The Best Men’s Basketball Shoes

Buying Guide for Men’s Basketball Shoes

Why buy men’s basketball shoes?

The reasons for buying a pair of basketball are endless. Maybe you want to collect them, wear them as everyday shoes, or use them for multiple athletic endeavors. In terms of the game, you want to buy basketball shoes because they are designed for basketball performance. They’re built to offer foot and ankle support, maximum balance, and traction.

What should you look for when buying men’s basketball shoes?

• Fashion: If you’re a basketball fan, you need no guidelines here. But if you’re new to basketball or are buying a pair as a gift, know that the look of basketball shoes is important but depends on the person. One practical question to consider is what you want from your shoes. If you prioritize function over fashion, look for the design and material that offers the optimal performance for your ball style.
• Sole: A good pair of basketball shoes will have an outsole made of rubber or a synthetic blend for ideal traction and rebound. Look for traction patterns like zigzags, hexagons, or circles for a non-slip grip. EVA foam can offer the cushion you need for jumping and running.  
• Multipurpose: Some basketball trainers feature components that make them a go-to for multiple activities, like running, walking, or tennis. This type of shoe tends to have extra mesh for better breathability. Still, they have the same stabilizing characteristics, such as STA anti-rollover molding around the forefoot.

What should you know about the upper part of the shoe? 

The upper section of basketball shoes entails the height profile around the ankle. There are high-tops, mid-tops, and low-tops to choose from. Players decide in part on aesthetic as well as practical ankle support. With less support around the ankle, low-tops offer more room for quick movements—agility and speed. High-tops enclose the ankle completely for the greatest level of support, and mid-tops are a happy medium. The upper also involves the shoe’s closure, for example, straps, laces, or zippers. We review only shoes with laces here, but you can consider other options to find the best fit for you.

Our Picks for the Best Men’s Basketball Shoes

Pros: For those who love a game of pickup on outdoor courts, the Streetball Master may be worth a look. These shoes feature a thick, EVA rolled rubber outsole with deep traction for durability on asphalt courts. This model has an upgraded formula for increased resistance to cement and other hard surfaces. As high-top basketball shoes should, the Streetball Master features a stabilizing interior for supporting the foot and ankle during quick, lateral movement to reduce sprains and strains. There’s a hot-melt (PP) film over the upper, woven material for comfort and support. A sole-parametric design enhances grip and adds anti-skid and wear resistance.

Cons: If you’re interested in extra-cushiony shoes, you may want to consider a different shoe.

Bottom Line: This is a great pair of basketball shoes for indoor and outdoor games, particularly stellar for your neighborhood’s outdoor court. Its built-out sole can take a beating.

 

Pros: These offer all the qualities you want in a pair of basketball shoes: an upper with breathable mesh, PU leather molded quarter panels, and a rubber, shock-absorbing sole. The all-important rubber sole that defines basketball shoes gives grip when weaving through opponents to pass or position yourself for a shot. Together, the outsole and wide toe box give you better balance and a sturdy base to spring from.

Cons: If you prefer a sleek, sharp look, check out the other basketball shoes we review. In terms of fashion, the ASHION has loud colors and bold designs.

Bottom Line: Basketball shoes are known to be expensive, but the ASHION makes a satisfactory alternative. Plus, they have multifunctional value for other sports and activities.

 

Pros: Like the Streetball Master High Top, these non-slip basketball shoes offer all the quality material, stability, and good looks. The distinction is that these pairs are made for indoor and outdoor play. They’re low-profile and feature a cartoon logo of the famous Louis Williams on the top of the tongue for fun. With a durable rubber outsole, they perform well on cement, rubber turf courts, and indoor courts. That’s stability, cushioning, and durability, all in one shoe. This pair is an anti-slip shoe featuring an STA anti-rollover design at the sole’s forefoot.

Cons: Some users say the shoes wear out quickly.

Bottom Line: Not only do the Peak Lightning shoes perform on indoor and outdoor courts, but they’re also awesome for outdoor running, gym exercise, and everyday living. The reflective silk feature even makes them a safe option for playing at night.

 

Pros: Here they are, the best-known basketball shoes ever! These classic men’s basketball shoes feature the Nike Air sole for optimal cushioning for pickup games on the court or street—or just for wearing around. They feature a mix of leather and synthetic materials and a perforated design for extra breathability. The cherry on top is the recognized embroidered Jumpman on the heel and tongue for distinction.

Cons: Nike shoes tend to fit narrow, not wide, feet more comfortably.

Bottom Line: The reputable Nike brand impresses again with these basketball trainers. The simplistic style and multiple color options create a fashion statement not to overlook.

 

Pros: Inspired by the look and style of 1980s basketball shoes, these genuine and synthetic leather Nike shoes have a convincing throw-back appeal. No detail has been overlooked, from the thick laces and Swoosh design to the firm upper and stitched overlays. The rubber outsole, or cup sole, supplies traction and durability for your choice of activity. You’ll even find the original pivot circles on the sole.

Cons: It’s worth noting that these are flat shoes. They’re not meant to offer much arch support.

Bottom Line: People often say things were better made in the old days. That may or may not be true, but these Nike retro sneakers speak the truth about ’80s basketball shoe fashion. They look great!

Final Thoughts

If you’re putting yourself out there to try a new sport, are a passionate basketball player, or just like the image, you deserve a quality pair of basketball shoes. Find a solid pair among our top picks.