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While games take center stage in the NBA, sneakers follow pretty close behind. Basketball shoes are more than just a necessity on-court, they are a major fashion statement and an iconic symbol for some of the league's greatest players. Each season, fans eagerly await the newest line of kicks from footwear giants like Nike, adidas and Reebok. Just this past weekend, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Kevin Durant debuted holiday themed shoes that caused quite a fashion buzz among NBA fans and sneaker enthusiasts, due to their over-the-top colorways and design features.

But aside from the aesthetics, new shoes are constantly being developed with comfort and safety in mind. Ektio, the world's first physician-designed basketball shoe created to prevent sprained ankles, is now available for the first time at top athletic shoe retailers including Eastbay.com and Finishline.com this month, and Amazon.com in January.

"According to NBA statistician Harvey Pollack's NBA Statistical Yearbook," said Ektio inventor, Dr. Barry Katz, "ankle sprains have for 46 years been the #1 or #2 injury. 3 million ankle sprains cause 1 million ER visits annually. Only 2 months into this year's NBA season, 45 injuries have put players on the bench, 23 of which are ankle sprains. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors sprained his right ankle 3 times and will be out for up to 4 weeks."

Ektio's Wraptor high-top design comes in two color combinations; red and black or grey and Carolina blue with mesh detailed walls. The 'Post Up' three-quarter top design comes in four color combinations: white and red, blue and black, all white and all black with mesh walls. In addition to their unique design, Ektio shoes are also the very first physician-designed athletic shoes that provide solid ankle support without inhibiting mobility.

Former NY Knick John Starks, who missed 40 games during his career due to ankle sprains, endorses the Etkio brand. He is working to get the shoes on as many NBA player’s feet as possible.

If you'd like to test them out for yourself, visit the site here. The shoes retails for $199.99 a pair and are available in men's U.S. sizes 8 - 14. Check them out:

- Glam Gal -

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• Basketball, Sports, SportsPLUS, Fashion, Gear & Equipment, NBA