Best Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet
The arch in your foot helps to spread the body weight to the entire foot, and thus helps in making physical activities like running and walking easier. It also contributes greatly to our balance. These arches are mainly maintained by the tendons, bones, and various muscles of the feet. People suffering from flat feet problems bear a smaller longitudinal arch, which is in the middle of the foot. Infants and toddlers usually suffer from a 'fallen arch', where the arch of the foot usually develops between the age of 3 to 8 years. However, flat feet in adults is a deformity which is caused due to heredity, injury, pregnancy, old age, etc.
As many as 25% people with flat feet live ordinary lives, while the rest may have to face various problems that include joint pain and fractures. Hence, as a precautionary measure, people with flat feet need to be very cautious while selecting footwear.
Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet
The game of basketball is full of various brisk, yet explosive moves in all directions. Hence, if you are suffering from flat feet, wearing shoes with a stiff sole and rigid heel is the best option to provide flexibility as well as stability to the feet. There are various measures to determine which shoes are the best, like the type of injury and the frequency of usage. For instance, if you suffer from frequent ankle injuries, then opt for high-top basketball shoes rather than quarter-cut shoes. They must also have adequate amount of cushioning that would prove to be shock-resistant and durable. The outsole of the shoes also needs to provide sufficient amount of traction.
Along with the quality of the outsole and the rigidity, you also need to consider the support factor and padding of the insoles. Basketball shoes for flat feet should also have a significant amount of support. Since people with flat feet tend to suffer from improper balance, the shoes that you select must provide the right balance and correct ankle support, in order to avoid injuries. When it comes to selecting the best shoes flat feet, you need to make sure that they are not heavy and they also bear proper amount of cushioning.
Are there Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet?
To get to the heart of the matter, let me tell you straight off that shoe manufactures do not make basketball shoes for people with flat feet. Depending on your condition, there are some shoes that might be comfortable, but as everyone's foot is different YMMV. Also such shoes are only comfortable at best, and do not address the problem of flat feet. People suffering from varying degrees of flat feet do seem to find some shoes comfortable, including the Converse Wade 1, the Lebron VI, and the Adidas Derrick Rose series.
To get the best basketball shoes for flat feet, here are 2 options that will help you with your problem.
Option 1
The best option is to visit a podiatrist and get a special mold of your foot made, which you can then insert into any basketball shoe of your choice. Of course, this is expensive, and you will need to visit the doctor often, over a period of time, to ensure a better fit. But what this does is, it attempts to correct the arch in your foot. This is by far the best option if you are looking to play serious ball. Of course, it will hurt a bit, both your foot and your pocket, but is way better than buying a shoe that does not address the problem.
Option 2
Another option is to buy insoles that help correct flat feet and insert them into your regular basketball shoes. This is somewhat similar to making a mold, and you can buy them over-the-counter. However, getting the perfect fit is the only downside to this option. This is still better than using running shoes to play basketball, as no matter how good they are for your flat feet, you will not be able to play basketball in them. At the first serious move (think crossover), you will be on the floor with a rolled ankle.
The good part is that with both options, not only are you doing something that will correct your problem of flat feet, but you get to wear your favorite basketball shoes as well. No more will you stand out wearing running shoes on court.
Whether you are serious baller, or just someone shooting hoops to keep fit, always make sure that you wear the right shoes while playing. For those suffering from flat feet, this is even more important, as flat feet will affect your balance as well. Remember that if you play serious basketball, then you will have to make the investment and correct your condition. To all those who think that it is okay to play ball in running shoes, please do not try it, even if you don't have flat feet.
