[TOP 7] Best Basketball Shoes Reviews

7 Best Basketball Shoes Reviews, Tips & Guides

Planning to buy a pair of basketball shoes? Checking out our analysis before making the final decision.

One cannot overlook the importance of Best Basketball Shoes playing the game. These shoes are designed in a way to provide more ankle stability and flexibility for players so that the chance of any injury is minimized.

Playing basketball requires making quick turns in directions; therefore it is very important to buy a shoe that fits you perfectly and matches your play-style.

Factors to consider while choosing the right Basketball Shoe :

A wrong pair of shoes will not only affect your game but also can lead to serious foot and ankle injuries. A lot of factors go into consideration while choosing the right basketball shoe. Take a look at these factors:

1. Upper– The shoes upper is one of the most important factors that need to be considered. The toe box should be spacious enough for you to easily spread your toes. Basically, there are three types of upper materials; soft, hard, and in-between. Soft uppers are made from woven materials and the hard uppers are made from rubber or synthetic materials. Shoes with soft uppers are highly breathable and offer maximum mobility whereas hard uppers as made of rubber are highly durable but lacks mobility. The in-between upper is mostly synthetic in nature and word as an all-around shoe.
2. Type– Basically, there are three types of basketball shoes; high-top, mid-top, and low-top. High-top basketball shoes offer maximum ankle support. Mid-top and low-top offer more flexibility and are less restrictive in nature. Each height appeals to a different style of player. In case you are unsure of your desired basketball position, go for a mid-top basketball shoe.
3. Aesthetics– Look and style of the shoe is also an important factor to be considered. These days comfort and style go hand-in-hand. These days brands offer a lot of colors and different appealing styles to attract the customer. Choose the one that suits your personality and helps you stand out on the court.
4. Midsole– This is that area where cushioning of the shoe is found. Mostly the midsoles are made of EVA foam, compressed EVA foam, polyurethane, or a combination of these materials. Polyurethane midsoles are highly durable.
5. Outsole– The traction pattern of the shoe lies in the outsole. The outsole is generally made of rubber or synthetic material because of its durable nature. Outsoles with herringbone pattern ensure maximum grip and stability on-court.

With the market flooded with options, choosing a new pair of basketball shoes is no more an easy task. A lot of factors pop up and flows through the mind while making a decision.

7 Best Basketball Shoes of 2022

To ease it out for you, we have compiled a list of 7 Best Basketball Shoes of 2022. Let’s take a look at them:

Adidas Performance Men’s Cloudfoam Ilation Mid Basketball Shoe

B019D7Q6YE

Adidas is one of the most renowned shoe manufacturing company that is extremely popular amongst players. Their products are known for their design and quality. Their shoes are made of premium quality materials and are great for everyday wear.

Adidas Performance Men’s Cloudfoam Ilation has a full-grain leather upper with comfortable textile lining and perforated details. Due to the leather upper, it can handle any kind of wear and tear.

The mesh cushion ensures comfort by keeping the shoe dry for an extended period of time. The shaft measures are approximately mid-top from the arch.

Extremely lightweight, this shoe weighs at only 3 pounds. A solid mid-cut style provides ankle stability and gives this shoe an appealing look. It features printed 3-Stripes and a debossed logo at sides.

The rear quarters, tongue, and collar of the shoes are composed of Air mesh that provides for improved ventilation. Unlike EVA cushioning, this shoe features Cloudfoam cushioning which enhances the overall comfort of the shoe.

The Cloudfoam sock liner and lightweight EVA foam midsole provide the required comfort. The rubber outsole gives durability and performs decently in both outdoor and indoor locations.With an embedded ventilation system, this shoe provides maximum air circulation. The high foam collar gives enough support to the ankles.

Flat foot people encounter a lot of problems finding a perfect pair of shoes that would ensure comfort and long time use. This shoe comes as a blessing in disguise for them as it is perfectly designed for flat feet.

This shoe is true to size and offers a standard fit. The lightness of this shoe gives amazing traction.

This shoe is originated from Vietnam, thus assures of unbeatable quality. It comes in varied colors and various widths, which is a plus point. Delivering ultimate cushioning, this high-quality basketball shoe is one of the bestselling shoes available at a budgeted price. This pair is highly recommended.

Nike Mens Air Force 1 07 QS Basketball Shoes

B000RDJ90W

The first Air Force 1 model was launched to pay homage to the United States’ presidential plane. Considered as the most popular shoe of all times, the Air Force One’s legacy is hard to beat.

It simply grows with every pair released and the Men’s Nike Air Force 1 ’07 QS is simply carrying that legacy forward. The company has kept the same shoe style and has blended some modern technology to give this shoe an impressive look and feel.

Featuring a classic leather and textile upper, this shoe is a perfect blend of modern style and comfort. The swooshes on the side are interchangeable with a set of hook-and-loop patches, giving a customized or a personal touch to the shoe.

This technology is known as the Design Your Own (DYO) technology of Nike. The shaft of the shoe measures approximately 3.22″ from the arch. The tongue and heel of the show feature the Nike Air logo. It has “Nike Air” all over the leather upper.

Made with high-quality materials, these shoes have amazing durability. All the perforations are intelligently placed throughout the shoe, to provide maximum air-flow and ventilation.

The padded collar and tongue add on to the comfort and support. These imported shoes have a waffle pattern that provides for excellent traction. The traditional lace-up closure with tonal shoelaces gives the wearer the right-fit.

This shoe is encapsulated with Nike Air technology, which provides adequate support in the heel for lightweight cushioning.

 The look of this shoe is extremely classic. Pair it with almost any casual attire, and it will enhance the overall look of the attire. This shoe is extremely easy to clean. It features a polyurethane (PU) midsole and a non-marking rubber outsole for amazing durability.

The PU midsole provides adequate cushioning to enhance comfort. The rubber outsole provides traction and is durable enough to handle any wear and tear.

Overall, this shoe is loved for its versatile style and is bound to turn heads with its amazing look. It is a highly recommendable sneaker for those seeking a premium ride and fit. Given the quality features, the price tag is truly justified.

AND1 Mens Xcelerate Basketball Shoe

B00PTM169S

AND1 is an American footwear and clothing company that specializes in basketball shoes, clothing, and sporting goods. The best part about the brand is that it focusses solely and strictly on basketball only.

Featuring a sleek look, AND1 Men’s Xcelerate features an eye-catching design. It is available in different kinds of colorways. This shoe has been made using the hybrid low-sew construction, as it enhances breathability and ensures that the comfort of the wearer is maximized.

The low-sew upper is made of synthetic material that is durable enough to handle wear and tear. Its low-sew fusion reduces weight and ensures 360-degree support.

Its design features plenty of mesh panels to allow maximum ventilation. The laser-cut vents on the lateral side of the shoe reduce the sweat build-up, thereby promoting maximum airflow.

The 3D thermoplastic polyurethane shank stabilizer delivers arch support and torsional rigidity. The internal bootie construction adds an extra layer of comfort. The traditional tongue construction decreases the overall weight, and this is one of the main reasons behind its lightweight design.

With its high-top design, it provides ample support to the ankle. For impact cushioning, it has high rebound Duraspring Midsole Foam that provides ample support and stability to the wearer.

It has a rubber midsole and outsole that provides durability to the shoe. It also features a low profile high Rebound insole that is quite responsive and gives high energy return. The 3/4 internal bootie construction gives the athlete a desirable fit and ensures maximum comfort.  It fits true to size.

Overall, AND1 Men’s Xcelerate provides an exceptional fit. With a breathable mesh, this is a high-performance shoe that won’t disappoint. It is a great value for the money.

Under Armour Men’s Jet 2017 

B01NAIZW8X

Under Armour as a brand needs no introduction. Since 1996, they have been engineering the best products for athletes to keep them comfortable throughout the course of a game, practice, or workout. Under Armour Men’s Jet, 2017 is no different.

This mid-height basketball shoe features a leather & textile upper that is extremely lightweight and offers enhanced support and breathability. The midfoot panel uses a ventilated mesh that enhances breathability throughout the shoe.

The herringbone traction of the shoe gives total control to the wearer and provides exceptional on-court movement.

The design is the shoe is classic and simple with the signature Under Armour logos that can be seen on the insole, outsole, top of the tongue, and on both sides of the shoe. The shoe looks good not only in court but is perfect for everyday casual wear also. It has a weight of 12.02 oz.

The solid rubber outsole is durable enough to handle any wear and tear. As far as cushioning is concerned, it features a compression-molded,  lightweight EVA foam midsole that is highly responsive and provides excellent shock absorption.

The EVA insole provides for supportive underfoot cushioning that adds on to the comfort. The padded inner collar and the tongue of the shoe support the ankle. The cushioning around the ankle collar enhances comfort.

The toe cap enhances the durability of the shoe as it protects the wearer against toe drag. With oval-shaped shoelaces, these shoes have a traditional lace-up closure that offers fit according to the foot type.

The fit of the shoe is narrow so it is recommended to go up half a size for that comfortable fit.

Delivering a good performance, these shoes are extremely comfortable and comes at a budgeted price.

Adidas Dame 3 Men’s Basketball

B076CTTRW5

Dame 3 is another addition to the Dame signature shoe line. Unlike the first two models, Dame 3 has a fancy look that looks uniquely stylish. It features FUSEDMESH textile and synthetic upper, a material that is highly durable and breathable.

The material is coated with TPU and features areas that stretch ensuring great support and stability.

It has a blade traction setup that offers multi-directional coverage and highly responsive to any move made. It comes with Bounce cushioning, which makes a return to Damian Lillard’s third signature model.

This well-cushioned foam enhances the comfort level so that you can be on your toes 24 hours long without any difficulty. The cushioning offers amazing responsiveness and impact protection. The cushioned high tongue and collar add on to the comfort.

Slipping inside the shoe is really easy as the open collar provides for an easy on/off. It has multiple lacing systems that offer a customizable fit, thereby enhancing the support. It can easily accommodate most of the foot shapes.

However, once you find a lacing pattern that is comfortable for you, there will be no problem. The bootie construction securely locks your foot down, providing a cozy fit. It has a rubber outsole with a unique tread pattern.

The only problem with this shoe is the lack of padding at the midfoot and around the ankle, which results in heel slippage.

But, that’s not a deal-breaker as it has internal & external heel counters that help to keep your heel in place. It goes true to its size, and with a stretchable upper it works amazingly well for wide footers too.

This is one of the best basketball shoes. With great cushioning, good traction, amazing look and an affordable price, this one is a complete package deal. This one is totally worth the consideration. 

Under Armour Men’s Ua ClutchFit Drive 3

B0182LTBV2

Under Armour, an American company is known to manufacture footwear, sports, and casual apparel that are high in quality and have innovative features. Their products are empowering athletes everywhere.

Drive 3 offers excellent traction. It comes with herringbone traction that covers the outsole completely. The rubber compound used at the outsole is sticky and durable. It won’t fall apart easily.

The diamond-shaped blade pattern at the forefoot enhances the traction experience and gives the wearer full control.

The upper of the shoe is equipped with Updated ClutchFit® technology that is highly breathable and supports the foot in the best way possible.

This new soft mesh upper stretches in the most flexible way to enhance the comfort of the wearer. The synthetic plastic in the forefoot area is one of the main reasons behind the durability of this shoe. This shoe only weighs around 16 ounces.

As far as cushioning is concerned, this shoe is equipped with Charged cushioning that is placed under the heel. This cushioning is really responsive and ensures maximum comfort by absorbing any heavy impact.

It also features a full-length Micro G® foam layer with an external heel cup that prevents your heel from shifting thereby offering the desired support. With the wide base at the forefoot, this shoe is extremely comfortable.

The full-length of the Microfoam layer makes your difficult landings into explosive takeoffs. The external heel counter and internal shanks deliver the required stability.

It comes with a unique and innovative bear-trap lacing system that connects to the tongue for a seamless and comfortable fit. The locked-in fit is great with minor heel slippage.

Achilles pillow provides additional padding & adds an extra layer of comfort around the heel. The thick Ortholite sockliner easily molds to the shape of the foot and is no less than a blessing. The molded Ortholite® sockliner features an Anti-odour technology that prevents the growth of odor-causing microbes, a feature that is really impressive.

One thing where Drive 3 lacks is lateral support. It does not provide any ankle support and the upper even fails to provide any kind of lateral support to the wearer. However, it can be ignored because of the fact that this shoe offers excellent traction.

Overall, this versatile on-court shoe is a perfect combination of traction, cushion, stability, and fit. The excellent cushion set-up combined with the amazing quality of materials and that too at a wallet-friendly price. This one is highly recommended

Under Armour Men’s Curry 3 Basketball Shoe

B072N8GFGV

Under Armour in association with Stephen Curry, who is an American professional basketball player launched its signature basketball shoe.

This shoe has been designed and optimized according to Steph Curry’s style of play, therefore is one of the best performing basketball shoes in the market. Curry 3 is Stephen Curry’s third signature basketball shoe.

Featuring a Threadborne™ upper with high tensile threads on the lateral sides, Curry 3 delivers lightweight support ensuring a comfortable fit. With infinite support and total control, this incredibly strong material can withstand all four seasons.

Another material used is Anafoam on the medial side of the shoe, which is very soft and lightweight in structure, offering additional support as it molds according to your foot giving a custom fit. This lightweight pair of shoes weighs around 14 ounces.

Charged cushioning is used which provides an adequate court feel. This type of cushioning increases the reaction time, i.e. the wearer can feel a completely different responsive energy with a change of direction.

These shoes provide amazing stabilization. The meta-wing carbon fiber shank lined in the heel provides locked-in support through joints that connect heel bones, arch & forefoot.

It not only provides better balancing but also has shock absorption properties. The Herringbone traction pattern takes comfort to another level. It provides an amazing grip on the floor and allows quick cuts and crossovers.

With adequate support on the court, it provides the wearer total control.

It fits true to size, still, it is recommended that you try on the shoe prior to purchasing, for a comfortable and right fit. Providing excellent support, these shoes feel so comfortable that the wearer can wear it almost the whole day.

Overall, the shoe offers great traction and an impressive step-in speed. If you are looking for a solidly constructed shoe that offers lightweight support at a decent price, look no further.

 

Buying Guides – How To Choose The Best Basketball Shoes

Material

You should consider several important aspects before you shop for your favorite basketball shoes. The outsole, midsole and upper materials are just a few of the most important. Standard rubber outsoles, which are durable and rugged, are the best. They are also available in different thicknesses and patterns. Midsoles are crucial in providing stability and balance when in motion. You’ll also feel more comfortable wearing shoes that have good midsoles. You should choose soft, comfortable midsoles.

Many basketball shoes have thick phylon midsoles that provide shock absorption to big men who jump to catch a defensive or offensive rebound. EVA (ethylene vinylacetate) is a type of midsole made from vinyl acetate and other ethylene compounds. This type of midsole is lightweight and has a low distraction rate. Basketball sneakers’ uppers provide great comfort and breathability. They can be made from mesh fabric, leather or synthetic materials. Your sneaker’s upper should not restrict your flexibility.

Upper

The upper of basketball shoes must be decided upon before you can discuss the details. There are three height options for basketball shoes: high, low, and mid. Each one appeals to a different type of player.

High: The upper wraps around the ankle for extra support and stability. This extra coverage can often lead to extra weight.

Mid: These basketball shoes are a happy middle ground for players looking for ankle support. The upper material is placed right at the ankle for some coverage, but not too much. The flexibility of mid-tops is increased.

Low: Low basketball shoes are made for speed and agility. They have a low profile which makes them less supportive of the ankle.

Comfort

Shoes that are comfortable will allow you to play comfortably and provide support. There are many brands that have different padding ingredients, but they all can be personal. It is best to feel the cushioning when you are playing, as it indicates that cushioning has been performing well. You should not feel the court if your sneakers don’t have enough cushioning. Extra padding can make smoother movements more difficult.

Movement

Basketball is all about running fast. Basketball shoes that are comfortable and quick will allow you to move quickly and smoothly. You can explore the larger sizes of shoes by looking at their latest materials. These materials can improve grip and reduce weight. Your basketball performance may be affected if you feel slow due to your shoes.

Grip

Before you shop for your favorite shoe, make sure to check the grip. A thick rubber outsole is still the best option for grip. Because centers are often tall and large, they require a smooth heel-to-toe transition. Different outsole patterns are available for different surfaces. The regular herringbone pattern is great for centers. Multi-directional patterns provide excellent traction for players who are trying to position themselves under the basket. Because centers have expanded their range, traction has become an important consideration even though it wasn’t a priority for forwards or big men in the past.

Price

You should also be aware of the cost range of your favorite basketball shoes. It is best to choose the most affordable option for beginners. Basketball sneakers that are more expensive tend to be more durable and offer more comfort. However, this doesn’t mean that the cheaper options are inferior in quality. Our picks are affordable when you consider their quality and top-notch features.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get my basketball shoes to fit properly?

Shoes that are not comfortable to wear may need to be broken in. There are many methods to break in basketball sneakers. Here are some.

To twist the toe area, hold the shoe at the heel. Then use the other hand to move the other hand. To soften the upper, do this several times. The material will conform better to your foot by being softened.

For at least ten minutes, wear the shoes every day with thick socks. You can change your socks after a week. While it may not look good in high-end shoes, you can make your shoe court-ready quickly by wearing them in your own home.

The shoes can be worn outdoors for light indoor workouts like treadmill running. Basketball shoes can be too heavy for you.

Play basketball in your basketball shoes. Basketball practice will help you to get used to the shoes’ unique movements. The basketball shoes will be ready for action after a few weeks.

2. How can I prevent my shoes from getting stale?

Shoes can smell from constant use. When feet are wet, they smell. The smell is then caused by bacteria.

These tips will help you keep your shoes from getting stale.

Never walk barefoot in your shoes

Choose the right socks

After the game, take off your shoes

Keep your shoes dry and cool in a dry, cool place

Regularly replace the inner sole

3. Why High-Tops are preferred by most centers?

Basketball sneakers were designed for a longer time to be taller than regular sneakers. They are often cut beyond the ankles. Today’s basketball has seen the end of high-top sneakers. The trend is to wear lightweight and flexible low-tops. While you’ll find a lot of these new sneakers, it’s not a sign that all players no longer prefer high-tops. High-top sneakers are preferred by most centers. The high-top sneakers provide extra support and a feeling of security that can be very useful during game fights under basket. Your feet are protected even if you accidentally step on the toes of other players.

 

Conclusion

The best basketball shoes for you is a decision that can be made with the help of an expert. We would love to hear from you and set up a time, date, and place where we could come meet in person so we can get started on not only finding your perfect pair of sneakers but also understanding more about how your feet work overall. Our team is ready to answer any questions or concerns that might arise as well as provide feedback on which brands are worth considering based on our experience helping hundreds of athletes find their ideal shoe. To learn more about what it takes to buy the right shoe for you, please contact us today!