Finding the basketball shoe with the best traction is not an easy task. There are so many different models to pick from and shoes often perform differently depending on the quality of the court, your playing style, and even the rubber compound used on a specific colorway.
Fortunately, the web is full of shoe reviewers that can provide you with different opinions and give you a good overall idea of the performance of a basketball sneaker. To save you the time reading and watching all of these reviews I am continuously checking out all significant shoe releases and read or watch all shoe reviews I can find.
So far I have collected ratings of 381 different basketball shoes and consumed exactly 2062 reviews in doing so! New reviews are added all the time to create a basketball shoe database that is complete and always up to date.
The following overview shows the ten basketball shoes with the best traction ranked by the average grade they received for it. Scroll down further to read a more detailed summary of each shoe.
- 9.6 traction rating based on 5 expert reviews
- The New Balance Fresh Foam BB V3 is an excellent performer with maximum cushioning.
- This shoe is for players who want maximum cushioning and protection.
- 9.5 traction 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.
- 9.5 traction rating based on 7 expert reviews
- The Way of Wade 808 5 Ultra is a lively performer thanks to the bouncy cushioning.
- This shoe is best for smaller, quicker, more explosive players.
- 9.4 traction rating based on 7 expert reviews
- The Curry Series 7 might be the best Curry shoe to date.
- The Series 7 is best for fans of the Flow traction who also want more cushioning.
- 9.2 traction rating based on 5 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.
- 9.2 traction rating based on 6 expert reviews
- The Puma Hali 1 might be one of the brand's best performance shoes. The traction, in particular, is fantastic.
- This shoe is best for Puma basketball fans looking for something different.
- 9.2 traction 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.
- 9.2 traction 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.
- 9.2 traction 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.
- 9.0 traction rating based on 3 expert reviews
- The Curry Fox 2 offers excellent traction and a familiar feeling to the Curry Fox 1.
- This shoe is best for fans of the original Curry Fox 1.
Best Traction Basketball Shoes:
The Top 10
1. New Balance Fresh Foam BB V3
Performance Rating:
9.6
The New Balance Fresh Foam BB V3 is an excellent performer with maximum cushioning.traction rating based on 5 reviews
Pros:
Elite traction performance
Maximum cushioning
Cons:
Sits high off the ground
Slightly snug at the bottom of the laces
What do the experts think?
The Fresh Foam BB V3 is one of New Balance's best basketball performers of late.
Reviewers agree that the traction performance is elite. Dust does not affect the performance at all.
New Balance uses a dual-density cushioning setup that has maximum impact protection while still providing bounce.
The materials are synthetic but feel breathable and supportive.
There is a shank that provides impressive arch support. Also, side pieces provide decent containment.
The fit feels comfortable, mainly thanks to the materials. Some reviewers mention the width is slightly snug, particularly around the base of the laces.
New Balance has another hit performer on their hands with the Fresh Foam BB V3. The traction and cushioning are elite.
2. Li-Ning Way of Wade All City 13 Encore
Performance Rating:
9.5
The Way of Wade All City 13 Encore is a top-tier all-around performer, with fantastic traction, cushioning, and support.traction 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 Wade 808 5 Ultra
Performance Rating:
9.5
The Way of Wade 808 5 Ultra is a lively performer thanks to the bouncy cushioning.traction rating based on 7 reviews
Pros:
Cushioning is outstanding
Fast and reliable traction
Cons:
The fit feels long
Drop-in midsole is high off the ground
What do the experts think?
The Li-Ning Way of Wade 808 5 Ultra is an incredible performance shoe.
Li-Ning's traction remains top-tier. It grips the court well and is durable enough for some outdoor usage.
The Super Boom drop-in midsole is one of the best cushioning setups. It's light and bouncy.
The materials are also lightweight, and the upper is thin but comfortable.
Support and lockdown are not an issue. The containment is excellent, and the shoe feels stable.
The fit can feel long and snug, but the snugness breaks in over time.
Overall, the Way of Wade 808 5 Ultra is one of the best shoes on the market. Li-Ning tuned the drop-in midsole very well.
4. Under Armour Curry Series 7
Performance Rating:
9.4
The Curry Series 7 might be the best Curry shoe to date.traction rating based on 7 reviews
Pros:
Flow still provides excellent traction
Improved cushioning
Cons:
Cheaper materials
What do the experts think?
Many reviewers believe the Curry Series 7 is the best Curry brand shoe to date.
Flow foam continues to provide excellent traction, especially on cleaner courts. Dust can cause some inconsistency, but the outsole performs better than past Flow outsoles.
The midsole also features a supercritical foam. It feels much better than typical Flow foam midsoles. It's softer and more comfortable.
Materials are not of the best quality, but they get the job done.
The support and lockdown are also solid, mainly thanks to the lacing system.
None of the reviewers reported any issues with the fit either.
The Curry Series 7 is the best cushioned Curry brand shoe, while still featuring the Flow traction fans have come to expect.
5. Li-Ning Way of Wade 12
Performance Rating:
9.2
The Way of Wade 12 delivers sticky traction, bouncy Super Boom cushioning, and secure support.traction rating based on 5 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.
6. Puma Hali 1
Performance Rating:
9.2
The Puma Hali 1 might be one of the brand's best performance shoes. The traction, in particular, is fantastic.traction rating based on 6 reviews
Pros:
Fantastic traction performance
Support and lockdown work well
Cons:
Budget materials
The midsole is thinner and low to the ground
What do the experts think?
Tyrese Haliburton, Salehe Bembury, and Puma team up to create a very refreshing debut signature shoe, the Puma Hali 1.
Most reviewers agree that the traction is the shoe's strongest feature. The outsole performed well on clean and dusty courts. Make sure to wipe occasionally.
Puma, once again, uses Nitro foam in the midsole. This time it's not as thick, but it provides solid comfort and impact protection. The forefoot also feels responsive.
The materials are not the highest quality, but they get the job done. The shoe feels lightweight and breathable.
Support and lockdown weren't an issue either. The upper keeps you contained, and the outsole feels balanced.
The Puma Hali 1 might be the best Puma basketball shoe on the market. It does a good job of feeling different while maintaining performance.
7. Adidas D.O.N. Issue 7
Performance Rating:
9.2
The Adidas D.O.N. Issue 7 is a step up in performance thanks to its excellent cushioning and improved cushioning.traction 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.
8. ANTA Kai 2
Performance Rating:
9.2
The Anta KAI 2 is a well-balanced performer with solid traction and cushioning.traction 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.
9. Nike GT Cut 3 Turbo
Performance Rating:
9.2
The GT Cut 3 Turbo makes minor adjustments to improve the traction and support.traction 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.
10. Under Armour Curry Fox 2
Performance Rating:
9.0
The Curry Fox 2 offers excellent traction and a familiar feeling to the Curry Fox 1.traction rating based on 3 reviews
Pros:
Flow traction is outstanding as always
Comfortable materials and fit
Cons:
Impact protection is lacking
Not much of an upgrade
What do the experts think?
The Curry Fox 2 doesn't improve, and it lacks meaningful upgrades. The shoe looks and feels similar to the previous model.
As always, Flow foam provides excellent outsole traction, especially on clean courts. Make sure to wipe off dust when you're on dirtier courts.
The cushioning is lacking. It feels dense and stiff. There isn't much impact protection, but the shoe does feel responsive.
The materials are soft and comfortable, and it has no break-in time. Some reviewers thought the upper was too soft.
Make sure you get the shoe in your correct size, or the length can throw you off. Most reviewers recommend going true to size.
Support and lockdown are decent if you get the shoe in your correct size. Some reviewers struggled with lockdown and containment because of the soft materials and long fit.
Overall, the Curry Fox 2 feels more like a rehash than an upgrade. Many of the performance features are the same.
Frequently asked questions about traction:
How can I improve the traction of my basketball shoes?
There is no magic formula that makes old basketball shoes stick to the floor like glue, but there are a few things you can do to improve traction:
Wipe - a lot!
This one is self-explanatory. The grooves of the traction pattern become more and more shallow with time, which means you will need to wipe a lot more to get the dust off the surface of the rubber.
Get a courtside traction mat
If you don't want to get your hands dusty and dirty from all the wiping then this is a great alternative.
A courtside traction mat is usually placed close to the bench and you just step on it when you get subbed in or if you want to refresh your grip during timeouts.
A lot of basketball teams use these traction mats to get an advantage over their opponents, especially on dusty and slippery courts.
A courtside traction mat is usually placed close to the bench and you just step on it when you get subbed in or if you want to refresh your grip during timeouts.
A lot of basketball teams use these traction mats to get an advantage over their opponents, especially on dusty and slippery courts.
Get a pair of "Court Grabbers"
The Court Grabbers work similarly to a traction mat but instead of placing a mat on the side of the court you attach a pair of traction pads to the laces of your shoes. Before the game you apply a small amount of traction gel to these pads.
Now, if you want to improve the grip of your shoes, you just slide the bottom of your shoes across the pad to restore the traction. If your traction is really bad and you need to wipe after every other possession then the Court Grabbers are much more practical because you don't need a break in play.
Now, if you want to improve the grip of your shoes, you just slide the bottom of your shoes across the pad to restore the traction. If your traction is really bad and you need to wipe after every other possession then the Court Grabbers are much more practical because you don't need a break in play.
Which basketball shoes perform best on dusty courts?
If you are not a professional basketball player who gets to play on pristine, freshly waxed hardwood courts all the time you are probably familiar with basketball courts that could easily be used as skating rinks. No sneaker will grip the floor well if your court is covered with a thick layer of dust. But some sneakers work better than others:
Get solid rubber colorways
While it is not true for every shoe and every brand, in general, translucent colorways seem to attract a lot more dust than solid ones.
Look for a traction pattern with deep and wide grooves
If the grooves of the traction pattern are too narrow and shallow they will be clogged with dust quickly. As soon as this happens you will be sliding like crazy because the rubber of your shoe is no longer able to make contact with the floor.
Another problem of narrow grooves: Wiping dust becomes so much harder!
What's the best traction pattern for basketball shoes?
There are so many different traction patterns - it's impossible to keep track. But there are a few things you can look out for:
The pattern should be multidirectional
A multidirectional pattern has grooves in every direction which allows for grip not only when you accelerate straight ahead, but also when you do lateral moves like crossovers or defensive slides.
A very popular example of a multidirectional pattern is the herringbone traction:
On the other hand, the Lebron 15 is an example of a shoe that doesn't provide you with a lot of lateral traction because of the way the traction pattern is set up:
Don't fall for crazy storytelling
Sometimes signature sneakers go crazy with elaborate little details and storytelling that look nice but actually hurt the performance. Don't fall for flashy design if you want a basketball sneaker that performs well on the court - functionality should always come first!
Founder of thehoopsgeek.com. A passionate basketball enthusiast and coding geek, Andy combines a love for sports with technology.
I myself have lebron 13 .. really like them.. I think i need an upgrade though haha! Nice review Andy