🏆 In a hurry? Here’s our #1 pick:
What are the best basketball shoes?
If you’re looking for a great, basketball shoes, our top rated pick is the Adidas Performance Men’s Crazy Explosive Basketball Shoes.
When you have the best basketball shoes on your feet, you improve your game and reduce the risk of injury.
Picture yourself playing basketball and having a good time, when all of a sudden, your feet are in intense pain because you aren’t wearing proper basketball shoes.
What can you do besides sit out on the sidelines and watch everyone else play? If only you had a good pair of shoes specifically designed to support your feet while running the court and shooting hoops.
If you’re serious about playing basketball, then buying the best shoes out there is important.
Basketball shoes provide traction on the court and give your ankles much-needed shock absorption.
Listed below are the ten best basketball shoes that range from the best in comfort to the best in ankle support.
Of course, there are cons to each shoe, but they’re outweighed by the pros. Don’t look at the name brand, look at the features and design of the shoe to evaluate the quality.
To help you decide on the perfect basketball shoe for your needs, we’ve put together this list of the best options for you to strap on before your next game.
Give one of these top rated basketball shoes from this list a shot and discover how proper sports footwear can elevate your game on the court.
Are basketball shoes worth it?
Of all the sports out there, basketball is the only one for which the shoes they wear to play the game can also be worn on the street with no alterations. Basketball shoes are extremely popular for streetwear.Â
They tend to be heavier than running shoes or cross-trainers, but thanks to some of the new materials being developed, they are much lighter than they were 30 years ago.Â
To protect the feet away from injury, basketball shoes are very comfortable and durable because they are made for an intense sport which requires support, stability, comfort, durability, and good shock absorption.
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The 10 Best Basketball Shoes
- 1. Adidas Performance Men’s Crazy Explosive Basketball Shoes
- 2. Nike Air Jordan Men’s 4 Retro Basketball Shoes
- 3. Nike Men’s Hyperdunk 2016 Basketball Shoes
- 4. Under Armour ClutchFit Drive 2 Basketball Shoes
- 5. Under Armour Men’s Curry 3 Basketball Shoes
- 6. Adidas NEO Men’s Vs Hoops Mid Basketball Shoes
- 7. Nike Men’s Air Force 1 Mid ’07 Basketball Shoes
- 8. Under Armour Men’s Micro G Assert 6 Running Shoes
- 9. Nike Men’s Air Jordan 1 Retro High Basketball Shoes
- 10. Adidas Performance Men’s Cloudfoam Ilation Mid Basketball Shoes
Adidas Performance Men’s Crazy Explosive Basketball Shoes |
These sneakers come in 13 colors. The upper part of the sho…
These sneakers come in 13 colors. The upper part of the shoe is Xeno, which is a snakeskin pattern that explodes with the rainbow spectrum just by the flash of a camera. It appears as an optical illusion in the picture.
These are made from textile and synthetic material, which makes it lightweight with it weighing 15 ounces.
The midsole has a thermoplastic polyurethane wrap to keep it from wearing out.
These shoes aren’t just flashy, they’re a great source of ankle support on the court if you are already feeling the effects of high impact training.
Try these shoes if you want to make sure that the impact to your joints is completely minimized while you’re on the court.
Pros:
• Great support for the ankles, heels, and knees.
• Get more consistent dunks due to the boost cushioning.
• Quick and easy lacing.
• Can play basketball for hours without your feet hurting.
Cons:
• The traction could be better.
• Shoes tend to run smaller.
Nike Air Jordan Men’s 4 Retro Basketball Shoes |
The Nike Air Jordan’s have a unique strap on each side for ankle support. Strap these babies on, and your ankles will be in heaven.
These retro designed basketball shoes come in …
The Nike Air Jordan’s have a unique strap on each side for ankle support. Strap these babies on, and your ankles will be in heaven.
These retro designed basketball shoes come in 13 colors.
These Air Jordans are made from suede material. This provides a lightweight feel and they’re easy to clean.
The Air Sole heel provides cushion to your feet. Like the other retro Air Jordan’s on this list, they weigh four pounds so are not great if you prefer a featherweight shoe while you play.
Pros:
• Real customer reviews having people raving about how comfortable these are.
• They fit your feet perfectly.
Cons:
• Suede is tight, so you need to loosen the laces each time you put them on.
Nike Men’s Hyperdunk 2016 Basketball Shoes |
According to real reviewers on Amazon, these may be the best Nike basketball shoes for ankle support, and you can tell just by looking at their construction.
The high-top collar provide…
According to real reviewers on Amazon, these may be the best Nike basketball shoes for ankle support, and you can tell just by looking at their construction.
The high-top collar provides support without discomfort. Some shoes with high collars have materials that irritate your ankle, but these ones are made from synthetic material and mesh.
This shoe comes in a whopping 27 different colors. Each of them comes with the Nike symbol on the outsole.
There is some serious design in these shoes. The Zoom Air pockets in the forefoot and heel provide fast response on these impact zones of the shoe. It makes switching from one foot to the other without pausing much easier.
The herringbone pattern on the sole allows for multi-directional movement, and the shoe also has fly wire cables integrated with the laces so they fit around your foot perfectly.
With all this and a midsole that provides soft cushioning, you can’t go wrong with the Hyperdunk basketball shoes.
Pros:
• Offer good foot and ankle support.
• Shoe fits perfectly for most people.
• If you have ankle pain or issues, the collar will support them while its healing.
• The shoes allow you to move fast.
Cons:
• With the fly wire cables, it’s tough to get in and out of the shoe.
• Weighing two pounds, the show is heavy on the feet.
• It has a stiff heel, so it makes breaking the shoe in difficult.
Under Armour ClutchFit Drive 2 Basketball Shoes |
The Micro G® sock liner keeps your foot locked in place and provides cushion.
The updated UA ClutchFit™ technology is like a second skin to your foot, which provid…
The Micro G® sock liner keeps your foot locked in place and provides cushion.
The updated UA ClutchFit™ technology is like a second skin to your foot, which provides lightweight, powerful support with a comfortable feel.
This is one of the few shoes out there that has a synthetic sole rather than a rubber sole. Although it’s made from synthetic material, the sole still provides excellent traction.
These come in 45 colors. Some of the colors are vibrant and will sure to make you stand out on the court.
The 3D molded tongue forms around the foot and ankle for a custom fit, and the midsole is cushioned to absorb impact.
The outsole has a multi-directional herringbone pattern to give control, and these shoes weigh 3 pounds.
Customers who had previously used Nike and Adidas basketball shoes exclusively said they actually liked the Under Armour shoes just as much if not more.
Pros:
• Shoes are tight for speed and agility.
• Lightweight
Cons:
• Shoes are not as breathable as other pairs on this list.
• These run small, so you’ll need to order a half size up.
Under Armour Men’s Curry 3 Basketball Shoes |
The upper is molded synthetic so it fits your foot better. Think of it as a sock that shapes to your foot.
There are 16 color options for these shoes.
The external shell provi…
The upper is molded synthetic so it fits your foot better. Think of it as a sock that shapes to your foot.
There are 16 color options for these shoes.
The external shell provides durable support and structure for your feet.
The external shank and heel provide support and eliminate sliding. With some shoes, if you jump up, your foot will land in a different spot inside the shoe. The external heel prevents that from happening with this pair.
These shoes are lightweight and only weigh one pound together, that will help keep you moving from one side of the court to another.
With an endorsement from NBA star Stephen Curry, you know these shoes are made for playing basketball.
Pros:
• Shoes fit snugly to feet.
• Good ankle stability.
• Easy to get the foot in and out of the shoe.
Cons:
• The integrated tongue makes tying shoes tight difficult.
• These run small, so they’re not intended for wide feet.
Adidas NEO Men’s Vs Hoops Mid Basketball Shoes |
These are the best basketball shoes for long-lasting wear. The design of these classic looking basketball shoes is perfect for providin…
These are the best basketball shoes for long-lasting wear. The design of these classic looking basketball shoes is perfect for providing ankle support during the many dodges and turns that you’ll make on the court.
Not only are they long-lasting, but they’re comfortable for all day wear.
There are two colors to choose from.
Made from textile and synthetic material, these shoes are made to be lightweight and comfortable. The tops of your feet won’t feel weighed down by heavy material.
The upper is made from synthetic leather, so it’s made to be soft and durable. The shoe collar is made from canvas, so it supports your ankles.
Meanwhile, the textile lining adds comfort to your feet while the rubber cupsole provides great traction.
These are great basketball shoes if you like an old school street style that is also great for supporting your feet and ankles.
Pros:
• Breathable shoes
• Lightweight, comfortable shoes.
• Provides great ankle support.
Cons:
• Can be tight if worn with thick socks.
• Sizes run small.
Nike Men’s Air Force 1 Mid ’07 Basketball Shoes |
These shoes are the best basketball shoes for running.
They come equipped with Nike’s Air Sole Technology in the hell and Air Unit in the mid-sole.
The Air Sole and Ai…
These shoes are the best basketball shoes for running.
They come equipped with Nike’s Air Sole Technology in the hell and Air Unit in the mid-sole.
The Air Sole and Air Unit are pressurized air in bags that are flexible. This allows for cushioned impact without damage being done to your feet.
There are 27 colors to choose from. If you want to get more than one pair of these shoes, you have a wide spectrum of colors rather than deciding between two or three.
The material is leather and synthetic. The outsole is made entirely of leather to protect your feet and allow for smooth, fast turns.
The toe is perforated, so with each step, air gets released.
Try these basketball shoes from Nike if you care about breathability of the shoe and a well-cushioned sole for your feet to land on.
Pros:
• With the Air Sole Technology, these shoes are great for running. With each landing on the heel and mid-sole, your feet will stay protected and comfortable.
• With the lightweight and comfortable feel of these shoes, it feels like you’re wearing slippers.
• They can be worn as casual shoes with the muted colors.
• Flexible shoes, so they’re great for lifting weights.
• These don’t need to be double-knotted because of the lace-tightening elastic.
Cons:
• These shoes can run tight around the sides for those with wider feet.
Under Armour Men’s Micro G Assert 6 Running Shoes |
These are the best basketball shoes for a lightweight feel. Weighing only 9.2 ounces, these shoes are so light that you will feel…
These are the best basketball shoes for a lightweight feel. Weighing only 9.2 ounces, these shoes are so light that you will feel like you’re wearing a pair of socks.
The rubber traction on the sole is strategically placed for a lighter weight as well. Your feet won’t be weighed down by too much material on the shoe, so you can zip past your opponent on the court.
You have 12 colors to choose from, so you don’t have to worry about having the same shoes as someone else.
The shoes are made from textile and synthetic materials. Both are developed from manmade materials versus leather. Animals are not harmed in the making of synthetic materials.
Synthetic material weighs lighter than leather and rubber. The material is also breathable.
Parts of the shoe are made from breathable mesh. While your feet are taking all the heat from running up and down the court, they’re able to get air through the shoe instead of baking inside like potatoes.
The upper part of the shoe has a layer of light, supportive foam. You can bend your feet while making free throws without them being in pain.
This shoe has a full-length sock liner built in as well for added support.
These shoes may help to reduce the risk of shin splints or painful landings when jumping in the air. The Micro G foam provides cushioned landings and allows for powerful takeoffs according to Under Armour,
Customers who reviewed the product have also agreed that the shoes provide good support.
Many reviewers said that they can be on their feet in these shoes all day in comfort.
Pros:
• Not only are these shoes great for basketball, but they can also be worn leisurely and while working out.
• For people with narrow feet, this fits perfectly. No longer will you have to tie your shoes tight for them to fit comfortably.
• Makes running easier with the lightweight feel of the shoes
• The breathable mesh allows your feet to air out while still wearing the shoes. Your feet won’t swell from sweat.
Cons:
• For people with wider feet, these shoes are too narrow.
• The shoe sizes run smaller than average.
• Nylon mesh is harder to clean once it’s dirty.
Nike Men’s Air Jordan 1 Retro High Basketball Shoes |
It’s made from synthetic leather material, which makes it difficult to get dirty.
There is a concentric …
It’s made from synthetic leather material, which makes it difficult to get dirty.
There is a concentric traction pattern on the bottom of these shoes that give great traction on the court.
The shoes weigh four pounds, so they are definitely heavier than other shoes on this list.
Of course, the Air Jordan’s are an iconic sneaker, and many people wear them for fashion. But these were designed to be a great basketball shoe, and they are.
If you are already pretty fast and want a solid shoe to take you everywhere you need to be on the court, the Air Jordan does that in style.
Pros:
• Great for wide feet.
• Shoes are comfortable.
• The shoes are flexible and will bend with your foot.
Cons:
• The four pounds weighs the shoe down.
Adidas Performance Men’s Cloudfoam Ilation Mid Basketball Shoes |
One of the important things to look for when shopping for basketball shoes is comfort.
These Adidas shoes are the best basketball shoes for comfort. Their patented CLOUDFOAM sock liner and mid-sole provide…
One of the important things to look for when shopping for basketball shoes is comfort.
These Adidas shoes are the best basketball shoes for comfort. Their patented CLOUDFOAM sock liner and mid-sole provide lightweight wear and comfort to last all day.
There are 9 colors to choose from. Black and white choice shoes are in the past because with these various color selections, you can have your feet pop while on the court.
These are made from both leather and fabric. The leather is on the upper part and protects your feet from others stepping on it if a game gets intense.
The rubber sole provides great traction.
The high top comes with perforations on the sides for ventilation. Your ankles will get air while they’re hard at work.
The tongue and surrounding areas are made from mesh. This allows your feet to breathe.
Pros:
• These are comfortable to wear all day.
• Customers have said it feels like you’re walking on clouds.
• These are the best shoes to wear for painful feet.
• CLOUDFOAM is firm, yet comfortable for feet and provides cushion.
• The foam does not break down.
• There are no painful “break-ins.”
Pros:
• Wide in the front. You’ll need to order a size down if you have smaller feet.
What are the best basketball shoes?
The Adidas Performance Men’s Crazy Explosive Basketball Shoes had to be our top pick for the best basketball shoes. One of the many important reasons is that they provide exceptional ankle support, which can be quite helpful in high impact training.Â
Due to its high elasticity and shock absorbing properties, it can protect your feet from long-lasting damage. On top of that, they are pretty lightweight, weighing nearly 15 ounces, because it is made of textile and synthetic material.Â
Moreover, its midsole has a thermoplastic polyurethane wrap to keep it from wearing out. Furthermore, these sneakers come in 13 colors and because the upper part of the shoe is Xeno, it appears as an optical illusion in the picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to some of the frequently asked questions we came across while putting together this review:
Long story short: Yes, you can use running shoes for playing basketball but you should take into account its negative impact on comfort, performance, and safety. It also depends on how you intend to play the game! If you are just shooting around and not playing competitively, running shoes are fine.
But if you play competitively you’ll have to do lateral movements, your running shoes are not intended for that, your foot will likely to slide inside of the shoe and your ankles are at high risk of rolling over.
Basketball shoes and running shoes are quite different from one another. Running shoes are designed for one movement of the foot and to withstand long distances.
While basketball shoes are designed for multidirectional movements and to keep up with strenuous demands. Running shoes doesn't have ankle support since you don't need to change directions quickly while basketball shoes do, to rapidly change directions.
The best men’s basketball shoes should LOOK good and PLAY even better. What are your favorite pair of basketball shoes?