Should Basketball Shoes Be a Size Bigger | ShoeBudy.com (2024)

As you know, the game of basketball requires a lot of running. If your shoes are too tight, they can cause blisters and other painful irritations. It is important to choose the right size shoe to avoid these problems.
The question of how to choose the right size for your shoes is a common one.

The statement isn’t as simple as it seems, especially when you’re on the court. If you have wide feet, are new to basketball, or are just unsure what size would work best for you, go with a shoe that’s one size up from your normal shoe size. This way, you’ll avoid any discomfort and potential injuries!
“The best way to determine your shoe size is by measuring your foot in centimetres or inches.” “If you’re not sure what size you wear, it’s better to get one that’s slightly bigger than too small.”

Should Basketball Shoes Be a Size Bigger is a question that many people have when they are trying to make a purchase. While it may not be a bad idea in some cases, the answer is actually no. It’s important to understand why you should stick to this rule and how it can help prevent injury, damage or other issues from occurring.

No matter what size shoe you wear, it’s important to make sure it’s comfortable. Wearing shoes that are too tight can cause blisters and other painful irritations, so it’s always best to go with a size that’s a little bit bigger. By following these tips, you’ll be able to find the perfect pair of shoes for you. Thanks for reading!
Basketball is a sport that requires a lot of running, so it’s important to be comfortable when you’re on the court. Wearing shoes that are too tight can cause blisters and other painful irritations. For this reason, go with a bigger size than what you usually wear.

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Why Basketball Shoe Fit Is Important

The importance of fit in basketball shoes cannot be overemphasized. They need to be snug so that you have the best control over the ball and your feet are stable when making sudden direction changes. Ill-fitting shoes can also cause ankle injuries.
Your shoe size may vary depending on the type of sneaker you wear. For example, if you’re a Nike Air fan and wear size 7 in those, you’ll probably need an eight or even 9 in Adidas.

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The best way to determine your shoe size is by measuring your foot in centimeters or inches. You can also refer to the sizing information on the box before making a purchase. If you’re not sure what size you wear, it’s better to get one that’s slightly bigger than too small.
Lastly, have a professional fit you when in doubt. If you’ve been shopping in the same store for a while or have a favorite brand that always makes you happy, then go ahead and ask a clerk to help you with sizing.

How To Size Basketball Shoes

If you enjoy playing basketball, it’s important to make sure your shoes fit well. The wrong size can lead to blisters and discomfort during play. Before getting fitted for new shoes, there are a few things you will want to know about sizing. This blog post provides information on how the shoe sizes correspond to the foot length and other tips on ensuring that you get the right size for your feet!
When it comes to basketball shoes, sizing can be a bit tricky. Different brands have different sizing charts, so it’s important to measure your feet accurately and use the size chart to find the right shoe.

Shoe Size

So, what does your shoe size mean? Well, it’s slightly more complicated than you would think. While your “size” corresponds to the length of your foot, the width is not indicated anywhere on the box or within product information (however, some companies and retailers offer shoe width information). For this reason, it is important to know both your foot length and width when shopping for basketball shoes.

Basketball Shoes Size Chart

Here is an example of a typical shoe size chart:
As you can see, the shoe size “9” corresponds with a foot length of 9.25 inches. However, the shoe widths vary from A (narrow) to E (extra wide). If you have a wider foot, you will need to find a shoe size corresponding to your foot’s width (e.g. size ten width D, size 11 width E).

Ankle Fit

Ankle support is a crucial feature when you’re shopping for basketball shoes. Remember that the sizing charts will not address this issue – it’s up to you to make sure your new shoes fit well! To determine whether or not a shoe has a good ankle fit, try these two tests:
1) Slip your foot inside and tighten the laces.
2) Lean forward from your ankles and do a calf stretch on the ground with both hands. If one or both of these tests results in tightness, discomfort, or pain, it is time to move on to another pair of shoes! When you find a shoe that fits properly, you’ll feel a comfortable snugness around your ankles.

Toe Fit

When a player steps in a good-fit pair of shoes, the toes should not touch the front of the shoe. This means that there is enough room in the toe box for your toes to move around and spread out when you make a move without causing pain. In addition, it feels comfortable on your feet when you have space between your big toe and the front of the shoe.

Foot Expansion

Now that you know how to measure your foot length and width, it’s time to factor in foot expansion. As mentioned earlier, not all shoe sizes account for a wide foot. Most shoes are built on a “standard” foot model that does not consider the natural expansion of the foot after exercise or long periods of walking. For this reason, it is extremely important to make sure your foot can expand into the shoe after activity!

Player Style And Preference

As a general rule, basketball shoes should fit snugly around your foot. However, this does not mean you should have to “fight” to get your shoe on. If you’re having trouble putting your shoes on, it’s likely because they are too tight. Players who prefer a roomier fit in their shoes can go up a half-size, but they should note that the additional width will change how the shoe fits on their foot.

Special Note On Width Variations

It is important to note that basketball shoes’ width variations are as necessary as length. Different types of basketball require different types of feet and appropriate shoe choices. For example, if you’re a point or shooting guard type, you might want a wider shoe to accommodate your quick-paced movements around the court.
On the other hand, if you’re a center or power forward, you’ll do better with a narrower shoe that gives you more control and stability when making your moves.


No matter your position on the court, make sure to consider the width of your feet when choosing your next pair of basketball shoes. Doing so can help prevent injuries and give you the best performance possible.
Basketball shoes are an important part of a successful game. By choosing the right size and width, you’ll be able to avoid any discomfort or injuries while playing.

What does going bigger allow for

A bigger shoe size means that you get a bigger fit, which helps to give your feet plenty of breathing room. When shoes are too tight, it can often result in redness and blisters all over the foot area. This is especially true for a child’s shoe since they need a tighter fit to help them move around easier during playtime.

Size Matters

Although some people believe that buying a slightly larger pair of shoes is more comfortable, this isn’t always the case. It would be best to go for a tighter fit when looking for a new pair of basketball shoes since they will give you better support and responsiveness. If your toes are constantly slipping out of your shoes or they feel too loose, it’s time to go a size down.
Now that you have a better understanding of choosing the right size basketball shoes, it’s time to head to your favorite retailer and find the perfect pair for you!

Final Words

Thank you for reading! As you can see, there is a lot to consider when choosing the right size basketball shoes. By following these tips and using the shoe size chart, you’re sure to find a pair that will provide you with the support and comfort you need on the court. Remember to factor in your foot’s width, ankle fit, and toe fit when making your purchase, and be sure to try on the shoes before buying them.
If you have another question feel free to contact us.

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Should Basketball Shoes Be a Size Bigger | ShoeBudy.com (2024)

FAQs

Should basketball shoes be a size bigger? ›

A: Basketball shoes should have a snug fit in the toe box. There should be a thumb's width of space between the tip of the big toe and the end of the shoe to allow for some movement and flexing.

Should basketball shoes be tighter or looser? ›

Basketball shoes should be snug, but not tight. They should have enough room for your toes to wiggle, but not so much that they slide around inside the shoe, which can cause blisters. Make sure that they have enough arch support and that your foot feels secure inside them.

Is it OK to wear shoes 1 size bigger? ›

No always wear your actual size or maybe a 1/2 size smaller. if you go larger they will be loose and blister even if your wearing hose a little tighter is best so you don't get rubs.

Is it better to buy shoes a little bigger or smaller? ›

Shoes that are on the tighter side are likely to rub, and since this friction can cause blisters, it's best to have a bit of wiggle room. The ball of your foot should fit comfortably in the widest part of the shoe, and at the heel make sure that you have some room for slight heel slippage.

What can I do if my basketball shoes are too big? ›

a lot of others have already said it, but best options are:
  • Thick socks, or double socks.
  • Ankle wrap under or over your socks. ...
  • Replace original insole with a thicker insole.
  • Heel cushions (like u/Clyffindor linked)
Mar 18, 2023

Do basketball shoes stretch out? ›

Before taking your new basketball shoes to the court, it is recommended to wear them around the house for a few hours a day for a few days. This will allow the shoes to stretch and mold to your feet, making them more comfortable to wear on the court.

Are Nike basketball shoes true to size? ›

What is the Nike sizing like? The sizing of most Nike shoes is true to size (TTS), i.e. normal. Where there is a deviation from this, indicate in the product description whether it is worth ordering a larger or smaller size.

How tight should a basketball ball be? ›

However, most experts agree that a basketball should have an air pressure between 7.5 and 8.5 psi (pounds per square inch).

Does 0.5 shoe size make a difference? ›

Is a Half Size in Shoes a Big Difference? A half-size represents a 1/8” difference. It may not seem significant but is enough to distinguish between comfort and discomfort. Because there is no standardisation for shoe sizing, a half size difference will also depend on the brand of shoe.

Is it OK to wear shoes a half size too big? ›

The only time that you could wear a shoe in a bigger size is when purchasing a sneaker but you should only go up about half a size. The reason for this is that our feet tend to swell because fluid accumulates due to gravity with prolonged standing and weight baring activities.

Is it bad to wear shoes 1 size too small? ›

Wearing shoes that are too small can contribute to the development of foot deformities over time. The constant pressure and compression on the toes can lead to conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, and corns. These conditions cause pain, inflammation, and can impact your ability to walk comfortably.

What age do feet stop growing? ›

Your feet usually stop growing a few years after puberty, typically around 14 for girls and 16 for boys. However, the final closure of growth plates in the feet doesn't occur until 18-20 years of age, so your feet will still continue to grow until then.

Should I get shoes that are too small or too big? ›

Stick to your true size. Sometimes we think shoes that are a size smaller can stretch over time or that we can make slightly loose shoes fit better with pads and what not, but the best buys are the ones that fit your feet perfectly at the time you buy them.

Do shoes get looser over time? ›

The material of your shoes will naturally stretch and loosen over time, allowing for a more comfortable fit. Before you know it, you'll be able to show them off wherever you fancy!

Should you buy shoes a size bigger? ›

A loose fit could put you at risk for injury. If you are between sizes, sizing down is a better option in this situation. It is always better to go half a size up for running shoes or trainers. Vigorous exercise will increase the blood supply to the feet and cause them to swell.

Should your big toe touch your shoe? ›

As a rule of thumb (or toe), you should have about 3/8″ to 1/2″ of room from the tip of your longest toe to the end of the shoe. Your big toe is not automatically your longest toe. Pick the shoes that match your foot shape.

Why do NBA players wear bigger shoes? ›

These are big men. And the bigger and taller they are, the bigger the shoes that need to fit their feet are. Here are 75 notable NBA players with their shoe sizes and height.

Is Nike basketball shoes true to size? ›

The sizing of most Nike shoes is true to size (TTS), i.e. normal. Where there is a deviation from this, indicate in the product description whether it is worth ordering a larger or smaller size.

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