Best Basketball Shoes: The Definitive Guide

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If you’re looking for the best basketball shoes you came to the right place.

I’m a life-long baller and would like to show you what to look for when making your selection — you’ll see my top picks for the year too.

Let’s get into it.

How To Pick The Perfect Basketball Shoe

There are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing your sneakers and they are:

  • Make sure they provide ankle support
  • Know your style of play
  • Go name brand

I’ve been playing basketball for a long time and can confidently say ankle support is the single most important aspect of a good basketball shoe. I’ve own a few shoes that didn’t protect this part of my body and I suffered from it. You don’t want to be sidelined with an annoying injury this season because you didn’t take this seriously.

After that, you need a product that works well with your playing style. If you are a guard that relies on speed and a fast first step, you’ll want a sneaker that is lightweight and has good traction. If you are a big man, you’ll want something a little more solid, protective and with extra cushioning.

Lastly, you want to go name brand. Companies like Under Armour, Nike and Adidas pour millions into product development and put the latest technologies into their shoes. You know when you purchase from them you are getting something that will last and help your game.

All the shoes on this list keep these points in mind. They provide excellent ankle support, there are options for all kinds of basketball players and come from the best companies on earth.

Let’s take a look at the shoes now.

 

Nike Hyperdunks *Top Pick*

Company: Nike

Price: Around $140

Rating: 5/5

These shoes have a very special place in my heart. Back in high school my whole team bought Hyperdunks and we went on a really magical run — we had the states longest winning streak and had the best basketball season in our school’s history. We worked our butts off but I know the Hyperdunks played a role in our success. I love these shoes because:

  • They are extremely lightweight and give your a really fast first step
  • Provide excellent ankle support (I never had a single issue in this department)
  • Ultra responsive and feel great on your feet

They are a little pricey and will cost over $100. However, they are definitely worth it if you can afford the price. Plus they’ll last a long time. You will definitely get your moneys worth.

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Take A Closer Look At The Nike Hyperdunks

Under Armour Curry 3

Company: Under Armour

Price: Around $140

Rating: 4.9/5

Steph Curry is one of the top basketball players on earth so it makes sense his name is on one of the top sneakers on earth. Curry has a history of ankle injuries so you know these are going to be excellent for that part of your body. Additionally, the Curry 3’s feature:

  • Threadbone technology which gives you a powerful first step
  • Molds perfectly to your feet
  • Locks your foot in place to give the most control possible

These are another pair of shoes that will cost over $100. If you can’t afford that there are a few products on this list that will suit your budget. If you can afford that you should definitely consider the Curry’s.

Take A Closer Look At The Steph Curry 3’s

Lebron Soldier 10

Company: Nike

Price: Around $130

Rating: 4.8/5

Lebron Soldier’s have been going for the last 10 years. Each year they get a little better and the 10’s are the best ones yet. Besides offering a nice design, these come with:

  • A lightweight ankle strap which enables you to move however you want without risking injury
  • Additional midfoot and forefoot straps to keep you locked in when defending
  • Responsive cushioning that makes these very comfortable

If you are a player that blends speed and power, the Lebron 10’s will be perfect for you. They are custom made for these types of people.

Take A Closer Look At The Lebron 10’s

Nike Kevin Durant 9

Company: Nike

Price: Around $149

Rating: 4.8/5

The KD 9’s are another lightweight shoe that improves quickness and has good support. These are a Nike product so you know they’ll last more than one season and they offer:

  • Flex groves that allow for seemless, natural movements
  • Comfortable Zoom Air cushioning
  • Midfoot cage that keeps your foot nice and secure

I personally like the design of these. They’re not over the top but have a nice, sleek look to them — kind of like Durant’s game.

Take A Closer At Nike Kevin Durant 9’s

Nike Kobe 11 Low

Company: Nike

Price: Around $150

Rating: 4.8/5

Kobe may be retired but his legacy lives on with the Kobe 11 Lows. These are one of the most responsive and well made basketball shoes on the planet. Some top features include:

  • Internal stretch bootie for a perfect fit
  • Lightweight Lunarlon foam
  • Open mesh design that gives you optimal breathability

If you like high tops these aren’t for you. These have a low profile and are designed for ballers who play well with that type of shoe.

Take A Closer Look At The Kobe 11’s

Adidas D Lillard 2.0

Company: Adidas

Price: Around $99

Rating: 4.8/5

Just like Damien Lillard, the D Lillard 2’s are really underrated. In fact, these shoes are one of my top three choices for guards and they’re especially good for point guards. You’ll love that these have:

  • Techfit technology for a natural fit
  • Additional features make this one of the most comfortable shoes on earth
  • Sprintframe construction improves speed
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The Lillard 2’s have been described as having a sock like fit and I agree with that. You’ll have a hard time finding a better fitting product, that’s for sure.

Take A Closer Look At The Lillard 2’s

Under Armour ClutchFit Drive 3

Company: Under Armour

Price: Around $90

Rating: 4.9/5

The Under Armour ClutchFit Drive 3’s provide high quality performance at a reasonable price – they’re the best basketball shoes for under $100. This is the third generation of the Clutchfit’s and they provide:

  • Excellent ankle support and stretches with your foot
  • Micro G foam that gives you a soft landing
  • Anti-microbial sock liner that keeps bad smells out

These come in 16 different colors too. You’ll be able to get the exact design you want and match it to your jerseys or whatever else you would like.

Take A Closer Look At The Under Armour ClutchFit Drive 3

Nike Hypershift 

Company: Nike

Price: Around $99

Rating: 4.7/5

The Nike Hypershift’s are a product designed for speedsters and fast players. If you are a big man or bang around down low these might not be for you. But if you’re a point guard or shooting guard you’ll love the:

  • Low top design that improves movement
  • Cushioned tongue for added comfort
  • Zoom Air that is well known to boost performance

These aren’t the most well known shoes on the list but they are high quality and will deliver a nice experience. Definitely a product you won’t regret buying.

Take A Closer Look At The Nike Hypershifts

Nike Kyrie 2

Company: Nike

Price: Around $119

Rating: 4.8/5

There are a few shoes on this list that point guards should consider – the Kyrie 2’s are one of them. they are the signature shoe of one of the best young players in the game and feature:

  • Lightweight design with supportive cushioning
  • Extremely durable and breathable
  • Lightweight Zoom Air that is designed to fit your heel

These can be a little pricey, at over $100 but many people love them. They provide an excellent experience and give you optimal traction.

Take A Closer Look At The Nike Kyrie 2

Adidas Crazy Explosive

Company: Adidas

Price: Around $149

Rating: 4.9/5

The Adidas Explosive are another shoe made for a rising star – in this case they’re for Andrew Wiggins. These hightop sneakers offer really nice support for your ankles and heels and feature:

  • Fused overlays and cables for maximum stability
  • TPU wrap that improves responsiveness
  • Excellent traction and court grip

These shoes give NBA level type performance and you can find them on the feet of many NBA players. They will handle what you need them to.

Take A Closer Look At The Adidas Crazy Explosives

Nike Zoom Clear Out

Company: Nike

Price: around $89

Rating: 4.8/5

The Nike Zoom Clear Out is another shoe that isn’t well known but delivers on the court. They have a nice lightweight design and feature:

  • Flywire technology that helps lateral movement
  • Mid collar which provides stability and support
  • Rubber outsole that gives you the most traction possible
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This is the type of shoe explosive players should wear. You can expect to fly around the court wearing these.

Take A Closer Look At The Nike Zoom Clear Out

Nike Kobe Mentality 2

Company: Nike

Price: Around $99

Rating: 4.8/5

The Mentality 2’s are the second Kobe shoe on the list and every bit as good as the last pair. These sport a low cut design and features:

  • Flyweave technology that seamlessly moves with every cut you make
  • Lunarlon foam which gives soft cushioning
  • Has a sock like fit and feel

The Mentality’s are the kind of shoe you can wear on and off the court – that’s the type of look they have. You’ll be happy to know they perform too.

Take A Closer Look At The Kobe Mentality 2’s

Adidas D Rose 7

Company: Adidas

Price: Around $99

Rating: 4.8/5

Derrick Rose’s basketball career has been hit or miss so far. His shoe, however, is a hit. These are the 7th generation and one of the best on the list for point guards. It comes with:

  • Adidas Boost technology that provides a lightweight and explosive experience
  • Molded collar that protects your ankles
  • Full length rubber outsole that sticks to the floor

Some people believe this is one of the best shoes in terms of traction. They really do have a long lasting stick to them that you will enjoy for the entire season.

Take A Closer Look At The Adidas Rose 7’s

Nike Air Foamposite Pro

Company: Nike

Price: Around $199

Rating: 4.9/5

The Nike Air Foamposite Pro is the most expensive product on the list (costs over $200) and some would argue they are the best basketball shoes on the market; they certainly are the most comfortable. They also sport:

  • Superior traction control
  • Awesome design
  • “Space age” feel

These sneakers look like they’re from the future and perform like they are too. If you can afford the high price tag you’ll love them. If you can’t there are a ton of other great shoes here.

Take A Closer Look At The Nike Air Foamcomposite Pro

Don’t Settle For A Low Quality Shoe

Your sneakers are really important. If you pick the right pair you can expect to play at your highest level; pick the wrong pair and you can be sidelined with an injury. The shoes on this list are the best of the best and there is one that will suit whatever needs you have.

If you have any questions about the products on this list comment below and I’ll make sure to respond as fast as possible. You can let your friends and family see by sharing on social media.

Are you ready to ball your hardest this year?

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