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From Nike and Jordan to adidas and Under Armour, an overview of the year’s best basketball sneakers.
AUTHOR: GRAEME CAMPBELLUPDATED ON: June 17, 2024
Best Nike Basketball Shoes
- Nike Air Zoom GT Cut 2 – The Nike Air Zoom GT Cut 2 is engineered to minimize ground contact while improving overall control and lateral stability. It is fine-tuned for speed-focused players.
- Nike Zoom GT Jump 2 - The sophom*ore silhouette in the Zoom GT Jump series is reinforced with three variations of Air: a full-length Air Zoom Strobel unit and two round Air Zoom bags.
- Nike LeBron 21 - Designed by Jason Petrie, the LeBron 21 features a low-cut, aerodynamic silhouette for quick plays. A Zoom Turbo unit is included in the forefoot, while a Zoom Air unit is incorporated in the heel. A full-length Cushlon 2.0 foam carrier provides additional reinforcement.
- Nike KD 16 - A fertile canvas for color experimentation, the KD16 is equipped with mesh on the upper. The shoe replaces the Zoom Strobel found in previous iterations with an Air Strobel and forefoot Zoom Air unit.
- Nike PG 6 – Tailored for Paul George’s two-way style of play, the Nike PG 6 is crafted with innovative React Foam technology that assists a smooth ride and springy response.
- Nike Kyrie Low 5 – The Kyrie Low 5 is a foundational model well-suited to players with a speed-driven game. It places a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot, with soft cushioning in the midsole.
- Nike Ja 1 – The Nike Ja 1 is inspired by Ja Morant's vigorous style of play, incorporating hand-written notes and other aesthetic flourishes that pay homage to team Morant. The silhouette incorporates a midfoot lockdown system, forefoot Zoom Air bag and raised sidewall guardrail, all coming together for a dynamic fit, support for landing and a responsive ride.
- Nike Zoom LeBron NXXT Gen - A foundational model in LeBron James’ signature line, the Zoom LeBron NXXT Gen is designed for speed and power, two key elements of James’ legendary game. Breathable, open-hole mesh appears throughout the upper, with Zoom Air in the forefoot and heel for energy return. On the outsole, a multi-directional traction pattern is inspired by a map of Akron, Ohio, where James grew up.
01Ja 1 'Light Smoke Grey'
02Air Zoom GT Cut 2 'Industrial Blue Jade Ice'
03LeBron 21 'Freshwater'
04KD 16 'Ready, Play'
Best Jordan Basketball Shoes
- Air Jordan 37 – Featuring design elements reminiscent of the Air Jordan 7, the Air Jordan 37 is focused on providing a bouncy step. Technical specifications include a full-length Zoom Air Strobel unit and an additional Zoom Air unit placed below the forefoot, while a carbon fiber midfoot shank helps offset the load.
- Air Jordan 38 - One of the most technologically driven Air Jordan’s ever, the 38th edition features a foot-stabilizing X-Plate for the first time. A full-length Zoom Strobel unit and Cushlon 3.0 wedge offer additional support.
- Jordan Luka 2 – The Luka 2 is the sophom*ore design in Luka Dončić’s signature Jordan Brand series, created for nonlinear movements, a key component of Dončić’s unique game. A full-length Formula 23 foam combined with a flexible IsoPlate offers lateral support, while a medial Cushlon 3.0 wedge helps keep the foot stable.
- Jordan Zion 2 – The Jordan Zion 2 is designed to support the ankle when making lateral cuts. Like Zion Williamson, the sneaker packs plenty of power, and is well-matched to physical players due to the decoupled Strobel engineering that allows for extra Zoom Air at the forefoot.
01Air Jordan 37 Low 'Fraternity'
02Air Jordan 38 'Fundamental'
03Jordan Luka 2 'Luk.AI'
04Jordan Zion 2 'Voodoo'
Best adidas Basketball Shoes
- adidas Trae Young 3 – Trae Young’s third signature sneaker is highlighted by a colossal sole unit with topographic map-inspired details. The engineered knit upper is bolstered with strategic TPU placements.
- adidas Dame 8 – The adidas Dame 8 is infused with full-length Bounce Pro, offering a mix of balance and support. The Damian Lillard shoe’s unique outsole supports cutting plays and explosive acceleration.
- adidas Don Issue 5 – The Don Issue 5 prioritizes lightness, built on an ultralight Lightstrike midsole that aids quick plays. A rubber outsole with an elevated traction pattern ensures grip on all surfaces.
- adidas Harden Vol. 7 – The seventh iteration in James Harden’s signature adidas series, the Harden Vol. 7 is equipped with Boost cushioning and Lightstrike foam. The retrofuturistic aesthetic is characterized by a knit bootie adorned with textile quarter panels for improved protection.
- adidas AE 1 shoes – The debut signature basketball shoe for Anthony Edwards features a honeycomb patterned-TPU support cage with breathable perforations. The midsole combines Boost and Lightstrike for lightweight cushioning and energy return.
01Trae Young 3 'Stormtrooper'
02Dame 8 'Respect My Name'
03D.O.N. Issue #5 'Black White'
04Harden Vol. 7 'Lucid Fuchsia'
Best Under Armour Basketball Shoes
- Curry Flow 11 – For the Curry Flow 11, Under Armour employs synthetic UA Warp technology for a fit that molds to the foot. A dual-density UA Flow cushioning setup is utilized for the first time, while a segmented plate helps keep the mid and underfoot stable.
- Under Armour Flow FUTR X – Building on past innovations, the Under Armour Flow FUTR employs Flow tooling that helps bite the court. A midfoot strap with lace integration keeps the foot in place, while a Pebax shank improves stability.
- Under Armour Embiid One – Under Armour’s Embiid One is Joel Embiid’s first signature sneaker. Integrating Micro-G and Hovr technology that provides cushioning and improved energy return, the silhouette is suited to power forwards and guards alike.
01Curry Flow 11 'Dub Nation'
02Flow FUTR X 'White Metallic Gold'
03Embiid One 'Goldmind'
04Curry Flow 11 'Future Curry'
Best Basketball Shoes From Other Brands
- New Balance Two WXY V3 - The New Balance Two WXY V3 sees a FuelCell midsole enhanced by ABZORB cushioning technology. The silhouette is designed for abrupt stops and quick movements.
- Way of Wade Son of Flash – Way of Wade is the signature sports brand by Li-Ning and Dwyane Wade. Built specifically for outdoor play, the Son of Flash silhouette features a fully synthetic upper, mounted upon a Cloud Foam midsole with Boom cushioning in the forefoot and heel.
- Way of Wade 10 Low - Taking design inspiration from the energy found in lightning, Li Ning’s Way of Wade 10 Low pairs a BOOM midsole with a full-length carbon fiber plate for energy return The upper is built with breathable mesh and no-sew overlays.
Best Women's Basketball Shoes
- Nike Sabrina 1 - Sabrina Ionescu's first Nike basketball model is inspired by her Romanian heritage. The low-profile silhouette is engineered with Zoom Air, React foam and a stabilizing shank.
- PUMA Stewie 2 - Breanna Stewart's second signature shoe, PUMA combines engineered mesh and an external PWRTAPE support system on the versatile Stewie 2. A NITRO-infused midsole cushions each step, while an adjoining outsole tread pattern helps grip to the surface.
- Under Armour Breakthru 3 - The Under Armour Breakthru 3 is optimized for the female foot, featuring a breathable mesh upper with strategically placed TPU films. Flow cushioning serves as the midsole and outsole.
Best Overall Basketball Shoes for Guards
- Air Jordan 38
- Nike KD 16
- PUMA MB.03
- New Balance Two WXY V3
- Jordan Luka 2
- Nike LeBron 20
- Nike Kyrie Low 5
- Curry Flow 10
- Way of Wade 10
- Nike Ja 1
- Nike Zoom GT Cut 2
Best Overall Basketball Shoes for Power Forwards and Centers
- Nike Zoom GT Jump 2
- Nike LeBron 19
- Jordan Zion 2
- Nike Zoom Freak 4
- New Balance Kawhi II
- Under Armour Embiid One
- Air Jordan 37
- Puma Rise NITRO
- Nike Cosmic Unity 2
Popular Basketball Shoe Colors
- Pink
- White
- Purple
- Black
- Blue
- Green
- Red
- Orange
- Yellow
- Grey
- Brown
- Tan
Top Basketball Shoes
01MB.01 'Iridescent Dreams'
02Ja 1 'Light Smoke Grey'
03Wmns Sabrina 1 'Family Bonds'
04LeBron 21 'Freshwater'
05KD 16 'Ready, Play'
06Way of Wade 10 Low 'Cherry Blossom'
07Air Zoom GT Cut 2 'White Grey Pink'
08Air Jordan 38 'FIBA'
09Jordan Luka 2 'Black Cement'
10Harden Vol. 7 'Stormtrooper'
Where to buy basketball shoes?
You can buy basketball shoes on GOAT. Explore a selection of basketball shoes.
What new basketball shoes are coming out?
Upcoming and recent basketball sneaker releases include:
- Metro Boomin x KD 17 — 06-14-2024
- Ja 1 'NY vs. NY' — 06-25-2024
- Wmns Sabrina 2 'Court Vision' — 06-28-2024
- KD 17 'USA' — 07-01-2024
- Women’s Sabrina 2 'Orchestrator' — 07-13-2024
- Book 1 'Sun Bleached' — 07-18-2024
- AE 1 Low 'MX Charcoal' — 07-20-2024
- AE 1 Low 'MX Grey' — 07-20-2024
- Comme des Garçons Homme Plus x Air Foamposite One SP 'Olympic' — 07-19-2024
- Zoom Kobe 4 Protro 'Gold Medal' 2024 — 08-05-2024
- AE 1 Low 'Mural' — 08-05-2024
- Zoom KD 4 'Nerf' 2024 — 08-09-2024
- AE 1 Low 'USA' — 08-15-2024
- Air Foamposite One 'DMV' — 08-17-2024
Are basketball shoes good for running?
Basketball shoes are suitable for light runs and recreational exercise. For longer distances, a specialist running shoe is recommended. For more information, consult our running shoe guide.
How to clean basketball shoes?
Basketball shoes react well to most specialist shoe-cleaning products. For more sneaker cleaning tips, consult our cleaning guide.
Can you wear basketball shoes for volleyball?
Basketball shoes are an ideal substitute for volleyball shoes, offering similar traction as shoes designed specifically for volleyball.
How should basketball shoes fit?
Basketball shoes should fit snug. A thumbnail’s worth of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe is an ideal size.
How to break in basketball shoes?
The simplest way to break in basketball shoes is to wear them every day, even for light 15 to 20 minute drills. Additionally, wearing a thick pair of socks can help expand the shoe material.
Are Jordans good basketball shoes?
Yes, Air Jordans are good basketball shoes. Originally designed as Michael Jordan’s signature footwear line, Air Jordans have been a staple basketball shoe since debuting in 1985. Today, newer Air Jordan models are considered most suitable for playing basketball.
What basketball shoes does Timothée Chalamet wear?
Timothée Chalamet wore the adidas Trae Young 2 ‘Green Mint’ in a pickup game in New York City alongside fellow actor Adam Sandler.
What basketball shoes does Caitlin Clark wear?
Caitlin Clark was wearing the Kobe 5 'Bruce Lee' in the Women's NCAA National Championship game against South Carolina on April 7, 2024. She has also been seen wearing the Kobe 6 'Reverse Grinch' during games.
