You cannot claim to be the best basketball player if you are not a dunker. Back in the 90s, Kobe Bryant was among the NBA's best dunkers, and he won the dunking contest at only 18 years of age.
But Bryant is not the only hall of famer in the basketball dunking world; there is Dominique Wilkins and Michael Jordan. As if the world had not seen enough in the dunking prowess, then came the highly talented Vince Carter. There are whispers that Carter was even better than Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins, but that is a debate for another day.
We can argue that Vince Carter benefited from contemporary technology in footwear and training. But what has shoes got to do with jumping and dunking?
Let us say that dunking is an art in itself, and the type of shoes that you have are the pencil or paint, and the court is the canvas. What we are attempting to put across is that dunking is more than talent, and it pretty much depends on the type of footwear that you have.
That said, here are some of the best basketball shoes for jumping.
Best Basketball Shoes for Jumping
Nike Mens Kyrie Flytrap Basketball High Top Sneakers
Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com
One of the highlight features in these basketball high top sneakers is the outsole that has a curve. But why do these basketball shoes have such an outsole?
In particular, the curved outsole gives you decent traction when playing basketball. In other words, you have a good grip of the court, and you can move efficiently, and jump with a clear goal.
You will notice that the rubber wraps around the side of the Nike Kyrie 3 basketball shoes. The particular feature helps in giving you a good fit and comfort when jumping. It makes the shoe very comfortable, and lightweight to make the best flight for that Slam Dunk.
Another essential feature is the responsive and springy cushioning that helps you make the best jumps while also preventing injury from the shock that results. The padded collar and extra heel clip are also a source of comfort and efficiency when playing.
What we like
- Curved outsole with an excellent traction when playing basketball
- Responsive and springy cushioning
- Padded collar and extra heel clip for efficiency and comfort
What we don't like
- The shoe may not have adequate arch support
Under Armour Men's UA ClutchFit Drive 3 Basketball Shoes
Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com
No doubt, these basketball shoes have an attractive design that everyone will notice and appreciate. But more important is the heel and arch support that you get from it.
The internal shanks and external heel counter work together to provide excellent protection to the arch when making the jumps and making quick runs. The basketballers that have quick reflexes will find the shoes to be quite useful.
You will find the bear trap lacing system to be quite efficient in giving you a good fit. The shoes, therefore, stay in place, when making the Slam Dunk. It would be quite embarrassing if the shoes came off just when you were about to make a big jump, and make an outstanding score.
What we like
- Attractive basketball shoes
- Adequate heel and arch support
- Internal shanks and external heel counter
- Efficient bear trap lacing system for a proper fit
What we don't like
- The sole does not seem like it will stay in place for long
Under Armour Men's Ua Curry 2.5
Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com
The high-top cut provides the best support for the arch and heel when playing an intensive game. Most athletic contests put significant pressure on the heel and the rest of the foot. If you're not careful, you may end up with an injury. But that is if you don't have excellent arch support like you get with these shoes.
Another essential feature is the molded synthetic upper that wraps around your foot to give you a good fit, and you can make comfortable runs and jumps, and of course, that's the main idea.
Anti-friction top cloth and foot cooler are quite innovative features that you may not find in other basketball shoes. They make you comfortable, and you can play for long.
It is also important to mention that the Ortholite sock liner has antibacterial properties, and molds to the shape of your foot to make you comfortable. The cushioning midsole provides adequate shock absorption, and you can jump as much as you want without risking injury.
What we like
- High-top cut that provides excellent arch support
- Attractive and comfortable design
- Molded synthetic upper material that wraps around your foot for a proper fit
- The basketball shoes are lightweight
What we don't like
- A good number of users say that they run small
Adidas Men's Dame 3 Basketball Shoe
Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com
The 3.69" shaft from arch is sufficient to provide excellent support when playing basketball. You will find the textile and synthetic upper material to be quite flexible, and in a way, hugs your feet.
It is, therefore, possible to make runs and jumps without the shoe coming off in any way. The particular design adapts to your style of play, and we can say that it is versatile, as well as comfortable.
What we like
- Textile and synthetic upper material that is flexible and hugs your feet
- The basketball shoes are lightweight and comfortable
- A design that adapts to your style of play
- Cushioned collar and high tongue
What we don't like
- The basketball shoes may be uncomfortable for some people
Adidas Dame 4 Shoe Men's Basketball
Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com
We cannot argue that these Adidas dame 4 basketball shoes have one of the best designs. The shoes are quite comfortable and attractive, as well.
The textile material is relatively breathable, and it keeps your feet dry when playing basketball. But you may ask, how does this material help you make good jumps?
In particular, the men's basketball shoes need a sturdy material to provide additional support when making the jumps or runs. Anything that is not sturdy would not provide the support necessary for functional movements on the basketball court.
The rubber outsoles on the Adidas shoes are flexible and have a good grip. You can, therefore, make useful jumps because the footwear is flexible, and has a good grip on the basketball court. It does not mean a lot whether the court is dusty or not.
What we like
- Attractive and comfortable design
- Textile upper material that is strong and comfortable
- The rubber outsole that is flexible and has a good grip
- Lightweight and comfortable basketball shoes
What we don't like
- The shoes may not be very durable as their counterparts on the market
How to find the most appropriate basketball shoes for jumping or dunking
Dunking is not the simplest form of art, and it takes time to master. You need to practice and try different types of shoes to find the most appropriate. But really, do some basketball shoes help you jump higher?
I have met basketball players that swear to jump higher with particular types of shoes than with others. In my experience, certain brands can improve your vertical jump as much as 2 inches — not kidding!
Here are a bunch of ideas to think about when choosing basketball shoes for dunking.
Traction
We cannot argue that you need a shoe with excellent traction if you're going to make the best dunk. Effective dunking or jumping requires a good lift off, and that is not possible if you don't have a good grip on the surface. But how do you get a good hold?
Of course, by having a shoe with excellent traction!
The greatest mistake that you can make as a basketball player is to have a shoe that does not have excellent traction. You will not only be inefficient, but your game may be a series of disappointments when you can't make a good jump.
Various outsole materials make excellent traction, and the rubber is at the top. Contemporary synthetic materials can also be suitable outsole materials, thanks to current technology, and innovation.
Cushioning
Such innovative technologies as load and launch are making it easy for basketball players to jump and dunk. The compression springs and the cushioning provide adequate shock absorption when you land after making a successful jump and dunk.
And while excellent cushioning is critical in basketball shoes for jumping, it should not be too much, or it will affect your vertical jumps. A lot of cushioning will make the shoe heavy, and you cannot make useful jumps. There's a reason why you don't play basketball with your work boots, and the weight is one of them.
Comfortable
Comfort is essential in basketball shoes. In particular, comfortable basketball shoes make it possible to make useful jumps and make scores. But how do you determine a comfortable basketball shoe?
For starters, the footwear must be breathable by allowing free flow of air in and out of it. Another standard and effective technology is the full-length booty which provides a good fit and contributes to a comfortable feel. These features make it possible to be at your best when playing basketball, and that's the main idea.
Support
There's a lot of deliberation as to which is the best cut for basketball playing. However, it depends on your style of play and preference.
Regardless, a high cut provides the best ankle support, and prevent injuries from the highly intensive games. Another essential feature is the lateral outrigger, which is a feature that you usually see protruding on the outside of basketball shoes.
The primary role of lateral outrigger is to provide an excellent base from which you can take off and make that fantastic dunk.
Final Word
As basketball players, we all want to make that jump and dunk that people will forever remember. We may not match the skills and the talent of some of the dunking icons such as Michael Jordan, but it doesn't hurt to try.
The above are some of the best basketball shoes for jumping, and they will help you attempt that exceptional dunk. You can take advantage of contemporary technology to improve your skills, and having the right kind of shoes for jumping is a step in the right direction.
The goal of playing basketball is to have fun, keep fit, and make a living. But converting your skills into dunking prowess is one of the best fun you can have on the basketball court.
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