Kristian Ferrell
Basketball players tend to prefer either high-top or low-top shoes. While high-tops are often thought to help prevent ankle injuries, this is not necessarily true. Kevin Durant (KD) has worn low-top shoes for most of his career, and his Nike KD 12s are the highest mid-top shoe in his signature line in recent history. However, the low heel-to-toe drop and significant heel compressibility of the KD12s may aggravate existing Achilles tendon issues. Additionally, sizing up in low-top shoes is not recommended for players with wide feet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | Low |
| Heel compressibility | High |
| Shoe type | Low-top |
| Injury risk | High |
| Injury type | Achilles tendon |
| Shoe-loss | Frequent |
| Shoe-loss cause | Loose lacing |
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Preference for low-top shoes
Basketball players tend to have a strong preference for either high-top or low-top shoes. While some believe that high-tops offer more ankle support and injury prevention, this is not necessarily true, and shoe choice often comes down to aesthetics and playstyle.
Kevin Durant (KD) is known to favour low-top basketball shoes, with almost ten years of wearing lower versions before switching to a higher mid-top. KD's signature Nike KD 12s, for example, have an especially low heel-to-toe drop due to their low sub-23mm heel stack height. This is because the shoes are higher in the forefoot, which is packed with Nike's cushioning "tech".
The low heel-to-toe drop, combined with significant heel compressibility, could potentially aggravate existing Achilles tendon issues. This may be a reason why KD, and other players like Kobe and Cousins, have suffered from Achilles injuries.
Some players may prefer low-top shoes because they allow for greater freedom of movement and a more natural feel on the court. Additionally, players with wider feet may find that low-top shoes provide more comfort and space for their toes, as some high-tops can be cramped and sizing up is not always recommended.
Ultimately, the choice between high-top and low-top shoes is a personal one, and players should consider their playstyle, position, taste, and any specific foot considerations they may have.
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Injury prevention
Basketball players have a preference for either low-top or high-top shoes. While many believe that high-tops help prevent ankle injuries, this is not necessarily true.
Kevin Durant (KD) is known for wearing low-top shoes, and his Nike KD line has featured several models with a low heel-to-toe drop, including the KD11 and KD12. The KD12, in particular, has an especially low drop due to its low sub-23mm heel stack height. However, despite being low to the ground, the KD12 is packed with Nike's cushioning technology in the heel.
The combination of a minimal heel-to-toe drop and significant heel compressibility can aggravate existing Achilles tendon issues. This is because compressing the heel can cause the heel and Achilles tendon to extend beyond the zero position, which may contribute to injuries.
On the other hand, the Nike KD 17 features an exoskeleton structure and TPU details, providing incredible support and ensuring safe and soft landings. The shoe's design prevents overextension of the heels and offers overall contentment with its padded structure. Additionally, the KD 17's lateral guard for toe-dragging moves and mesh upper increase airflow, making it comfortable in warmer temperatures. However, the shoe may not be suitable for those with wide feet, as the toe area is cramped.
The Nike KD Trey 5 X, another one of Durant's signature models, offers impact protection without causing the wearer to sink into the midsole. As a high-top shoe, it provides a good balance of impact protection and freedom of movement.
In summary, while KD is known for wearing low-top shoes, the choice between low-top and high-top is a matter of personal preference, playstyle, position, and taste. Both types of shoes can offer benefits in terms of injury prevention, but it is important to consider factors such as heel-to-toe drop, heel compressibility, and overall fit to ensure that the shoe does not contribute to or aggravate injuries.
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Heel-to-toe drop
The KD 11 and KD 12, for example, are known for having a lower heel-to-toe drop compared to other basketball shoes on the market. The KD 12, in particular, has an especially low drop due to its low sub-23mm heel stack height. Despite being low to the ground, the KD 12 is packed with Nike's cushioning technology in the heel, providing impact protection.
However, combining a minimal heel-to-toe drop with significant heel compressibility can be problematic for those with existing Achilles tendon issues. This combination may aggravate the Achilles tendon and cause further injury. As a result, some basketball players may prefer a higher heel-to-toe drop to alleviate pressure on the Achilles tendon and provide more stability.
On the other hand, a lower heel-to-toe drop can provide benefits in terms of court feel and agility. Some players may prefer a lower-cut shoe that allows for greater freedom of movement and a better sense of the ground beneath their feet. This preference is reflected in the design of the KD 17, which features a stable and foot-locking design, although this model is not recommended for those with wide feet as it may cause toe cramping.
Ultimately, the decision between a high-top and low-top basketball shoe comes down to personal preference, playstyle, and positional needs. While high-tops are often thought to provide more ankle support, this is not always the case, and both options can be stable and protective, depending on the specific model.
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Cushioning
On the other hand, the Nike KD Trey 5 X, a budget signature model by Kevin Durant, surprised reviewers with its cushion. The foam midsole is Renew, and it features a rectangular forefoot Zoom Air unit, providing impact protection without making the wearer sink into the midsole. This model is a high top, but it is not too restrictive. The KD 17, another Kevin Durant signature shoe, also offers a padded structure with Air Strobel (heel) and Zoom Air (forefoot) technology, ensuring soft and safe foot landings.
Some players have expressed a preference for the cushioning in specific models of KD shoes. For instance, one player found the cushion in the KD10s to be good, while another mentioned that the cushion in the KD12s was "insane" but that the shoe didn't fit them well. The Oreo KD 9s are also praised by a user as their favourite shoe, while the KD11s were found to be too firm.
While cushioning is an important comfort and performance feature, it is not the only consideration when choosing basketball shoes. Other factors such as stability, fit, and width can also play a significant role in determining the best shoe for an individual. For example, the KD 17 has been criticised for not accommodating wide-foot players, as their toes may feel cramped.
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Aesthetics
When it comes to the aesthetics of basketball shoes, personal preference plays a significant role. Some players prefer the look and feel of high-top shoes, while others opt for low-top or mid-top varieties. The choice between high-top and low-top basketball shoes is often described as a clear on-court aesthetic decision.
Kevin Durant (KD), a well-known basketball player, has his own line of signature basketball shoes with Nike, aptly named KD. Over the years, KD has been seen wearing both low-top and mid-top shoes, with the KD12 being the highest mid-top shoe in his signature line in recent history.
The design of basketball shoes, including the height of the shoe, can be influenced by several factors. One consideration is the position and playstyle of the player. For example, the KD 17's design differs from older iterations, and while it offers incredible support and stable heel placement, it may not be suitable for those with wide feet due to its foot-locking design.
Additionally, the Nike KD Trey 5 X, a budget signature model, takes cues from the Nike KD 14 and features a foam midsole and a rectangular forefoot Zoom Air unit, providing impact protection. This high-top model is also noted for its cushion, which offers a comfortable experience without making the wearer feel restricted.
The aesthetic appeal of basketball shoes, including the height of the shoe, is an important consideration for players. While high-tops may be preferred for their perceived ankle support, it is a common misconception that they are more effective in preventing ankle injuries than low-top shoes. Ultimately, the choice between high-top and low-top shoes depends on the individual's taste, playstyle, and on-court aesthetic preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
KD, or Kevin Durant, has suffered from Achilles tendon issues in the past. High-top basketball shoes with a low heel-to-toe drop and significant heel compressibility may have contributed to this issue by over-stretching the tendon.
KD's playing style involves quick, agile movements and frequent changes in direction. Low-top basketball shoes are lighter and allow for faster acceleration and better court feel, which may suit KD's playing style better.
While low-top basketball shoes offer more agility and a better court feel, they may not provide the same level of ankle support as high-top shoes. However, this perceived support may not translate to better performance.
The KD12 has been criticized for its low heel-to-toe drop and compressibility, which may contribute to Achilles tendon issues. The KD14 and KD15 are widely considered to be the best models for their cushion, traction, and wide-foot compatibility, although some users have noted that the KD15 feels narrow.
