Best Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet

The arch in the foot helps spread the body weight to the entire foot, and thus helps in making physical activities like running and walking easier. It also contributes greatly to balance. These arches are mainly maintained by the tendons, bones, and various muscles of the feet.

People suffering from flat feet bear a smaller longitudinal arch, which is in the middle of the foot. Infants and toddlers usually suffer from a 'fallen arch', where the arch of the foot usually develops between the age of 3 to 8 years. However, in adults, flat feet is a deformity which is caused due to heredity, injury, pregnancy, old age, etc.

As many as 25% people with flat feet live normal lives, while the rest may have to face various problems that include joint pain and fractures. Hence, as a precautionary measure, people with flat feet need to be very cautious while selecting footwear.

Basketball involves various brisk, yet explosive moves in all directions. Hence, if you are suffering from flat feet, wearing shoes with a stiff sole and rigid heel is the best option to provide flexibility as well as stability to the feet. There are various measures to determine which shoes are the best, like the type of injury and the frequency of usage.

For instance, if you suffer from frequent ankle injuries, then opt for high-top shoes, rather than quarter-cut ones. They must also have adequate amount of cushioning that would prove to be shock-resistant and durable. The outsole of the shoes also needs to provide sufficient amount of traction.

Along with the quality of the outsole and the rigidity, you also need to consider the support factor and padding of the insoles. The pair should also have a significant amount of support.

Since people with flat feet tend to suffer from improper balance, the shoes that you select must provide the right balance and correct ankle support, in order to avoid injuries. You need to make sure that they are not heavy, and they also bear proper amount of cushioning.

Shoe manufactures do not make basketball shoes for people with flat feet. Depending on your condition, there are some shoes that might be comfortable, but everyone's foot is different. Also, such shoes are only comfortable at best, and do not address the problem of flat feet.

People suffering from varying degrees of flat feet do seem to find some shoes comfortable, including the UA ClutchFit Drive 3, Nike LeBron Soldier 10 and the Nike Hyperdunk Low.

Here are 2 options that will help you with your problem.

The best option is to visit a podiatrist and get a special mold of your foot made, which you can then insert into any basketball shoe of your choice. Of course, this is expensive, and you will need to visit the doctor often, over a period of time, to ensure a better fit.

But what this does is, it attempts to correct the arch in your foot. This is by far the best option if you are looking to play serious ball. Of course, it will hurt a bit, both your foot and your pocket, but is way better than buying a shoe that does not address the problem.

Another option is to buy insoles that help correct flat feet and insert them into your regular basketball shoes. This is somewhat similar to making a mold, and you can buy them over-the-counter.

However, getting the perfect fit is the only downside to this option. This is still better than using running shoes to play basketball, as no matter how good they are for your flat feet, you will not be able to play basketball in them. At the first serious move (think crossover), you will be on the floor with a rolled ankle.

The good part is that with both options, not only are you doing something that will correct your problem, but you get to wear your favorite basketball shoes as well. No more will you be wearing running shoes on the court.

Whether you are serious baller or just someone shooting hoops to keep fit, always make sure that you wear the right shoes while playing. For those suffering from flat feet, this is even more important, as flat feet will affect your balance as well.