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Basketball shoes have been used for fashion for years. Back in the ’70s and ‘80s, Converse’s Chuck Taylor was used as basketball shoes. Now, they’re mostly being used as casual and fashion wear.
Even the shoes Michael Jordan used to wear have now become a popular brand for fashion wear. Jordans, as I call the basketball shoes, are a popular and expensive brand of shoes. These can be identified by the Air Jordan Jumpman logo branded on the shoes.
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Are Basketball Shoes Good for Everyday Use?
For casual wear, basketball shoes great for everyday use. However, you need to air them out after every use to keep them fresh and not get any bad odor.
Basketball shoes are really great for everyday use. They have features that help keep your feet comfortable throughout the day:
- Great cushion design
- Ankle and arch support

If you’re wearing basketball shoes casually, don’t even bother using them for basketball. Sure, you can clean your basketball shoes to maintain the grip, but it won’t last you for a long time. Have a separate pair of basketball shoes that you’ll exclusively use for basketball games.
How To Wear Basketball Shoes Casually?
Because basketball shoes are fashionable, you can pair them with any combination of clothes. You can pair basketball shoes mostly with:
- Jeans for a sharp look
- Shorts and joggers for a casual look
Basketball shoes are usually made with a high-cut design. It’s best that you pair them with lower wear, such as shorts, not reaching ankle length. For example, a baggy pair of jeans can cover up the whole upper part of your basketball shoes. This combination usually doesn’t fit well.
If your basketball shoes look flashy or attract attention, wear outfits that have less to no flashy detail. This makes your basketball shoes stand out more and you don’t want to look too flashy. Some colors look good when paired together and some don’t.
How Long Should You Wear Basketball Shoes?
Do | Don’t |
---|---|
Wear them twice or three times a week | Wear them every day |
Alternate them with another pair | Get them wet constantly |
Apply foot deodorizer | Store them in a humid place |
If you want your basketball shoes to last a lot longer, wearing them twice or three times a week and only used for basketball would be the best thing. However, if you want to wear them casually, they’ll probably last you for about 3 to 6 months of everyday use.
Basketball shoes built for outdoors are recommended for casual wear. They have a harder outsole material compared to indoor basketball shoes that have softer non-marking soles. The cement and concrete on the outside can wear down the grip strength of your basketball shoes.
If you have other pairs of shoes lying around, alternately use them for casual wear. Your other shoes can air and dry out to remain fresh. Apply some foot deodorizer if you wear your basketball shoes for more than 4 hours so odor-causing bacteria won’t grow.
Can Basketball Shoes be Used for Walking or Running?
Basketball shoes are also designed for running as basketball games also involve a lot of running. Hence, basketball shoes can be a good substitute for walking/running shoes.
Overall, running shoes are a lot better for running. They provide better stability and flexibility. Running for a long time with basketball shoes also isn’t a good idea. The build of basketball shoes is designed only for a short time running. It will only cause pain and blisters on your foot.
There are various considerations if you want to wear basketball shoes for running. Most of them are based on your situation.

Provides Ankle Support
Basketball shoes are a great choice for running as they have excellent ankle support that running shoes don’t have. People who experience ankle pain when running can greatly benefit from wearing basketball shoes.
However, basketball shoes tend to be a lot heavier than running shoes. You will be exerting more energy (which can be helpful for burning those fats) and make you tire out faster.
Have Excellent Cushioning
Oftentimes, people complain about pain in their feet after using a pair of shoes. It’s mostly attributed to having the wrong fit of the shoes or that their feet are narrow or wide.
Basketball shoes have excellent cushioning because basketball players jump a lot. This cushion absorbs the force from high impact when jumping and landing.
You want to feel comfortable during and after running. Basketball shoes having great cushioning and can help relieve the pain you feel on your feet. Make sure the shoes fit you perfectly from heel to toe and the sides.
Have More than One Pair of Basketball Shoes
If you’re playing basketball, using your only pair for running isn’t advisable. Whether you’re an Adidas fan or a Nike, always have more than 2 pairs of basketball shoes. Each should have a different use.
For outdoor running or casual wear, using outdoor basketball shoes are recommended. The rubber outsole is a lot harder so it won’t wear down as fast and will last you a lot longer.
You can also wear indoor basketball shoes for other sports like volleyball and running. Be prepared to replace them in 1-6 months depending on how often you use them. If possible don’t use them on hard surfaces like asphalt and concrete.

Related Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about basketball shoes.
What Basketball Shoes are Most Comfortable?
Leather basketball shoes are considered to be the most comfortable. Since it is supple and flexible, leather is recommended for comfort.
On top of that, you should always pick basketball shoes with permeable upper components. Also, the insoles ought to have components for wicking away moisture to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Do Basketball Shoes Hurt Your Feet?
No, in fact, they are designed to offer comfort to your feet. However, if you use them intensely during basketball matches, you might jam your feet a couple of times. This, though, is caused by intense gameplay, not the shoes.
Do Jordans Crumble if You Don’t Wear Them?
Yes, Jordans and other basketball shoes can age way faster if you don’t wear them. For instance, if you leave a pair of shoes in their box for a lot of time, their glue will start to dry. This will start damaging the shoe.
Conclusion
Basketball shoes can be good for everyday use due to their many features. Basketball shoe design can sometimes be flashy and great for fashion use. The ankle support and cushioning of basketball shoes are also good for running. However, using them every day will lessen their lifespan so be prepared for it.