Helena Frye
Basketball players have a choice when it comes to footwear: high-tops or low-tops. In the past, high-tops were the norm, but today, about half of NBA players wear low-tops, and studies are inconclusive on whether high-tops actually prevent sprained ankles. When choosing their footwear, players typically consider two main questions: Will these shoes protect my feet better? and How will they affect my performance?. While some studies suggest that high-tops may increase the forces and injury risk on the Achilles tendon, others find that wearing high-tops leads to a reduction in the number of ankle sprains. Ultimately, the choice between high-tops and low-tops comes down to individual playing style and personal preference.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity of high-top basketball shoes | High-top basketball shoes were popular in the 80s and 90s, but low-top shoes have gained traction in recent years. |
| Ankle Support | High-tops may provide better ankle support and reduce the number of ankle sprains, but studies have found no significant difference in ankle injuries between high-tops and low-tops. |
| Muscle Activation | Low-top shoes have been found to increase the pre-activation of leg muscles and reduce onset time during ankle inversion. |
| Performance | No studies suggest that shoe top height affects athletic performance. |
| Individual Preference | The choice between high-tops and low-tops depends on individual playing style and personal preference. |
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What You'll Learn
High-tops vs low-tops: which is better for ankle support?
For almost half a century, high-top shoes were synonymous with basketball. This was due to the assumption that high-tops provide better ankle support and overall safety for the player's feet. However, this notion has been challenged in recent years, with players like Kobe Bryant, James Harden, and Steph Curry opting for low-top shoes. So, which is better for ankle support?
High-tops are thought to provide mechanical support and buttressing action for the foot and ankle complex, limiting the motion of the joints and potentially reducing the risk of injury. On the other hand, low-top shoes provide a lighter, less supportive option. Several studies have shown that the pre-activation of muscles has a higher intensity when wearing low-top shoes, suggesting that high-top shoes may require less muscular effort during landing. This could be beneficial for players who deal with a lot of rebounding under the rim.
While the design of both high and low-top shoes has evolved since the 1973 Garrick and Requa study, which concluded that high-top shoes led to fewer ankle sprains, no other study has found a significant difference in ankle injuries between the two types of shoes. In fact, some healthcare professionals argue that high-top shoes might actually cause more injuries with prolonged use, as they may inhibit the muscles from providing dynamic support to the ankle and foot complex.
Ultimately, the decision between high-tops and low-tops comes down to individual preference and playing style. While proper footwear is important, preventing ankle sprains is determined more by a proper warm-up, ankle and core strengthening, and balance exercises. So, whether you choose high-tops or low-tops, ensuring your muscles are prepared to contract and stabilize the foot and ankle complex is key to preventing injuries.
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Do high-tops affect athletic performance?
For almost half a century, high-top shoes were synonymous with basketball. The high-tops were thought to provide better ankle support and overall safety for the player's feet. However, there is no scientific evidence that proves that collar height has any effect on athletic performance or ankle/foot safety.
Some studies have shown that the pre-activation of muscles has a higher intensity when the subjects were wearing low-top shoes. The onset time (time from the moment the inversion starts to the moment when the body reacts to inversion) was also significantly lower in low-top shoes. These findings suggest that high-top shoes may require smaller muscular effort and the body's proprioceptive feedback during landing. This is the reason why a lot of big men in basketball prefer high-tops, as they have to deal with a lot of rebounding under the rim.
On the other hand, low-top shoes provide a larger range of motion and freedom of ankle movement, which benefits players who make a lot of quick changes of direction. Several basketball players have also expressed that they prefer low-top shoes because they feel more agile and have greater control.
Ultimately, the choice between high-top and low-top shoes comes down to individual playing style and personal preference. The overall sense of stability and comfort are more important factors than the height of a shoe collar.
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Are high-tops a thing of the past?
High-top basketball shoes were once the norm, with the first basketball shoe ever created being a high-top. For almost half a century, they were synonymous with the sport. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards low-top basketball shoes, with many players opting for this style instead. So, are high-tops a thing of the past?
The decline in the popularity of high-tops may be attributed to the emergence of low-tops in the NBA, pioneered by Kobe Bryant in 2008 when he became the first basketball superstar to wear a low-top signature shoe. Today, about half of NBA players wear low-tops, and they have gained traction among college players as well. The preference for low-tops may be due to a combination of factors, including fashion, comfort, and individual playing style. Some players believe that low-tops offer greater control and agility, allowing them to make split-second adjustments to avoid ankle injuries.
While high-tops were once believed to provide better ankle support and reduce the risk of sprains, the evidence for this is inconclusive. Studies have produced mixed results, with some suggesting that high-tops may even delay the muscle's reaction to an ankle turn, increasing the likelihood of a sprain. On the other hand, a stiffer high-top may improve ankle support, but excess support can transfer forces and potential injuries upward to the knee. Ultimately, the choice between high-tops and low-tops comes down to individual preference and what makes the player feel most comfortable and confident on the court.
High-tops may no longer be as prevalent as they once were, but they have not completely fallen out of favour. Some players still prefer the extra support and protection that high-tops provide, especially those who have to deal with a lot of rebounding under the rim. Additionally, the design of both high-tops and low-tops has evolved, and players now have more options to choose from, including mid-cut shoes, which offer a balance between the two extremes.
In conclusion, while high-tops may not be as dominant as they once were, they still have a place in the world of basketball. The choice between high-tops and low-tops depends on various factors, including individual needs, playing style, and comfort. As such, high-tops may evolve to meet the changing demands of the sport and the players, but they are unlikely to become a thing of the past entirely.
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Do high-tops cause more injuries?
For almost half a century, high-top shoes were the go-to footwear for basketball players. This was largely due to the belief that high-tops provide better ankle support and reduce the risk of injuries. However, the question of whether high-tops actually cause more injuries has been a subject of debate, with players now opting for low-top shoes as well.
Several studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of shoe collar height on ankle injuries, particularly ankle sprains, in basketball players. One notable study by Barrett et al. in 1993 involved 622 subjects and found no significant difference in ankle sprains between those wearing high-top and low-top shoes. Similarly, studies by Handoll et al. and Rovere et al. also demonstrated no significant difference in ankle sprains between the two types of collar height for participants with no history of prior ankle sprains.
Additionally, it is important to consider the impact of collar height on muscle activity. Research suggests that collar height can influence muscle activation at the ankle joint during an inversion moment (rolling the ankle). Studies have shown that low-top shoes may lead to higher pre-activation of certain leg muscles and a faster onset time, indicating a quicker response to inversion. This suggests that high-top shoes may require less muscular effort and proprioceptive feedback during landing, which could potentially impact the overall ankle health of the wearer over time.
While the studies suggest that high-top shoes may not directly cause more injuries, personal experiences shared by basketball players offer a different perspective. Some players have anecdotally reported experiencing more ankle sprains when wearing low-top shoes, especially when they are new to wearing them. They attribute this to the reduced ankle support provided by low-tops, which can make the ankle more susceptible to rolling and spraining. However, other players have expressed a preference for low-tops, citing greater control, agility, and freedom of movement.
In conclusion, while the available research does not provide strong evidence that high-top shoes cause more injuries, the decision to wear high-tops or low-tops ultimately comes down to individual playing style, personal preference, and comfort. Both types of shoes have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of ankle support and mobility, and players should consider their specific needs and consult with experts to make an informed decision.
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Which type of shoe is more popular among NBA players?
When it comes to the NBA, the type of shoe that players choose to wear is a highly discussed topic. There are a variety of factors that can influence a player's decision, from performance enhancement to injury prevention.
For almost half a century, high-top shoes were the go-to choice for basketball players, as they were believed to provide better ankle support and overall safety. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards low-top shoes, with players like James Harden and Steph Curry regularly utilizing them. While some studies suggest that high-tops may reduce the number of ankle sprains, others find no significant difference in injury prevention between high and low-tops. Ultimately, the choice between high-tops and low-tops comes down to individual playing style and personal preference.
In terms of popularity, Nike dominates the NBA market, with 65.1% of players wearing their shoes during the 2022-23 season. The Nike Kobe 6 Protro was the most popular model during that season, with 29 players choosing it and a total of 40,884 minutes played. The Nike PG 6 was the second most popular choice, with 28 players and 35,453 minutes played.
When it comes to the 2023-24 season, the Nike Kobe 6 maintained its popularity, ranking first in various categories. It was the most chosen shoe by players, with 2823 selections, and also topped the charts in minutes played, points scored, and blocks. The Nike KD 16 was a close second, chosen 1566 times by players.
While Nike leads the market, other brands have also gained traction among NBA players. Adidas, Jordan, and PUMA are among the top contenders, with a significant number of minutes played by athletes during the 2022-23 season.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't have to wear high tops for basketball. While high tops were the norm in the late 19th century and for almost half a century, they have fallen out of fashion in recent times. Today, about half of NBA players wear low-tops, and the majority of college players also choose low-tops.
There is no conclusive evidence that high tops prevent ankle injuries. While a few studies suggest that high tops may increase the forces and injury risk on the Achilles tendon and delay the muscle's reaction to an ankle turn, others suggest that the pre-activation of muscles is of higher intensity when wearing low-top shoes, which could reduce the onset time and allow the body to react faster to inversion.
There is no evidence that shoe top height affects athletic performance. Some players feel that low tops offer greater control and agility, while others prefer the added support of high tops. Ultimately, the choice between high-top and low-top basketball shoes comes down to individual playing style and personal preference.
Some players feel that low tops look better than high tops. Low tops are also more lightweight and allow for greater freedom of movement, which may be beneficial for certain playing styles.
