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High-top basketball shoes have been a staple in the sport for decades, with their higher cut supposedly providing better support against ankle sprains. However, in recent years, the popularity of low-top basketball shoes has been on the rise, with players like Stephen Curry and LeBron James endorsing and using low-top models. This shift has sparked a debate about the effectiveness of high-top basketball shoes in preventing ankle sprains and improving performance. While some players still prefer the extra support and durability offered by high-tops, others find low-tops more comfortable and agile. So, do high-top basketball shoes actually work in preventing ankle sprains and improving performance?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ankle support | High-top shoes are associated with better ankle support, but there is no conclusive evidence that they prevent ankle sprains. |
| Performance | No studies suggest that shoe height affects athletic performance significantly. |
| Comfort | Some users find high-top shoes restrictive and uncomfortable. |
| Style | High-top shoes are traditionally associated with basketball, but low-top shoes have gained popularity in recent years. |
| Individual preference | Experts recommend choosing shoes based on comfort and individual needs rather than focusing solely on ankle support or injury prevention. |
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What You'll Learn
High-top basketball shoes and ankle support
For decades, high-top basketball shoes have been synonymous with reliable ankle support and injury prevention. The collar of a high-top shoe is higher and reaches above the ankle, whereas a low-top shoe has a lower collar that sits below the ankle. The idea is that the higher collar of a high-top shoe provides more support and protection for the ankle joint, helping to prevent sprains and other injuries.
However, this notion has been challenged in recent years, with some players and experts arguing that high-top shoes do not actually provide any additional ankle support. Several studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of collar height on ankle sprains, and the results have been inconclusive. While one study from 1973 (Garrick and Requa) found that wearing high-top shoes led to a reduction in ankle sprains, the design of both high and low-top shoes has changed significantly since then. Other studies, such as those by Barrett et al. (1993), Handoll et al., and Rovere et al., found no significant difference in the number of ankle sprains between high and low-top shoes.
Additionally, it is important to consider that ankle sprains can occur in both types of shoes, and that other factors such as a proper warm-up, ankle and core strengthening exercises, and balance exercises may be more effective in preventing sprains than simply relying on the height of the shoe collar. Some players also prefer low-top shoes as they offer greater flexibility and freedom of movement, which can be advantageous for certain playing styles.
Ultimately, the choice between high-top and low-top basketball shoes comes down to personal preference and comfort. While high-top shoes may provide a sense of added support and protection, it is important to prioritize a proper fit and lacing technique to ensure optimal foot and ankle health. Additionally, for players with weak ankles or a history of ankle sprains, combining a shoe with a wide base and good stability, such as the Zion 2s, with an external ankle brace can be an effective way to provide extra support and prevent injuries.
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Low-top basketball shoes and ankle sprains
For decades, high-top shoes were the go-to footwear for basketball players. The thinking was that high-tops provide better ankle support and overall safety for players' feet. However, this has been challenged in recent years with the emergence of low-top shoes in the NBA.
Several studies have been conducted to determine the effect of collar height on ankle sprains, with varying results. One study by Garrick and Requa in 1973 found that wearing high-top shoes led to a reduction in the number of ankle sprains. However, the design of both high and low-top shoes has changed significantly since then. A more recent study by Barret et al. in 1993 found no significant difference in ankle sprains between high-top and low-top shoes. Similarly, Handoll et al. and Rovere et al. found no significant differences in ankle sprains between the two types of collar height for subjects with no previous history of ankle sprains.
Some players still prefer high-top shoes for the added sense of security they provide. One player commented that they get "way less close calls with ankle sprains" when wearing high-tops. On the other hand, some players prefer low-top shoes for the increased flexibility and range of motion they offer. One player noted that with low-top shoes, they have the "ankle support [they] need and the ability to correct [their] ankles if [they] feel like something’s gonna happen".
While shoe choice is important, it is worth noting that ankle sprain prevention is determined more by a proper warm-up, ankle and core strengthening, and balance exercises than collar height.
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Performance and speed
When it comes to basketball shoes, the two main performance aspects are speed/quickness (both frontal and lateral) and jumping ability. While high-top shoes are often thought to provide better ankle support, there is no scientific evidence that the height of a shoe collar has any effect on athletic performance or ankle/foot safety.
Some players prefer high-tops because they feel more protected, while others feel restricted by the higher collar. Low-top shoes can provide greater freedom of ankle movement, which is beneficial for players who make a lot of quick changes of direction. Additionally, low-top shoes can help players feel more mobile and agile, allowing them to react quickly and properly fall or adjust to avoid a sprain.
On the other hand, high-tops have been found to require less muscular effort during muscle activation, which can be advantageous for players who are in charge of rebounding the basketball. Mid-cut shoe collars can also provide more stability and help prevent ankle sprains for players at high risk. Ultimately, the choice between high-tops and low-tops comes down to individual player preference, playing style, and comfort.
In terms of speed and performance, the fit of the shoe is also crucial. A shoe that is too loose or too tight can affect a player's performance and safety. A proper locked-in fit will improve both performance and the overall safety of the feet. Additionally, wrapping fit configurations can decrease the time to complete a movement by 3-7%, highlighting the importance of a performance fit.
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Style and comfort
When it comes to style and comfort, the choice between high-top and low-top basketball shoes is a matter of personal preference. Some players prefer the look and feel of high-tops, while others find low-tops more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what makes the wearer feel their best on the court.
High-top basketball shoes have been associated with ankle support and protection since the mid-1900s. The tall canvas uppers of these shoes may have been designed with the intention of protecting players' ankles, but they also reflected the fashion of the time, when most shoes were high-tops. High-tops saw a resurgence in popularity in the 1980s, both on the court and as streetwear. Some players prefer high-tops because they feel more protected and believe that the higher collar provides better ankle support.
On the other hand, low-top shoes offer a greater range of motion around the ankle, which is advantageous for players who rely on quick changes of direction and fast cuts. Low-tops also tend to be lighter due to the reduced amount of material used in their construction. Players who prioritise mobility and flexibility often opt for low-top shoes. Additionally, some individuals may not like the feeling of a shoe extending above their ankles, which low-tops avoid.
While the choice between high-tops and low-tops may be influenced by considerations of ankle support and performance, the available research suggests that shoe collar height does not significantly affect athletic performance or ankle injury prevention. Players are advised to choose the shoes that provide them with the best overall stability, comfort, and style, regardless of collar height.
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High-top vs. low-top: the pros and cons
High-top basketball shoes have been the go-to option for players for almost half a century. The higher collar, which extends over the ankle, is believed to provide better ankle support and prevent injuries, which are common in basketball. However, in recent years, low-top basketball shoes have gained popularity, with players like Stephen Curry and LeBron James endorsing and using them. So, what are the pros and cons of each type?
High-tops: Pros
- Better ankle support: The higher collar can provide additional support and stabilisation for the ankle joint, reducing the risk of sprains, especially during aggressive lateral movements.
- Durability: High-tops tend to be more durable due to their stiffer and more supportive structure.
High-tops: Cons
- Restricted movement: The higher collar of high-tops can restrict freedom of movement, especially during aggressive lateral motions or when running or jumping. This restriction may cause discomfort and potentially decrease jump performance.
- Potential for increased injury risk: While high-tops are supposed to reduce ankle sprains, some argue that the excess support can transfer forces and potential injuries upward to the knee. Additionally, if you roll your ankle in a high-top, there is less room for correction, potentially increasing the severity of the sprain.
Low-tops: Pros
- Increased flexibility: Low-tops provide more flexibility and freedom of movement, especially during quick directional changes or jumps.
- Comfort: Many players find low-tops more comfortable, and modern designs aim to combine the comfort and lightness of running shoes with the protection of basketball shoes.
Low-tops: Cons
- Perceived lack of ankle support: While studies suggest that shoe collar height does not significantly affect the risk of ankle sprains, some players may still feel more vulnerable to injuries in low-tops.
- Less protection: Low-tops offer less protection around the ankle, which can be a psychological factor affecting player confidence.
In conclusion, the choice between high-tops and low-tops depends on personal preference, playing style, and comfort. While high-tops traditionally offer more ankle support and durability, they may restrict movement and cause discomfort. On the other hand, low-tops provide increased flexibility and comfort but may leave some players feeling less protected. Ultimately, the most important factors when choosing basketball footwear are comfort, a proper locked-in fit, and a thorough warm-up and strengthening routine to prevent injuries.
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Frequently asked questions
No, high-top basketball shoes do not prevent ankle sprains. While the initial idea that high-tops would protect your ankles is logical, the ankle collar of a shoe is not strong enough to provide any additional support or stabilization for the ankle joint.
Yes, high-top basketball shoes can be restrictive. The height of the collar can cause discomfort, especially for players who need freedom of movement across the ankle joint for quick, lateral moves.
No, high-top basketball shoes do not affect performance. There are zero studies that suggest that shoe top height affects athletic performance to any significant extent.
High-top basketball shoes may be preferred by players who do a lot of rebounding and those who are physically larger and taller, as they can provide a sense of stability and comfort.
