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 283 different basketball shoes and consumed exactly 1403 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 2 expert reviews
- The Under Armour Curry 2 Low FloTro is the latest Curry model to receive the Flow upgrade, and the shoe performs as expected.
- The shoe is a solid pick for fans of older Curry models who want modern tech.
- 9.6 traction rating based on 8 expert reviews
- The Curry 10 makes slight improvements and continues to be a top-tier performer.
- Anyone that utilizes traction to maximize footwork
- 9.6 traction rating based on 5 expert reviews
- Traction on the TWO WXY V2 is outstanding, but the other features don't disappoint.
- Ideal for players willing to give up some cushion for the other performance aspects fundamentals will enjoy this shoe.
- 9.5 traction rating based on 6 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.
- 9.5 traction rating based on 2 expert reviews
- The Jordan One Take 4 is a decently performing shoe with reliable traction.
- Players who mainly play outdoors and prefer responsive cushioning will enjoy this shoe.
- 9.4 traction rating based on 11 expert reviews
- The Nike LeBron 20 excels with its bouncy cushion and solid traction, but it has something to offer every player.
- Quick and explosive players will enjoy this shoe the most.
- 9.4 traction rating based on 11 expert reviews
- The Jordan Luka 1 offers fantastic traction and tons of lateral support.
- Recommended for players that use a lot of side steps and other lateral movements.
- 9.4 traction rating based on 4 expert reviews
- Following the footsteps of the original Puma MB.01, the low-top remains one of the top performance options on the market.
- Players who want an all-around performer with no weaknesses.
- 9.3 traction rating based on 3 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
- The TWO WXY V3 is one of New Balance's best basketball shoes because of its fit and traction.
- Shifty guards who rely on traction will love this shoe.
Best Traction Basketball Shoes:
The Top 10
1. Under Armour Curry 2 Low FloTro
Performance Rating:
10.0
The Under Armour Curry 2 Low FloTro is the latest Curry model to receive the Flow upgrade, and the shoe performs as expected.traction rating based on 2 reviews
Pros:
Excellent traction
Incredibly lightweight
Cons:
Lockdown could be better
What do the experts think?
Under Armour updates the Curry 2 Low with the Flow cushioning and outsole setup, making the traction excellent.
The cushioning is smooth and comfortable. It feels similar to all other Flow model shoes.
The materials are lightweight and breathable. This might be the lightest shoe in the Curry lineup.
Reviewers mention the support and lockdown are adequate. Nobody reported any issues, but it is said that the lockdown is nothing special.
The Under Armour Curry 2 Low FloTro is another successful update to an older Curry model.
2. Under Armour Curry 10
Performance Rating:
9.6
The Curry 10 makes slight improvements and continues to be a top-tier performer.traction rating based on 8 reviews
Pros:
Top-tier traction
Comfortable materials
Cons:
Impact protection isn't the best
What do the experts think?
As we've come to expect, the Flow traction is fantastic. It's some of the best traction available.
The cushioning is responsive and low to the ground. The shank also offers some additional bounce.
The materials feel similar to the Curry 9 from last year. It does feel a tad bit more comfortable, though.
Support and lockdown are better than last year because of a better heel counter and more supportive construction.
Overall, the Curry 10 improves on last year's model and remains a top performer because of the outstanding traction.
3. New Balance TWO WXY V2
Performance Rating:
9.6
Traction on the TWO WXY V2 is outstanding, but the other features don't disappoint.traction rating based on 5 reviews
Pros:
The traction bites hard
Materials are form-fitting and comfortable
Cons:
Material quality could be more premium
Not offered in wide fit options
What do the experts think?
Reviewers agree that traction is the best feature of the shoe. It bites hard on just about every surface.
The cushioning is low to the ground and offers a good amount of court feel. The impact protection in the heel is adequate but could be better in the forefoot.
No issues were reported support-wise. It gets the job done.
The FitWeave Lite that New Balance uses for the upper is comfortable and conforms nicely to your feet during play.
With its hard-biting traction and no glaring weaknesses, the New Balance TWO WXY V2 might be New Balance's best basketball shoe.
4. Puma All Pro Nitro
Performance Rating:
9.5
One of Puma's best basketball shoes. The traction is outstanding, and the cushioning is comfortable.traction rating based on 6 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.
5. Jordan One Take 4
Performance Rating:
9.5
The Jordan One Take 4 is a decently performing shoe with reliable traction.traction rating based on 2 reviews
Pros:
Durable performing traction
Reactive cushioning
Cons:
Not much impact protection
Cheap materials
What do the experts think?
For performance, reviewers ranked the traction of the One Take 4 as the best feature. The herringbone pattern is grippy and stable.
The cushioning is not plush, and there isn't much impact protection, but it is responsive.
The materials on the shoe feel cheap and flimsy. Although, performance isn't affected too negatively.
There were no complaints about support and lockdown. The stability held up well too.
Overall, the Jordan One Take 4 is a decent performance shoe. The traction stands out, and it's budget-friendly.
6. Nike Lebron 20
Performance Rating:
9.4
The Nike LeBron 20 excels with its bouncy cushion and solid traction, but it has something to offer every player.traction rating based on 11 reviews
Pros:
Bouncy cushion setup
Tacky traction compound
Cons:
Not much court feel
High price tag
What do the experts think?
The traction on the LeBron 20 is tacky, and it grips most court surfaces. The occasional wipe is needed, but it doesn't hinder performance.
Nike toned the cushioning down from previous models, but it's still insanely bouncy.
The materials are comfortable, thin, and breathable on foot. It also helps to keep you contained during play.
On fit, some reviewers praised the LeBron 20 for its snug, 1-to-1 fit. Other reviewers had split opinions on how the shoe accommodates wide footers.
The lacing and materials work together to keep your foot contained on the footbed. Reviewers didn't have any complaints when it came to the support of the shoe.
Overall, the Nike LeBron 20 is an impressive all-around performer. The traction, cushioning, and support are versatile enough to offer something to most players.
7. Jordan Luka 1
Performance Rating:
9.4
The Jordan Luka 1 offers fantastic traction and tons of lateral support.traction rating based on 11 reviews
Pros:
The traction bites hard
Offers plenty of support
Cons:
Materials aren't the most breathable
What do the experts think?
Luka Doncic's first signature shoe with Jordan Brand delivers an outstanding traction experience. It feels tacky and bites hard in all directions.
The use of Jordan Brand's new Formula 23 foam feels like an upgrade from React. Reviewers mention that the cushioning feels low-to-the-ground and responsive.
For support, the side pods and the unique shank plate implemented in the shoe keep you contained while also offering some bounce back.
Most reviewers agreed that the materials perform well and feel comfortable on your feet.
Overall, the Jordan Luka 1 is an admirable first entry into the signature shoe landscape for Luka Doncic.
8. Puma MB.01 Lo
Performance Rating:
9.4
Following the footsteps of the original Puma MB.01, the low-top remains one of the top performance options on the market.traction rating based on 4 reviews
Pros:
Aggressive, grippy traction
Balanced cushioning setup
Cons:
Cheap feeling materials
What do the experts think?
Not much changed between the original Puma MB.01 and the low-top version. The traction is still reliable on all surfaces.
Puma's Nitro foam is a balanced cushioning setup offering both impact protection and responsiveness.
The fit can be narrow, but the materials are comfortable and get the job done performance-wise.
The shoe also has solid support features to keep your foot secure and contained.
Overall, the Puma MB.01 Low continues the trend of Puma releasing quality performance basketball shoes.
9. 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 3 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.
10. New Balance TWO WXY V3
Performance Rating:
9.3
The TWO WXY V3 is one of New Balance's best basketball shoes because of its fit and traction.traction rating based on 7 reviews
Pros:
Tacky traction
1-to-1 fit
Cons:
Not a plush cushion
Poor outdoor durability
What do the experts think?
The latest shoe in the TWO WXY lineup, the V3, has tacky traction that grips incredibly well on indoor courts.
Reviewers agree that cushioning is the main drawback of the shoe. The foam is not as plush as other shoes, and there is minimal impact protection.
On the other hand, reviewers agreed that fit is the shoe's best feature. The fit is near-perfect and close to 1-to-1.
Because of the glovelike fit, the support and lockdown are also solid. There were no reports of issues with the stability either.
The materials are thin, comfortable and supportive. One reviewer said the uppers are one of the best available.
The New Balance TWO WXY V3 is an excellent performance basketball shoe with outstanding traction and fit.
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