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 330 different basketball shoes and consumed exactly 1729 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.
- 10.0 traction rating based on 4 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.
- 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 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.
- 9.5 traction rating based on 8 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 New Balance TWO WXY V5 does everything well.
- The shoe plays well for all positions. It does it all.
- 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.
- 9.3 traction rating based on 6 expert reviews
- The Curry 11 remains a fantastic basketball shoe. The traction is excellent, and the cushioning provides more impact protection.
- The Under Armour Curry 11 is the perfect shoe for quick and shifty guards.
- 9.3 traction rating based on 7 expert reviews
- One of Puma's best basketball shoes. The traction is outstanding, and the cushioning is comfortable.
- Players looking for a versatile shoe that's not expensive will love the Puma All Pro Nitro.
- 9.1 traction rating based on 5 expert reviews
- The Curry 12 is the best performer in the Curry line thanks to the revamped cushioning and continued excellence of Flow foam.
- The Curry 12 is the perfect shoe for players who need elite traction on clean courts.
- 9.1 traction rating based on 7 expert reviews
- The Kawhi 4 is an improvement from any previous Kawhi shoe. The traction is reliable, and the cushioning is a standout feature.
- The New Balance Kawhi 4 is best for players who enjoy springy, plush cushioning setups.
Best Traction Basketball Shoes:
The Top 10
1. Under Armour Curry Spawn FloTro
Performance Rating:
10.0
The Curry Spawn FloTro mixes excellent traction with responsive cushioning and a comfortable upper.traction rating based on 4 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.
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. 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.
4. Li-Ning Way of Wade 11
Performance Rating:
9.5
Li-Ning's Way of Wade 11 is an outstanding performance hoop shoe with grippy traction and bouncy cushioning.traction rating based on 8 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.
5. New Balance TWO WXY V5
Performance Rating:
9.3
The New Balance TWO WXY V5 does everything well.traction rating based on 4 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 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.
7. Under Armour Curry 11
Performance Rating:
9.3
The Curry 11 remains a fantastic basketball shoe. The traction is excellent, and the cushioning provides more impact protection.traction rating based on 6 reviews
Pros:
Improved impact protection
Flow traction
Cons:
Low volume, snug fit
What do the experts think?
Under Armour and Curry Brand continue to provide slight improvements to their main signature shoe line.
The Flow outsole is excellent. The performance is elite, and it performs better on dust this year.
Under Armour uses a dual-density foam setup for cushioning this year. It provides additional impact protection under the heel.
The fit is snug, with some reviewers mentioning it feels like a 1-to-1 fit around your foot.
The materials aren't premium but are lightweight, comfortable, and breathable.
Like previous models in the line, the support is secure, especially around the heel area.
The Under Armour Curry 11 sticks to the tried and true formula of the last three models. The traction remains the best on the market.
8. Puma All Pro Nitro
Performance Rating:
9.3
One of Puma's best basketball shoes. The traction is outstanding, and the cushioning is comfortable.traction rating based on 7 reviews
Pros:
Improved cushioning comfort
Outstanding traction
Cons:
Materials feel cheap
What do the experts think?
Puma's latest All Pro model picks up where the previous model left off.
Reviewers agree the traction is phenomenal. The shoe performs whether the court is clean or dusty as long as you remember to wipe it.
The Nitro foam is the softest iteration yet. It's comfortable with some bounce.
The base is broader, and the lacing setup has improved eyelets to help keep you feeling stable and secure.
Cheap materials are the only downside. Regardless, the shoe feels breathable and comfortable.
The Puma All Pro Nitro is one of Puma's best releases.
9. Under Armour Curry 12
Performance Rating:
9.1
The Curry 12 is the best performer in the Curry line thanks to the revamped cushioning and continued excellence of Flow foam.traction rating based on 5 reviews
Pros:
Upgraded dual-density Flow foam cushioning
Flow outsole remains elite
Cons:
Dust affects performance
Not much innovation
What do the experts think?
The Curry 12 only makes minor changes compared to the previous model.
If it's not broken, don't fix it. Flow foam is still an elite traction setup, especially on clean courts. Just make sure to wipe any dust pickup off the outsole.
The dual-density Flow foam midsole is tweaked slightly this year. It feels a bit softer, but it's still firm. The setup provides responsiveness and a solid court feel.
Materials are mostly an engineered mesh. The upper is comfortable and flexible right out of the box.
Support and lockdown are impressive. The upper is supportive, and the shank plate provides plenty of torsional rigidity.
The Curry 12 performance improves slightly thanks to the minor changes to the shoe's materials and cushioning.
10. New Balance Kawhi 4
Performance Rating:
9.1
The Kawhi 4 is an improvement from any previous Kawhi shoe. The traction is reliable, and the cushioning is a standout feature.traction rating based on 7 reviews
Pros:
Reliable traction
Dual-density FuelCell cushioning feels plush
Cons:
Fit feels slightly wide
Takes extra effort on the laces for lockdown
What do the experts think?
The New Balance Kawhi 4 is Kawhi Leonard's fourth signature shoe with the brand, and it's shaping up to be one of his best.
The traction is reliable. Reviewers say the performance is outstanding on clean courts and solid on dusty courts. Make sure to wipe.
New Balance updates the cushioning with a dual-density FuelCell foam. It feels plush and bouncy.
The upper is engineered mesh. It's not the most premium feeling, but it's comfortable and well-padded. It also does a solid job of providing containment.
Support and lockdown get the job done. The shank plate provides stability, and the upper keeps your foot contained nicely.
The Kawhi 4 is the best in the Kawhi lineup, with the most plush cushioning setup yet.
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!
I myself have lebron 13 .. really like them.. I think i need an upgrade though haha! Nice review Andy