Finding your next pair of performance basketball shoes is tough!
Just in the last few years, Converse,, New Balance, and a bunch of Chinese brands have entered an already crowded market dominated by Nike, Adidas, and Jordan Brand.
With so many brands to choose from, how do you decide what shoes to get?
On thehoopsgeek.com we collect and summarize professional sneaker reviews from Youtube channels and blogs to create an always up-to-date list of the most popular basketball shoes.
So far, we have watched or read 1496 reviews of 298 different shoes to create the most comprehensive performance basketball shoe database on the web.
We are also collecting ratings and reviews from users detailing their own experiences to create a user score, separate from the expert rating.
Below you can see a quick overview of the top 33 sneakers, scroll down further to see a more detailed review of each shoe.
Overview of the 33 best basketball shoes currently on the market:
Nike and LeBron hookup for the 21st entry in his signature shoe line. This time, with improved materials and stability.
Most reviewers agree the traction performance is solid, especially on clean courts. Make sure that you wipe on dusty courts.
The cushioning feels springy and bouncy. The Cushlon foam and Zoom units provide a balanced feel.
The upper materials are where the shoe sees the most change. The leather feels more supportive, and the tongue is breathable, too.
With the revamped upper, the support and lockdown are better. Lateral containment is incredible and secure.
Nike continues in the right direction with the LeBron signature line. The Nike LeBron 21 makes slight tweaks to improve the materials and support.
Not much changed between the original Puma MB.01 and the low-top version. The traction is still reliable on all surfaces.
Puma's Nitro foam is a balanced cushioning setup offering both impact protection and responsiveness.
The fit can be narrow, but the materials are comfortable and get the job done performance-wise.
The shoe also has solid support features to keep your foot secure and contained.
Overall, the Puma MB.01 Low continues the trend of Puma releasing quality performance basketball shoes.
Li-Ning continues to put out top-quality performance shoes with this year's All City 12.
The traction performs consistently well on all surfaces, and the rubber holds up outdoors.
Li-Ning's Boom foam cushioning is a favourite among reviewers. It feels responsive and offers plenty of court feel.
Reviewers had no complaints about any of the support and lockdown features.
The materials feel sturdier than last year's model without sacrificing comfort.
The Li-Ning Way of Wade All City 12 is a top-notch performer. It has no noticeable weaknesses, and the traction and cushioning excel.
As we've come to expect, the Flow traction is fantastic. It's some of the best traction available.
The cushioning is responsive and low to the ground. The shank also offers some additional bounce.
The materials feel similar to the Curry 9 from last year. It does feel a tad bit more comfortable, though.
Support and lockdown are better than last year because of a better heel counter and more supportive construction.
Overall, the Curry 10 improves on last year's model and remains a top performer because of the outstanding traction.
The traction on the LeBron 20 is tacky, and it grips most court surfaces. The occasional wipe is needed, but it doesn't hinder performance.
Nike toned the cushioning down from previous models, but it's still insanely bouncy.
The materials are comfortable, thin, and breathable on foot. It also helps to keep you contained during play.
On fit, some reviewers praised the LeBron 20 for its snug, 1-to-1 fit. Other reviewers had split opinions on how the shoe accommodates wide footers.
The lacing and materials work together to keep your foot contained on the footbed. Reviewers didn't have any complaints when it came to the support of the shoe.
Overall, the Nike LeBron 20 is an impressive all-around performer. The traction, cushioning, and support are versatile enough to offer something to most players.
Under Armour and Curry Brand continue to provide slight improvements to their main signature shoe line.
The Flow outsole is excellent. The performance is elite, and it performs better on dust this year.
Under Armour uses a dual-density foam setup for cushioning this year. It provides additional impact protection under the heel.
The fit is snug, with some reviewers mentioning it feels like a 1-to-1 fit around your foot.
The materials aren't premium but are lightweight, comfortable, and breathable.
Like previous models in the line, the support is secure, especially around the heel area.
The Under Armour Curry 11 sticks to the tried and true formula of the last three models. The traction remains the best on the market.
The latest in the Nike Zoom G.T. Jump series is an impressive upgrade.
The traction is reliable, and it performs well on all court types. Dust doesn't affect performance much, but make sure to wipe.
Nike improved the cushioning setup too. The React is soft and comfortable, while the Jump Frame and Zoom Air provide outstanding bounceback.
The material quality isn't the best, but they feel comfortable.
Lateral stability isn't as secure because of the reduced Jump Frame, but the support is still fantastic and uncompromised. The shoe allows for more movement.
Overall, the Nike G.T. Jump 2 is a maximalist shoe done right.
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.
The Nike LeBron NXXT Gen features a map of Akron as its traction pattern. It grips nicely indoors and outdoors.
The foam feels firmer than the LeBron 20, but the Zoom units and shank keep the shoe comfortable and responsive.
Material quality is a downgrade, but there is no drop in performance.
Support and containment are not issues either. The materials work to keep you locked into the shoe.
The latest entry in the LeBron line of shoes has a lower price point than the flagship model and offers just as much performance.
The latest shoe in the TWO WXY lineup, the V3, has tacky traction that grips incredibly well on indoor courts.
Reviewers agree that cushioning is the main drawback of the shoe. The foam is not as plush as other shoes, and there is minimal impact protection.
On the other hand, reviewers agreed that fit is the shoe's best feature. The fit is near-perfect and close to 1-to-1.
Because of the glovelike fit, the support and lockdown are also solid. There were no reports of issues with the stability either.
The materials are thin, comfortable and supportive. One reviewer said the uppers are one of the best available.
The New Balance TWO WXY V3 is an excellent performance basketball shoe with outstanding traction and fit.
Like all shoes using a Flow midsole, the traction on the Curry 4 FloTro bites hard. It feels tackier than the Curry 9.
The cushioning is responsive and smooth. The shoe feels low to the ground but doesn't have the best impact protection.
The materials might be synthetic, but they feel premium.
The shoe's construction makes it fit well for many different foot shapes. It accommodates wide footers well.
The reviewer's only concern with the shoe is the slight sliding on the footbed caused by heavy cutting.
Overall, the Curry 4 FloTro is a fantastic performer. The shoe offers some of the best traction on the market and plays well for footwork-reliant play styles.
The latest entry in Jordan Brand's signature lineup improves on the previous Air Jordan 37.
The traction grip is elite, but the rubber wears away quickly. It's not suited for outdoor use.
Jordan Brand uses a full-length Zoom Strobel combined with Cushlon 3.0. It provides a comfortable and bouncy cushioning setup.
Support is much improved this year. The lockdown and containment keep you stable and secure.
The materials are comfortable and breathable. The upper feels more traditional in terms of materials.
Jordan Brand paid attention to the details with the Air Jordan 38. The shoe is more reliable and secure this year.
Jordan Brand did a solid job on their latest release, the Air Jordan 38 Low.
The traction performance remains the same on the Low. It performs exceptionally well as long as players wipe the dust.
The full-length Zoom Strobel remains a favourite amongst reviewers. This shoe has one of the best cushioning setups on the market.
Reviewers also enjoyed the containment and stability of the 38 Low, especially around the heel area.
There are no complaints about the material usage. Reviewers say the shoe feels comfortable on foot.
The Air Jordan 38 Low delivers impressive performance in a low-cut form factor. The traction and cushioning combo remains elite.
Puma's latest All Pro model picks up where the previous model left off.
Reviewers agree the traction is phenomenal. The shoe performs whether the court is clean or dusty as long as you remember to wipe it.
The Nitro foam is the softest iteration yet. It's comfortable with some bounce.
The base is broader, and the lacing setup has improved eyelets to help keep you feeling stable and secure.
Cheap materials are the only downside. Regardless, the shoe feels breathable and comfortable.
The Puma All Pro Nitro is one of Puma's best releases.
The second installment in the G.T. Cut lineup features solid traction, but a break-in time is needed. It also isn't as good as the original.
Cushioning for the shoe continues to offer some of the best bounce and impact protection. The drop-in midsole also features an improved liner for extra grip.
The material used on the shoe makes it feel lighter, but some reviewers mentioned missing the plastic side wall previously on the lateral side.
Players that enjoy a snug fit will enjoy the fit on the G.T. Cut 2.
There's a lack of torsional stability, but the rest of the support and lockdown features perform well.
The Nike Air Zoom G.T. Cut 2 is a solid performer with fantastic cushioning.
Luka Doncic's first signature shoe with Jordan Brand delivers an outstanding traction experience. It feels tacky and bites hard in all directions.
The use of Jordan Brand's new Formula 23 foam feels like an upgrade from React. Reviewers mention that the cushioning feels low-to-the-ground and responsive.
For support, the side pods and the unique shank plate implemented in the shoe keep you contained while also offering some bounce back.
Most reviewers agreed that the materials perform well and feel comfortable on your feet.
Overall, the Jordan Luka 1 is an admirable first entry into the signature shoe landscape for Luka Doncic.
The Curry Spawn is the latest shoe to get the FloTro treatment.
Flow foam remains one of the best traction setups on the market. The grip and performance are elite.
The Flow midsole is responsive and light.
Materials are light and well-padded, but the shoe retains heat and moisture.
Support and lockdown are solid for the most part. You have to use all the lace holes to avoid potential issues.
Reviewers were also surprised with how accommodating the fit of the Curry Spawn FloTro is, especially during play.
The Curry Spawn FloTro is another impressive shoe in the FloTro line. The upgrade to the traction is well worth it.
New Balance continues to deliver impressive and reliable performance with its TWO WXY line.
The traction provides excellent grip, and the rubber is durable enough for indoor and outdoor play.
The combination of Fresh Foam and FuelCell provides improved impact protection and comfort while remaining responsive. It's an impressive balance.
Reviewers called the materials light, flexible, and breathable. The only complaint is the lack of heel padding and sculpting.
Some reviewers mention the fit is long. Others say the materials need to break in before the shoe fits well.
Support and lockdown aren't an issue. The improved cushioning provides additional stability during play.
The New Balance TWO WXY V4 is another solid performer in the TWO WXY lineup, this time with better impact protection.
Kevin Durant's latest signature model has slight tweaks to the tech in the shoe.
The traction takes some time to warm up, but the performance is solid in all directions.
There's no Zoom Strobel anymore. It uses an Air Strobel and a forefoot Zoom Air unit instead. The KD 16 provides plush and comfortable cushioning.
The fit feels snug and tight. Some players will have to go up half a size.
Heel containment and lockdown are improved. There's no noticeable heel slippage. The support and containment feel improved too.
Overall, the Nike KD 16 is well-balanced. It's a versatile shoe.
The traction pattern of the Puma TRC Blaze Court performed phenomenally for most reviewers, but dust pickup can be an issue.
Puma's Trinomic cushioning is soft and responsive, and one reviewer said it was the most bouncy cushioning they've tested.
The materials feel cheap, but they do keep the shoe feeling lightweight on foot.
The support features are strategically placed around the shoe to reinforce the lockdown and containment of the shoe.
Overall, the Puma TRC Blaze Court is an exceptional performer that could've been even better if not for some consistency issues.
Like many other Nike shoes, the Cosmic Unity 2 uses a full-length Zoom Strobel. It performs terrifically, blending cushioning and responsiveness well.
The traction performed well for most reviewers, and there were no complaints.
The materials saw the biggest improvement as the shoe is lighter this year without sacrificing performance.
There we no reported issues with support and lockdown. The shoe has all the features needed to keep you contained.
Some reviewers reported that the shoe fits long and others reported that it fits narrow.
Overall, the Nike Cosmic Unity 2 is a steady and balanced performer across the board and excels in cushioning.
Sabrina Ionescu's debut signature sneaker with Nike is a pleasant surprise. There are a ton of features players will enjoy.
The traction is grippy and performs well, especially on clean courts. Just make sure to wipe on dustier surfaces.
Nike uses React foam and a wafer-thin Zoom unit in the forefoot. This setup is best for shifty players who prioritize responsiveness over bounciness.
The materials are a feature reviewers all agree is a standout. The uppers feel comfortable and breathable while remaining supportive.
The support and lockdown are also impressive because of the lacing system. It lets the shoe conform to your foot.
The Nike Sabrina 1 is almost Kobe-esque. The traction, materials, and support all make the shoe feel like it belongs in the Kobe line.
Luka Doncic's second signature shoe with Jordan Brand features impressive cushioning on clean courts, especially during lateral cuts. However, dust can be a problem.
Jordan Brand improved the comfort of the Formula 23 foam. It feels softer for impact protection, and the forefoot feels bouncy.
Support and lockdown are the star features among reviewers. The heel counter is beefy, and the lacing system creates excellent security.
The materials see the most change from the previous model. The comfort is improved, but this also causes the weight to increase.
Overall, the Jordan Luka 2 takes a step in the right direction, specifically catering to Luka's play style well.
Breanna Stewart's second shoe has consistent traction that grips well on clean courts. The shoe doesn't slide much, but dust builds up quickly.
Puma's Nitro Foam cushioning is soft. The impact protection is excellent, and the shoe feels responsive too.
The materials are flexible but still comfortable.
The support is nothing special, but it has no issues. Reviewers mention the shoe is supportive enough for different play styles.
The Puma Stewie 2 is an impressively cushioned shoe. It holds up well compared to other shoes, especially indoors.
The traction is grippy, especially on clear courts, but it can pick up dust quickly. Make sure to wipe.
It seems to be a consensus among reviewers that the cushioning is explosive and bouncy.
The materials don't feel premium but are still breathable and keep you contained within the shoe.
Support and lockdown aren't an issue either. No reviewers reported any containment issues.
Some reviewers describe the Jordan 37 Low as similar to a low-top Kyrie model. The traction is strong, and the cushion is bouncy, especially under the forefoot.
Jordan Brand switches up the traction to look more like the traction on the Zion 1, but the performance is still there.
The double-stacked Zoom Strobel and Zoom Air unit in the forefoot provide plenty of bounce and responsiveness. Meanwhile, the heel cushioning is Formula 23, and it feels caged.
All reviewers agree that the materials are not premium but excel in all performance aspects.
The fit is improved compared to last year's Air Jordan 36. It accommodates slightly wide feet better.
The support features are all there too. The materials work well to keep the foot contained during play.
The latest mainline Jordan, the Air Jordan 37, offers innovative performance and has plenty of features to love.
The traction on the Zoom Freak 4 takes time to break in, but once it does, it performs reliably afterwards.
The two forefoot Zoom Air units are bouncy but can take a lot of force to feel them. The foam feels springy regardless, though.
Material quality is a letdown. Nike didn't use premium materials, but they hold up for performance.
One improved feature is the fit. The shoe accommodates more foot shapes and is better for players with slightly-wide feet.
Reviewers mentioned the torsional support isn't the best, but it didn't take away from the lockdown and stability of the shoe.
The Nike Zoom Freak 4 performs well in all performance basketball categories while being a shoe for price-conscious players.
The Nike Kyrie Low 5's traction is the best performance feature of the shoe. It sticks to all types of court conditions.
Nike uses a full-length Phylon and a forefoot Zoom unit to provide a balanced feeling cushion.
The materials are similar to the Kyrie Infinity, but they feel less premium.
Reviewers agree that the shoe fits narrow, but it doesn't hinder performance.
The narrow fit helps contribute to the support of the shoe. It keeps your foot locked in and secure.
Overall, the Kyrie Low 5 is an improvement from the previous Kyrie Lows and is a solid performer for the price.
Kawhi Leonard's latest signature model with New Balance is a solid step in the right direction.
The traction bites on just about any surface after an initial break-in period.
New Balance keeps the shoe feeling low to the ground and responsive with the full-length FuelCell setup. It isn't the plushest, but it helps players feel nimble.
The materials used on the upper of the shoe are lightweight, breathable, and make the shoe feel very supportive.
Working together with the materials, the heel counter and outsole tread that wraps up the shoe, keep your foot feeling secure. These features make support and lockdown a non-issue in the shoe.
Most reviewers had no issues with the fit, but they did mention that New Balance doesn't seem to offer this model in extra widths.
Overall, the New Balance Kawhi 2 is a strong performer that provides excellent traction and stability.
The Under Armour Flow FUTR X Elite is a newly innovative performance basketball shoe.
Flow foam remains elite on clean courts. As always, wipe on dusty surfaces.
The midsole setup features a bulkier iteration of Flow. It feels more stable and secure. It's better for responsiveness.
Under Armour's Intelliknit upper is also comfortable, lightweight, and breathable.
The midfoot shank and stiff heel counter ensure support and containment are not an issue during play.
The fit is divisive. Players who enjoy more freedom and stretchiness in the forefoot and toe box will enjoy the fit, but players who prefer a snug fit will not.
The Under Armour FUTR X Elite steps up with a more innovative upper, and the traction and cushioning are what you expect from Flow, but make sure you like the fit beforehand.
Nike releases the third entry in the G.T. Cut lineup using full-length ZoomX foam for the first time in a basketball shoe.
Reviewers agree the traction performs very well on clean courts, but dust causes some slipping.
ZoomX makes its debut in a basketball shoe. The cushioning feels shifty and springy, but it doesn't have as much impact protection as Zoom.
The materials are a disappointment, especially considering the shoe's price. They don't hamper performance much, but they feel cheap.
The fit is solid as long as you tighten down the laces.
Support and lockdown are decent, but be aware the containment has some give to it.
The Nike G.T. Cut 3 is a solid enough performer because of the traction and cushioning.
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.
The Nike Zoom Freak 5 departs from the typical shoes in Giannis Antetokounmpo's line.
The traction performance is phenomenal. Reviewers agree there's no break-in time, and the shoe performs well out of the box.
Nike cut back on the complex tech in the cushioning, but it still has bounce. It feels springy and stable.
The fit is unforgiving, especially for wide-footers. It also feels snug.
Support and lockdown are decent. Most of the security comes from the stable foam and lacing system.
The Nike Zoom Freak 5 has outstanding traction, and the cushioning gets the job done.
Picking your next pair of basketball shoes can be difficult. Finding out about the latest releases, reading reviews, checking prices, and getting the right size - it often takes me days or even weeks to settle on a new pair.
Now, maybe I am just really picky when it comes to basketball sneakers, but there is a reason why!
Good basketball shoes are important because:
They grip the floor and allow quick cuts and crossovers
They provide impact protection and reduce the stress on your knees and feet
They fit comfortably and lock down your feet tightly
They provide support and protect your ankles from rolling
In short: Good basketball shoes will help you to get the most out of your game!
How to find basketball shoes that fit your playing style
The list above is a great way to find basketball shoes that perform well overall, but not every basketball shoe will work the same for different types of players. Quick guards will need different shoes than big and heavy centers.
But how do you know what kind of shoe you need? In the following paragraphs, I want to go into more detail and tell you what to look for to find your perfect fit!
Let's talk about the most important characteristics of basketball kicks and what you want to look for when you are in the market for a new pair:
Style of the silhouette
There are three different styles of basketball shoes out there: Low tops, mid tops, and high tops. Traditionally, basketball players used to play in high tops that completely covered the ankle of players, but nowadays, more and more players are wearing low-tops that look more like regular training shoes. Let's take a closer look at each style and their pros and cons:
Low Tops:
Low-cut shoes provide maximum flexibility and are often very lightweight. They are perfect for guards who want to feel light and quick on their feet and don't want to add unnecessary bulk. Bigger and slower guys don't profit as much from low tops and might look for the protection of higher cut shoes. Low-cuts were made most popular by the Kobe signature line:
Mid Tops:
Mid Tops are a hybrid between low- and high tops and provide a little bit of both worlds: Good flexibility and mobility, but also a decent amount of ankle protection and more stability. Perfect for forwards or wings who don't need all the flexibility of a low top, but also don't like the bulkiness of true high tops. An example of a mid top basketball shoes is the Kyrie 3:
High Tops:
This is the way basketball shoes used to look like for decades. High Tops provide a lot of ankle protection, support and are often nicely cushioned. Perfect for big guys who are looking for maximum protection when they are fighting below the rim and don't mind losing a little bit of flexibility in exchange for more safety. A popular example is the Lebron signature line:
Traction
If you plan to do explosive crossovers and quick cuts you need a shoe that provides excellent traction. Nothing is more annoying than slipping every time you try to change directions.
The amount of traction provided by a shoe relies on two factors: the traction pattern and the rubber compound used for the outsole.
Traction pattern:
A very popular traction pattern that is often used in basketball shoes is the "herringbone" pattern. Zig-zag lines of rubber provide grip in every direction and the empty space in between the rubber makes sure that dust doesn't stick to the surface of the sole.
Herringbone traction almost always works; unfortunately, other traction patterns are often hit or miss. Sometimes designers try to get too innovative or focus on storytelling, and you end up with a shoe that needs endless wiping or feels like playing on skates.
Herringbone Traction Pattern
Rubber Compound
The quality of the rubber compound is much harder to judge than the traction pattern. Softer rubber will often work better indoors but attract a lot of dust, hard rubber is a lot more durable but doesn't provide the same grip on pristine hardwood courts. As a rule of thumb, if you have the option between colorways with translucent and solid outer soles, always go with the solid option. A solid rubber outer sole might not look as nice, but it often performs much better especially on dusty courts.
Cushion
The cushioning of a basketball shoe becomes more important the heavier you are. If you are a 5'6" guard who weighs 140 lbs, you won't need a lot of cushioning, and you will probably prefer the responsiveness and court feel of a firmer setup. But bigger and heavier guys put a lot of pressure on their joints and profit immensely from a softer and more forgiving cushioning.
There are countless cushioning technologies on the market, and every company has different styles for different use cases or budgets. The most popular tech is probably Nike Zoom Air cushioning which is made of tightly stretched tensile fibers in a pressurized “Air” unit embedded in the midsole. Other cushioning setups like Adidas Bounce, Nike Lunarlon, or UnderArmour MicroG are foam-based and provide impact protection by distributing impact forces more evenly.
Nike Zoom Air
Other than traction, cushioning really comes down to personal preference. If you are a quick and light guard, you want to look for a firm cushioning setup like Nike Lunarlon or Adidas Bounce. Cushioning that is too soft will only make you lose court feel and responsiveness.
However, if you are a bigger player or you have a history of knee problems, you will fare much better with a more comfortable cushioning like full-length Zoom Air or Adidas Boost.
Support
If you think of supportive basketball shoes, you probably imagine a bulky high top with a lot of straps and laces. Fortunately, modern basketball shoes have found other ways to provides athletes with the necessary safety and stability. Just look at the shoes which are worn in the NBA today - a lot of players wear low tops that were unimaginable only 20 years ago.
A common support feature used in almost every modern basketball shoe is the outrigger. Usually placed on the lateral side of the shoe, this extension of the outer sole makes the base of the shoe wider and provides a stable platform that protects your feet from rolling.
Other often-used support features are midfoot shanks that provide torsional support and heel counters that lock you into the shoe. But one of the most significant support factors is the fit and lockdown of a shoe. All the support features in the world will not help you if you are sliding side-to-side on every cut because your sneakers are just too wide.
Lateral Outrigger
If you are recovering from an ankle injury and need even more support around the ankle, you should look into getting an additional ankle brace.
Fit
The fit is one of the most important things to consider when buying new shoes. You want to be firmly locked in and not sliding left-to-right or front-to-back at all. If you can, it's always a good idea to try on shoes in a store. If that's not an option, I like to get shoes in two different sizes, keep the better fitting pair and use the return policy for the other one.
If shoes are a little tight in the beginning that's okay, they usually widen and become more comfortable as you break them in. If you are unsure which size to get, or you have unusually wide or narrow feet and you are looking for a particular fit, then check out this list of shoes. You can filter shoes to only include narrow-, or wide-fitting shoes, and find out which model runs large or small by reading the more detailed review.
Material
There is a wide variety of upper materials used in basketball shoes these days ranging from traditional nubuck leather to synthetic mesh or high-tech textile materials like Adidas PrimeKnit or Nike Flyknit.
Cheaper materials like Mesh or other synthetic uppers often start out rather stiff and need a little time to break-in. High-tech materials are often reserved for more expensive signature lines like Air Jordan's or Kobes and are really soft and comfortable from the beginning.
Aside from aesthetics and comfort, modern materials used in basketball shoes all do a very nice job and don't differ too much when it comes to performance. Just pick whatever material you personally prefer and can afford.
Take a quiz to find your perfect pair of basketball shoes
If you are a little overwhelmed by all the things you need to consider, then you might be interested in a simple quiz I developed. You answer a set of simple questions about which type of player you are, whether you plan to play outdoors etc. and the quiz will automatically recommend the best-rated shoe that fits all your criteria. This way you can find a good basketball shoe within minutes instead of browsing the web for hours!
As a defensive guard, I would look for shoes with great traction. You can check out the list at https://www.thehoopsgeek.com/shoe-reviews/ and sort for the best traction and apply other filters as well.
Thank you for this. It is nice to see a good comparrison that isn’t just “Nike” driven. I like good traction and this helps me ID which shoes provide that traction and support for ankle injury prevention.
This is a amazing website. Thank you for taking your time to make this because this really helps me what my new pairs of shoes would be. I have a pair Kyrie 5’s right now and i hate the traction on them. i will for sure consider what my next pair of shoes will be it will most likely be the one with the most traction. Yes, i’m a traction freak.
Hi Sir Andy! I’m a forward player who plays wingman and stretch 4 position. I like a shoe which is light for me because i always want to feel light whenever im playing but also i want a shoe with a great cushioning which will secure my landing. What can you recommend to me? Thanks a lot in advance.
Hey Tristan, check out the list at https://www.thehoopsgeek.com/shoe-reviews/ and sort the list by cushioning, I am sure you can find shoes that fit your criteria there.
I’m torn. I’ve been through a lot of different sneaker types in 2 decades of playing ball. I’ve had ankle issues for years now due to playing in Nike Shox b-ball sneakers way back when. I switched to low top Kobes for a long time but after another ankle issue started going back to higher tops like the Kobe Elites and now the Hyperdunk 2017’s. Ankle and heel still and issue so was thinking about the Adapt BB but wasn’t sure if it was worth the $. Need to feel locked in and free to cut, jump, and hustle like I want to.
First, I appreciate this site – the right shoes are critical to how you play, especially how long/often you can go. But I do think a couple of additions to the ratings would go a long way.
I think weight is a key characteristic that is missing here. I expect there is a tradeoff between weight, materials & support. I tried and loved everything about the Harden V3, but it measured and PLAYED heavier than any shoe I’ve played in since the 90’s. I’d rather have super light shoes made with materials that some would consider cheap. The 2012 Hyperdisruptor is still the lightest and my favorite of all time – 35% lighter than Harden V3.
I have similar take on cushion. This is inversely proportional to how high off the court the bottom of your foot is, which in turn is directly relatable to ankle stability. I love bouncy shoes, like 2019 Hyperdunk played awesome except in extreme lateral moves, the sole was too thick.
You could increase usefulness of ratings dramatically if you added weight and total sole thickness under ball & heel of foot. Thickness may be complicated – would need fixture to measure this under some reference player weight.
I agree that weight would be a useful addition but shoe brands don’t publish this information and I can’t weigh every shoe myself. On top of that weight differs from size to size, so it’s even harder to find comparable information. But on top of that, I don’t think shoe weight makes as much of a difference as many believe, a few grams more or less should be barely recognizable considering how much your legs weigh without shoes…
Do you know the best basketball shoe for a very fast, defensive point guard?
As a defensive guard, I would look for shoes with great traction. You can check out the list at https://www.thehoopsgeek.com/shoe-reviews/ and sort for the best traction and apply other filters as well.
Thank you for this. It is nice to see a good comparrison that isn’t just “Nike” driven. I like good traction and this helps me ID which shoes provide that traction and support for ankle injury prevention.
This is a amazing website. Thank you for taking your time to make this because this really helps me what my new pairs of shoes would be. I have a pair Kyrie 5’s right now and i hate the traction on them. i will for sure consider what my next pair of shoes will be it will most likely be the one with the most traction. Yes, i’m a traction freak.
Thanks! Yeah, traction is priority #1 for me too.
I would recommend Harden vol 3 or Kobe Nxt 360
Any idea when the Dame 5’s will be reviewed and added to the list?
The Dame 5 was just released in the US. I will add it to the database as soon as the first reviews are dropping!
Hey Andy, I really want to say thank you for making this page. I am using it for a school project if that is okay with you
You’re welcome! Of course, you can use it for your school project. I am intrigued: what is the project about?
Hi Sir Andy! I’m a forward player who plays wingman and stretch 4 position. I like a shoe which is light for me because i always want to feel light whenever im playing but also i want a shoe with a great cushioning which will secure my landing. What can you recommend to me? Thanks a lot in advance.
Hey Tristan, check out the list at https://www.thehoopsgeek.com/shoe-reviews/ and sort the list by cushioning, I am sure you can find shoes that fit your criteria there.
I’m torn. I’ve been through a lot of different sneaker types in 2 decades of playing ball. I’ve had ankle issues for years now due to playing in Nike Shox b-ball sneakers way back when. I switched to low top Kobes for a long time but after another ankle issue started going back to higher tops like the Kobe Elites and now the Hyperdunk 2017’s. Ankle and heel still and issue so was thinking about the Adapt BB but wasn’t sure if it was worth the $. Need to feel locked in and free to cut, jump, and hustle like I want to.
Very helpful thanks alot 💯
First, I appreciate this site – the right shoes are critical to how you play, especially how long/often you can go. But I do think a couple of additions to the ratings would go a long way.
I think weight is a key characteristic that is missing here. I expect there is a tradeoff between weight, materials & support. I tried and loved everything about the Harden V3, but it measured and PLAYED heavier than any shoe I’ve played in since the 90’s. I’d rather have super light shoes made with materials that some would consider cheap. The 2012 Hyperdisruptor is still the lightest and my favorite of all time – 35% lighter than Harden V3.
I have similar take on cushion. This is inversely proportional to how high off the court the bottom of your foot is, which in turn is directly relatable to ankle stability. I love bouncy shoes, like 2019 Hyperdunk played awesome except in extreme lateral moves, the sole was too thick.
You could increase usefulness of ratings dramatically if you added weight and total sole thickness under ball & heel of foot. Thickness may be complicated – would need fixture to measure this under some reference player weight.
I agree that weight would be a useful addition but shoe brands don’t publish this information and I can’t weigh every shoe myself. On top of that weight differs from size to size, so it’s even harder to find comparable information. But on top of that, I don’t think shoe weight makes as much of a difference as many believe, a few grams more or less should be barely recognizable considering how much your legs weigh without shoes…