Wearing running shoes for pickup basketball

sstutter

sstutter

843
17
Joined
Aug 8, 2006
Hey guys, I've been wearing running shoes to play pickup ball for the past ten years (currently in my Lunarglide phase but used to wear all kinds of running shoes from Frees to Prestos). I've never gotten injured and have therefore found it redundant to buy basketball shoes if my running shoes work just fine. I've borrowed friends' Huaraches and Lebrons, but they felt bulky to the point that I would be a wee bit slower without any noticeable improvement in stability. Anyways, my buddy keeps telling me that I'm going to screw up my ankles at some point down the line and that I should just buy a pair of basketball shoes to be safe. Is there any merit in that statement? Can running shoes safely be used for competitive basketball play? Thanks in advance.

Edit: I mean, running shoes with current technology can't be any worse or more prone to cause injury than the Air Jordan 1's, Dunks, and Converse Weapons that old school NBA players used to wear, right?
 
Last edited:
I'd would say just to be safe, if you're playing competitively, actual basketball sneakers have more responsive soles and also are more suited for cutting so your ankles don't get messed up.
 
I've seen people do it and they were fine. I've tried to just shoot around and practice in running shoes, but I didn't feel confident that they were supportive enough, so I haven't played in them. I would recommend just getting a pair of basketball shoes.
 
Witnessed my boy tear his acl on a indoor court tryin to get a loose ball. Watched it kinda seemed slomo. He was in some Asic gels.
Just get ball shoes
 
Ishnaga said:
Witnessed my boy tear his acl on a indoor court tryin to get a loose ball. Watched it kinda seemed slomo. He was in some Asic gels.
Just get ball shoes
Click to expand...

Plenty of NBA players have gotten injured even with b-ball shoes. Sometimes its just bad luck.
 
i don't get decent grip w/ running shoes which makes the biggest difference for me
 
Used to ball in nike frees after workouts because I never planed on it. No injuries but for the sake of traction I'd recommend correct shoes. After wearing much more comfortable shoes everyday basketball shoes feel like trash
 
Easier to play in running shoes on an outdoor court.
 
Ishnaga said:
Witnessed my boy tear his acl on a indoor court tryin to get a loose ball. Watched it kinda seemed slomo. He was in some Asic gels.
Just get ball shoes
Click to expand...
Really? Nooo I was just saying.....if there made for ball.....y not wear them for ball!?
 
I also like to take weird pictures of myself when i work out and post them on instagram.
 
Last edited:
I play in lunarswifts. The grip isn't the best but the comfort and freedom of movement is something I haven't found in ball shoes. I also play more soccer then basketball so I guess that influences my perception of a comfortable shoe
 
I've been watching a lot of the nba summer leauge and there are a ton of players wearing low tops.
 
I mean if you compare the tech in a Lunarglide and a Kobe 8 they are surprisingly similar. Only thing I would be worried about is lateral movement since most running shoes aren't very wide and they don't have the traction to handle it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

The ultimate sneaker enthusiast community.

NikeTalk was created as a way of giving back to both the sneaker enthusiast community and to the greater global community of which we are all a part.

NikeTalk is NOT affiliated with Nike Inc. in any way, shape, or form. All opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Nike, Inc.

© 1999-2024 NikeTalk.com

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom