If you've been a basketball player for any length of time then you understand the importance of grippy basketball shoes. Grippy shoes allow you to pivot, turn, and jump more efficiently. But sometimes basketball shoes simply lose their ability to grip the court with conviction. So, how can you add grip to basketball shoes? We did the research to bring you the answer.

There are several things you can do to make the tread on your basketball shoes more sticky. To do so, simply follow these steps:

1. Remove debris from the tread of the shoes
2. Clean the tread with a brush and a soapy mixture
3. Clean the court (if possible)
4. Use a traction mat/pad regularly when playing
5. Periodically apply a performance grip spray

If you're still wondering why your basketball shoes get slippery in the first place and are curious to learn more about making them grippy once more, just keep reading. In this guide, we'll discuss the topic at length. Without further ado, let's get into it.

Making Your Basketball Shoes Grippy Again

Here we'll elaborate on the steps mentioned above so you can bring the tread of your basketball shoes back to life and improve your performance on the court.

1. Remove Debris From The Tread Of The Shoes

First, remove any large visible debris from the bottom of your basketball shoes. Dust, dirt, and small rocks accumulate on and in the tread of the shoes, resulting in decreased grip. Spend some time removing this debris from the cracks and crevices in your shoe tread.

2. Clean The Tread With A Brush And A Soapy Mixture

Now it's time to thoroughly clean the tread to get rid of any smaller debris. To do so, mix some warm water and dish soap in a bowl. Then, using a toothbrush or other small soft-bristled brush, gently scrub the tread to remove the dust and other small debris. Then, simply rinse the shoes and allow to air dry.

3. Clean The Court (If Possible)

When it comes to ensuring that your basketball shoes are grippy, half the battle is preventing them from getting dirty when you start playing. Thus, if possible, it's a good idea to clean the surface of the court you will be playing on. Some gyms have large mops sitting around that do a great job of clearing small debris from the area. Simply run this over the court before playing. This will go a long way toward keeping your shoes grippy.

4. Use A Traction Mat/Pad Regularly When Playing

Once it's game time, use a traction mat regularly. Traction mats are sticky mats that, when stepped on, remove the dust and debris from the shoe tread. These mats are an excellent way to ensure that your shoes have maximum grip all game. Simply step on the sticky mat during timeouts, at the end of each quarter, and during halftime.

Courtside Traction Mat

This courtside traction mat is a great way to ensure that you and your team have grippy shoes all game long. It comes with 30 sticky sheets that each measure 15 inches by 18 inches. You can even place your team's logo under the set of sticky sheets for a customized look.

Click here to see more on Amazon.

5. Periodically Apply A Performance Grip Spray

When you're not on the court, periodically apply performance grip spray to the tread of your shoes. Consider this routine maintenance for the tread on your basketball shoes. This spray will ensure that the tread is supple and sticky, and it will prolong the life of your shoes.

Performance Grip Spray

This grip spray will work wonders for your basketball shoes. Simply spray the tread of the shoes, and the formula will soften the rubber and return it to like-new condition. Due to their smaller size, these bottles are perfect for the traveling athlete.

Click here to see more on Amazon.

Why Are My Basketball Shoes Slippery?

As mentioned, debris that accumulates on the shoe tread is the primary culprit behind slippery shoes. This debris separates the rubber tread from the surface of the court resulting in a loss of traction. The longer you're on the court, the more debris will accumulate on the bottom of your shoes.

Is It Bad To Wear Basketball Shoes On Concrete?

It's not recommended to wear basketball shoes on concrete. Concrete is rough and abrasive, and it will make short work of the precious tread on the bottom of your basketball shoes. In fact, it's a good idea to avoid wearing your basketball shoes on any rough surface that you might find outside.

As a best practice, only wear your basketball shoes on the court. As soon as the game ends and it's time to go home, change to another pair of shoes, like these:

Under Armour Locker III Slide Sandal

These sandals are made of ethylene vinyl acetate for superior comfort when off the court. They come in black or midnight navy, so you can choose the color that best suits you and your uniform.

Click here to see more on Amazon.

The only exception to this rule, however, is if you only ever play basketball on concrete. If this is the case, sacrificing the tread on the bottom of your basketball shoes really isn't a big deal.

Which Basketball Shoes Have The Best Grip?

There are a lot of basketball shoes on the market to choose from. To help you out, we narrowed them down to a couple of pairs that are particularly known for their excellent traction. Check them out below.

ADIDAS Crazy Explosive

These shoes by ADIDAS are of exceptional quality. They feature dual mesh and a synthetic upper for maximum comfort and breathability. These shoes are available in a variety of colors, so you can choose the color that best suits your taste and your uniform.

Click here to see more on Amazon.

Nike Lebron 16

Commissioned by one of the best players in the NBA, the Lebron 16 features extra-absorbent cushioning that will help you perform at your best.

Click here to see more on Amazon.

In Closing

We hope this guide has helped you better understand how you can have sticky basketball shoes once again. Now you're ready to hit the court!