So you got some new hoops shoes and you want to ensure they are game ready? No sweat. We’ve got you covered with some of the best ways to break in basketball shoes quickly. Today, we’ll explain how your shoes should fit and share our five favorite tips for fast results. Let’s get after it!
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The first step to breaking in basketball shoes overnight is to buy the right size. To make sure your basketball shoes fit, ensure your shoe isn’t overly tight or loose. Shoes that are too tight can lead to blisters or bunions, while too loose shoes won’t protect you from rolling your ankle. So size is key! Shop for shoes during the afternoon or evening because your foot naturally expands with use during the day. Here are a few factors to consider:
Once you’ve got the right size, here are a few things you can try to mold them to your unique feet quickly.
One way to loosen up your shoes is to put them on with an extra thick pair of socks, or you could even wear two pairs if you don’t have thick ones. Then walk around in them for a bit for about 15 minutes. The next day, try wearing them for 30 minute. And then increase in increments each day from there.
To loosen up the front, if your toes are jamming just a bit, try jumping in your shoes. Try to get in about 300 jumps. You can do this with a jump rope, or even without it. Here are a few jumping rope drills to try to make it more interesting.
Wear your shoes outdoors to break in the soles. Go for a 30 minute walk on the concrete. This will help ensure they get grippy for the court.
If the tongue is bothering you, you can use your laces to tie it up away from your ankle. Leave them like this anytime you’re not using them. Over time it should help mold the tongue to not scrape.
Obviously the best way to break in your hoops shoes is to wear them during play. But the key is to hold onto your old shoes for a bit. Take both to your next practice or game, and use the new ones for about 15 minutes. Tie them tight. When you hoop, you should not be able to fit a finger between the ankle of the shoe and your ankle. This security will help protect your ankle. Try them for the first 15 minutes of play, and then switch back to your old shoes. Keep breaking them in by upping the amount of time you leave them on for.
Finally, you can also use a shoe stretcher. These are gadgets you insert in the shoes to make them wider, especially in the toe area. After a couple days of leaving these stretchers in, the shoes should be comfortable and fit perfectly.
Don’t want to put them on yet? No sweat. A way to break in basketball shoes without wearing them is to stuff them full of anything that fits that you have on hand – whether it’s tennis balls or cardboard. Leave them sitting like that anytime you’re not wearing them.
Also try molding them yourself. Hold the shoes in your hands one at a time, and push and pull on the ends and sides to try to loosen them up a bit. You can also bend them sideways and twist.
Some hoopers also swear by blow drying the shoes with heat for about 20 seconds on the part of the shoe that you want to stretch. We’ve never tried it though.
Yes, basketball shoes stretch out. They’ll loosen up as you wear them. How long it takes depends on the materials though. Try to avoid shoes that are layered with mesh or glue which tend to be harder. Knit materials, synthetic mesh, and canvas should relax over time – even leather should too.
Basketball shoes are so stuff because they need be relatively tight around the heel and ankles to protect you as you make your shifty moves! Hoops shoes also use materials that can be stiff at first such as leather.
It’ll typically take 2-3 games/hours of play, or as long as one week.
Now you’re ready to get out on the court and dominate! Put your new shoes to work with some footwork drills for guards or ball handling drills you can do at home.
This article is for informational or educational purposes only, and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals.
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