Are you looking for the best women’s basketball shoes to elevate your game? Do you want to find a shoe that all the ladies on your team can invest in? If so, then you need to learn all that you can about the best types of women’s basketball shoes.
Basketball is unique in that there are many different types of shoes depending on your role, position, and overall playing style. It’s important to learn about these types before you invest in them.
See below for an in-depth guide on the best types of basketball shoes for each position so you can find the perfect fit.
Point Guard Shoes
Point guards are the key that turns the ignition for offensive and defensive performance. They’re quick, agile, and can make quick cuts. When you watch the best point guards today, they all can quickly start and stop, as well as cut left, right, forward, or backward with ease.
As you can imagine, only certain types of shoes can keep up with that level of production. Generally, point guards stick to a low-profile shoe so that they have as little resistance as possible.
These low-profile basketball shoes have a trade-off to them. While they are made of the lightest materials and accommodate a point guard’s speed really well, they don’t provide as much ankle support as the traditional basketball shoe would.
Generally speaking, we advise that point guard at the age of 13 or younger stick with a standard high-top basketball shoe; protection is the top priority at a young age. Once you start getting into high school and travel basketball, however, you’ll want low-profile shoes that can maximize your speed.
Pick the NBA or WNBA player that you most model your game after, then shop around for the type of shoe they have. They have experts in their corner telling them the best type of shoe to keep up with their style of play.
Best Shoes for Point Guards: Steph Curry’s
Small Forward Shoes
Small forwards are arguably the most talented and versatile players on the court. As the name would imply, they are typically (but not always) smaller than a true power forward. Small forwards are tasked more with having a pure shot and the ability to fly down the court on a fast transition.
They have to be strong enough to deal with the number 3 defender—who is usually the best defender on the opposing team—while having the fitness to keep up with their point guard and shooting guard from end to end.
Some of the best small forwards of all time include Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, Vince Carter, Julius Erving (AKA Dr. J), and LeBron James. On the WNBA side of things, you have historical small forwards like Diana Taurasi, Tamika Catchings, and Seimone Augustus.
To suit their style of play, small forwards need a hybrid shoe. One that provides enough support to take it to the paint, while also being flexible enough to fly down the court in transition.
Best Shoe for Small Forwards: Women’s Jordan 11
Center Shoes
No championship team was ever without a strong center. Both men’s and women’s basketball rely on great center production on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Defensive rebounds are a must-have; offensive rebounds are essentially a free possession.
Centers make a name for themselves in the paint. They’re the brutes of the team. They’re typically the tallest members of the team and have the ability to box out the opposition every time a shot goes up in the air.
A great center can make up for a lot of mistakes. If they get the offensive rebound, they can put it back up in a hurry.
Due to the heavy traffic in the paint, centers need a shoe that prioritizes stability, coverage, and foot support. Speed isn’t their game, so the lightweight shoes of the world would only hinder them.
Best Shoe for Centers: Lebron 18s
Shooting Guard Shoes
Shooting guards and point guards are cut from the same cloth. As their title would imply, shooting guards typically have the best shot on the team and are counted on for mid-range jumpers and the occasional 3-point shot.
Given their shooting ability, the shooting guard’s primary offensive responsibility is to just get open for a shot. This involves a great deal of movement through the paint, running into screens, and so on to create an open look.
Shooting guard shoes need to have stability and cushion without adding too much weight, which isn’t an easy balance to strike.
Best Shoe for Shooting Guards: Nike PG 5
Power Forward Shoes
Last, but certainly not least, we have the power forward. The definition of a power forward can vary by the style that the team likes to play.
For example, some power forwards can alternate between the shooting-savvy small forward and physically-demanding power forward role. LeBron James is the most iconic example of this.
They’re intense on both sides of the ball, and their shoes need to give them constant comfort throughout the game. Stability is key due to their tendency of popping in and out of the paint.
Best Shoe for Power Forwards: Nike Lebron 19
Invest in the Best Women’s Basketball Shoes Today
Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on the different types of women’s basketball shoes out there, be sure to use this information wisely.
Take the time to browse our website for more articles on girls’ basketball shoes, as well as many other topics that you will find helpful.
