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Balling on a budget: Top 3 Basketball Sneakers

Let's be real. The shoe may not make the player, but looking fresh in a clean pair of kicks is essential to the modern era of basketball. In the recent years, brand's have put so much effort in enhancing the aesthetic and performance aspects of basketball sneakers and it's fair to say they have been doing a job well done. With a huge market of basketball sneakers, there will always be a pair of kicks that regardless of the budget any player can attain. We're going to run down on the top 5 basketball sneakers in 2017 - 2018 with the consideration of the cost, aesthetic, weak and strong points of performance.


Nike PG1 - $145 CAD

Retailing at a price point of $145 CAD, there would be no list without a mention of the superstar Paul George's first signature shoe. A low cut signature shoe packed with all the essential for your player needs alongside a very simple but clean aesthetic.

At the forefoot there is a mesh material allowing a more natural feel without restriction at your toes. This is a huge feature as it allows more natural movements with your feet to make those fancy or fundamental plays with precision. The upper is made of nubuck, a more durable material that will allow for stability.

In terms of cushioning, there is an adequate amount of Zoom Air at the forefoot, with the rest of the shoe covered in Phylon. It is not an exceptional amount of cushioning, but is sufficient. The shoe does lack in the cushioning aspect, and although it suffices, the cushioning and bounciness isn't something to solely look forward to.

The sole of the shoe features an almost diamond pattern filled with lines. The translucent soles have less traction and support compared to the traditional soles, so it would be recommended to go with the non-translucent soles for exceptional traction on the court.

The overall shoe has a great aesthetic, is formidable in all the necessary aspects of the shoe and with it's price point it cannot be easily beaten. Apart from the average cushioning, the shoe is a must cop whether at retail or at a discounted price that can be found at any major mall.



Nike Kyrie 3's - $165 CAD

First and foremost, you have to give up to Kyrie. He has been doing nothing but killing it on the court. It may not be thanks to his signature shoe line, but recently he has been making huge power moves on the court and off with his upcoming "Uncle Drew" movie.

The Nike Kyrie 3 is a very inexpensive shoe for it's performance, retailing at a price of $165 CAD. The traction reigned high on the scales in the shoe's predecessor, and it remains the same for the Kyrie 3. The sole features a herringbone pattern from the toe of the shoe to it's back heal, alongside some two pods with multidirectional pattern to enhance swift cuts on the court.

In terms of cushioning, the shoe's cushioning only features the Zoom Air unit in the heel. It is for mitigating impacts from when you crash down any movements where you have to jump. On the cushioning aspect, it isn't as strong as other high tier shoes so it may come to bother some players.

The forefoot of the shoe features a mesh, and the area where flexing of the shoe occurs features flywire, suiting the needs of players who often make cutting players. The upper is made of "Kurim" rubber, with a 3D style for aesthetics. The fit runs fairly true to size, but for those with wide feet it is recommended to high a size up. The support is nothing great, but is adequate. It may take a little while to get used to.

The shoe has a great feel on the court, and a great look that can be worn off the court too. For guards that have a physical attraction for court feel, these shoes will become your closest friend. If cushion is your main priority, it may not be the right shoe for you. Overall, the technology and the component of the shoes packs a punch, and you can't beat it at it's price.



  Adidas Crazy Explosive Boost - $145 CAD

It may have seemed that Nike has taken the show over, but there is no way Adidas would let their long term rival beat them completely. Not only has adidas taken over the sneaker culture with the wave created by the one and only Kanye West, they have pushed their innovation on to their basketball line. 

The sole on the shoe features a coral multi-directional pattern and sticks to the floor quite well. You won't have to worry about slipping often and keeping your feet firm on the court as the traction is very durable. Something to take note of is that playing outdoors, will cause the grip to wear out very fast. 

The cushioning should not have to be even explained, as the movement of boost has spread so fast everyone and their grandmother knows about it. The cushioning is supported by the boost which is throughout the WHOLE sole, and provides extreme comfort. 

There are two versions of the upper; primeknit (a more natural feel for your feet) and a micromesh but both do not vary too much in terms of performance. The upper is quite stretchy and will provide a fit like no other shoe. 

The shoe fits true to size, and does not suffocate your feet in certain areas nor are there gaps created when you put your feet in shoe, so you won't have to worry about it moving around too much. The shoe always supports very well for a low-top shoe, which usually are notorious for sprained ankles. Both the sole, heel, upper and ankle materials are designed in a way to mitigate possibilities of injuries.

All 3 shoes have their advantages and disadvantages, but they all have incredible performance and will get the job done. When you look at the finer personal details and wants, that is where you can choose one shoe over the other.

Many of these shoes can be even found discounted at malls, and significantly have their price reduced at outlet malls. With a fair amount of search, your feet and game will begin to thank you for purchasing them. Oh, and your wallet will too.







 

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