When it comes to improving your health, sports is one of the activities that will first come to mind. And basketball is up there among the most popular sports around the globe. It also goes without saying that your footwear as a basketball player affects your performance a great deal.
The best basketball shoes for flat feet are the ideal solutions for keeping players comfortable as they run up and down the court. These types of shoes feature comfortable soles, ankle support. They are also soft, durable and have flat soles with sufficient padding to absorb all the generated impacts.
It is imperative that basketball players get the right shoes to prevent any chances of lifelong or potentially career-threatening injuries. This buying guide will aid you in choosing the best shoes based on your needs and budget.
Contents
- 1 Top 10 Best Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet in 2021
- 1.1 1. Adidas Performance Men’s Cloudfoam Ilation Mid Basketball Shoe
- 1.2 2. Adidas Performance Men’s Crazy Explosive Basketball Shoe
- 1.3 3. Nike LeBron Soldier XI Men’s Basketball Shoes
- 1.4 4. Nike Men’s Air Visi Pro Vi
- 1.5 5. Nike Men’s The Air Overplay Ix Basketball Shoe
- 1.6 6. Under Armour Men’s UA ClutchFit Drive 3 Basketball Shoes
- 1.7 7. Under Armour Kids Boy’s UA GS Curry 3ZERO Basketball
- 1.8 8. Adidas Men’s Harden Vol 2 Basketball Shoe
- 1.9 9. Adidas Originals Men’s Pro Bounce 2018 Basketball Shoe
- 1.10 10. ASICS Gel-Spotlyte-U
- 2 How to Choose the Best Basketball Shoes for Flat Shoes?
- 3 Frequently Asked Questions
- 4 Conclusion
Top 10 Best Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet in 2021
| MODEL | DIMENSIONS | OUR SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Adidas Performance Men’s Cloudfoam Ilation Mid | 5 x 5 x 0.7 inches | 4.95 |
| Adidas Performance Men’s Crazy Explosive | 11 x 7 x 15 inches | 4.8 |
| Nike Lebron Soldier XI Mens | 5 x 5 x 0.7 inches | 4.7 |
| Nike Men's Air Visi Pro Vi | 5 x 5 x 0.7 inches | 4.7 |
| Nike Men's The Air Overplay Ix | 5 x 5 x 0.7 inches | 4.8 |
| Under Armour Men's UA ClutchFit Drive 3 | 11 x 7 x 15 inches | 4.7 |
| Under Armour Kids Boy's UA GS Curry 3ZERO | 11 x 4 x 7 inches | 4.8 |
| adidas Men's Harden Vol 2 | 13 x 9 x 5 inches | 4.8 |
| adidas Originals Men's Pro Bounce | 5 x 5 x 0.7 inches | 4.7 |
| ASICS Gel-Spotlyte-U | 11.5 x 4.5 x 7.5 inches | 4.7 |
1. Adidas Performance Men’s Cloudfoam Ilation Mid Basketball Shoe
The Adidas line of basketball shoes has been held in high regards for as long as I can remember. This Cloudfoam Ilation is no different from the high tech sports shoes. Innovative technologies ensure the shoes are excellently ventilated for optimum court performance.
Talking of support and cushioning, this shoe brand gets its name from the Cloudfoam sockliner that it is fitted with. It’s the same foam material used to make the midsole. Also, an air mesh shoe tongue, the rear quarter, as well as the collar make the shoes both cozy and breathable.
A thick rubber sole, plushy sock liner, and midsole all combine to minimize the propagation of impacts generated by the constant up and down movement on the court. The rubber outsole has enough grip and is durable for rigorous movements.
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2. Adidas Performance Men’s Crazy Explosive Basketball Shoe
For some reason, I just love this shoe brand from first sight. I think it has something to do with how elegant these basketball shoes for flat feet look. Apart from being stylish, this pair of sports shoes is also tuned to guarantee professional performance on a game day.
A series of high-end features make the Adidas Crazy Explosive one of the best basketball shoes for flat shoes. First, a boost cushioning makes the shoe one of the most responsive around. The harder you press down on them, the greater the energy, spring-like response you get.
A synthetic Xenon upper is both durable and comfortable as it wraps around your foot. Flat feet are kept comfortable by the tinted TPU boosted midsole. A new closure system utilizes outward stitched lace eyelets, thus reducing the pressure exerted by the laces.
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3. Nike LeBron Soldier XI Men’s Basketball Shoes
Named after one of the best basketball players in the world, this basketball shoe brand from Nike is a top contender for players with flat feet. The Nike LeBron soldier 10 is arguably the most secure sneakers around with its three straps at the forefoot, midfoot, and ankle areas.
As a result, the shoes stay on no matter how rigorous your jumps and cuts are in the court. Moreover, zoom air units at the forefoot and heel of the shoe help in absorbing impacts from either a rebound or a layup.
Consequently, hurting flat feet from hardwood surfaces become a non-issue. Thus, regardless of your flat feet, I can bet on you completing the game without a hitch. Weight-wise, the shoes are lightweight and airy. A perforated foam and rubber sole increases multi-directionality.
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4. Nike Men’s Air Visi Pro Vi
Here is another great contender for the best basketball shoes for flat feet. Apart from being affordable, this shoe brand packs lots of features aimed at making it comfortable for players with flat feet to go about their game while at ease.
Along the sides of the shoe are perforations to make air flow as subtle as possible. The last thing a player needs is the shoes heating up and soaking in sweat in the middle of a game. Just like most of the Nike basketball shoes, this model has a Visible Nike Air cushioning mechanism at the heels. This technology enhances the impact-cushioning capabilities of the shoes.
In addition to the perforations, a meshed shoe bootie is not only breathable but also snug fitting. Synthetic reinforcement adds to durability as the rubber outsole makes the shoe slip-resistant.
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5. Nike Men’s The Air Overplay Ix Basketball Shoe
In as much as I prefer a top performance sports shoe brand, I wouldn’t also mind looking fancy in one while at it. Fortunately, the Air Overplay IX is one such shoe that makes this possible, even if you have flat feet thanks to its availability in a blend of over xi colors.
There is a general pleasant feeling about these shoes, straight from the packaging. Besides having an encapsulated heel for a superb cushioning ability, arch and ankle supports are great too. This design means fewer impacts and improved padding for people with flat feet.
Thanks to the unique construction of lightweight, breathable, and breathable materials, you shouldn’t worry about the shoes soaking in little rain. To maximize your comfort, you can replace the insole with a custom padded insert or medical orthotic.
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6. Under Armour Men’s UA ClutchFit Drive 3 Basketball Shoes
The Under Armour ClutchFit Drive 3 stays true to its name of impeccable fit, especially for your flat feet. A perfect fit is great for firm support on your feet. ClutchFit technology used in the construction is stretchy and breathable, allowing your feet to move in any direction.
A die cut OrthoLite sockliner possesses anti-microbial properties for a healthy shoe interior, particularly if you sweat a lot. At the same time, the sockliner changes in shape to mimic that of your foot. A bear strap shoelace system locks the tongue in place for a tight fit.
Since people with flat feet who play basketball experience extra pressure at the hills, mitigative mechanisms are put in place. The external heel counter, internal shanks, and Achilles pillow all work to create additional padding around your heels as well as stabilizing the foot.
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7. Under Armour Kids Boy’s UA GS Curry 3ZERO Basketball
Even our kids deserve the best when it comes to sportswear, don’t they? If your kid has flat feet, it is prudent to buy them a pair of shoes that will prevent painful feet from making them give up on their dreams of being the next LeBron James.
To make the shoes as light as possible yet sturdy and durable, a thread bone upper is used. This feature is great as it means your kid would not be dragging too much weight on their feet during a game. This upper generates the directional strength for adequate foot support.
Forefoot, arch, and heel support are created by an array of the meta-wing shank. Plus, the midsole made from anafoam maps the fit to a kid’s foot outline and structure. This form of foam is also lightweight, further cutting down on the overall shoe weight.
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8. Adidas Men’s Harden Vol 2 Basketball Shoe
If you are looking for a great pair of shoes that takes a short while to break into, then this pair would be a great option to consider. It’s actually a second sequel of the previous signature Houston Rockets James Harden and Adidas line of basketball shoes.
So, if you are looking to follow in the footsteps of one of the games great, then here is a great shoe to start with. The shoe upper is knitted to enhance the flow of air within the shoes. Reinforcing synthetic cages add rigidity for overall shoe longevity.
A boost sole gives the required cushioning from hard landings that make flat feet ache after a round of basketball. Plus, it’s made of rubber so you can forget about slipping when about to take that crucial shot that keeps your team in the game.
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9. Adidas Originals Men’s Pro Bounce 2018 Basketball Shoe
There are those of you who fancy thick shoe shafts, just like in the Adidas Men’s Pro Bounce 2018. In fact, the shaft measures approximately 4.75 inches from the shoe arch. That should be decent enough to provide the level of cushioning from hard floors that a pro like you desires.
A high tech construction means that instead of ordinary meshed fabrics for the upper, a forge fiber is used instead. These fibers are heat pressed and then coated with thermoplastic polyurethane. Afterward, the fibers are stitched along high-pressure points for abrasion resistance.
Another great feature is the cable lace-up system. It consists of webbing for the eyelets, creating a tight, snug-like anatomical fit. The shoes stay on no matter how intense the training or game is. Bounce cushioning capabilities makes these shoes both flexible and comfortable.
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10. ASICS Gel-Spotlyte-U
Asics developed a motto of “A sound mind is a sound body” sometimes back, and has created sports shoes that live up to its ideal. The Gel Spotlyte spots a durable suede shoe upper consisting of overlays made from synthetic leather.
As the upper creates a cool environment, a soft microfiber lining and a cushioned insole that you can remove as you wish are greatly useful at improving comfort. The tongue is engineered for protection from external impact, as ankle support makes sure you don’t develop sore feet.
Part of the reason why I love this pair of shoes is the Gel cushioning system. Fitted at both the forefoot and Rearfoot, this system attenuates generated shocks from the moment your foot hits the surface to toe-off.
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How to Choose the Best Basketball Shoes for Flat Shoes?
As a basketball player, you are constantly running all over the court, and for a considerable amount of time too. Resultantly, the relentless pounding on the hardwood surface takes a huge toll on your feet, resulting in knee and ankle pains.
However, with the best basketball shoes for flat feet, you can be sure to go through the game without hurting your feet. Also, these shoes are able to withstand excessive usage because of the durable outsoles.
But how do you choose the best shoes? Here are a couple of features to be on the lookout for.
1. Ankle Support and Coverage
Excellent ankle support is a must for you if you are going to be engaged in an intense activity such as playing basketball. It doesn’t matter whether you have fallen arches or not, a good pair of supportive shoes should top your shopping list.
The first feature is to always check how well the shoe has your ankles covered in their entirety. Most basketball players face an increased risk of ankle injuries when their ankles are left exposed. That being said, pay attention to shoes that cover the whole ankle area.
2. Sole Construction
Believe it or not, the outsole and insole of a basketball shoe are responsible for the comfort levels of a basketball shoe for flat feet. Therefore, these are the features that require extra keenness when assessing the suitability of a pair of shoes.
The midsole/insole determines the shape your arches take in the shoe. It is one of the parts of the shoe that comes into contact with wearer’s feet. Based on your style of play, you will have different requirements for midsole configurations.
For example, a player who is in the paint most of the playtime, then a thick, well-cushioned midsole is an ideal choice. More often, another feature is included in place of thicker midsoles. The midsoles are made from soft materials to create a plushy room for your foot.
Although not as important for flat feet as the midsole, the outsole does play a vital role in your overall performance. It’s what absorbs most of the impact. Flat feet require flat outsoles for comfort, while a curved outsole is great for cushioning.
On the other hand, the material of construction of the outsole does not affect much their suitability for flatfeet, unlike the midsole. While rubber is great for traction, it wears out fast. Synthetic, on the other hand, is sturdy and durable but generates less traction in comparison to rubber.
3. Shoe Shank
Over the past couple of years, I have failed to understand why some shoe manufacturers fail to provide the necessary attention to the shoe shank. It’s one of those features that are arguably important for a basketball shoe.
A shank basically does four things: ensure torsion mobility, increase lateral shoe support, be a pivot point for the foot, and add extra support to flat feet. More specifically, a flat foot calls for shoes with the option of flanks to boost torsion mobility for a comfortable outing.
4. Heel Cushioning
One of the features that qualify a shoe brand to be the best basketball shoes for flat feet is the heel cushioning and rebound. Of these, it is rebound that’s beneficial to your flat feet and heels. Depending on the design principals in play, a rebound heel technology creates lift for either the forefoot or heels, for a gentle landing.
As you noticed in the reviews, different manufacturers have their own versions of the type of heel cushioning. ASICS is famous for its GEL cushioning, while Adidas has its airtight cushioning. Whereas the naming varies, they do the same job.
5. Style and Brand
In all fairness, these two features do not affect the suitability of a basketball shoe for flat feet. They are a matter of personal preferences and tastes, as well as the age-old brand loyalty. If you are an Adidas, Nike, ASICS, New Balance, Jordan, etc. fan, then you will definitely pick these brands over the other.
After considering a durable, comfortable, snug-fitting, then it would hurt to resort to a stylish, good-looking pair of shoes, wouldn’t it?
Pro Tip: When buying a pair of basketball for flat feet, ensure you are getting a shoe type that places your foot in a soft, flat, and robust outline that’s appropriate for your foot’s profile. It is the only way of bearing the impacts from jumping up and down a basketball court. Thus, you are able to last the whole game without being agonized by pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use running shoes in place of basketball shoes for flat feet?
A: Not really. These shoes are designed to meet different requirements and are not necessarily interchangeable. While it may seem like a genius idea to opt for a running shoe, you won’t get the same amount of comfort.
Running shoes are designed to be narrow as they are for forwarding movement. Also, their stability, rigidity in times of rapid movements, and pivoting abilities aren’t that great.
Q: How important is skill level when purchasing a basketball shoe for flat feet?
A: Your skill level plays a vital role in your choice of footwear. If you are a power player, prioritize cushioning and stability as your rebounds become less damaging. Fast players should go for lighter pairs of shoes. Lastly, if you are an all-rounder, then combine cushioning with ankle support for an all-rounded pair of shoes just like you.
Q: What’s the difference between low, medium, and high top shoes?
A: If you have been keen, you may have noticed these terminologies in not only basketball shoes. Of course, any of these choices have an impact on your performances, hence the need for a wiser choice.
Low tops are for fast players since they are lightweight. Similarly, high top emphasizes on ankle support, which is ideal for preventing injuries in people with flat feet.
Q: Does basketball shoe size depend on gender?
A: Yes. It is conventional wisdom that males and females don’t buy the same shoe sizes. For instance, a size 9.5 for males would typically be size 7.5 for females. It is, therefore, clear that females wear smaller shoe sizes than men.
Conclusion
By now, I hope you are ecstatic about the whole shoe buying issue. If you are training to be a pro or are one already, then I know how important it is to buy the best basketball shoes, more so for flat feet. You should be now have a vague idea of what to expect, how to go about your purchase, the features to look for, and some of the best shoes around.
Of the ten basketball shoes, my top pick for the best basketball shoes for flat feet is the Adidas Performance Men’s Cloudfoam Ilation Mid Basketball Shoe. It has an impressive weight distribution, spacious toe box, is budget-friendly and has exemplary cushioning, thanks to a Cloudfoam sockliner and midsole.
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