SOLE SEARCHING: UNDERSTANDING THE PREFERENCE OF SMCIQC BASKETBALL ATHLETES TOWARDS SNEAKER PURCHASE

Abstract

The research, titled “Sole Searching: Understanding the Preferences of SMCIQC Basketball Athletes towards Sneaker Purchase,” aims to identify the various motivations and preferences that influence the sneaker purchasing decisions of SMCIQC basketball players. The study seeks to contribute a deeper understanding of sneaker preferences among these athletes by examining the factors that shape their choices. In addition to highlighting current footwear trends, the findings of this research will offer insights into how athletic footwear may evolve in the future and continue to impact the priorities and lifestyles of young athletes. Research Design: This study employs a qualitative research design, specifically a phenomenological approach, which focuses on capturing detailed interview patterns to understand individual experiences behind decision-making. It emphasizes the perceptions, beliefs, feelings, and emotions that shape a person’s journey through life (Ayton, 2023).  Instrument: To gather in-depth qualitative data, the researchers used purposive sampling to select key respondents—basketball athletes known for owning multiple pairs of sneakers. A formal letter was sent to the team’s coach to inform them of the research intent. Following this, the researchers reached out to selected Junior High School and Senior High School basketball athletes of SMCIQC. Consent forms were distributed to secure permission for conducting interviews.  Population and Sampling: The study involved a total of five respondents from the SMCIQC Junior High School and Senior High School Basketball Varsity Teams:  Two student-athletes from Junior High School  Three student-athletes from Senior High School  Sampling Method: Purposive sampling was used to select participants, relying on the researchers’ judgment to identify individuals who could provide rich, relevant insights. The focus was on basketball athletes from both the junior and senior high school levels of SMCIQC who have personal experience and preferences regarding sneaker purchases. The researchers found that expensive shoes do not necessarily guarantee better performance compared to more affordable options available in the market. Basketball has long been a passion for many aspiring athletes, and their evolving lifestyle in relation to the sport encourages them to explore a variety of sneakers that may enhance their performance. The study also revealed that athletes often develop a sense of dependence on certain brands, driven by trust and continued reliance on the brand's reputation and perceived quality. According to the data collected, two main factors influence sneaker preferences among athletes: brand trust and changing lifestyles. As athletes become more engaged in playing basketball, their interest in sneakers shifts, from prioritizing basic features to seeking high-quality, comfortable, and stylish options. This progression demonstrates that their growing passion for the sport leads them to reevaluate their priorities when selecting athletic footwear.