It’s Not the Shoes: A History of Hoopers Injured in Celebrated Sneakers

Vince Carter – Nike Shox series

photo via Pintrest

Lockouts and Michael Jordan’s retirement had the NBA losing some of its luster. Then basketball was gifted Vince Carter, who brought the bounce back to the game we love. The acrobatic swingman from North Carolina soon became a fan favorite in two countries via his high-wire act in Toronto. After lacing up the likes of PUMA, AND1 and adidas sneakers, Nike eventually signed the star to spearhead their new Shox technology. He’d more than do that, jumping over a 7-footer in the Olympics wearing the introductory BB4 model and later endorsing his own signature line of Shox.

During the course of his career, Carter would both battle injuries and reach All-Star status in Nike Shox sneakers. Carter’s early injuries would be that of “jumper’s knee” which make some sense for the league’s greatest leaper, though some stay the condition may be associated with stiff ankles or ankle sprains.

Doctors have debated whether or not Shox, Air, or any other brand’s footwear with elevated heel cushioning make for a higher likelihood of ankle injuries. Marketing aside, one would assume the intention from padded cushioning was to add support while landing. Though some may tie VC and his Shox to injuries, Carter really only had one season where he played less than 50 games. By modern day standards, he’s one of the longest lasting vets in the game and a player who’s continued to evolve while still having a knack for the showtime. While Vince Carter has started his 17th season wearing Nike basketball shoes with Lunar cushioning, he played in Shox sneakers from the summer of 2000 to the fall of 2010. He played in 60+ games in all but one of those seasons.

Shox currently reside in a strange place in the US market where they’re not new enough to be likened for performance wear and not old enough to appear as retro. Will Shox bounce back in retro or peformance fashion like visible Air has in the past five years? Only time will tell.