By Jose Trujillo (@jAy_Ay_T):
One of the most critical components of a race car is its tires.
They must be able to withstand high temperatures and sticky enough to generate traction to avoid a high-speed blowout.
Similarly, the right shoes are important for basketball players.
For some, the perfect kicks depend on how high they land on the swag meter. Others, more emphasis is put on comfort and feel.
No matter the shoe, it must be able help the player perform.
“I want the best shoe that gave me the most dynamic capabilities, cutting on floors, not having to slip,” said freshman guard Caleb Simmons. “I want shoes that have great traction, good durability, you have to be able to flush your feet.”
This is important because during practice and games, players are required to make quick cuts and often stop on a dime at full speed.
But it has to be comfortable while doing it.
“I look for the fit and how it feels on my feet,” said junior guard Jaycee Hillsman. “Like how my feet feel when I cut, how my feet feel when I am running, do my feet slide in the shoe.”
Trust may not be the first thing that comes in mind when choosing which shoe to ball in, but it’s how a players know they’ve found the right shoe.
“You have to look for comfort.” said junior center Oumar Barry. “Running and playing intense games, that will affect your feet a lot. If you don’t have comfortable shoes, after the game you will feel it, and you will understand the shoes you played in weren’t good at all.”
The last thing a player wants is sore feet after practice or a game.
Ultimately, it may not be the deciding factor in a win or loss, but playing in the best fitting shoe can make a difference. While it may not be accounted for on the stat sheet, the right shoe can motivate a player, and give an extra boost.
If the shoes feel uncomfortable, players will not hesitate to switch it up. Just ask the pros.
In game one of the 2013 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals, Lebron James came out rocking his Nike Lebron X “MVP” and posted two points, four rebounds and three assists on 1 of 6 shooting. At halftime, James switched to his Nike LeBron X “P.S. Elite Home PE” and in the second half alone scored 22 points, four rebounds and four assists on 7 of 11 shooting.
Kobe Bryant, J.R. Smith, Damian Lillard and Kevin Durant are amongst the handful of players who’ve once played better after switching shoes at halftime.
It’s because it all comes down to comfortability. Whether it’s high-top or low-top, Nike or Adidas, leather or synthetic mesh, the style of shoe will be different for everybody.
On SJSU’s team, several players seem to have found the perfect combination of swag and comfort.
When it comes to having the flyest kicks on team, Hillsman does not hesitate declaring himself as the clear winner.
“I have a variety of shoes,” Hillsman said. “I have almost every brand of shoe, from every style to color, I’m a true sneakerhead.”
Senior point guard Jalen James’ solid bright white shoes also got a nod for the best shoe on the team.
The debate shall go on.
But what is not debatable is the comfort and confidence player’s feel in their shoes when cutting, running and jumping during a practice or game.