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:
- 8.7 rating based on 4 expert reviews
- The Curry 4 FloTro continues the trend of outstanding traction and responsiveness in shoes that use a Flow midsole.
- The perfect shoe for players who rely on footwork and quick movements
- 8.6 rating based on 7 expert reviews
- The Air Jordan 38 takes a step forward with improved support. The traction and cushioning are also solid.
- This is a perfect shoe for players looking for maximalist containment.
- 8.6 rating based on 7 expert reviews
- Nike's G.T. Jump 2 has one of the best cushioning setups.
- Any players who thrive with maximalist cushioning will love the Nike G.T. Jump 2.
- 8.4 rating based on 3 expert reviews
- The Curry Spawn FloTro mixes excellent traction with responsive cushioning and a comfortable upper.
- This shoe is best for guards with fast play styles who benefit from the Flow traction.
- 8.3 rating based on 8 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
- 8.2 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.
- 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. Under Armour Curry 4 FloTro
Performance Rating:
8.7
The Curry 4 FloTro continues the trend of outstanding traction and responsiveness in shoes that use a Flow midsole.Overall rating based on 4 reviews
Pros:
Tacky traction
Materials feel high quality
Cons:
Lack of impact protection
Not very explosive
What do the experts think?
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.
2. Air Jordan 38
Performance Rating:
8.6
The Air Jordan 38 takes a step forward with improved support. The traction and cushioning are also solid.Overall rating based on 7 reviews
Pros:
Improved containment and stability
Comfortable full-length Zoom Strobel
Cons:
Price is expensive
Outsole durability
What do the experts think?
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.
3. Nike G.T. Jump 2
Performance Rating:
8.6
Nike's G.T. Jump 2 has one of the best cushioning setups.Overall rating based on 7 reviews
Pros:
Top-tier cushioning setup
Improved mobility from the Jump Frame
Cons:
Materials quality could be better
What do the experts think?
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.
4. Under Armour Curry Spawn FloTro
Performance Rating:
8.4
The Curry Spawn FloTro mixes excellent traction with responsive cushioning and a comfortable upper.Overall rating based on 3 reviews
Pros:
Flow foam has top-tier traction
Responsive cushioning
Cons:
Materials retain heat
What do the experts think?
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.
5. Air Jordan 37
Performance Rating:
8.3
The Air Jordan 37 is a top performer with bouncy forefoot cushioning and strong materials.Overall rating based on 8 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. 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.
7. 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.
