Top 16 Best Basketball Shoes Reviews 2019 | A Buyer’s Guide (Tested)
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Everyone has played basketball at least once in their life, and some have even tried to make themselves the champion at this game.
Fact:
Like all games, to play basketball, one needs to have a certain set of athletics, physical features as well as the right kind of gear.
What you need:
One of the important aspects of any ball game is the right kind of shoe to wear.
Solution:
For basketball, nothing comes close to making a perfect fit than a basketball shoe. Since, basketball players are constantly jumping, running and changing directions, and they need a shoe that facilitates all their dire needs. They offer ankle stability and cushioning which make for the optimum performance.
Adidas is a brand that has been a game changer in the field of footwear. And undoubtedly, it has churned out yet another reliable product at a very affordable price. The Adidas Cloudfoam Ilation is the perfect shoe for any basketball player who wishes to have comfort, support and, style.
The Adidas Cloudfoam Ilation has been efficiently designed using leather fabric. This gives the overall strength of the shoe, a huge boost.
The footbed of this shoe sports memory foam which adjusts and reforms itself according to the user’s foot and makes for comfortable foam to play the game in.
To ensure a good grip while slipping and sliding on the court, the Adidas Cloudfoam offers a grippy rubber outsole.
It provides proper holes for ventilation so that your feet are allowed to breathe while you play the game. This promotion of airflow minimizes food odor and infections.
The shoes come with a comfortable rubber sole which ensures great support and comfort. Furthermore, the shoes are somewhat fluid-resistant making them a good choice for power forward players.
On excessive usage, the soles may start to peel and eventually fall off.
The gel in the memory foam may start to leak which can cause serious problems.
2. Nike Youth KD 8 Basketball Shoe
The Nike Youth KD Basketball Shoe Set is relatively stylish, and vogue and around 79% customers have been satisfied with the product they received. With that being said, let us dig into the features of the Nike Youth KD Basketball Shoes.
This product from Nike has a mesh fabric and a rubber sole, along with a lightweight and easy to carry structure. The fabric utilizes pylon for enhanced cushioning and features Flywire cables to help you lockdown on hard cuts. These shoes also have an Articulated Zoom Air Unit that conforms to your foot shape, allowing for easier mobility and traction.
The colors are various and bright, although a bit flashy for some users. The product offers excellent gameplay for point guard players.
The Nike Youth KD Basketball shoe feature mesh fabric that facilitates easy flow of air and cool ventilation.
These shoes have a durable rubber sole that allows for a firmer grip and ensures a perfect stance.
They provide a lightweight structure that allows the feet to move easily and firmly.
These shoes make the good use of pylon to create enhanced lightweight cushioning and are useful for users who like to have a softer stance on the ground.
The size may be faulty or incorrect in some instances. But rest assured, the customer satisfaction rate is 79%, and frequently the size fits perfectly.
The sole may detach from the main body and may cause inconvenience.
The Adidas Performance Men’s Shoes are shoes specially designed for basketball players and have been optimized to fit the majority of users. The design is minimalistic and casual and is both fashionable and effective. Apart from that, these shoes proudly sport the following features.
The Adidas Performance Men’s Crazylight Basketball Shoes are imported and are made of synthetic textile fabric. The rubber sole is durable and strong. It facilitates a strong grip on the ground and allows various stunts and game strategies to be carried out comfortably, although that depends upon your skill level.
The upper face of the fabric has a Jacquard design and is both stylish and gorgeous. These shoes feature a molded TPU eyestay pieces and heeling cups for enhanced grip and a firmer stance.
These are a good suit for the small forward position.
The fit may be narrow for some users but is spacious lengthwise.
The size may be too large or misfitting, and the colors may not be satisfactory for users who prefer a more formal or traditional style.
4. Nike Jordan Kids Jordan Jumpman Pro BG
The Adidas Performance Men’s Crazy Explosive Basketball Shoes have a unique and characteristic design. They feature nine diverse colors to choose from. They have a rubber sole that is durable yet firm and sophisticated. These shoes feature the following aspects.
The Adidas Performance Men’s Crazy Explosive Basketball Shoes have been manufactured from an artificial fabric, and feature a Xeno upper body along with a rubber sole that promises stability and a good grip on the ground.
These shoes from Adidas have a shaft measuring High-Top” from the arch, and the fit has gained 80% customer satisfaction. The design is modern with a hint of casual but typically formal.
The laces have been specially engineered to reduce the pressure exerted by them and to ensure quality end-user satisfaction. The Adidas Performance Men’s Basketball Shoes also feature a tinted TPU wrap and nine different colors.
Adidas Crazy explosives are recommended for the point guard position.
The Adidas Performance Men’s Crazy Explosive Basketball Shoes feature a sleek and modern design, and a wide range of colors to choose from, although some may find this unsatisfactory.
The fabric is synthetic and durable and is imported.
The shoes have an intricately designed lacing system that reduces pressure and enhances stability.
A tinted TPU wrap is also featured to enhance durability and comfort
The Nike Jordan Kid’s Shoes have a minimalistic and simple design. However, the color choice is both casual and fluorescent. Nike shoes are of relatively better quality, but before I discuss the pros and cons, let’s have a look at the overall features.
The Nike Jordan Kid’s Shoes feature a mesh upper made from synthetic imported fabric. They have a durable rubber sole that facilitates flexibility and movability. The shaft has a measure of 3.1 inches from the arch and is flexible and comfortable. The size may not fit some users, but rest assured, the fit has proven to be satisfactory for the majority of users.
A Lunarlon midsole has also been added to increase cushioning effect and to enhance comfort and traction. The design is simplistic. However, these shoes feature 70 unique colors, all of which are diverse and graceful.
The shoes have a large variety of colors to choose from, featuring over 70 unique and diverse colors and designs.
They feature flexibility and maneuverability, facilitated by the Lunarlon cushioning system. This ensures that the user feels the comfortable experience.
It has a shaft measure of approximately 3.1 inches from the arch and is perfect for users with long feet or those who need extra space when playing.
Size may be too wide or too narrow but is fitting for some users.
The design may not be satisfactory.
6. Nike Men's Lebron Soldier IX Basketball Shoe
Men’s Lebron Soldier IX from Nike is a set of basketball shoes that have exceptional design and great performance. Apart from that, there is a wide range of colors to choose from, and customer satisfaction rate is around 81 percent, though I highly recommend that you try out these shoes yourself.
These Shoes feature an exclusive synthetic material and a rubber sole that has been designed to stay stronger for longer. These shoes also have a shaft that measures around 3.15 inches from the arch, making it comfortable for users with LNG and narrow feet. For those with wide feet, the Nike Men’s Lebrun Shoes may not be the preferred choice, as they can be a bit narrow.
Lunarlon cushioning is also present, to provide a softer and bouncier experience, and to enhance jumps and cuts during the game. These shoes also feature wedge carrier foam that restricts excessive pronation, helping you maintain balance and control.
Overall, the shoes are lightweight and easy to move in, but this varies from product to product. The design is a plus though and is both modern and robust. There is an overwhelming amount of colors to choose from, with a staggering 31 color choices.
This Lebron pair is designed for the center Big Man position.
Nike has just gotten out its new range of the Prime Hyde Shoes, and we just had to try it out. These shoes have a very intricate yet simple design, but quite a limited color pallet. Let’s dig deeper into its features.
These Nike Shoes are made of synthetic leather that is firm and durable yet easy to move around in. There is an approximate 2.5 inches shaft measure that facilitates airspace and easy traction.
The shoes also incorporate a decoupled collar to allow for ankle movement and to reduce sprains and injuries. These shoes feature Breathe Tech structure for ventilation and breathability, and no-sew skin that covers the eyestays and collar also facilitates an airy environment inside the shoe.
They may, however, not be a good choice for wide foot users, but are definitely worth the try. These shoes also feature an asymmetric design to imitate the construction of a bare human foot.
It is a good choice for players taking the small forward position.
Durability is not promised, as a small portion of users found it lose or detached.
8. Under Armour Men's Curry 3 Basketball Shoe
These shoes are from Under Armor and have many features that one can make the most of. However, it is necessary that I discuss these in detail before properly evaluating the shoes. The Curry 3 B-Day Shoes flaunt the following features:
These Shoes have been designed with mesh technology to hold the shoe in place while also promoting proper ventilation and aeration inside the shoe. They also showcase a lightweight structure that helps the foot move in all directions and is neither constricted nor too loose.
These shoes have a simple yet sophisticated and elegant design and feature a wide range of 31 different colors to choose from, ranging from professional black to fluorescent pink. The shaft measure is optimum, though a bit unsatisfactory for some users.
The Under Armor Curry Basketball Shoes also have a rubber sole that stays attached. It promotes durability and a firm grip while also ensuring traction and movability.
The shoes give good responsiveness to the player who plays at Big Men position.
Laces came loose during the game for some users, but others enjoyed the perfect traction.
The size may be a bit unsuitable for users with wide feet.
9. NIKE Men's Air Versitile Nbk Basketball-Shoes
Nike is a name fully integrated with sporting excellence. The confidence of the masses is truly well-earned. The quality is remarkable that produces results. The question is, what is the verdict for Nike Air Versatile Nbk shoes?
The Versatile Nbk shoes are known for their perfect outsole which provides remarkable comfort, and traction on all courts, whether indoor or outdoor. The outsole is also perfect for any style of play or any position you play.
The insole provides cushioning to the heel that keeps your feet comfortable and provides a light feel to the shoe. The cushioning effect of the air sole is also important, especially when making hard landings because it keeps your feet and ankle safe from any trauma.
The internal mesh is further integrated with the tongue of the shoe to further provide an airier and more comfortable feel. The midsole provides grip to the foot while the slightly lower heel works for a better foot posture. The shoe is incredibly stylish looking, so it is sure to get you some compliments from your fellow players.
This is a shoe suited for forwarding players since it helps to provide the features they require while playing.
Forward players are more all-rounders so require a well-rounded shoe like this one.
10. NIKE Men's The Air Overplay IX Basketball Shoe
Nike is a staple of the sporting goods industry. You can hardly make a list of the best of any sporting product without having a few entries of Nike included. These Overplay IX Basketball shoes are no exception.
The power of these Nike shoes lies in their lightweight design and remarkable ability to handle hard landings. These two features are a truly deadly combination. Especially if you are a center player. Centers usually require a combination of increased leaping ability and remarkable strength. Both of these features are provided by these Nike Overplay IX shoes.
The comfortable snug fit allows for added ankle and lateral support. The shoe has an encapsulated heel that produces cushioning and allows you to make greater leaps. It thus provides a propelling action.
They have excellent performance on the gym floor, but people have complained about the cushioning being inadequate and unsubstantial.
Since they do not have as much of a cushioning effect as claimed, they may not be as suitable for serious and professional level players and more suitable for regular use and power forward position.
Cushioning may feel inadequate or unsubstantial to some
11. Under Armour Men's UA ClutchFit Drive 3 Basketball Shoes
Under Armour is a company that has its hands steeped in anything remotely related to fitness and sports. Basketball shoes are no different. The UA ClutchFit Drive 3 shoes truly earn their spot on the list of top Basketball Shoes.
These Under Armour shoes features added support that further adds to make your foot secure within the shoe, the lateral and foot support adds to the comfort of the shoe as well. It also has a charged cushioning for incredibly fast responsiveness and impact protection.
It is a better choice for players that need to be able to rush past defenders, be light on their feet and be able to change direction hard and fast. These features of agility and speed are coveted by shooting guards.
The ClutchFit technology provides a breathable yet comfortably snug upper that delivers both stability and support. The further addition of the Achilles pillow provides heel support.
12. Adidas Performance Men's D Rose 7 Basketball Shoe
Adidas has a long history in the sporting equipment industry and is now a name associated with quality and strength. Adidas D Rose 7 shoes are homage to Derrick Rose and his attitude that always said never-break
These Basketball shoes have an integrated mesh in the top shoe that provides for easy breathability and ventilation. It has a cushioned insole that further acts to provide a soft surface for the feet to land on and produces propulsive effects that return the energy you put into the shoe. The shoes have a comfortable design that allows you to move with determination and confidence that can only come with comfort and style.
These Adidas shoes further provide ankle and heel support. This helps to keep your ankle secure during a game for all-out protection. The molded collar delivers a dynamic fit even if a brace is added to the mix. This helps to give support and keep your ankle right and secure.
Furthermore, it has an outsole with an enhanced pattern that provides intense traction and stability to each step.
The strength and strong leaping ability provide these shoes further make them a candidate for centers.
These outdoor basketball shoes will give you the comfort and confidence you need on the basketball court. These shoes are specially designed to deal with the rough conditions of the court. You can easily move, run and jump in these shoes.
You can dominate the court while playing as a point guard or a shooting guard while wearing these shoes. The rubber sole is responsive and gives the traction to the player they need that enhances the performance. The Zoom L.E.A.P system also gives stability and responsiveness and prevents dangerous slips on the court.
The cushioning of basketball shoes is very important. These shoes have four independent zoom air units on the forefoot and two zoom air units located under the heel. These units provide thoroughgoing air to your feet to keep them dry all the time.
The comfortable cushioning gives good support to your foot to jump and run without any worry in your mind.
The mesh upper of the shoes is flexible and breathable, keeping your foot free from bad odor. The flywire gives the support to your foot which helps you to perform better at the small forwards position.
The traction of the shoes is translucent, and dust can easily get stuck in some areas which makes the shoes look dirty
14. NIKE Men's Air Command Force Basketball Shoe
If you are a basketball player, you would want a good pair of shoes for yourself which help you perform better on the court. Whether you are playing like a big man, power forward or small forward, you need to have the shoes to jump and run on the court. These shoes have all the good qualities which an ideal basketball shoe should have.
These shoes are constructed of leather and synthetic which are classic materials to be used for basketball shoes.
The shoes have a high-top silhouette with fully functional air bladder system which makes them highly breathable. It is important for basketball players to wear breathable shoes because the air prevents their feet from sweating.
Basketball is a game which demands a lot of movements. A good pair of basketball shoes not only helps you prevent injuries, but they also enhance your overall performance.
The soft rubber sole which is an important feature of these shoes improves stability and traction for quick turns, starts, and stops. It is a good choice for point guards.
The material used in making the shoes is not good, and the shoes tend to wear out quickly if they are frequently used
15. Nike Mens Air Jordan XXXI Basketball Shoes
These shoes continue the legacy of the well-known basketball player Micheal Jordan. These shoes are specifically designed to face the fast-paced challenges of the game.
They are lightweight shoes which are perfectly suitable for small forward players to make fast movements. They give a good grip on your foot. If you want speed and mobility with a perfect fit and ankle support, these shoes have all the features you want.
These shoes are constructed with the combination of flight speed technology and Nike zoom air unit which gives the explosiveness to the foot of a forward player he desires
The outsole of these shoes is made of solid and durable rubber which allows you to have a good grip. Basketball is a game which requires the player to make fast movements, having a good grip and support to your foot is very important.
These shoes are durable and can last for months. You don’t have to worry about the wear and tear of the shoes. They will remain in good quality even if you wear them in rough conditions.
The shoes have an inner sleeve which wraps your foot to move comfortably and move hard and fast on the court. The shoes give good responsiveness to the shooting guard player.
These shoes can be too wide for players with narrow feet
16. Adidas Men's Basketball Harden Vol.1 Shoes
Adidas and James Harden come together to make lightweight and comfortable shoes for all the basketball players who want to enhance their performance on the court. Choosing the right shoes is very important for a good basketball player.
These shoes are perfect for a power forward player who needs to have a good grip on his foot. The outsole is made of leather and other materials which give responsiveness to the player.
The cushioning of these shoes gives a right balance and stability to the player. The padding gives support and responsiveness to your foot and gives a good ankle support.
If you are playing as a big man and play in the centers, you are prone to stressing your feet and joints with a lot of stress. These shoes give you the proper support and cushioning to deal with the toughness the basketball game demands.
The shoes are durable and suited for shooting guards who demand a good court-feel and mobility. These shoes also offer you a combination of style and comfort for the center position.
The fitting of a shoe determines the kind of comfort and support you’ll be getting out of the shoe. A lot of people compromise on the fitting of the shoe because they are in a hurry. However, this backfires on them as the shoes start to become uncomfortable and the player’s feet slip and slide within the shoe.
Look for a shoe that comfortably fits your foot and is wide enough to allow a little movement. These shoes let a little bit of room between the thumb and the tip of the shoe so that there’s minimum chance of injury.
Comfort
Comfort is a factor that I perhaps prefer not to compromise on. After all, the best type of shoe is the one in which you’re comfortable. Make sure that the shoes that you buy are not too tight nor too loose, and fit snugly against the barefoot.
The fabric should be breathable and not too rough. If the fabric grazes against the skin or restricts movement, choose a different shoe.
Cut Style
The cut-style and top structure of a shoe greatly affect the game. There are three unique top styles: High-Top, which has a higher collar, Low-Top, which has a low collar, and Mid-Top, which is somewhere in between.
Personally, Mid-Top shoes are good for basketball as they protect the ankle while also motivating easy movement and maneuverability.
Price
Price is also another factor that needs to be kept in mind. Before setting out to buy quality basketball shoes, consider if your budget can handle it. If you find that you cannot raise enough to buy these, prioritize your needs over your wants.
If you can gain enough to buy basketball shoes, consider going for a higher price, as these are usually more authentic and of better quality.
Laces and Zippers
Almost all basketball shoes come with laces. However, the zipper has also come into fashion recently. The zippers are usually situated at the back of the shoe, though some have it on the front or either side.
I personally do not believe that zippers can stay intact in a basketball game, and they have to do with fashion than performance. But as always, go with what suits you the most.
Material
The material is essential when it comes to buying comfortable and durable shoes. Leather shoes are more durable as they provide great traction as well as support and durability.
Other than that, mesh basketball shoes have also seen the spotlight lately. These provide proper ventilation to keep your feet comfortable and also to inhibit the growth and development of fungal and bacterial infections. Canvas shoes are also not that airy just like the mesh ones.
Tryouts
Before buying a shoe, always make sure to try it out to see if it fits. And if you can, try to walk around in them to ensure that they are comfortable to walk in and don’t poke at the feet or graze against them.
Basketball Shoes Buying FAQs
Do you have questions that need answering before you buy the basketball shoes? Well, allow us to answer those questions for you.
1. How do I pick out the best basketball shoes?
I wish there was a simple answer to this and that there would be one answer that suited all. However, that isn’t unfortunately true. The best shoe is the one that makes you feel comfortable.
Style and looks are secondary when it comes to footwear. It is imperative that you should never do a tradeoff between style and comfort. Make sure to pick out a shoe that doesn’t congest your toes and feet. There should be ample space for your toes, and there should be proper ventilation to avoid any bacterial infections.
2. How do I know which size will fit me?
Size can differ from place to place. The UK has their own set of sizes, and the US has their own. For this purpose, there exists a device known as the “Brannock Device”.
It is recommended by footwear manufacturers that people should have their feet checked by a Brannock device every two years as the feet size change as quickly as any other part of the body.
It is easy to use and will always give you the perfect size which you can use to buy the shoe of your choice. Many best basketball shoes under 150 offer you to try the Brannock device to get the comfortable size.
3. Why should I buy basketball shoes? Can’t my trainers or cleats work?
For this question, it is imperative to understand that basketball shoes have been specifically designed to provide the user with optimum comfort and support while playing basketball.
If you choose to wear any other kind of shoe, not only will you look ridiculous, the shoes will also not give you the type of ankle support, comfort, and grip that is needed on the basketball courts. It would be inefficient as well as un-stylish.
4. Should I buy the “dynamic fit collar” shoes?
The dynamic fit collar is a kind of shoe-style that is used by athletes and sportsmen to ensure the feeling of a better fit and an extension of the upper leg. Not only does it provide the player protection and balance, but it also gives off a feeling of a better and locked-down fit.
Both best basketball shoes under 100, 200 offer the dynamic fit collar which ensures safety to the toes and ankles as it locks down the foot for better support. However, keep in mind that it is extremely easy to slip in these shoes and they do not provide an overall good grip.
I would definitely recommend leather backed shoes because not only are they stylish and give off a clean look; they also manage to be durable for an extended period. The leather fabric can promote airflow, and it can fend off most wear and tear that may arise due to playing for long periods of time.
The other kind of fabric is the canvas which may not be a more affordable choice but not the best. The best basketball shoes under 50 are prone to wear and tear and because of the use of canvas, do not let air flow out quickly which promotes infections and bad odor.
6. Does flexibility of basketball shoes matter?
While playing basketball, players are required to do a lot of running and jumping. Therefore it is necessary to pick out a shoe which is flexible enough to allow all those actions without the outsole of the shoe peeling off. Shoes which are not very flexible tend to let their outsoles peel off and break away from the shoe.
This might be highly inconvenient to people who play regularly and roughly because a broken shoe may ruin the game for you and your teammates as well.
7. Should I also buy socks with a purchase of basketball shoes?
Yes, the socks matter as well. A lot of brands offer the best basketball shoes under 120 with a bundle of socks along with the shoes for a reason. Socks help absorb any unwanted moisture formed inside the shoe and help prevent bacterial infections and another kind of complications.
The socks also reduce the chances of any foot odor forming as they absorb sweat and promote airflow within the shoe. Excessive use of footwear without socks can lead to serious complications for the feet as well as the inside of the shoes.
8. Which color should I choose when buying basketball shoes?
I would definitely recommend you to buy shoes which match the color theme of your team you will be playing on. This makes you look smart and stylish. You could also add a contrasting color to your jersey or another clothing item.
However, if you also want to be able to wear them casually, then I would not recommend bright and popping colors, rather white or black would suffice for that matter. They will go with any other color and add a beautiful contrast to the entire outfit.
9. Which is the best place to buy basketball shoes from?
I would recommend you to buy basketball shoes from a trusted website or a vendor that is certified to sell authentic and genuine shoes. Colors should be readily available to the user to choose from. There are several scams and frauds out there which will scam you into buying pirated or third-class shoes.
You need to be wary of these sellers and stay away from their websites and shops. Do more searching before settling for one website, as some sites offer discounts on shoes while others don’t. So don’t miss out on a chance to save a few bucks.
10. What are the different prices for basketball shoes?
It is completely dependent on the brand of the product. However, usually, the best basketball shoes under 60 offer minimal comfort and protection, they may work well in the beginning, but their outsoles will eventually tear off.
Both best basketball shoes under 70 and 80 provide you the style and support that is necessary but not which optimum is. Different prices provide the various kind of experience which their price ranges allow.
Final Word
I have tried my level best to bring you unbiased best basketball shoes review in this write-up. Modern basketball shoes are a great innovation and help basketball players around the world to achieve what they have. They provide the comfort and support which is necessary for all kind of actions in the game.
However, one must know that they are delicate footwear and must be treated with care to not wear them out easily.
I am Peter, a 39-year-old friendly being from the United States. I love playing a lot of sports such as tennis, table tennis, volleyball, softball, and badminton... I have created this blog to help you find information on different types of sports equipment and finding the right one to enhance your skills at the game.
