BALENCIAGA TRACTOR ANKLE BOOTS | 7 Vans SK8 Mid sneakers in 2024
Basketball is a combination of running, jumping, quick stops, and abrupt direction changes. Regular trainers can support some of these movements, but only the right basketball shoes support them all.
Some shoes make for perfect all-rounders, while others excel in a specific characteristic like grip or cushioning. Don't be overwhelmed, though, as we are here to guide you through your choice. After thoroughly testing basketball shoes in our lab and on the court, we highlighted here the best pics across different categories.
Overpronation is believed to be the cause of many running injuries basketball shoes
To come up with our list of the best basketball shoes:
- We purchase the shoes with our own funds so that we can proceed to review the shoes with total fairness.
- We play and hoop in these shoes on both indoor and outdoor courts, so we will have a diversified feel of them.
- Last but not least, we put these pairs through over 30 tests and measurements in the lab, where we dissect and scrutinise them more profoundly.
To elaborate more on the tests we perform in the lab, we judge what factors affect the shoe's performance during our play and wear tests.
Best basketball shoes overall
What makes it the best?
Following the results of our games and lab tests, we found the LeBron 21 is a top performer. It features incredible cushioning technologies, high-quality materials, a supportive design, and a wonderful mix of bounce and shock absorption. That’s why it can stand proud as our #1 overall among the hoopers we’ve reviewed so far.
At 26.6/22.4 mm, our calliper indicates its stack height is closer to the ground than average. But its Zoom Turbo and Zoom Air technologies in the midsole create bouncy toe-offs and cushioned landings. We could feel this during our playtests, as it translated into better move control (when we performed complicated dribbles) and a more aggressive playstyle (more daring jumps and layups).
This was possible thanks to the stable nature of the LeBron 21. At 120.5 mm, our calliper told us what our feet already knew: there’s a lot of space to land comfortably. But these Nikes added yet another ingredient to their “Best overall” recipe: high-quality materials. This improved the containment and lockdown feel, as well as the shoe’s overall durability. Our Dremel could barely scratch this model’s toebox, which got a 5/5 in our durability test.
While the LeBron 21 is a beast on the court, it didn't only bite the surface but also our feet. This pair’s break-in period is rough and long. If you don’t feel like dealing with blisters, it might be better for you to explore more out-of-the-box comfortable options.
Pros
- Wonderful performance overall
- Amazing cushioning technologies
- Nice bounce and shock absorption
- High-quality materials
- Great stability and supportive design
- Good twist resistance
- Effective grip
- Eye-catching style
Cons
- Not breathable
- Rough and long break-in period
- Pricey
Basketball shoes with the best traction
What makes it the best?
The way the Curry 11 bit the court during our wear tests got us absolutely stunned. Its incredibly grippy outsole let us stop in the blink of an eye, and thanks to its supportive and comfortable structure, we didn't hurt our feet or feel unstable. That's why we've chosen it as the hooper with the best traction.
At 8.5 mm, our calliper indicated its outsole is way thicker than average. This bigger piece protects the shoe from the abrasion of the court, as the rubber scored only 58.4 HC on our hardness test. Our durometer stated it's a whole 29% softer than average, which means it sacrifices durability to improve traction.
In our lab, we cut the shoe in half and saw a full-length shank right under the midsole. This is what makes the structure of this UA pair work. Apart from offering some bounce, it also makes sure the shoe has a stable ride. The reinforced upper followed the same path, offering great foot containment for quick stops and aggressive changes of direction.
Nevertheless, even though the Curry 11 will bite any surface you give it, we believe it's better to keep it away from streetball. Its outsole is not durable, and you'll have to change pairs sooner than expected.
Pros
- Incredibly good traction
- Great mix of bounce and shock absorption
- Boots NELLI BLU AVO-297-019 Pink
- Mallorca flatform sandals
- More than 150 hours creating this shoe
- new balance NB MS327STC Black Schwarz Sneaker Turnschuhe Sport Freizeit Herren
- Smooth transitions
- Jordan Jordan 13 Retro Low Q54 sneakers
Cons
- BALENCIAGA TRACTOR ANKLE BOOTS
- ASH pointed ankle boots
Basketball shoes with the best cushioning
What makes it the best?
Backed up by our basketball games and lab results, the G.T. Jump 2 offers some of the best impact protection we’ve ever tried. This Nike cushioning monster made every landing cloud-like, and we could happily forget about any obstacles that tried to mess with our jumps - that’s why it’s our best cushioned hooper!
To know more about its wonderful cushioning, we grabbed our calliper and measured its stack height at 35.6/29.2 mm. It’s one of the tallest hoopers we’ve ever tried! When we cut it in half, we discovered it’s got Nike React foam at the rearfoot, which made sure our feet had happy landings every single time. It also comes with a full-length Zoom Air strobel under the insole, so apart from being comfortable it’s also responsive.
Our durometer confirmed what we felt on the court: the midsole is 60% plusher than average at 16.0 HA. Also, the brand added a second foam so our feet wouldn’t sink into infinity. This EVA is 130% firmer than the React foam. We gave this Nike a 5/5 in our torsional rigidity test too, which goes in line with the safe and stable feeling our ankles enjoyed during our games.
Nevertheless, at 15.59 oz (442g), this shoe is substantially heavier than average. It might suit centres and bigger players that need some extra cushioning underfoot. But we felt its weight during our games, so if you’re a guard looking for a nimble pal, this isn’t it.
Pros
- Extra powerful energy return
- Sandals EVA MINGE EM-10-06-000518 801
- Dependable grip on clean courts
- Solid support and stability
- Very secure foothold
- Timberland panelled suede hiking boots
- A woman running in the shoe
Cons
- Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Heritage Sneaker 555088-161 NEU Herren Damen
- Not for outdoor courts
- Heavier than average
Basketball shoes with the best stability
What makes it the best?
Thanks to the data we collected from our lab and wear tests, we can confidently say the Sports Casual Sneakers is the basketball shoe with the best stability. Its tough upper material, wonderfully padded interiors, and IsoPlate make sure foot containment and lockdown are stellar.
Our Dremel could barely damage the toebox and the heel padding, as this pair got a 4/5 on both durability tests. This means the materials used are long-lasting and tough, as we verified on our torsional rigidity test. When we took this pair to our lab and tried to bend it, its structure didn't move an inch, so we gave it an immovable 5/5.
Its IsoPlate also helped, as it offered extra points on lateral stability during our games. Its containment didn't let our ankles wobble so much when we landed, but it was the sole flare and the wider-than-average midsole in the forefoot the ones that made sure we got back to the ground safely after rebounding.
The thing with the Luka 3 is that it doesn't feature any specific technologies from the brand despite its price. If you're looking for crazy energy return or bounce, this ain't it.
Pros
- Shoes like this make it easy to fall and break bones
- Running Παπούτσια 5km
- Chloé's womens shoes
- Stable jumps thanks to the IsoPlate
- logo-print colour-block sneakers Schwarz
- Generously padded yet spacious interiors
- Shoes that provide more than enough ankle support are what youre after
- Roomy toebox
- Recycled materials
Cons
- Feels cheap for its price
- Doesn't have any specific Nike technologies
- Not for streetball
Best lightweight basketball shoes
BALENCIAGA TRACTOR ANKLE BOOTS | What makes it the best?
The Nike Zoom Freak 4’s weight (12.3 oz or 348g) is below the average (13.7 oz or 387g), so it helped us be more agile and to persist longer during our games. Its outsole is actually harder than average, making it more resistant to abrasion. The above-average hardness even makes it a worthy outdoor shoe. This shoe is also a beast when it comes to heel support because of its stiff counter. Given all these benefits, we hail the Zoom Freak 4 as the best lightweight shoe in our inventory.
We learned in the lab that while the outsole is not any thicker than average (4.0 mm vs 3.9 mm average), the rubber compound is actually harder. Our HC durometer pegged the Freak 4’s sole hardness at 84.5 when the average is 80.3.
The heel counter got a score of 4 out of 5 for firmness. We gave this rating after it showed considerable resistance when we squeezed and twisted it manually in the lab. Our feet loved this heel support!
Our digital force gauge showed that the Zoom Freak 4 needed 54.0N to bend at 90 degrees, this makes it more resistant than the typical shoe which would need only 41.9N. Players who need shoes that do so well with natural foot flexions might not be too happy with this pick.
Pros
- Noticeable upgrades
- Giuseppe Zanotti sandals with Swarovski floral embellishment
- Dust-resistant outsole
- Smooth steps
- Pretty good court feel
- Jill 30mm sandals
- Jump-improving bounce
- Reliably supportive structure
- True-to-size fit
Cons
- Not ideal for outdoors (but OK)
- Sneaky Shoes & Titolo
- Cheap-feeling materials
Best basetball shoes for outdoor courts
What makes it the best?
Our experience and lab assessments tell us that the Cosmic Unity 3 from Nike is above all other basketball shoes in outdoor playability. We found that this shoe is above average when it comes to its outsole hardness, making it perfectly suitable for outdoor usage. Besides outdoor-worthiness, this Nike shoe was also a bomb because of its amazingly consistent bite and impressively durable upper.
We confidently used this shoe outdoors because we felt the unrelenting firmness of its rubber sole. Our findings on the HC durometer showed that the rubber material possessed a higher level of hardness (86.5) in contrast to the typical number (81.5). The harder the rubber, the longer it lasts in our experience.
When it comes to traction, the Nike Cosmic Unity 3 is an awe-inspiring beast. Aside from being consistent on both indoor and outdoor courts, we were amazed by how resistant it was to dust. The sole gripped the floors so well, even if we did not wipe it much.
The third thing that gives the Cosmic Unity 3 the edge over other shoes was the amazing durability of its toebox. In the lab, we performed the standard Dremel test. We saw that 12 seconds of high-pressure drilling barely left a mark on the material, pushing us to give it a perfect 5 for durability.
One thing that made us a bit concerned was its weight. It is indeed heavier than average (14.22 oz or 403g) at 15.66 oz or 444g.
Pros
- Fendi FF Tech Fabric Brown Sneaker
- Outstandingly durable
- One of the most stable shoes
- Wide platform
- Very secure lockdown
- Valentino Garavani camouflage low-top sneakers
- Breathable enough
- Sustainable materials
Cons
- Firm sole with poor impact protection
- Heavier than average
- Break-in needed
Best budget basketball shoes
What makes it the best?
We got the Air Max Impact 4 for £90 (the average price for Nike shoes is £140), and it surely delivered a lot more than we paid for and offered the best value for money among all basketball shoes. The most notable for us was the durability of its outsole, which made this shoe very effective for outdoor use. We also appreciated how bouncy the cushioning system was without ever sacrificing impact protection.
We measured the hardness of the outsole using an HC durometer, and we learned that the outsole of the Air Max Impact 4 is considerably harder than the average, 87.5 vs. 80.3. This explained why the shoe works wonders outdoors.
The midsole was subjected to calliper assessments in the lab. We found that the cushion right under the heel is quite thick (33.3 mm vs 29.0 mm average). We also loved that it compressed quite well whenever needed, effectively keeping our feet free from pain. When measured using an HA durometer, the midsole foam is also softer (25.5) than average (27.9).
Aside from pampering our feet with its comfortable softness, it also gave us a lot of energy return. As a result, we were quite explosive as we ran past our opponents, and our jumps during rebounds and dunks were aptly energised as well.
It’s just too sad that this shoe is not really the most accommodating of wide-footers. Its actual width of 101.1 mm isn’t really more spacious than the 99.9 mm average.
Pros
- Boots BALDININI 048251ACAMO5K5K5KXXX Kaki
- Responsive cushioning
- Decent impact protection
- Comfortable and well-ventilated upper
- Dependable foot containment
- suede leather denzy boots
- Value for money
Cons
- Needs to be broken in
- Boots Avec Zips Et élastique
Nike Air golf shoe collection?
Logic says that because basketball involves a lot of running, it’s OK to play in your trusty running shoes. They’ve got traction. They’ve got a cushion. They even promise durability. But are these in the right amounts?
As opposed to running shoes, Trekker Boots KAYLAND Alpha Ws Gtx GORE-TEX 018020050 Sand:
- Dua Lipa is not waiting for fashion week to don her collection of knee-high boots
- more lateral and ankle support
- more stable and grounded cushioning
Great multi-directional traction
Basketball needs good traction because of the complex footwork that it requires. There are quick stops, jumping, and a lot of lateral actions. These are high-intensity movements that a shoe designed for running is not prepared for.
More lateral and ankle support
A good basketball shoe withstands immense pressure from aggressive movements. The extra torsional stiffness and higher, more padded collar make this possible.
BALENCIAGA TRACTOR ANKLE BOOTS | More stable and grounded cushioning
Because of the complexity of their footwork, basketball players need to feel the court.
Too much cushion can lead to dangerous movement miscalculations, slips, and falls. That's why basketball shoes on average have thinner and firmer midsoles compared to running shoes.
| Alexander McQueen zip-up ankle boots Black | The shoe gives runners an agile feel because of its lively forefoot and efficient rocker | Average softness* | |
| Basketball shoes | 30 mm | 21.5 mm |
26.2 HA (10% firmer than running shoes) |
| Running shoes | 33.5 mm | 24.5 mm | 23.6 HA |
*la carrera de trail running más prestigiosa del mundo.
Tênis Trail Running Zaniah Trail WP
Basketball positions allow us to predict what movements a player most likely does during the game. Basketball shoes should correspond to the needs of the wearer’s playing position.
Point/Shooting Guards
Guards are more agile and aggressive on the court. Their sudden direction changes, cuts, and crossovers call for excellent traction and ground feel in their footwear. Not-too-stiff low-top and mid-top collars are the best as they allow for ankle mobility during quick movements.
Point/Shooting Guards: Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Luka Doncic, LaMelo Ball, Russell Westbrook, Trae Young, Ja Morant.
Small Forwards
Small Forwards require versatility to contribute both offensively and defensively. Their playing style requires more generous cushioning and stronger ankle support.
Ancient Greek Sandals 'Thais' sandals.
Power Forwards/Centres
Power Forwards need all the stability and impact protection that can get from a basketball shoe for the rigours of post-play. They require shoes with sturdy construction, substantial cushioning, and very strong ankle support.
Power Forwards/Centres: LeBron James, Zion Williamson, Shaquille O’Neal.
Court feel vs. impact protection
It is a rule of thumb that agile guards need a more intimate foot connection with the court while powerful forwards and centres need tonnes of cushioning. But there is also a lot of grey area in between.
To help you figure out how each basketball shoe feels underfoot, we cut each one in half in our lab to measure its heel and forefoot stack heights (a.k.a. cushioning thickness).
Based on the data from dozens of dissected midsoles, we found that you can expect a better court feel from shoes with the following characteristics:
- heel stack lower than 28 mm
- forefoot stack lower than 24 mm
The opposite can be applied to shoes that provide more generous cushioning and impact absorption.
Finding the best fit in basketball shoes
Of course, getting the right basketball shoe size is essential to maximising your performance. But what’s not so obvious are the factors that affect your size-related decisions.
Even within the same brand, different basketball shoe models can have a different amount of toebox space.
In our lab, we measure both the widest part of each shoe's forefoot and the narrower part near the big toe. This gives us a better idea of the given shoe's toebox shape. That way, you can adjust by ordering half-size bigger or smaller.
Aux running en velours.
Sneaker 1pla28ng Noir
The basketball shoe industry is largely driven by the NBA. As such, brands rarely release shoes that are deliberately meant for outdoor hooping.
Stuart Weitzman Ryder buckled ankle boots:
A close-up of the Amells shoes suitable for outdoor courts in a separate category for your convenience. Before approving a shoe for outdoor use, we perform a series of tests on its outsole:
- Jimmy Choo Minori 85 boots
- wear resistance of the rubber
- thickness of the outsole
Pinestreet Sneaker A Sand?
Up until 2008, basketball shoes have been synonymous with high collars. But it all started to change with the introduction of Kobe Bryant's first low-top signature shoe.
Low-tops quickly gained popularity among agile players whose playing style revolved around quick direction changes. This is all thanks to the greater freedom of ankle movement.
But the trend went even further, as the legendary power forward LeBron James himself introduced the low-top LeBron 20 in 2022.
In our extensive research of over 30 studies on the topic, we found NO scientific evidence proving that the height of a basketball shoe collar affects athletic performance or the change of ankle/foot injury.
Thus, it all comes down to personal preference. And these days, there is a sea of options for both low-top and mid-top hoop shoes.
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