Nov 08 2007
Reader Opinions, Please
If you’re a regular reader, you’ll know that The Son is playing basketball on a middle-school team this season. I’m really torn about whether or not to outfit him with a pair of basketball shoes. Here are the pros and cons that I’ve identified — I’d love any input you have to offer.
Pros — Get the Shoes
- Last year during The Daughter’s first basketball season we decided to forgo the BB shoes and stick with her runners; she suffered two serious ankle sprains that had her on crutches for a combined 4 weeks.
- Buying basketball shoes wouldn’t break the bank.
- The season is pretty short so we could potentially sell them and recover a portion of the cost.
Cons — Stick with The Runners
- He’s growing so fast he’s sure to only get one season out of them.
- They won’t be cheap (I think I paid about $50 for The Daughter’s at Famous Footwear this spring).
- Maybe he won’t twist an ankle or have any trouble playing out the season in runners.
First hand or educated opinions are particularly appreciated but all input is welcome. Thanks!
5 Responses to “Reader Opinions, Please”
instead.
Maybe he won’t, but is that a maybe you want to risk? I played basketball in high school, and even WITH a good pair of high-tops, your ankles are in danger.
Might be best to hedge your bets and buy the shoes, and just try to resell them post-season. Better $50 now than more money and inconvenience later with medical costs.
I’ve done indoor sports for almost ten years and I can say that THE most important thing is good shoes. It really does protect you from injury, not just your ankles, but think of knees (if you twist your boyd but your lower leg doesn’t move, it happens a lot more with bad shoes). Also, if you fall, you can break or hurt your wrist, elbow or arm in general. You can even get a head injury if you hit the ground too hard and smack your head against it.
I know that it seems like a waste to buy good shoes that’ll only last one season, but it really does help prevent injuries. In the end, you’ll be thankfull you did it.
Samantha
BUY HIM THE BASKETBALL SHOES!!! If he were a younger child, say elementary school age then I would say “don’t bother”. But, at Middle School age it’s a different story. These kids are agressively playing basketball. They usually practice daily and have a couple games per week. Your son NEEDS the extra protection on his ankles! I’m the biggest tightwad around but, I buy name brand GOOD basketball shoes for my kiddos. It’s not worth the risk of injury IMO.
Also, I don’t consider it a waste of money because after basketball season is over my kids continue to wear their shoes as normally daily shoes. I usually have to replace their athletic shoes half way through the school year anyway because they’ve outgrown them or worn them down to “tacky”. I just consider basketball shoes their mid school year replacements.
I agree with mya moola and samantha. Buy the shoes. Think of it as insurance. Pay $50 for the shoes instead of whatever the medical bills will be for an injury.
Have you ever checked out Eastbay dot com? Sometimes you can find a name brand in the clearance section for $30.
Wow, thanks for the comments! I’m not usually so indecisive but I’ve been going back and forth on this particular question for over a week and just didn’t know what to do. I’ve got to say that I was very surprised that everyone said get the shoes.
I’m a big proponent of using the right tool for the job but am ignorant enough about sports to have not appreciated the fact that basketball shoes really DO serve a specific function and aren’t just another marketing ploy.
@mya moola — thanks for your personal experience perspective. Other than co-ed little league baseball in the mid 70’s, I don’t have any organized sports experience.
@ Samantha — I’m so glad you brought up the issue of the knees. I wouldn’t have thought of that but when I read your cautionary tale it made so much sense. And it was the deciding factor because this summer The Son was diagnosed with Osgood Schlatter disease after experiencing severe knee pain during the baseball season.
@ anonymous — I appreciate your perspective and greatly respect your strong opinion. I’m convinced you’re right. I don’t know how likely it is that The Son will adopt high top basketball shoes for every day wear but stranger things have happened
@ wealthy_1 — I’m all for saving money by buying on-line but it probably wouldn’t work for us in this case. I can only buy on-line for The Son if I’m looking for a very specific product/model, size, and color — usually when I’m replacing an article of clothing that he’s owned before and has outgrown. Buying shoes that he hasn’t tried on wouldn’t be a good bet
Thanks for the link though — I’ve bookmarked it for next spring when baseball starts again. He’s sure to need a larger size of sliding shorts and Eastbay has the brand he likes.
You all will be happy to know that I’ve decided to just do it! Keep watching my daily expenditure posts — you’re sure to see a new pair of shoes come up in the next few days