How Many Inches Do Basketball Shoes Add: (The Definitive Guide)

How much height do basketball shoes add? This is a question that we get asked all of the time. How can you tell if your shoe size is right for you and how much should it be adding to your height?

Well, there are a few things to consider before making any final decisions. How many inches do basketball shoes add to your height, depending on the type of shoe and the fit?

Today we will go over what factors make up an appropriate height increase from wearing different types of footwear and how to measure yourself accurately in order to determine which size would best suit your needs. Ready? Let’s dive in

How Many Inches Do Basketball Shoes Add – Regular Shoe Sizing vs. Performance

Regular shoes are meant to be worn regularly and with proper support, not for basketball or other athletic activities. While these types of shoes may give you a slight increase in height (1-2 inches), most will agree that this is not enough to make much of a difference.

Today’s best-selling basketball shoes will provide an average of 1.5-2.5 inches in height increase. This is the standard when it comes to performance footwear and you should expect this from any top-selling shoe.

If you are a serious basketball player or someone who is looking to make a noticeable difference in height, then look no further than performance shoes.

What many people don’t know, however, is that all footwear production follows the same guidelines and industry standards regardless of whether they are made for casual use, training or competition. This means that a size 12 in one type of footwear will be the same as a size 12 in any other.

Here Are Some Other Important Factors Affecting shoe Height

Depending on the type of shoe you are wearing, will affect how much your height is changed. A basketball shoe may give you more of an increase than a performance running shoe.

  • The Brand Of The Shoe

The brand of the shoe will play a key role in the height added by the shoe. There are some that are more flat and lightweight, while others are more heavy-duty and bulky. For instance, Nike has a different design on their shoes than on their Air Jordans.

The Nike Air Max DF 2018 Men’s Basketball Shoes is one of the most popular basketball shoes on the market today because they provide an average of 2.5 inches in height increase.

  • The Midsole

The midsole is the part of the shoe that affects ride height. This should be obvious to some of you, but the major component of the shoe that impacts ride height is the midsole.

  • High Top Vs Low Top Shoes

High tops will generally give more height than low tops and come up higher on the ankle. They can add 2-3 inches of height to your appearance so you should expect this when shopping.

  • The Right Fit

The right fit is important in determining how much a shoe will add in height. If a shoe is too loose, you won’t feel the difference as much and if it is too tight then this can affect your performance on the court or cause foot discomfort after long periods of wear.

  • Shoe Materials

Synthetic materials offer more flexibility and breathability compared to their leather counterparts which will help keep your feet cool and comfortable. Additionally, the lighter a shoe is, the less it will affect your height.

  • Insole

The thicker and more cushioned an insole is, the taller you can expect to feel. If you like a lot of cushioning and comfort under your feet then this will make a difference and increase your height by 1-2 inches.

Is It Possible To Be Taller With Basketball Shoes?

Can a basketball shoe actually help you reach your full height potential? There is a lot of debate about this and it largely depends on the person.

A general consensus from most experts is that if you have already reached your highest possible height then no, basketball shoes will not allow you to grow taller.

However, what basketball shoes can do for people who are shorter than average is give them the extra inches they need to feel more comfortable with their appearance. This can have a positive impact on confidence, social life, and overall quality of life.

How Do Shoes Make You Taller?

Shoes make you taller in different ways. For example, shoes with a heel will make you taller by pushing your body upward and forward. Shoes with pop on the bottom will push you up with extra propulsion.

The more advanced the technology of the shoe is, the better it pushes you up which equals a higher increase in height.

Height Matters For Basketball Players?

The proper height for a basketball player varies depending on different factors. For example, if you are playing the point guard position then you should be around 6’0″ to 6’3″. On the other hand, if you are playing center then it is preferable that you be at least 7 feet tall.

However, this does not mean that if you are 5’7″ then you cannot play the center position. For players who are short, the best position for them is to be a power forward.

Does Air Max Make You Taller?

Growing taller or gaining height is a dream for many people, especially kids. A lot of parents tend to think that buying their children Air Max shoes will also give them the desired height.

No, it won’t make them grow any taller but yes, it may make them look several centimeters taller than they actually are. However, this fact has been misconstrued by several people over the years.

Do Basketball Shoes Make You Jump Higher?

No, basketball shoes do not make you jump higher.

Studies show that the key to jumping high lies in an individual’s flexibility and strength, not what they wear on their feet.

Just like you can’t make a professional track runner sprinter by putting them in running clothes (or vice versa), you definitely can’t give someone with no jumping prowess any advantages by slipping them into some small sneakers.

And if anything, many shoe brands are considering lowering the sole height of shoes for this very reason – because it improves balance and stability rather than providing added height.

Does The Nba Measure Height With Shoes?

The National Basketball Association (NBA) requires that league officials measure the height of players.

This measurement is conducted by measuring with shoes on, which means that you must remove your shoes before standing on the measuring device, which is usually a stadiometer. The official should be using his hand to touch (not press down on) the top of his head.

The stadiometer is marked in intervals, so if you are 6ft 3in tall, there should be three marks on the stadiometer above your height, with the highest mark being 6ft 6in. If you are shorter than this, then it is likely that you were measured improperly.

Can You Jump Higher Without Shoes?

If you want to jump higher, should you wear shoes or go barefoot? Sports shoes have become increasingly popular in the last few decades and it is common for people to train exclusively in their sports shoes.

In fact, developing your jumping ability with shoes on could be a big challenge. However, researchers from Brigham Young University found that wearing sports shoes may actually be a good idea as over 80% of basketball players performed better on a jump test with their sports shoes on.

Useful Resources:

How to buy basketball 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.