Do Basketball Shoes Need to Be Broken In? (Explained!)

Do you ever wonder if your new pair of shoes need to be broken in? Do they feel a little bit too tight and stiff when you first put them on, or do they seem like they will never break in and get comfortable? This is a question that many people ask themselves. The answer can often depend on the type of shoe you are wearing. Here at Do Basketball Shoes Need to Be Broken In, we have written this comprehensive guide for anyone who wants to know more about Do Basketball Shoes Need To Be Broken In!

Do Basketball Shoes Need to Be Broken In

Do I Need To Break In My Basketball Shoes?

Yes, basketball shoes need to be broken in. Originally, there were no break-in periods for basketball shoes. However, in recent years, it has been believed that they do need to be broken in.

Read: Best basketball shoes for guards

Why Some People Think They Need To Break In Their Basketball Shoes

When a shoe is new, or “breaking in,” it can cause foot soreness and blisters because the seams don’t fit the shape of your foot. In other words, your feet want them to feel perfect from day one! And if you wear them long enough they’ll get there. To help play a role in this process eliminate some of that discomfort by mimicking the break-in process at home using these easy steps:

Your goal should be to break in all parts of your shoe including the toe box, midfoot joint, and heel cup. Follow these steps for preparing your shoes for break-in: 

The key is to use both soft soles and hard soles.

Importance Of Breaking In New Shoes

Breaking in new shoes is important for preventing foot pain. The most common cause of foot trouble is improper fitting with shoes that are either too loose or too tight and typically there’s a lot of discomfort when the shoe material is not flexible enough to conform to the shape of your feet. Studies have shown that breaking in new shoes significantly increases the likelihood they will be comfortable without causing damage to your feet.

Breaking in new shoes puts the shoe’s material under millions of stresses and strains during use, which allows them to age slower. A shoe that has been broken in will last longer than one that has not.

How To Tell If Your Shoes Are Broken-In Or Not

The way to tell if your shoes are broken in is to make sure they are well-cushioned. Wear them for a few hours before you play, and if your feet are still hurting after that, then they’re not broken in. It can take up to eight hours of wear time to break in a new pair of sneakers. The time needed will vary by person and shoe type. For example, it might take only two hours for low-tops versus six for high tops.

Do Shoes Eventually Break-In?

Yes. The more you wear them, the more comfortable shoes will get until they are perfect for your feet. It is recommended to buy a shoe that feels snug at first but not too tight, because over time the shoe will stretch and mold to your foot’s shape. It takes 10 miles for a new pair of shoes to feel completely broken in optimally.

Read: How to break in basketball shoes?

Can Shoes Break Through The Bottom?

Shoes do not break through the bottom. Normally, when shoes wear down to the point where they are past their best life expectancy, you will notice that there are often wonky little creases in the soles.

The Benefits Of Breaking In New Shoes

Your feet will stop hurting from the new shoes.

You’ll be able to play in them for hours without pain.

You feel like you don’t have to worry about wearing them out before long

Your feet will be more comfortable since the shoes are now broken it

Shoes with less cushioning will now have more for your feet as they break-in

Your shoes might go on feeling shaky as they will be softer and looser as they break-in

You’ll get a better grip on the ground while playing because the soles are now broken in

Your shoes will last much longer if you break them in before the end of their life cycle.

Final Thoughts

The break-in period for basketball shoes is a myth. You should take care to buy the right size and then wear them as much as possible, no matter what type of shoe you have. If your feet are still hurting after wearing them for six hours at home, it could be because they do not fit properly or because the seams don’t feel perfect against your foot’s shape–either way, if you continue wearing them over time they will eventually mold to the contours of your feet with use!

Other Sources:

How to Expand Shoes

About me

I am Stev Rene. I am a writer, blogger, and athlete. My blog focuses on sports and fitness.
I started this blog because I felt that many people lack knowledge about sports and fitness.