One frequent issue with all indoor games is that it can be challenging to maintain balance on the floor at times. In sports like basketball, volleyball, badminton, racquetball, or fencing, having a firm shoe grip is essential for maintaining balance during abrupt stops and cutting motions. A frequently asked subject among novice basketball players is how to make your basketball shoes have more grip or any other type of sports footwear.
Usually, the advice is to use gel, hairspray, or hand sanitizer to promote traction or to frequently wash the bottom of your shoes with perspiration or licked hands (yeah, that’s true). Please remember that these techniques are temporary fixes that wear off briefly. Furthermore, you most likely (more likely definitely) won’t have time to constantly wash your shoes or reapply gel, hairspray, or hand sanitizer every few minutes when you are playing a challenging game.
Using products that last long and don’t need to be applied repeatedly is more appropriate in this kind of scenario. A traction mat or Grip Spritz spray is ideal for use when playing basketball, but to keep your basketball shoes sticky for as long as possible, you also need to make sure they are cleaned and maintained correctly.
Method on How to make your basketball shoes have more grip
1. Clear the Soles of Debris
The soles of shoes, whether basketball shoes or something else, can pick up much debris from the floor. Your shoes’ soles are susceptible to catching dust, grime, or other debris, which may reduce their overall grip.
Since it’s impossible to prevent in daily life, periodically washing the bottoms of your basketball shoes to eliminate these particles might help your footwear reclaim its grip on the clear debris from the bottom of your basketball sneakers using a few different methods.
An excellent place to start is by using soap and warm water to help dislodge grime that has adhered to the soles. Then, everything that was stuck should be removed by carefully wiping the bottom of the sneaker with a towel or soft brush.
Dust might settle in the grooves on the bottom of your shoes, so be sure to clean those as well thoroughly.
Advantages:
- The method is complete and should eliminate the most problematic particles.
- Easily comply Efficiently at home or, if the necessary supplies are available, before a game.
Cons:
- If a lot of dirt is present, this procedure may take longer than others.
- Although it might assist in removing dirt, a more aggressive thistle brush could scrape the bottom of the shoe.
2. Resources Natural
The simplest and best basketball shoe friction repair solutions can occasionally seem too incredible to be true. A basketball game rarely has much downtime, so anything that may swiftly restore the sticky quality of your shoes’ bottoms is greatly appreciated.
Water in all its forms can assist in achieving this.
If there’s a restroom or water fountain next to the court, you can use these to wet your hand and then place it against your shoe’s soles. To accomplish the same thing, it can also be useful to lightly moisten a small patch of the floor with water (being cautious not to create a mess) and then tread on it. You’ll notice that there is a lot more friction on the floor when you try to slide your sneakers after doing either of the two.
If there isn’t access to water in the form of a bottle or fountain, you can use your saliva and follow the same instructions. It might not be the prettiest to look at, but it should do the trick.
Pros:
- A quick solution to an urgent issue
- Adhesive solutions or special equipment are not needed.
Cons:
- It’s possible that the saliva approach isn’t the cleanest.
3. Remain focused on the solution.
The open market offers a wide variety of substances, liquids, and processes that can be utilized as grip-enhancers.
Some can literally save lives because they are made specifically for that purpose in an athletic environment. Basketball players also use sticky mats quite a bit. Over the years, many have found it helpful to step on them and then remove them.
Items that aren’t made expressly to improve the performance of footwear can nonetheless be introduced with adhesive advantages. Vaseline and hair spray have also been proven to work well.
If you want to buy a grip-enhancing spray, make sure to evenly distribute the same quantity on the bottom of your shoe.
A small amount of the solution will usually go a long way, so make sure to apply it quickly rather than taking your time completely submerging every area of your shoe in the solution. In the event of the latter, there’s a chance that the shoes may be overly sticky, which would limit the player’s desired range of motion.
It is difficult to go wrong if the sticky mat is the recommended choice. Every sheet will function as a separate adhesive square, and as you walk on it, the glue will also be applied to your shoes.
In the next few steps, the mat will follow you on your shoes; however, when you’re finished, simply peel it off and discard it.
Advantages:
- It’s common for teammates to adore players who share adhesive solution bottles.
- Grip problems will be adequately resolved
Cons:
- The cost of buying these medicines is somewhat more.
- It may take time for dedicated gamers to sift through several products and choose which one best fits them.
4. Put on your sneakers and look in the mirror
In many areas of life, honesty is the best policy. You can apply this to your basketball sneakers’ condition as well. We guarantee they won’t take offense.
Those basketball shoes that have carried you to and from the promised land can be hard to part with. They have supported you literally every step of the way while you advanced your game and have felt at ease on your feet for hundreds of games.
But as of right now, you’re not receiving the necessary amount of support from them, and you’re stumbling all over the basketball floor. Nothing appears to work to help them regain their good traction, despite the fact that you have tried a number of techniques (maybe even some of the ones listed above).
Perhaps it’s time to give these kicks some thanks for their support and get a new set of basketball shoes.
Advantages:
- brand-new sneakers that are undamaged
- A fresh pair should spend a considerable amount of time solving slippage problems during a game.
Cons:
- Buying new sneakers could be more expensive.
- It will take some time to break the new sneakers in
5. Never Put Grip Gel or Lotion on Your Soles!
One common way to improve traction on the court is to apply grip gel or lotion to the bottoms of your shoes. This is smeared thinly straight onto the outsole. The gel dries fast, leaving a surface that is tacky but not sticky.
But just like the wiping technique, this strategy isn’t workable or efficient. For this reason:
The gel must first have time to dry. You’ll have to wait for it to dry whenever you apply it—before or during the game. You are not allowed to wear your shoes and go for walks in them until the gel has fully dried.
Second, the gel is only a stopgap measure. Its efficiency will progressively decrease as soon as it makes contact with the ground and begins to gather dirt. You’ll need to sit down and reapply the gel after that. This process never ends because the gel dries off in a matter of minutes, so you’ll have to apply it again and wait a little while for it to dry before repeating. Since you cannot pause a game in the middle of a heated battle to reapply the gel, this is not practical in any kind of gaming.
Finally, because the substance attracts dirt, your shoes will accumulate additional layers of dirt and gel with each wear. As a result, there will be a lot of compacted dirt on your shoes, which will cause the bottoms to become slick.
6. Avoid Using Hair Spray or Hand Sanitizer
The idea that individuals would consider using these items on their shoes is absurd. None of these should be used because:
If you use hairspray or hand sanitizer on your basketball shoes, the outsoles may become slick rather than grippy.
Hair sprays and hand sanitizers are made for hands and hair, not shoes. They might include substances that are harmful to shoe materials and should not be used.
Hairspray and hand sanitizer have a transient effect. Like the gel, it may provide a momentary increase in grip, but it wears off rapidly and needs to be applied again and again throughout the game.
Clean and Care for Your Shoes After the Game!
After finishing the game, make sure your shoes are thoroughly cleaned and put away in a cool, dry location until you need them again.
After a game, you may quickly clean your basketball sneakers in this way to make them more grippy:
- Obtain a clean cloth, water, light soap, and a soft brush or toothbrush.
- To remove any loose dirt, either use the brush or tap your shoes together.
- In a bowl, mix a tiny amount of water and mild soap.
- In the soapy water, dip the brush or toothbrush. Scrub the shoe’s surface gently, paying specific attention to the upper, midsole, and outsole.
- If there are any remaining filthy areas, scrub them again after removing the soap.
- After cleaning the entire shoe, remove any remaining soap and grime using a moist cloth.
- Let your shoes air dry naturally. Direct heat sources, such as hair dryers, should be avoided as they can harm the materials.
- This is just one way to keep your basketball sneakers clean; you can also try sterilizing them or washing them in a machine.
- Additionally, to keep your shoes sticky for a long time after washing them, adhere to following maintenance guidelines:
- Keep your basketball shoes somewhere dry and cool.
- Keep your shoes away from severe humidity and temperatures since these can eventually deteriorate the materials.
- Switch between your pairs if you have more than one. This prolongs the lifespan of each pair by enabling them to rest and recuperate.
- Clean your shoes frequently or after every wear.
- To keep your basketball shoes dust-free and in good shape, store them in airy shoe bags.
FAQ:
Can I clean my shoes using regular home cleaners?
To extend the life of your shoes, utilize products made especially for shoe care, even if some common household items could also work.
How often should my basketball sneakers be cleaned?
The frequency of cleaning is dependent on consumption. Examine your shoes frequently, and whenever you see a reduction in traction, clean them.
Will my shoes be harmed if I sand the outsole?
Light sanding shouldn’t do much harm, but be careful not to apply too much pressure to risk changing the structure of the shoe.
Are shoes safe to use with traction compounds?
In general, using traction compounds designed for athletic footwear is safe. Testing a tiny area first, nevertheless, is a good idea before covering the entire outsole.
Can I wear indoor and outdoor shoes with grip-enhancing products?
Yes, you may improve grip on basketball shoes used indoors or outdoors by applying these products.
What is the duration of the enhanced grip?
The duration of enhanced grip is contingent upon various elements, including usage, court conditions, and upkeep. Reapply traction agents as necessary.
Why don’t my basketball sneakers have any traction?
The dust buildup on the basketball court is frequently the cause of your losing traction. The rubber soles can be softer by adding moisture. Water evaporates really quickly, so until the next time out, at the latest, you’ll be in the middle of a game without a wet towel.
Do shoes eventually lose their grip?
Yes, eventually even the best shoes lose their spring. The sole and materials get worn down by mud, filth, and rough surfaces. That implies that with time, you lose stability and hold.
What is the lifespan of basketball shoes?
After a few games, professional players usually change their shoes. Depending on how many hours they practice and participate in a game, college and high school athletes typically only need to replace their shoes every few months.
Does having a grip increase your speed?
Not Really; however, more outstanding grip leads to quicker cornering, quicker departures, and faster straight-line speed. So there’s still faster apparent straight-line speed, but not due to acceleration.
Conclusion
Games played inside can be challenging since you require a firm shoe grip. Players frequently apply gel, hairspray, and hand sanitizer or wash the bottoms with sweaty or licked hands to increase traction. However, these are only band-aid treatments and might not be enough for long-term improvements. Use long-lasting treatments like Grip Spritz sprays or traction mats to keep shoes sticky. Regaining grip can be aided by washing the soles with warm water and soap to remove debris. Saliva and other natural materials can also help recover the sticky feel of a shoe’s bottom.
Use sticky mats, adhesive sprays, and adhesive solutions to increase grip when playing basketball. After using a tiny bit of the solution, remove it from the bottom of your shoe. It is advised to use sticky mats because they are easy to remove and follow you on your shoes. Since your basketball shoes can help you throughout your game, honesty is essential. Steer clear of applying lotion or grip gel to your soles since they can soon dry up and collect dirt, making the bottoms slippery. Hairspray and hand sanitizer are meant for hands and hair, not shoes, so use them sparingly on your shoes since they can make them tricky.