If you play indoor sports, you know how crucial good shoe grip is. Whether it’s basketball, volleyball, badminton, racquetball, or even fencing, you need to stay locked in on the court for those quick stops and spins. But what happens when your shoes just aren’t gripping like they should? I mean, we all love a good pair of Everyday Sneakers like the outstanding ones from Vessi for running around town (because, let’s be real, they’re crazy comfy and waterproof), but when it comes to indoor courts, you need something that really sticks.  

A lot of new players wonder how to boost the traction on their favorite kicks. Sure, things like wiping the soles, using grip gels, or even spraying hairspray can help—for a bit. But they all have their downsides. In this guide, we’ll go over the best ways to get better grip on your basketball shoes, plus some handy tips and tricks to keep you from slipping.

First, Why Are Your Basketball Shoes Losing Their Grip?

If you play ball a lot, you’ve probably noticed your shoes don’t grip like they used to. One day you’re stopping on a dime, and the next, you’re sliding around like you’re on a waxed floor. Super annoying. So what’s the deal? A few things can mess with traction—dust, friction, constant movement, or even just the type of court you’re playing on.

There are three main reasons your shoes might be losing grip. First, wear and tear. If you’re constantly running, cutting, and stopping hard, your soles are gonna get worn down—it’s just part of the game. Second, dust and dirt. If the court isn’t cleaned often (which, let’s be real, is most courts), all that junk sticks to your shoes and kills traction. And third, sometimes it’s just the shoes. Some outsoles don’t hold up well, and eventually, they just lose their grip.

The good news? You don’t have to just deal with it. Keeping your shoes clean, picking the right pair for your court, and knowing when it’s time to swap them out can help you stay on your feet—because no one wants to be the one slipping all over the place.

How to Increase Grip or Traction on Basketball Shoes?

In the Game: What NOT to do!

When you're playing basketball, there are a few things you should definitely avoid if you're trying to boost the grip or traction of your shoes. First off, don't go wiping the soles with your hands or using grip gel, lotion, hairspray, or even hand sanitizer. None of these are long-term fixes, and they don’t actually do much to improve traction in the long run.  

Wiping the soles with your hands is a pretty common trick among players, but it’s not the best idea. For one, it can irritate your skin and dry you out, and honestly, it can make you slip and fall. Plus, using a towel isn’t much better since the soles could end up still being slippery or dirty.  

Some people try using grip gel or lotion, thinking it’ll do the trick, but it’s not very effective. Not only does the gel need time to dry, but it also collects dirt, making things even worse. And then there’s hand sanitizer or hairspray—while they might give you a quick boost in traction, they can actually make things worse in the long run. They’re not ideal for the materials of your shoes and don’t offer lasting results.

WHAT TO DO INSTEAD: Get a Traction Mat!

Experienced players know how important it is to stay glued to the court, so many invest in a traction mat. A traction mat (or sticky mat) is a disposable adhesive sheet attached to a sturdy platform. When your shoes start losing grip in the middle of a game, all you need to do is step on it and off it a few times. The mat grabs all the dirt and grime off your shoes, instantly restoring their grip. If the surface of the mat gets dirty, just peel off the layer, and you’ll have a fresh one ready to go.

These mats usually come with multiple sheets (like 30, 60, or 75), so you’ve got plenty to work with. They’re made from tough materials (like Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Terpolymer) that can handle high impact, meaning you can stomp on them without worrying about them falling apart. Compared to gels, hairspray, or wiping the bottoms of your shoes, these mats are a game-changer. You don’t have to redo them every few minutes, which can get pretty annoying. Plus, the mats are built from high-strength material, providing solid friction so you won’t be slipping during the game.

Or, Get a Grip Spritz Spray!

For anyone who hates the mess of cleaning sticky mats or just doesn’t want their shoes covered in goopy stuff, there’s another option: Grip Spritz. This spray, when applied to your basketball shoes, helps you get a better grip on the court without all the fuss. You don’t have to keep reapplying it, and there are no sticky strips to deal with. It’ll clean and refresh your shoe soles, giving them back their traction without the mess of other cleaning methods.  

Grip Spritz works on shoes of all ages—getting rid of dirt and dust without ruining the material. Unlike hairspray or hand sanitizer, it won’t dry out your outsoles because it doesn’t contain alcohol or any harsh chemicals. It even comes with a handy Spritz Mitt, a cotton towel you can use to dry your shoes after you spray them. Just spray the soles, wipe them down with the cloth, and you’re all set with shoes that grip for the game.

After the Game: Clean and Maintain Your Shoes Properly!

After the game, it’s a good idea to clean your shoes and let them dry in a cool, dry spot for the next time you use them. Here’s a simple way to clean them up and keep that grip:

1. Get a soft brush or toothbrush, mild soap, and warm water.
2. Take out the shoe laces and insoles that come with the shoes.
3. Wash it in the soapy water and start rubbing the outsoles of the shoes.
4. With warm water, wash the shoes, and use a clean, ironed towel to dry them. After washing, put the shoes on a ration or use newspaper or a shoe tree as they dry.
5. Once the shoes are dry, put the insoles and laces back in and store them in a cool, dry place.

Final Words

To wrap it up, taking care of your basketball shoes is key if you want them to last. Avoid using gels, hairspray, or hand sanitizers since they can mess up your shoes over time. Also, don’t bother wiping them with a wet towel or sweat rag—it won’t do much. Instead, try using a traction mat or Grip Spritz spray to keep your grip on point. A few simple steps will help your shoes last longer and perform better on the court.