Adidas Basketball Shoes

The Best Adidas Basketball Shoes

In recent years, Adidas sneakers have become more and more popular. Collaborations like Kanye West's Yeezy line or Beyonce's take on the classic Superstar are selling out in minutes and the Boost cushioning technique has redefined comfort in performance shoes. So it's no wonder that Adidas is gaining market share every month and growing much quicker than Nike or any other big footwear company!

But Adidas is not only producing hot lifestyle sneakers, they also make some of the best performance basketball shoes on the market and signed NBA stars like James Harden, Damian Lillard, and Donovan Mitchell to represent the brand.

Starting in 2017, I have analyzed all competent performance reviews that I could find on sneaker blogs or Youtube channels (1507 in total!) to create a best-of list sorted by average critic rating.

The following list shows the five Adidas basketball shoes that received the best average rating:

  • 8.7 rating based on 8 expert reviews
  • The Adidas AE 1 is an incredible debut shoe with impressive cushioning and lockdown.
  • The shoe is best for more powerful players who can utilize the bottom-heavy cushioning.
  • 8.7 rating based on 9 expert reviews
  • The Harden Vol 7 feels quick because of the traction and cushioning setup.
  • The perfect shoe for those with versatile playstyles.
  • 8.2 rating based on 3 expert reviews
  • The Adidas Dame Certified 2.0 is an impressive budget performer which excels in traction.
  • The shoe is for players who prefer thin, responsive cushion setups with grippy traction.
  • 8.1 rating based on 3 expert reviews
  • The D.O.N. Issue #5 provides solid performance, especially with fit and support.
  • The Adidas D.O.N. Issue #5 is best for players who like to get up and down the court quickly.
  • 8.1 rating based on 2 expert reviews
  • The traction and cushioning of the Adidas BYW Select stand out, and the rest of the shoe just works.
  • The BYW Select is an all-around shoe that performs well in all categories.
  • 8.1 rating based on 2 expert reviews
  • Trae Young's first budget model provides well-rounded performance for a reasonable price.
  • Players with grounded play styles will benefit the most from the Adidas Trae Unlimited.
  • 8.1 rating based on 4 expert reviews
  • The Adidas Trae Young 2 is a solid performer with its dual setup cushioning and better-than-expected support.
  • A great pick for players who enjoy an all-knit construction and the freedom it brings.
  • 8.0 rating based on 5 expert reviews
  • The Adidas Trae Young 3 is a decent next entry in his lineup. It features standout traction and a comfortable new cushioning setup.
  • This shoe is meant for shifty players with a quick, grounded playstyle.
  • 7.9 rating based on 4 expert reviews
  • The D.O.N Issue #4 provides outstanding lockdown and containment for players with quick moves.
  • A solid pick for shifty guards who need containment.
  • 7.6 rating based on 5 expert reviews
  • The Adidas Adizero Select 2.0 excels with lightweight, but it's far from a perfect performer.
  • The Adizero Select 2.0 is best for side-to-side shiftiness.
It's Quiz Time!
Answer 6 easy questions and find
your perfect basketball shoes!
Let's Get Started!

The 10 Best Adidas Basketball Performance Shoes

1. Adidas AE 1

Performance Rating:
8.7
The Adidas AE 1 is an incredible debut shoe with impressive cushioning and lockdown.
Overall rating based on 8 reviews
Pros:
Comfortable Boost and Lightstrike cushioning
Shoe feels supportive and locked down
Cons:
Shoe is heavy
What do the experts think?
Anthony Edwards' debut signature shoe with Adidas makes a big splash. Reviewers agree the traction is solid. It performs well on all court surfaces and is only minorly affected by dust. Boost, Lightstrike and the sizable shanks make cushioning one of the shoe's best features. The step-in comfort, in particular, feels fantastic. The shoe also features an impressive lockdown with polyurethane side walls and a double-heel counter. The materials are not cheap, but they do make the shoe heavy. Adidas and Anthony Edwards make a fantastic impression with the Adidas AE 1. The cushioning and lockdown are some of the best on the market.

2. Adidas Harden Volume 7

Performance Rating:
8.7
The Harden Vol 7 feels quick because of the traction and cushioning setup.
Overall rating based on 9 reviews
Pros:
Traction is phenomenal most of the time
Impressive balance in cushioning
Cons:
The shoe is not breathable
Materials are not high-quality
What do the experts think?
The latest entry in Harden's signature shoe line features elite traction as long as you wipe on dusty courts. Adidas' use of Boost in the heel and Lightstrike in the forefoot provide a firm but bouncy and cushioned ride. The materials are comfortable but not high-quality or breathable. Support comes from the form-fitting materials and solid base of the shoe. Reviewers did not have any issues. The Adidas Harden Vol 7 is a versatile performer suited for most players.

3. Adidas Dame Certified 2.0

Performance Rating:
8.2
The Adidas Dame Certified 2.0 is an impressive budget performer which excels in traction.
Overall rating based on 3 reviews
Pros:
Stop on a dime type of traction
Improved structure and stability
Cons:
Thin forefoot cushion lacks impact protection
Breathability is not good
What do the experts think?
Adidas and Damian Lillard continue their non-signature shoe releases with the Dame Certified 2.0. It may not be a signature model, but the traction performance plays like it is. It's reliable on clean and dusty courts. The cushioning is Bounce foam, and it feels responsive. The impact protection could be better, but the shank provides plenty of bounceback. The material usage improved on the 2.0. The shoe has more structure and stability but sacrifices some breathability. Reviewers mention the fit is accommodating, but the shoe does fit slightly long. The width also feels spacious enough for most feet. The support and lockdown are solid, and it gets better with more playtime. The Adidas Dame Certified 2.0 is another step in the right direction for Adidas budget models. The traction shines on this pair.

4. Adidas D.O.N. Issue 5

Performance Rating:
8.1
The D.O.N. Issue #5 provides solid performance, especially with fit and support.
Overall rating based on 3 reviews
Pros:
Excellent traction
Solid support and lockdown
Cons:
Cheaper materials
Quick dust pickup
What do the experts think?
Donovan Mitchell's latest signature model with Adidas, the D.O.N Issue #5, only slightly moves the needle. Reviewers agree that the traction performance is one of the better aspects, especially after an initial break-in period to warm up the rubber. The Lightstrike cushioning is dense. The shank Adidas included keeps the shoe lively, but the setup is not plush. The snug fit is one of the shoe's better features. The materials feel cheap, but they do a solid job of contributing to the shoe's fit and containment. Because of the combination of fit and materials, the support and lockdown are superb. The Adidas D.O.N. Issue #5 makes its name on the secure fit and supportive lockdown.

5. Adidas BYW Select

Performance Rating:
8.1
The traction and cushioning of the Adidas BYW Select stand out, and the rest of the shoe just works.
Overall rating based on 2 reviews
Pros:
Comfortable cushioning
Consistent traction
Cons:
Materials feel cheap
Noticeable drop in stack height
What do the experts think?
Adidas' BYW Select has solid and consistent traction. It performs well on clean courts and only needs occasional wiping on dusty courts. The cushioning is a combination of Lightstrike and Boost. It's comfortable, provides impact protection, and feels responsive. The material quality is low, but the performance is not affected. The lacing system and midsole setup keep your foot contained and stable during play. Fit on the shoe is also accommodating. Overall, the Adidas BYW Select is a well-rounded performer. It provides a bit of everything.

6. Adidas Trae Unlimited

Performance Rating:
8.1
Trae Young's first budget model provides well-rounded performance for a reasonable price.
Overall rating based on 2 reviews
Pros:
Sticky traction on clean courts
Stable and supportive
Cons:
Not very breathable
Dust takes away from performance
What do the experts think?
Trae Young's first budget model with Adidas offers consistent and reliable traction when playing on clean courts. The performance drops off on dusty courts but wiping can help. The cushioning setup uses Bounce. It's low to the ground and responsive. For materials, the quality isn't the best. The shoe is well-padded and comfortable but not the most breathable. Like other Adidas models, the Trae Unlimited is stable and supportive because of the base and midsole setup. The fit is also accommodating to most players. The Adidas Trae Unlimited provides a bit of everything for a budget model. The cushioning and traction are best suited for players with a ground-based game.

7. Adidas Trae Young 2.0

Performance Rating:
8.1
The Adidas Trae Young 2 is a solid performer with its dual setup cushioning and better-than-expected support.
Overall rating based on 4 reviews
Pros:
Materials are comfortable
Impact protection provided by Boost
Cons:
The shoe is difficult to put on
Traction is hampered by dust
What do the experts think?
Some reviewers say the traction grips well, and others say dust affects performance negatively. The cushioning is comfortable, with plenty of impact protection under the heel. The shoe uses a knit material all the way around, and the seams are sewn together underneath the insole. It's supportive and flexible. One of the main complaints about the shoe is how hard it is to put on, but once it's on, the fit is snug and relatively comfortable. Overall, the Adidas Trae Young 2 is a supportive shoe with comfortable cushioning and materials that gets held back by inconsistent traction.

8. Adidas Trae Young 3

Performance Rating:
8.0
The Adidas Trae Young 3 is a decent next entry in his lineup. It features standout traction and a comfortable new cushioning setup.
Overall rating based on 5 reviews
Pros:
Incredible traction
Comfortable foam cushioning
Cons:
It takes time to break in the materials
Poor outsole durability outdoors
What do the experts think?
Trae Young's third signature shoe is quite the departure from the first two in tech and design. Reviewers agree the traction is a standout feature of the Adidas Trae Young 3. It doesn't hold up outdoors, but the indoor performance is excellent. Adidas uses a new foam in the cushioning setup. It feels soft and bouncy without being explosive. The fit is tricky. Some reviewers mention the shoe taking time to properly break in before feeling comfortable. The design of the upper looks more traditional than past models. The materials are lighter and more flexible, but it takes time to feel comfortable. The shoe is low to the ground, so it feels stable. Some reviewers mentioned the ankle collar isn't snug, and one reviewer experienced a bit of heel slippage. The Adidas Trae Young 3 is a solid shoe if you have a similar play style to Trae. The cushioning and support features cater to a specific niche.

9. Adidas D.O.N Issue #4

Performance Rating:
7.9
The D.O.N Issue #4 provides outstanding lockdown and containment for players with quick moves.
Overall rating based on 4 reviews
Pros:
Comfortable and supportive materials
Stability and containment
Cons:
Lightstrike foam bottoms out quick
Dust can cause problems
What do the experts think?
The traction on Donovan Mitchell's fourth signature shoe is consistent and decently grippy most of the time. Dust can cause the occasional hiccup, but it doesn't happen too often. Reviewers agreed the Lightstrike foam is comfortable underfoot, but the cushioning doesn't provide much energy return. Materials on the shoe are lightweight, breathable, and offer plenty of support during lateral movements. The support and lockdown are outstanding on the shoe. It covers you throughout all kinds of different moves. The Adidas D.O.N Issue #4 is a solid next entry in Mitchell's lineup. It's a lightweight shoe with traction and support to fit guard playstyles.

10. Adidas Adizero Select 2.0

Performance Rating:
7.6
The Adidas Adizero Select 2.0 excels with lightweight, but it's far from a perfect performer.
Overall rating based on 5 reviews
Pros:
Lightweight
Traction grips well
Cons:
Thin cushioning
What do the experts think?
The Adidas Adizero Select 2.0 is a shoe that highlights being lightweight and builds itself around that feature. The traction is soft and grippy. Most reviewers had no issues with the performance and mentioned it grips well on clean courts. Adidas uses Lightstrike foam in the cushioning. The setup is thin and light. It feels comfortable but lacks impact protection. It's better suited for responsiveness. The shoe has the necessary support features, but some reviewers experienced slight heel slippage. The materials on the shoe are thin and extremely light. The breathability is impressive, too. Most reviewers recommend going down a half size because the shoe is long. There's also some extra room in the forefoot. Overall, the Adidas Adizero Select 2.0 is a decent shoe with no features that excel. The traction grips well, and the shoe is lightweight.

The Top 3 Reasons to buy Adidas Basketball Shoes

1. Boost Cushion Technology

"Boost is life!" If you have watched as many sneaker review videos as I have, then you are probably familiar with this phrase. The Boost cushioning technology was released in 2014 and provides unmatched comfort while still remaining responsive enough for high impact sports like basketball. Check out this video to learn more:

WHAT IS ADIDAS BOOST...

2. You're a fan of James Harden, Damian Lillard or Derrick Rose

Adidas doesn't have the number of stars under contract that Nike has, but they feature two of the most exciting players in the NBA right now:

James Harden is one of the most efficient scores in today's games and has led the league in scoring for three consecutive seasons from 2017/2018 to 2019/2020

Damian Lillard is one of the best playoff performers of this era highlighted by his insane, series-winning, buzzer beater against the OKC Thunder in the 2019 playoffs.

Derrick Rose, the 2011 NBA MVP, is not the same player anymore after many injuries, but his shoes are still some of the best performance sneakers available and very popular in China.

3. You want to try something new!

Maybe you are just tired of wearing the same Nike models every year? Try something new and exciting and switch to Adidas sneakers for a change! The laceless Adidas N3XT L3V3L 2020 stands out on any court!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *