Nothing should stand between you and victory on the basketball court, least of all a bad pair of shoes. The best basketball shoes will allow you to stay at the top of your game, offering excellent comfort, support, traction, and durability. We know that with so many options out there, it’s tough to find the best basketball shoes for your tired old soles. So, we did it for you: we scoured the internet to bring to you our top recommendations for both women and men.
All of our recommendations come with the comfort, design, durability, support, and style that your feet deserve. To get some essential advice on how to choose the best option for your unique playing style and the needs of your body, make sure to read on to our buying guide, where we cover the different factors you should keep in mind when choosing your new pair of kicks.
Read on to discover the best basketball shoes out there!
| Picture | Name | Mold/fit | Material | Cushioning | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [easyazon_image align="center" height="110" identifier="B003QZWAS6" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" cloak "n" src="https://ballersguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Nike-Womens-Hyperdunk-2017-TB-Basketball-Shoe-blue.jpg" tag="ballersguide1-20" width="110"] | [easyazon_link identifier="B003QZWAS6" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" cloak "n" tag="ballersguide1-20"]Nike Women's Hyperdunk 2017 TB[/easyazon_link] | As expected (81%) | Mesh | Lunar cushioning | $$$ |
| [easyazon_image align="center" height="110" identifier="B00SLU6SN4" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" cloak="n" src="https://ballersguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Under-Armour-Micro-G-Torch4.jpg" tag="ballersguide1-20" width="110"] | [easyazon_link identifier="B00SLU6SN4" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" cloak "n" tag="ballersguide1-20"]Under Armour Micro G Torch 4[/easyazon_link] | As expected | Synthetic Leather | EVA | $ |
| [easyazon_image align="center" height="110" identifier="B076CHRTMH" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" cloak "n" src="https://ballersguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/AND-1-Womens-Overdrive-Basketball-Shoe.jpg" tag="ballersguide1-20" width="110"] | [easyazon_link identifier="B076CHRTMH" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" cloak "n" tag="ballersguide1-20"]AND 1 Women's Overdrive[/easyazon_link] | Small | Textile and Synthetic | Lunar cushioning | $$ |
| [easyazon_image align="center" height="110" cloak "n" identifier="B01C7WB71Y" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" src="https://ballersguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/adidas-performance-crazy-explosive-shoes.jpg" tag="ballersguide1-20" width="110"] | [easyazon_link identifier="B01C7WB71Y" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" cloak "n" tag="ballersguide1-20"]adidas Performance Men's Crazy Explosive[/easyazon_link] | As expected (81%) | 100% Textile and Synthetic | Boost Responsive Cushioning | $$ |
| [easyazon_image align="center" height="110" identifier="B07KXZKW4M" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" cloak "n" src="https://ballersguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Nike-Kyrie-5-Mens.jpg" tag="ballersguide1-20" width="110"] | [easyazon_link identifier="B07KXZKW4M" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" cloak "n" tag="ballersguide1-20"]Nike Men's Kyrie 5[/easyazon_link] | As expected (75%) | Suede | Suede sole | $$$ |
| [easyazon_image align="center" height="110" identifier="B010N59PUW" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" cloak "n" src="https://ballersguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/adidas-Performance-Mens-Cloudfoam-Ilation-Mid-Basketball-Shoe.jpg" tag="ballersguide1-20" width="110"] | [easyazon_link identifier="B010N59PUW" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" cloak "n" tag="ballersguide1-20"]Adidas Performance Men's Cloudfoam Ilation Mid[/easyazon_link] | As expected (87%) | 100% Leather/Fabric | CLOUDFOAM sockliner and midsole for lightweight cushioning | $$ |
| Picture | Name | Mold/fit | Material | Cushioning | Price |
Best Basketball Shoes for Women (2019)
1. Best Overall: [easyazon_link identifier=”B003QZWAS6″ locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” cloak “n” tag=”ballersguide1-20″]Nike Women’s Hyperdunk 2017 TB[/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”426″ identifier=”B003QZWAS6″ locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” cloak “n” src=”https://ballersguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Nike-Womens-Hyperdunk-2017-TB-Basketball-Shoe-blue.jpg” tag=”ballersguide1-20″ width=”500″][easyazon_link identifier=”B003QZWAS6″ locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”ballersguide1-20″ cloak=”n”]Click for Price[/easyazon_link]
These shoes are a great choice if you play frequently, as they won’t cause aches in your feet or ankles.
The Hyperdunk 2017 TB is our top choice of women’s basketball shoes because they include excellent support, comfort, and traction. These shoes are a great choice if you play basketball frequently, as they won’t cause aches in your feet or ankles. You should especially consider getting the Hyperdunk 2017’s if you have a history of ankle injuries.
Pros:
These shoes are a great way to prevent ankle sprains. This is due to the half-bootie construction (mid-height design), which will support your ankles and keep them fit and snug, without risk of injury and without restricting ankle movement. Plus, the flywire cables have a way of perfectly wrapping your foot, so that you feel safe and confident in your game.
These shoes also provide excellent traction.
The Hyperdunk 2017’s basketball shoes are also very cozy. The Lunar cushioning on the insole spreads the impact evenly throughout the foot, which protects the bones in your body from aches. The cushioning bounces back very quickly, making jumps feel light and easy. Plus, this cushioning is lighter in weight than that of other shoes.
The mesh material of these sneakers makes them breathable and easy to maintain. The woven jacquard mesh (which is also quite light!) has perforations which allow airflow within the shoe. At the same time, this material is very easy to clean.
These shoes also provide excellent traction. This is due to the rubber outsole pattern which allows multidirectional movement without the risk of slipping and falling down.
Cons:
Some customers have found these shoes to fit a little small, but if this happens to you, you can return them and order a pair which is half a size larger.
Additionally, these shoes are not the most budget-friendly choice.
2. Best Budget-Friendly Pair: [easyazon_link identifier=”B00SLU6SN4″ locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” cloak “n” tag=”ballersguide1-20″]Under Armour Micro G Torch 4[/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B00SLU6SN4″ locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” cloak “n” src=”https://ballersguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Under-Armour-Micro-G-Torch4.jpg” tag=”ballersguide1-20″ width=”500″][easyazon_link identifier=”B00SLU6SN4″ locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”ballersguide1-20″ cloak=”n”]Click for Price[/easyazon_link]
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly pair of shoes that you can use in your neighborhood court almost as easily as you’d use it in an indoor gym, you’ll love the Under Armour Micro G Torch fourth edition.
The Under Armour Micro G Torch 4 series basketball shoesare affordable and comfortable. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly pair of shoes that you can use in your neighborhood court almost as easily as you’d use it in an indoor gym, you’ll love the Under Armour Micro G Torch fourth edition.
Pros:
This model is one of our cheapest recommendations. You can purchase these shoes for a price between $30 and $50, and they come with good quality and durability.
The Torch 4’s come in four color options so that you can choose the one that best matches your taste.
The Micro G Torch 4’s basketall shoes are very comfortable. They are lightweight, which makes running in them super easy. They also have a nice insole and include a molded foam heel, which ensures that your knees and heels won’t experience aches from impact.
These shoes offer great traction both indoors and outdoors (outdoors as in blacktop or maybe concrete, but not gravel). The solid rubber outsole which features a herringbone traction pattern ensures that you won’t slip during your energetic multidirectional shuffling.
The Torch 4’s come in four color options so that you can choose the one that best matches your taste. These include blue, black, and pink.
Lastly, unlike a lot of other Under Armour models, the Torch 4’s offer decent breathability. Perforations in the forefoot and heel ensure increased airflow.
Cons:
These shoes are designed in a way that makes them more suitable for people with narrow feet, so you may want to consider another option if your feet are wider.
Additionally, even though the breathability is an improvement from previous UA products, these shoes still do not possess the most optimal airflow out of our recommended products.
3. Best-Looking: [easyazon_link identifier=”B076CHRTMH” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” cloak “n” tag=”ballersguide1-20″]AND 1 Women’s Overdrive[/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”373″ identifier=”B076CHRTMH” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” cloak “n” src=”https://ballersguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/AND-1-Womens-Overdrive-Basketball-Shoe.jpg” tag=”ballersguide1-20″ width=”500″][easyazon_link identifier=”B076CHRTMH” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”ballersguide1-20″ cloak=”n”]Click for Price[/easyazon_link]
These shoes provide excellent traction for both indoor hardwood floors and outdoor blacktop courts, so if you like mixing it up, these are the shoes for you.
The AND 1 Women’s Overdrive basketball shoes provide style, comfort, and breathability at an affordable price. These shoes provide excellent traction for both indoor hardwood floors and outdoor blacktop courts, so if you like mixing it up, these are the shoes for you.
Pros:
These shoes are quite affordable for the quality that they offer. You can get great support and traction for a price between $55 and $75.
The material of these shoes makes them very breathable.
The AND 1 Overdrive’s offer great traction for both indoor and outdoor blacktop courts (although not cement or gravel). This is thanks to the herringbone pattern on the rubber outsole and the pronounced outrigger aids. The herringbone pattern allows for easy multidirectional movement and improves grip at the same time. The outrigger ensures stability in sharp lateral cuts.
The material and cut of these shoes makes them very breathable. The mesh of textile and synthetic provides ample airflow, which will prevent your feet from sweating.
The mesh material also provides comfort. Along with the internal bootie which improves ankle support, the mesh material adjusts to fit your feet snugly and securely.
Lastly, the AND 1 Overdrive’s come with the best look on the market. They include purple and yellow elements against the black backdrop of the shoe. The cool, aggressive collar line patterns will make you feel fierce on the court!
Cons:
Some have found that these shoes may be a bit small and needed to exchange them for a pair half a size larger.
Additionally, although the design is very stylish, there aren’t alternative color options available.
Best Basketball Shoes for Men (2019)
1. Best Overall: [easyazon_link identifier=”B01C7WB71Y” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y”cloak=”n” tag=”ballersguide1-20″]adidas Performance Men’s Crazy Explosive[/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”373″ identifier=”B01C7WB71Y” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” cloak=”n” src=”https://ballersguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/adidas-performance-crazy-explosive-shoes.jpg” tag=”ballersguide1-20″ width=”500″][easyazon_link identifier=”B01C7WB71Y” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”ballersguide1-20″ cloak=”n”]Click for Price[/easyazon_link]
If you’re sick of sweaty feet after practice, we’re pretty sure you’ll love these shoes.
The Adidas Performance Men’s Crazy Explosive basketball shoesare our favorite pick for men’s basketball shoes thanks to the comfort, breathability, and quality they provide. These shoes will make it easy for you to shuffle around the court at full speed. If you’re sick of sweaty feet after practice, we’re pretty sure you’ll love these shoes.
Pros:
These shoes are ideal for fast running and shuffling on the basketball court. The cut of the rubber sole of the shoe provides great traction and grip, which will make it easy for you to move around quickly without worrying about slipping and falling down.
They provide optimal support.
The cushioning on the Crazy Explosive’s makes these shoes very comfortable. The design features “boost” cushioning, which will keep your feet comfortable and your knees safe from the force of the sole hitting the ground.
These basketball shoes also adjust great to just about any foot. The updated lacing system wraps the entire foot, which at the same time relieves tension in the foot and reduces the pressure on the laces. Since the whole foot is wrapped, this lacing system relieves the pressure in the arches of the foot.
The cushioning on the Crazy Explosive’s makes these shoes very comfortable.
This Adidas model offers great breathability. The lightweight Primeknit Xeno upper provides a great deal of airflow inside the shoe, which will keep your feet dry. The textile of the inner lining and the mesh tongue additionally provide breathability within the shoe.
Cons:
Although the laces adjust to fit feet of any size, these shoes are not an ideal choice if you have wider feet, as the laces may lose their elasticity over time.
2. Best Splurge: [easyazon_link identifier=”B07KXZKW4M” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” cloak=”n” tag=”ballersguide1-20″]Nike Men’s Kyrie 5[/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B07KXZKW4M” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” cloak=”n” src=”https://ballersguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Nike-Kyrie-5-Mens.jpg” tag=”ballersguide1-20″ width=”500″][easyazon_link identifier=”B07KXZKW4M” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”ballersguide1-20″ cloak=”n”]Click for Price[/easyazon_link]
The Kyrie 5’s will provide you with the best traction for fast multidirectional movement, so they’re a great choice no matter what position you play on the basketball court.
The Nike Men’s Kyrie 5 basketball shoes are the best splurge because they are quite pricey, but they look and feel really good. The Kyrie 5’s will provide you with the best traction for fast multidirectional movement, so they’re a great choice no matter what position you play on the basketball court.
Pros:
The fifth edition Kyrie basketball shoes are very comfortable. The midsole features Zoom Air Turbo and Phylon foam cushioning. The Zoom Air Turbo allows the sole to quickly bounce back so that you won’t ever feel like your foot is sinking. The Phylon foam absorbs the shock from impact, which will ensure that you won’t feel any pain in your knees or soles.
These shoes also provide great traction for quick, multidirectional movement.
These basketball shoes also provide great traction for quick, multidirectional movement. This is thanks to the multidirectional pattern featured in the outsole that provides stability and prevents slipping.
They provide great support.
Lastly, the Kyrie 5’s feature the best style out of all our recommendations for men. There are ten color-mix options you can choose from, to find the one that best matches your taste.
Cons:
As we said before, these shoes are a bit pricey, so they’re not a good budget-friendly choice.
Another thing is that the outsole of these shoes is great for inside courts – but not for concrete. If you use these shoes outside, they will need replacing in a couple of months.
The mold of the Kyrie 5’s is a bit tighter than other Nike models, so you may need to pick them at half a size larger than usual. Another problem with the design is that the lacing is a bit complicated, so it may take a while to put the shoes on.
Lastly, the midsole anti-impact feature makes these shoes a bit stiff for some users.
3. Best Value: [easyazon_link identifier=”B010N59PUW” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” cloak=”n” tag=”ballersguide1-20″]Adidas Performance Men’s Cloudfoam Ilation Mid[/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”364″ identifier=”B010N59PUW” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” cloak=”n” src=”https://ballersguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/adidas-Performance-Mens-Cloudfoam-Ilation-Mid-Basketball-Shoe.jpg” tag=”ballersguide1-20″ width=”500″][easyazon_link identifier=”B010N59PUW” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”ballersguide1-20″ cloak=”n”]Click for Price[/easyazon_link]
The lightweight cushioning will allow you to feel weightless on the basketball court.
The Adidas Performance Men’s Cloudfoam Ilation Mid basketball shoes are our top value-for-money pick as they combine decent quality with an affordable price tag. The combination of leather and fabric in the material ensures the durability of these shoes. The Adidas lightweight cushioning will allow you to feel weightless on the basketball court.
Pros:
These Adidas basketball shoes have great breathability. The upper tongue (which is a mix of leather and fabric), collar, and rear quarter are mesh, which increases airflow in the shoes. Plus, the three-stripe Adidas logo on the sides has perforations which add onto the shoe’s breathability.
The memory foam Clouadfoam sockliner and midsole provide great cushioning for the feet and give you the right amount of bounciness.
The Adidas Performance sneakers are also very comfortable. The product include memory foam Clouadfoam sockliner and midsole provide great cushioning for the feet and give you the right amount of bounciness.
These high basketball shoes also provide good traction. The rubber sole has a great grip, which will prevent slipping and sliding on the basketball court.
Cons:
The outsoles on these shoes are a bit sensitive, so they may begin to peel off and require replacement after several months of use.
Conclusion
For women, our top product recommendation for the best basketball shoes are the [easyazon_link identifier=”B003QZWAS6″ locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”ballersguide1-20″]Nike Women’s Hyperdunk 2017’s [/easyazon_link]. They feature great traction and support. The Hyperdunk’s are quite lightweight and have soft cushioning, which makes playing in them comfortable and easy. They’re also a safe choice if you have suffered from ankle injuries in the past.
If you’re looking for a product that is more affordable, our top budget-friendly pick are the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00SLU6SN4″ locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”ballersguide1-20″]Under Armour Micro G Torch 4’s[/easyazon_link]. If you enjoy playing on outdoor blacktop courts as much as you enjoy playing in a gym, these shoes are the way to go. The Torch 4’s also feature great traction and decent breathability
If you’re a player who likes playing in style, go for the [easyazon_link identifier=”B076CHRTMH” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”ballersguide1-20″]AND 1 Women’s Overdrive’s[/easyazon_link] ! But these sneakers are not just a pretty face – they provide good traction for multidirectional and lateral movement. The Overdrive’s also offer great support and ample breathability, which will keep your feet from overheating during the game.
For men, our favorite basketball shoes are the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01C7WB71Y” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”ballersguide1-20″]adidas Performance Men’s Crazy Explosive’s[/easyazon_link], as this product offers high comfort, great durability, and the best breathability out of all our recommended products. If you’re a fast runner, these shoes are a great choice – as they come with excellent traction which will keep you from slipping. The Explosive’s relieve pressure and provide ample cushioning, which will keep the soles of your feet happy and ready for that slam dunk!
If you’re looking for a stylish pair of basketball shoes for indoor use only, consider getting the [easyazon_link identifier=”B07KXZKW4M” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”ballersguide1-20″]Nike Men’s Kyrie 5’s[/easyazon_link]. These sneakers are among the most comfortable products on our list, as the Zoom Air Turbo and Phylon foam cushioning allow for great bounce-back and absorb the shock from impact. They also feature strong traction which makes them a great choice for multidirectional movement. As they are our best splurge option, however, they are no friend to the wallet.
So if you’re a player looking for something which is more affordable and offers great value for your money, go for the [easyazon_link identifier=”B010N59PUW” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”ballersguide1-20″]Adidas Performance Men’s Cloudfoam Ilation Mid[/easyazon_link] basketball shoes. The material on these sneakers is quite durable and ensures great product breathability. They are also comfortable and lightweight, which will allow you to run and jump, feeling weightless, and upping your performance on the court.
How To Pick the Best Basketball Shoes For You
If you still aren’t sure which basketball shoes are the best fit for you, don’t worry! Read on to our buying guide, where we share our wisdom on how to make the right choice.
Comfort
Playing basketball means spending a lot of time running and jumping, which can lead to players with aches in their feet, muscles, joints, and knees. To prevent this, you should choose a pair of sneakers which have good cushioning that bounces back and absorbs impact. You also need to make sure that your feet fit snugly in your new basketball shoes so that you feel secure and supported.
You also need to make sure that your feet fit snugly in your new basketball shoes so that you feel secure and supported.
Traction
Make sure that the outsole of your new sneakers features good traction [1]. Herringbone patterns and similar alternatives ensure that the rubber sole has a good grip on the ground so that you don’t slip and fall.
Make sure that the outsole of your new shoes features good traction.
Utility
Do you play basketball outside or inside [2]? This is an important factor to consider, as some shoes offer great traction and durability on both terrains, while others tend to disintegrate much faster when used on blacktop or concrete.
This is an important factor to consider, as some shoes offer great traction and durability on both terrains, while others tend to disintegrate much faster when used on blacktop or concrete.
Fit
Different sneaker molds are good for different types of players feet. Some sneakers which fit people with narrower feet well may be uncomfortable for those with wider feet. In the case of such models, you may need to buy a pair which is half a size larger than your regular size [3].
Some shoes which fit people with narrower feet well may be uncomfortable for those with wider feet.
Breathability
Make sure that your new sneakers include mesh materials and perforations which will allow airflow within the sneaker [4]. This provides breathability so that your feet won’t overheat and sweat during the game.
This provides breathability so that your feet won’t overheat and sweat during the game.
Buyers Also Asked
Are low top basketball shoes safe?
Yes, low top basketball shoes are safe. You just have to make sure you take precautions. Many doctors recommend wearing ankle braces to protect your ankles when wearing low top basketball shoes.
How tight should your basketball shoes be?
You need to leave a thumbnail’s length of space between the end of your toe and the end of your sneaker in order to get the proper fit.
Why do NBA players wear two pairs of socks?
NBA players wear two pairs of socks to prevent the players feet from sliding around in their shoes while they are playing. So they are supported no matter what direction they are going in.
What’s Next?
Hopefully, you found our review and buying guide for the best basketball shoes on the market useful in finding the perfect fit for your next game! To get more information about each of our recommendations, follow the title links to learn their price, in-depth specifications, and customer reviews.
You can find more specific recommendations in our niche guides:
https://ballersguide.net/best-basketball-shoe-reviews/for-guards/
https://ballersguide.net/best-basketball-shoe-reviews/for-flat-feet/
https://ballersguide.net/best-basketball-shoe-reviews/for-wide-feet/
https://ballersguide.net/best-basketball-shoe-reviews/for-ankle-support/
https://ballersguide.net/best-basketball-shoe-reviews/for-jumping/
https://ballersguide.net/best-basketball-shoe-reviews/for-plantar-fasciitis/
https://ballersguide.net/best-basketball-shoe-reviews/womens/
| ballersguide.net/best-basketball-shoe-reviews/nike/ |
| ballersguide.net/best-basketball-shoe-reviews/cheap/ |
| ballersguide.net/best-basketball-shoe-reviews/adidas/ |
In the meantime, make sure to check out our other basketball guides at ballersguide.net to find links to our latest buying guides, featured reviews, and fun blog posts. Do also swing by our contact page to drop us a line if you have questions, comments, or any other feedback for us.
Happy dunking!