12 Basketball Shoes for the Ultimate Baller

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If you've ever hit a three, you're a baller. Whether it was a clean swoosh or a bouncing backboard finish, you can ball. And the best part about achieving baller status? The swag. You've got your mesh tank, some baggy shorts, a snazzy gym bag, and, the most essential part of any players' outfit: basketball shoes. And a man's basketball shoes say a lot about who they are.

You want to find a pair that are the perfect hybrid of function and fashion. When it comes to function, you need to consider it across the three main parts—upper, midsole, and outsole. A high-top offers the most ankle support, but mid and low uppers give more speed and agility. The midsole should be comfortable and flexible, while delivering cushion to absorb impact. And finally, you want an outsole that has advanced traction to give you maximum grip on the floor. Once you find your ideal mix of all three, you can then go for style. Choose from electric to neutral hues, ensuring that your shoe gives you the confidence on the court.

Ready to find the basketball shoe that's going to take your game to the next level? Here are the 14 best pairs to make sure you hit nothing but net.

Air Jordan XXXVII Low Basketball Shoes

Of course, kicking off our list are Jordans. The epitome of basketball shoes, any pair of Jordans are a safe bet. These in particular have the ideal amount of cushion, absorbing the perfect amount of impact in each bounce.

Curry Flow 9 Team Basketball Shoes

Take a page from Steph Curry's book and opt for a totally rubberless shoe. Sure, the Warriors may not have made it this time around to the finals, but that isn't due to lack of game. And with these shoes, you'll reach that level too. These guys are lightweight and grippy for an improved overall game.

LeBron NXXT Gen Basketball Shoes

You can venture a little bit more south and follow after one of the greatest Lakers of all time. LeBron's kicks deliver speed and precision, while keeping you grounded. The coolest part? The traction pattern is actually a map of Akron, where the King is from.

Harden Volume 7 Basketball Shoes

James Harden is known for his fashion, so it's no surprise that his shoes merge style with smarts. The upper resembles that of a puffer jacket, while the hybrid BOOST and Lightstrike midsole balance jump, cut, and direction changes.

TWO WXY v3 Shoes

New Balance crafts a pair of shoes inspired by science. The brain's firing synapses reflect the sneaker's design for split-second reactions. Handle quick stops, pivots, and high-impact landings with ease.

Shaq Attaq Basketball Shoes

As powerful as the man himself, these shoes have been delivering extreme explosiveness for over 3o years. Customize the fit with a pump on the tongue, too.

Own The Game 2.0 Basketball Shoes

Maybe you just want a standard pair of basketball shoes to get some pickup in without breaking the bank. Adidas has a pair that does just that.

Air Zoom G.T. Jump Basketball Shoes

If you care the most about your vertical, these shoes are propelling you towards the highest of heights. With one of Nike's most responsive cushioning systems, the double-stacked Zoom Air brings extra spring.

MB2 Supernova Shoes

Take after the 21-year-old LaMelo Ball, who is constantly dropping new color waves of this bestselling style. An ultra-light silhouette is breathable and relaxed, encompassing a comfortable midsole and full-coverage outsole.

Kyrie Infinity Basketball Shoes

We turn to Nike one more time for another pair from one of the greats. Kyrie's sneaks have a three-layer cushioning system, resulting in a plush and padded sensation.

Superfuture Shoes

You may not have known that APL makes basketball shoes, but the brand is stepping up onto the court with a pair that can hang. The first rendition of these shoes incorporating the brand's Load 'N Launch technology was actually making players jump too high, so it was banned by the NBA. The brand's back for round two.

All Star BB Prototype CX Shoes

These all-white sneaks from Converse are right in time for summer. A fresh design couples with supportive cushioning makes the Star Chevron hard to resist.

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