Best Shoes for Basketball Players

Basketball is an indoor game between two teams, five players each, that have to score by throwing an inflated ball through a hoop at each end of the court while the other team tries to stop them.

Basketball is a fun and fast-paced sport played by professionals and casually for recreational purposes.

Basketball has taken the world by storm; it is watched and enjoyed by many people worldwide.

Yet, as with every sport, you will need the right equipment for the game, which goes for shoes. The best shoes for basketball players are essential for performance, safety, and comfort.


Risks Related to Playing Basketball

There is immense pressure in basketball and a high risk of injury on the feet and ankles. Two very distinct types of damages are acute injuries from a sudden forceful blow and chronic injuries, which develop with time and become highly aggravated at later stages.

The type of court you play on also significantly affects your risk of injury; wooden courts offer more shock absorption, whereas concrete and asphalt courts tend to be the most dangerous and harmful to your lower limbs.

Foot and ankle injuries usually occur from jumping or landing and twisting the foot or ankle with the fall. Ankle sprains, torn ligaments, muscle pulls, tendon ruptures, and fractures are only a few of the many injuries related to playing basketball.

Chronic injuries can be reduced and prevented if you follow the correct precautionary method, for example, warming up properly before a match.
One of the most important preventive practices is wearing undamaged shoes that fit well and give proper support.


Types of Basketball Shoes

  • High Top Basketball Sneaker -The High top sneaker is the safest and most protective basketball shoe that offers maximum ankle support and stability. However, they decrease your ability to have high bursts of speed and more flexibility because they are generally heavier in weight and more stability aimed.
  • Mid Top Basketball Sneaker – The Mid Top Basketball sneaker still offers good ankle protection and support with a lower top; it is less heavy. However, it also does not provide as much stability. This is the ideal in-between basketball shoe for stability and easier movement.
  • Low Top Basketball Sneaker – They offer you the quickest and easiest movements, as they are lightweight and more flexible. But, in turn, they offer no ankle stability or protection.
  • Performance Basketball Shoes – These are sneakers designed specifically to cater to an individual’s needs, usually designed for a specific athlete. If you have an athlete you can relate to in their method of play and footwear comfort requirements; then a performance sneaker will help you.

Features of a Good Basketball Shoe

  • Cushioning – The best basketball shoes are exceptionally cushioned.
  • Ankle Support – They should be stiff enough to offer proper ankle support.
  • Comfort – A comfortable, lightweight, and breathable shoe that fits snugly without being too tight should aid in your performance and keep your feet dry and comfortable.
  • Lacing – The closure system of a basketball shoe is critical because you do not want zips or laces that loosen while you are playing, so make sure you have a highly secure closure system.
  • Avoid – Velcro closures as they tend to loosen while you are playing.
  • Oustsoles – Ensure that the outsoles are durable and offer excellent traction on the floor surface you will be practicing on.
  • Quality – Whether you are playing professionally or only practicing, it is smart to invest in a good quality pair of Basketball shoes that are suitable for your foot type, and that fits you perfectly.

Reviews: Best Shoes for Basketball

here are some of our latest picks for the highest-rated latest basketball shoes brands;
We hope you love the products we recommend!
So that you know, We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.


1

The Adidas OwnTheGame is a basketball shoe created for fast, all-court domination. A shoe that will improve your speed and precision for maximum performance with excellent comfort and support.

  • A durable and lightweight synthetic mix upper.
  • A comfortable textile inner lining.
  • The Torsion system gives better midfoot integrity and stability.
  • The Puremotion midsole responds to every impact, mimics natural balance efficiency, and enables rapid response.
  • Tongue and heel pull tabs for easy on and off.
  • The non-marking rubber outsole gives excellent traction.
  • Fashionable design suits every preference and makes you stand out on the court.


2
Fila prides itself on creating footwear that is not just required but desired and offers both adequate and exceptional. The Fila Slam 12C is no exception, a luxuriously comfortable and supportive basketball shoe in a more than perfect fit.
  • Synthetic leather uppers give lateral support and a heel counter for improved comfort and stability.
  • An Ethylene Vinyl Acetate midsole that gives you a consistently cushioned feel.
  • The outsole is made from non-marking rubber and ensures exceptional traction and durability.
  • Available in three color variations.
  • A classic and old-school solid color design.


3
  • Air Jordan series, including Air Jordan I, has an entire class of features, support, and innovation that any basketball player needs.
  • The shoe, even though it offered great comfort and functionality, it defied the convention.
  • Michael Jordan had to pay a penalty of $5,000 every time he wore the shoe on the court.
  • The penalty did not stop him and instead boosted Nike’s marketing policies, where the shoe was soon given a rebellious image.


4
This is the latest addition to the Jordan shoe line. The Jordan CP3 VIII is an on-basketball court shoe that will keep you fresh and comfortable when playing tough!
  • Leather and mesh uppers for improved ventilation to keep your feet dry and fresh.
  • A flight web system that improves performance.
  • A durable plastic frame on the lateral side for better support.
  • The Lunarlon foam gives you a soft and springy cushioned feeling.
  • The rubber outsole offers excellent grip and traction.


5
The Nike Air Visi Pro Vi is a well-cushioned and supported shoe that will keep you comfortable up and down the court.
  • Synthetic and leather uppers for breathability and comfort.
  • A durable rubber outsole with Herringbone patterns for traction and grip to reduce slip risks.
  • The visible air unit in the heel gives you high-impact cushioning when you come down with the rebounds.
  • A collar design upper for a better fit.
  • A durable and comfortable design.
  • The sleek and trendy appearance will give you confidence on the court.
  • Available in a variety of colors and designs.


6
The AND Rocket 4 is a well-padded, snug-fitting basketball shoe that keeps your feet protected from impact and comfortable all day.
  • A padded collar and tongue for a cushioned fit.
  • The high-quality sock liner adds extra cushioning for all-day comfort.
  • Traditional lacing closure with a mesh-lined tongue for lightweight support and improved breathability.
  • A Quarter panel molding and a patent leather detailed toe box.
  • Durable and comfortable Overrated construction.
  • The footbed aids as a padded insole and midsole that absorbs shock.
  • A molded rubber outsole with herringbone patterns for excellent grip


7
  • This basketball shoe by Adidas is the best choice for those who are flat-footed.
  • It is also great for plantar fasciitis, which usually goes hand in hand with flat feet.


8

Lightweight and highly breathable basketball sneakers from Beita.

  • A durable and high-traction rubber outsole.
  • Breathable and lightweight textile uppers with a molded heel shield to protect you against ankle injuries.
  • Venting holes for ventilation in the uppers.
  • A comfortable and cushioned insole.


9

This shoe from Adidas is a top scorer in basketball shoes for better performance.

  • Available in many colorful prints and colors.
  • Breathable textile uppers.
  • Bounce cushioning that is flexible and absorbs shock.
  • Mesh Forgefiber uppers that are heat pressed and TPU coated for targeted support and durability.
  • It offers a regular comfortable fit with Geofit anatomical fit technology.


10

We have the Jet basketball shoe from Under Armor, which is lightweight, breathable, and highly durable.

  • Textile uppers that are breathable with molded quarter panels for structural support.
  • A full EVA sock liner and midsole for cushioning and shock absorbency.
  • One-piece solid rubber outsole with a herringbone traction pattern for better lateral movements.
  • Perforated area and mesh for better ventilation.


11

The Kobe Elite Range from Nike is a stylish and comfortable model in Basketball shoes.

  • Durable and lightweight mesh uppers are available in a few colors and prints.
  • Fllyweave upper construction for targeted support and breathability.
  • A Drop in Lunarlon foam midsole and lightweight cushioning and support.
  • The Micro Tuned rubber outsole has a low profile and offers multidirectional traction.


12

The Lockdown 4 from Under Armour is another superb option in high-performance basketball shoes.

  • Synthetic leather uppers that are molded for a responsive fit and fast look.
  • The uppers are also perforated for breathability.
  • There is a lightweight and breathable sock liner for underfoot cushioning and support.
  • An injection-molded EVA midsole ensures excellent shock absorbency.
  • The durable rubber outsole has multi-level adaptive traction layers and provides exceptional on-court movement.


13

Nike’s 2nd model has an Air Precision design with an air cushioning unit in the midsole for those hard landings.

  • Comfortable synthetic and textile uppers.
  • Forefoot mesh for lightweight breathability.
  • A padded foam collar for better balance and fit.
  • There is a Nike Air Unit midsole for cushioning and shock absorbency.
  • A modified Herringbone traction tread on the rubber outsole,



Video Review: Best Basketball Shoes for 2021

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQfNTmoznh4


Index Table: Top-Rated Basketball Shoes

No.ShoeImageFeaturesBrandScore
1Adidas Men's OwnTheGame - Basketball Sneakers
  • Torsion System
  • Non-Marking Outsole
  • Puremotion Midsole
Adidas98.2
2Fila Men's Slam 12C - Affordable Basketball Shoe
  • Non-Marking Rubber Outsole
  • Lateral Support
  • Cushioned Midsole
Fila95
3Nike Men's Air Jordan 1 - Retro Basketball Shoes
  • Encapsulated Air-Sole
  • Lightweight Cushioning
  • Leather Uppers
  • Retro Designed
Nike98.1
4Jordan Men's CP3 VIII - Low Top Shoes for Basketball
  • Breathable
  • Flight Web System
  • Lunarlon Foam
Jordan96
5Nike Men's Air Visi Pro VI - Supportive Basketball Shoes
  • Rubber Herringbone Outsole
  • Cushioned
Nike94
6AND1 Men's Rocket 4 - Mid Basketball Shoes
  • Breathable
  • Overlasted Construction
  • Padded
  • Molded Rubber Outsole
AND190
7Adidas Men's Ball 365 - Best Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet
  • Traction Outsole
  • BOUNCE Cushioning
  • Seamless construction
Adidas96
8BEITA Men's High Top - Basketball Sneakers
  • Breathable
  • Lightweight
  • Heel Shield
BEITA96
9Adidas Men's Pro Bounce - Glove Fit Basketbal Shoe
  • Bounce Cushioning
  • Anatomical Fit
  • mesh Uppers
Adidas98
10Under Armour Men's Jet - Stability Basketbal Shoe
  • EVA Sockliner
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Structural Support
Under Armour98
11Nike Men's Kobe XI Elite - Basketball Sneaker
  • Drop in Midsole
  • Lunar Foam
  • Mesh Uppers
Nike98
12Under Armour Lockdown 4 - Basketball Shoe
  • Molded uppers
  • EVA Midsoel
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
Under Armour96
13Nike Men's - Basketball Sneaker
  • padded Collar
  • Herringbone Traction
  • Forefoot Mesh
Nike97


About the Author

David Alegeta

David is a long-distance hiker, a writer and an editor whose favorite topics include backpacking and trail running. He is an adventure athlete who covered over 20,000 miles. He frequently speaks to groups about the benefits of proper footwear and has written numerous articles on this subject. He lives in Dallas, Texas with his family.