Sports, especially ones that are played on indoor courts require good shoe traction to make the moves necessary for success. Sometimes, you need to improve traction on shoes to give your shoes the grip you are looking for in order to make your on-court moves successful. Most of the time, sports that are played on indoor courts that may require some traction enhancement. For playing sports on mainly outdoor courts, if a shoe doesn’t have enough traction the only good remedy is to replace them. For indoor courts, there are many factors that can contribute to the need for having a little extra grip on shoes.Â
Shoe Traction on Indoor Courts
There are many reasons that indoor courts where Basketball, Badminton, Volleyball, and other sports are played can get slippery.Here are a few situations that can lead to slippery conditions on indoor courts:
Moisture or Spills: If there is moisture on the court surface due to spills, condensation, or cleaning, it can create slippery conditions. Water, beverages, sweat, or any other liquid can reduce traction and make the court slippery.
Dust or Debris: Dust, dirt, or other debris on the court can contribute to reduced traction. As players move and generate friction on the surface, these particles can become dislodged and create a slippery layer.
Wax or Polishing: In some cases, indoor courts may be waxed or polished to enhance their appearance or maintenance. However, excessive waxing or polishing without proper traction additives can make the surface slick and increase the likelihood of slips.
Improper Cleaning or Maintenance: Incorrect cleaning products or techniques can leave residue on the court, making it slippery. Insufficient drying after cleaning can also contribute to slippery conditions.
Sweating: In sports that involve intense physical activity, such as basketball or volleyball, players’ perspiration can accumulate on the court, creating a slippery surface over time. As players move and sweat, moisture can transfer from their bodies to the court surface, making it slippery. This is particularly noticeable in sports like basketball or volleyball, where players frequently come into contact with the floor.
High Humidity: High humidity levels in the indoor environment can contribute to a moist atmosphere, leading to increased condensation and potential slipperiness on the court surface.The moisture in the air can condense on the court surface, especially in poorly ventilated or climate-controlled facilities.Â
How to Improve Traction on Basketball and other Athletic Shoes
Traction Sprays or Adhesives: Traction sprays or adhesives are temporary solutions that can be applied to the outsole of athletic shoes. These products typically contain tacky substances that increase friction between the shoe and the ground, providing better traction for a limited period. They are commonly used in sports like basketball and volleyball.
Court sticky mats, also known as traction mats or grip mats, are used to improve traction and remove debris from the outsoles of shoes before stepping onto the court. They are typically placed at entry points or designated areas near the court to provide a convenient way for athletes to clean and enhance their shoe traction. Here’s how court sticky mats are used:
How does Traction Spray for Shoes Work?
Shoe traction sprays are liquid products that are applied to the outsole of shoes to enhance traction. They typically contain tacky substances that temporarily increase the friction between the shoe and the surface, improving grip. Here’s how they generally work:
Application: The traction spray is sprayed directly onto the outsole of the shoe, covering the desired area. It is important to follow the instructions provided by the specific product you are using for proper application.
Drying Time: After application, the spray needs some time to dry and set. The drying time can vary depending on the product, but it is usually relatively quick.
Tackiness: Once the spray has dried, it leaves a tacky or slightly sticky layer on the outsole. This tackiness helps increase the traction between the shoe and the surface, providing a better grip.
How do shoes feel after applying the spray?
As for how the shoe feels after applying traction sprays, it can vary depending on the specific product and individual preferences. Some users may find that the tackiness enhances their grip and confidence, especially in sports where quick cuts, pivots, or changes in direction are involved. However, others may find the tackiness to be uncomfortable or undesirable for certain activities.
It is possible to apply too much traction spray, resulting in an excessive amount of grip. This can make it difficult to move the feet smoothly or may cause sticking or drag on certain surfaces. Additionally, using too much traction spray can result in a buildup of residue on the outsole over time, affecting the performance of the shoe.
It’s important to follow the instructions provided with the specific traction spray product and use it in moderation to avoid excessive grip. It’s also advisable to test the spray on a small area of the outsole first to ensure it provides the desired level of traction without compromising the natural movement and feel of the shoe.
Recomended Traction Sprays
CUTS Traction Control Basketball Shoe Grip Spray
Grip Spritz Basketball Court Grip
How are Sticky Mats for Shoes used?
Court sticky mats, also known as traction mats or grip mats, are used to improve traction and remove debris from the outsoles of shoes before stepping onto the court. They are typically placed at entry points or designated areas near the court to provide a convenient way for athletes to clean and enhance their shoe traction. Here’s how court sticky mats are used:
Positioning: Court sticky mats are placed on the floor near the entrance or in designated areas where athletes access the court. They are usually positioned in a way that allows athletes to step on them before entering the playing area.
Stepping on the Mat: Before stepping onto the court, athletes step onto the sticky mat with each foot one at a time. As they step on the mat, the adhesive surface of the mat removes dust, dirt, and debris from the outsoles of their shoes.
Cleaning the Outsoles: The adhesive surface of the mat acts as a tacky layer that traps and removes particles from the shoe outsoles. As athletes step on the mat, the debris adheres to the sticky surface, leaving their shoe outsoles cleaner and more prepared for optimal traction on the court.
Repeat as Needed: Athletes can repeat the process by stepping on the mat multiple times if necessary, ensuring that the outsoles are thoroughly cleaned and debris-free before entering the court. This can be particularly helpful in dusty or dirty environments.
Court sticky mats are designed to be used repeatedly, and they typically have multiple layers with a removable adhesive surface. Once the top layer becomes dirty or loses its stickiness, it can be peeled off to reveal a fresh, clean layer underneath.
By using court sticky mats, athletes can remove dust, dirt, and other particles from their shoe outsoles, thereby enhancing traction on the court. It helps maintain a cleaner playing surface and reduces the risk of slipping due to debris accumulation.
Recommended Sticky Mats for Shoes
StepNGrip ShoeTraction Board
