Last updated on February 18, 2022
Predictions show that the global basketball shoe market will reach a value of $5 billion before the end of 2022.
Basketball shoes have changed a lot over the years, and are amongst the most popular types of sneakers on the market. There is more to know about basketball shoes than you may think.
For a rundown of the history of basketball shoes, keep reading.
What Makes a Basketball Shoe?
Like most sports, basketball can be very strenuous. It involves a lot of quick movement and can put a lot of stress on your ankles, feet, and legs.
Basketball shoes are specifically designed to reduce this stress as much as possible while enhancing overall performance. They consist of four key parts: the upper, insert, midsole, and outsole.
The upper is located above the sole and is where you will find the laces. It covers the foot while keeping it in place and providing support.
While most basketball shoes contain an insert, some don’t include one. They are included to provide arch support but you can remove inserts if desired.
The midsole provides cushioning, ideal for a sport with a lot of running and jumping. Materials such as gel, air, and EVA foam are common choices for these.
Outsoles are often made from rubber to provide shock resistance, bounce, and support. This also helps provide better grip.
All of these components come together with the idea of maximizing performance. The main straight basketball shoes are built around are:
- Comfort
- Breathability
- Durability
- Support
- Sturdiness
- Safety
- Grip
The Original
Basketball was first played back in 1891, but the first basketball shoes weren’t developed until 1917.
It may come as a surprise to people, but the first official basketball shoe is still one of the most popular sneakers on the market today: the Converse All-Star.
Just 3 years after the first version went on sale Converse made a deal with basketball player Chuck Taylor, and his name has appeared on their best-selling shoes ever since.
Different versions have been released over the years, but these days the Converse All-Star is rarely considered a basketball shoe and is more commonly worn for its iconic history.
Advancements in technology and the understanding of how the human body works when playing sports have led to far more advanced and suitable options becoming available.
The First Signature Shoe
Chuck Taylor was the first to have his name on a basketball shoe, but it was on a design that already existed. In 1973 Puma created the first-ever signature shoe along with Walt Clyde.
The Puma Clyde quickly rose in popularity overtaking the All-Star as the most popular basketball shoe. It was functionally superior thanks to a wider sole and a suede upper.
Nike’s Rise to the Top
Nike entered the world of basketball shoes with the Bruin in 1972 and followed this up 6 years later with the Blazer. Both were made of leather as that had become the material of choice for basketball shoes, and later release some suede shoes to keep up with trends.
Through the 70s Nike basketball shoes grew in popularity, but it was a decision made in the early 80s that changed everything.
Air Jordan
In 1984 Nike collaborated with the Chicago Bulls player Michael Jordan and the first pair of Air Jordans were born. Originally they were produced for Jordan exclusively, then in 1985 Nike began selling them to the public.
Nike was originally expecting to sell $3 million worth of Air Jordans within 4 years of the initial release. After just one year the sales had reached $126 million.
Since then first pair dozens of different versions of Air Jordans have been released, and they remain one of the most popular lines of shoes on the planet.
Air Jordans are designed to be functional on the court but are perhaps even more popular as a fashion statement. The Air Jordan 1s are still incredibly popular today thanks in part to the iconic design.
Yeezy QUANTUM
The popularity of Air Jordans paved the way for basketball shoes to reach a much wider market. This level of success has prompted other brands to develop basketball shoes of their own, as well as pursue collaborations with celebrities to help promote clothing lines.
Rapper, entrepreneur, and designer Kanye West has collaborated with a number of fashion brands over the years releasing several designer sneakers. He has worked with Nike, Bape, Louis Vuitton, and others.
In 2015 Adidas released a shoe they designed with West, the Yeezy Boost 750. Since then Adidas and West have released several shoes together. In 2020 the Yeezy QNTM (Yeezy Quantum) was released in two versions.
Both versions look very similar but perform differently. The YZY QNTM “QUANTUM” is a lifestyle shoe, with the focus being on everyday wear. The YZY BSKTBL “QUANTUM” however is designed to handle well on the basketball court.
Features such as an RPU cage and a knitted elastic collar make the YZY BSKTBL more durable and functional. While being a bold fashion statement, they are also ideal for anyone looking for a great shoe to play basketball in.
The Future of Basketball Shoes
It is safe to say that basketball shoes will continue to serve as a top choice for not just basketball players, but anyone wanting to maintain a certain look.
Companies are always working to improve the functionality of their shoes. Making more durable, lightweight, supportive basketball shoes will continue to drive sports brands, but this is not likely to result in any compromises in style.
If you want to read more about fashion and lifestyle, check out some of our other blogs!
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