Finding a pair of the best basketball shoes for your own ball game can be tricky at times, especially if you don't quite know where to begin. Fortunately, our list of top picks is here to help.
Rather than focusing on style as we have in the past with our list of the best sneakers, we're prioritizing function over fashion here. Technology, traction, comfort, and overall quality are what we've looked for in our search for shoes that can take your game to the next level.
The result, along with factoring in price and reviews, is a list of amazing basketball shoes from some of the best sneaker brands currently available. From standout signatures, including amazing Air Jordans and the LeBron XXI from The King himself, to stand-alone footwear, we've got everything you need to kick off your search right here. Let's get into it...
7 Best Basketball Shoes in 2025
- Best indoor basketball shoes - Air Jordan XXXIX
- Best outdoor basketball shoes - Under Armour Lockdown 7
- Best basketball shoes for wide feet - Nike LeBron XXI
- Best budget basketball shoes - adidas Dame 8
- Best basketball shoes for guards - Under Armour Curry 11
- Best indoor basketball shoes for forwards - Nike Giannis Freak 4
- Best indoor basketball shoes for centers - Nike G.T. Jump 2
Why we chose the Air Jordan XXXIX
Michael Jordan's signature sneakers have long been at the top of the basketball game, even back in the day when the Air Jordan 1 debuted. However, that was back in 1985, and times have changed since then. The Air Jordan XXXIX is here now, and it's leading the way for the next generation of performance footwear.
This highly advanced sneaker comes with full-length ZoomX foam and full-length Air Zoom bubbles for maximum comfort underfoot. It also features a crash pad on the instep that's designed to hold your foot in place to reduce the risk of injuring your toes against the toe box. As you move up, you'll find a built-in sidewall cupsole. This has been included to provide stability during lateral movements while also allowing for full engagement of the underfoot cushioning.
Every inch of this shoe has been thought out and carefully considered to ensure the wearer can deliver their peak performance on the court. It's a triumph for Nike, and a must-featured sneaker for this list.
TL;DR - Reasons to Buy
- Comes with ZoomX foam and Air Zoom cushioning
- Has an instep crash pad to hold your foot in place
- It features a sidewall cupsole to ensure maximum stability
Why we chose the Under Armour Lockdown 7
For added support and protection during outdoor play, the Under Armour Lockdown 7 is a standout choice. It features a durable rubber outsole with a herringbone traction pattern, designed to deliver excellent movement and control on the court.
The upper combines breathable mesh to keep your feet cool with leather and film overlays that enhance both support and durability, crucial for handling the added wear and tear of outdoor courts compared to indoor hardwood.
To top it off, EVA midsoles make the shoe lightweight and responsive, helping you stay quick and agile in game scenarios. With all of this in mind, the Under Armour Lockdown 7 is hard to beat if outdoor basketball is your go-to.
TL;DR - Reasons to Buy
- Durable rubber outsole with herringbone traction for grip and control outdoors
- Breathable mesh upper + supportive overlays for comfort and durability
- Lightweight EVA midsoles for responsiveness during fast-paced play
Why we chose the Nike LeBron XXI
LeBron James is one of the greatest basketball players to have ever stepped onto a court, so it may come as no surprise that Nike has applied the same level of greatness to his signature sneaker line.
The LeBron XXI is a great example of this and is one of the best Nike shoes, in general. What we like about this shoe, especially for wide feet, is that it's made from a lightweight mesh that has been reinforced by a 360-degree zonal cabling system for optimal containment. Not only will you feel locked-in, but its upper will also conform to the shape of your foot to accommodate a wider shape.
Adding to Nike's commitment to comfort, the sneaker features Zoom Air units in the heel and forefoot to give greater energy returns for more propulsion every stride, and to also provide support and absorb shock during your landings.
The LeBron XXI also includes a carbon fiber midfoot plate to keep you steady and sturdy, plus they feature a low-cut collar to minimize restriction around the ankle - if these details don't scream performance on the court, we don't know what will.
TL;DR - Reasons to Buy
- It's built for one of the greatest players of all time
- It features a 360-degree zonal cabling system
- Comes with Zoom Air units in the heel and forefoot
Why we chose the adidas Dame 8
As Damian Lillard's 8th signature shoe, the adidas Dame 8 has been tailored towards providing speed and precision on the court.
To start, the Dual-density Bounce Pro cushioning from adidas offers a great balance of energy return, cushioning, and support. On the bottom, a unique 'waved' pattern on the rubber outsole offers superior traction when playing on a hardwood court.
It's also worth noting that these sneakers are created sustainably as well as 25% of the components used to make the upper contain a minimum of 50% recycled content.
Ultimately, Lillard's latest signature sneaker looks as though it has a lot to offer in terms of performance, all for a relatively inexpensive price that makes it one of the best budget basketball shoes we've come across.
TL;DR - Reasons to Buy
- Dual-density Bounce Pro cushioning maintains comfort
- Sustainably-made
- It's a bit cheaper compared to rival basketball shoes
Why we chose the Under Armour Curry 11
It comes as no surprise that Curry's signature shoe was developed with speed, agility, and dribbling in mind, given Steph's position on the court. For instance, the shoe features Under Armour's Warp upper technology for enhanced comfort and control as you dribble your way up the court, while the IntelliKnit material maintains breathability and keeps things stretchy yet supportive where you need it the most.
In addition, the Curry 11 boasts a Forefoot Pebax plate that's designed to give an additional flex to aid in agility and provide lateral support; two areas that are key to a guard's game.
Underneath, the shoe is equipped with Under Armour's own Flow outsole to give grip and a better court feel, and its internal midfoot shank adds stability to every move, thus making the Curry 11 an all-around excellent sneaker for any guard.
TL;DR - Reasons to Buy
- Made for one of the best guards around
- The Forefoot Pebax plate helps to improve agility
- The shoe's made from a breathable IntelliKnit material
Why we chose the Nike Giannis Freak 4
The Zoom Freak 4, now named Giannis Freak 4, is designed to suit the skillset of one of the best power forwards in the game right now - Giannis Antetokounmpo.
They feature hollowed-out midsoles around the forefoot area where two Zoom Air units are positioned to compress under the weight and then expand to deliver an improved energy return. They're also slightly tilted as if they were worn by a 100-meter sprinter emerging from the starting blocks to help increase forward motion and, in turn, allow you to attack the rim at speed.
All in all, we feel these low-top sneakers are up there as one of the best basketball for power forwards around right now.
TL;DR - Reasons to Buy
- Durable, strong, and ideal for a forward's game
- The Zoom Air units are strategically designed to maximize energy returns
- The units are slightly titled to improve forward momentum
Why we chose the Nike G.T. Jump 2
Worn by one of the best centers around right now in Nikola Jokić, the Nike G.T. Jump 2 is a sneaker designed to help you defy gravity and help you hold your own in the air thanks to innovative technology and an extremely lightweight build.
You get three rounds of Zoom Air in the midsole to give you a better bounce off the floor, and the comfort needed to break ankles all game long. These air pockets are combined with a jump plate wrapped in rubber for added support and durability alongside a spring. The shoe also features Nike React foam in the heel for additional cushioning, while the data-informed herringbone traction pattern underneath ensures optimal grip on the court.
You'd be hard-pressed to find many faults with the G.T. Jump 2. It's an excellent basketball shoe that is tailor-made for a center's game.
TL;DR - Reasons to Buy
- Three amazing Zoom Air units in the midsole
- Feature a jump plate wrapped in rubber for support and better lift-off
- Comes with Nike React foam in the heel for even more cushioning
Key Factors to Consider When Buying Basketball Shoes
- Comfort & Support: Look for shoes that offer good support to stay comfortable and focused during games.
- Padding: Ensure the shoes have ample cushioning to absorb impact and protect knees and joints.
- Ankle Support: Strong ankle support helps reduce the risk of injury, especially during quick moves like crossovers.
- Traction: Dicks Sporting Goods says this is important, so opt for shoes with herringbone or hexagonal grip patterns to avoid slipping.
- Weight: Choose lightweight shoes to enhance mobility without feeling restricted.
- Protection: Balance lightness with enough protection, especially for foot safety during contact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
With so many different styles of basketball shoes on the market, you may have several questions about what makes each of them stand out. But don't worry, because we're here to clear up a few of the most common queries.
Are high-top shoes better for basketball?
The preference for high-top or low-top basketball shoes largely depends on personal preference and playing style. Both types of shoes have their own advantages and considerations.
High-top basketball shoes provide additional ankle support due to their extended collar that covers the ankle. This can be beneficial if you have a history of ankle injuries or you want to prioritize extra stability. High-tops can help prevent excessive ankle rolling and offer a sense of security on the court.
However, it's important to note that ankle injuries in basketball often occur due to factors beyond shoe height, such as improper landing technique, contact with other players, or playing on an uneven surface. High-top shoes may offer some protection, but they do not eliminate the risk of ankle injuries entirely.
On the other hand, low-top basketball shoes are lighter and generally allow for greater freedom of movement, particularly in terms of ankle mobility. They can offer a more natural range of motion and flexibility, which can be advantageous if you rely on quick cuts, agility, and speed.
Ultimately, the choice between high-top and low-top basketball shoes depends on individual preferences, playing style, and specific needs. It's important to prioritize factors such as comfort, fit, traction, cushioning, and overall support when selecting basketball shoes, regardless of their height. Additionally, ensuring proper warm-up, conditioning exercises, and practicing correct landing techniques can also contribute to injury prevention on the basketball court.
Do basketball shoes fit true to size?
Generally speaking, basketball shoes fit true to size.
Ideally, basketball shoes fit tightly around your feet for security and control, with enough space on either side to keep you comfortable whilst also protected from other players and impact.
Clarks recommends you leave about one finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of your everyday shoe, something which we feel can be used to determine what size basketball sneakers to go after.
Most manufacturers come with a handy size chart to compare to if you're really unsure. Check out our guide to measuring your shoe size right here to get you started.
Do you need to break in basketball shoes?
While it may be tempting to step right onto the court in your new basketball shoes, they may not necessarily be ready for action, especially if they've been sitting in a factory for weeks beforehand.
Fortunately, breaking in new basketball shoes can be relatively easy once you know how. Simply wear your new shoes for around 10 to 15 minutes a day doing some kind of light activity, and your shoes should be ready to wear on the court.
Make sure you wear the same high-top basketball socks that you'd wear during a game to help your feet become accustomed to your new sneakers.
When should you replace basketball shoes?
There's no set time frame on when exactly you should consider replacing your basketball shoes, as the answer will vary depending on their build quality and how often you wear them.
That said, there are several recommendations as to when it might be a good time to start looking. For instance, Dr. Michael Lowe, team podiatrist of the Utah Jazz, has previously said that shoes should be changed monthly during the season to greatly reduce the risk of injury.
However, this relates to the game at a professional level, where players are constantly training or competing. As an amateur, you're unlikely to need to switch out your shoes that often.
A general rule we'd recommend is if you begin to notice any significant damage or drop off in performance from your sneakers, then you might want to start searching for a set to replace them.
Can basketball shoes be used for everyday use?
Yes, basketball shoes can be used for everyday use, but it depends on the style and design of the shoe. Many basketball shoes today feature stylish designs and colors that make them fashionable for casual wear.
However, basketball shoes are designed with specific features to help players perform on the court, such as extra cushioning and support for jumping, cutting, and quick lateral movements.
This means that some basketball shoes may not be as comfortable for everyday use as regular sneakers, especially if you plan to wear them for extended periods or for activities that don't involve playing basketball. That said, the additional cushioning can help you stay comfortable at the same time.
So, we'd say basketball shoes are more than appropriate to wear every day. Just make sure you find a pair that suits your style.
Final Thoughts
No matter your playstyle or position, the right basketball shoes can make all the difference on the court. Whether you need extra cushioning, top-tier traction, or a lightweight design for speed, our top picks have you covered. Now, lace up and get ready to elevate your game!