as the traction and grip is the most important.
Therefore, basketball shoes have significantly progressed over the years in terms of quality and technology. So, let’s take a detailed look into how are basketball shoes made.
Overview of Basketball Shoes History
The evolution of basketball shoes has introduced numerous iconic and cool pairs that sell for thousands of dollars today. Basketball began in almost 1892 and it wasn’t until the early 1920s that basketball shoes became popular.
Converse was the first brand to release shoes specifically made for basketball. Later, it would become a subsidiary of Nike, specializing in designing, production, and sales of sneakers. Then, famous basketball players of the time began lending their names while the brands came out with special edition basketball shoes.
One of the most popular basketball shoes at the time were called “Chuck Taylors” named after the famous basketball player Chuck Taylor. The shoe was made from leather cotton versions, which is a common material used by the brand for its popular versions.
Chuck Taylor had requested this type of shoes because he campaigned for providing flexibility to athletes during tough games. Then, came the Puma Clyde, followed by Air Jordan. The Air Jordan series was a hit from the 80s until now.
Therefore, this explains how are basketball shoes made different today. It is about each brand or player introducing new qualities and features to the shoes to offer maximum flexibility, comfort, durability, and breathability to every athlete. After all, all these factors can make the difference between losing and winning.
Basic Design of Basketball Shoes
Typically, the best basketball shoes are designed and made with their upper ends made with leather materials. Although, there are many basketball shoes that are also made from synthetic mesh. You will see such shoes becoming more popular on the court nowadays than ever.
The players and management collectively brought these changes. For instance, in the past, there has been a lot of criticism surrounding the leather materials used for basketball shoes. These shoes were complained of being too heavy and did not offer much room to breathe.
On the other hand, shoes made from synthetic mesh offer better breathability and are far superior to those with leather upper. Furthermore, the popularity of synthetic mesh materials is also gaining popularity due to their durable qualities.
These shoes can be made fancy and attractive while embedding high-quality and maintain durability. At the same time, some shoes offer the best of both leather and synthetic mesh worlds.
What is Changing In Their Makeups?
If you look closely, you shall observe that nothing much is happening in terms of makeups. However, you can argue that technology has made and is making basketball shoes safer and more comfortable. These changes are meant to allow players to feel lighter and stronger.
Prominent brands such as Puma, Nike, and Adidas are competing head to head to introduce new technology and features to improve the stability and comfort of users. For instance, when Nike AirForce One entered the world of Basketball, the features we see today were non-existent back then.
Today, manufacturers have to consider recycling, better cushioning, and more friendly choices in an attempt to outdo the past. Meanwhile, the core of the basketball shoes remains the same. Newer basketball shoes are based on the same motivation that drove Chuck Taylor to introduce better shoes.
Key Component Parts and Materials Used
Many people often wonder how are basketball shoes made. The answer is that the process overall is not too complicated. It is simply the use of high-quality materials and technology that makes them better. Different types of basketball shoes are made for different “basketballing” reasons.
However, mobility and ankle support are the main focus of each type, except for one. There are low-tops basketball shoes, mid-top basketball shoes, and high-top basketball shoes. With that being said, low-top shoes are meant for speed. Therefore, the materials used in making them carry certain cons not suited for certain athletes.
Low-top shoes are known for offering close to zero ankle support and that can be damaging for the ankles. Players who prefer speed over safety, tend to use such types of basketball shoes as they are very lightweight. However, mid-top shoes offer both safety and speed.
These shoes are particularly designed for those who jump and get a bit physical. As a result, the mid-top shoes help protect the ankles during fast and rapid turns. Finally, come the high-tops shoes. This is the only type the players go out all for.
Although these shoes are, heavy but they offer all the stability, your ankle needs. Therefore, if you were still wondering how basketball shoes are made, consider and pay attention to the outsole, insole, upper, and midsole. The shoes that once had their uppers made from leather now feature synthetic mesh.
In addition to that, the shoelaces have also been updated. Back in the day, they were made of cotton or rope variants. However, today the manufacturers use synthetic fibers. While discussing how are basketball shoes made different, the midsoles play an important role as well.
It is mostly the midsole that defines the longevity of your shoes it is close to the insoles. Even though it behaves like foam or rubber, it is mostly made of plastic materials. And, while the midsole holds its importance, the outsoles carry sufficient weight as well. These are typically made of synthetic rubber, providing the player with a good balance.
Final Word
The process of making basketball shoes remains the same. However, it is the improvement in technology and the materials used that make all the difference. Back in the day, the shoes were heavy and offered less comfort and safety. Today, the shoes are more flexible than ever and prevent serious injuries. Hopefully, we get to see even better versions in the future with more legends stepping into the shoe scene.