Basketball is a game that requires constant motion and reaction. At any given time, you’ll need to make an explosive move to break through a defense or jump into a passing channel to make a critical stop. Your ideal basketball shoe should provide the correct balance of support, comfort, cushioning, and traction.

It’s difficult to find your next set of high-performance basketball sneakers! Converse, Puma, New Balance, and a slew of Chinese labels have just entered an already saturated industry dominated by Nike, Adidas, and Jordan Brand.

How do you determine which shoes to buy when there are so many brands to choose from?

We also automatically extract pricing from the most prominent online stores, allowing you to compare costs and find excellent offers!

Because every foot is unique, carefully study the reviews to choose the ideal shoes for you.

Below is a quick summary of the 7 best basketball shoes; scroll down for a more complete review of each shoe.

1. Air Jordan 35 

Jordan 35, best basketball shoes

The Jordan 35 has similar traction as the 34 and performs similarly. You’ll acquire a constant good grip and stopping power if you don’t damage them by playing outside. The addition of a big volume Zoom Air unit in the heel enhances the comfort and responsiveness of this shoe’s cushioning. The fabrics are high-quality, with a good combination of ancient and current textile materials. They are breathable and do not need to be broken in. The support is superior to the 34, with excellent lateral containment, stability, and ankle support.

Also Read, The Best of “His Airness” Michael Jordan

2. Puma Clyde All-Pro

puma clyde all pro

The Puma Clyde All-Pro was a pleasant surprise as the greatest basketball sneaker. It’s the Kobe 9 reborn and better. Traction is excellent in all conditions. The ProFoam+ and Pebax heel puck cushioning combination are balanced and responsive. They are also true to size, tight, and supportive. They are not signature shoes, yet they outperform the majority of them.

3. Nike KD 14 

nike kd 14

The Nike KD 14 has a good grip, good cushioning, good materials, a strong fit, and good support. It’s a solid all-around performer. The fit is problematic, so it’s best to go up a half size or try them on in-store. If you get the fit perfect, your body will appreciate the cushioning combination of a full-length Zoom Air sock and a Cushlon midsole. It’s the ideal recipe for playing for hours on end without getting tired.

4. Nike Air Zoom GT Cut 

nike zoom air gt cut

The Nike Air Zoom GT Cut is the first installment in Nike’s Greater Than line, and it’s a strong start. The GT Cut is a low-profile, lightweight structure that is similar to the legendary Nike Kobe 8. Despite how low this shoe rests to the ground, the React, full-length Air Zoom Strobel, and heel Zoom unit work nicely to deliver substantial cushioning. It’s a speedy guard’s ideal sneaker, but large men should look elsewhere.

5. Curry 8

Curry 8, UA, best basketball shoes

The Curry 8 is the first shoe from Curry Brand (an Under Armour subbrand) and the first shoe to include the new UA Flow foam. Flow is fantastic and quickly rises to the top of UA’s cushion technology. The monstrous traction also outperformed expectations in terms of outdoor durability. To top it all off, the lightweight sock-like knit upper is extremely comfy and more stable than expected due to Steph Curry’s preferred broad platform.

6. Adidas D.O.N Issue 2

best basketball shoes adidas don issue 2

The Adidas DON Issue 2 is a surprising success on the court. While the traction on outdoor courts isn’t terrific, it’s fantastic on indoor courts. Fit is also excellent. When you consider the additional mobility and range of motion the Feet You Wear system provides, the cushion is enough. At $100, the DON Issue 2 represents excellent value. You won’t break the bank, and you won’t have to sacrifice any performance attributes because of the price.

7. Nike Cosmic Unity

nike cosmic unity

What happens when the best performance aspects of the KD 12 and Kyrie 7 are combined? Nike’s Cosmic Unity. The Zoom Air Strobel was cushioning we adore combined with robust stability in the Cosmic Unity. The traction is extremely sticky, and the fit is true to size. There isn’t anything to complain about with this shoe. Is the environmental angle a marketing ploy? Yes. However, Cosmic Unity is a well-rounded, excellent shoe.

Also Read, The Evolution of Basketball!

3 simple ways to finding the best basketball sneakers

Choosing one of several seemingly excellent possibilities is already a difficult task. You can simplify your search by following the three simple steps outlined below.

1. Take into account your playing style.

Basketball positions allow us to forecast what movements a player will make during a game. Basketball shoes should be appropriate for the wearer’s playing position.

Centers and power forwards have a lot in common. They are big and strong, and they frequently position themselves near the basket to do rebounds or blocks. Shaquille O’neal of Reebok and LeBron James of Nike are two of the NBA’s most famous big guys.

Small forwards, point guards, and shooting guards move more aggressively. They are more mobile and physically involved with their opponents since they are smaller and more agile. Kyrie Irving and Stephen Curry are two outstanding examples.

Basketball shoes, in general, must provide a secure lockdown regardless of the function the wearer plays on the court. To that purpose, the best shoes are frequently outfitted with laces that can be tied in various ways depending on the size and shape of your foot. Quick lacing demos can be found here.

2. Make that the fit is correct.

To get the most out of a shoe, it’s evident that you should obtain the correct size. What is less clear are the elements influencing your size-related decisions.

Brands fit in different ways. RunRepeat includes a tool that assists you in determining the correct size according to the brand. This application can also make sizing recommendations based on your actual size, brand preference, and input from other users.

Take into account the thickness of your braces. Ankle braces give extra support to your foot. Basketball players’ braces are thicker than usual. If you intend to wear braces, get shoes that are at least half a size larger than your normal shoe size.

3. Don’t overlook the aesthetics.

Know what you desire, whether it’s low or high. Low-tops aren’t necessarily better than high-tops, and vice versa. It’s simply a matter of taste.

Understand your color. Basketball sneakers come in thousands of different colors. Some of these colors refer to NBA teams, NBA events, popular festivals (such as Easter and Christmas), and even political causes (e.g., Black History Month).