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We know that to be truly great in any athletic pursuit, you need the right gear. And when it comes to playing basketball, the best pair of basketball shoes is essential. The right shoes can make all the difference in your agility and explosiveness, not to mention your stamina.
To help you with your search, we’ve rounded up nine of the best basketball shoes. With options for outdoor playing, wide feet, and those on a budget, there’s a basketball shoe on this list for every player.
The Best Basketball Shoes - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Basketball Shoes: Nike LeBron Soldier 14 Basketball Shoes
- Best Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support: Reebok Question Mid Basketball Shoes
- Best Budget Basketball Shoes: Nike KD Trey 5 VIII Basketball Shoes
- Best adidas Basketball Shoes: adidas Dame 8
- Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes: Under Armour Curry 8 Team Basketball Shoes
- Most Comfortable Basketball Shoes: New Balance Kawhi II Basketball Shoes
- Best Basketball Shoes for Wide Feet: Puma Fusion Nitro Basketball Shoes
- Best Low-top Basketball Shoes: Under Armour UA Flow FUTR X Basketball Shoes
- Best Looking Basketball Shoes: Under Armour Curry 4 FloTro Basketball Shoes
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Best Overall Basketball Shoes - Nike LeBron Soldier 14 Basketball Shoes
SPECS
- Style: Classic
- Weight: N/A
- Cushioning: Moderate
- Waterproof: No
- Materials: Rubber sole, woven forefoot
Nike is a GOAT in terms of athletic wear, and Lebron is a GOAT in the game of basketball, so this partnership is a match made in hoop heaven. It's also our pick for best overall because it's a classic, supportive basketball shoe that’s a great option for most players. It‘s designed to be lightweight, comfortable, and breathable as well as stabilizing during side-to-side movements. The shoe is also as sleek as they come, making the Lebron Soldier 14's an excellent pair for your court needs.
What We Like
- Great stability
- Super lightweight
- Achilles protection
What We Don't Like
- Runs narrow for some
BUY: Nike Lebron Soldier 14 Basketball Shoes
Best Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support - Reebok Question Mid Basketball Shoes
SPECS
- Style: Chunky and textured
- Weight: N/A
- Cushioning: High
- Waterproof: No
- Materials: Leather (suede) outsole, EVA/rubber sole, textile lining
Our selection for the best overall basketball shoe is the Reebok Question Mid Basketball Shoes. Created for number one NBA draft pick Allen Iverson, this pair has been popular since they were released in the mid-'90s. Though they come in many colors including special editions, the classic version features Iverson's signature red toe design. But, the Reebok Question shoes are more than a cool-looking piece of NBA history. They're also a comfortable, supportive, and wearable pair that many people consider their staple basketball shoe.
We especially love the ankle support and stability this shoe provides. However, this shoe can run on the smaller so you might want to go a size up to be safe. These shoes also come with a suede upper, which makes them very vulnerable to water. So, if you're looking for a weather-resistant pair of basketball shoes, you might want to check out our selection of the best outdoor basketball shoes.
What We Like
- Comfortable
- Lots of cushioning
- Ankle support for stability
- Simple design and classic color choices
What We Don't Like
- Runs small
- Suede vulnerable to water
BUY: Reebok Question Mid Basketball Shoes
Best Budget Basketball Shoes - Nike KD Trey 5 VIII Basketball Shoes
SPECS
- Style: Mid top
- Weight: 11.3 oz.
- Cushioning: High
- Waterproof: Water-resistant
- Materials: Textile upper, foam outsole
We always recommend investing in the highest-quality gear you can afford. But that doesn't always mean spending more—that is if you know where to look. And while Kevin Durant's Nike KD Trey 5 VIII isn't the most updated version of this shoe, it's still a fantastic option for anyone looking for top-dollar quality at a lower price. This mid-top is supportive and comfortable without sacrificing grip and responsiveness. We love its level of traction (thanks to foam outsole), making it a good option for anyone who plays outdoors for that reason. It also boasts shock absorption features which are helpful for reducing the impact on the body.
The one downside to this impressive pair is the sizing. The KD Trey 5 VIII runs both narrow and large—an uncommon combination. So if you have wide feet, you may want to check out one of our other featured basketball shoes.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Supportive and comfortable
- Weather-resistant
- Good traction
- Shock absorption
What We Don't Like
- Runs narrow and large
- Wide toe box
BUY: Nike KD Trey 5 VIII Basketball Shoes
Best adidas Basketball Shoes - adidas Dame 8
SPECS
- Style: Lace closure, lightweight
- Weight: 12.7 oz.
- Cushioning: Bounce Pro midsole
- Waterproof: N/A
- Materials: Textile upper and lining, rubber outsole
Adidas is known for producing some of the best basketball and athletic shoes around. So, if you're wanting to be a trailblazer on the court, the Damian Lillard signature adidas Dame 8 basketball shoes are your best bet. Made from recycled materials, these shoes feature midsole Bounce Pro cushioning that makes for comfortable and dynamic movement, as well as plenty of ankle support to prevent potential roll-over injuries.
The adidas Dame 8 shoes also boast six colors to choose from and a "bubble" design that can accommodate those players with wider feet.
What We Like
- Designed for precision and speed
- Lightweight
- Great for wide feet
- Midsole has Bounce Pro cushioning
- Made from recycled materials
What We Don't Like
- Traction and grip vary
- More suited to indoor games
- Dust-prone
Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes - Under Armour Curry 8 Team Basketball Shoes
SPECS
- Style: Sock-like fit
- Weight: 12.1 oz.
- Cushioning: High
- Waterproof: Water-resistant
- Materials: Knit upper with synthetic overlay, pebax plate
Finding the right pair of basketball shoes for you depends on how and when you plan to use them. If you play outdoors, it's important that your shoes have at least some level of weather resistance. That's why we're highlighting the Under Armour Curry 8 Team Basketball Shoes. This pair, which honors Golden State Warriors point guard Steph Curry, is an all-around comfortable, versatile basketball shoe that will serve you well whether you play indoors or outdoors.
Because they feature a textile upper rather than suede, they can handle moderate water exposure much better than the Reebok Question pair. And they have a sock liner style knit upper that gently hugs the foot and rises higher on the ankle for an added layer of Achilles protection. The pebax plate adds spring and bounce without weighing these shoes down while the grippy outsole keeps you steady on your feet regardless of the conditions you play in.
But, like many athletic shoes, this pair can run between a half and one whole size small, so you should plan to size up a bit. Players with a history of ankle injuries may prefer a shoe with better ankle support—although the sock liner style is comfortable, it isn't the most supportive.
What We Like
- Plenty of cushioned support
- Lightweight
- Pebax plate provides lightweight bounce
- Grippy outsole
What We Don't Like
- Knit, sock liner style doesn't provide ankle support
- Run small
- Quality control issues reported
BUY: Under Armour Curry 8 Team Basketball Shoes
Most Comfortable Basketball Shoes - New Balance Kawhi II Basketball Shoes
SPECS
- Style: Chunky and maximalist
- Weight: 13 oz.
- Cushioning: Medium
- Waterproof: Water-resistant
- Materials: Synthetic upper, foam outsole
Named after two-time NBA champion Kawhi Leonard, the New Balance Kawhi II Basketball Shoes are a great option for anyone looking for a super comfortable shoe to play in. This pair has enough cushioned support to make these a dream to wear, but not so much that you compromise on agility, traction, and responsiveness. The outsole is grippy which adds to the feeling of agility and ease of use. The Kawhi II's also have a FuelCell midsole which adds spring and bounce, and the maximalist black and white color block design is eye-catching and cool.
However, although this is a reliable pair overall, we don't like how it doesn't come in widths so you’re stuck with standard sizes and no wide/narrow options. We'd also point out that though these shoes offer a decent amount of cushioning, the cushion is on the firmer side, so some people prefer a few days to break these shoes in before really testing them on the court.
What We Like
- FuelCell midsole
- Grippy outsole for traction and responsiveness
- Cool black and white color block design
- Supportive
What We Don't Like
- Not available in widths
- Break-in time
BUY: New Balance Kawhi II Basketball Shoes
Best Basketball Shoes for Wide Feet - Puma Fusion Nitro Basketball Shoes
SPECS
- Style: Low-top
- Weight: 14.8 oz.
- Cushioning: High
- Waterproof: No
- Materials: Rubber outsole
If you have wide feet, it can be tough to find a pair of basketball shoes that fit the way you need them to. Not all styles are available in widths, and even if they are, they may not suit your support needs. If you require a wider shoe, we recommend the Puma Fusion Nitro Basketball Shoes. They don't come in wide because these shoes naturally run wide and provide plenty of support for wider feet as well as space to stand and run without affecting the natural weight distribution of your feet.
We also like that these shoes include a compression band that keeps your foot from sliding around, as well as high-density foam for comfort and bounce. And for better stability, these shoes feature a super grippy rubber outsole. But no shoe is perfect, so players with a more narrow foot may find the lateral support lacking. This pair is also on the heavier, chunkier side—not ideal if you prioritize speed and jumping in your basketball play.
What We Like
- NITRO foam
- Compression band for a secure fit
- Color options
- Great traction
- Reasonable price
What We Don't Like
- Poor lateral support
- Too wide for narrow feet
- Heavy
BUY: Puma Fusion Nitro Basketball Shoes
Best Low-top Basketball Shoes - Under Armour UA Flow FUTR X Basketball Shoes
SPECS
- Style: Low-top
- Weight: 12.2 oz.
- Cushioning: Moderate
- Waterproof: Water-resistant
- Materials: Mesh upper, Pebax foam midsole
Many players prefer a low-top sneaker for aesthetic reasons but they also tend to be lighter in weight. If you're specifically looking for a low-top basketball shoe, we recommend the Under Armour UA Flow FUTR X Basketball Shoes. These comfortable shoes are designed with an adjustable midfoot strap, which makes customizing the fit easy. They're rubber free, which is the reason they weigh in at just 12.2 ounces—one of the lightest shoes on our list. And the foam outsole is super grippy, so it should suit even the most agile player.
However, low-top sneakers don't work for everyone, though. If you need a lot of ankle support for any reason, we recommend that you look at one of the higher-rise shoes on our list instead.
What We Like
- Lightweight and rubber free
- Midfoot strap makes sizing easy
- Grippy and agile
- Comfortable
What We Don't Like
- Durability questions
- Poor ankle support
BUY: Under Armour UA Flow FUTR X Basketball Shoes
Best Looking Basketball Shoes - Under Armour Curry 4 FloTro Basketball Shoes
SPECS
- Style: Stylish high-top
- Weight: 11.85 oz.
- Cushioning: High
- Waterproof: No
- Materials: Suede, leather, and synthetic upper; rubberless foam outsole
In the world of basketball shoes, there's really no need to sacrifice style for functionality. There are so many shoes with memorable designs out there. Everyone has their own sense of style but we can't get enough of the Under Armour Curry 4 FloTro Basketball Shoes. This high-top pair is both extremely functional and well-designed. They have all the features you'd want out of a Curry pair—great traction, lightweight feel, and wearable quality.
The color block design is also modern while the suede and leather accents make this shoe suitable for court or street-style looks. It has great support and the sock-like fit of the upper makes it easy to put on and take off. However, while we do love the suede and leather accents on the Curry 4 FloTro, they do limit this shoe to indoor play only, since those materials are sensitive to water exposure. They're also not the most breathable materials, so if your feet overheat easily, you may want to check out one of our featured shoes that has a synthetic mesh upper.
What We Like
- Incredible traction
- Super cool high-top color block design
- Suede and leather accents
- Comfortable support
- Easy to put on
What We Don't Like
- Indoor only (suede)
- Breathability could be better
BUY: Under Armour Curry 4 FloTro Basketball Shoes
Benefits of Basketball Shoes
Comfort
Comfort is of the utmost importance when choosing gear to play or practice your favorite sport. Wearing basketball shoes (instead of sneakers made for jogging or another purpose) will give you the support you need to play in comfort.
Agility
Basketball requires agility. You need to be able to turn, jump, and pivot easily without hurting yourself. Especially when practicing on an indoor court or outside in wet conditions, you need a pair of shoes with traction to support easy movement. The right pair of basketball shoes will have a good combination of traction for agility and lightweight materials.
Style
Just because they’re functional doesn’t mean that basketball shoes can’t make a style statement as well. Basketball shoes convey brand, player, and team allegiances. Certain shoes come with a cult following and iconic imagery. Basketball shoes aren’t just comfortable and easy to play in–they also look cool.
How to Choose the Best Basketball Shoes for You
Main purpose
Think about when you're planning to wear your shoes. Are these part of a street-style look? Exclusively for playing indoors? Will you be practicing in rainy or muddy conditions? You’ll want to choose a pair that works with how you plan to wear your shoes. If you will be playing outside or in unpredictable conditions, avoid suede and other materials that require special care.
Fit
Do you need wide shoes? Not all basketball shoes come in different widths. The same goes for half sizes. If you have fallen arches, plantar fasciitis, or other foot conditions, you’ll want to consider the type of fit that best supports your feet.
Style and branding
Basketball shoes aren’t just about comfort and function. They also make a statement about style, fashion, and even which players or teams you identify with. You might want to consider this aspect when choosing your new pair of shoes.
FAQs About Basketball Shoes
How long do basketball shoes last?
The lifespan of a pair of basketball shoes depends on how often you wear them, whether you play indoors or outdoors, and the quality of the shoe. Generally, if you use them regularly (as in every day) and want your shoes to maintain the same support and impact protection, you should plan to replace them around once a year.
Should basketball shoes be a size bigger than your usual size?
No, you shouldn't always size up for basketball shoes. You want your basketball shoes to fit well—as in not too tight or too loose. Sizing up, especially by a whole size, may leave you vulnerable to injury. Read reviews about how your desired pair fit and select your size accordingly. If you aren't sure which size to order, you may want to try them on in a store first to find your perfect fit.
How do I break in my basketball shoes?
High-quality basketball shoes won't require much breaking in. But if you are trying to break in a new pair, try wearing them to play as you normally would, just for a shorter amount of time. If you keep your playing time short at the beginning, it should give your feet time to adjust to the new shoes without forming any blisters unexpectedly.
About the Author
Olivia is a writer, swimmer, and travel enthusiast. She writes about swimming, outdoor fitness, nutrition education, and accessible exercise. She’s particularly interested in how exercise and diet can help us cope with, treat, and even prevent chronic disease.
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