Wearing running shoes for pickup basketball

[sstutter]

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?

 

[jumpmanasta]

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.

 

[usedtobecool]

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.

 

[ishnaga]

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

 

[lxj]

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

Plenty of NBA players have gotten injured even with b-ball shoes. Sometimes its just bad luck.

 

[00david00]

i don't get decent grip w/ running shoes which makes the biggest difference for me

 

[jordan23dotcom]

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

 

[fear the ibis]

OP is a white guy?

 

[jpzx]

Easier to play in running shoes on an outdoor court.

 

[ishnaga]

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

Really? Nooo I was just saying.....if there made for ball.....y not wear them for ball!?

 

[CosmicGhostRider]

Depends on your playing style and how hard you're going.

 

[Los Angeles]

I rock some frees with an ankle brace.

 

[sstutter]

OP is a white guy?

Nah, my man. Anyways, thanks for the helpful replies. I'll be on the lookout for some light ball shoes.

 

[luong1209]

Go for Kobe VIIIs. Light and great traction.

 

[jumpmanfromdabay]

Ill wear my Frees to ball because I don't ever play enough ball anymore to buy BBall shoes

 

[acbboyz84]

I also like to take weird pictures of myself when i work out and post them on instagram.

 

[acbboyz84]

OP is a white guy?

or asian

 

[6 Rings G.O.A.T.]

Been recently playing in my air max 90s.. (Indoor)

 

[AZwildcats]

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

 

[python]

I've been watching a lot of the nba summer leauge and there are a ton of players wearing low tops.

 

[sstutter]

or asian

DING DING DING DING CORRECT!!!

 

[jaythejetplane]

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.