The Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes of 2024
iStock
The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed. When you buy something through the retail links on this page, we may earn commission at no cost to you, the reader. Sports Illustrated editorial staff are not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more here.
With warm weather in full swing, it’s prime time for basketball players to enjoy outdoor hoops, practices and pickup games at the park. If you’ve ever played basketball on an outdoor court, you’ll know that the playing surface feels different from indoor courts—and you need to be prepared with sturdy shoes.
Proper footwear is essential in sports, especially basketball, and you’ll want to make sure you’re using appropriate basketball shoes for outdoor use. While any shoes can work outdoors, if you’re not careful, you’ll quickly find yourself with worn-out, scuffed shoes—perhaps after only a single game.
With so many options on the market, figuring out which shoes to use can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll share our top picks for outdoor basketball shoes you can buy right now, and break down what you need to know to choose the perfect pair.
Our Picks for the Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes of 2024:
- Best Overall Outdoor Basketball Shoes: adidas D.O.N. Issue #5
- Best Budget Outdoor Basketball Shoes: Nike Precision 6
- Best Men’s Outdoor Basketball Shoes: Nike Lebron Witness 7
- Best Women’s Outdoor Basketball Shoes: adidas BYW
Best Overall Outdoor Basketball Shoe: adidas D.O.N. Issue #5
SI Showcase + adidas
Key Features:
- Cost: $120, but colorways often on sale
- Top style: Mid top
- Weight: Not listed
The adidas D.O.N Issue #5 Basketball Shoes are supportive, tough and provide excellent traction on the bottom—everything you need for your outdoor basketball games.
Made in collaboration with Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Donovan Mitchell, the latest iteration of this shoe is designed for speed and agility, so players can be fast on the court. The Lightstrike midsole provides a comfortable fit without weighing you down. The shoe’s is designed to help increase a player’s speed by supporting forward motion. It can also enhance a player’s explosiveness to help dominate everything from a fast-break layup to a defensive rebound.
The rubber outsole provides maximum traction on any surface, and the shoes are partially made with recycled rubber, a nice touch. The brand boasts that its outsole gives traction where you need it most, providing optimal support both inside and outside.
Inspired by one of the best basketball players in the league, the adidas D.O.N. Issue #5 basketball shoes feature Mitchell’s signature Spida logo and graphics, allowing players to rep his design while work on their speed and ball handling. Currently, the shoe comes in two colorways, with one more launching on 2/15.
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Durable rubber outsole for traction on outside courts
Cons:
- Some reviewers say the shoe runs small
Best Budget Outdoor Basketball Shoes: Nike Precision 6
SI Showcase + Nike
Key Features:
- Cost: $75
- Top style: Low top
- Weight: 10 ounces
If you’re shopping on a budget, or simply want the most affordable shoes so it’s not as painful when you need to replace them, the Nike Precision 6 sneakers are the best shoes you can choose.
You won’t find any NBA star’s name on these Nike basketball shoes, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t great shoes. The Precision 6 is built for speed, agility and responsiveness on the court. The improved mobility is perfect for dominating the court with the ball or playing lockdown defense at any position.
These low-top shoes are very light and designed for maximum movement and speed. Nike also included a high traction pattern on the sole that wraps up the sides, adding even more durability for street courts.
Some may not like low-top shoes, as they’re less supportive. But if you don’t mind a little less ankle support, these are a fantastic choice that won’t break the bank. They’re only $75 and often go on sale on Amazon and other retailers.
Pros:
- A low-top, lightweight shoe designed for speed and agility
- Very affordable and available in six different colors
- The sole wraps up the side, adding even more protection and traction for rough street courts
Cons:
- The low top provides reduced ankle support, which could be problematic for anyone who’s had issues with ankle injuries in the past
Best Men’s Outdoor Basketball Shoes: Nike Lebron Witness 7
SI Showcase + Nike
Key Features:
- Cost: $110
- Top style: Mid top
- Weight: Not listed
Since the debut of the Air Jordan, Nike has continued to design shoes with NBA stars, and the LeBron Witness 7 is one of the newest models that’s great for outdoor use.
Designed to be both lightweight and supportive, the Lebron Witness 7 features full-length Air Max cushioning throughout the entire shoe, replacing the Zoom cushioning found in older models. The Air is specifically placed in the forefoot to provide impact protection with every step.
It’s available in several dark colors that will hide any scuff marks or dirt from outdoor parks, and the herringbone pattern on the sole provides great traction.
The mid-top design provides plenty of support, while the lightweight, breathable design won’t limit your mobility. While Nike doesn’t disclose the exact weight, it does say it’s the lightest LeBron shoe it's made yet.
Nike does note that the shoe tends to run small, and it officially suggests ordering a half size up for the best fit. This is common, as Nike shoes often run small (especially if you have wide feet).
Pros:
- At $105 this is a great deal for a LeBron shoe
- Dark colors are great for outdoor use
- It’s the lightest LeBron model yet, designed for maximum mobility
Cons:
- The sizing runs small, which isn’t obvious without reading the fine print
Best Women’s Outdoor Basketball Shoe: adidas BYW Select Shoes
SI Showcase + adidas
Key Features:
- Cost: $150
- Top style: Mid top
- Weight: 12.2 ounces
The adidas BYW Select Shoes are our top choice for anyone who wants a light shoe with maximum cushioning.
The midsole uses adidas’ Boost technology that's designed to keep you energized throughout a long game, and the outer portions feature a durable rubber sole, which adds extra traction and durability. The BYW Select Shoes also use the brand's Lightstrike cushioning, which makes every step as comfortable as possible, even on outdoor courts.
The BYW Select Shoes are available in four bright colorways, so you'll be sure to stand out on the court while you're wearing them.
Pros:
- Very lightweight and comfortable
- Boost cushioning with a rubber outsole for comfort and traction
Cons:
- May not be comfortable for those with high arches
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes for You
When choosing a pair of basketball shoes, you should consider the style of the shoe as well as its durability and traction.
If you’re a guard, or someone who likes to be fast and agile with the ball, a lower-profile, lighter pair of shoes may fit your playing style best. For those who like to post up and play down in the paint (and need more stability), shoes that are mid or high tops may be more supportive.
Whichever you choose, you’ll also want to make sure the shoes have plenty of traction and are well-constructed. Compared to playing indoors, most outdoor courts put more wear and tear on your shoes, so you need shoes built to last.
Be sure your shoes are supportive enough to protect your ankles and feet while playing. Unlike running shoes, basketball shoes are designed for lateral movement and lots of jumping, so your regular running shoes won’t work well for competitive basketball.
You’ll also want to choose a darker color if you care about your shoes looking clean. Outdoor basketball courts quickly scuff up your shoes and make them look dirty, and lighter-colored shoes will show the damage much faster than darker shoes.
How We Chose the Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes
When assembling this guide, we looked for good traction, durable materials, cost and which basketball sneakers would work well playing on the blacktop.
In particular, we looked for a durable rubber outsole, deep traction grooves on the sole, a tough upper material and affordability. In all likelihood, outdoor shoes will need to be replaced more often than indoor basketball shoes, so you don’t want to spend too much money on a single pair.
While most indoor basketball shoes can work well outdoors, we made sure to choose shoes that have more traction than usual, and hide the dirt and debris picked up from outdoor surfaces.
How Does Court Type Affect Longevity of Basketball Shoes?
While all shoes eventually wear out, outdoor courts generally wear your shoes out faster. Many indoor players carry their shoes in separately and only change once they’re at the court, to avoid excess wear and tear and make the shoes last as long as possible.
The surface may not be perfectly smooth, the asphalt can scuff and rip your shoes more aggressively than wood floors and small debris tends to scuff up your shoes.
Ultimately, any shoe can be worn indoors or outdoors, but you’ll probably want a sturdier pair if you’re primarily playing indoors.
Outdoor Basketball Shoes FAQs
Is it O.K. to wear basketball shoes outside?
Absolutely, but make sure to keep your shoes to the courts only and don’t wear them for walking around in. Basketball shoes are made to be worn and played in, and outdoor courts are the perfect place to wear your shoes. If you’re just getting your first pair of outdoor shoes, you’ll need to give them time to break in, which can be done indoors to minimize wear and tear.
How do I make my outdoor basketball shoes more grippy?
If you’re feeling yourself slipping on the court, make sure to check the bottom of your shoes. Outdoor courts often have dirt, tiny rocks and other debris that can catch in the tread of your shoes, creating an unstable surface.
When you notice the tread wearing out and getting smoother, it may be time to replace the shoes. Eventually, all shoes will need to be replaced, so if your shoes don’t feel very grippy, you may simply need to purchase a new pair.
Is there a difference between indoor and outdoor basketball shoes?
All basketball shoes can be worn indoors or outdoors, though some have more reinforcement and stability than others, which means they may last longer. Pay attention to the materials of your shoes, as some shoes made for indoor play won’t hold up long on rougher cement court surfaces.
Something else to consider is the colorway you choose. If you’re primarily playing outdoors, lighter-colored shoes will look dirty much faster than darker colors.
Final Thoughts
When you’re playing basketball outdoors, proper footwear is essential. Remember, any basketball shoes can work outdoors, but we’ve specifically chosen shoes with extra traction, and designs that will work perfectly for your outdoor summer basketball. If you want to check out even more gear to go along with your new basketball shoes, check out our picks for the best compression socks, which can be an excellent companion for basketball shoes, or the best workout clothing for your game.
Regardless of your budget or style preferences, you’re sure to find your new favorite shoes on our list.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
