The 20 Best Basketball Shoes

Looking for your first pair of basketball shoes? Looking for a replacement pair for you currently well-worn pair? Look no further! The following post will highlight the best basketball shoes!

For example, many people prefer a show with a high ankle, which gives plenty of support. On the other hand, some people prefer a less restrictive shoe, which allows for more freedom of movement.

Today, we’re going to be looking at the best basketball shoes available online. We’ve searched far and wide for the most comfortable, durable basketball shoes available online, and put them all in one place for your convenience.

We’ve looked at options from all the best basketball shoe brands, so whether you’re a fan of Jordans, a hardcore Nike lover or an Adidas devotee, we’ve got something here you’ll love. We’ve also considered a wide price range, so you’ll find affordable options as well as top-of-the-line, professional-grade shoes.

Top-20 Basketball Shoes

1. Nike Jordan Men’s Air 1 Retro

The Jordan Air 1 Retro High Flyknit has a very high ankle, which will come all the way over the top of your ankle bone. This is a great feature if you have a history of ankle sprains since it provides more support than even a medium-high ankle. On the other hand, it severely restricts mobility, so many people will prefer something a little lower.

These shoes have a breathable knit upper that allows your sweat to evaporate even while you’re playing. Not only will this help keep your feet cool, but it also cuts down on any odors that sweat can create. The toe is reinforced with a leather strap, to provide some protection if you kick something by mistake.

The Jordan Air 1 Retro comes in bright red and blue varieties, which are flashier than a lot of traditional gym shoes. They also provide good traction, with a rugged rubber sole that will stop on a dime when you need it to.

Pros

• Breathable knit upper
• Extreme ankle support
• Leather-reinforced toe
• Good traction
• Bright, flashy colors

Cons

• Limited ankle mobility

2. Adidas Mens Pro Model

The Men’s Pro Model is a replica of the Adidas shoes NBA players wore during the 1970s. As a result, it’s very well constructed, with a leather upper that shines like a drill sergeant’s boots. This slick finish isn’t just easy to look at, it’s easy to clean since you can just wipe it down with a cloth.

The toes on these shoes provide exceptional protection against stubbing or slamming your toes into anything. They’re coated in a thick, semi-rigid rubber shell that’s designed for professional-duty use.

Because they’re a 70s throwback, the soles on these shoes are on the thin side. They just didn’t have the same technology then that we have today, and the relative lack of cushion can get irritating over the course of a long game.

On the plus side, those old-school soles provide plenty of traction. If you need to suddenly reverse direction, you can do so easily, without worrying that your foot is going to slip. Combine that with a supportive medium-tall ankle, and you’ve got yourself a shoe that’s good enough for the pros.

Pros

• The same the pros wore in the 1970s
• Lots of grip in the sole
• Rubber shell toe
• Slick leather upper

Cons

• Limited shock absorption

3. Under Armour Men’s ClutchFit Drive 3

The Under Armour Men’s UA ClutchFit Drive 3 has a unique design that allows for a high ankle without the awkwardness of putting on an ordinary high-ankle shoe. Rather than wrapping all the way around, this ankle swoops down in the back, creating a larger opening for you to put your foot through.

These shoes come with a unique, anti-microbial liner that helps combat the “gym shoe” smell you’ll get from a sweaty pair of sneakers. The uppers are constructed from a breathable synthetic, that’s both comfortable and thick enough to provide support.

We wish the ClutchFit Drive 3 were available in more sizes. As of now, it’s only available in a few, but we’re hoping Under Armour widens their selection soon.

That said, the soles are nice and grippy, so you’ll have an easier time keeping up with the other team on defense – and outmaneuvering them on offense. If it’s available in your size, this shoe is a great choice.

Pros

• Breathable synthetic uppers
• Quality rubber soles
• Anti-microbial liner
• Easy to put on and take off

Cons

• Limited size availability

4. Adidas Men’s Harden Vol 2

The Harden Vol. 2 has a breathable mesh upper, with large holes that allow plenty of air to flow through your shoe. This is an important feature for any baller, since it will help keep your feet dry during the game – and keep your shoe dry when you’re done.

The toe is stitched from a flexible knit fabric, which makes it comfortable to stop, pivot, and flex your toes during a jump shot. The material here is surprisingly tough. Not only that, it’s reinforced with rubber ribs that flex right along with the fabric.

The only issue you may run into here is the arch. It’s essentially flat and doesn’t provide much support. If you desperately need arch support, you’re going to need a pair of aftermarket insoles if you want to stay comfortable and avoid any post-game pain.

Adidas did a great job designing these shoes. They look beautiful, and they’re available in 13 different color combinations. Whether you want bright red or blue, a sharp-looking coral with an aquatic pattern, or a classic black and white, the Harden Vol. 2 has got you covered.

Pros

• Breathable mesh upper
• Flexible knit toe
• True to fit
• Available in 13 color combinations

Cons

• Poor arch support

5. Jordan Nike Men’s TE 2

The Jordan TE 2 Low is designed to be as comfortable as possible for people who need maximum mobility. The low ankle allows for plenty of flex, which many will appreciate. It also makes the shoe easy to get into, since you won’t have to squeeze your whole foot through a long ankle hole. Be warned, though: the downside of a low ankle is limited support, which increases your risk of a twist or sprain.

These shoes are also exceptionally durable. They’re thickly padded on all sides, with a rugged, thickly-padded suede upper that can take any kind of abuse you want to dish off. And because the shell is suede, it’s easier to clean than a comparable cloth shoe.

The soles are made of hard rubber, with just enough tack to provide a good grip on a wooden floor. And because the rubber is hard, it won’t wear as quickly, which makes these shoes an equally good choice for playing on pavement.

When you’re buying these shoes, it’s a good idea to order a size larger than you normally would. The sizing runs on the small side. Of course, if your existing shoes are Jordans, order the same size you already have and you’ll be alright.

Pros

• Very comfortable
• Very durable
• Excellent traction
• Allows plenty of mobility
• Easy to put on and take off

Cons

• Sizing runs small

6. Nike Men’s Air Penny IV Wolf

The Air-Penny IV is designed as a tribute to former Orlando Magic and New York Knicks point guard Penny Hardaway. It features several copper-colored Penny one-cent monograms to pay tribute to the NBA legend. It’s available in 11 color combinations, so you can find one that fits your personal style.

But we wouldn’t recommend a pair of basketball shoes based on looks alone. These shoes are workhorses, with high ankles that provide plenty of support. Better yet, the ankles are surrounded by a velcro ankle strap that not only provides extra support but holds your laces in place so they don’t come untied during a game.

The arch support leaves a lot to be desired. These shoes will be comfortable if you’re relatively flat-footed, but anyone with tall arches is going to need to buy an insole.

On the other hand, the Air Penny IV’s heels are a work of art. They’re thick, and they’ve got plenty of cushion. You can block, dunk, and come down hard on these heels all day without feeling like someone’s whacking you in the heel with a hammer.

Pros

• Plenty of ankle support
• Velcro ankle strap to secure your laces
• Padded, shock-absorbing heel
• Penny one-cent emblem pays tribute to NBA legend Penny Hardaway
• Available in 11 color combinations

Cons

• Limited arch support

7. NIKE KD 8 Elite

If you are looking for stylish and highly functional basketball shoes, then you should invest in the KD 8 Elite Shoes. It comes in a unique calf-length sock design for extra comfort and to provide the support needed as you sprint. The model also heightens your senses on the court and contribute to the support you get wearing the shoes.

The material has a premium quality construction to last you a long time while providing the comfort you need. It comprises of thin layers of high-quality synthetic material that is fused together to help contain the feet while in motion. The injected heel counter works with the lace for proper lockdown. More to this, the compression sock that is attached to the upper enhances the general support of the shoe.

The design aims to provide you with lasting comfort and support as you play. It features Phylon for lightweight cushioning. This feature contributes to the support and helps to protect the heels and the entire feet while playing. The foam on the inside wraps around the heel to provide support and stability even when at high speeds.

Since the sole of the shoe is one of the essential features, it does not disappoint. It features a high-quality rubber sole to provide proper traction and improve stability. Also, the rubber lasts a long time and hold up despite pressure from regular use. KD 8 Elite Shoes are easy to care for and do not require extensive maintenance to keep in the best condition.

Pros

• Works well with people that have flat feet
• Easy to maintain
• Great traction
• Attractive styles
• Great ankle support

Cons

• Sizing is a little small; aim for a size up

8. NIKE Men’s Kyrie 4

When out and about, it is expected you would sweat and have to bear the heat in your shoes, especially when training. The right pair for such cases would have to feature a ventilating feature to keep you fresh as you play.

The Kyrie 4’s boasts of a quality ventilating element for comfortable play. It has a mesh that maintains airflow in and out of the shoe to wick away moisture and heat. This makes it a suitable choice for all-day basketball games.

The quality of the shoe is outstanding; thanks to the type of material used. It comes in a leather and synthetic material blend that makes it pretty easy to maintain in the right condition. Sole is made of suede and provides the right base for the stability as you run. The flex groove outsole has a curved cutout along the bottom which helps to increase flexibility and traction.

With this pair, you can rest assured of comfort at its best. One of the features the shoes come with is the Zoom Air cushioning that is designed in the heel. This provides the softness you need all day and eases off unnecessary pressure from the activity. The sides of the sole have inward curves to enhance smooth transitions and seamless speed changes.

Kyrie 4’s feature a mesh through the forefoot which keeps air flowing to ensure the feet stay cool during the game. With this design, you will not have to struggle to keep up with sweaty and hot feet. The ultra-light super-strong fly-wire cables offer the support for sharp cuts and enhance the comfort.

Pros

• Comfortable for long hours of wear
• Easy to clean
• Soft cushioning inside
• Great grip when running
• Remains cool

Cons

• Sizes run a little smaller; choose the next size up

9. NIKE Men’s Lebron XIII

The Lebron XIII is another popular basketball shoe. They come in 31 different colors and a range of sizes too. Incorporating the new Zoom L.E.A.P system this model is designed to enhance your game.

Its sleek upper design and dynamic Flywire cables are lean and light, yet durable and strong..

A mesh shoe with a rubber sole provides a great amount of breathability as well as traction.

The shaft measures roughly 4″ from the arch and Flywire cables extend midfoot wrapping around the heel for added stability.

As for comfort, there are four zoom-air units on the forefoot of the Lebron XIII making them really comfortable. In addition there are two zoom-air units under the heel – 13mm thick which adds to the responsiveness.

Pros

• Stylish design for on and off the basketball court
• Great breathability
• Comfortable

Cons

• Quite a narrow fit

10. NIKE Men’s Air Versitile II NBK

One of the factors to consider when choosing a suitable basketball shoe is the comfort. This pair from Nike is designed to provide you with the right fit and comfortable experience as you play. It is a textile and synthetic blend which makes it convenient to wear all day. Each of the materials used to make these kicks are of high quality to ensure it lasts long with minimal maintenance.

The quality of the sole determines the stability and pressure relief of the shoe. The pair comes with a rubber sole which is known for its durability and strength. It has a modified herringbone pattern which gives the show proper traction in any motion. This design also contributes to the quality of the shoe for durability.

The inside of the shoe is designed to ensure you feel comfortable all day. It has the right density of padding to ease off the pressure from your feet with the intense activity. It has a full fit to ensure room for a proper fit as you play. The best part is that the lace-up design makes it easy to get comfortable by tying where it feels most comfortable. Also, this design makes it pretty easy to wear and remove.

It comes in a beautiful black and metallic grey color blend. This color choice makes it preferable for people that love simple styles. Also, it has a neutral tone that works well with any outfit color. The design is simple yet functional making it one of the best basketball shoes. The overall quality of the Air-Versitile is outstanding and does not need extensive maintenance to retain the quality.

Pros

• Comfortable
• Easy to maintain
• Simple to tie up and remove
• Fits as expected
• Beautiful color combination
• Durable outsole

Cons

• Narrow fitting; needs a size up for proper fitting

11. Adidas Men’s Pro Bounce

The Pro Bounce is designed to provide the maximum amount of cushion both under your heels and through the arch and balls of your feet. If you have a tall arch, it’s a great choice for both fit and comfort.

These shoes have relatively low ankles, which makes them a solid choice if mobility is what you crave. On the other hand, there’s not much ankle support, so you’ll need to weigh your options carefully.

One thing we really like about these shoes is the size availability. You can get it in everything from a 4 to a 20. No, that was not a typo. These shoes are actually available in clown sizes.

The breathable mesh upper allows for exceptional airflow, keeping your feet cool even if you’re playing on blacktop on a hot day. The sole is also tough enough to stand up to the pavement, which makes this shoe a solid choice for outdoor courts.

Pros

• Very large and very small sizes available
• A great choice for outdoor courts
• Forgiving heels
• Good arch support
• Breathable mesh upper
• Plenty of flexibility

Cons

• Limited ankle support

12. Adidas Performance

The Performance has been designed with a full-length energy-returning boost which is for added lift to your jump.

Available in 14 different colors and a huge range of sizes. The shoes are made from textile and synthetic material with a rubber sole.

The upper is made from Xeno and these are exceptionally comfortable basketball shoes.

With an updated lacing system these shoes now have reduced pressure on the laces as well as a tinted TPU wrap over to boost the midsole.

The Performance are a consistent favorite amongst many basketball players.

Pros

• Huge variety of colors
• Stylish
• Comfortable
• Good traction

Cons

• Narrow fitting

13. Adidas NEO

The right basketball shoe should leave you cool and dry all through your play session. This factor is determined by the design and additional ventilating features. The Neo features an air mesh tongue, collar and rear quarter for durability, comfort, and support. The Cloudfoam sock-liner and midsole feature lightweight cushioning to protect the heel from excessive pressure as you run.

The quality of this shoe is outstanding. It features a leather and synthetic fabric blend that is pretty easy to clean and maintain in the right condition. The material is tightly fixed on to the sole to ensure long-lasting benefits with minimal maintenance. The sole is made of rubber material for durability and to withstand regular wear.

The shaft measures approximately mid-top from the arch. This is a suitable design for most people to provide comfort. The bottom of the shoe offers excellent traction to keep you stable as you pace up and down. The best part is that it works well for most condition including wet weather and rugged courts.

The design of this one also suits casual wear. It comes in plain black and white to suit people that love the simple design. Some other models feature a black and white combination to bring about the style. The three stripes logo spice up the look.

There are perforations on the side of the shoe to provide ventilation and wick away moisture and heat away from your feet. The Neo are a stylish pair and guarantee quality and durability.

Pros

• Comfortable to wear all-day
• Easy to clean
• Stylish
• Durable rubber sole
• Great traction
• Quality cushioning

Cons

• Sizes are larger than usual; needs a size or size and a half down
• The insole is a little harder than usual ones

14. NIKE Zoom KD

The Zoom KD’s are probably the best in flexibility and balance. When pacing up and down, there is a need to maintain a specific balance while being ensuring you are flexible enough for your game. This shoe delivers that and keeps you in the right move even as you change speeds.

The shoes have Fly-knit which contains high stretch and low stretch zones to balance the support and flexibility for a seamless experience wearing them.

The upper is made of a blend of synthetic and mesh material for durability. This combination makes it easy to maintain. Out of this material selection, the shoe is lightweight and remains comfortable to wear all day. The sole has a rubber material which is known for its superior quality and durability. It has the right traction to ensure you are comfortable and have the proper grip in all conditions.

As much as quality shoes feature comfort and stability, it is essential to choose a style that matches your personality and taste. This shoe comes in a variety of colors to help you select the best that you like. Each of these has a color blend that adds the extra style feature that most shoes don’t have. If you love plain and neutral colors, then you can choose from black, grey or white.

The shoe comes with a well-made lacing design which is easy to tie up or down when needed and this along with the sock-like construction makes it easy to put it on and off in seconds. The Zoom KD’s don’t require much attention to clean and retain the quality and hence suitable for daily use.

Pros

• Excellent grip for all-day use
• Comfortable
• Easy to maintain
• Simple lace-up design
• Durable rubber sole
• Flexible and stable on different grounds

Cons

• Might run a size or half a size smaller.

15. Under Armour Men’s Curry 3

The Curry 3’s are currently my personal favorites. Comfortable to play in these shoes look great off the basketball court as well.

Made from textile with a rubber sole these were designed with Steph Curry in mind.

The upper layer is synthetic and works to stabilize the foot and the anti-friction top cloth keeps the heat down allowing for breathability.

There are 27 colors to choose from and a huge variety of sizing options when choosing your Curry 3’s.

Pros

• Ankle and heel support
• Great breathability
• Comfortable

Cons

• A little narrow

16. Adidas Crazylight Boost

If you are looking for a stylish and functional basketball shoe, the Crazylight is your right bet. It comes in sleek black color with gold accents to spice up the look while ensuring you get the most out of it. It has a low design to keep you close to the ground and an almost flat sole to take away the pressure the feet might have to bear. It is made of quality material to last a long time in the right condition.

This pair has a combination of synthetic material for the upper and a rubber one for the sole. The top is designed for easy maintenance so you can always have your shoes ready for the game.

Also, it is lightweight which makes it easy to bear the weight and run without feeling the extra pressure on your feet. With the lace-up design, you have an easy time wearing and removing your shoes. Also, it gives room for adjustment to fit the top of the shoe.

The full-length boost of the shoe gives the right cushioning to keep you comfortable and low to the ground. It has excellent traction to keep you in the balance as you run around without exerting pressure around your ankles. The heel of the Crazylight shoe provides excellent support to protect against sore heels. The sole protection feature is adequate to keep you comfortable during the game.

Pros

• Comfortable for all-day
• The inside has adequate cushioning
• Great traction
• Easy to maintain
• Amazing grip for all conditions
• Lightweight
• Great value

Cons

• The size is longer than usual; a size down would do

17. Adidas Dame 3

Some of the factors to consider when checking for an ideal basketball shoe are the quality of materials and comfort. These factors are determined by the shoe design, sizing, and general outlook. The Lillard’s is designed for active people with the exceptional quality and comfort it guarantees. Every section of the shoe has a comfort feature to ensure all-around support while pacing up and down.

The shoe has a fabric upper and a rubber sole. The upper is designed to last long while ensuring you remain cool and comfortable all through. On this note, it is lightweight to ensure you have an easy time running and switching speeds as you play. Additionally, these shoes have a padded collar for extra comfort making it useful for an active day.

The sole of this shoe is made of rubber and boasts of superior quality and durability. It is strong enough to bear the weight and hold up despite regular use. The four zones of flex improve the stability and enhance motion during play. The Pure motion + takes the form of natural movement just like bare feet to give you the right traction, flex, and speed.

When it comes to the style of this shoe, you will love any pair that you prefer. It comes in a wide variety of colors and style combinations to suit individual styles. The footwear is suitable for most people with a variety of sizes it comes with. If you like neutral tones, you can always go for the white, black, or grey combinations.

Pros

• Comfortable to wear all-day
• Has great traction
• Well-padded on the inside
• High-quality construction
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor games

18. Jordan Nike Mens Air 2 Retro II Alternate

The Jordan Men’s 2 Retro is a replica of the original, classic Air Jordan sneaker that oldsters still remember. If you want a truly classic basketball shoe, give these a look.

Not only will you get all the OG respect that comes with a classic Air Jordan, but you’ll have the same quality Italian leather uppers as the original. Not only is this material easy to clean, it looks sharper than a day-old razor. The downside here is availability. Not only do these shoes only come in a handful of sizes, but they’re also only available in one color.

That said, the Men’s Air 2 Retro has a fat tongue and thick ankle, for plenty of comfort and support. You’ll never feel the laces cut into your ankle when you lean forward. The soles also have the same durability and traction you’d expect from a brand like Jordan. Play indoors. Play outdoors. Either way, these shoes are up to the task.

Pros

• Classic Air-Jordan look
• Rugged leather uppers
• Fat, comfortable tongue
• Hard rubber soles

Cons

• Limited size availability
• Only comes in one color

19. Nike Hyperdunk

The Hyperdunk 2014 is available in a huge variety of colors and sizes. The shoe itself is made from leather with a rubber sole making this a durable and grippy basketball shoe. 

The rubber outsole is flexible and I found the grip to be really good. In terms of the cup-sole it is fully stitched with adds to the durability of the shoe.

The shaft measures roughly 3″ from arch. I found the breathability to be really good, and it is also very lightweight.

In terms of comfort inside is the Lunarlon cushioning which also protects against heavy impact.

The Hyperdunk 2014 is a bit wider than the normal which is great news for the wider footed basketballers out there!

Pros

• Wider fit
• Breathable
• Lightweight
• Comfortable
• Large variety of colors available
• Stylish

Cons

• Sole isn’t cross tractioned

20. Adidas Performance Men’s D Rose 7

The D Rose 7’s have been designed for maximum breathability without compromising the strength.

With a molded collar and brace these shoes are supportive where it is needed. The outsole has an enhanced traction pattern of tread and these are very grippy basketball shoes.

Lightweight and made from synthetic material the D Rose 7’s are a really popular shoe.

The shaft measures roughly 5″ from the arch and are incredibly comfortable to wear and play basketball in.

Pros

• Strong ankle support
• Comfortable and breathable
• Very stylish design

Cons

• Only 7 colors to choose from

Considerations when Choosing Basketball Shoes

Soles

Soles and traction are obviously a huge consideration when selecting the right pair of basketball shoes!

Good soles will provide excellent traction which is great for short sharp bursts of movement.

A good sole can also work to protect the ankle from injury too. Multi traction designs provide the best traction in my opinion!

Durability

Basketball shoes can be quite expensive so durability is important unless you are a paid or sponsored athlete who gets shoes for free.

Or if you do have a big budget then many NBA players use multiple shoes, some swapping at half time and others going through a few pairs each season.

Comfort

One of the most important considerations! There is nothing worse for your game than playing with uncomfortable shoes.

You definitely don’t want to end up with blisters and sore feet at the end of the game so comfort is a pretty big deal! Well-cushioned shoes were a top priority when putting together these reviews.

Breathability

Considering how hot you get during a basketball game, breathability is also important.

Airing your feet not only makes it more comfortable to play, prevents foot problems but also stops your feet from sweating.

Sweaty feet can be quite slippery-something you don’t want during a game!

Ankle Protection

In intense basketball games ankles become very susceptible to injuries! Well made basketball shoes are designed to offer ankle support.

This is by the form of a high collar and cushioning as well.

Bottom Line

Wow! That’s enough shoes to fill an entire athletic shoe department!

One of the most important things to look for in a basketball shoe is traction. If you’ve ever tried to play on a wood court in a pair of cheap sneakers, you know how much they can slip. If you’re playing indoors, look for shoes that will allow you to pivot and change directions on a dime.

Another important feature is durability. This is especially true if you’re playing on an outdoor court since blacktop is a lot tougher on your soles than wood is.

Finally, look for shoes that are breathable. Over the course of a basketball game, you’re going to work up a sweat. And if all that sweat pools up around your feet, your shoes are going to reek. Breathable shoes allow your sweat to evaporate even while you’re in the middle of a game, reducing buildup. Your nose – and your family’s noses – will thank you.

When it comes to choosing the best basketball shoes Fitness Equipment Reviews has you covered! Taking into account soles, durability, comfort, breathability and ankle protection we share the best basketball shoes. The shoes that had made this comprehensive list are all highly rated, top quality products.