Finding a great pair of basketball shoes as a big man is not as easy as it used to be. The NBA game is shifting away from slow and heavy big guys, towards smaller and more versatile players, and the same is happening to basketball sneakers.
Signature shoes these days are almost exclusively reserved for guards like Kyrie Irving, Paul George, or James Harden. The only big guy that has a signature sneaker with one of the big brands is Joel Embiid.
But fortunately, there are still some sneakers that work well for traditional centers, and in this article, I am going to show you how to find them!
How to find your perfect pair of basketball shoes as a center:
- Most centers prefer high-top sneakers
- The cushioning should provide a lot of impact protection
- The shoe should be very supportive
Let's see why that is:
Why most Centers chose High-Tops
Traditionally, basketball sneakers were cut higher than regular sneakers, ending above the ankles. While that is no longer the case, with light and flexible low-tops becoming more and more popular, most big guys still prefer high-tops.
These shoes provide additional support and a sense of security which is important for the battle under the basket. The ankle collar also helps to protect against other players stepping on your feet, and the additional weight doesn't matter for most big men because they don't rely on their quickness anyways.
Why Cushioning is so important
Guards like Steph Curry or Kyrie Irving don't need a lot of cushioning, and this shows in their signature sneakers which come with very firm and low mid-soles. Obviously, that won't work for heavier basketball players!
The additional pounds of centers put a lot more stress on the joints and which means they need softer and more comfortable shoes to reduce the amount of pressure they put on their feet. Cushioning systems like Nike's Zoom or Adidas's Boost, which offer a lot of impact protection and comfort, are a great choice for centers.
The following list includes 10 shoes that work well for centers and heavy forwards.
They all fulfill following criteria:
- They are High Tops
- Cushioning was rated better than 8.0/10 on average
- Support was rated better than 8.0/10 on average
- 8.6 rating based on 7 expert reviews
- Nike's G.T. Jump 2 has one of the best cushioning setups.
- Any players who thrive with maximalist cushioning will love the Nike G.T. Jump 2.
- 8.6 rating based on 7 expert reviews
- The Air Jordan 38 takes a step forward with improved support. The traction and cushioning are also solid.
- This is a perfect shoe for players looking for maximalist containment.
- 8.2 rating based on 5 expert reviews
- The Under Armour Flow FUTR X Elite provides stable cushioning and grippy traction with an innovative upper.
- This shoe is best for players who prefer a wider, more accommodating forefoot area during play.
Best Basketball Shoes for Centers
1. Nike G.T. Jump 2
Nike's G.T. Jump 2 has one of the best cushioning setups.Overall rating based on 7 reviews
2. Air Jordan 38
The Air Jordan 38 takes a step forward with improved support. The traction and cushioning are also solid.Overall rating based on 7 reviews
3. Under Armour Flow FUTR X Elite
The Under Armour Flow FUTR X Elite provides stable cushioning and grippy traction with an innovative upper.Overall rating based on 5 reviews
