The first time I laced up a pair of Tarmak basketball shoes, I was skeptical. As someone who’s played competitively for over a decade, I’ve learned the hard way that not all court shoes are created equal. I’ve rolled my ankles more times than I can count, and each time, it’s a stark reminder of how crucial proper footwear really is. That’s why when I came across a quote from a local player describing his high ankle sprain—"Siguro by Wednesday, makakalaro na ako. Pero hindi pa rin ganun ka-100 percent kasi siyempre 'yung tapilok ko, hindi naman siya 'yung normal na tapilok ko lang na pwedeng mapagpag. Maga pa rin siya kasi high ankle sprain siya"—it hit close to home. It’s that kind of injury that makes you reevaluate everything, including the shoes you trust on the hardwood. So, are Tarmak basketball shoes worth your money? After putting them through rigorous testing for about three months, I’ve got some strong opinions.
Let’s talk about the build quality first. Tarmak, a brand under the Decathlon umbrella, positions itself as an affordable yet performance-oriented option. The pair I tested retailed for around $75, which is significantly cheaper than most mainstream models from Nike or Adidas that can easily run you $130 or more. The materials feel decent for the price—a mix of synthetic leather and mesh that provides a balanced feel of durability and breathability. I’ve worn them for roughly 40 hours of play, including intense pickup games and drills, and they’ve held up surprisingly well with minimal signs of wear. The stitching around the toe box is solid, and I haven’t noticed any separation in the sole, which is a common issue I’ve seen in budget shoes. However, I did notice that the insole started to compress after the first 15 hours, losing some of its initial cushioning. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re logging heavy minutes on court.
Now, onto performance, which is where things get interesting. The cushioning system, which Tarmak markets as their "K-ring" technology, offers a firm yet responsive feel. It’s not as plush as, say, Nike’s Zoom Air, but it gets the job done. I’d rate it a 7 out of 10 for impact protection—good enough for players under 200 pounds but maybe lacking for heavier athletes. Traction, on the other hand, is where these shoes shine. The herringbone pattern on the outsole grips the floor exceptionally well, even on dusty courts. I’ve had zero slippage issues, which is a huge plus for someone like me who relies on quick cuts and changes of direction. But let’s circle back to that quote about the ankle sprain. Ankle support is arguably the most critical feature for any basketball shoe, and here, Tarmak delivers a mixed bag. The mid-cut design provides decent lockdown, but I found the collar padding to be a bit thin. It didn’t offer the same level of confidence as my go-to Adidas Crazy Explosives, which have a higher collar and more substantial padding. In fact, during one session, I felt a slight twinge in my ankle after landing awkwardly—nothing serious, but it made me wonder how these would hold up for someone prone to sprains.
Durability is another area where Tarmak impresses. After my 40-hour test period, the outsole showed only minor wear in high-impact zones, which is better than I expected at this price point. Comparatively, I’ve had $100 shoes from other brands that started balding after just 20 hours. The upper has also maintained its shape without any significant creasing, which is a testament to the quality of materials used. That said, I did notice some fraying around the eyelets, though it hasn’t affected functionality. On the comfort front, the break-in period was minimal—maybe two or three sessions before they felt molded to my feet. The breathability is adequate; my feet didn’t feel overly sweaty even during two-hour runs, but they’re not as ventilated as some premium models. If I had to nitpick, I’d say the tongue could use more padding, as I felt some pressure on the top of my foot during tight lacing.
So, where does that leave us? In my opinion, Tarmak basketball shoes offer incredible value for the price. They’re not going to compete with top-tier models in every category, but for $75, you’re getting a reliable, durable shoe that performs well in key areas like traction and build quality. I’d recommend them for intermediate players or those on a budget who still want decent performance without breaking the bank. However, if you’re a serious athlete with a history of ankle issues, you might want to invest in something with more advanced support features. Ultimately, whether they’re worth your money depends on your priorities. For me, they’ve earned a spot in my rotation for casual games, but I’ll still reach for my premium pairs when it’s game time.
