New Balance Shoes for Basketball
What’s up ballers?
Are you on the hunt for the perfect pair of New Balance shoes to elevate your basketball game?
Look no further, because I’ve got the scoop on the New Balance Basketball Shoes available on the market.
As someone who has spent countless hours on the basketball court of Montverde Academy, I know just how important it is to have an athletic shoe that could keep up with the demands of the game.
When it comes to choosing the perfect basketball footwear, there are several factors to consider. From good traction and ankle support to durability and comfort, every aspect of a basketball shoe can impact your game. And with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to find the right pair that is worth it.
Therefore, in this article, I will tell you about the NB shoes for playing basketball. From lightweight options to shoes with serious support for high jumps, these sports shoes will have you dominating the court in no time.
While brands like Converse may have once dominated the basketball shoe market, New Balance has quickly become a popular choice among athletes. And for good reason – their shoes are designed with the demands of the game in mind. From their sleek designs to their advanced technologies, these good New Balance Basketball shoes will truly elevate your basketball game.
What is the New Balance shoe for basketball?
New Balance has several basketball shoe models that are worth considering for players. These shoes have unique features such as a full-length Fresh Foam X midsole, engineered FitWeave upper, hexagonal spiral outsole pattern, dual-density FuelCell midsole, ABZORB cushioning, molded textile upper, midfoot TPU clip, and lateral stability features.
The following are the NB shoes for basketball:
- New Balance Fresh Foam BB
- New Balance TWO WXY v3
- New Balance 650
- New Balance BB550
- New Balance KAWHI III
Each shoe model has its specific design elements that offer comfortable fits, ample room for the toes, flexibility, style, durability, and excellent traction, making them an excellent choice for basketball players who demand high-performance footwear.
For Sweaty Feet
The Fresh Foam BB from New Balance is the ultimate game-changing basketball shoe for players with sweaty feet, offering unparalleled comfort, support, and traction through a combination of innovative features like Fresh Foam X midsole, FitWeave upper, and hexagonal spiral outsole pattern.
The Fresh Foam BB from New Balance is a game-changing basketball shoe that provides an exceptional level of comfort and support for players with sweaty feet. This mid-cut silhouette is designed to keep players feeling fresh and comfortable through all four quarters of the game, ensuring they can focus on their performance without worrying about discomfort or slippage.
At the heart of the Fresh Foam BB is its full-length, Fresh Foam X midsole, which delivers unparalleled comfort and support. This innovative material is designed to absorb shock and provide cushioning, helping to reduce the impact of high-intensity movements and protect the player’s feet from injury. The result is a shoe that feels like a cloud on your feet, allowing you to move with agility and speed without sacrificing comfort.
The lightweight engineered FitWeave upper of the Fresh Foam BB is another standout feature. It is designed to be breathable and flexible, allowing your feet to move naturally while also providing support and stability. The lateral cage and synthetic skin overlays on the upper further enhance the shoe’s stability and support, making it ideal for high-impact landings and rapid accelerations.
Another unique aspect of the Fresh Foam BB is its hexagonal spiral outsole pattern, which is specifically designed for positionless play. This pattern helps to provide excellent traction and grip on the court, enabling players to make quick, sharp movements without slipping or losing their footing.
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Also Read: New Balance Shoes for Standing All Day
For Instant Response
Get ready to ignite your game with the New Balance TWO WXY v3 basketball shoe, featuring a dual-density FuelCell midsole and ABZORB cushioning for explosive energy return and enhanced shock absorption, all wrapped up in a sleek molded textile upper with midfoot TPU clip and lateral stability for ultimate performance on the court.
The New Balance TWO WXY v3 basketball shoe is a serious contender in the world of high-performance athletic footwear. This shoe is designed with the basketball player in mind, inspired by the rapid firing of neurons in the brain that allows for split-second reactions on the court.
One of the standout features of the TWO WXY v3 is its dual-density FuelCell midsole. This innovative technology provides excellent energy return, making each stride feel explosive and powerful. Additionally, ABZORB cushioning is strategically placed at the heel and forefoot, offering enhanced shock absorption during high-impact landings.
The shoe’s design is equally impressive, with a molded textile upper that provides a secure and comfortable fit. The midfoot TPU clip and lateral stability features work together to ensure that the shoe stays in place during sudden accelerations and quick stops. The result is a dynamic underfoot feel that allows for quick pivots and changes of direction.
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For Large and Wide Feet
Get your game on with New Balance 650 Shoes–the hi-top basketball shoes from the 80s-inspired design with a wide-foot-friendly fit for optimal support, comfort, and injury prevention.
If you’re on the hunt for a pair of basketball shoes that can accommodate your wide feet, the New Balance 650 Shoes might be just what you need. These shoes feature a hi-top design that’s inspired by on-court basketball shoes from the 1980s, and they offer a supportive fit that’s perfect for intense games.
One of the standout features of the New Balance 650 Shoes is their epic proportions, which give them a streamlined yet eye-catching look. The classic leather upper is accented with a puff and stitch collar, while the molded foam construction and raw-edged leather provide a comfortable fit that molds to your feet over time. The elevated construction adds an extra layer of support, helping to prevent injuries and reduce fatigue during long games.
But what sets the New Balance 650 Shoes apart is their wide-foot-friendly design. Unlike many other basketball shoes that can be too narrow for people with wider feet, these shoes are specifically built to provide ample room for your toes and forefoot. This means you can enjoy all the benefits of a high-performance basketball shoe without sacrificing comfort or support. So if you’re looking for a pair of basketball shoes that can keep up with your game, the New Balance 650 Shoes are worth considering.
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Also Read: New Balance Shoes With Wide Toe Box
For Narrow Feet
The BB550 is the ultimate basketball shoe, with a sleek low-top design that allows for quick movements and a timeless classic look. Its heavy-duty construction, durable synthetic leather upper, and adjustable lace closure provide both style and functionality on the court.
The BB550 is an upgraded version of the NB 550 model. It comes with a low-top design. This design implies that the shoes are designed to be light and flexible, allowing for quick movements and jumps on the court. It also means that they don’t restrict your ankles, giving you the freedom to move around the court as you please.
The streamlined silhouette of the BB550 is impressive, and it gives the shoes a sleek and modern look. It’s a great combination of style and functionality, ensuring that you look good while playing your best game.
Its heavy-duty design makes it durable and long-lasting. You don’t have to worry about the shoes giving up on you after just a few games. The synthetic leather upper construction is not only durable but also easy to clean, which is a plus for basketball players who often play on dusty courts.
The classic look of the BB550 is another feature that sets it apart from other basketball shoes. The shoes have a timeless appeal that makes them stand out from the crowd.
The rubber outsole provides excellent traction and durability, which is essential for basketball players. You need shoes that can grip the court and allow you to make quick cuts and movements without slipping.
Plus, the adjustable lace closure of the BB550 ensures that the shoes fit snugly on your feet. You don’t have to worry about them slipping off or feeling loose during a game. The lace closure allows you to adjust the fit to your liking, ensuring that you have the right level of support and comfort.
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Also Read: New Balance Shoes for Supination
For High-Performance Jumping and Dunking
The New Balance KAWHI III shoes are the ultimate basketball sneakers for pro athletes, with lightweight construction, full-length Energy Arc, and a minimalist design that provides excellent support, stability, and style on and off the court.
The New Balance KAWHI III shoes are a high-performance pair designed for pro athletes who demand the best when it comes to jumping and dunking. These shoes are the epitome of modern design, featuring an aggressive look that is sure to turn heads on and off the court.
One of the standout features of the KAWHI III shoes is their lightweight construction. They are made to be as light as possible without sacrificing durability or support, making them perfect for peak power and countless practice court hours. You’ll feel light on your feet, which can give you an extra edge when you’re trying to take your game to the next level.
The KAWHI III shoes are equipped with a full-length Energy Arc, which is designed to provide excellent energy return and fast response. This means that you’ll be able to move quickly and with precision, giving you an advantage over your opponents. The FuelCell midsole also offers excellent cushioning, ensuring that you can stay comfortable even during the most intense games.
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The minimalist upper design of the KAWHI III shoes is made from lightweight knit construction, which not only looks great but also helps to keep your feet cool and comfortable. The seamless half-bootie connects directly to the tongue, providing a secure fit that won’t slip or move around during play.
Not only that, but the KAWHI III shoes employ an ingenious seamless approach at the heel, integrating a molded component that delivers a highly intuitive, responsive sensation of support that surpasses the traditional stitching method. This ensures that your foot is supported and stable, even during the most aggressive moves and jumps.
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Importance of Choosing New Balance Basketball Shoes
Choosing the right New Balance basketball shoes is essential when looking for a way to maximize your performance and reduce injury risk.
Advances in biomechanics and injury research have led shoe designers to create more robust footwear for players who need shoes that cater simultaneously to speed, agility, power, and stamina demands.
Given that NBA and WNBA players apply a force of 3-4 times their body weight when changing direction, and an impact force of up to 9 times their body weight when landing from a layup—it’s crucial for basketball players’ shoes to provide adequate support.
Provide Power and Mental Agility in Basketball
Basketball shoes must facilitate swift movements, which include making a jump shot over a defender and executing powerful pivots. They should also provide a solid foundation of support to help box out opponents and secure rebounds.
In professional basketball and other high-level athletic competitions, the jumping ability is an important factor in making accurate shots.
Such explosive movements allow players to jump higher and avoid defenders while they are in the air. This gives them a better chance of scoring because feedforward mechanisms can help direct their jump shot mechanics.
The ability to move powerfully is important not just for physical performance, but also for mental agility. The triangle drill—which trains players to complete a series of passes in the shortest possible time—is one example of such an exercise. This aspect is a key predictor of overall game performance, as evidenced by the Performance Index Rating.
Reduce Ankle Effort in Lateral Cutting Maneuvers
When designing a basketball shoe, certain design elements, such as traction, weight, and stiffness, are used to optimize its performance. Recent studies have shown that an often-overlooked factor in shoe design is the upper.
In March 2021, a study was released demonstrating that athletes could execute lateral cutting maneuvers with less ankle effort when wearing basketball shoes with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-reinforced uppers. This finding highlights the importance of the upper in basketball shoe design and suggests that more attention should be given to this component in future designs.
Another study, the first Agility & Speed study, has further emphasized the significance of the upper in high-performance basketball shoe design. Through testing various wrapping fit configurations, researchers found that athletes’ movement completion time decreased by 3-7%. This improvement in movement speed could make a crucial difference in game-winning plays, such as buzzer-beater 3-point shots, or in avoiding a blocked shot.
Addressing the Risk of Metatarsal Fractures
Basketball is a highly dynamic sport that demands agility, speed, and quick direction changes, making it prone to a range of injuries.
Among the most common non-contact injuries are ankle sprains, knee ligament tears, and metatarsal fractures.
According to estimates, nearly half of basketball injuries occur without contact with another player, often resulting from sudden movements of the player’s body that exceed the ligament’s capacity to handle the load, such as landing awkwardly or making a cut.
While there is no foolproof method to prevent injuries in basketball, several footwear brands have incorporated various technologies in their shoes to reduce the risk of injury.
High-force, cutting movements made with the foot firmly planted are responsible for most knee injuries, which often occur when ligaments bend or stretch beyond their capacity. Therefore, shoes with mid-cut collars can provide additional stability and proprioception to help prevent ankle sprains, which are common injuries among basketball players.
The primary cause of ankle sprains is a sudden inversion of the foot (bottom turning inward), coupled with internal rotation (toes rotating towards the midline) and plantarflexion (toes pointing downwards) (Panagiotakis, 2017).
Players need to be nimble enough to change direction quickly, but mid-cut shoe collars can help reduce the risk of ankle sprains, particularly for those at high risk.
Finally, basketball players are at risk for metatarsal fractures (breaking of one or more bones in the foot) due to their long feet creating a large moment where those phalangeal joints meet.
To address this particular basketball-related injury, footwear manufacturers have implemented three major design improvements: that help prevent players from landing too hard when they jump; ankle collars with more stability to keep the foot firmly planted on the ground at all times; and specific outsole patterns—designed to provide maximum traction while a player is in motion.
Anatomy of New Balance Basketball Shoes
New Balance basketball shoes are designed with several key parts to ensure maximum performance and comfort for basketball players. These parts include the upper, midsole, and outsole.
The Upper
The type of upper you choose can impact your performance on the court. The upper is the top part of the shoe and comes in three heights:
- High-tops
- Mid-tops
- Low-tops
➜ High-tops are ideal for players who need extra ankle support and stability, such as centers, power forwards, and players who have a history of ankle injuries.
➜ Mid-tops are a good choice for players who want a balance of support and mobility, such as shooting guards and small forwards.
➜ Low-tops are suitable for players who prioritize speed and agility over support, such as point guards and shooting guards who rely on quick cuts and lateral movements.
The Midsole
The midsole is the layer between the upper and outsole and is essential in helping basketball players absorb shock and reduce the risk of injury.
New Balance midsoles are made with advanced technology to provide superior comfort and support. The full-length dual-density FuelCell midsole, for example, offers an explosive energy return for quick movements on the court. The Energy Arc technology in the midfoot provides additional support and stability during lateral movements.
The Outsole
The outsole is the bottom of the shoe and is responsible for providing traction and durability.
New Balance outsoles are made with high quality materials that offer superior grip on the court. The molded heel component and ABZORB cushioning in the outsole provide additional comfort and support for basketball players.
Top New Balance Basketball Shoes to Complement Your Playing Style and Position
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is one of the most popular professional basketball leagues in the world, featuring some of the most talented athletes in the sport. Each position on the basketball court requires specific skills, and players are often chosen based on their ability to play in a specific position.
The ideal shoe for a specific player type depends on their position on the court and their playing style. Guards need lightweight shoes with good ankle support, centers, and power forwards need shoes with good support and cushioning, and small forwards need shoes that are durable and provide good lateral support.
Here’s the ultimate guide to selecting NB Basketball shoes based on playing positions:
Guards
Guards are typically smaller players who play near the perimeter of the court. Their main responsibility is to handle the ball, pass to other players, and shoot from the outside. They also need to be quick and agile to maneuver around their opponents. Shoes that are lightweight with good ankle support are ideal for guards, as they need to move quickly and change direction frequently.
For the guards, the New Balance Fresh Foam BB would be ideal. It provides exceptional comfort, support, and stability. Its lateral cage and synthetic skin overlays enhance the shoe’s stability, and its hexagonal spiral outsole pattern helps provide excellent traction and grip, enabling players to make quick, sharp movements without slipping or losing their footing.
Centers and Power Forwards
Centers and power forwards are typically the tallest players on the team and play close to the basket. They are responsible for rebounding, blocking shots, and scoring inside the paint. These players need shoes that provide good support and cushioning to absorb the impact of jumping and landing. Shoes with a thicker sole and higher ankle support are ideal for centers and power forwards.
For centers and power forwards, the New Balance TWO WXY v3 would be ideal. It features a dual-density FuelCell midsole that provides excellent energy return, ABZORB cushioning for enhanced shock absorption, and a molded textile upper that provides a secure and comfortable fit. The midfoot TPU clip and lateral stability features ensure that the shoe stays in place during sudden accelerations and quick stops, allowing for quick pivots and changes of direction.
Small Forwards and Versatile Players
Small forwards are versatile players who can play both inside and outside. They are often responsible for scoring and defending against the other team’s best player. These players need shoes that are durable and provide good support for lateral movement. Shoes with a comfortable fit and good traction are ideal for small forwards.
For small forwards and versatile players, the New Balance KAWHI III would be ideal. It is a high-performance pair designed for pro athletes who demand the best when it comes to jumping and dunking. Its aggressive design features a FuelCell midsole for explosive power, while its upper features a molded 3D Ultra Heel for a comfortable and secure fit. The KAWHI III shoes also have a full-length herringbone rubber outsole for exceptional traction and durability.
