Wednesday, November 24th, 2010 at 11:44 am  |  35 responses

New Brand Ektio Releases Sneakers That Prevent Ankle Injuries

Former Knick John Starks behind idea

by David Cassilo / @dcassilo

img_0184Ektio, a new brand of basketball shoes designed specifically to prevent ankle injuries, held a press conference on Tuesday to kick-off the release of its shoes and explain the technology behind the new products.

Held at the Hospital of Special Surgery in New York City, Dr. Barry Katz, the creator of Ektio shoes, was on hand alongside former Knicks guard John Starks, as well as, Dr. Sorin Seigler and Dr. Howard Hillstrom, both of whom did extensive research on the shoe.

Katz, who developed the idea after ankle injuries he suffered playing basketball, believes that a shoe like this is necessary in the NBA right now.

“Almost every day you see another ankle injury in the NBA,” Katz said. “It’s that common.”

A study done by NBA statistician Harvey Pollack reported that ankles sprains have been the No. 1 or No. 2 injury in the NBA for the last 46 years.

Starks, who was one of those who suffered ankle injuries during his career, is one of the product’s biggest supporters.

“No ankle sprains, not even close,” Starks said. “Normally an ankle sprain happens when you come down in the lane on some one’s foot. Guys with these have been coming down on their teammate’s foot and nothing happens. That’s what this shoe is good for.”

The shoe has two models, the Wraptor, which is the high-top model, and the Post Up, which is the three quarter top model. Both of those went on sale on November 15th and can be purchased at Dick’s Sporting Goods.

In the past, the best solutions to prevent ankle injuries have been tape and braces. However, tape’s effectiveness wears off quickly and braces restrict mobility. Ektio prides itself on having neither effect.

“What I love about this shoe is that it gives you the ability to play without restrictions,” Starks said.

The biggest difference between these and other shoes on the market is that Ektio, after several tests, has made such improvements including support straps and side bumpers to the outer sole. These will ensure the ankle does not roll no matter what.

“If the shoe doesn’t roll, the ankle doesn’t roll, and if the ankle doesn’t roll, you prevent ligament injuries,” Katz said.

Ektio is very new to the basketball market and currently only Centenary College in New Jersey wears the shoes. The feedback from the players there has been positive, and no one has reported any ankle injuries.

The biggest challenge, though, will be infiltrating the NBA market. Although Ektio’s shoes could prevent countless ankle injuries, as of now players are choosing style and endorsement deals over taking precautions. Starks knows that this will be an obstacle for the brand to overcome but does think that health will win out in the end.

“The most important thing with guys is that they have to feel that the product works,” Starks said. “You can pay guys to wear your product because it’s about the money sometimes. If you have a product like this that really enhances their playing ability and protects their health, then guys are going to take a hard look at that.”


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  • riggs

    can it prevent my eyes from seeing that ugliness?

  • namik

    Look like the Hyperdunks crossed with the Orca Kobe IIs. What about the whole “high tops don’t really matter” theory present by the new Kobe range(s)?

  • pinoy

    ugly shoes but curious about performance on these and yes john starks is half filipino!!!

  • robb

    I may give them a try even if they look sh**y. I hate ankle injuries

  • Fabio

    damn man, these shoes are $200?

  • http://www.twitter.com/gerardhimself Gerard Himself

    Back in the nineties I had adidas shoes low tops with side bumpers as my basketball shoe. They were light, durable, and I felt very comfortable in them. Forgot the actual name of the shoe, but wish I still had them now….

  • j fish

    If a 200 lb player, lands from a height of 30 inches on a player’s foot, and the ankle does not roll… Why do I suspect that force will be transferred to the knee or hip?

  • Vic

    Maybe Steph should give these a try…

  • http://www.twitter.com/HurstySYD Hursty

    I’m sorry, but I can pretty much guarantee that this shoe is BS.
    If the ankle is entirely locked up & cannnot move as is quoted, the impact of the fall is transitioned UP the leg and to the next stablilising joint – the knee.
    Just because you don’t recieve an ankle injury from the shoe doesn’t mean you’re safe. There’s a good chance there will be severe damage over the long-term to the ACL or PCL (unlikely to be MCL because of the location) as the knee is forced to rotate over unfortunately to compensate.
    …
    FWIW – Braces do NOT restrict your ROM, if you get them fitted properly. It doesn’t cost extra, it just involves trying on braces that are structurally different so they suit your feet. Most people are just ignorant and buy the first brace they see of the shelves without actually trying it on. Another common issue with braces is that they get worn too tight, or the lacing is placed together against the shoe, making it rub and uncomfortable.

  • http://slamonline.com Allenp

    Hursty with the knowledge

  • Dr.K

    The shoe has been thoroughly tested both in clinical labs and on players. There have been dozens of instances when players have landed on another player’s foot after going up for a jumpshot or rebound when wearing the Ektio shoe. To date, there have been no ankle, knee or hip injuries after these incidents.

    When you land squarely, even on another player’s foot, there is generally no rotation. ACL and PCL injuries require a rotational force.Thus, we have not seen any knee injuries as of yet over 2 years of wear trials.

    Braces, in fact, do inhibit ankle mobility. Our shoe does not, as per Drexel University study.

  • Ballerallday

    I think Hursty is a little agitated that his ankle brace business might not have the same fire it used to. A new sheriff is in town to stop that dreaded ankle problem! Seems like a good idea to me, I’d give it a shot. I always hated wearing braces, anything to get me away for those I’ll at least give a shot!

  • Harlem_World

    Man, Carlos Arroyo is TURRRRRIBLE!

  • ethan

    they look like ripoffs of jordans

  • flipnoyce

    Does this doctor really wants us to believe that the Giants of shoe industries have not develop such thing. BS all the way. I used to play on low cuts and never did tied it really tight until I messed up my ankles multiple times. Now I only wear high tops when I play and I make sure that it is tight so that my ankle doesn’t feel loose.Since I started doing the simple thing I can’t recall the last time I had a bad ankle. Must have been 7 years ago.

  • BadBoy

    @Allenp you must not play basketball either

  • Dre Baller

    they need to sign Grant Hill to endorse these

  • http://www.twitter.com/HurstySYD Hursty

    AllenP – thanks.
    ballerallday – not in the ankle brace business. Just taking more than a passing interest in ankle health after personal history has forced me to.
    If I could wear a shoe that actually protected my ankles without transferring force upwards through my lower limbs I’d wear them, honestly I would.
    But do I trust in a shoe like this, when I’ve had torn liagments and broken both my ankles? No. Absolutely not. I’ll use my therabands, braces functional exercises to strengthen the soleus, gastrocmenius, tibialis anterior and peroneal tibial muscles (among others). There’s nothing I can do about having ‘loose’ ligaments, but I can make damn sure I strengthen/support the stuff I can.

    Dr K – did you find any trouble associated with the calcaneus or talus bones and excess pressure being placed on them? Just curious. Did the research show different findings (positive/negative deviation from ‘standard’) for players/athletes with prior ankle injuries?
    Is there anywhere I can find out more information? Or the actual research paper in full form? It’s very hard to find Journal articles on the web without having specific header details.
    I had a look on the ‘about’ section of your website, but that’s limited in its information.
    I also noticed this quote:
    “provided equivalent support in inversion as the lace-on brace.” Like I said, good ankle braces will not restrict your ROM – only poorly fitting ones will. That’s why they’re deemed uncomfortable & restrictive.
    It’s interesting to me that eversion isn’t mentioned at all (that’s rolling inwards for anyone else who is reading). I know a medial ligament injury is much less likely to occur on a basketball court, but the damage sustained is oftern worse because of the lack of muscular support, or so I’m lead to believe.
    I’m guessing this is probably (hopefully) covered in the scientific article, but it’s another question I have. Hope you can help. If you don’t feel comfortable giving out that information online, you can email me at jhurst @ live . com . au (with no spaces.. this way my msg doesn’t get put into moderation).
    Cheers, & thanks again.

  • Dr.K

    Hursty,there is a shoe that does what you are asking for and it is the Ektios. Invented by 3 doctors (who all played basketball) including an orthopedic surgeon and podiatrist, the shoe selectively limits inversion while leaving the 5 useful ankle motions (eversion,plantar and dorsiflexion, internal and external rotation) unimpeded.
    Players love the feel and playability and I as said on the previous post, there have been no ankle or knee injuries wearing the shoe so far. There are of course no guarantees in life, but we are convinced that the incidence of ankle sprains will be very significantly diminished in those people wearing Ektios. Of this, we are quite certain.
    Testing did not show excessive stresses on the hindfoot. By bringing the calcaneus back into the heel more securely, there is less heel rotation and motion and this is one facet in enhancing ankle stability.

    As you said, eversion injuries in basketball are extraordinarily rare. Inversion sprains account for 99% of basketball related sprains.
    One last point;despite players wearing all the shoes out there currently including braces and or tape, the incidence of ankle sprains keeps rising. There are over 3 million sprains per year in the U.S. So, you can strengthen your calf and anterior compartment all you like, but if you jump and land on someone’s foot (even highly trained NBA players), your lateral ligaments will give way. Players need better support than what they are getting and our shoe will give it to them.
    I understand skepticism because this is such a different way at looking at ankle safety. The old school isn’t working. Give us a try and we guarantee you’ll like it. There’s a 30 day, 100% money back guarantee. When players put them on, they want them.

  • http://www.twitter.com/HurstySYD Hursty

    Thanks Dr. K, appreciate you getting back to me.
    All your points make sense, and thankyou for replying to my questions.
    If they’re available in Australia, I’ll go buy myself a pair & try them out. If not, hopefully shipping is available.
    (I’m fairly sure Dick’s Sporting Goods isn’t in Australia).
    Thanks again.

  • Dr.K

    Hursty, thanks for your comments as well. The shoes will be in several retailers over the next couple of months, but are currently available on ektio.com.

  • http://www.slamonline.com/online/media/slam-tv/2010/08/video-michael-jordans-love-of-the-game/ notblack

    Shoes these bulky would make it so the knee would not suffer as much preassure

  • NickG

    Why are they so expensive? I doubt these shoes will ever sell at that price. I would definitely buy them for $100, $125 tops and only the black/blue ones. But honestly, why so expensive?

  • NickG

    Also, where can I find information on the weight of the shoe?

  • Dr.K

    It’s a basketball shoe with protection built in. Saves costs of tape, braces, medical expenses and rehab for ankle injuries. Small price to pay to preserve your health and your basketball career.

  • NickG

    You’re right, its a small price to pay if the shoes are what you say they are. As a consumer, it is a high price to pay. We know nothing about these shoes. You have your proof of how effective they are but for all I know the data you are using is not reliable. I’m not saying it is or isn’t but its a high price to pay for ugly shoes that are just coming out….I guess i just feel like if they are as great as you say, Nike would have come up with something years ago and you would have somebody other than Starks to promote them. To charge such a high price for shoes that are unproven will probably not make a big profit… But, my ankle braces are killing my feet so I may have to consider them if I ever see them in stores.

  • Dr.K

    Time will prove the value of these shoes. Staying healthy and being able to play is worth a lot. I would encourage you to take a look at ektio.com and look at all the designs and colorways available. Thanks for all the great comments!

  • Erik Engquist

    There is zero evidence that ankle braces cause knee injuries. When an ankle brace stops the ankle ligament from stretching, does it transfer force to the knee instead? I don’t know, but there are two possible answers: (1) No. (2) Yes, but the stress is diffused over the whole leg and doesn’t damage the knee. I have turned my ankle dozens of times while wearing $30 McDavid ankle braces, and never have I felt the slightest twinge in my knee. And the brace stops the ankle from rolling to the point where the ligament tears.

  • Taylor

    will this shoe keep you from rolling your ankle even if you already have torn ligaments in your ankle? i have two torn ligaments in my ankle and im trying to make it through my basketball career without getting surgery so im willing to pay a little extra for shoes if they keep my ankle safe!

  • Alfredo

    I have just purchased these because I play in a competive league with big footed individuals. Since we are all vertically challenge, we are always stepping on each others shoes as we jump. I’m tired of the time it takes me to strap up braces and prepare for a game. I hope these do work as advertise and give me the comfort and peace of mind I have been looking for. Not to mention saving time and just getting on the court.

  • Barry

    They are not available at Dicks sporting goods as of today. They never heard of them. What about players with a narrow foot, say a B or C width. how do they fit and contour?

  • Dr F

    There is evidence that locking up the ankle will indeed transfer forces up the leg and result in knee injuries. This came forth in the 90′s when high tops got the padded ankles with velcro straps and essentially took the peroneals and ankle rotation out of the equation. This was addressed at the AAPSM by several docs and the Miami HEat trainer. FOrtunately these shoes address the problem at a different level than the previous incarnation of ankle controlling shoes. My son is playing over in the British Basketball League presently and has had muptiple ankle sprains. I would like to see what he thinks of these even though he likes tape and braces I am sure he would be willing to try these. As much as he is enjoying making money playing I still suspect there will be a price point barrier for him. YOu know how those testosterone laden guys in their mid 20′s are…10 feet tall and bulletproof, not exactly looking any further than the next game. 200 plus shipping is going to make him think twice about a shoe that is unproven in the big arenas.

    I wore a pair of new shoes from SOuth Africa in 1971, they were called Reebok, the next year I got a pair of brand new shoes off the west coast. They were invented by a track coach and 2 podiatrists and came in an orange box with a logo and the name NIKE on them. Hopefully I can get my son in a pair of these and he will give me some feedback.

  • LBNYC

    Where is the women’s version? Size 8 men’s too big for HS Varsity Girls, but ankle injuries start young!

  • Asif

    I brought the ektio wraptors like 6 months ago and they felt like they really working. Until yesterday, I was going up for a layup and both of feet landed properly on the floor but then suddenly my knee just inverted and I heard a crack. I also wanted to add that I have never had any knee problems in my entire life. Only ankle sprains. I have been playing basketball for years and this is the first time I have sprained my knee. I starting to think what hursty said is right. Maybe these shoes protect your ankles and send pressure to your knees?

  • blake

    im 18 and play ball frequently. i used to play football as a lineman in high school and had frequent ankle sprains and rolls and actually got to play basketball 2 weeks ago and sprained my ankle only because i came down on the side of the concrete, elevated, outdoors court. ive had sprains in both ankles, tearing at least 4 ligaments in each. so with an extensive history of ankle injuries, hopefully these shoes will help solve my problem. i just hope what happened to asif doesnt happen to me. in any case, i’ll report back with my take on the shoe. i have high expectations for it.

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