Mills mishap highlights the importance of footwear

The correct footwear is pretty important in any line of work, but when you're guarding the NBA's best for a living it's absolutely essential.

Boomers star and San Antonio Spur Patty Mills learned that lesson in painfully public fashion after losing a shoe during their match against the LA Clippers.

Mills lost his left shoe at the offensive end but it was on defence that he was made to pay for his loose footwear.

Footage of the clash between the western conference giants shows Chris Paul put Mills on skates with a crossover.

The Aussie can only slide over on the hard court as the Clippers star breezes past him on his way to the basket.

Despite Mills' misfortune, the Spurs went on to record a 108-87 victory and take their record to 57-10, the second best in the western conference behind Golden State.