BASKETBALL

PUMA Basketball has always been about creating firsts. We've been pushing the envelope and changing the game ever since we got into it. It all started in 1973 when we did something that had never been done. We created basketball's first-ever signature shoe, the Clyde. Made for Walter "Clyde" Frazier, worn by millions. Now, with almost 50 years since Frazier hit the court wearing our shoes, we're taking the same mentality of crafting kicks with cutting-edge technology that make a bold statement. 

Our new line of Men's Basketball shoes are designed to do just that.

We've updated some of our classic styles with modern materials and construction, like the PUMA Triple Mid Basketball Shoes. And we've also created all-new silhouettes that are sure to turn heads, like the Court Rider 2.0. No matter which style you choose, you can be confident that you're getting a world-class basketball shoe that looks good and performs even better.

So whether you're looking to make a statement on the court, or to rock the pavement off the court, check out our men's basketball shoes today. You won't be disappointed.

What Is A Good Pair Of Basketball Shoes?

What makes a good pair of basketball shoes is different for every wearer. But there are certain features that all PUMA Hoops players demand. Our players want a shoe that supports their feet, but also their game as a whole. Players who sprint, stop, and sprint again need shoes that are up to the task. They want shoes that are durable. Shoes that let players hit their highest heights on the first game of the season, and are still doing their job when the buzzer goes at the end of the last quarter of the last game as well.

Can I Play Basketball In Running Shoes?

Can you? Sure you can, but we wouldn't recommend it. At PUMA we know a thing or two about running shoes. We've been supplying Olympic runners for decades. But there's a reason we don't fit LaMelo Ball with a pair of evoSPEED sprinters cleats. Basketball shoes have a particular set of attributes that make them perfect for the task they were made for. Running shoes might be comfortable and lightweight, but they don't have the same kind of support or durability that basketball players need. Running shoes focus on getting the wearer moving straightforward as quickly as possible. But basketball has so many more aspects to it than just running. You need the side stability to support your ankles as you sidestep as well the cushioning for your foot when you land.

Does The Weight Of Basketball Shoes Affect Speed And Jumping Performance?

There has been plenty of research done on this topic, with varying results. Lighter does generally mean faster, but there's a lot more to a shoe than just its weight. Jumping and speed performance are also affected by the cushioning and midsole of the shoe. Having cushioning with enough rebound and a midsole that is springy does a huge amount to improve speed and jumping.

PUMA Hoops is committed to building lightweight basketball shoes that provide the speed and responsiveness that our athletes require to perform at their best. But beyond that, we focus on durability, support, and comfort as well. So while our shoes are some of the lightest on the market, we're confident that they measure up in every other way as well.

When Should I Replace My Basketball Shoes?

We all wish that our favourite basketball shoes could last forever. But unfortunately, the rigours of the game and the amount of use a basketball shoe gets means that eventually, they do have to be retired. The good news is that with PUMA men's basketball shoes, you'll get a lot of use out of them before they need to be replaced. But when the time does come, there are a few things you can look for.

If you're starting to feel pain in your feet or joints after wearing your shoes, it might be time for a new pair. If the cushioning isn't feeling as springy as it used to, or if the outsole is showing signs of wear, those are both indicators that it's time for a new pair of shoes. You should also take a close look at the overall condition of the shoe.

Are Basketball Shoes Good for Everyday Use?

There are so many reasons we love basketball shoes. So of course it would make sense that you'd want to wear them out and about. PUMA basketball shoes are designed to make a statement. They're comfortable and they're reliable. And besides, if they're good enough to stand up to the demands of a game like basketball, we'd say they can handle everyday use just fine.

Can Basketball Shoes Be Used For Style?

Absolutely. Basketball is all about style.  From the way you carry yourself on the court to the signature shoes you wear, style is an important part of the game. And PUMA men's basketball shoes are designed with this purpose in mind. With their bold designs and bright colours, they're sure to turn heads when you're out and about. 

Can You Use Basketball Shoes For Fashion?

The ties between basketball and the world of fashion have been growing stronger every year. Basketball gear and the streetwear trend are often mentioned in the same sentence and it's easy to see why. The bold and contrasting effects of a streetwear fit are perfectly sewn together with an eye-catching piece from the PUMA men's basketball shoe range. Make a statement that cuts above the noise with the TRC Blaze Court Joshua Vides. These fashion-orientated kicks were born out of our partnership with Joshua Vides, a contemporary artist and designer making waves out of Southern California. Find your voice and speak it loud with PUMA.

How to Care for and Clean Basketball Shoes?

Basketball shoes are a crucial part of the toolbox for any top baller. Keeping them in the same level of shape as you keep yourself is necessary to ensure they not only stand the tests of a relentless game-after-game schedule but also provide the best grip and the sharpest looks when you're on court. Check out these quick tips on keeping your shoes in top shape:

Air dry your shoes

You've just finished a gruelling game. You're tired but ready to celebrate a hard fought win. But before you head out, make sure your prized PUMA basketball shoes aren't left sitting in your bag. Take them out and let them dry in an open space with decent airflow. You'll be glad you did when game time comes around again.

Avoid using indoor shoes outside

We know, we know. You just bought the freshest new pair of shoes and you're dying to show them off. But keep in mind that asphalt courts are more abrasive than the classic hardwood flooring of indoor courts. This wears out the soles faster than would otherwise be the case. Add in the effects of the elements and well, more wear will equal more tear. 

Wipe them down after every game

This one's pretty self-explanatory, and your shoes will really thank you for it. Give your shoes a quick once over with a damp cloth after every game and you're good to go. Doing this regularly keeps your basketball shoes looking as fresh as the day you took them out of the box. It'll also help get rid of any dirt or grime that's built up and help to maintain the highest level of grip from the soles of your shoes.

Don't machine wash your shoes

Most sneakerheads will be able to tell you this one for free. But just so it's said, machine washing = bad for your shoes. We know it might be tempting but a quick wipe will usually do the job. Washing machines tend to use a combination of high-temperature water along with a detergent and spin cycle that can break down the glue and other binding materials of the shoe. Any dirt that's a little more stubborn can be gotten at with a short bristled brush and some soapy detergent. 

How Should Basketball Shoes Fit?

How a basketball shoe should fit is one of those things that is going to vary depending on taste. But one thing is for certain and we apply it to everything we do, don't ever settle for average. There are a few key aspects of the shoe fit to look out for:

The toe box

This is the easiest part of the fit to figure out. Is your shoe the correct length for your foot? Leave roughly a finger's width at the end to make sure your toes won't be hitting the end too hard when coming to a quick stop. When you pull up for that jump shot, you want full focus on your technique, not on a pain in your toes.

Ankle support

Ankle support is not about the height of the basketball shoe – as was previously thought. After considerable research into the subject, it's been found that the support for your ankles comes predominantly from the cushioning and insole support of the shoe. As such, the fit you’re looking for is one where your ankle is held snugly by the sides of the shoe. Your shoe should feel like it has enough stiffness around the ankle to avoid sprains, but still allow you the necessary freedom of movement to play your game freely.

Heel Stability

This refers to the slip of your heel inside the basketball shoe. If you stomp your foot down at an ankle, do you feel the base of your heel moving around, or is it locked in place? A little bit of movement can be fine and potentially even a good thing for comfort, but this is largely down to taste.

The bend of the shoe

You'll want to make sure the shoe is bending at the right spot under your foot. The sweet spot for this is pretty much right under the ball of the foot. Further towards the midsole is a sign of a poor fit.

How To Get Better Grip On Basketball Shoes?

One of the most important aspects of a good basketball shoe is the level of grip that it provides. This can be the difference between making or missing that all-important layup or dribble. 

The first thing is to focus on keeping your shoes clean and especially free of dirt.

The second is to wipe your shoes with a damp rag in-game, the water against the polyurethane coating of most indoor basketball courts causes more friction, which means more grip. The third option is to look at external grip-enhancing options like grip lotions and sprays.

Do Any NBA Players Wear PUMA Shoes? 

PUMA is forever faster. Our shoes are a staple on NBA courts all over, as well as in all the rest of the world's professional leagues. There are several players in the NBA who have chosen to embrace the advanced technologies of PUMA men's basketball shoes. The most notable of these players is the 2021 Rookie of the Year, LaMelo Ball. His signature collection is spreading like wildfire across the globe as players lace up in shoes that embody the same confidence and flair as the star they were made for.

What Puma Shoes Does Lamelo Ball Wear?

LaMelo Ball is one of the most gifted and exciting point guards to step onto the professional stage in recent memory. How did he get to where he is today? The same way PUMA did. With a dedication to his craft, an unrivalled work ethic, and a style all his own. That's why we're proud to have him as the face of our brand. As for what shoes he wears, it's always a pair from his signature collection. The LaMelo Ball basketball shoes are designed for speed and creativity on the court, just like LaMelo. They’re some of our lightest and most responsive basketball shoes ever. So if you're looking for a shoe that can keep up with the game's fastest players, you've found it.

What Is Nitro Foam Technology In Puma Basketball Shoes?

PUMA's NITRO FOAM technology is a game-changing innovation that provides basketball players with unrivalled energy return, cushioning, and comfort. It's designed to help you stay quick on your feet and provide you with the energy you need to make explosive plays. NITRO FOAM is also incredibly lightweight, so you won't feel weighed down when you're making your move. It comes from the injection of nitrogen gases into the foam of the shoe during the manufacturing process. 

PUMA is changing the game with its range of men's basketball shoes. If you want to play like the best, you need to wear the best. Shop our range today and keep striving to be forever faster.