Men's shoes: trainers and indoor shoes

Weight, first cushioning criterion

The heavier you are, the more your shoe needs to absorb at each landing. A large player jumping off a rebound lands with several times their weight on their heel.

For heavier builds, look for a thick midsole at the heel and a wide base that won't tip over. For lighter players, a thinner foam is enough and keeps the foot closer to the floor, making direction changes sharper.

Wide foot or slim foot: the fit

The fit is just as important as the shoe size. Some lines are narrow at the front of the foot, while others allow room for the toes.

• Wide foot: aim for a soft mesh upper instead of a rigid shell, even if it means going up half a size.
• Slim foot: lacing that goes low on the foot and a padded collar prevent the heel from lifting.
• Large sizes: many models go beyond size forty-six; check the range on the product sheet before choosing a colour.

NBA signatures or team models

A signature line isn't necessarily better than a team model; it is mainly built for a specific style of play. Anthony Edwards' shoes target athletes who attack the basket, James Harden's are for scorers who stop sharply, and LaMelo Ball's are for creative playmakers.

Team models, more understated, suit all positions and go well with all team jerseys. For a player who trains twice a week, it's often the best balance between comfort and longevity.

Basketball and volleyball in the same bag

The indoor shoes for volleyball and handball on this page appeal to basketball players who play with speed. Low-cut and lightweight, they grip the floor thanks to a very soft rubber.

They are less thick under the heel than a basketball shoe. For a big man or a heavy player, they remain a backup pair, not a match pair.

The other shoe pages

The neighbouring pages help you refine your search. The women's shoes page offers women's cuts, and the junior shoes page features sizes for young players. To compare by brand, the pages adidas, Puma, Rigorer, Peak, and Under Armour are focused on basketball, while the page Nike brings together its indoor volleyball shoes. Specialists in volleyball and handball are on the page other brands, and all pairs can be found on the page shoes.

Six brands to know

Players who order from us mainly turn to six brands.

• adidas offers the lines of Anthony Edwards, James Harden, and Donovan Mitchell, featuring Boost foam on several models.
• Nike is here with its indoor volleyball shoes, like the Hyperace, light and grippy.
• Asics provides stability indoors, thanks to a support under the arch that keeps the foot aligned during movements.
• Puma relies on Nitro foam, used in the MB line as well as in the All-Pro Nitro team shoe.
• Mizuno builds its volleyball and handball shoes around its Wave plate.
• Li-Ning offers the Way of Wade line, born from its partnership with Dwyane Wade.

Promotions and ready-to-go pairs

For a cheaper pair, start with the special shoe offers. The Black Friday shoes takes over in late autumn, followed by the selection of Christmas shoes and the shoe sales. Older colours end up in the clearance, and the page shoes shipped in 24h brings together the pairs in stock.

Frequently asked questions

How to convert a US shoe size to a European size?

Correspondences vary from one brand to another, so avoid generic charts. The most reliable method is to measure the length of your foot in centimetres, which is indicated in the size guide on each product page. Measure your foot in the evening, standing up, with your heel against a wall.

Can a women's shoe be suitable for a man?

Yes, if the size exists and if your foot is not wide. Women's fits are often slightly narrower at the heel and toe. Mixed models, which are very common in basketball, avoid the question.

What shoe for a player with knee pain?

A well-cushioned pair at the heel and suited to your weight reduces the shock sensation at landing, but it doesn't solve pain. If discomfort persists, consult a health professional before changing equipment.

Are specific basketball socks necessary?

Thick socks at the heel and toe limit friction and secure the foot in the shoe. Always try your new pair with the ones you wear in matches, as they can affect the fit.

How to avoid bad smells in the shoe?

Remove the insole after each session and let the pair dry in the open air, away from a radiator. Never leave it closed in the bag until the next training session. Alternating between two pairs also helps each pair dry completely.