Many individuals, including some well-known NBA players, have flat feet, also called fallen arches. This condition can present physical challenges for athletes, and some have had to adapt their approach to playing. Your favorite NBA player may have flat feet.
Some NBA players with flat feet include Kobe Bryant, Jared Dudley, Kevin Durant, and Tracy McGrady. Despite this condition, they have excelled in their careers as basketball players. In some cases, using custom orthotics has helped them improve their stability and athletic performance.
It’s important to note that NBA players aren’t readily willing to discuss their flat feet, so I relied on interviews and their own admissions about having flat feet when writing this article. The list includes former and current NBA players.
1. Kobe Bryant
Former American professional basketball player Kobe Bryant was a 20-year veteran of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Bryant is regarded as one of the best players in NBA history. His accolades include:
- 18-time All-Star
- Five championships with the Lakers
- Two Olympic gold medals playing for Team USA
Although Bryant was a prolific scorer and one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA, he also suffered from flat feet.
In a 2009 interview with Forbes, Kobe was asked if his feet were different from his teammates in any way. He revealed that he has flat feet, though they do not appear particularly unusual or unsightly.
2. Jared Dudley
Jared Dudley is a retired NBA player who last played for the Los Angeles Lakers from 2019-2021. Dudley played small forward, shooting guard, and power forward during his career.
He was one of the most consistent players in the NBA over the last decade, averaging double-digit points for 12 consecutive seasons.
In 2017, a fan tweeted at Dudley asking if he had flat feet and what type of basketball shoes worked best for him. Dudley confirmed that he did indeed have flat feet and was wearing Paul George’s shoes at the time. He also mentioned that he needed to use orthotics to help with the shape of his feet.
3. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is one of the most exciting players in the NBA. He has won several awards, including Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player, and played 12 times for the All-Star team.
Durant is likely the most widely-known player with flat feet. In an interview with Chris Herring, Durant admitted that his feet are unusual, saying, “I’ve got flat feet. I’ve got all sorts of calluses and corns on my feet.”
This could be why KD’s shoes keep falling off while he’s on the court. Durant wears special inserts called orthotics and an extra pair of socks during games to reduce friction.
4. Tracy McGrady
Tracy McGrady was an American professional basketball player. He played as a shooting guard, small forward, and point guard in the NBA from 1997 to 2013. McGrady was known for his scoring ability, earning the nickname “T-Mac.”
Tracy McGrady is also another NBA player with flat feet. In a 2006 interview with Jonathan Feigen, Tracy McGrady shared that he has flat feet. He mentioned that during a foot evaluation, it was eventually discovered that he has an arch on his foot.