Do Basketball Shoes Expand?
It is one of the most commonly asked questions of new basketball players.
Basketball players are always looking for ways to do more on the court.
Whether it’s increasing their vertical leap, getting faster, or jumping higher; they’re always trying to find an edge.
One way of finding that extra edge is by wearing basketball shoes that fit well and offer up some support.
But do basketball shoes expand?
We answer all your questions about basketball shoes in this article!
Do Basketball Shoes Expand?
Yes, basketball shoes can get a little looser with time, but they don’t actually expand.
It’s important to wear properly fitted shoes for better performance and to prevent injuries.
A new pair of basketball shoes will not stretch very much because the leather on the shoe is still stiff and doesn’t give.
In most cases, once a pair of sneakers gets more ‘broken in’ they’ll feel more comfortable on your feet, but there won’t be any increase in size.
A new pair of sneakers can sometimes stay tight if you don’t use them enough while a well-used pair might also be stretched out from frequent wear.
However, simply walking around won’t make these types of shoes bigger.
A new synthetic material called kanga-suede has been developed to help reduce this break-in process.
Why Basketball Shoe Fit Is Important?
Basketball players take their footwear very seriously and not just because they need to feel confident on the court.
Players who play in properly fitted shoes can jump higher, run faster, and move easier than those without an appropriately fitting pair.
If you’re practicing basketball for a long period, it’s important to find a shoe that provides enough support and will be comfortable for your foot.
It’s also important to take into account your playing style and your foot size
Can Basketball Shoes Stretch?
Basketball shoes do not naturally expand, as they are made with materials that do not stretch significantly over time.
However, it is possible to break in basketball shoes to make them more comfortable.
New basketball shoes typically have stiff leather that may take some time to loosen up.
To break them in, it is recommended to wear them gradually for short periods after sunset when the feet are slightly swollen.
This can help the shoes mold to the shape of the feet.
Additionally, wearing thick socks and using a blow dryer in a low-heat setting can provide some stretching.
It is important to note that these methods may not significantly increase the size of the shoes, but rather make them more accommodating to the wearer’s feet.
If the shoes are too tight, it may be necessary to consult a shoe repair professional for stretching.
Also Read:
6 Ways To Stretch Out Your Basketball Shoes & When They Are Too Tight
There are the following ways to stretch out your basketball shoes
1. Wear Shoes After Sunset
A new pair of basketball shoes is usually tight, to begin with, so it doesn’t make sense to wear them for hours at a time.
When you first put new shoes on, they’ll feel especially tight because the leather has not been broken in yet.
This “new shoe tightness” can last up to a week or two after purchase, but it will probably go away once the shoe’s material relaxes a little.
This is why many players recommend wearing sneakers at night.
When you’re walking around all day and then coming home for dinner and watching television, your feet have been on them the entire day.
It may help to take off your shoes after dinner and give your feet a break before going to bed.
2. Stretch out with a Zip-Close Bag
If you live in a cold climate, have an extra zip-close bag in your freezer.
Put your new sneakers in the bag before they are broken in so that they don’t lose their fit.
Do this for up to 2 days and the shoes will likely stretch out enough for you to wear them comfortably.
3. Socks That Are Too Thick And A Blow Dryer
Wearing thick socks with your sneakers can help stretch them out faster.
Throw on some thick socks and then use your blow dryer to warm up the material.
Do this for about 10 minutes, take off the socks, and then try them on.
If they’re still tight, you may need to repeat this process a few times before they fit right.
4. Using Potato to Expand Shoe Size
Many people have their own tricks for stretching out their shoes.
One of the most popular methods is to use a potato.
Simply cut a peeled potato into small pieces and then insert it into your shoe.
Put some socks on before you wrap up your shoes in plastic so that the shoes don’t get dirty.
Leave them in your shoes overnight and remove the potatoes in the morning.
5. Sprays And Liquids To Aid In Shoe Stretch
Basketball shoe spray has been developed to help loosen up the leather.
Spray it on and let the shoe dry naturally.
Do this for a couple of nights and you should see that your shoes will stretch out some after time.
6. Find A Shoe Repair Professional
Every once in a while, some players will find that their shoes are so tight that they don’t want to keep wearing them.
A quick fix is often to take the shoe to be stretched out professionally.
Your shoe repair professional has special stretching equipment and can provide you with options for getting your shoes to fit just right.
Methods to Stretch Shoes
One can explore various techniques to enhance the fit of their athletic footwear.
When it comes to basketball shoes, there are a few methods to stretch them for a better fit.
One option is using shoe stretchers, which are devices specifically designed to expand the width of shoes.
These stretchers can be inserted into the basketball shoes and adjusted to gradually widen them.
Another option is to use DIY shoe stretching techniques.
For example, wearing the shoes after sunset when the feet are naturally swollen can help stretch them.
Placing the shoes in a zip-close bag and then putting them in the freezer overnight can also expand the material.
Additionally, wearing thick socks and using a blow dryer on low heat can help stretch the shoes.
It is important to note that these methods may not work for all basketball shoes, and it may be necessary to consult a shoe repair professional for more effective stretching techniques.
How Tight Should Basketball Shoes Be
Basketball shoes should be very tight when you first buy them.
They will loosen up with time and usage.
New basketball shoes should begin to feel loose after break-in-time when they are worn for a few hours per day, depending on the size of the shoe.
It is important to wear a snug-fitting shoe because it supports the foot and helps protect against injury.
If it hurts your feet, try a different pair of shoes until you find a good fit.
Remember that there may be some breaking-in needed before going from new to broken-in!
How To Tell If Shoes Aren’t The Right Fit For Your Feet
- If your toes feel cramped, they probably are too tight for you.
They should not touch the front of the shoe and should have room to wiggle and flex when you take a step.
- If there is excess space between your heel and the back of the shoe, it could cause blisters and may even cause you to trip.
- If the shoe is difficult to slide on, then they are probably too tight for your feet.
It’s better to get them a size up than go through the pain of wearing shoes that are too small for your feet.
If these issues persist after breaking in new basketball shoes, there may be foot problems that come into play.
It is important to consult a physician if these problems do appear after breaking in new basketball shoes.
Does Basketball Shoe Expanding Matter?
When you are playing basketball, it’s important to wear a shoe that fits well so you can move without restriction.
It’s also important because if your shoe doesn’t fit right then you could get injured.
If the shoe isn’t fitting right then it can rub against your foot in all different types of ways that can cause discomfort, blisters, and even skin breakdown.
Do Basketball Shoes Expand if They Fit Properly?
Some people believe that if their shoes are fitting properly, they should not expand at all.
This is not accurate.
Athletic footwear sometimes needs to be broken in.
When you spend time exercising in your new workout shoes, they will adjust to your foot size and shape for a more customized fit.
As the material breaks down, it will then provide an ideal fit for your feet without any excess space left in them to allow movement during activity.
Many people believe that new basketball shoes will stretch out over time because of the way they are made, but this is not true of all brands.
The fabric can’t be stretched enough to make a difference for most people’s feet.
