Basketball shoes buying guide 2025 Technology glossary

Discover all the technologies we use to take performance to the next level.

• The different stems

  For basketball, there are 3 different stems:

  Bass :

  The malleolus is not covered, allowing a more natural rolling of the foot and greater freedom of movement, especially on lateral steps. As there is less material on the shoe, it is lighter. The low shaft is ideal for players who want to make the most of their speed and technique!

  The Mid:

  As the name suggests, this configuration is halfway between a low and high upper. It's ideal for players who want better ankle locking while retaining good freedom of movement. Just the right balance for versatile play!

  The high :

  The malleolus is fully covered, locking in the ankle for better support. Players who focus on explosive power will be delighted!

• The different materials

  The stem can be made of various materials:

  Mesh :

  Mesh fabric for breathability and lightness.

  Leather :

  An ancestral material offering excellent comfort and support for the foot inside the shoe.

  Flyknit (Nike) & Primeknit (adidas):

  A strong, lightweight weave that perfectly conforms to the shape of your foot, giving the pair premium comfort. Both materials are often accompanied by TPU (plastic) to reinforce the sneaker in certain areas.

  Fuse :

  A combination of three materials, including mesh and plastic, for enhanced durability.

  Flyweave:

  Uniquely woven, seamless threads.

  BattleKnit :

  A quilted Flyknit offering several levels of density for a snug fit.

  Flyknit 360

  A Flyknit that goes all the way round the foot to limit unnecessary layering and best fit the shape of the foot.

• Different types of depreciation

  Basketball shock absorbers can be grouped into 3 main categories:

  Absorbent" dampers

  Softer cushioning means better shock absorption. In fact, your foot will sink into the cushioning like a cousin, preserving ligaments, knees and other joints. Shock absorption is favored to the detriment of the pair's responsiveness, but can nonetheless offer very good dynamism.

  Dynamic" dampers

  For greater dynamism and energy return. Like a spring, the energy generated by a shock is absorbed and then redistributed, promoting aggressive, explosive play towards the basket!

  Reactive" dampers :

  A "reactive" pair is one that offers optimal "court-feel". The aim of this configuration is to provide the finest possible cushioning, allowing you to be as close to the ground as possible, benefiting from fast, precise movements, greater stability and great responsiveness. Shocks are attenuated, but your joints, ligaments and muscles will be put under greater strain than on a pair where cushioning emphasizes shock absorption.

  Among these different categories, there are several technologies in the form of air or foam:

  Nike Air Max

  Flexible, pressurized air-filled bubble that compresses on impact, offering good protection against impact.

  Nike Lunarlon

  Foam close to the ground for excellent responsiveness and stability. Placed in the midsole or, in some cases, in place of the insole (players wearing orthopedic insoles will not be able to insert them).

  Nike Zoom

  Excellent cushioning in terms of dynamism and energy return. Air pocket with numerous filaments that absorb vibrations on impact and release them to generate dynamism.

  Nike React

  Foam cushioning combines lightness, strength and durability, delivering constant energy return, minute after minute and match after match.

  Adidas Boost

  Foam composed of thermoplastic "capsules", offering flexibility, dynamism and comfort. Boost is extremely durable and an absolute benchmark in cushioning.

  Adidas Bounce

  Polymer compound foam for excellent rebound and impact protection.

  Jordan Brand Flight Speed

  Combines the Nike Zoom and the Air Jordan Flight-Plate. The Flight-Plate compresses the Zoom filaments, maximizing the shoe's energy return and dynamism.

  Under Armour Micro G

  Thin, lightweight foam offers rebound, responsiveness and durability thanks to its low compression.

  Under Armour Charged

  A firmer version of Micro G foam, for enhanced responsiveness.