The 21 Best Basketball Shoes To Take to the Court in 2023
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This is for the playas. Strictly for the playas. With the NBA Playoffs in motion, now seems like a good time to drop a list of the best basketball shoes to take to the court in don't you think? Whether you are currently balling in the playoffs, or you've got a few 5-on-5 matchups in the works, you'll need to pop out this summer in a brand new pair of basketball shoes—it's a NYC streetball rule that we're making universal. Contrary to popular belief, basketball shoes are actually quite versatile—there's outdoor basketball shoes, basketball shoes that can you wear both on and off the court, low top basketball shoes, high top basketball shoes (you get our drift), and with so many current basketball players coming out with their own colorways combined with the basketball sneakers that are already offered by brands, there's a variety to choose from!
You may be struggling to figure out where to start with your shopping adventures, so as always we've you covered. Check out our list of the best basketball shoes below.
RELATED: The Best Kobe Shoes: Ranking His Top 17 Sneakers
The Best Outdoor Basketball Shoe - Air Jordan 36 'Taco Jay', $194.99
The Best Overall Basketball Shoe: Nike KD 15, $115
The Best Low Top: Harden Vol. 7, $160
The Best for Guards: Wade 808 2 V2 "Lavender", $123+
The Best for Big Men: Nike LeBron XX, $200
1. Air Jordan 36 'Taco Jay'
Image credit: Dick's Sporting Goods
The Best Outdoor Basketball Shoe
Shoe Style: Mid Top
Best For: Traction
A Promising Review: "Awesome! Super in love with the color, comfortable! Totally recommended" - Blaine29, Dick's Sporting Good Reviewer
The Air Jordan 36 is basketball shoe built for comfort and performance as it has targeted padding and a full-length Zoom Air Strobel unit stitched directly to the upper to create an even weight distribution. From the performance side of things, if you need to power it for a fast break or chase after an opponent, the shoe has a Zoom Air unit underneath the forefoot to help with responsiveness. A great choice for the gym or outdoors.
BUY NOW AT DICK'S SPORTING GOODS, $194.95
2. Nike KD 15
Image credit: Nike
The Best Overall Basketball Shoe:
Shoe Style: Mid Top
Best For: Performance/Jumping
A Promising Review: "Shoes fit well and are true to size. My son loves the fit and his knees and feet do not hurt after his games" - Prange Boys, Nike Reviewer
Kevin Durant knows a thing or two about the need for a basketball shoe that looks good on the court while still being comfortable, and he seems to have struck gold with the KD 15s as many consider this to currently be the best basketball shoe on the market. The 15s offer plenty of bounce for shooting and jumping, while still giving you comfort through a secure fit and an already broken in feeling.
3. Harden Vol. 7
Image credit: Adidas
The Best Low Top
Shoe Style: Low Top
Best For: Court feel
A Promising Review: "The look, the cushion, the court feel were all on point when I played in them. Something I never felt before in a basketball shoe. The Harden 7 is a shoe we'll be talking about for years to come." - Adidas Reviewer
Hardens have increased in popularity over the past few years, but the consensus is that the most recent iteration, the Vol. 7, is the most comfortable and best performing sneaker from the legendary guard's line of kicks.
4. Li-Ning Wade 808 2 Ultra
Image credit: StockX
The Best for Guards
Shoe Style: Mid Top
Best For: Speed
A Promising Review: "I personally copped a pair of the Li-Ning's after hearing all the reviews raving about them. I'd have to say the hype is definitely real as the sneakers are stylish and great for performance. I only shoot hoops casually nowadays, but I can tell that they provide great support for actual basketball players." - Jael Rucker, ONE37pm Editor
The Li-Ning Wade sneakers as a whole have quickly become a beloved force in the sneaker basketball community. A part of the Way of Wade brand established by NBA all-time great Dwyane Wade and Li Ning, you can really tell Wade used his personal playing experiences with sneakers to craft a basketball shoe not just great for players as a whole, but specifically for guards as their jobs are a bit different from other positions. The 808 sneakers are equipped with a TPU carrier for lateral support, durable rubber, and a carbon fiber heel counter to help you play at your best.
5. Nike LeBron XX
Image credit: Foot Locker
The Best for Big Men
Shoe Style: Mid Top
Best For: Traction
A Promising Review: "I've played pickup basketball games every week for the last 5 years and these shoes are the best pair of shoes I have ever played in. They are durable and comfortable which allows me to make sharp cuts and jump without any worries of injury. The cushion of the shoe is soft and squishy which helps with running and impact. I used to usually hoop in high tops but these shoes have completely switched my perspective. there is enough ankle support I don't have to worry about ankle pain or injury. The shoe is very lightweight and is quite low to the ground. I really do love these shoes and highly recommend them to everyone." - Kyle, Foot Locker Reviewer
In addition to looking amazing with eight different colorways to choose from, the Nike LeBron XX is a hooper's dream as it adequately cushioned and built with ankle support, lightweight, durable, and built for performance. The reviews on this shoe all pretty much say the same thing—that it's one of the best basketball shoes that you can play in. You know what they say—when there's smoke, there's fire, which in this case is a good thing.
6. Nike Kyrie 8 Infinity
Image credit: StockX
Shoe Style: Mid Top
Best For: Speed/Agility
A Promising Review: "As a big man with fragile ankles, the ankle support of Kyrie Infinitys has been super helpful in making me feel comfortable on the court. They've also been great for jumping and working on my vertical." - Charlie Kolbrener, Senior Editor at ONE37pm
While we're all currently awaiting to see what Kyrie does next in terms of his signature shoes, let's take a moment to appreciate a couple of his best from the Nike era. As we mentioned before when covering his shoes, Kyrie is extremely thoughtful and detail oriented when it comes to his releases not just in terms of the design, but the overall features of the sneakers as a whole which the Nike Kyrie 8 Infinity is a testament to. Kyrie is one of the craftiest players in the NBA, so his sneakers deliver in terms of speed and power.
7. The Kyrie 6
Image credit: Flight Club
Shoe Style: Mid Top
Best For: Speed/Agility/Traction
A Promising Review: "The Kyrie 6 was the first pair of basketball shoes I really played in, and they helped take my game to the next level from an agility perspective. I was able to change direction much more easily and get into a jumping stance more quickly." - Charlie Kolbrener, Senior Editor at ONE37pm
Just throwing in another Kyrie shoe in here for consideration. In addition to the unique designs such as the one shown in the photo above, the Kyrie 6s were commended most for their performance traction. In fact, to this day there's still some people out there that feel the Kyrie 6s are a better performance shoe as opposed to the 7s. Whatever the case may be, the 6s are a more than reasonable moderate investment to make.
8. Giannis Zoom Freak 3
Image credit: Dick's Sporting Goods
Shoe Style: Mid Top
Best For: Movement
A Promising Review: "Giannis' shoes are one of the most affordable on the marketplace, but still boast great support and traction for some more agile moves." - Charlie Kolbrener, Senior Editor at ONE37pm
Giannis is at the top of our list as well when it comes to basketball shoes suggestions. The stability is there with a TPU to keep your foot stable if you happen to be doing a move such as the Euro step, and the midsole is lightweight as well which also helps with movement. A fun fact here—Giannis actually scored his career high of 55 points against the Washington Wizards earlier this year in the Zoom Freak 3s, so you might get you a legendary performance if you put these on.
BUY NOW AT DICK'S SPORTING GOODS, $89.99
9. The Luka 1
Image credit: The Luka 1
Shoe Style: Mid Top
Best For: Speed
A Promising Review: "The Luka 1 is bespoke to its namesake and developed with the step-back in mind. Ample lateral and anterior cushioning ensures confidence while decelerating and makes it easy to create space through changes in speed and direction." - Parker Beak, Streetballer
It seems like we might be close to getting the Luka 2 relatively soon, but in the meantime the Luka 1 was a good start in terms of the concepts Luka and the Nike team plan on introducing and improving. There's six different colors to choose from, and an ultra-supportive fit crafted with Luka's signature step back in mind to help with you speed and efficiency while playing. We're definitely excited to see how the future models continue to evolve.
10. Nike Air Raid OG ‘Black Grey’
Image credit: GOAT
Shoe Style: Mid Top
Best For: Speed/Jumping
A Promising Review: "These shoes hold a sentimental value for me because when the came out in the early 90's my mom couldn't afford to by me none, so when I saw them...I said I'm buying me a pair for Christmas. If I win that gift card I vow to buy a kid who's mother can't afford a pair some shoes for Christmas with it." - Finish Line Reviewer
Re-released in 2020 as a revival of the original 1992 Tinker Hatfield version, Nike Air Raid OG ‘Black Grey’ is a shoe that shines—especially on an outdoor basketball court. The features are pretty cool as it has the classic “Air Raid” on the strap, and an extra-durable rubber on the outsole to further promote performance and quick movements.
11. LeBron 17 Low ‘Bred’
Image credit: GOAT
Shoe Style: Mid Top
Best For: Speed/Jumping
A Promising Review: "I broke my ankle and have 8 screws and a metal plate in it. I have to get shoes that are comfortable and with cushion so my ankle will not hurt. These one of the most comfortable shoe I have purchased, so I brought a pair for my grand daughter." - Finish Line Reviewer
If there's anybody who would know the components of what makes a good low top basketball shoe, it would be LeBron James. The Lebron 17 'Low Breds' are a low top to consider as they are built with transparent textile and synthetic nubuck, react foam at the forefoot that goes along nicely with the comfy midsole, and a Max Air unit in the heel. The university-themed design is another selling point as well.
12. adidas OwnTheGame
Image credit: Adidas
Shoe Style: Mid Top
Best For: Traction
A Promising Review: "The style was great and the fit was on point. Thanks guy you keep up the good work." - adidas Reviewer
adidas has an excellent mid top sneaker that seem to do the trick as it features Cloudfoam cushioning in the midsole, a footbed that helps with energy, and an Adiwear outsole that has dual-zone traction. All of these components are necessary for a successful outing on the court, so this is a shoe that should be on your list—especially with the inexpensive price.
13. Under Armour HOVR Highlight Ace
Image credit: Under Armour
Shoe Style: High Top
Best For: Traction
A Promising Review: "These shoes look great on and everyone has complimented them in my gym. They are comfortable and support my high arch and feel great on. They are a great color and price. Very soft around my ankle and give me the support I need for cardio and jumping rope while looking super fashionable" - Under Armour Reviewer
Many hoopers don't like high tops for the same reasons as low tops—discomfort around the ankle area. Thankfully Under Armour has you covered. The brand tends to be overlooked sometimes when discussing basketball shoes, and we're here to say that absolutely shouldn't be the case. Another high top suggestion, the Under Armour HOVR has a nice design, comfortable fitting, and extra ankle support to help you achieve more power and precision.
BUY NOW AT UNDER ARMOUR, $124.95
14. Jordan 6 Rings Men's Shoes
Image credit: Nike
Shoe Style: Mid Top
Best For: Speed
A Promising Review: "Awesome one of a kind, a must have, Jordan 6 rings basketball shoes. I definitely recommend ordering a half size bigger because they run small because there is a snug sleeve inside the shoe." - 200 Sean, Nike Reviewer
Quick, how many rings does Jordan have? The '6 Rings' Colorway is among the most appreciated when it comes to different Jordan models, and is another cool shoe to hoop in. The general consensus amongst the '6 Rings' sneakers are that it's a nice shoe to play in as long as you order an half size up to give you extra spacing (unless you are somebody who prefers a snug shoe fit).
15. Unisex Curry 8
Image credit: Under Armour
Shoe Style: Mid Top
Best For: Jumping
A Promising Review: "This shoe is the best because of it's traction and the support. Everything about this shoe is perfect from the look to the performance. The traction is top tier, best I ever had. The support is the greatest I had never been doubting this shoe for an injury. " - Under Armour Reviewer
The Curry 8 is full of technical features bound to have a positive impact on your game. Some of our favorites are the Bootie construction that gives the shoe a sock-like feel, the UA Flow cushioning technology to assist in comfort, and the Flexible Pebax plate that gives you extra stability. Nice look as well.
16. New Balance Kawhi 2
Image credit: Dick's Sporting Goods
Shoe Style: Mid Top
Best For: Agility
A Promising Review: "If you like a stiffer ride when you play, this shoe will be great. This is the first brand that I have worn other than Nike in the last decade. I would recommend anyone tries these so long as they understand this shoe is stiffer but feels fantastic." - Dick's Sporting Goods Reviewer
Much of Kawhi's shoe line is similar to who he is as a player and a person—quiet but a force. You won't see Kawhi ever actively promoting his shoes, but one day you'll randomly stumble upon a certain colorway being sold out. And that, our friends, is the power of Kawhi Leonard.
BUY NOW AT DICK'S SPORTING GOODS, $86.97
17. Harden Vol 6. Basketball Shoes
Image credit: adidas
Shoe Style: Mid Top
Best For: Agility
A Promising Review: "Boost cushioning is both soft and responsive. Also very wide which provides amazing stability and balance" - adidas Reviewer
The Harden Vol. 6 has all the standard adidas features the brand is known for, plus a little bit of that step back Harden touch. With a Boost midsole built in and bands on the forefoot and heel to give you extra security, you'll be able to power your way through defenders easily.
18. Trae Young 2.0
Image credit: adidas
Shoe Style: Mid Top
Best For: Agility/Speed
A Promising Review: "The hardest part of wearing the shoe is putting it on but once the foot is in it’s a great and responsive shoe" - adidas Reviewer
As per the review above, you may want to go up a size as the fit seem to be snug. Other than that, the Trae Young 2.0 is good for agility and speed, and has other attractive features like the knitted upper, adaptive SCK360, and a semi-laceless upper. A nice cool shoe for a lil afternoon hoop session.
19. Dame Certified Basketball Shoes
Image credit: adidas
Shoe Style: Mid Top
Best For: Agility
A Promising Review: "This basketball shoe performs well. The traction is top tier." - adidas Reviewer
You can really go with any Dame shoe and have it be a winner (the Dame 7s are a fan favorite), but we like the Dame Certified specifically because of the color selections. All Dame sneakers are going to be comfortable because they are built with Boost technology, and they are all pretty much crafted the same way, so it's just about what you like color wise.
20. Nike Air Max Impact 4
Image credit: Nike
Shoe Style: Mid Top
Best For: Agility/Jumping
A Promising Review: "Comfortable and supportive shoe for basketball." -Nike Reviewer
When it comes to basketball shoes, we often go straight to signature sneakers from players because we know that they know best, but we shouldn't over look "regular" basketball shoes either because they can be equally as impactful. The Nike Air Max 4 is an example of that as it is built with cushioning to help you jump with energy and land safely. Ultimately that's one of the most important factors in basketball shoes, so the Air Max 4 does exactly what it's supposed to do.
21. adidas D.O.N. Issue #4
Image credit: adidas
Shoe Style: Mid Top
Best For: Speed
A Promising Review: "Nice support and grip. Love the purple colorway. Comfortable upper." - adidas, Reviewer
Donovan Mitchell has had some explosive performances this year, and we think the D.O.N.'s have a teensy bit of a role in that. The D.O.N.'s truly get better each and every year, and they improve upon the small technicalities which attributes to that growth. Good quality basketball shoes for a good price. Who could ask for anything more?
If you want some more basketball shoes selections, check out our list of outdoor basketball shoes here.
