Definition and influencing factors of basketball shoes ‘court feel’: a Delphi study

The term of basketball shoes ‘court feel’ is frequently mentioned by basketball enthusiasts and sneaker bloggers. It is a comprehensive description of the interaction among wearers, basketball shoes, and courts, which might be a better evaluation factor than fit and comfort for basketball shoes. Yet it lacks a clear definition. This study aims to define court feel and identify its influencing factors through three Delphi rounds with 29 basketball experts. Ultimately, 88% (23/26) of the experts agreed that court feel refers to the subjective sensations of the wearer provided by the basketball shoes during basketball. Additionally, three main influencing factors were identified as traction, proprioception, and lateral stability. Establishing a clear definition and identifying these influencing factors of court feel might guide wearers in selecting suitable basketball shoes and assist footwear manufacturers in evaluating and designing basketball shoes.