The Best Basketball Shoes to Dominate the Court in the 2024 Season
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Basketball is one of the most popular sports for both serious athletes and casual sports enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re looking to play competitively, join a recreational sports league or simply play some pickup basketball with your friend, it’s very important to choose the right basketball sneakers before you hit the court. Basketball is a sport of footwork and the shoes you wear have a massive impact on both your safety and performance on the court. The best basketball shoe for you will vary based on your position, play style and budget preferences.
In this 2023 guide, we’ll tell you exactly what you need to look for and share our favorite picks.
Our Picks for the Best Basketball Shoes of 2024:
- Best Overall Basketball Shoes: adidas D.O.N. Issue #5
- Best Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support: Nike Elevate 3
- Best Low Top Basketball Shoes: adidas Trae Unlimited
- Best Basketball Shoes for Jumping: New Balance Two WXY v3
- Best Basketball Shoes for Guards: Nike Air Jordan XXXVII Low
- Best Cheap Basketball Shoes: Nike Elevate 3
- Best Basketball Shoes for Wide Feet: Nike Cosmic Unity 2
Best Overall Basketball Shoes: adidas D.O.N. Issue #5
adidas
Key features:
- LightStrike midsole
- Two colorways
The D.O.N. Issue #5 basketball shoes are NBA star Donovan Mitchell’s fifth signature basketball shoe with adidas and are designed to help players mimic his fast-paced and agile game. The mid-cut design and adidas’ Lightstrike midsole make these a comfortable fit for almost anyone, even those needing extra cushioning to minimize foot pain. The outsole design is durable and provides multi-surface traction, which is why the adidas D.O.N. #5 is also our pick as of the best outdoor basketball shoes you can play in.
Pros:
- Lightstrike midsole is set within a propulsion frame that gives a forward motion to enhance a player’s speed
- Flexible LightLock upper for quick movements and changes in direction during cuts or pivots on the court
Cons:
- This basketball sneaker was designed with a guard in mind, so power forwards may prefer a different option
Best Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support: Nike Elevate 3
Nike
Key features:
- Padded collar adds ankle support
- Five colorways
Basketball players are no strangers to ankle sprains. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, wearing the correct type of sneakers is one of the best ways to prevent this injury. Nike Elevate 3 is our pick for the best basketball shoes for ankle support, thanks to its stability-focused design.
The Elevate 3’s padded collar is molded to provide a proper fit and offer support around your ankle. The supportive design doesn’t stop there. The upper is made of mesh, which should fit snuggly to limit how much your foot moves in the sneaker while you pivot, run and jump. Experts say a high upper, like the ones on the Elevate 3, helps provide extra stability for your ankle, especially when jumping and landing. The Elevate 3 has extra lace holes on the midfoot for added arch support. We like that these basketball shoes are athlete-tested to ensure the traction will only enhance your level of play.
Related Post: The Best Shoes for Ankle Support
Pros:
- Athlete-tested for stability and mobility
- Designed to provide support in several places, including the ankle
Cons:
- Several reviews say this shoe is very narrow, so it may not be the best choice if you have a wide foot
Best Low-Top Basketball Shoes: adidas Trae Unlimited
adidas
Key Features
- Durable outsole with lateral grip
- Four colorways
Designed after the Atlanta Hawk’s point guard Trae Young, the Trae Unlimited shoes feature a unique design with Young’s signature logo and are made to support every move of agile point guards and aggressive forwards on the court. The signature adidas Bounce midsole is lightweight and responsive, so the shoes feel comfortable and won’t weigh you down as you run up and down the court. It also features a rubber outsole that extends up the side of the shoe to provide lateral grip in addition to multi-directional traction on the hardwood court.
Pros:
- Low-cut design increases ankle mobility, making this a good shoe choice for guards and speed players
- At only $95, these shoes are one of the most affordable pairs on our list
Cons:
- Power-forwards or players who need more ankle support may not appreciate the low-cut design
- The textured upper may not be as breathable as other shoes
Best Basketball Shoes for Jumping: New Balance Two WXY v3
New Balance
Key features:
- Supportive mid-top design
- Eight colorways
The New Balance WXY v4 is our pick for the best basketball shoes for jumping because of the split sole, which is designed to support high-impact moves. The New Balance WXY v4 is the newest version of the brand’s popular basketball shoes. New Balance says this latest model is the first of its sneakers to combine Fresh Foam X and FeulCell in the midsole. FuelCell foam is the same technology that New Balance developed for its line of running shoes, and many reviewers say they enjoy the feeling while running up the court.
The sneaker’s mid-top design will help keep your ankle securely in place without inhibiting ankle mobility like some high-top shoes do. The upper portion of the shoe is made of molded textiles to provide a secure fit.
Pros:
- Shoes are specifically designed to have maximum shock absorption and cushioning to keep you comfortable and supported on any surface
- Available in both men's and women’s designs
Cons:
- These are wide and cushiony, so if you prefer a lighter, smaller shoe, this may not be the best choice for you
Best Basketball Shoes for Guards: Nike Air Jordan XXXVII Low
Nike
Key features:
- Two variants of Air cushioning technology
- Two colorways
In its 38th model, Nike’s Air Jordan series has long been a fan favorite thanks to its performance-focused design. This updated model has layered Air cushioning technology with both the Air Strobel unit and Zoom Air unit in the forefoot of the shoe to keep you responsive, bouncy and energized on the court. Nike says the lightweight upper is meant to imitate the support of a taped ankle, so your foot will feel supported and secure during cross-overs and drives to the basket. Plus, the shoe was designed with a guard in mind, Michael Jordan, who is arguably the best to ever play the game.
Pros:
- Air cushioning in the forefoot and Jordan’s signature Formula 23 foam in the heel offer shock absorption and quick recovery during hard landings
- Several reviewers on Nike’s website call these the most comfortable basketball shoes they’ve owned
Cons:
- One of the most expensive basketball shoes on our list
Best Cheap Basketball Shoes: Nike Elevate 3
Nike
Key features:
- Plush tongue and foam midsole designed to enhance comfort
- Five colorways
Nike Elevate 3 is our pick for the best cheap basketball shoes because they are budget-friendly without skimping on quality. For $85, you’ll get a pair of basketball sneakers designed to enhance your performance on the court, whether you play offense or defense. Updated from previous models, the Elevate 3 has better traction and arch support to keep you stable as you pivot, shuffle and shoot.
With more than 160 reviews on Nike’s website, the Elevate 3 has an average rating of 4.5/5 stars. Customers rave about the comfort and quality of these basketball shoes. “I have been playing basketball recreationally, and at times semi-competitive for a couple of years and I have tried a lot of different shoes, but this shoe is honestly my favorite basketball shoe I have worn,” wrote one customer.
Pros:
- Enhanced traction improves dynamic movement on the court
- Designed to provide stability and keep your foot in place as you run and jump
Cons:
- Several reviews say this shoe runs small or fits very snug. Users recommended sizing up at least half a size.
Best Basketball Shoes for Wide Feet: Nike Cosmic Unity 2
Nike
Key Features
- Nike Zoom Strobel cushioning
- Seven colorways
The Cosmic Unity 2 features a full-length Zoom Strobel, which sits between your foot and the bottom cushioning, providing improved stability and minimizing foot fatigue without taking away from the shock absorption. The Zoom Strobel also protects your stabilizer muscles from constantly working to keep you balanced. This shoe’s mid-cut design provides adequate support for any position, with comfortable padding and lightweight material that won’t weigh you down. The Cosmic Unity 2 isn’t too constrictive, so even those with wider feet should be able to comfortably wear them for an extended period of time.
Related Post: The Best Nike Shoes for Men
Pros:
- Full-length Zoom Strobel is designed to prevent foot fatigue
- Sole provides a mix of cushion and traction, with a durable rubber outsole that works equally well indoors and outdoors
Cons:
- Wider fit may not be best for players with narrow feet
- Thinner outsole means these shoes are lighter, but may wear out faster, especially if you’re playing outdoors
How Do I Choose the Best Basketball Shoes for Me?
There are two main things to consider when choosing basketball shoes. First, what sort of feet do you have? And do you have any limitations?
If you have flat feet, you may need additional support. Those with wide feet may need to avoid specific shoes and brands and if you have a history of ankle or foot injuries, you may want to choose a more supportive, high-top shoe.
The second thing to consider is the position you’ll be playing. If you’re playing casual pick-up games, a versatile shoe is best. However, if you’re part of a team and always play the same position, a shoe designed specifically for your position may give you a slight advantage.
Use the following points to help you decide or you can use players’ signature shoes. An agile player like Stephen Curry generally has low-top shoes, whereas a larger player like LeBron James might require more supportive shoes. As basketball shoes are often named after players, that may help you choose based on your position and play style.
Related Post: The Best Gym Shoes for Every Workout
What to Look for in Basketball Shoes
Stability
The first thing you want to look at is stability, mainly around the ankle and foot. Gone are the days of playing in old-school Converse sneakers, as today’s shoes are built for support. Nearly all basketball shoes are designed to provide traction with both cement and hardwood floors, so you don’t need to worry much about the sole, but the rest of the shoe will vary.
Low-top shoes, which provide less ankle support, often allow more mobility and slightly quicker movement. If you’re a guard or small forward, you need to be quick, agile and able to change directions as fast as possible. Lighter shoes with less ankle restriction will be a great fit.
For power forwards and centers, who spend more time playing under the basket, you’ll be jumping more, getting pushed around and wanting more stability. High-top and mid-top basketball shoes provide a bit more support and will probably be a better fit.
Cushioning
When it comes to cushioning, some basketball shoes are quite padded, providing a significant amount of cushioning, while others tend to be slightly less cushioned.
This mostly boils down to personal preference, but the position you play may impact your decision. If you’re a power forward or center, you likely have a bigger frame and more body weight, so you may benefit from heavily cushioned shoes.
Guards or those who are smaller, may not require as much cushioning, as there’s less impact with each step. Light to moderate cushioning is probably best for agility players.
Support
The support of your shoe, particularly around the ankle, is also very important and this is where you’ll see the most variance among basketball shoes. Basketball is a game of quick movements, with a lot of starting, stopping and changing directions.
Proper support helps minimize the risk of ankle injury due to changing direction too fast, stepping on someone’s foot or jumping and landing wrong.
If you’re a power forward or center, a larger individual or have a history of ankle injuries, we suggest choosing a high-top model with plenty of foot and ankle support. If you’re a smaller person, play a guard position or don’t mind having less support, low-top shoes will be a great choice.
Most basketball shoes are designed with plenty of support around the foot, as manufacturers know that basketball requires a lot of lateral movement, so you should really only need to worry about ankle support. Non-basketball shoes, even if they’re billed as supportive shoes may not provide enough mid-foot support to keep you from sliding around, but most basketball shoes should offer plenty of foot support.
Cost
Finally, the cost is important to consider before you start shopping, as the cost can become quite high, especially when choosing player model shoes.
If you are working with a tighter budget, don’t worry—there are some fantastic options that will still get the job done. You certainly don’t need the newest model or the latest shoe from your favorite player.
Related Post: The Best Running Shoes Under $110
And if you do like purchasing player series shoes, you can always try older models. For example, Air Jordan XXXVs will be cheaper than Air Jordan XXXVIIs and still provide a high-quality shoe.
How to Break in Basketball Shoes
Because basketball shoes are very supportive and tend to be snug-fitting around the foot and ankle, it’s essential to break them in before wearing them for hours at a time. Give yourself at least one to two weeks to break in a pair of new shoes before wearing them to a competitive event or extended practice.
Try wearing them for about 10 minutes per day of light activity. After the first three to five days, increase to 20 minutes per day for a few days, then 30 minutes per day and so on. Skipping this phase and wearing brand-new shoes for a game, is a great way to cause rubbing, irritation and blisters.
Basketball Shoe FAQs
Is it O.K. to use running shoes for basketball?
Most running shoes would not be a good choice for playing basketball. If you’re just shooting some hoops or it’s your first time playing, they’ll work in a pinch, but if you’re going to be a regular player, you should invest in proper shoes.
Running shoes are designed to cushion your feet, but most of the time, running happens in a straight line. Because basketball involves so much changing of direction, along with jumping and landing, you want to use something more supportive than a men’s running shoe or women’s running shoe.
Should basketball shoes fit loose or tight?
Basketball shoes should be snug, but not so tight they restrict blood flow or cause blisters. If your shoe is too loose, your feet may slide around when you’re trying to brace yourself, increasing the risk of injury.
Be sure to properly lace up your shoes tightly before each game. They should feel snug and secure, but not so tight that you’re going to lose circulation to your foot.
Do basketball shoes make you jump higher?
Simply put, no.
While we wish this was true and some companies may claim this is true, shoes can’t do anything to add to your vertical jump. The main purpose of basketball shoes is proper support when moving quickly and cushioning when you jump and land on a hard surface.
If you see shoes with shock absorbers, bubbles or any kind of extra cushioning under the heel, just know that it's designed to absorb the shock when you jump. It doesn’t act like a spring, launching you higher when you jump.
How long do basketball shoes last?
Because basketball shoes are designed to be quite supportive, you’ll need to replace them more often than you may think. Once the support starts to wear out, your feet may move around more inside the shoe, which becomes dangerous.
Generally speaking, you want to replace your shoes after 300–500 miles of use. Assuming that you’re not measuring your running, we suggest checking your soles, as well as the stitching, every few weeks.
If you’re noticing the tread on the soles is getting worn out or the body of the shoe is beginning to stretch and tear anywhere, it’s time to replace them.
If you’re playing for several hours a day, you may need to replace your shoes after only a month or two. However, if you only play a few times per week, you’ll likely get several four to six months of wear out of each pair.
Finally, how you care for your shoe matters. If you wear your basketball shoes all day long and regularly play outdoors, the soles will wear out quicker. If you play mostly indoors and even better, change into your shoes to play and then change back out of them once you’re done, you’ll extend the life of your shoe.
Final Thoughts
The best shoe for you comes down to preference, but any player at any position can find the perfect shoe to improve your game on our list.
Whether you’re a point guard dominating the neighborhood street courts or a center who’s fighting for rebounds and needs some additional ankle support, there’s a pair of basketball shoes in this guide that will be the perfect fit for you.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
