Classic basketball shoes like the Chuck Talor or the Air Jordan 1 feature a high top silhouette with the shoe extending up above the ankle bone. This extra support is intended to provide more stability for the ankle joint and help protect players from ankle sprains and other injuries.
These days, low tops have become much more popular and safe thanks to advances in technology and design (wide bases and lateral outriggers provide more stability), but there are still a lot of basketball players out there so prefer high top basketball shoes.
Why pick high tops?
- Big and heavy players in particular feel safer and more protected wearing high tops
- Many prefer the classic and old school look of high tops
- Modern materials significantly reduces the weight of shoes
The following list is a quick overview of the 10 best-rated high cut basketball shoes currently on the market:
- 8.8 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.
- 8.2 rating based on 4 expert reviews
- The Nike Kobe 3 Protro offers decent traction with upgraded cushioning.
- This shoe is a great pick for players seeking a modern high-top basketball shoe.
- 8.2 rating based on 6 expert reviews
- The Nike LeBron NXXT Genisus offers impressive support and containment through a rigid upper.
- This shoe is best for players who like supportive uppers.
- 8.2 rating based on 5 expert reviews
- The Under Armour Flow FUTR X Elite provides stable cushioning and grippy traction with an innovative upper.
- This shoe is best for players who prefer a wider, more accommodating forefoot area during play.
Top 10 High Top Basketball Shoes
1. New Balance Fresh Foam BB V3
Performance Rating:
8.8
The New Balance Fresh Foam BB V3 is an excellent performer with maximum cushioning.Overall 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. Nike Kobe Protro 3
Performance Rating:
8.2
The Nike Kobe 3 Protro offers decent traction with upgraded cushioning.Overall rating based on 4 reviews
Pros:
Cushioning feels bouncy
Fit and support feel good
Cons:
Excess bulk and materials for a high-top
Requires a long break-in period
What do the experts think?
Thanks to Nike's updates, the Nike Kobe 3 Protro feels like a true protro.
The traction feels improved, and it performs well. However, reviewers report needing an extended break-in period with it.
Nike updated the cushioning to use Cushlon and a full-length Zoom strobel board. It feels bouncy and offers solid impact protection.
The materials are breathable and comfortable, but some reviewers say they feel cheap.
Reviewers report that the fit feels good, and the upper moves well with your feet.
Support and lockdown aren't an issue. The fit and upper keep you contained laterally, and the heel collar secures your rearfoot well.
The Nike Kobe 3 Protro feels like a good throwback performance shoe. It takes time to break in, but the traction and cushioning feel good.
3. Nike LeBron NXXT Genisus
Performance Rating:
8.2
The Nike LeBron NXXT Genisus offers impressive support and containment through a rigid upper.Overall rating based on 6 reviews
Pros:
The forefoot Zoom unit feels bouncy
Lockdown and containment are supportive
Cons:
Rigid ankle collar
Materials require a break-in time
What do the experts think?
LeBron's latest NXXT Genisus uses an outsole similar to the Air Zoom Generation, and it feels consistent but isn't the tackiest.
The cushioning features a Phylon-like foam and a forefoot Zoom Turbo unit. It feels comfortable and offers impact protection with some bounce.
The upper material feels stiff initially, but it breaks in to soften up. It provides solid support, lockdown, and containment.
There isn't much else needed for support, but the carbon fibre shank and rigid heel counter also provide stability. The only downside is that the ankle collar can feel stiff and restrictive.
The Nike LeBron NXXT Genisus is a decent performance shoe, excelling at support and containment.
4. Under Armour Flow FUTR X Elite
Performance Rating:
8.2
The Under Armour Flow FUTR X Elite provides stable cushioning and grippy traction with an innovative upper.Overall rating based on 5 reviews
Pros:
Stable foam midsole
Comfortable Intelliknit upper
Cons:
Stretchy forefoot materials
Non-optimal performance fit
What do the experts think?
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.
Founder of thehoopsgeek.com. A passionate basketball enthusiast and coding geek, Andy combines a love for sports with technology.
