A basketball shoe is not just an ordinary sneaker. It can help improve your game. However, not all basketball shoes are created equally, so you need to consider several factors before buying it.
Aside from style, you also need a comfortable shoe. Plus, it should also provide support and the right amount of traction so that you won’t slip or fall on the court. Aside from that, if you’re playing outdoor basketball, you need to pick a sneaker with a thick sole that can withstand rough and uneven surfaces.
Here are the best basketball shoes for men.
The Best Basketball Shoes for Men
adidas Performance Cloudfoam
Built on a passion for sports and a sporting lifestyle, adidas is a multinational corporation based in Germany. It designs and manufactures high-quality shoes, clothing, and accessories. Thus, it is not surprising that it is one of the most recognized brands when it comes to sportswear.
Although reasonably priced, the adidas Performance Cloudfoam can provide stability, support, and comfort to help you stay on top of your game. Plus, this basketball shoe is extremely lightweight and breathable, thanks to its leather and fabric upper. Aside from that, it also has an air mesh collar, tongue, and rear quarter that allow air to circulate properly. Also, it has perforations for extra ventilation.
Another great feature of these all-black sneakers is its Cloudfoam sockliner and midsole that provides cushioning, ensuring you that your feet will stay secure and comfortable at all times. Plus, it has a memory footbed, which offers added comfort. Lastly, it has a rubber outsole that provides exceptional grip and superb traction.
Under Armour ClutchFit Drive 3
Founded by Kevin Plank in 1996, Under Armour is an American company that manufactures sportswear and casual apparel. Its main goal is to make athletes better through passion, design, and innovation. As such, Under Armour products are not only stylish but high-performance as well.
The Under Armour ClutchFit Drive 3 will give you the confidence to play on the court. One reason is due to its ClutchFit technology, which provides breathability and support as you play. Aside from that, it also features an external heel counter and intershanks that deliver support and stability. Plus, its bear-trap lacing system connects to the tongue, giving your foot extra stability and a superb fit.
In addition to those features, this basketball shoe has an Achilles pillow that offers more comfort and padding around the heal area. Moreover, there is a Charged Cushioning® under the heel that absorbs impacting shock. Also, it has a full-length Micro G® foam layer that can give you the boost you need for explosive takeoffs. Best of all, it has rubber outsoles with a herringbone pattern that provides excellent traction. As such, it can give you the confidence to move with ease on the court. The rubber outsoles can also help prevent you from skidding, slipping, and falling.
Nike Lebron Soldier XII
Nike is an American multinational corporation founded by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman in 1964. This company believes that everybody is an athlete. As such, they aim to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.
If you’re searching for a strong and durable basketball shoe you can wear when you play outdoors, the Nike Lebron Soldier XII is a great choice. This model was developed for one of the best basketball players in the world, and it can offer comfort, performance, and style.
This basketball shoe features a Nike Zoom Air cushion that provides responsive cushioning and absorbs shock as you move around a hard court. Furthermore, it has a circular-knit upper that delivers flexibility and breathable support, keeping your foot cool and dry as you play. Also, the closure system of this shoe is a hook and strap, which provides secure lockdown. Finally, its rubber outsole has a multi-directional pattern that delivers exceptional grip and traction on any court surfaces.
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adidas Performance Crazy Explosive
The adidas Performance Crazy Explosive can provide comfort and speed while you’re playing. It features a Primeknit Xeno upper that is lightweight, comfortable, and breathable, keeping your feet dry and cool as you run around the court. Aside from that, the lacing system of this shoe can wrap your entire foot, relieving pressure on the arches. Plus, its heel lace system has molded heel piece that can lock your foot into the shoe, preventing you from slipping.
In addition to those features, this basketball shoe from adidas can add lift to your jump shots, thanks to its full-length energy-returning boost™. Also, it has rubber outsoles that provide excellent traction, so you don’t have to worry about slipping or falling on the court. Lastly, it has a textile inner lining and a mesh tongue that adds comfort and breathability to the shoe.
Air Jordan XXXII
Although the Air Jordan XXXII has a retro design, it is made with premium materials and outfitted with the latest technologies. For example, this shoe has a Flyknit upper with high-tenacity yarn that combines support, stretch, and strategic lockdown fit in areas where your foot needs it the most. Furthermore, it has a high collar that is not only stylish but can provide excellent ankle and lateral support as well.
Another great feature of the Air Jordan XXXII is its Nike Flightplate technology that provides midfoot support and a smooth transition from your heel to the toe. Additionally, it has a Zoom air cushion that delivers ultimate comfort and on-court feel. Also, this luxurious basketball shoe has advanced compression, and it delivers remarkable energy return, boosting every jump-shot you take.
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Under Armour Curry 3
The Under Armour Curry 3 is the third signature shoe of Stephen Curry, and it offers advanced features that will let you move around the court with confidence and ease. It has a reinforced mesh upper, which is breathable and lightweight. Additionally, it comes with an open-holed mesh tongue for increased ventilation.
In addition to those features, this basketball shoe also has an Anti-microbial Ortholite® sockliner that molds to the shape of your foot to deliver underfoot comfort. Moreover, its Meta-wing TPU shank provides stability to your arch, heel, and forefoot. This feature ensures that your foot will not slip inside the shoe, and it offers the necessary support you need to make your unstoppable moves.
Aside from allowing you to have explosive push-offs, its Micro-G® and Charged Cushioning® in the midsole allows you to change direction effortlessly and easily. For the outsole, it has a detailed traction pattern that offers maximum grip and floor control. However, its outsole attracts some dust and dirt, so you need to wipe it often to avoid slippage.
adidas Harden Vol. 3
The adidas Harden Vol.3 is James Harden’s third signature shoe, and it is one of the highest-rated basketball shoes on the market. This is not surprising because this product has a lot of great features. First, it is made with a quality knit that is breathable, strong, and supportive. It also has an outsole with a herringbone traction pattern that provides exceptional grip and traction. However, the outsole can pick-up dust easily, so wiping is necessary.
With the adidas Harden Vol. 3, you can easily create separation from your defenders with step-backs and crossovers. This benefit is thanks to the shoe’s extra lockdown that allows side-to-side movement and control. For support, this basketball shoe has a flat base, a torsion spring plate, and an internal heel counter. Lastly, its sole is made with Boost material, which provides comfort and a perfect court feel.
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Nike Zoom KD 11
Kevin Durant is unstoppable on the court, and the Nike Zoom KD 11 is built to capture the style and versatility of this amazing basketball player.
One of the most impressive features of this product is its cushion. The combination of the Nike React foam and Nike Zoom Air does not only deliver responsive cushioning but a lot of protection from impact as well. Aside from that, it also has a Flyknit upper that provides stretch, breathability, and support where you need it. Plus, the rubber sole extends up the sides of the shoe for more stability. Also, it has a rubber outsole that provides great traction on clean courts. However, the outsole also picks a lot of dust, so you need to wipe it often.
Nike Kobe 11 Elite
If you’re looking for a low-cut basketball shoe that can provide you with full range motion through the ankle, the Nike Kobe 11 Elite is an excellent choice. One reason is that this shoe is tough and ready for battle like Kobe Bryant. Plus, it can provide comfort, support, and cushioning, so you can move quickly on the court.
The Nike Kobe 11 Elite has an upper made with Flyknit yarn, which is strong, flexible, and lightweight. For cushioning, this product has a Lunarlon foam that absorbs shock and Nike Zoom Air in the heel that maximizes responsiveness and cushioning. It also has flex grooves in the forefoot of the Lunarlon foam, which allows your toes to spread naturally. Also, the lacing system of this shoe is Flywire integrated, so you won’t be sliding on the court as you play. Unfortunately, the outsole of this shoe collects a bit of dust, so wiping is necessary to avoid slippage.
If you are looking for some affordable shoe models, be sure to browse our list of top-rated sneakers under $100.
adidas Dame 3
The adidas Dame 3 was created for Damian Lillard’s tough but calm style of play. As such, it is one of the most versatile basketball shoes on the market, and it can accommodate most foot shapes. For its features, it has a rubber outsole with tread patterns that provide excellent traction, so your foot won’t slip as you penetrate the basket or make a lot of cuts. Aside from that, it has a Bounce cushion that will not only add spring to your step but also make your feet comfortable and flexible even if you play for a long period.
Another great feature of the adidas Dame 3 is its FUSEDMESH upper. Aside from being durable, this lightweight material can also offer continuous support. Moreover, it also has a bootee construction, which provides a snug and secure fit. Plus, it has multiple lacing options, so you’ll be able to find a comfortable lacing style to keep your foot secured.
Nike Kyrie 5
If you’re looking for a basketball shoe that will allow you to move smoothly on the court, the Nike Kyrie 5 is an excellent choice. One reason is that it is great for all positions. Plus, it can provide excellent stability and traction for quick, multi-directional movements.
Made with breathability in mind, the upper of this basketball shoe uses an engineered mesh and a Flytrap midfoot that locks in your foot. Plus, you can loosen or tighten its laces to find the perfect fit.
Compared to its previous models, the Nike Kyrie 5 has a Zoom Air Turbo midsole that cushions and returns energy quickly, allowing you to keep on firing at all angles of attack. The midsole can also provide the utmost comfort and absorb impacting shock, thanks to its Phylon foam. For its outsole, it has a multi-directional pattern that allows you to move in all directions with ease. However, the outsole may not last long if you’re playing outdoors or on concrete.
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adidas Tmac Millennium
Inspired by Tracy McGrady, the adidas Tmac Millennium has a fun design with exceptional performance. One of the best features of this basketball shoe is its outsole with a herringbone pattern that provides excellent grip and traction. Because of this feature, this product can stick even on poorly maintained courts. However, the outsole may not last long if you’re playing on concrete courts.
Another great feature of this product is its Boost cushioning, which is thicker in the heel area for optimum impact protection, and thinner in the forefront for a responsive feel. Aside from that, it also has a synthetic leather upper that is extremely durable and comfortable. However, it will take about a month to break in this shoe due to its hard-wearing upper. Also, it provides great support due to its higher ankle collar. Lastly, it has a tongue that allows you to tightly lace the shoe for a locked-in feel.
Under Armour Spawn Low
The original Under Armour Spawn was created in 2014. Since then, Under Armour has worked hard to develop a shoe that will perform well as the original but with updated functionalities. For its features, this basketball shoe has a lightweight, flexible, and breathable mesh upper that provides stability and support. Moreover, its internal heel counter can hold your foot securely. Plus, it has a solid fit that is true to size.
For its midsole and cushioning, these white sneakers have a Memory G cushion that offers a lot of support and impact protection. Although this latest model is lighter, it can provide great energy return and response. Also, it has an internal midfoot shank that can help prevent your foot from rolling over, making this shoe an excellent choice for quick players. For its outsole, it has circular traction pattern that delivers exceptional grip. However, the outsole may wear out quickly if you play outdoors. Finally, it has extra padding around its tongue and collar for more comfort and a die-cut EVA sockliner that offers underfoot cushioning and support.
Nike Lebron 16
Because the Nike Lebron 16 is engineered for one of the strongest players on the court, it is high-performing. Plus, it delivers a powerful combination of impact cushioning, instant responsiveness, and support. For its features, this basketball shoe has a Battleknit 2.0 upper that is lightweight, supportive, and ultra-strong. Also, this upper can keep your foot locked-in while still providing a lot of flexibility.
The cushion of this product is a combination of a Zoom Air and Max Air that delivers exceptional impact protection without sacrificing energy return. Aside from that, its outsole has a herringbone pattern, which provides excellent grip and traction. But, that’s not all. Because the lines on the outsole are further apart, it won’t pick-up dust and dirt, so you don’t have to wipe it often. Also, the rubber outsole is durable enough to withstand outdoor play. Finally, this product has a tongue with gusset for easy entry but then collapses beneath the laces, giving you a customizable fit.
Air Jordan 3 Retro
As an iconic product, the Air Jordan 3 is not only one of the basketball shoes available on the market. It is also the perfect sneaker you can wear for casual events.
For its features, it is made with a combination of three materials: leather, fabric, and synthetic. As such, it is durable, lightweight, and supportive. Aside from that, it also has Air-Sole units in the forefoot and heel that offers responsive cushioning, keeping you energized as you move around the court. Lastly, its rubber outsole has circular traction pattern, which delivers amazing grip on a variety of surfaces.