Basketball is a popular sport for kids and a great way to keep them active. It attracts many young players due to its exciting atmosphere. Basketball is a lot of fun but relatively cheap as far as equipment goes. The most important thing you need is a decent pair of kids basketball shoes. 

The appropriate gear is necessary for any sport. It not only helps to enhance performance but also promotes safety and comfort. The style, fit, and material of kids basketball shoes are all important factors that affect your kid’s game. 

There are a few important things to remember when choosing kids basketball shoes. There are common drawbacks in cheaper lower quality shoes. These can include insufficient grip. Basketball courts are slippery and kids basketball shoes need the right amount of tread. A good sole is important to support your kid’s feet when playing.

There are also a number of different styles that depend on skill level as well as personal taste. Kids basketball shoes vary in cost. If you’re looking to find the best basketball shoes for kids in 2020, here are some important factors to look out for.

The price of kids basketball shoes

Sep 26, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; The shoes of Denver Nuggets guard Monte Morris during the first half in game five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2020 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The reason kids basketball shoes vary in price is mainly the popularity of the brand. The most expensive shoes are endorsed by famous basketball players, with the cheaper ones being from less famous brands. The price, in general, can indicate quality, however, there are many reasonably priced good quality basketball shoes. It depends on you how much money you want to spend.

A good rule of thumb is to set a budget before you go shopping. Make a list of the priorities for your child such as fit, style, and materials to suit them. Do a little research by reading some reviews online, and set a realistic budget accordingly. There’s a wide range of choices for any budget.

Comfort and fit

Your child needs to feel comfortable while playing basketball. The design of the shoe can be suited to the player’s weight or build as well. This is something to bear in mind. Ankle stability is also important. And1 kids basketball shoes are designed to provide ankle stability during a game. If you look at a full range of kids basketball shoes you’ll be able to compare which is best for your child.

A way to judge the fit of the shoe is by looking at the players advertising them. Bigger players might need more support, whereas smaller plays need mobility and speed. There are two main types of cushioning inside the shoe, air and foam. Air cushion tends to respond better so it’s a good idea to keep this in mind. 

Don’t forget to listen to your child’s opinion. Pay attention to what your child says about things that affect their comfort, like rubbing or sweating. Under Armour Kids’ Jets are ideal for players who complain about sweaty feet for example. 

Most of the shoes on the market are designed for players with narrow feet. This generally works for children basketball players. If your child has particularly wide feet, natural materials are better as these are more flexible. Durable plastic is otherwise fine. It’s also recommended to go ½ a size up. The extra allowance gives the foot more space to play around the court.

Skill level

Parents also need to consider the skill level of their child in order to find the best outdoor basketball shoes. Take into account the amount of time they spend training, and objectively, the quality of the training. It also depends on your child’s motivation and interest in the game. Champion Boys Infernos are ideal for boys who play basketball regularly for example.

Their commitment will indicate which type of shoes you should buy, and more importantly, how much you should spend. You’ll need to spend more money and care on shoes for a more dedicated kid who wants to pursue basketball for a longer time in the future. If you’re wondering which shoes are best for you or your kid according to skill level and type of game, take this test to find your perfect basketball shoes.

Outer materials

Oct 4, 2020; Orlando, Florida, USA; The shoes of Miami Heat forward Bam Adebayo (13) before game three of the 2020 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The outer sole is probably the most important part of kids basketball shoes. They need a good level of traction, which is essentially the shoe’s capability to grip on the slippery court floor. A good quality to look for is an outer sole that is able to work diligently on multiple surfaces. Check the outer sole is made of rubber as this is the most versatile material.

The thickness, softness, and pattern of the rubber are also important. These also affect traction and mobility. The upper material is something to consider as well. These can include leather, synthetics, rubber, textiles, and foam. Leather and suede are very durable, for example. Speak to an advisor in the shoe shop for expert recommendations, otherwise here are the top five for kids and youth in 2020 to give you an idea.

The style of kids basketball shoes

Children always want the coolest new styles and it’s up to you whether you choose to indulge them as parents. They might prefer a classic look like the Adidas Kids Pro Model J Sneaker, or something trending right now. It’s best to go for the shoes that fit and suit them best, however. These will end up looking the best and your child will play better and be more comfortable. If the shoe enhances their performance, they will inherently look cool on the court.

The external look of the shoes might not necessarily reflect the quality. There are many different colors, patterns, and textures to choose from. If your child has expensive tastes, you’ll surely be able to come to a compromise on style. In any case, you can find a full range of styles of kids basketball shoes from sites such as And1 Footwear. With a wide selection of choice, finding the best basketball shoes for kids in 2020 couldn’t be easier.