Can You Wear Basketball Shoes on Concrete? (7 FAQs Answered)

Wearing basketball shoes on concrete may seem like a no-brainer, but there are many types of basketball shoes on the market that can make this seemingly simple task difficult if you aren’t careful. If you’re wondering can you wear basketball shoes on concrete? this guide will help you choose the right basketball shoe and also give tips to make it easier to wear your basketball shoes on concrete.

Is It Safe To Wear Basketball Shoes On Concrete Floors?

If you’re concerned about wearing your basketball shoes at work or elsewhere, rest assured that it’s perfectly safe. If your basketball shoes are clean, they don’t have any cracks and there are no nail holes in them, you should be able to wear them anywhere without worrying about injuring yourself.

If a shoe is well-made, it shouldn’t get damaged by concrete floors. And if you start to notice some damage to your shoes after wearing them inside all day long, try another brand; some basketball shoes might not hold up quite as well.

Keep in mind that certain work environments—such as manufacturing plants and warehouses—have different rules regarding shoe wear. If you do need to follow a specific dress code, be sure to check out your company’s policies before deciding what shoes to wear.

Are basketball shoes good for walking on concrete?

In many ways, they are better than most walking shoes. This is because they have high-density rubber soles that provide extra cushioning and shock absorption when you walk or run.

They also have high traction rubber soles that ensure you stay balanced when walking on slippery surfaces, such as wet concrete.

While basketball shoes are great for walking outdoors, especially if it’s wet outside, they do not work well for everyday use because they lack support and aren’t good for long walks. 

The downside to basketball shoes is that they don’t offer adequate support for your foot and ankle. This is especially true if you have high arches, flat feet, or weak ankles.

It also doesn’t matter if you wear them with socks, as they still won’t offer enough support to take your daily walk in a pair of basketball shoes.

Does concrete damage basketball shoes?

I was recently asked if basketball shoes can be worn outside of basketball courts. It is a question that does not have an obvious answer, but I will try to shed some light on it with two main factors: grip and durability. 

Can you wear basketball shoes on concrete? 

The short answer is that it depends. 

Does concrete damage basketball shoes? When answering we must first understand how each shoe material (upper) will react to a different surface. The uppers of some sneakers are made of canvas or polyester fabrics.

These materials absorb sweat and moisture, which makes them ideal for absorbing oil and dirt when your feet flex against a hard surface like concrete.

Some shoes, like basketball sneakers, are made with synthetic leather uppers. This material is designed to withstand abrasion and resist liquids. However, it is less absorbent than canvas or polyester fabric and thus won’t absorb oil as easily. 

Does playing basketball on concrete hurt knees?

So why aren’t you wearing shoes specifically designed for your sport? Well, playing basketball in shoes that are meant for other activities, like walking or running, can put pressure and force on your knees.

The thinner midsoles of these types of shoes don’t provide enough cushioning between your foot and hard concrete, which puts an increased amount of stress on your joints.

 On top of that, running shoes don’t usually have enough traction. Sure, if you’re playing basketball outside on grass or a similar soft surface, it may not be an issue.

But if you play inside on a hardwood floor or gymnasium floor, your shoes will be slipping all over—which can lead to falls and injuries. As a basketball player, do yourself a favor and wear basketball shoes!

Is it OK to wear basketball shoes outside?

When it comes to wearing basketball shoes outside, there are a lot of misconceptions. One of those misconceptions is that you can’t wear them anywhere but on a court. Another misconception is that only guards or forwards should wear white and black models because they have narrower feet. 

I don’t know where these ideas came from, but let me set some things straight for you: 

1) Yes, you can wear basketball shoes outside (and in). 

2) No type of shoe is better than another; they all have their pros and cons. 

3) Footwear designed for certain positions isn’t ideal unless your feet don’t fit into most average-sized shoe sizes.

How long do basketball shoes last outside?

The lifespan of a basketball shoe is dependent upon many factors, but mainly you have to look at how much wear and tear they endure during their use.

If you wear your basketball shoes every day, six days a week (not recommended), then they will probably last less than a year. If you only use them for an hour or two weekly, however, then they may well last several years.

If you wear basketball shoes outside only (versus inside of a gym or court), then they can last considerably longer because they aren’t exposed to sweat, abrasive floors, etc.

Inside a court or gym, sneakers can last three months to a year; outside they could last five years+. It all depends upon how much you use them and what type of environment they are subjected to.

Regular maintenance is essential for any athletic shoe, but particularly with those used for basketball.

What kind of shoes are best for standing on concrete?

If you have to stand for long periods of time, or even play sports on concrete, you may think that wearing a pair of basketball shoes would be a good idea. But don’t do it—the soles are made for different kinds of terrain and will wear out quickly if you try using them for anything other than basketball.

Luckily, there are tons of other kinds of shoes that can take abuse from concrete without hurting your wallet.

 Athletic shoes are designed to protect your feet in a variety of ways, but basketball shoes and running shoes aren’t as protective. These kinds of shoes tend to be light, flexible, and made for movement.

If you want something more durable for standing and walking, invest in hiking boots or other kinds of athletic footwear.

Converse sneakers are specifically made to take abuse from concrete: Many manufacturers market sneakers as being basketball shoes that you can use for standing all day.

Final Thoughts

I hope I have answered your question about basketball shoes and wearing them on concrete and outside of a basketball court. It really comes down to the question of how often you are going to wear them and where.

If you’re not sure how often you’ll be able to wear your new sneakers, I would recommend just going with another option like a walking shoe or cross-trainer so that you don’t end up in an awkward situation at work or out with friends.

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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.