Finding the basketball shoe with the best traction is not an easy task. There are so many different models to pick from and shoes often perform differently depending on the quality of the court, your playing style, and even the rubber compound used on a specific colorway.
Fortunately, the web is full of shoe reviewers that can provide you with different opinions and give you a good overall idea of the performance of a basketball sneaker. To save you the time reading and watching all of these reviews I am continuously checking out all significant shoe releases and read or watch all shoe reviews I can find.
So far I have collected ratings of 349 different basketball shoes and consumed exactly 1841 reviews in doing so! New reviews are added all the time to create a basketball shoe database that is complete and always up to date.
The following overview shows the ten basketball shoes with the best traction ranked by the average grade they received for it. Scroll down further to read a more detailed summary of each shoe.
- 9.6 traction rating based on 6 expert reviews
- The Way of Wade All City 13 is excellent at all aspects of play. It's a versatile shoe.
- This shoe is best for quick, explosive guards but is versatile enough for everyone.
- 9.6 traction rating based on 5 expert reviews
- The Adidas D.O.N. Issue 6 is a great performer. The shoe is lightweight and reliable.
- The D.O.N. Issue 6 is best for quicker players looking for a bottom-light shoe.
- 9.5 traction rating based on 7 expert reviews
- The Way of Wade 808 5 Ultra is a lively performer thanks to the bouncy cushioning.
- This shoe is best for smaller, quicker, more explosive players.
- 9.5 traction rating based on 4 expert reviews
- The New Balance Hesi Low V2 is a definite improvement compared to the V1 because of the traction and cushioning.
- This shoe is best for lighter, nimbler players.
- 9.4 traction rating based on 5 expert reviews
- The New Balance TWO WXY V5 does everything well.
- The shoe plays well for all positions. It does it all.
- 9.4 traction rating based on 9 expert reviews
- Li-Ning's Way of Wade 11 is an outstanding performance hoop shoe with grippy traction and bouncy cushioning.
- The lightweight, well-cushioned Way of Wade 11 is recommended for players who like to get up and down the court and vertical.
- 9.3 traction rating based on 4 expert reviews
- The GT Cut 3 Turbo makes minor adjustments to improve the traction and support.
- This shoe is best for players who want a more stable, improved version of the previous model.
- 9.3 traction rating based on 4 expert reviews
- The Anta KAI 1 Speed is a worthy option with impressive traction and an accommodating fit.
- This shoe is a good pick for players who want a more responsive version of the KAI 1.
- 9.3 traction rating based on 6 expert reviews
- The Kobe 8 Protro is a solid performer featuring impressive traction.
- The shoe is best for quicker guards looking for an excellent court feel.
- 9.3 traction rating based on 8 expert reviews
- The Li-Ning Way of Wade All City 12 is a fantastic shoe with close-to-top-tier traction and cushioning.
- The Way of Wade All City 12 is best for guards or players who play fast and rely on court feel and responsiveness.
Best Traction Basketball Shoes:
The Top 10
1. Li-Ning Way of Wade All City 13
Performance Rating:
9.6
The Way of Wade All City 13 is excellent at all aspects of play. It's a versatile shoe.traction rating based on 6 reviews
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.
2. Adidas D.O.N. Issue 6
Performance Rating:
9.6
The Adidas D.O.N. Issue 6 is a great performer. The shoe is lightweight and reliable.traction rating based on 5 reviews
Pros:
Lightweight performance
Top-tier traction
Cons:
Not very responsive
Lack of court feel
What do the experts think?
Adidas continues its run of impressive signature models with the latest release in Donovan Mitchell's line.Â
The traction is one of the shoe's main highlights. It's consistent and reliable. Some reviewers consider it top-tier.Â
The cushioning setup has a decent amount of impact protection, and the bottom of the shoe feels light. However, the foam does not feel springy.Â
Adidas' materials are lightweight, durable, and comfortable. The shoe is well-padded, and the upper construction helps with containment.Â
Lateral security and containment are not issues, but some reviewers did report minor heel slippage.Â
The Adidas D.O.N. Issue 6 is a strong performer with impressive and reliable traction.Â
3. Li-Ning Wade 808 5 Ultra
Performance Rating:
9.5
The Way of Wade 808 5 Ultra is a lively performer thanks to the bouncy cushioning.traction rating based on 7 reviews
Pros:
Cushioning is outstanding
Fast and reliable traction
Cons:
The fit feels long
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.
4. New Balance Hesi Low V2
Performance Rating:
9.5
The New Balance Hesi Low V2 is a definite improvement compared to the V1 because of the traction and cushioning.traction rating based on 4 reviews
Pros:
Amazing traction performance
Impressive impact protection
Cons:
The soft upper can affect the containment
Snug toebox
What do the experts think?
New Balance makes much-needed improvements on the Hesi Low line with the V2.
Reviewers agree the traction performance is tacky and grippy, especially on clean courts. The outsole is one of the shoe's best features.
The full-length FuelCell midsole is soft and comfortable. The impact protection feels better than the last model.
The materials are nothing special, but they feel comfortable.
Support and lockdown are also solid. Reviewers like the heel counter and the inclusion of the midfoot shank.
The New Balance Hesi Low V2 is one of the best low-cost options. The traction and cushioning are the shining features.
5. New Balance TWO WXY V5
Performance Rating:
9.4
The New Balance TWO WXY V5 does everything well.traction rating based on 5 reviews
Pros:
Elite traction performance
Bouncy and comfortable cushioning
Cons:
Cushioning is high off the ground
Materials require breaking in
What do the experts think?
New Balance continues to build on the excellent TWO WXY lineup with the latest V5.
Reviewers agree the traction is elite. It's close to perfect, with an impressive bite and grip.
The cushioning is bouncy and responsive. Reviewers applaud the comfort. The only complaint is the high stack height.
Materials require a break-in period. However, the upper does feel comfortable and supportive around your feet.
The support and lockdown are also solid. The materials and construction help keep you secure and stable.
The New Balance TWO WXY V5 is one of the best shoes available, especially for the price. The traction and cushioning are both excellent.
6. Li-Ning Way of Wade 11
Performance Rating:
9.4
Li-Ning's Way of Wade 11 is an outstanding performance hoop shoe with grippy traction and bouncy cushioning.traction rating based on 9 reviews
Pros:
Bouncy cushioning
Grippy and consistent traction
Cons:
Lack of breathability
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.
7. Nike GT Cut 3 Turbo
Performance Rating:
9.3
The GT Cut 3 Turbo makes minor adjustments to improve the traction and support.traction rating based on 4 reviews
Pros:
Improved support and lockdown
Excellent traction performance
Cons:
Needs a longer break-in period
Retains heat
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.
8. ANTA KAI 1 Speed
Performance Rating:
9.3
The Anta KAI 1 Speed is a worthy option with impressive traction and an accommodating fit.traction rating based on 4 reviews
Pros:
Grippy traction
Generous, comfortable fit
Cons:
Poor outsole tread durability
What do the experts think?
The Anta KAI 1 Speed offers a slightly different take on Kyrie's first signature shoe with the brand.
The outsole tread and traction performance are outstanding. Reviewers all mention their enjoyment of the grip.
Anta's nitrogen-infused foam feels more responsive than the foam in the KAI 1. It also feels lighter.
The materials are breathable and supportive. Reviewers also mentioned the models with embroidery are good quality.
The fit is generous, particularly in the toe box. It accommodates players well in the forefoot.
There are also all the necessary support features. You'll be secure playing in this shoe.
Anta offers a lighter, more responsive version with the Anta KAI 1 Speed.
9. Nike Kobe Protro 8
Performance Rating:
9.3
The Kobe 8 Protro is a solid performer featuring impressive traction.traction rating based on 6 reviews
Pros:
Outstanding traction performance
Impressive lockdown
Cons:
Not a lot of impact protection
Narrow fit causes some pinching
What do the experts think?
The Nike Kobe 8 Protro is the latest in Nike's performance retro lineup.
The shoe features an incredible traction setup. The bite and grip are impressive, especially on cleaner courts.
Cushioning is a drop-in React midsole. The foam is softer than Lunarlon and leans toward offering more court feel. The impact protection could be better.
The materials are nothing special. The shoe is light, breathable, and durable.
Support and lockdown weren't an issue for most reviewers. The shoe has an excellent heel counter.
The fit is tricky because the width is very narrow. Players with wide feet should try the shoe on beforehand if possible.
The Nike Kobe 8 Protro is a solid performer. The shoe is lightweight with excellent traction.
10. Li-Ning Way of Wade All City 12
Performance Rating:
9.3
The Li-Ning Way of Wade All City 12 is a fantastic shoe with close-to-top-tier traction and cushioning.traction rating based on 8 reviews
Pros:
Comfortable and responsive Boom foam
Grippy traction on all surfaces
Cons:
Shoe retains a lot of heat
What do the experts think?
Li-Ning continues to put out top-quality performance shoes with this year's All City 12.
The traction performs consistently well on all surfaces, and the rubber holds up outdoors.
Li-Ning's Boom foam cushioning is a favourite among reviewers. It feels responsive and offers plenty of court feel.
Reviewers had no complaints about any of the support and lockdown features.
The materials feel sturdier than last year's model without sacrificing comfort.
The Li-Ning Way of Wade All City 12 is a top-notch performer. It has no noticeable weaknesses, and the traction and cushioning excel.
Frequently asked questions about traction:
How can I improve the traction of my basketball shoes?
There is no magic formula that makes old basketball shoes stick to the floor like glue, but there are a few things you can do to improve traction:
Wipe - a lot!
This one is self-explanatory. The grooves of the traction pattern become more and more shallow with time, which means you will need to wipe a lot more to get the dust off the surface of the rubber.
Get a courtside traction mat
If you don't want to get your hands dusty and dirty from all the wiping then this is a great alternative.
A courtside traction mat is usually placed close to the bench and you just step on it when you get subbed in or if you want to refresh your grip during timeouts.
A lot of basketball teams use these traction mats to get an advantage over their opponents, especially on dusty and slippery courts.
A courtside traction mat is usually placed close to the bench and you just step on it when you get subbed in or if you want to refresh your grip during timeouts.
A lot of basketball teams use these traction mats to get an advantage over their opponents, especially on dusty and slippery courts.
Get a pair of "Court Grabbers"
The Court Grabbers work similarly to a traction mat but instead of placing a mat on the side of the court you attach a pair of traction pads to the laces of your shoes. Before the game you apply a small amount of traction gel to these pads.
Now, if you want to improve the grip of your shoes, you just slide the bottom of your shoes across the pad to restore the traction. If your traction is really bad and you need to wipe after every other possession then the Court Grabbers are much more practical because you don't need a break in play.
Now, if you want to improve the grip of your shoes, you just slide the bottom of your shoes across the pad to restore the traction. If your traction is really bad and you need to wipe after every other possession then the Court Grabbers are much more practical because you don't need a break in play.
Which basketball shoes perform best on dusty courts?
If you are not a professional basketball player who gets to play on pristine, freshly waxed hardwood courts all the time you are probably familiar with basketball courts that could easily be used as skating rinks. No sneaker will grip the floor well if your court is covered with a thick layer of dust. But some sneakers work better than others:
Get solid rubber colorways
While it is not true for every shoe and every brand, in general, translucent colorways seem to attract a lot more dust than solid ones.
Look for a traction pattern with deep and wide grooves
If the grooves of the traction pattern are too narrow and shallow they will be clogged with dust quickly. As soon as this happens you will be sliding like crazy because the rubber of your shoe is no longer able to make contact with the floor.
Another problem of narrow grooves: Wiping dust becomes so much harder!
What's the best traction pattern for basketball shoes?
There are so many different traction patterns - it's impossible to keep track. But there are a few things you can look out for:
The pattern should be multidirectional
A multidirectional pattern has grooves in every direction which allows for grip not only when you accelerate straight ahead, but also when you do lateral moves like crossovers or defensive slides.
A very popular example of a multidirectional pattern is the herringbone traction:
On the other hand, the Lebron 15 is an example of a shoe that doesn't provide you with a lot of lateral traction because of the way the traction pattern is set up:
Don't fall for crazy storytelling
Sometimes signature sneakers go crazy with elaborate little details and storytelling that look nice but actually hurt the performance. Don't fall for flashy design if you want a basketball sneaker that performs well on the court - functionality should always come first!
Founder of thehoopsgeek.com. A passionate basketball enthusiast and coding geek, Andy combines a love for sports with technology.
I myself have lebron 13 .. really like them.. I think i need an upgrade though haha! Nice review Andy