Doc Martens Kids Maroon Oxleather Lace Up Zip Ankle Boot | 4 Best Basketball Sneakers in 2024
Basketball sneakers are primarily worn for their sporty style, versatility, and performance. Premier companies like Nike, Adidas, and Converse are constantly innovating and introducing new technologies to stay ahead in the highly competitive footwear industry.
Men and women of all ages want the latest or funkiest lifestyle basketball shoes to enliven up their sneaker game. That’s why big-name sportswear brands are striving and competing each year to offer excellent quality performance-ready sneakers in the market, which has greatly benefited consumers.
With tons of options available, we are aware that picking the right pair that genuinely satisfies your needs can be overwhelming. To help you with that, we got our hands on 200+ of the best basketball sneakers out there and we tested them hard! After that, we selected the finest ones depending on the category. Take a quick look at our top picks!
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We value our data-driven approach at CerbeShops. We make sure that each sneaker in the database goes through our meticulous performance tests and micro-level scrutiny. That means performing a battery of wear tests and analyzing the materials and technologies used in a particular model.
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- We, as in-house sneakerheads, personally buy basketball sneakers with our own money. We then wear-test each model thoroughly.
- We put in days’ worth of wearing each sneaker to give us a comprehensive grasp of its comfort, flexibility, durability, and more.
- Before making our final verdict, we make sure that our top-rated selections are backed up by in-depth reviews from our team of dedicated wear-testers.
- We also enrich our data by cutting the shoes into pieces and testing them inside our lab.
Best basketball sneakers overall
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Adidas Superstar is indeed the brightest star among other basketball sneakers because of the undying connection of its classic silhouette to hooping. Setting aside its incredible basketball-rooted style, we also found that the durability of its construction is without equal. When it comes to support and traction, Adidas Superstar absolutely delivered more than what we demanded from a basketball kick!
We can glide through the streets for hours in sheer comfort because of the smashing underfoot feel offered by the Adidas Superstar. We love how it provided us with ample arch support, letting us enjoy pain-free tours. Also, we discovered that there is sufficient toe wiggle room, eradicating any trace of hotspots around the toe.
What also floored us is the stellar quality of the Adidas Superstar. We didn’t see any damage or abrasion on the sneaker even after braving the hustle and bustle outdoors. However, we discovered that it entails a wearing-in period as it felt stiff at the beginning. Unless you’re okay with it, we suggest searching for basketball sneakers that are comfy right from the onset.
Pros
- Iconic style
- Great for all-day use
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- Accommodating toebox
- Lots of colorway options
- Affordable
Cons
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Best retro basketball sneakers
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Our wear tests of basketball sneakers pointed to the New Balance 550 as the best choice for retro. We found that it has an incomparable blend of retro charm, profound basketball legacy, and exceptional quality. And the finishing touch: It is phenomenal on foot!
Even though the New Balance 550 has a vintage basketball look, we are more than impressed with its performance which aligns with present-day standards. In terms of matching with our daily casual and upscaled styles, we found that the sneaker does a very good job. We also appreciated how it took care of our feet even during full-day outings.
The quality of the New Balance 550 is also faultless. We are delighted by the impeccable construction of the sneaker as we didn’t discover any flaw. As a matter of fact, even if we used it pretty roughly, the New Balance 550 stood strong without looking battered.
However, due to its loose fit around the toebox, a toe-hugging fit is something not to be expected from New Balance 550. If you prefer a snug feel around your toes, we suggest sizing down or getting other sneakers that are tapered in the front.
Pros
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- Well-cushioned insole
- Incredibly clean details
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- Durable, high-quality construction
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- Striking shades
- Reasonably priced
Cons
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- Not ideal for wide feet
- Released in a limited quantity
Basketball sneakers with the best comfort
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Airiness was never a problem with the Adidas Campus 00S. Wherever we went, our feet never overheated or sweated too much. The shoe also had its unusually thick tongue that gave the top of the foot the pampering that it deserved. Underneath was a pretty solid base, which helped us avoid painful foot twists. All these features work together to make the Campus 00S the most comfortable among all basketball sneakers.
In the lab, we pumped smoke into the shoe. As expected, the smoke didn’t have a hard time escaping through the holes poked into the upper. These vents really served their purpose, so the shoe got a pretty solid 4 out of 5 from us for ventilation.
At a staggering 23.0 mm, the tongue padding of the Campus 00S is way way way thicker than average, which is only 8.7 mm thick. It was so soft that we felt like we had pillows on top of our feet. Talk about being treated like royalty!
Twisting the foot is truly painful, and we were glad we were able to consistently avoid it because of the rigidity of the shoe’s base. We manually twisted and bent the shoe in the lab, and it still has not lost its firmness. A 4 out of 5 for torsional rigidity was what it truly deserved.
The midsole was just on the firm side, though. Our HA durometer gave it a rating of 37.1, which is significantly higher (therefore firmer) than the 30.9 mm average. We could not recommend this shoe for those who want a lot of impact protection.
Pros
- Extremely padded tongue and collar
- Astounding comfort
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- Spot-on fit
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- Worth the price
- Old-school vibes
- Stylish for casual fits
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Cons
- Slightly heavier than usual
- Its midsole’s a tad firm
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Basketball sneakers with the best durability
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Pros
- Keeps feet warm
- Great traction even on wet surfaces
- Extremely comfy
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- Feels stable underfoot
- Retro look
- Completes many casual outfits
- Good for gym days or some fitness activities
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- Has Ortholite insoles
- Fits true to size
Cons
- Quite heavy
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- Some synthetic material in the upper
Choosing the best basketball sneakers from the so many options available can seem like an overwhelming task at first but the benefits are clear. Finding the right pair of basketball sneakers is crucial, particularly for a sport known for its dynamic and face-paced nature which relies upon exact foot speed, explosive jumps, and quick directional changes. The best basketball sneakers will serve you well - not only will such an investment improve your game, but it will also enable you to stay comfortable for longer.
Since the Michael (‘Air’) Jordan revolution, the basketball sneakers niche has become somewhat of a darling of the sports shoe industry. In 2022 the global basketball sneakers market size was a whopping $5.31 billion and it is forecasted to reach $6.76 billion by 2029, with an expected compound annual growth rate will be an impressive 3.65% from 2023 to 2030 [1]. Ok, big numbers - but what does it all mean? Well, with such enormous amounts of money on the line it’s high time we explored what the world of basketball sneakers offers, so let’s dive right into the nitty-gritty of what to look for and, rather importantly, why. Because if you find yourself eating, sleeping and living for the hoops you probably want the best sneakers to accommodate your game. So let us at CerbeShops give you the alley-oop assist you need to dunk that winner over your competition.
The five elements that make basketball sneakers great
- Size and comfort are the most critical factors in choosing the best basketball sneakers. Proper sizing ensures a snug fit for enhanced performance and prevents discomfort and potential injuries. Comfortable sneakers alleviate fatigue, provide cushioning for impact absorption and support the arches, and offer breathability to help keep your feet cool and dry during intense play. Ultimately you’ll only enjoy wearing comfortable basketball sneakers so make this your number one priority.
- Up top: High-top basketball sneakers are a popular go-to option, but for some players a mid-top or even low-top design is more suitable. Read why in our specialist section below.
- Sole anatomy: The midsole is where the cushioning is, and therefore this area is one of its most essential parts of a basketball sneaker when it comes to performance. Meanwhile the outsole is the point of contact on the ground; basketball players will seek maximum balance via a relatively flat and wide outsole.
- Nikes Super Rep cycling shoes: This might sound a bit advanced for some basketballers but understanding the type of player you are will assist you in understanding the type of shoe that will suit you best.
- Shoe aesthetics are hard to dismiss. Although we’ve placed it last on our list we’re totally aware many b-ball enthusiasts will be inclined to place it on top of their list; peer pressure and marketing tactics are hard to ignore! However concentrate on looks alone at your own peril: a super-cool looking but bad performing pair of basketball sneakers are still a bad performing pair of basketball sneakers. Our advice? Be smart, buy smart.
Comfortable basketball sneakers provide hours of court time
When it comes to figuring out what are the best basketball sneakers, you absolutely must consider comfort to be your top priority. When your feet are comfortable you can quickly cut your way across the court, lay up to the net or assist your teammates in defense and offense, and all without worrying about sore feet.
Basketball is a game of relentless running, directional changes, explosive jumping and sudden stopping. All of these physical demands add up and ultimately place great stress on a players feet and legs. To help cushion these impacts good sneakers manufacturers have come up with some technologies such as the classic and well known example is Nike Air. This iconic innovation utilizes pressurized air within a resilient and flexible membrane to deliver lightweight cushioning. This technology allows the air units to compress upon impact and quickly revert to their original shape and volume, ensuring rapid responsiveness and optimal shock absorption.
Aside from shoe technology, a critical factor in determining how comfortable an individual finds a pair of basketball sneakers is by ensuring they fit correctly with the right size. But getting the right size isn’t easy when researching online, and with that in mind we’ve come up with an online way to solve that problem and compiled the detailed and accurate sizing information for all the big basketball sneaker brands:
- Adidas basketball sneakers tend to run true-to-size. Check out the Nike Footscape Magista Olivier Rousteing Black Gold Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers 834905-007.
- Nike basketball sneakers, including the Air Jordan series, tend to run true-to-size. Understand Nike’s sizing system on our dedicated Nike Size Chart page.
- Converse is now owned by Nike, but don’t let that act as a distraction because Converse basketball sneakers tend to follow their own sizing system. To be more specific, Converse generally runs a unisex sizing system which are true-to-size for men and half-a-size small for women. The Chuck Taylor All Star series runs big for both. Get all the information about Adidas Ultraboost 22 Triple White Men Running Sports Casual.
Are high-top basketball sneakers over the top?
Since the 1960’s basketball sneakers have looked different to all other sneakers. The likes of Chuck Taylor sneakers quickly made high-top designs were iconic for not just the star NBA players but anybody with a ball in their hand. But as fashion evolved, the high-tops almost became over-the-tops in the pursuit of (trendy) form over function.
But why have the high-tops been so popular in basketball ranks? The long-term assumption was simple: the extra height these uppers offered would allow the player to strap their ankle into place and thus avoid injury. Afterall, basketball requires a tonne of lateral and up-and-down movement, which can strain the tendons and bones of the foot and ankle. Basketball players are at constant risk of turning, spraining, or even breaking their ankles.
The science, however, is out. Despite years of studies focussed on injury prevention there is no conclusive evidence that supports this high-top fetish. For example, this study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine compared high versus low-top shoes for the prevention of ankle sprains in basketball players. Despite analyzing nearly 40 thousand minutes of player-time the scientists found that there is no strong relationship between shoe type and ankle sprains [2].
On the back of this science the world’s best players have responded, and now they wear what feels right. For example, NBA players James Harden, Damian Lillard and Kevin Durant all choose to wear minimalist gucci crossed bow sandals item product eng 1032456 Moon Boot Mtrack Free Suede.
Similarly the trend for mid-top basketball sneakers has really taken off in recent years and that charge appears to be inspired by Lebron James. And if you like his style you might benefit from our guide to the knee high boots wrangler aviator wm02100a chestnut.
So are high-tops best? Or should you consider mid-tops and low-tops too? Our advice remains consistent: Wear what feels the most comfortable for you.
Basketball sneakers for ankle support and injury prevention
Top-quality basketball sneakers prioritize injury risk reduction over womens sneakers by incorporating specialized design and construction features. These shoes are engineered to provide superior protection and minimize the risk of injuries during gameplay. Here's how they achieve this:
Enhanced sole thickness: The best basketball shoes feature thicker soles, offering increased cushioning and shock absorption. This helps reduce the impact on your feet and joints, providing a comfortable and protective barrier against hard landings and sudden movements.
Superior traction: Basketball involves quick cuts, lateral movements, and explosive jumps, requiring reliable traction on the court. These shoes are designed with outsoles that provide a strong grip, ensuring stability and preventing slipping during intense gameplay. This is especially important when playing on slippery indoor court surfaces, where traction-focused shoes can significantly enhance safety.
Doc Martens Kids Maroon Oxleather Lace Up Zip Ankle Boot: Speaking of which, different court surfaces demand specific traction patterns. The best basketball shoes incorporate unique tread patterns tailored to different playing conditions. Shoes with multidirectional or herringbone patterns excel in providing optimal grip and preventing slippage, whether you're making sharp cuts or dribbling on a smooth surface. We’ve found the Nike Kobe 6, for example, are best worn on indoor courts only while the Air Jordan 1 Retro High sneakers are suited to outdoor playing experiences.
Supportive construction: Basketball shoes are built with supportive features that stabilize your feet and ankles, reducing the risk of twists and sprains. Reinforced uppers, padded collars, and secure lacing systems ensure a snug and secure fit, providing additional stability and support during lateral movements and jumps.
Sole-mates: The anatomy of basketball sneaker soles
Thinking about what makes a good basketballer, one thing that springs to mind is size; basketballers aren’t small. And with that in mind sneaker manufacturers have had to come up with ways for their creations to cope with such heavy impacts, the benefits of which can also be enjoyed by the average Joe and Jane. So what makes the sole of good basketball sneakers unique? To understand better let’s take a look at the anatomy of the sole:
Insole: Serving as a cozy resting place for your feet, the insole delivers both comfort and support. Certain models offer the convenience of removable insoles, allowing you to customize your footwear experience.
Midsole: Nestled between the insole and outsole, the midsole exhibits a thinner profile in the forefoot region and thicker padding in the heel area.
Heel cushioning: To counteract impact and offer shock absorption, many basketball sneakers incorporate various forms of heel cushioning, including technologies like Nike Air, gel cushioning, and more.
Outsole: Constituting the rubbery foundation of basketball shoes, the outsole excels in durability while providing exceptional traction, especially on smooth indoor courts.
Tread: Employing herringbone patterns that lie flat without protrusions, the tread on basketball shoes aims to maximize contact with the ground. Additionally, some designs feature flex grooves to enhance flexibility while maintaining optimal grip on indoor surfaces.
Consider your playing type/on-field position
If the right pair of basketball sneakers can make your game, then it goes without saying that the wrong pair can break it. And not in the good point-break kind of way. Speaking of which, considering your on-court position or playing style isn’t something that springs to mind when in the market for a new pair of kicks, but such a mistake can be futile. Although not necessarily marketed this way, different sneakers are made to accommodate different playing styles. Consider these playing types and positions:
- A point guard plays with more speed and agility than other players. These players will seek sneakers that are lightweight and flexible to allow for mobility and maximum speed.
- On the other hand, a tall center will enjoy the benefits of maximum cushioning and absorption to accommodate their heavy but strong leaping ability.
- If you find yourself playing as a forward or if you don’t have a specific position or playing style, you can go for any basketball sneakers that you find comfortable and offer adequate ankle support for repeated movements back and forth to accommodate your on-court versatility.
So is there room for position-specific basketball shoe models to exist in the modern era? Interestingly, the findings from this study published in the Footwear Science publication seem to think so, and reveal the potential for two: (1) a low- to mid-cut agility shoe model for guards and small forwards that has high traction and is supportive during acceleration and cutting movements, and (2) a mid- to high-cut stability shoe for power forwards and centers with the focus on ankle stability and jumping performance [3].
Performance over aesthetics
Flashy designs, trendy colorways and something like the Air Jordan logo sure are nice but if you truly want to excel on the court a pair of high performance basketball sneakers should be your primary consideration. Consider all of the key performance indicators we’ve listed above before thinking about the shoes’ aesthetics. And only with all of that information will you be ready to make your decision about what truly are the best basketball sneakers for you.
What shoes does LeBron James wear?
Considered one of the best players in the world it comes as little surprise to know that LeBron James wears his own series of Nike basketball sneakers. ‘The King’ helps Nike release the latest LeBron shoes simply by wearing them on court, and naturally we have our guide to the best LeBron sneakers available here.
References
- Cognitive Market Research: Basketball Shoes Market Report 2023 (Global Edition) - https://www.cognitivemarketresearch.com/basketball-shoes-market-report
- Barrett JR, Tanji JL, Drake C, Fuller D, Kawasaki RI, Fenton RM. High- versus low-top shoes for the prevention of ankle sprains in basketball players: A prospective randomized study. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 1993;21(4):582-585. doi:10.1177/036354659302100416
- Brauner, Torsten & Zwinzscher, Marc & Sterzing, Thorsten. (2012). Basketball footwear requirements are dependent on playing position: Footwear Science. Footwear Science. 4. 191-198. 10.1080/19424280.2012.674980.
- KixStats Basketball Shoes Ratings https://kixstats.com/ratings?from=2023-06-10&to=2023-07-09&type=choice&league=NBA&by=kicks#results
