The cushioning setup of basketball sneakers can differ wildly. There are shoes like the Kyrie 3 that make you feel like walking on a slab of concrete while others (Lebron 18) provide cushion that feels like a soft pillow.
Not everybody needs soft and comfortably-cushioned basketball shoes, but there are a lot of reasons why basketball shoes with a lot of impact protection might make sense for you:
- You are a big and heavy guy
Large players put a lot more stress on their joints and profit the most from well-cushioned shoes
- You experience a lot of knee pain
If your knees are hurting after every game you should look for more impact protection!
- You play a lot
If you are absolutely crazy about basketball and play hours every day it might make sense to get a second pair that provides additional cushioning to relieve the stress on your joints
To help you find the best cushioned basketball sneaker I am constantly checking out the latest shoe releases and record the ratings of every honest and qualified performance review I can find. So far I have summed up the findings of 2044 reviews of 381 different performance basketball shoes.
The following overview shows the top ten sneakers, ranked by the average score they received for their cushioning. This list was last updated on Jan 20, 2026. Scroll down further to see a more detailed summary of each shoe, or click on the links to see quotes and ratings from every review I gathered for each shoe.
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9.9
cushion rating based on
7 expert reviews
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The Way of Wade 808 5 Ultra is a lively performer thanks to the bouncy cushioning.
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This shoe is best for smaller, quicker, more explosive players.
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9.7
cushion rating based on
9 expert reviews
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The Jordan 40 is one of the best mainline performers released in a while, thanks to its cushioning and materials.
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The Air Jordan 40 is best for players who enjoy maximum bounce and impact protection.
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9.5
cushion rating based on
5 expert reviews
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The New Balance Fresh Foam BB V3 is an excellent performer with maximum cushioning.
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This shoe is for players who want maximum cushioning and protection.
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9.5
cushion rating based on
7 expert reviews
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The Nike GT Hustle 3 offers plenty of impact protection with its plush-feeling cushion setup.
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These shoes are best for bigs who get off the ground often and require impact protection.
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9.4
cushion rating based on
9 expert reviews
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Li-Ning's Way of Wade 11 is an outstanding performance hoop shoe with grippy traction and bouncy cushioning.
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The lightweight, well-cushioned Way of Wade 11 is recommended for players who like to get up and down the court and vertical.
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9.3
cushion rating based on
5 expert reviews
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The GT Cut 3 Turbo makes minor adjustments to improve the traction and support.
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This shoe is best for players who want a more stable, improved version of the previous model.
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9.2
cushion rating based on
5 expert reviews
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The Way of Wade 12 delivers sticky traction, bouncy Super Boom cushioning, and secure support.
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This shoe is best for guards and small forwards who want bouncy cushioning and hard-biting traction.
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9.2
cushion rating based on
7 expert reviews
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The Way of Wade All City 13 is excellent at all aspects of play. It's a versatile shoe.
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This shoe is best for quick, explosive guards but is versatile enough for everyone.
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9.0
cushion rating based on
5 expert reviews
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The Way of Wade DLo 1 is a strong signature debut with fantastic traction and comfortable cushioning.
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This shoe is best for shifty, quick guards.
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9.0
cushion rating based on
11 expert reviews
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The Adidas Harden Volume 9 is another solid performer in the Harden signature series.
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This shoe is best for all positions prioritizing a secure upper and springy cushioning.
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Top 10 Best Cushion Basketball Shoes
Performance Rating:
The Way of Wade 808 5 Ultra is a lively performer thanks to the bouncy cushioning.
Pros:
Cushioning is outstanding
Fast and reliable traction
Cons:
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.
Performance Rating:
The Jordan 40 is one of the best mainline performers released in a while, thanks to its cushioning and materials.
Cons:
Traction struggles on dirty floors
What do the experts think?
Jordan Brand nails it with the Air Jordan 40. It's one of the best mainline performers released in a long time.
The traction performance is excellent on clean courts and holds up decently on dirty courts.
Cushioning is the star of the show. It feels like a perfect balance of impact protection and bounce. The only downside is the lack of court feel.
The support and lockdown have greatly improved this year. The cushioning is more stable, which makes this shoe safer.
Reviewers agree the materials feel premium. The upper is comfortable and feels lighter than it actually is. Beware of breathability and low ventilation. The shoe can get hot.
The fit is slightly snug, but not too uncomfortable.
Compared to last year, the Air Jordan 40 is an improvement. It has one of the best cushioning setups available.
Performance Rating:
The New Balance Fresh Foam BB V3 is an excellent performer with maximum cushioning.
Pros:
Elite traction performance
Cons:
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.
Performance Rating:
The Nike GT Hustle 3 offers plenty of impact protection with its plush-feeling cushion setup.
Pros:
Abundance of impact protection
Cons:
Stack height is high off the ground
Upper materials aren't the most durable
What do the experts think?
The Nike GT Hustle 3 continues to evolve in unexpected ways. This year's version focuses heavily on the cushion.Â
The traction performance is well-reviewed. It performs exceptionally well, especially on clean courts.Â
For cushioning, Nike uses a React foam midsole, a ZoomX foam insole, and double-stacked Zoom Air under the forefoot. It's incredibly plush, and the forefoot also feels bouncy.Â
Nike's choice of materials keeps the shoe lightweight and very breathable. The only potential downside is the upper's durability.Â
Support and lockdown get the job done, but the high stack of cushioning can affect containment and stability. Some reviewers felt a bit uneasy being so high off the ground.Â
Nike's GT Hustle 3's impressive traction and plentiful cushioning make it a strong performance shoe.
Performance Rating:
Li-Ning's Way of Wade 11 is an outstanding performance hoop shoe with grippy traction and bouncy cushioning.
Pros:
Grippy and consistent traction
Cons:
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.
Performance Rating:
The GT Cut 3 Turbo makes minor adjustments to improve the traction and support.
Pros:
Improved support and lockdown
Excellent traction performance
Cons:
Needs a longer break-in period
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.
Performance Rating:
The Way of Wade 12 delivers sticky traction, bouncy Super Boom cushioning, and secure support.
Pros:
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.
Performance Rating:
The Way of Wade All City 13 is excellent at all aspects of play. It's a versatile shoe.
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.
Performance Rating:
The Way of Wade DLo 1 is a strong signature debut with fantastic traction and comfortable cushioning.
Pros:
Tacky traction performance
Boom cushioning is always nice
Cons:
A bit high off the ground for a low-cut shoe
What do the experts think?
The Li-Ning Way of Wade Dlo 1 is well-suited for shifty and quick guards who can take advantage of the reliable traction and plush cushioning setup.
Traction performance is one of the shoe's highlights. It plays consistently well on clean courts and holds its own on dust.
The shoe features full-length Boom cushioning in the midsole. It feels plush, responsive, and comfortable.
The materials are better than expected. The upper is not premium, but it's comfortable and fits your foot well.
Reviewers reported no issues with the support and lockdown features. The lateral containment is also solid.
Some reviewers report the fit is slightly narrow, but the length feels good. There isn't much discomfort, though.
The Way of Wade Dlo 1 is one of the better intro signature shoes. It offers a lot of value for the price. The traction and cushioning shine in particular.
Performance Rating:
The Adidas Harden Volume 9 is another solid performer in the Harden signature series.
Pros:
Breathability is better than expected
Cons:
Thin outsole tread picks up dust
What do the experts think?
James Harden's ninth signature shoe makes tweaks to the upper to continue improving the performance of the previous two models.
The outsole is mostly the same as his previous shoe. It grips well on clean courts, but the thin tread can pick up dust on dirtier floors.
Adidas uses LightBoost in the midsole, and it's bouncier and more springy. This setup feels nimble while still providing impact protection.
The materials are lighter than the Harden Volume 8, but it's still a heavy shoe. The upper also feels supportive and secure once broken in.
The combination of the new upper, the heel counter, and the shank creates a locked-in experience.
Overall, the Adidas Harden Volume 9 is another step in the right direction as an evolving performance line, thanks to its support and cushioning.
Frequently asked questions about cushion in basketball shoes
What types of cushioning are there? And which cushion is the best?
It is impossible to say which type of cushioning setup is the best because they each cater to different needs and styles of play.
There are firm cushions like pure Phylon that provide great court feel and responsiveness which are perfect for light and quick guards. Other types of cushion like Nike Zoom Air provide a lot more impact protection and are better suited for heavy players or older athletes that want to go easy on their joints.
These are some of the most popular cushioning systems often used in basketball sneakers:
Nike Zoom Air
Zoom Air was first released in 1995 and is one of the oldest and most popular cushioning systems. It is made of tightly stretched tensile fibers in a pressurized "Air" unit. It is most often used in high-end basketball shoes and expensive signature lines like the Lebron or KD shoes.
Nike Zoom Air is a very bouncy cushioning that provides great energy returns through the way the fibers expand back to their initial state after every impact. It is also very versatile and can be used in different ways: from small Air units like in the heel of the Kyrie 4 to one huge full-length Zoom unit like in the Jordan Why Not Zero.1
Adidas Boost
Adidas Boost is still relatively new and was first used in basketball shoes for the Adidas Crazylight Boost in 2014. Since then it has taken the sneaker world by storm because of the incredible comfort it provides and is used in popular lifestyle models like the NMD or the Yeezy Boost
Boost outsoles are made of hundreds of tiny thermoplastic urethane pellets that are fused together using hot steam. What makes these pellets unique is that they are incredibly soft while still remaining springy enough to provide great energy return. This allows Adidas to make shoes that are insanely comfortable but still provide enough responsiveness to be used in quick sports like basketball.
Boost is used in most of Adidas' high end basketball sneakers like the Crazy Explosive, D Rose 8 or the Harden Vol. 2. Check out this video to learn more about the Boost technology:
Other foam-based cushioning
Every shoe brand has multiple versions of foam cushionings usually made of EVA which is a mixture of two plastics (Ethylene and Vinyl Acetate). EVA is a foam that includes a lot of tiny air bubbles which provide the intended bounciness and comfort.
A well-know example of a simple EVA cushioning is Phylon which is used in a lot of Nike sneakers. Other more advanced forms of cushioning like Nike Lunarlon, Adidas Bounce or Under Armour Micro G use a mix of EVA and other rubbers to create lighter and more comfortable foam.
While the characteristics of foam cushioning can vary wildly, they are usually very responsive and provide great court feel but lack elite impact protection.
Founder of thehoopsgeek.com. A passionate basketball enthusiast and coding geek, Andy combines a love for sports with technology.
