All basketball shoes aren't created equal. The different basketball shoes, types and styles are important to basketball players depending on the position they play. For example, shoes with less ankle support affect a players maneuverability, while more ankle support restricts ankle bending during jumps and shoots. A retailer must understand the types and styles of basketball shoes in order to offer a great selection.
Retailers should understand that three types of basketball players will come shopping for shoes: power players, fast players and all-around players. Each player will have different shoe needs. By stocking basketball shoes for all types of players, you can increase sales and earn repeat customers. When ordering shoes for resale, look for these attributes:
1. Shoes with different cuts of support around the ankle. There are high tops, mid tops and low tops.
2. A variety of different closure systems such as laces, straps, Velcro and zippers.
3. Outer soles created for both indoor and outdoor play. Shoes with thicker rubber outer soles are suitable for frequent outdoor play.
Action Steps
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Pick popular brands of basketball shoes
When it comes to apparel, brand names can help sell a product. In the field of basketball shoes, popular brand names include Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Converse and And 1. There are also Air Jordans, formerly associated with the Nike brand of shoes. Carrying these types of basketball shoes can increase sales from name recognition. It may also help to sell shoes marketed by professional basketball players.
I recommend: Shoes marketed by professional basketball players like Lebron James can increase sales. Check out
NikeLebron.net for the player's shoes.
Eastbay sells all the popular brands through their website.
Offer both lightweight and heavier basketball shoes
Low top basketball shoes are lighter weight but don't provide as much ankle support. Since most players prefer more ankle support, stocking the store with only a few low top models is ideal. Shoes that use leather and mesh for the upper part are more lightweight than all leather shoes. The padding material also affects the weight, with EVA materials lighter than polyurethane padding materials.
I recommend: Nike offers a wide variety of lightweight shoes for men and women.
And 1, a popular shoe brand, offers low top and mid top shoes.
Stock men's, women's and kids basketball shoes
It's important that you stock basketball shoes suitable for men, women and children. Women won't likely benefit from a men's basketball shoe, even if they buy the shoe in a smaller size. Men's shoes are typically made wider and don't provide women the needed stability. And with the explosion of kids' sports, there will be customers wanting basketball shoes for their kindergartner.
I recommend: Foot Locker offers basketball shoes for toddlers up to teenagers.
CraveOnline Media operates HoopsVibe.com, a retailer of women's basketball shoes.
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