Has the performance of basketball shoes been compromised by style? Is the low top trend really good for basketball players, and why isn't performance central to basketball shoes? Join us as we take time to reflect. Want to learn more? Check out our website: http://www.concept-21.com/

2. TopArgumentsFORHighTops:
1. Additional support is always a positive - the more players have, the safer the game will be.
2. High tops support ankles with high laces that protect against sudden shifts and directional
changes.
3. High tops provide what’s called “proprioceptive feedback” around the ankle. This is an
awareness of the where your ankle is positioned at all times.
4. High tops prevent injury and stress by absorbing more shock and providing better traction and
lateral support.

3. TopArgumentsFORLowTops:
1. Player’s claim that low tops are generally lighter, faster and more flexible than high tops. “I
just feel like if I can have a lighter shoe, my ankle can move the way it was intended to move,”
Kobe said in 2008. Source: ballnroll.com/
2. Players almost always pair low tops with tape or braces for extra support and proprioceptive
feedback.
3. Players are faster than they’ve ever been. Less fatigue means more time on the court because
they don’t have to work so hard to pick up their feet.
4. After players transition to low tops, the muscles surrounding the ankle can become stronger
due to less dependence on the extra support of high tops.

4. TopArgumentsAGAINSTLowTops:
1. Low tops do not provide the support players need to buffer their feet from constant pounding.
As we know, competitive basketball players are extremely fast WHILE being enormously tall
and heavy – compounded by an 82 game season, plus playoffs their feet see lots of use.
2. Lighter and less supportive shoes are said to contribute to the three most common foot injuries
in basketball - plantar fasciitis, stress fractures and tendinitis - due to their lack of cushioning.

5. Sources
1. http://ballnroll.com/exclusiveaccess?post=793
2. http://www.livestrong.com/article/401312-are-low-top-basketball-shoes-safe/
3. https://www.yahoo.com/news/blogs/the-wellness-report/case-low-top-basketball-
shoe-094131880.html?ref=gs
4. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/basketball/light-and-fast-low-top-shoes-linked-to-climb-
in-nba-player-foot-injuries/article621761/
5. http://breakingmuscle.com/family-kids/high-tops-are-ruining-your-kids-feet-and-knees