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:
- 9.1 rating based on 8 expert reviews
- The latest Air Jordan mainline signature model is, once again, a top-performing shoe.
- Great for players that are looking for a top-tier performance basketball shoe.
- 8.8 rating based on 8 expert reviews
- The tech-loaded Nike GT Jump's performance is outstanding.
- Best for players with an explosive play style looking for good cushioning.
- 8.6 rating based on 2 expert reviews
- The Li-Ning Wade 808 2 Ultra V2 has some of the best traction - it's a fantastic performer.
- This shoe is a solid pick for players looking for something similar to the Kobe line.
- 8.5 rating based on 7 expert reviews
- The Nike Kyrie 8 is a welcome improvement in the Kyrie lineup.
- Best for players looking for a shoe with no real weaknesses.
- 8.4 rating based on 6 expert reviews
- The Air Jordan 37 is a top performer with bouncy forefoot cushioning and strong materials.
- Recommended for forefoot-heavy players looking for a bouncy setup
- 8.3 rating based on 8 expert reviews
- The Kawhi 2 is an improvement on the 1 in almost every way.
- Best for forwards and centers that need strong traction and stability.
- 8.3 rating based on 8 expert reviews
- The Nike LeBron 19 is better in almost every way compared to last year's model.
- Perfect if you enjoy extra cushion and impact protection.
- 7.7 rating based on 3 expert reviews
- The Air Deldon has a comfortable cushioning setup but inconsistent overall performance.
- A great pick for players who play on clean courts and enjoy full-length Air.
Top 10 High Top Basketball Shoes
1. Air Jordan 36
Performance Rating:
9.1
The latest Air Jordan mainline signature model is, once again, a top-performing shoe.Overall rating based on 8 reviews
Pros:
Absolutely no issues at all with the traction
Cushion feels amazing
Cons:
The outsole can be a tiny bit unsteady
They fit narrow and snug
What do the experts think?
The Air Jordan 36 continues the recent trend from Jordan brand and picks up right where the last two models left off. The traction is phenomenal. It performs well on both clean and dusty courts.
All reviewers agree that the cushioning used in the 36 performs amazingly, but they also agree that the Air unit protruding from the outsole is unnecessary.
The fit is snug and narrow, so if that's not your cup of tea, consider sizing up.
Materials are slimmed way down this year. They make the shoe lightweight without sacrificing much in terms of comfort and durability.
The surprisingly strong upper and the outsole materials wrapping upward towards the midsole make the support in this shoe solid.
Being the latest signature shoe in the lineup, the Air Jordan 36 delivers and is yet another high-quality performance basketball shoe.
2. Nike Air Zoom GT Jump
Performance Rating:
8.8
The tech-loaded Nike GT Jump's performance is outstanding.Overall rating based on 8 reviews
Pros:
The tech works well together for performance
Jump frame is as good as advertised
Cons:
A bit on the heavier side
What do the experts think?
The final release in Nike's GT series, the GT Jump, manages to find a way to make all of the tech Nike threw in it work well together.
The traction gripped all the different surfaces that reviewers tested it on while still keeping up with the cushioning.
When it comes to cushioning, if you're a fan of Nike Zoom, you're going to love these. It's bouncy, provides ample impact protection, and is very fast to play in.
Nike uses Jumpwire combined with synthetics and meshes to keep the shoe breathable without compromising performance.
Most reviewers also agree that the Jumpframe is a standout aspect of the shoe. It helps secure the foot so that the player doesn't feel unstable on top of the cushioning.
Although the wait was long, the Nike Air Zoom GT Jump delivers, and it's one of the best shoes to come out this year.
3. Li-Ning Wade 808 2 Ultra V2
Performance Rating:
8.6
The Li-Ning Wade 808 2 Ultra V2 has some of the best traction - it's a fantastic performer.Overall rating based on 2 reviews
Pros:
Outstanding traction
Soft and light cushioning
Cons:
The materials could be more comfortable
What do the experts think?
The traction of the Ultra V2 is fantastic. It plays well on all surfaces. The solid rubber options are top-notch. Reviewers suggest avoiding the translucent outsoles.
The drop-in midsole is reminiscent of the Kobe line. It feels soft and comfortable while remaining lightweight.
A revamped heel and ankle section improves the support and lockdown of the Ultra version.
Reviewers say the materials are light and perform well, but they also mention the comfort could be better.
The Li-Ning Wade 808 2 Ultra V2 is an impressive performance model. The traction excels, and the Boom drop-in midsole works.
4. Nike Kyrie 8
Performance Rating:
8.5
The Nike Kyrie 8 is a welcome improvement in the Kyrie lineup.Overall rating based on 7 reviews
Pros:
Consistent traction
Amazing forefoot Zoom Strobel
Cons:
Materials could feel more premium
What do the experts think?
As controversial as Kyrie Irving is, his signature basketball shoe continues to be a quality performer.
The traction is what you come to expect from the Kyrie lineup. It performs well, similarly to the previous models.
For the Kyrie 8, Nike implemented a forefoot Zoom Strobel that adds a new dimension of bounce while still remaining low to the ground.
The materials used feel comfortable while providing quality performance. They're also thin and breathable.
The lacing system helps to provide a fit that won't cause issues for most people.
Reviewers also agree that the lateral containment and lockdown provided are excellent.
When it comes down to it, the Nike Kyrie 8 is an excellent shoe that caters to many different playstyles.
5. Air Jordan 37
Performance Rating:
8.4
The Air Jordan 37 is a top performer with bouncy forefoot cushioning and strong materials.Overall rating based on 6 reviews
Pros:
Bouncy forefoot cushioning
Materials are strong for performance
Cons:
Materials are not premium
Heel cushioning could be better
What do the experts think?
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.
6. New Balance Kawhi 2
Performance Rating:
8.3
The Kawhi 2 is an improvement on the 1 in almost every way.Overall rating based on 8 reviews
Pros:
Improved materials
Grippy traction
Cons:
Not the best for impact protection
No additional width options with this model
What do the experts think?
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.
7. Nike Lebron 19
Performance Rating:
8.3
The Nike LeBron 19 is better in almost every way compared to last year's model.Overall rating based on 8 reviews
Pros:
They provide good support and stability
The cushion feels incredible
Cons:
Traction can be inconsistent at times
They fit a bit snug
What do the experts think?
The latest entry in LeBron's signature shoe line gets off to a shaky start with reviewers mentioning that the traction performs inconsistently.
As always with the LeBron line, the cushioning is the standout performance aspect. The shoe has ample impact protection while still finding a way to feel bouncy due to the forefoot Zoom Air.
The fit can be snug. However, the materials do loosen up once broken in.
Speaking of materials, they are much improved this year. The upper feels light and is comfortable straight out of the box.
There are no issues with support and lockdown. In fact, the lateral containment is even a highlight for the LeBron 19.
Overall, the Nike LeBron 19 is a fun shoe to play in with its crazy cushion setup, improved materials, and solid support. The only downside is the traction.
8. Nike Air Deldon
Performance Rating:
7.7
The Air Deldon has a comfortable cushioning setup but inconsistent overall performance.Overall rating based on 3 reviews
Pros:
Comfortable cushion setup
Supportive fit
Cons:
Inconsistent traction
Poor quality materials
What do the experts think?
Elena Delle Donne's debut sneaker features a traction pattern reviewers said was inconsistent. It performs on clean courts but is poor whenever dust is present.
The cushioning is a full-length Air Strobel and a forefoot Zoom unit. The setup is comfortable while still providing some bounce.
Reviewers have divided opinions on the materials. Some say the materials are poor quality, and others say it's plush and comfortable.
The support and lockdown are surprisingly stable despite not having a traditional heel counter.
Overall, the Nike Air Deldon is a mixed bag performance-wise. The traction has a lot of room for improvement, but the cushioning and support perform well.
