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:
- 8.2 rating based on 4 expert reviews
- The Nike Zoom Huarache 2K4 delivers reliable traction, springy Zoom cushioning, and supportive stability for modern play.
- The Zoom Huarache 2K4 is best for guards and forwards seeking traction and supportive lockdown.
- 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.
- 6.9 rating based on 5 expert reviews
- The Nike G.T. Future features solid traction, bouncy Zoom Strobel cushioning, but a narrow, stiff fit.
- The G.T. Future is best for style-conscious players who prioritize sticky traction and solid support.
Top 10 High Top Basketball Shoes
1. Nike Zoom Huarache 2K4
Performance Rating:
8.2
The Nike Zoom Huarache 2K4 delivers reliable traction, springy Zoom cushioning, and supportive stability for modern play.Overall rating based on 4 reviews
Pros:
Excellent traction
Solid support
Cons:
Non-premium materials
Not very breathable
What do the experts think?
The Nike Zoom Huarache 2K4 returns as a retro performer that holds up well.
The on-court grip is initially slick but firms with use. Herringbone gives a sticky bite and handles dust well.
Underfoot, the shoe uses Zoom in the heel and forefoot for spring and protection. The midsole starts stiff and breaks in over time.
Containment and stability are robust thanks to the TPU heel counter, carbon shank, external clip, and outrigger. The strap helps a bit.
The upper materials are a synthetic leather and suede that break in quickly. They feel comfortable but not premium, and vary in breathability.
Sizing-wise, it runs true to size with slight extra length. The forefoot can feel narrow.
Overall, the Zoom Huarache 2K4 is an excellent basketball shoe with sticky traction.
2. 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.
3. Nike G.T. Future
Performance Rating:
6.9
The Nike G.T. Future features solid traction, bouncy Zoom Strobel cushioning, but a narrow, stiff fit.Overall rating based on 5 reviews
Pros:
Bouncy Zoom Strobel
Durable Foamposite upper
Cons:
Narrow forefoot
Long break-in period for fit and materials
What do the experts think?
The Nike G.T. Future is a striking shoe that divides reviewers between performance and comfort.
On-court grip earns consistent praise. Reviewers described the traction as elite and reliable on clean courts, but dust is a problem.
The full-length Zoom Strobel with stacked forefoot Zoom delivers a bouncy, protective ride. It requires many hours to break in, and some found it muted with a limited court feel.
Containment and torsional rigidity are strong thanks to the Foamposite upper and internal TPU heel counter. However, some testers reported heel slippage and a chassis that can feel overly rigid.
The materials look premium and durable, but are very stiff, heavy, and not breathable. The break-in period is long and uncomfortable.
The fit runs extremely narrow and tapered in the forefoot, and pinches the toes until the upper relaxes.
The Nike G.T. Future is a stylish basketball shoe with solid traction. It caters more towards fashion than function.
Founder of thehoopsgeek.com. A passionate basketball enthusiast and coding geek, Andy combines a love for sports with technology.
