If you are a quick guard and you like to beat your opponent off the dribble with deadly crossovers and smooth pull-up jumpers you need shoes that can keep up with your style of play.
But what does the perfect guard shoe look like?
- It features great traction that will grip the floor and allow you to change directions very quickly
- The cushioning is responsive and doesn't lag
- It is a low- (or mid-cut) shoe that doesn't unneccessarily restrict your range of motion
So how do you find a shoe that fulfils these three criteria?
Easy! You check all shoe releases of the last year, pick all low- or mid-tops, read all the reviews and choose the one with amazing traction and responsive cushioning!
Sounds like a lot of work? Luckily I did it for you! I have checked out the 385 most popular basketball shoe releases since the end of 2016, read (or watched) all 2071 reviews I could find and summed up the expert findings here.
The following list shows all low- or mid-tops (as of Feb 12, 2026) that received great scores for their traction and feature responsive cushioning:
- 8.9 rating based on 8 expert reviews
- The Way of Wade 12 delivers sticky traction, bouncy Super Boom cushioning, and secure support.
- This shoe is best for guards and small forwards who want bouncy cushioning and hard-biting traction.
- 8.9 rating based on 6 expert reviews
- The Way of Wade All City 13 Encore is a top-tier all-around performer, with fantastic traction, cushioning, and support.
- The shoe is best for players who want a strong shoe with no glaring weaknesses.
- 8.9 rating based on 7 expert reviews
- The Way of Wade All City 13 is excellent at all aspects of play. It's a versatile shoe.
- This shoe is best for quick, explosive guards but is versatile enough for everyone.
- 8.9 rating based on 9 expert reviews
- Li-Ning's Way of Wade 11 is an outstanding performance hoop shoe with grippy traction and bouncy cushioning.
- The lightweight, well-cushioned Way of Wade 11 is recommended for players who like to get up and down the court and vertical.
- 8.7 rating based on 8 expert reviews
- The Adidas D.O.N. Issue 7 is a step up in performance thanks to its excellent cushioning and improved cushioning.
- This shoe is suitable for all positions and play styles. It has something for everyone.
- 8.7 rating based on 5 expert reviews
- The GT Cut 3 Turbo makes minor adjustments to improve the traction and support.
- This shoe is best for players who want a more stable, improved version of the previous model.
- 8.5 rating based on 6 expert reviews
- The Adidas Harden Volume 10 provides minor improvements on the previous pair.
- The Harden Volume 10 is best for players seeking reliable traction and strong support features.
- 8.5 rating based on 12 expert reviews
- The Adidas AE 2 offers the same performance as the AE 1 at a lighter weight.
- This shoe is best for quick and shifty players.
- 8.5 rating based on 7 expert reviews
- The Anta KAI 2 is a well-balanced performer with solid traction and cushioning.
- The KAI 2 is best for shifty guards who want a fast, responsive shoe.
- 8.5 rating based on 5 expert reviews
- The Curry 12 is the best performer in the Curry line thanks to the revamped cushioning and continued excellence of Flow foam.
- The Curry 12 is the perfect shoe for players who need elite traction on clean courts.
The Best Basketball Shoes for Guards
Let's take a closer look at some great PG shoes:
1. Li-Ning Way of Wade 12
Performance Rating:
8.9
The Way of Wade 12 delivers sticky traction, bouncy Super Boom cushioning, and secure support.Overall rating based on 8 reviews
Pros:
Excellent traction
Bouncy Super Boom cushioning
Cons:
Outdoor durability concerns
Ventilation and breathability could be better
What do the experts think?
Li-Ning's Way of Wade 12 is considered a high-performance, comfortable basketball shoe with standout on-court traits.
Traction is excellent and very sticky on clean indoor floors. Reviewers note the outsole picks up dust and needs occasional wiping. It does not affect performance much.
The Super Boom midsole delivers a bouncy, responsive ride with solid impact protection and lively court feel.
Support, containment, and stability are strong. Reviewers praise the torsion resistance, springy plate, and stable base for lateral movement and stability.
The upper is lightweight and comfortable with a flexible thermoplastic toe box and plush internal padding.
Fit runs true to size and feels glove-like for most players. It feels secure, though, players with wider feet may prefer a half size up.
Not recommended for outdoor use. The outsole and materials may not be durable enough for rough courts.
Overall, the Way of Wade 12 is a top-tier basketball shoe with bouncy cushioning and excellent traction.
2. Li-Ning Way of Wade All City 13 Encore
Performance Rating:
8.9
The Way of Wade All City 13 Encore is a top-tier all-around performer, with fantastic traction, cushioning, and support.Overall rating based on 6 reviews
Pros:
Traction remains excellent
Improved lockdown and stability
Cons:
Lacks breathability and ventilation
Fit feels slightly narrow
What do the experts think?
The Way of Wade All City 13 Encore is a solid basketball shoe that emphasizes traction and support.
On court grip is excellent with a sticky bite on clean indoor floors. It picks up a bit of dust, but a quick wipe restores grip.
Underfoot, the ride is firm from the full-length Boom foam and comfortable insole. It favours court feel over bounce, but still feels responsive.
Containment, support, and lateral stability are fantastic. A rounded medial side helps mobility while keeping players secure. The strap also helps with lockdown.
The knit textile upper feels premium and well-constructed. The upper breaks in quickly, and reviewers praise the materials. The only downside is the ventilation.
Sizing runs true to size, but the toe box is slightly narrow. The fit is solid thanks to the lacing and midfoot cables.
Overall, the Way of Wade All City 13 Encore is a solid basketball shoe with excellent traction.
3. Li-Ning Way of Wade All City 13
Performance Rating:
8.9
The Way of Wade All City 13 is excellent at all aspects of play. It's a versatile shoe.Overall rating based on 7 reviews
Pros:
Outstanding traction performance
Fantastic torsional support
Cons:
Breathability only centers around the tongue
What do the experts think?
The Way of Wade All City lineup continues to get better and better with each new release.
The traction performance on the WoW All City 13 is phenomenal. It bites and grips well on all court conditions.
There is a full-length bed of Boom foam that feels comfortable, bouncy, and responsive.
The upper materials on the launch pair are firm and supportive on the outside but soft and comfortable on the inside.
Support and lockdown are also phenomenal. Li-Ning implements a Euro plate that provides excellent torsional stability.
All these features combine to make the Way of Wade All City 13 one of the best hoops shoes available.
4. Li-Ning Way of Wade 11
Performance Rating:
8.9
Li-Ning's Way of Wade 11 is an outstanding performance hoop shoe with grippy traction and bouncy cushioning.Overall rating based on 9 reviews
Pros:
Bouncy cushioning
Grippy and consistent traction
Cons:
Lack of breathability
Shallow tread depth for outdoor play
What do the experts think?
Li-Ning delivers yet another impressive performance shoe with the Way of Wade 11. It's a worthy successor to the Way of Wade 10.
The traction is consistently grippy, and dust has minimal effect on the performance.
Li-Ning uses a full-length Boom midsole with a full-length shank plate sandwiched in the middle. The performance feels springy and bouncy while remaining lightweight.
Materials are lighter than expected. The shoe feels comfortable and light but lacks breathability outside of the tongue.
The construction of the upper and the wider outsole helps keep you secure during play. Support and stability are not an issue.
The Li-Ning Way of Wade 11 is a fantastic performance basketball shoe. The grippy traction is incredibly consistent, and the bouncy cushioning feels impressive.
5. Adidas D.O.N. Issue 7
Performance Rating:
8.7
The Adidas D.O.N. Issue 7 is a step up in performance thanks to its excellent cushioning and improved cushioning.Overall rating based on 8 reviews
Pros:
Excellent traction performance. Top-tier.
Improved Lightstrike Pro cushioning
Cons:
Material quality could be better
What do the experts think?
The Adidas D.O.N. Issue 7 might be the best performance shoe in Adidas' lineup.
Reviewers all agree that the traction performance is excellent. The outsole grip is consistently impressive, especially indoors.
Adidas uses full-length Lightstrike Pro for the midsole. It feels improved compared to last year. The cushioning is soft and comfortable with decent bounce.
The materials are comfortable, but not top quality. The shoe is well-padded and feels secure around your feet.
Thanks to the materials, the fit breaks in very nicely after feeling snug at the beginning.
Support and lockdown aren't an issue. The heel counter is secure. There is more forefoot flexibility, but the torsional support still feels good.
Overall, Donovan Mitchell's latest signature shoe is a performance improvement. The combination of traction, cushioning, and support makes it one of the best shoes on the market.
6. Nike GT Cut 3 Turbo
Performance Rating:
8.7
The GT Cut 3 Turbo makes minor adjustments to improve the traction and support.Overall rating based on 5 reviews
Pros:
Improved support and lockdown
Excellent traction performance
Cons:
Needs a longer break-in period
Retains heat
What do the experts think?
The Nike G.T. Cut 3 Turbo is an expensive improvement to the previous model in the lineup.
The outsole improves traction. The pattern is the same, but the rubber is better at handling dust.
Cushioning is the same. The only differences are the shank, which feels fantastic, and the insole, which doesn't add much comfort.
The materials feel comfortable and provide structure at the cost of ventilation.
Support and lockdown feel better. The shank provides extra stability, and the upper helps keep your feet secure.
Overall, the G.T. Cut 3 Turbo is an improvement over its predecessor, thanks to the traction and support.
7. Adidas Harden Volume 10
Performance Rating:
8.5
The Adidas Harden Volume 10 provides minor improvements on the previous pair.Overall rating based on 6 reviews
Pros:
Reliable and consistent traction
Improved material durability
Cons:
Not very breathable
Requires a long break-in period
What do the experts think?
James Harden's 10th signature shoe with Adidas is yet another hit for Adidas basketball.
Traction performance is reliable, even on dustier courts. Make sure to wipe to maintain a consistent grip.
The Lightboost midsole is comfortable and responsive. It feels bouncier than last year's version, and the impact protection is also good.
Fit is slightly snug and long. The shoe requires a break-in period before feeling comfortable.
Materials also require a break-in period. The hardshell upper is durable and comfortable, but it traps a lot of heat, which reduces breathability.
Support and lockdown are some of the shoe's best features. There is no heel slippage, and the torsional stability is excellent.
Overall, the Adidas Harden Vol 10 is a great performer thanks to its cushioning, support, and traction.
8. Adidas AE 2
Performance Rating:
8.5
The Adidas AE 2 offers the same performance as the AE 1 at a lighter weight.Overall rating based on 12 reviews
Pros:
Lighter materials
Excellent traction performance
Cons:
Lack of outsole durability
Cushioning is firm
What do the experts think?
Adidas delivers another strong performer with the AE 2.
Reviewers agree that the traction performance is excellent. However, you have to make sure to wipe off dust.
The cushioning is on the firmer side. Impact protection isn't the best, but the ride is responsive and quick.
Materials are the main difference with this new model. The upper is much lighter, and the comfort feels good. There is also plenty of padding.
Even with updated materials, the support and lockdown are excellent. The lateral containment is solid, and the shoe feels stable.
The performance feels familiar, but the lighter materials really make a difference for the Adidas AE 2.
9. ANTA Kai 2
Performance Rating:
8.5
The Anta KAI 2 is a well-balanced performer with solid traction and cushioning.Overall rating based on 7 reviews
Pros:
Excellent traction
Responsive and bouncy cushioning
Cons:
Low foam stack
What do the experts think?
Kyrie Irving's second signature shoe with Anta is another solid performer.
The traction pattern is a highlight. It performs well on most surfaces and only requires minimal wiping.
Cushioning is bouncy and responsive, though the stack height is low.
The fit is generous, and not many reviewers complained.
The materials are light and comfortable. They also do a good job of keeping your feet contained.
Support and lockdown were not an issue either. The upper helps with containment, and the shank provides torsional stability.
The Anta KAI 2 is a well-rounded, balanced performance shoe. The main highlight is the traction.
10. Under Armour Curry 12
Performance Rating:
8.5
The Curry 12 is the best performer in the Curry line thanks to the revamped cushioning and continued excellence of Flow foam.Overall rating based on 5 reviews
Pros:
Upgraded dual-density Flow foam cushioning
Flow outsole remains elite
Cons:
Dust affects performance
Not much innovation
What do the experts think?
The Curry 12 only makes minor changes compared to the previous model.
If it's not broken, don't fix it. Flow foam is still an elite traction setup, especially on clean courts. Just make sure to wipe any dust pickup off the outsole.
The dual-density Flow foam midsole is tweaked slightly this year. It feels a bit softer, but it's still firm. The setup provides responsiveness and a solid court feel.
Materials are mostly an engineered mesh. The upper is comfortable and flexible right out of the box.
Support and lockdown are impressive. The upper is supportive, and the shank plate provides plenty of torsional rigidity.
The Curry 12 performance improves slightly thanks to the minor changes to the shoe's materials and cushioning.
What makes a great shoe for point guards and shooting guards?
Traction
As a quick guard, traction is by far the most important aspect of a shoe's performance. Sticky traction will allow you to blow by your defender with an explosive first step, help you to stop on a dime when attacking the basket, and give you the necessary grip to pester your opponent on defense. Shoes with bad traction will rob you of all your quickness, negate all your strengths and might even make you slip on an opponent's crossover - nobody wants that!
So, the most important thing as a guard is to get shoes with amazing traction.
Herringbone pattern
Cushion
Shoes with comfortable cushioning that make you feel like you're walking on clouds are great for heavy big guys, but not for shifty guards. As a guard, you probably weigh a lot less than the Shaqs of this world, and therefore you need a lot less impact protection. In fact, mushy and soft cushioning often has a negative effect on your speed and quickness as it takes away from your court feel and makes cuts and first steps a split second slower.
As a guard, you want to have a responsive cushioning setup with excellent court feel that doesn't take away from your quickness.
Style of Silhouette
In today's game, most guards are playing in low or mid-top basketball shoes. These shoes are cut a lot lower around the ankles compared to traditional basketball "boots". This style reduces the weight and allows a greater amount of flexibility and freedom of movement. The lost ankle support is made up for with other support features like extended outriggers and sturdy heel counters. If you still don't feel comfortable playing in low-tops, or you are recovering from an ankle sprain take a look at ankle braces. Steph Curry is wearing an ankle brace every game, and he's doing okay! Low or mid-tops are the way to go for guards.
Founder of thehoopsgeek.com. A passionate basketball enthusiast and coding geek, Andy combines a love for sports with technology.
