Women's Shoes: Sneakers and Indoor
A mixed model designed for a man's foot can fit loosely at the heel of a female player, and that's the first thing to check before choosing women's basketball shoes. Women's cuts and mixed models are available here, from club to leisure.
Players of volleyball and handball also find their indoor shoes here.
Women’s fit or unisex model?
A women’s fit is designed with a narrower shape at the heel and the front of the foot. A unisex model, on the other hand, often follows a men’s shape, available in smaller sizes.
If your heel lifts in a unisex shoe, the women’s fit usually solves the problem. Conversely, a player with a wide foot will be more comfortable in a unisex model. Many NBA signatures are unisex and start from small sizes: this is the case with the most popular adidas lines in clubs.
Finding your size when switching from one fit to another
The size is not read the same way on a women’s label and on a unisex label. In US sizing, the same foot length has a different number depending on the fit.
The simplest solution: measure your foot in centimetres, heel against a wall, then use that number on the size guide. Leave half a centimetre of space in front of your big toe, no more, so your foot doesn’t slide forward during stops.
Support and cushioning based on your play style
The technical criteria are the same as for men, but the average weight changes the cushioning settings. A lighter player doesn’t need very thick foam; she benefits from keeping the foot close to the ground.
- Point guard or shooting guard: a low or mid cut, with a rubber that grips well during crossovers.
- Small forward: a mid collar and balanced cushioning for attacking and defending.
- Power forward/centre: a well-cushioned heel and a stable base for post duels.
Player signatures and indoor shoes
Women’s player signatures are still rare, but Puma offers the Stewie, line of Breanna Stewart, star of the WNBA. Most players otherwise wear the NBA’s unisex signatures or team models.
In volleyball and handball, there are many women’s fits: adidas with the Crazyflight and the Stabil, Asics with the Sky Elite, Mizuno with the Wave Momentum. Lightweight and very grippy, they are also popular among recreational basketball players.
Pages for comparison
To broaden or narrow your options, several nearby pages are helpful. The men’s shoes feature large sizes and men’s fits, the junior shoes show children’s and teen sizes. The page Puma brings together the Stewie and Nitro foam, the page adidas its signatures and indoor shoes, and the page Nike its indoor models for volleyball. All pairs remain visible on the shoes page.
Five brands in players' baskets
Five brands frequently appear in players' baskets, each with its specialty.
- adidas, for the range of its collection: unisex basketball signatures, Crazyflight for volleyball, Stabil for handball.
- Nike, for its indoor volleyball shoes like the Hyperset, which provides foot support.
- Puma, for its Nitro foam and one of the rare women’s signatures.
- Asics, for its women’s fits in volleyball, very stable at landing.
- Mizuno, for its Wave plate that stabilises the foot during movements.
Current good deals
The current discounts can be found on the special offers page for shoes. At the end of autumn, the Black Friday shoe sales lower prices, followed by the selection of Christmas gift shoes and then the shoe sales. Orphan sizes and old colours can be found in the bargain section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a female player wear men’s shoes?
Yes, as long as she finds her size and the heel stays well secured. If the shoe is loose at the back, lacing through the last eyelet, known as lock lacing, tightens the upper foot. Otherwise, a women’s fit would be safer.
What shoe is best for a player with weak ankles?
A mid or high collar and a stiff heel counter provide better support. The shoe does not replace strength training or proper protection: seek advice from a healthcare professional if you have been injured before.
Are volleyball shoes suitable for women's basketball?
For recreational play, yes, especially for a light point guard: they grip well and are lightweight. In competition, basketball shoes provide more cushioning in repeated jumps and offer better ankle protection during contact.
How do you clean indoor shoes?
A damp sponge and a bit of mild soap are enough for the upper. Avoid the washing machine, which can separate the soles and distort the foams. Brush the rubber to remove dust from the court and restore its grip.
Should you size up for thick socks?
Rarely. Basketball socks take up some space, but half a size is usually enough. Try the shoe on with your match socks before deciding.
