15 Best Basketball Shoes with High Praises from Experts

In the fast-paced basketball world, the right pair of shoes can be the game-changer between a slam dunk and a missed opportunity.

That’s why we have testers who have put hundreds of shoes to the test by using them on the court and outdoors regularly until they have worn out. Then, we gather their feedback so you will get real reviews from real users.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking to improve your game or a beginner lacing up for the first time, our guide will help you find the best basketball shoes to buy right now.

15 Best Basketball Shoes to Buy

Nike Jordan Luka 2

The Jordan Luka 2 is designed for Luka Doncic. It also supports your step-backs, side-steps, and quick stops.

The Formula 23 midsole cushioning and thick insole are the important features. They provide firm support and comfort to protect your feet during your quick and sudden moves.

The Luka 2 also has a strong, flexible plate on the sides of the shoes for lateral support to keep your feet steady during side steps.

This shoe also has a sturdy cage that provides 360-degree support that locks your feet. It protects your feet from injury so you can move everywhere and stop quickly and safely.

The best position for this shoe is the guards and forwards, as they tend to move quicker and use more skills to beat the defender and score.

One limitation of the Luka 2 is that the outsole wears out faster for outdoor basketball. So, we don’t recommend this shoe if you primarily play outdoors.

Nike KD 15

You can never go wrong with KD’s when choosing the best basketball shoes.

The newest version of the KD is the Nike KD 15. It is designed according to Kevin Durant’s needs: ample bounce, a secure fit, and that broken-in feel.

The KD 15 has spongy foam throughout the shoe and a visible Zoom Air Strobel. This combination maintains your comfort for the whole game and gives you extra spring to move and jump around.

The KD 15 also uses fewer materials. This not only makes the shoe lighter but improves comfort. Our tester said that the shoe is soft right out of the box. So you don’t need to break them in.

When you tie the laces, the sides of the shoe pull down to lock your foot in place. This is great, especially when defending 1v1, as it allows you maximum stability to hold your ground.

The outsole pattern is designed with many wavy lines like a topographical map. These lines give you an exceptional grip on every surface to make quick cuts and changing directions more deadly.

KD 15 is also durable. There are thin overlays along the toe area for extra protection against scuffs and scrapes.

Who should wear these? Any position because this shoe prioritizes being agile, quick, and versatile on the court, just like everyone on the court needs to be.

However, the KD 15 runs a bit small. We recommend you order a half size up to ensure a comfortable fit.

Wade Son of Flash

Dwayne Wade, the basketball legend, owns the Wade brand. We believe he knows the qualities that make killer basketball shoes. That’s why one of Wade’s best basketball shoes, the Son of Flash, is on our list.

The secret sauce of the Son of Flash is the BOOM and CLOUD technology loaded at the front and back of the shoe. This makes the shoe lighter and more responsive, allowing you to jump higher and move more dangerously.

If you’re a casual player who tends to play outdoors regularly, this shoe is perfect because the Son of Flash is considered one of the best outdoor basketball shoes. The TUFF OS outsole, patterned in flash shapes, is five times more durable and grippier than other basketball shoes. So, those cuts and turns will be sharper and deadly without the slipping and sliding.

If you like showing off a bit, the Son of Flash has flashy logos on the outside of the shoes. They display different colors based on the environment and the angles you’re looking at.

Of course, any position can wear the Wade Son of Flash shoe. However, it is more suitable if you’re a guard or a wing. Since you need to move quickly and explosively on the court, the lightweight, responsiveness, and excellent traction suit the positions’ playstyle.

Just a heads up, the Son of Flash runs narrow. If you have wide feet, you may want to consider other options.

(Read more about the best basketball shoes for wide feet.)

Also, if you’re a big guy who needs a lot of cushioning, the cushioning of this shoe might not be enough for you.

Adidas Harden Volume 7

James Harden has an exquisite long-range shot and is also a beast under the rim. So, his signature shoes must be versatile and suit all play types. That’s why the Harden Volume 7 is one of the best basketball shoes.

The Harden 7 mixes Boost and Lightstrike midsole, giving you super bouncy shoes to catch those rebounds. There are also bands at the back and front of the shoes to keep your foot locked so there’s no hesitation between thinking and moving.

This shoe style stands out. Puffer jackets inspire its upper. So, if style matters to you, the Harden 7 is for you.

If you’re a guard or a wing player who’s all about pace and quick reaction to zip around the court at lightning speed, this shoe is a solid pick.

The Harden 7 is also one of the best basketball shoes for wide feet. This shoe has a wider toe box than other basketball shoes. Plus, the upper part is stretchy to fit many foot shapes comfortably.

However, the Harden 7 is heavier than the others. If you don’t mind the weight, go for it.

Under Armour Curry Flow 10

Another of the best basketball shoes is the Under Armour Curry Flow 10. A top-notch shoe that is all about changing directions fast.

This shoe is equipped with UA Flow cushioning that is comfortable, springy, and light. It’s a boost for better running and jumping.

The non-rubber outsole gives you a top-tier grip to keep you from slipping when changing directions.

Our testers reported that the Curry Flow 10 bottom increases their sense of connection with the court as they can feel it beneath them.

This shoe is also equipped with a UA Warp upper that locks your feet in place to keep them secure.

This shoe is designed with low lateral edges and a rounded heel and forefoot. This means you’ll stay stable when landing, reducing the chances of ankle injuries.

Although Curry Flow 10 has great traction, the traction is only suitable for indoor use. This shoe is a fine pick if you only play indoors and a guard like Curry himself.

Another thing to note is that since you can feel the court with this shoe, the cushioning might not be enough to absorb the forces, especially when you’re a big man. So, that means you will have less impact protection on your lower limbs and may increase injury risk.

We suggest you look for other shoes if this is your big concern.

Nike LeBron NXXT Gen

The LeBron NXXT Gen is another of the best basketball shoes to buy. This shoe is specifically made to meet the needs of today’s fast-paced game so that you can stay one step ahead of your opponent.

The lightweight nature of this shoe, coupled with on-point cushioning, makes the LeBron NXXT Gen light and bouncy.

This shoe has forefoot and heel Zoom Air cushioning. They function as energy returns to propel explosiveness and also for soft landing.

Check out the sole. The traction pattern is a map of Akron, LeBron’s hometown. It’s a pretty creative tribute, right?

The midsole foam is also soft and smooth to keep you low to the ground and in touch with the court.

If you like to make a statement with your skills and shoes, we believe the LeBron NXXT Gen is for you.

Do note that this shoe may not be suitable for wide feet.

Air Jordan 38/XXXVIII

The AJ XXXVIII is all about the groundwork — running, making sharp cuts, and hitting those jumpers.

This shoe keeps you low to the ground with the help of Zoom Strobel Air unit and Formula 23 foam, ensuring you’re always mobile to take control of the court.

The lightweight embroidered upper part makes your feet extra secure while crisscrossing the court. The embroidered mesh and laces are made with at least 20% recycled material.

We also noticed some cool details on the shoe that pay tribute to Michael Jordan’s legendary ‘93 season. On one shoe, crosshatches, chevrons, and ribbing lines symbolize his points, assists, and rebounds per game; on another, there are details for his third consecutive championship and his 57-25 season record.

Another important thing we love about this shoe is that it can be rocked both indoors and outdoors. That’s a winning combo.

Who should wear them? AJ XXXVIII is the ideal option if you’re a guard and mobile big player.

However, the price may be over your budget compared to other shoes on this list.

Nike Cosmic Utility 2

Many basketball shoes cramp up the toebox but not the Nike Cosmic Utility 2. This shoe has a roomy toe box. That’s why they are one of the best basketball shoes for wide feet.

The midsole has an Air Zoom Strobel foam to provide pillowy cushioning, allowing your feet to stay comfortable throughout the match.

The rubber outsole is fairly thin but still durable and gives you that solid surface grip. This will help you make quick moves and sudden direction changes to shake off defenders better without slipping at any speed or angle. It is also reliable to play outdoors.

If you’re looking for affordable premium shoes and you also play outdoors sometimes, we think the Cosmic Utility 2 is a great choice.

Under Armour Lockdown 6

The Under Armour Lockdown 6 is the most affordable shoe on our list and it is one of the best basketball shoes for beginners.

Not only it is budget-friendly, it is tough too. One of our testers has played a full season of social league and still using it now.

This shoe will not weigh you down thanks to its lightness. The EVA midsole also gives you a bouncy and responsive ride to run around the court at a faster pace.

The outsole is solid rubber with a herringbone traction pattern, giving you ultimate movement and control.

The Lockdown 6 is suitable if you’re just starting out or are a casual player who doesn’t hoop regularly but still wants high-quality, affordable shoes.

One thing to note about this shoe is that the cushioning is so-so. If you’re a big guy, you may want to prioritise quality cushioning to prevent lower limb injuries because big guys generate a lot of force when running compared to smaller guys.

Nike G.T Jump

In today’s basketball, matches have become positionless. The G.T. Jump is designed for players who need to cut, run, and jump like never before to dominate the game, no matter the position.

This shoe has a serious bounce. It has a full-length, double-stacked Air Zoom Strobel unit under your feet and the Zoom Air at the heel and forefoot. Plus, there is a super lightweight and springy PEBAX jump frame. It is like wearing a cheat code to take your hops to a new level.

The upper is like armor but as light as a feather. It’s made with twisted composite fibers, so it’s super strong and incredibly light.

The outsole rocks a tried and true zigzag herringbone pattern for a top-notch grip. There are also Flywire cables to lock you down when you lace up.

However, outdoor basketball is not recommended for this shoe.

Adidas Trae Young 1

The Trae Young 1 is an all-around go-to shoe, whether you’re taking souls on the court or just chilling out.

If you admire Trae Young’s unconventional, fearless playing style and want to unleash your inner Trae Young, this is the best basketball shoes. The Lightstrike midsole, energy-returning BOOST, and internal lockdown system keep you comfortable and agile to always be on the move.

This shoe also has great shock absorbers to protect you when you make a hard landing.

The disadvantage of this shoe is that it is semi-laceless, so finding a pair that fits perfectly is challenging compared to normal laces, where you can tie them the way you want.

Nike Ja 1

The Ja 1 is Ja Morant’s first signature shoe. This shoe is about helping hoopers everywhere bring Ja’s on-court ferocity to their game.

The responsive Air Zoom Bag at the forefoot gives you that vertical explosiveness for the sky-high jump you need. The IP Foam and Sidewall Guardrails ensure a stable and soft landing when you return to Earth from those gravity-defiant jumps.

This shoe also has a midfoot lockdown and forefoot mudguard for stability.

This is one of the best basketball shoes if you want to maximize your hang time. So, if you love to fly high and play aggressively, the JA 1 is calling your name.

PUMA x LAMELO BALL MB.01 Lo

Let’s talk about the MB.01 Lo, a shoe that packs some serious tech to take your game to the next level.

This shoe provides superior responsiveness and comfort thanks to the NITRO foam tech throughout the midsole.

The outsole features engineered nonslip rubber built to grip the surface fiercely so you can rip your opponents apart. It also delivers a lot of court feel, allowing you to be connected to the court.

If you prefer responsiveness more than compression, this is a solid choice. Plus, it is also wide-foot friendly.

However, since this shoe has a lot of court feel, it may not be suitable for those who need a lot of impact protection.

Li-Ning Way of Wade All City 10 V2

We believe the All City 10 V2 is one of the best all-around performance basketball shoes. We also consider it one of the best basketball shoes for beginners due to the affordable price compared to others on this list.

The built-in Cloud midsole with extra space on the toe box provides extreme comfort and shock absorption during play, making your jumps and sprints a breeze.

The Boom cushioning gives you a balance of impact protection and compression while maintaining responsiveness and court feel. It has a similar performance as Adidas Boost.

The advanced multidirectional traction pattern with rubber outsole is your weapon. It grips well at any surface, so you can control your turns in any direction to shoot like an MVP.

New Balance Two WXY V3

The Two WXY V3 is all about those split-second reactions on the court — the sudden sprints, quick stops, turns, jumps, and high-impact landings that happen throughout the match.

The midsole is loaded with FuelCell foam to return energy for a more propulsive jump.

The ABZORB cushioning at the heel and forefoot absorbs shock to keep you comfortable and injury-free. The molded textile upper secures your feet in place and keeps things lightweight so you can get that perfect lockdown fit without the extra weight.

The tongue label features brain graphics representing the synapses firing in your brain when making those lightning-quick reactions on the court. It’s a subtle yet meaningful detail that adds to the overall appeal of the shoe.

Up Your Game with Our List of The Best Basketball Shoes

So there you have it, fellow ballers and hoop enthusiasts. We have assembled an MVP list of the 15 best basketball shoes to make you feel like a pro.

Basketball demands versatility, and so do our choices.

Remember that it’s important to take your playing style, preferences, and the type of court you always play on into account. Not all shoes are the same, and personal preferences matter.

Factors like cushioning, support, traction, and fit will undoubtedly impact your performance and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)