How to Size Basketball Shoes

Selecting the right size of basketball shoe can be one of the most important decisions you make when playing. According to Podcare.com, wearing basketball shoes of the wrong size can damage your feet causing problems that range from blisters and ingrown toenails to orthopedic issues with your ankles. By learning a few tricks of the trade and properly measuring your feet, you can make sure to buy the right size and prevent injuries.

Measure your foot at home with a ruler or tape measure or go in to a sporting-goods or specialty athletic shoe store and have your foot measured or sized. If you measure at home, you should measure with your socks on, standing up, and compare the measurement to any standard sizing chart, Podcare.com advises. In its online buyer's guide, retailer Dick's Sporting Goods notes that it is important to get an accurate, current measurement because the shape and size of your foot can change over time.

Try on your shoes and stand up to get a more accurate sizing. According to Podcare.com, feet get longer and spread out when you are standing up.

Leave a small space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Podcare.com suggests leaving a space between 1/4 and 1/2 of an inch. The site explains that this space is designed to prevent nail problems and keep the feet in place in the shoe.

Select a size that allows your toes room to move a little but doesn't stretch the toes and front of the foot too much. Toes that are too tight can lead to blisters, toenail problems, corns and calluses.

Check to make sure that your heel is secure in your shoe and does not move up and down or come out of the shoe when you move around. The heel should fit snugly, which helps keep the foot stable.