Best Basketball Shoes Buyers Guide 2017-2018
Whether you’re a dedicated athlete or someone who just plays ball on the weekends, you need to invest in a high-quality pair of basketball shoes. This way, you’ll get to wear sturdy and reliable footwear that are specially designed to properly support your feet and ankles while you run, jump, and shoot hoops. Having excellent support, in turn, will minimize the pressure on your feet and ankles and help you avoid sprains and other injuries.
Choosing the right basketball shoes is also helpful in preventing slips and falls. The best basketball footwear come with excellent grip on the soles, which help the shoes stick to hardwood floors and prevent you from slipping and getting injured.
Aside from the practical benefits, wearing world-class basketball shoes makes you feel good about yourself and motivates you to stick to your goals. This is especially true if you’re trying to lose weight or simply become fitter by playing basketball. By investing in the right shoes and other gear, you won’t have any excuse not to get some exercise, and you’ll even become more enthusiastic to play ball since you know you look great in your outfit.
BEST BASKETBALL SHOES FOR MEN
A lot of basketball shoes are marketed to guys, so blokes are almost always spoiled for choice. This is great since they have plenty of options to choose from, but it can also lead to choice paralysis and make it difficult for shoppers to find the right pair of shoes.
The best way to combat this is to identify what you really need in your basketball shoes. Are you looking for a pair that’s inspired by your favorite athlete, or just shoes that give great ankle support without breaking the bank? Once you know what you need, browse through the available options and find the best pair for you. We’ve listed some of the best choices below to help you get started.
MOST BUDGET FRIENDLY: AND 1 Men’s Unbreakable Mid Basketball Shoe
- No-sew construction reduces weight and provides a seamless fit that eliminates rubs and hot spots
- Laser-cut vents enhance breathability by encouraging air-flow during movement
- Dual-density ethylene vinyl acetate midsole affords both stability and cushion upon impact
- Injectin molded thermoplastic ployurethane shank enhances rigidity and linear acceleration
- Non-marking abrasion-resistant molded rubber outsole
Many basketball shoes are offered at sky-high prices but, if you do your research, you’ll find pairs that have great quality but won’t break the bank. One of these is the AND 1 Men’s Unbreakable Mid Basketball Shoes.
The shoes feature a midsole that’s made of dual-density ethylene vinyl acetate, which cushions your feet upon impact while providing stability. They also come with molded rubber outsoles (which are resistant to abrasion and do not leave marks) and injection-molded polyurethane shanks, which help boost linear acceleration.
The AND 1 Men’s Unbreakable Mid Basketball Shoes feature no-sew construction, which makes them lightweight and helps you have faster speed on the court. The seamless build also reduces rubbing and eliminates hot spots, which can cause pain and skin irritation. The shoes also feature laser-cut vents, which encourage airflow and help you make feel more comfortable.
TOP OF THE LINE: Nike Men’s Air Jordan 3 Retro OG
- Leather, nubuck and synthetic upper for premium comfort
- PU midsole with heel and forefoot Air-Sole units for cushioning
- Rubber outsole for durable traction
- Cushioned collar enhances comfort
- TPU heel counter enhances stability
If you have a large budget, we can recommend the Nike Men’s Air Jordan 3 Retro OG. It’s definitely not cheap, but you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck because of the style and quality offered by this pair.
The shoes come with polyurethane midsoles along with Air-Sole units located at the with heel and forefoot for excellent cushioning. They’re also built with rubber outsoles that offer excellent traction as well as cushioned collars that provide optimum comfort and TPU heel counters that provide stability. The shoes feature a nubuck, leather, and synthetic leather upper that make them comfortable to wear while giving them a great look.
EDITOR’S CHOICE: Nike Jordan Men’s Air Jordan Spike Forty PE Basketball Shoe
- Tightly woven mesh is lightweight and durable
- AJ V-inspired accents reflect color for a modern twist on the original
- Full-length Zoom Air unit for responsive cushioning
- Jordan
- 12 D(M) US
What we like about the Nike Jordan Men’s Air Jordan Spike Forty PE Basketball Shoes is that they provide the best of both worlds. They’re available in a wide range of colorways (such as as black/red/gray and blue/orange/white/black), which means you can easily find a pair that fits your personality and style. They’re also highly comfortable and fit as expected, which is greatly important when you buy your shoes online. However, unlike other Air Jordans, the Spike Forty PE Basketball Shoes are offered in budget-friendly prices that won’t hurt your wallet.
The shoes come with a full-length Zoom Air unit, which promotes responsive cushioning when you’re jumping and running around. They also feature tightly woven mesh, which provide excellent support to your feet while allowing proper airflow and keeping you comfortable at all times.
BEST BASKETBALL SHOES FOR WOMEN
If you love playing basketball, regular casual shoes just won’t cut it. Aside from putting you at risk for injury, they’ll hinder your performance and prevent you from doing your best. So, as early as possible, invest in the right pair that don’t only fit your foot size and shape but also provide you with the right level and comfort that you need. To help you with your shopping journey, we’ve rounded up some of the best basketball shoes for women.
MOST BUDGET FRIENDLY: Adidas Performance Women’s Crazy Strike W Basketball Shoe
- Synthetic leather upper for light weight and durability
- SPRINTWEB for excellent stability in high-speed moves
- ADIPRENE+ in the forefoot maintains propulsion and efficiency
- Adaptive underlay for enhanced midfoot fit
- SPRINTFRAME construction provides stability and speed through geometrical research to create a lightweight and supportive basketball chassis
Got a tight budget? Don’t worry since you don’t need to spend much too much on your basketball shoes! With some research, you can find pairs that have decent quality and reasonable prices, such as the Adidas Performance Women’s Crazy Strike W Basketball Shoe.
The shoes come with the SPRINTFRAME construction, a lightweight chassis that aims to provide support and stability while allowing you to enhance your speed. This is paired with the SPRINTWEB mesh, which maintains stability when you make your lightning-quick moves, and the ADIPRENE+ forefoot, which promotes efficiency and propulsion.
The Adidas Performance Women’s Crazy Strike W Basketball Shoe have an adaptive underlay that improves midfoot fit and comfort, and they feature a synthetic leather upper for durability and light weight.
TOP OF THE LINE: Nike Womens Air Jordan 11 Retro RL GG “Heiress” Night Maroon/Metallic Gold Suede
- 100% Authentic
- Night Marron/Metallic Gold
- Indonesia
- NIKE
- 9.5Y
If your motto in life is “Treat yo’self”, consider splurging on the Nike Womens Air Jordan 11 Retro RL GG “Heiress” Night Maroon/Metallic Gold Suede. These eye-catching shoes feature maroon nubuck and maroon velvet upper, which are paired with metallic gold detailing on the Jumpman icon, the number “23” on the heel, and the writing on the shoes’ tongue. The shoes are supported by a maroon outsole and a white midsole.
The Heiress combines sleek sophistication with practicality and comfort to help you stand out from the crowd while maintaining your speed and performance. The velvet material of the shoes add a touch of elegance that contrasts nicely with the sporty element of the nubuck upper, allowing you to stay stylish without losing your athletic edge.
EDITOR’S CHOICE: Under Armour Women’s UA Torch Fade Basketball Shoes
- Engineered Women's fit includes added padding in the heel & is designed specifically to support a more narrow foot structure
- Lightweight leather upper with molded foam heel & forefoot to provide complete comfort and structure that moves with the foot
- Mesh tongue offers increased breathability & a better fit
- Molded toe cap for added protection & durability
- Oversized UA license plate logo for an elevated on court design
Finding the right shoes for narrow heels can be tricky and challenging, but it becomes easier when you opt for the Under Armour Women’s UA Torch Fade Basketball Shoes. They’re specially designed to cater to a narrow foot structure, which means you’ll get the support and comfort that you need.
The heel and forefoot of the shoes are made of molded foam, which allows your feet to freely move and stay comfortable while still getting high levels of support. The shoes also come with a lightweight leather upper and a mesh tongue to promote comfort and breathability at all times. An added bonus: a molded toe cap that protects your feet and ensure they won’t hurt that much if someone steps on them!
BEST BASKETBALL SHOES FOR KIDS
Many boys and girls take up basketball because of the fun and excitement that it brings. But, if your children are planning to start playing basketball, don’t just let them run into the court with their old pairs of shoes. Rather, invest in high-quality basketball shoes for kids, which will provide them with the support they need without restricting their growing bones and causing pain and discomfort. Here are some of the best options you can choose from:
MOST BUDGET FRIENDLY: Nike Jordan Kids Jordan Spike Forty Bp Basketball Shoe
- Tightly woven mesh is lightweight and durable
- AJ V-inspired accents reflect color for a modern twist on the original
- Full-length Zoom Air unit for responsive cushioning
- Jordan
- 12.5 M US Little Kid
Just because you’re on a tight budget doesn’t mean you can’t get excellent basketball shoes for your child. The Nike Jordan Kids Jordan Spike Forty Bp Basketball Shoes are offered at a wallet-friendly price, yet they still provide your kid with the comfort and stability he needs while playing basketball.
Just like the grownup version of Air Jordans, these shoes come with a full-length Zoom Air unit that offer responsive cushioning especially during high jumps. They also have durable rubber soles and tightly woven mesh upper that are lightweight and won’t hold your child back when he’s running.
Parents who have bought the Nike Jordan Kids Jordan Spike Forty Bp Basketball Shoes agree that they have an excellent fit, so you can purchase a pair online without having to worry that it won’t fit your child.
TOP OF THE LINE: Nike Youth LeBron XIII Basketball Shoes
- Style Number: 808709-614
- NIKE
- 6.5 M US Big Kid
- Bright Crimson/White-soar-black
Treat your little basketball superstar with these Nike Youth LeBron XIII Basketball Shoes! They’re a great choice if your child is a big fan of LeBron James and wants to have a pair of shoes that are inspired by his idol. They’re also an excellent option if you want to buy high-quality children’s basketball shoes that can last for a long time.
The Nike Youth LeBron XIII Basketball Shoes are available in a wide selection of colors, so your child can easily pick a pair that suits his taste. The shoes feature flywire cables that extend from the midfoot and wrap around the heel to provide excellent stability and lockdown, and they have four independent Zoom Air units that work together to provide flexible cushioning and optimum comfort. Two of these units are located under the heel to cushion the area at all times. The shoes are also built with the Zoom L.E.A.P. system, which promotes speed and efficiency.
EDITOR’S CHOICE: Reebok Question Mid Basketball Shoes – Pre-School
- Reebok
- 11 M US Little Kid
- White
Preschoolers are at the stage where they’re highly active and energetic, which means they’re always running around and doing things. To ensure your preschooler’s feet will be protected while he’s exploring the world, make him wear the Reebok Question Mid Basketball Shoes for Preschoolers.
Popularized by Allen Iverson, the shoes come with durable rubber outsoles and high-quality midsoles that feature the honeycomb-shaped Hexalite system, which have excellent shock absorption qualities and provide excellent cushioning. The upper is made of full-grain leather to keep your child comfortable while ensuring style and durability.
Final Thoughts
Wearing the right basketball shoes can greatly impact your performance and keep injuries at bay. Take the time to find the perfect pair for yourself and your loved ones!
