I’m sure you know that buying a pair of the Best Basketball Shoes can dramatically increase your performance. That’s why you are here! Isn’t it? 😉
The performance of the player depends largely on how brilliantly he has control over his foot movement and also on the agility of his moves.
While playing the game the feet, lower legs, and ankles of players are highly subjected to significant and spontaneous forces which make these parts highly susceptible to different types of injuries.
Some of which could result in the ending of the player’s professional career. The player needs remarkable cushioning, breathability, traction, support, protection, and comfort from the shoes to take the game to a new level.
It is, therefore, highly recommended to use a basketball shoe constructed with combined features of cushioning, breathability, support, stability, flexibility, and traction.
The basketball a player is using has a strong influence on the individual style of play and the physical build of a player. So, choose your basketball shoes wisely.
Best Basketball Shoes Review [2021 Top Picks]
Adidas Performance Men’s Crazy Explosive
Adidas Performance Men’s Crazy Explosive occupies the first position in our top ten picks and has exceptional features. It has Primeknit Xeno upper which not only makes these shoes light weighted and comfortable but also causes breathability in these shoes.
Cushioning property behaves like honey to bees, more cushioning more users. This shoe is well known in the market for its excellent cushioning system, which not only makes you jump more safely but also protects your feet from trauma on impact.
The shoe is very good at relieving the pressure on the arches due to the presence of the lacing system and has a molded heel piece with the heel lace system that is capable of locking user’s feet down into the shoes which ensure minimum slipping
Traction is another important feature in these basketball shoes. It has a tinted TPU wrap around the shoe’s boost midsole to ensure exceptional traction and comfort which permits quick movements and outstanding cuts without the danger of falling or slipping.
- It is very breathable due to the Primeknit Xeno upper.
- It has remarkable cushioning and provides excellent comfort.
- It has outstanding traction due to tinted TPU wrap around shoe boost missile.
- The lacing system used in this shoe decreases pressure on the arches.
- The back of the heel portion needs some time to break in and is a bit rigid.
- It has been observed that after a few weeks of use, the traction starts to peel off.
- These shoes are not durable for long practice hours.
Nike Men’s Lebron Soldier IX
The Nike Men’s Lebrun soldier IX occupies the second rank in our top ten picks. The shoe is featured with zoom air units that provide you with exceptional cushioning which permits you to move freely at any speed all around the court protecting you from injuries.
This shoe has high performance, a great range of motion, and remarkable durability due to decoupled rubber pods that are present in it. This shoe uses Flywire cables that bear the ability to integrate with the strap of midfoot to provide you lightweight lateral support.
Ankles are very susceptible to different types of injuries in the basketball game. The shoe has a full inner sleeve that possesses the capability to wrap your foot very firmly and a wedge carrier foam support is also featured to support and protect your ankle to avoid pronation.
This shoe has featured a rubber sole which is rich in hexagonal patterning and multi-directional traction delivering you exceptional grip on different surfaces.
- It shows high cushioning due to zoom air units.
- It has outstanding durability due to decoupled rubber pods.
- It provides reasonable traction due to rubber soles with hexagonal patterning.
- These shoes are a little bit heavy.
- They have a somewhat slim shape so wide feet player may become inconvenient.
Under Armour Men’s Curry 2.5
This shoe comes in the third position in our top picks. The Under Armour Men’s Curry 2.5 has used charged cushioning which absorbs shocks from impact and transforming it into energy that efficiently enhances the responsiveness and speed of the player on the court.
This shoe uses full-length Micro G foam that efficiently enhances the comfort level of shoes. This shoe locks your foot due to external heel counter and shank which not only increases stability but also provides great support to the ankle.
Traction is a huge consideration while choosing a basketball shoe. The shoe features a multi-directional organic herringbone traction pattern that is responsible for such a remarkable grip of shoes and this allows you to play and cut your way freely.
A basketball shoe is almost useless if it fails to provide breathability. This shoe has an ETC anti-friction top cloth that is performing the function of keeping your feet cool and dry adding to the overall breathability of the shoes.
- It has amazing cushioning due to the charged cushioning feature.
- It has an exceptional grip due to the organic herringbone traction pattern.
- It uses full-length Micro G foam that gives incredible comfort to the user.
- It protects the ankle due to the external heel counter and shank.
- The shoes may run small in size for some users.
- This shoe is arch less, so, people who need arch support may find it inconvenient.
Adidas Dame 5 Basketball Shoes
Adidas Dame 5 occupies the fourth position in our top 10 picks and you will never regret making Adidas Dame 5 as your game time shoes. This shoe has a very comfortable fit due to its lacing system which locks down your feet into your shoes more securely giving you the sensation of a more comfortable fit.
Good traction assures a reasonable grip on the game. This shoe uses herringbone traction that extends from heel to toe and has deep grooves that are spaced further apart which collectively provide you an incredible grip on all surfaces.
The Cushioning system of shoes is another parameter while considering any basketball shoes. This shoe provides you remarkable responsive, bouncy, and thick cushioning due to the bounce cushion system used in this shoe.
The thought of playing with hot and sweaty feet irritates you a lot. The mesh uppers of this shoe make it very breathable ensuring appropriate airflow keeping your feet cool and dry. The shoe has open collars that permit for easy on and off.
- They possess reasonable cushioning due to the bounce cushioning system.
- They are breathable due to mesh upper composition.
- These shoes show a good traction pattern due to the herringbone traction pattern.
- These shoes have a comfortable fit due to the lacing system used in these shoes.
- They are very costly.
- They lack good ankle support because of the low cut top.
Adidas Performance Men’s Cloudfoam
Adidas Performance Men’s cloudfoam comes at sixth rank in our top pics. This shoe has leather and fabric upper composition making this shoe extremely light weighted and breathable.
The rear quarter, collar and tongue of the shoe is a mesh that allows air circulation into the shoes and is a high-top basketball shoe and it contains a 3 stripes logo on the side of the shoes containing some pores for additional ventilation.
It has a special feature of cloudfoam sockliner and midsole which offer light cushioning and has a memory foam footbed that highly increases the comfort level of the shoes that provides a soothing effect to users.
This shoe has a rubber outsole that is responsible for the remarkable traction of these shoes. This shoe has a very appealing appearance and comes in different colors to match the taste of different users
- It is very light weighted and extremely breathable.
- It features a cloudfoam sockliner and midsole which highly enhances its cushioning capability.
- It uses memory foam footbed to increase the comfort level of these shoes.
- The insole has a thin lining on the front part, so the feet of the user might get hurt on striking with a heavy object.
Adidas Harden Vol 3 Basketball Shoes
Adidas Harden Vol.3 occurs in the seventh position in our top 10 picks and is a low-cut basketball. Â If you are a wide feet player and want a perfect fit, these shoes match your standard.
This basketball shoe has boosted the cushioning system which provides these shoes with an exact balance and value of bouncy and firm and is not too rigid or too bouncy. This shoe has an overlay, webbing system, and a wide base that gives you the utmost stability and support.
The grip of the shoes is caused by its sole. The makers of this shoe have used a herringbone traction pattern for providing you an exceptional grip on all types of surfaces, especially on smooth and clean courts.
The lacing system of this shoe makes this shoe highly suitable for different types of feet as it has provided you with the right to adjust the fit. You can lose or tight the lace according to your comfort level.
- It has a huge heel tab that makes it easy to put on these shoes.
- It uses a boost cushioning system for exceptional cushioning.
- It is a highly stable and secure shoe.
- It is suitable for different types of feet due to its lacing system.
- It is claimed by some buyers that due to low collars the shoes lack ankle support.
- These shoes are not very suitable for wide feet players.
Nike Men’s Hyperdunk
It has eight ranks in our top 10 picks and it is a mid-top basketball shoe that offers you maximum comfort, stability, support and cushioning without restricting your feet movement.
This shoe has very reasonable cushioning due to the zoom air units in the forefront and the heel region of the shoes. There is an integration of Flywire cables with the laces in the shoes that perform the function of locking your foot down to deliver you stability during the game.
This basketball shoe has injected pylon midsole that brings you to a new level of cushioning that is capable of absorbing high shocks protecting your wide feet from any sort of injury. Both zoom air units and injected phylon midsole add to the cushioning of these shoes.
This shoe has a rubber sole having a herringbone traction pattern that permits you to make quick and sharp cuts and allow multi-directional movements of players without the danger of slipping or falling on a surface.
- It contains zoom air units in the heel and forefoot for an appreciable level of cushioning.
- It contains flywire cables that bear the capacity to integrate with laces for great lockdown.
- It uses the herringbone tread pattern for good traction.
- It allows for multi-direction movements.
- These shoes are not suitable for wide feet players.
- Because of the tight fitness of these shoes, it is sometimes felt that the ankle support is bumping into the ankle
Adidas Crazylight Boost low basketball Shoes
This shoe comes at ninth rank in our top ten ranks for best basketball shoes. If you are longing for most stylish, functional, low design basketball shoes incorporating all other features, do not go elsewhere! You are at the right place.
The rear quarter, collar, and tongue of the shoe is a mesh that allows air circulation into the shoes. The shoes deliver outstanding breathability due to the fabric that is used in the upper part of the shoe to ensure proper air circulation to minimize the sweating of feet and keeping them cool.
The lacing system of the shoe is very good which makes it very easy for players to remove and wear these shoes. The shoe also has a foam-filled Achilles pillow for additional comfort.
The shoe features a full-length boost that provides the users with the right amount of cushioning and has a rubber inner sole that is responsible for the incredible traction it offers to its users.
- It has energy-returning properties.
- It has a foam-filled Achilles pillow for extra comfort.
- It possesses good grip, breathability, and cushioning.
- It has a stylish design and comes in many different colors.
- These shoes are a bit wider, so some players might find it difficult to find a proper fit
- The heel region of these shoes may feel hard and rigid due to extra support.
Best Basketball Shoes for Speed
Adidas Dame 3
These shoes nail the second number in our selection. They are composed of fused mesh in the upper region that ensures lightweight, breathability, custom fit, and softness. The lightweight largely assists in fast running.
The lockdown is ascribed to the TechFit sock cleatie and the lacing system. The lockdown impressively increases the support and comfort of these shoes.
The full-length Bounce cushioning technology is responsible for enhanced comfort, brilliant bounces, and ample protection from different kinds of impacts.
Kobe AD NXT 360
The use of 360 Flyknit gives a plastic-like knit in the upper region when it is infused with plastic and this kind of infusion makes these shoes exceptionally durable.
This 360-degree Flyknit increases breathability, support, flexibility, and also enhances the agility and speed of the users.
It also makes Kobe AD NXT light weighted. These shoes also show outclass support and outstanding lockdown. The coupling of two cushioning foams, i.e. Lunarlon and REACT, is featured along with the Drop-in midsole.
Nike Men’s Air Jordan XXXI
It is a very versatile pair of shoes and supports running at a good speed. These shoes are comprised of Flyweave and synthetic leather heel. This composition is responsible for making them breathable, flexible and comfortable.
They offer great fir to the users. The Fly wires used in these shoes ensure splendid lockdown and this lockdown assures outstanding support to the users.
Best Rated Basketball Shoes [Top Picks]
Nike Lebron 16 – Top Rated
The upper part of these shoes is comprised of battle knit 2.0 that gives lightweight, breathability, ultra-strong support, flexibility and strength.
These shoes are very supportive and have many elements to ameliorate the support like commendable lockdown setup, external heel counter, Achilles pillows, and padded heel collar.
They have features full-length max zoom cushioning technology that gives ultra-responsive cushioning along with high flexibility and ample impact protection.
Lebron 16 give beastly traction on the surface by having used the finger-like traction pattern on its rubber outsole
Nike KD 12 – Top Rated
Its upper part is constructed by utilizing materials like textiles, screen mesh, and fuse that significantly provide breathability, lightweight, strength, comfort, and flexibility to the players.
When selecting these shoes, you are suggested to go true to your size. They also offer tremendous lockdown, by using the Flywire cables in them, which largely boosts the support.
The cushioning aspect of these shoes is commendable and has used full-length zoom air cushioning technology that is very responsive, super bouncy, and largely absorbs impacts.
The traction is outstanding and is ascribed to the finger-like traction pattern used on the outsole of these shoes.
Best Lightweight Basketball Shoes
Nike Kyrie 4
The upper composition of these shoes is simple and quite good as it is composed of engineered mesh that is backed with the nylon so as to extend the lifetime of the shoes and make them more durable, breathable and remarkably light weighted.
The traditional lacing system of Kyrie 4 introduces a tremendous lockdown that is capable of locking your feet down to the footbed of these shoes. These shoes also feature Nike Flywire that is very efficient in enhancing the lockdown and makes the overall lockdown setup quite effective.
Nike Kyrie 4 has impressive cushioning that is ascribed to the whole midsole and heel zoom units. The cushioning is very responsive, offers high bounces, and delivers substantial protection from impacts.
The use of rubber outsole and multi-directional herringbone traction pattern make the traction of these shoes outclass. The traction equips you with an incredible grip on the court surface and does not let you fall or slip while making any move during the game.
Under Armour Curry 6
UA Curry 6 is introduced with knitted material in the upper part and has another feature of additional fuse overlay that is introduced to cover the high wear areas of the shoes.
The upper composition provides these shoe strength, lightweight, and flexibility once they are a break-in. The base of these shoes is flat and wide to deliver optimum stability to the players during the game.
UA Curry 6 has incorporated full-length HOVR cushioning technology. This technology enhances your jumping distance by providing you good bounces and also protects your feet from impact.
The traction of these shoes is exceptional and is accredited to, along with rubber outsole, the combination of the waffle-like and circular traction pattern. This framework makes your movements more successful by equipping you with a reasonable grip throughout the game.
Best Performance Basketball Shoes 2021 (Top Picks)
Nike Men’s Hyperdunk
Nike’s Hyperdunk shoes are composed of synthetic fiber and to enhance appearance attraction they come in a diversity of color combinations. The shoes inhibit temperature rising above the comfortable level and show good durability.
The shoes give protection to the forefoot and heels of the player because of the splendid cushioning.
The high-cut is a significant aspect of these shoes for ankle support. Despite the high-top design, these shoes give appropriate comfort and protection to the ankle.
You can play with twists and turns and high layups all around the court with the surety that the shoes will minimize the potential threat of ankle injury. The efficiency and functioning of a basketball player are increased by freedom of movement.
Nike Men’s Hyperdunk 2015 is provided with a rubber sole, which increases the accuracy of the skills of the player and enhances a strong grasp. The outstanding breathing potential of shoes makes the shoes durable for any season.
- Despite the high-cut of these shoes, they are very comfortable.
- They are light weighted and give the player freedom of movement.
- The supportive feature of this pair of shoes increases its importance.
- The high-top of these shoes does not limit the movement of the feet.
- They are provided with a variety of color combinations to satisfy the color combination of customers.
- These shoes are not good for wide feet users due to their smart fit.
- The compact fitness of shoes sometimes causes bumping of ankle support into the ankle.
Adidas Crazylight Boost Basketball Shoe
In our top ten rankings of basketball shoes with respect to performance, Adidas Crazylight Boost comes in third place. They are very appealing with a low cut and are light weighted.
These shoes show remarkable stability. These shoes use 3-D Heel technology. It works by allowing the shoes to take in stress, equally deliver that stress, and gives the player the bouncy feedback by amplifying the kinetic energy given by the user.
The effective increase in kinetic energy is the key requirement for the shoes made for jumping. The Crazylight boosts supportiveness and responsiveness enables the player to use the tricks and sharp cuts while playing the game.
These shoes are light weighted, and the grip is also good. The rubber sole gives a firm grip to the surface. This type of grip eliminates the chances of injuries due to slip.
- The shoes have good breathability and good cushioning.
- 3-D heel and the forefeet cushioning absorb shocks.
- the performance of the player is enhanced by the midsole.
- They provide optimum response to the player and are bouncy.
- The problem of the size of shoes is encountered in online booking.
- Ankle protection is absent.
Nike Men’s Kyrie 3
There is a prerequisite of saving the feet from impact and amplifying the initial kinetic energy provided by player, whenever it comes to jumping and increased performance.
While going for a dunk, these shoes are very supportive and match the speed of the player. These shoes deliver essential grip to the surface and have outstanding traction.
The shoes have the composition of TPU skin and engineered blend done by the hyper fuse development technology which allows brilliant support and robustness to the player.
The material becomes more durable with the use of engineered technology, and this, in turn, respects the investment of customers in shoes by meeting their demands.
- The use of Pylon froth provides extra comfort to the player.
- Kyrie 3 uses Zoom Air technology for bouncy.
- Sole prevents a player from slipping and is very supportive.
- They are very durable, stylish, and attractive.
- the coordinated forefeet ban provides protection to the forefeet.
- Lean players feel these shoes very heavy.
- Extra padding can enhance ankle protection in it.
Adidas Neo Foam Ilation
This product of Adidas is composed of Neo foam and synthetic leather and is the lightest product of Adidas.
The presence of mini holes in the top portion, in the body and sideways, provides impressive ventilation to these shoes. proper airflow is allowed in these shoes which maintain and keep the temperature within the specified limits.
These shoes have a very important feature that it has very supportive traction and meets the required standard that is set up for playing basketball safely and securely.
Cushioning has bouncy properties, and it is assisted with neo foam. cushioning aids in increasing the vertical jump of the players by providing extra energy to the user, and this type of cushioning is very comfortable and supportive.
- They are light weighted and inexpensive
- They exhibit excellent breathability.
- The use of Neo foam cushioning provides bouncy which aids in the high jump and distributes the shock uniformly.
- Neo Foam Ilation has limited color combinations.
- The height of these shoes may make tall players uncomfortable.
Under Armour Curry 3
Under Armour curry 3 is composed of high tensile strength modern threads of fine quality. These threads are the trademark of Curry models.
ThreadBorne is a typical thread that is frequently used for the production of this shoe and makes the shoes very supportive.
The herringbone pattern is exercised in these shoes, which provides remarkable traction. These shoes are specially designed for ankle support and are very excellent at it.
The use of Carbon fiber in these shoes permits a hard grip on the arch and forefoot. This carbon fiber shank offers outstanding ankle support to the player during the act of landing and jumping and prevents the rollover motion of players as well.
- The stability of these shoes is ensured by the use of a wide base.
- ThreadBorne is responsible for the supportiveness of these shoes.
- The shoes exhibit amazing traction and are appreciable, which improves the movement of the user or player all around the court.
- The use of Carbon fiber is responsible for provides additional safety for the ankle.
- They exhibit appealing color combinations and impressive style.
- They are costlier than Nike or Adidas basketball shoes.
- They are sensitive to damp places, and a player may slip on such places.
- The user may encounter a sizing problem in case of online order. It is recommended to choose a number up than the normal size of your shoes.
Under Armour Clutchfit Drive 3
UA ClutchFit Drive 3 is one of the best Under Armour’s basketball shoes in terms of enhanced performance. In terms of best basketball shoes for jumping, it occupies ninth position in our top ten rankings for best basketball shoes for jumping.
These shoes use ClutchFit innovation in the construction, which permits appreciable airflow in the shoes, and this keeps the temperature within the desired range. This feature is responsible for the increased durability and flexibility of these shoes.
UA ClutchFit 3 applies Micro G Foam cushioning which supports the feet and is very comfortable for feet. This Foam increases the performance of the player by absorbing energy and provides additional height to the jump.
To prevent any foot injuries, the compressional stresses are uniformly distributed in the sole with the impact of the force on the feet of the player.
- Durability and breathability are enhanced by ClutchFit drive innovation.
- The stress forces are distributed all over the sole by use of Micro G Foam.
- good traction is provided by Rubber sole with a herringbone pattern.
- The comfort level of cushioning is increased by Achilles padding
- A player may feel rigidity at times due to heels.
- These shoes are inappropriate for damp places because there are chances of slipping at that place.
Adidas Dame 4
Dame 4 from Adidas is a proper basketball shoe for the players to boost up their performance.
Basically, the shoe gets its name after a legendary superstar of basketball, Damian Lillard. Although expensive, the performance and comfort featuring these shoes undermine the price tag.
Dame 4 provides an unmatched cushioning to the feet of players. It is a critical reason to recommend these shoes for the players carrying plantar fasciitis problems in the game.
The cushioning provided by these shoes are super soft and bouncy. The bounce technology of Adidas is used in the bounce cushioning of these shoes.
- Bounce technology cushioning eradicates the danger of being hurt, providing comfort to the feet.
- Cushioning is very comfortable.
- Mesh upper fabric gives the perfect breathing to this shoe, maintaining the comfort level of the player.
- Traction is not as impressive as it needs to be on dusty courts.
- They are quite expensive, having a healthy price tag.
- These shoes lack in providing ankle support because of the low cut top.
Best Old School Basketball Shoes
Air Jordan VI
The upper part of this shoe is comprised of a combination of genuine and synthetic leather that is responsible for providing comfort, support, and breathability.
These shoes show good lockdown which provides reasonable support. They have also used Achilles pillows for additional comfort and increased protection. The traction of these shoes is good and uses a combination of a translucent and solid rubber outsole for this purpose.
These shoes have used a PU foam midsole and heel and forefoot Nike air unit for delivering you optimum lightweight cushioning with enhanced responsiveness and good impact protection.
Nike Air Zoom Generation
They are constructed using materials that offer incredible breathability, enough stability, great support and brilliant comfort to the users.
The use of phylon midsole makes it much light weighted and also provides reasonable responsiveness to the users. Nike Zoom Generation runs true to your size and depicts reasonable lockdown. The lockdown is attributed to the lacing system and enhances the support of these shoes.
These shoes have come with zoom technology for delivering you light and durable cushioning. It also acts to provide you explosive responsiveness along with good impact protection.
A player enjoys good grip, adequate stability, support for multi-directional movements, and enhanced speed out of these shoes by the use of a herringbone traction pattern on the rubber outsole.
Adidas KB8 II
These shoes are also known as Adidas Crazy 8. These shoes are introduced with a combination of patent leather and full-grain leather that gives comfort, flexibility, and durability to them.
Crazy 8 are observed to run true to your size but need little time to break-in. These shoes provide reasonable lockdown, because of the minimalist lacing system, to the users to ameliorate the support factor.
They are featured with EVA cushioning that provides good bounces, promotes agility, and also adds impact protection.
These shoes have used flat herringbone traction pattern on their solid rubber outsole for giving ample grip and stability to the users on the court.
Adidas Adizero Rose 2
Adidas Adizero Rose 2 is composed of synthetic leather upper that makes it light-weighted and gives an enhanced performance, comfort, stability, and increased durability.
Adizero Rose 2 delivers a plush fit and comfort. These shoes have good Achilles support and much ankle support. These shoes have used EVA cushioning that provides you apposite cushioning and impact protection.
The rubber outsole of these shoes is very strong and thick as well and is incorporated with a volcanic ash-like Splatter Traction pattern to provide you optimum grip on the surface. These shoes are suitable for both outdoor and indoor courts.
Reebok Question Mid
The upper composition is premium Nubuck that adds more strength, breathability, comfort, and thickness to the shoes.
These shoes are seen to go true to your size and also provide ample support by the lockdown system used in them. The lockdown is the outcome of the thick rope laces used in the shoes. Moreover, your heel is protected all the time by the use firm heel counter in the shoes.
Reebok Question Mid features midsole’s Hexalite cushioning technology that promises impact dissipation, stability, good bounces, and comfort.
These shoes have come with really good traction that makes them highly appropriate for off-and-on court use and this traction is ascribed to the translucent rubber outsole.
Nike Air More Uptempo
These shoes are very stylish and are available in many colors. The perforated synthetic leather upper construction of these shoes is brilliant in providing you appreciable breathability and comfort.
Nike Air More Uptempo is true to your size and provides you one to a one fit. It also gives you great lockdown and ample ankle support.
These shoes have used, in the midsole, three air sole units that offer you effective bounces, plush comfort, and high impact protection.
The rubber outsole of these shoes is very durable and is featured with a segmented herringbone traction pattern that offers excellent grip and also supports your multi-directional movements.
Nike Air Garnett III
The upper is made up of leather, suede, and mesh nylon that, once break-in, provide you optimum breathability, stability, comfort, and support.
These shoes provide you a very secure fit, good lockdown, and protection from ankle rolling. These shoes provide responsive cushioning to the users by using zoom air technology and it also gives protection from impacts and good comfort.
Nike Air Garnett III delivers you very reliable traction by the use of a herringbone traction pattern on its rubber outsole.
Best Basketball Shoes for Older Players
Nike Men’s Lebron XIII
Nike Lebron XIII is a high-top basketball shoe and is a versatile pair of shoes. It comes on the second number in our top selected shoes.
The mesh and fuse upper of LeBron XIII having Flywire cables between them provide breathability, flexibility, and durability and also make this pair of shoe light weighted.
These shoes have shown great ankle support and feature a soft foam-lined collar for maximum foot protection.
The cushioning of these shoes is responsive and comes with the use of hex zoom technology. This technology also gives users loads of protection from different kinds of impacts.
Adidas Harden Vol. 2
Adidas Harden Vol. 2 is occupying the third position in our list for best basketball shoes for older players. It features a mesh base layer in the upper region that equips this shoe with high levels of comfort and breathability.
Harden Vol. 2 also uses neoprene in its construction for commendable lockdown and for boosting the comfort of this shoe.
The mesh material in conjugation with TPU coated fibers ameliorates durability, support, and comfort aspects.
Nike PG 3
These shoes nail the fourth position in our selection and are made up of synthetic upper in its regular version to provide the players with support, breathability, and softness.
The midsole is featured with the function of minimizing the ankle rolling and these shoes run true to your feet’ size, along with that, also offer tight yet comfortable fitting to the players.
These shoes have used, for cushioning, Zoom Air cushioning technology. This setup also minimizes the possibility of feet injuries on impact.
The exceptional traction of Kyrie 5 reflects the moon’s crater traction pattern that permits you to make your moves freely without falling on the ground by giving you a great grip for your game.
Nike Kyrie 5
Nike Kyrie 5 is an excellent article that shows remarkable on-court performance. The inspection of these shoes has told us they are made up of mesh material in the upper region that enhances the comfort and breathability of the shoes.
A proper lockdown provides you more comfort and more support throughout the game, this shoe has utilized Venus Flytrap for this purpose.
Brilliant responsiveness, remarkable bounces, and incredible impact protection accelerate your performance and these shoes are relying on Zoom air turbo cushioning for this purpose. Kyrie 5 has shown a good grip on the court owing to the spiral eye traction pattern.
Nike Air Visi Pro IV
Nike Air Visi Pro IV is comprised of synthetic and leather upper to make sure comfort, lightweight, and breathability out of it.
These shoes have given reasonable protection from all kinds of injuries on impact and also give great bounces for your game by the usage of Nike Air units. The shoes are also designed to provide you effective ankle support and arch support.
You always need a good grip and good stability on the surface to perform any kinds of moves and tricks with full success, this target is achieved by these shoes by featuring a herringbone traction pattern in them.
Best Casual Basketball Shoes
Nike Kobe A.D. NXT 360
Nike Kobe A.D. NXT 360 has a very appealing look that makes it suitable also for casual use.
The upper part of these shoes is manufactured using 360 Flyknit which, when infused with plastic, gives you a plastic-like knit and this plastic-like knit makes these shoes astoundingly durable. This upper composition also makes the shoes breathable.
These shoes have made use of a very stupendous cushioning setup by featuring a Drop-in midsole along with coupled Lunarlon foam and REACT foam.
The parts having Lunarlon foam give plenty of support and impact protection whereas those with REACT foam offer an amazing court feel and impressive responsiveness.
The outstanding lockdown of these shoes is delivered by the knitted material that is capable of wrapping your feet tightly and, along with the basic lacing system, provides notable lockdown to the users.
The traction of these shoes is admirable and is attributed to the rubber outsole and its translucent nubby traction pattern.
Jordan Dub Zero
Jordan Dub Zero has a very attractive design and color so that you could carry them with your casual dresses as well.
These shoes are made up of synthetic material and are very durable. These shoes have a clean and head-turning design, are reasonably priced, and are available in lovely combinations and all such aspects appeal to a lot of users.
These shoes run true to your size because of the hidden lacing system and foam-backed collar, as a result, you enjoy using these shoes and do not feel them irritating.
Jordan dub zero has worked on the cushioning aspect, you enjoy lightweight cushioning from these shoes, which is credited to the encapsulated forefoot air-sole unit.
The herringbone traction pattern used in these shoes is very effective at delivering your awesome grip on the surface and does not let you slip or lose your balance.
Adidas Cloudfoam Iltaion Mid
These shoes are very stylish and available in attractive colors that make them very appropriate for casual use.
These shoes have a leather upper that makes them durable and for ventilation, it shows an air mesh tongue. Moreover, the composition is very comfortable and supportive.
These shoes are very light in weight that allows you to move more speedily around the court. These shoes don’t need break-in time, show good lockdown, and also deliver good ankle support.
Under Armour Cloudfoam Iltaion has featured Cloudfoam cushioning technology that offers you good bounces, disperses impacts, and delivers you optimum comfort.
UA Curry 3 features a herringbone traction pattern that delivers you amplified grip, stability, and support on the surface of the court.
Nike Zoom Witness
It suits well for casual use, is very stylish, and available in attractive colors. These shoes are comprised of a mixture of mesh and fuse material in the upper part that offers lightweight, flexibility, and breathability.
These shoes offer a stylish appearance, tremendous comfort and apposite fit to the users, and are available in numerous colorways, that attract a lot of users and make them highly appropriate for casual use also.
The cushioning of these shoes is fine and depends on the Phylon midsole that possesses two hex zoom air units, of small size, in the forefoot region of the shoes and provides you with plenty of court feel.
The Nike zoom witness offers reasonable traction owing to the use of the rubber outsole and the diamond traction pattern.
This traction setup works effectively and furnishes you with a good grip on the surface and minimizes the chances of unhappy experiences of slipping and falling.
Best Signature Basketball Shoes
Nike Lebron 16
Nike Lebron 16 was released on September 7th, 2018, and is the sixteenth signature shoe of Lebron James.
The battleknit 2.0 upper of Lebron 16 gives the sock-like fit and pretty much support. It also adds flexibility, softness, and strength to the shoes.
The Flywire is observed to deliver incredible lockdown to the players and is present on the tongue of these shoes.
The lockdown system together with the heel counter and internal shank provides you reasonable support and comfort.
Lebron 16 is introduced with full-length max zoom technology that is responsible for impressive cushioning, high impact protection, and great responsiveness.
You can make multi-directional moves with a commendable grip on the floor by the use of a herringbone traction pattern as well as the rubber outsole.
Jordan Why Not Zero.2
Jordan why not zero.2 was released on January 10th, 2019 and is a signature model of Russell Westbrook. It stands on the fourth number in our selected list of best signature basketball shoes.
The mesh and knit upper of Why Not Zero.2 work effectively to make it incredibly breathable, light-weighted, durable, and comfortable.
The three individual mesh panels of these shoes are linked with the lacing system to make you experience exceptional lockdown and making overall shoes highly supportive.
These shoes show zero break-in time and depict true to size fitting. The forefoot regions of Why Not Zero.2 have incorporated zoom air units for cushioning purposes.
These units provide you great bounces and also make these shoes light-weighted with ample protection from impacts.
The circular traction patterns together with rubber outsole are of significant importance in the deliverance of an awesome grip on the court surface.
Under Armour Curry 6
UA Curry 6 was released in the year 2019 on 4th January and is a signature model of Stephen Curry. It is a low-top shoe and comes on the seventh position in our ranking.
The knit comprises the upper with fuse overlays providing additional cover to high wear areas of the shoes.
However, this composition requires little break-in time and gives strength and flexibility. The stability and support aspects come from the flat and wide base of these shoes.
The natural motion is promoted by the flex grooves features in them. The TPU support plate supports players’ motion by acting as a full-length outrigger.
The amazing cushioning and great impact safety are attributed to the full-length Hover Cushioning technology.
The rubber outsole is incorporated with a combination of circular and waffle-like traction pattern that delivers you outstanding grip for your moves on the surface.
Best Retro Basketball Shoes
Air Jordan 12 Retro
This article stands first in our ranks of best retro basketball shoes for shoes and was originally released in 1996 and has a very good appearance.
These shoes are composed of split-grain leather and need some time to break-in. Air Jordan retro 12 fits like a glove, are quite durable, stylish, light-weighted, and is observed to be very comfortable to play with throughout the game.
These shoes are featured with a high-top collar that provides incredible lockdown to the players. This impressive lockdown framework also assures optimum support out of this pair of shoes. They also deliver great arch support.
These shoes have featured a herringbone traction pattern for great grip and full-length zoom air cushioning technology for incredible cushioning.
Nike Air Penny III
Nike Air Penny III was originally released in 1996. It is comprised of leather and Foamposite upper. You enjoy support, softness, protection, freedom, and range of motion as a result of this composition.
These shoes demand zero break-in time, provide true to size and tight-fitting to the players. These shoes are very supportive and flexible too. This pair of shoes also depict a good lockdown.
Air penny III features a heel 180 air max unit and forefoot zoom unit that introduce impressive impact protection and responsive cushioning in the shoes respectively. The traction pattern and rubber outsole make these shoes show a strong grip on the surface.
Nike Air Pippen II
Nike Air Pippen line has released one of the most functional models in the form of the Air Pippen II. It is a stylish retro shoe, originally introduced in 1998, and nails third position in our ranks.
It features a full-grain leather upper with a Foamposite feel. It is very light in weight, shows a dynamic fit, and is observed to be very streamlined.
Nike Air Pippen is introduced with zoom air cushioning technology that is known to give goo cushioning with limited chances of injuries on impact.
These shoes also deliver a good grip to the players, by herringbone traction pattern on the rubber outsole, on the surface of the court for making their moves successful without letting them fall or slip throughout the game.
Adidas Crazy 8
Adidas Crazy 8 is another amazing retro shoe originally released in 1998 and it stands fourth on our list. This pair of shoes is very stylish, has a very appealing shape, and comes in attractive colors.
These shoes have utilized high-quality materials that make them outstandingly durable. The flex points, the peaks of the midsole of crazy 8, introduce flexibility in the shoes.
This pair of shoes run true to size and shows great heel-to-toe transitions. These shoes deliver good stability because of the shoe shape and wide base of the midsole.
Crazy 8 has a brilliant lockdown that enhances the support given by them. For cushioning, EVAÂ midsole is used and for traction, a herringbone traction pattern is utilized.
Adidas Top Ten 2000
These shoes nail the fifth position in our selected list of best retro basketball shoes and it was originally debuted in 2000. Adidas Top Ten 2000Â features mesh and synthetic nubuck upper with the bottom part of the upper featuring synthetic overlays.
These shoes provide a good fit, run true to users’ size and you also enjoy solid lockdown out of these shoes from heel to forefoot areas.
An injected EVA midsole is featured for the cushioning purpose but cushioning is observed not to be so adequate. These shoes have shown versatile traction patterns in the form of a herringbone traction pattern on the rubber outsole that equips you with a good grip on both indoor and outdoor courts.
The lockdown, collar padding, internal heel counter, and tongue make these shoes largely supportive that largely boost your performance.
Reebok Kamikaze II
This retro article was originally released in 1995. It is a mid-top shoe and is composed of good aspects. The upper region of shoes is comprised of leather and Nubuk and these materials perform reasonably well requiring little or no break-in time.
These shoes are also very durable¸ soft and comfortable in response to the upper composition. These shoes fit true to your size and give tight fitting. The lockdown of these shoes is good that also provides support to the players.
These shoes show good cushioning and quite a bit of impact protection with Hexalite as their primary source of cushioning. Reebok Kamikaze II also delivers adequate traction.
Nike Air Way Up
Nike air-up was retro for the first time in the year 2013 and this shoe was originally released in 1995. It stands seventh in our rankings for best retro basketball shoes.
The upper is made of Nubuk and synthetic material and also features, on its surface, iconic wings design. It features a polyurethane midsole.
These shoes have used a visible Air sole unit in the heel region and Nike air cushioning in the forefoot for purpose of great cushioning.
These shoes are well reputed for delivering a good grip during the game because of the wavy traction pattern featured on the rubber outsole.
How to Choose Good Basketball Shoes
The best basketball shoe can be considered as one that bears the capability to boost your game style and take you many steps closer to your success.
Different basketballs have different features and technologies. The one with better feathers is superior to the other.
Nowadays every new basketball is appearing in the market in the most advanced form to meet the dynamic needs of different types of players.
A reasonable basketball shoe must have certain features in it. These features include remarkable cushioning, breathability, traction, flexibility and support, and protection.
You cannot buy any basketball blindly, so, whenever you wish to purchase basketball shoes, do consider these features. These features are discussed below.
Breathability
Nothing is worse than playing with hot, stinky, and sweaty feet which can be the root cause of your failure causing you to slip and making you uncomfortable.
This happens when the shoes, you are wearing, offer you the least or no breathability. It is, therefore, very important to have breathable shoes.
Breathability is a property in a shoe that offers appropriate airflow into your shoes which not only regulates the temperature inside your shoes but also keeps your feet dry and cool.
Good breathability adds to the comfort level of the players and increases in him the confidence to play his tricks and sharp moves more efficiently and effectively, which in turn takes him very close to his success.
Most basketball shoes have breathable upper for breathability and add to the overall comfort of the player. Breathability reduces the odor of the player’s feet because air constantly flows through shoes.
Most manufacturers use synthetic material or mesh for breathability which is, indeed, healthy choices having the upside of dampness-wicking properties.
The breathable boards are located in the shoe area which is most exposed to heat like the toe box, the highest point of the foot and the sides of shoes.
Therefore, must check breathability while considering any basketball shoe as a breathable shoe that takes you very close to your success.
Cushioning:
Basketball is all about quick and sharp cuts, moves, and good jump. So, good cushioning becomes highly important for a basketball player to stay in the competition.
Good cushioning absorbs shocks on impact and minimizes the deliverance of unnecessary pressure to the user’s feet which keep the feet of the player safe from injuries.
A good cushioning increases the comfort and confidence of the player. It also aids in keeping the feet of the player well-grounded and let him perform to the level he wants to.
Different basketball companies use different types of cushioning technology to satisfy the demands of the players e.g.; some use Nike zoom air cushioning, some use Adidas boost cushioning and some use under Armor charged cushioning.
Nike zoom air cushioning is used by the Nike brand. It utilizes cushioning that unites pressurized air with an inner filament that makes this cushioning super responsive spring back cushioning.
Adidas boost cushioning has combined responsiveness and delicate soft cushioning to give you a superb boosting system. The more energy you give, the more you get cushioning from Adidas boot cushioning technology.
Under Armour charged cushioning is a two-piece framework that is capable of coupling on a thick and firmer layer of foam a delicate and extravagant layer of foam for good quality of cushioning.
In short, cushioning is the most important feature that must be considered while purchasing basketball shoes for yourself. Good cushioning ensures good games and amazing results!
Traction:
What would be your feelings if you slip or fall on the ground while playing the game? Of course, you would be ashamed! That would happen due to the poor traction of basketball shoes.
The basketball game is full of sharp cuts, slicing, halting, and quick movements, and the chances of slipping of players are very obvious. It is very crucial for a player to make every move fearlessly by have an essential grip on the ground.
The amount of traction offered to you by your shoes highly depends on the design and composition of the sole. The rubber sole is very famous for providing appreciable amounts of grip to users.
If you go to the market to buy a basketball shoe, you must consider its traction quality. Good traction is a feature that brings you close to your success.
Basketball makers are using different traction patterns to further add to the grip it offers to its players. The most effective traction pattern used nowadays is the herringbone traction pattern.
Herringbone design is an exceptional traction design providing you an amazing grip. In this design, the rubber has crisps-cross lines that provide the utmost grip towards each path and has a vacant space in the middle which assures that the dust particles do not stick to the sole surface.
Good traction provides you confidence in your moves by eliminating the fear of slipping and let you implement your tricks more easily.
Material:
The material of shoes also matters in your performance. A high-quality material appears to have a more positive influence on your game compared to a low-quality material.
Nowadays, a variety of upper materials are used in basketball shoes. These materials range from unbuckling leather to synthetic meshwork and high techs textile materials like Nike flyknit or Adidas primeknit.
Mesh and other synthetic uppers are less expensive materials and they require a brief period to break in.
The high-tech materials are somewhat more costly and delicate. They do not require time to break in and are agreeable from the earliest starting point.
Despite these differences, most of the present-day materials provide an extremely decent activity to the user and do not differ eminently with regards to performance.
Support and protection:
Would you ever want to have your feet victim to different types of injuries because of less support and protection? Obviously no!
It is, therefore, very important to choose your basketball very wisely to deliver your feet’ crucial support and protection. A basket is a package of jumping, energized movements, and cut, so it becomes very necessary to consider the features while considering any basketball shoes.
Outrigger is a typical support feature used almost in every cutting-edge basketball shoe. The base of the shoe is made more extensive by the expansion of the external bottom by placing an outrigger on the sidelong side of the shoe which provides a steady stage to protect your feet from rolling.
The greatest support feature used in basketball shoes is the fit and lockdown of a shoe so you can play your game at the next level.
Flexibility:
If the flexibility of basketball shoes is taken into account, one must keep in mind that flexibility is an element, not any feature present in shoes.
Although it is an abstract element yet it makes everyone recognized its importance. It is a specific base of most movements that you make with your feet. If this feature is lacking, then you have to face strong strain and stress particularly in the curve region of the feet.
This feature is provided by most basketball shoes. You should see for one that offers flexibility in the bottom region of shoes making your feet move normally while running or bouncing.
Never compromise the quality of these features whenever you are out for purchasing basketball shoes.
Conclusion
This article has presented the top 10 basketball shoes of 2019. All the shoes listed above are very outstanding and it is hard to choose one and leave the others. Still, there exist some differences among which let us rank them.
The best basketball shoe is Adidas Performance Men’s Crazy basketball shoes. They are highly responsive and high-energy basketball shoes. These have superb traction and provide you a strong grip on all surfaces.
It has Primeknit Xenon upper that makes these shoes not only remarkably breathable but also makes them very light weighted contributing to making these shoes very comfortable for users.
These shoes offer superb traction due to tinted TPU rubber over boosted middle and wrap around midsole that enhances traction.
This shoe is a complete package offering you maximum breathability, outstanding cushioning, remarkable traction, and high levels of comfort, flexibility, and stability. You would never be disappointed by considering our top 10 picks.