Best Basketball Shoes of 2025

Mary Hopper Avatar
Mary Hopper
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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Basketball shoes are a crucial piece of equipment for anyone serious about the game. Designed specifically to enhance performance on the court, these shoes offer excellent support, stability, and traction. With their cushioned midsoles and responsive technology, basketball shoes provide optimal comfort during intense movements and jumps. They often feature high-top designs to protect the ankles from injuries. Additionally, these shoes come in various styles, colors, and sizes to suit individual preferences and team uniforms. Whether one is a professional athlete or a casual player, investing in quality basketball shoes ensures a competitive edge and a stylish look on the court.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Nike Ja 1 Basketball Shoes Cover #TOP 1
Nike Ja 1 Basketball Shoes
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Under Armour Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoe Cover #TOP 2
Under Armour Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoe
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Under Armour Lockdown 7 Basketball Shoes Cover #TOP 3
Under Armour Lockdown 7 Basketball Shoes
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Basketball Shoes

#TOP 1

Nike Ja 1 Basketball Shoes

DR8785-102
Nike Ja 1 Basketball Shoes Cover
Nike Ja 1 Basketball Shoes (DR8785-102, Coconut Milk/Khaki/Black/Coconut Milk) Size 12

The Nike Ja 1 Shoes are designed for basketball enthusiasts who seek performance and comfort. Featuring a responsive Air Zoom unit in the forefoot, these shoes help you jump higher and land softly, enhancing your overall game. The midsole offers plush cushioning, ensuring comfort during those intense moments on the court. With a secure containment system and a forefoot strap, your ankles and heels remain stable, allowing you to maneuver quickly and confidently. Plus, the lightweight, breathable upper keeps your feet cool, so you can focus on your performance without distractions.

What We Like
Great quality materials
True to size fit
Comfortable and good grip
Stylish appearance
What We Don't Like
Narrow toe box
Stiff construction
#TOP 2

Under Armour Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoe

3025616
14 Women/12.5 Men
Under Armour Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoe Cover
Under Armour Unisex Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoe, Black, 12.5, US

The Under Armour Lockdown 6 is designed to enhance your basketball performance. Its durable leather upper, combined with breathable mesh panels, ensures that your feet stay comfortable and cool during intense games. A plush foam sockliner adds extra cushioning, making those long hours on the court more enjoyable. The lightweight EVA midsole offers a responsive feel, allowing you to move quickly and efficiently. Lastly, the solid rubber outsole features a herringbone traction pattern, providing excellent grip for better control as you make quick cuts and movements.

What We Like
Comfortable fit
Durable materials
Great support
Stylish design
Good value
What We Don't Like
Somewhat heavy
Needs breaking in
#TOP 3

Under Armour Lockdown 7 Basketball Shoes

3028512
(600) Red/Black/Red
9 Women/7.5 Men
Under Armour Lockdown 7 Basketball Shoes Cover
Under Armour Unisex Lockdown 7, (600) Red/Black/Red, 7.5, US

The Under Armour Lockdown 7 basketball shoes are designed for performance and comfort. The breathable mesh upper, combined with leather and film overlays, provides excellent support and durability, ensuring your feet stay comfortable during intense games. The lightweight EVA midsole offers a responsive feel, allowing you to move quickly on the court. Additionally, the solid rubber outsole features a herringbone traction pattern, giving you superior grip and control while making sharp turns. With these shoes, you can enhance your on-court experience and play your best game.

What We Like
Well made
Comfortable
True to size
Great support
Stylish design
What We Don't Like
Tight fit for some
Runs small for some
#TOP 4

Nike Men's Football Basketball Shoe

DZ7533
White Black
Nike Men's Football Basketball Shoe Cover
Nike Men's Football Basketball Shoe, White Black, 10.5 AU

The Nike Basketball Shoe is designed for active players who need stability and comfort on the court. The synthetic midfoot strap keeps your foot secure during quick lateral movements, allowing you to focus on your game. An oversized pull loop at the heel makes it easy to slip the shoes on and off, saving you time when you’re in a rush. This model is softer than its predecessor, providing a more comfortable fit for those long hours of play. It’s tailored for today's fast-paced game, ensuring you can move freely without restrictions.

What We Like
Comfy for sports activities
Good traction on court
True to size
Perfect color
Great fit after sizing adjustment
What We Don't Like
Potential sizing issues
#TOP 5

NIKE LeBron XXI Basketball Shoes

FV2345-500
NIKE LeBron XXI Basketball Shoes Cover
NIKE Lebron XXI Basketball Shoes (FV2345-500, Violet Dust/Purple Cosmos/University Gold) Size 12

The NIKE LeBron XXI is designed to support your game while reflecting a special father-daughter bond. Its lightweight mesh upper features a unique cabling system that ensures a snug fit, allowing you to move confidently on the court. You will appreciate the Zoom Air units in the heel and forefoot, which provide excellent cushioning and responsiveness during jumps. The soft midsole enhances comfort, making every step feel effortless. Plus, the breathable fabric keeps your feet cool, even during intense play.

What We Like
Comfortable fit
Stylish design
Good quality
True to color
What We Don't Like
Snug fit for some
Inconsistent packaging issues
#TOP 6

Nike Air Force 1 Basketball Shoes

CW2288-111
White
10.5
Nike Air Force 1 Basketball Shoes Cover
Nike Air Force 1 '07 Low Mens Basketball Shoes (Men's 10.5 Medium, White/White)

The Nike Air Force 1 is a stylish choice for basketball enthusiasts. Its retro design not only makes you look good on the court but also adds a classic touch to your casual outfits. The cushioning provides excellent support, allowing you to stay comfortable during long hours of play or everyday wear. Whether you're shooting hoops or running errands, these shoes offer the versatility you need. With their reliable construction, the Nike Air Force 1 ensures you have a durable companion for all your activities.

What We Like
Comfortable fit
Stylish design
True to size
Easy to clean
Fast delivery
What We Don't Like
Minor packaging issue
Interior lining slightly dirty
#TOP 7

AND1 Scope Basketball Shoes

Scope
10 Women/8.5 Men
AND1 Scope Basketball Shoes Cover
AND1 Scope Basketball Shoes for Women and Men, High Top Men’s Basketball Shoes - Womens Basketball Sneakers - Light Pink/Light Green, 8.5 Medium

The AND1 Scope Sneakers are designed for both men and women who want to excel on the basketball court. The padded collar and Achilles pad provide a secure fit and added comfort, ensuring you stay focused on your game. With a lightweight, breathable synthetic mesh upper, these shoes offer a customized fit that enhances your performance. The full-length rubber outsole gives you excellent traction on various surfaces, helping you maintain your grip whether you're playing indoors or outdoors. Additionally, the responsive phylon midsole cushions your steps, making every jump and sprint feel easier on your feet.

What We Like
Comfortable fit
Great lateral support
True-to-size
Stylish design
Good for casual walking
What We Don't Like
Durability concerns
Small sizing issue
#TOP 8

Under Armour Jet '23 Basketball Shoes

3026634
10.5 Women/9 Men
Under Armour Jet '23 Basketball Shoes Cover
Under Armour Unisex Jet '23, (001) Black/Metallic Gold/Metallic Gold, 9, US

The Under Armour Jet '23 basketball shoes are designed to enhance your game with a focus on comfort and performance. The mixed-material upper provides durability and breathability, ensuring your feet stay supported during intense play. With a plush foam sockliner, you can enjoy extra cushioning that keeps you comfortable on the court. The full-length Micro G midsole helps convert soft landings into powerful takeoffs, giving you that extra boost when you need it. Lastly, the durable rubber outsole features an anatomical traction pattern, which offers excellent grip and flexibility for better movement.

What We Like
Supportive for weak ankles
Great quality and comfort
Stylish design options
Good grip on polished surfaces
Lightweight and easy to clean
What We Don't Like
May run small in size
Durability concerns after a few months
#TOP 9

Nike Mens Dunk Low Retro DD1391 100 Black/White Sneakers

DD1391-100
White Black White
Nike Mens Dunk Low Retro DD1391 100 Black/White Sneakers Cover
Nike Dunk Low Retro Men's Basketball Shoes, White Black White, 8 US

These Nike Men's Dunk Low Retro DD1391 100 Black/White sneakers are 100% authentic and perfect to add to your shoe collection. These low top sneakers are designed for men's fashion and offer a classic look that never goes out of style.

What We Like
Comfortable to wear
Stylish design
Authentic Nike product
Good color options
Perfect fit
What We Don't Like
Delivery issues reported
#TOP 10

Nike Lebron 20 Basketball Shoe

DJ5423-003
White
Nike Lebron 20 Basketball Shoe Cover
Nike Lebron 20 XX Men's Basketball Shoe White/Metallic Silver-Black DR8784-101 8.5

The Nike Lebron 20 is designed for basketball enthusiasts who value both style and performance. It is considered one of the best options available, ensuring that you stand out on the court. The shoe features a slip-resistant design, which enhances your stability during quick movements and cuts, allowing you to focus on your game. With a low-top height, it offers freedom of movement around your ankles, making it easier to pivot and sprint. Plus, the lace-up closure ensures a secure fit, giving you the confidence to play hard without worrying about your shoes. This shoe seamlessly blends casual wear with performance needs.

What We Like
Comfortable and stable
True to size
Stylish appearance
Available in multiple colors
Quick delivery
What We Don't Like
Missing shoe box
Buying Guide Image

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Basketball Shoes

Cushioning

Good cushioning is essential to provide impact absorption and support for your feet while playing basketball. Look for shoes that offer responsive and comfortable cushioning technology, such as air or foam-based systems, to help reduce the risk of injuries and provide optimal comfort during intense gameplay.

Traction

Basketball involves quick movements, cuts, and changes in direction, so having excellent traction is crucial. Look for shoes with a durable rubber outsole that provides multidirectional grip on the court. Deep grooves and patterns on the outsole can enhance traction and prevent slipping.

Support

Basketball shoes should offer proper support to prevent ankle injuries and provide stability during dynamic movements. Look for shoes with a high-top design or additional ankle support features like straps or padded collars. The shoe should have a secure fit and prevent excessive foot movement inside the shoe.

Breathability

Basketball can be physically demanding, so it's important to choose shoes that offer good breathability. Look for shoes with mesh or perforated upper materials that allow air circulation, preventing excessive sweating and keeping your feet cool and dry throughout the game.

Fit and Comfort

The right fit is crucial for basketball shoes. They should have a snug fit without being too tight or too loose. Consider trying the shoes on before purchasing or ensure the brand has a reliable size chart. Additionally, look for shoes with cushioned insoles and padding to maximize comfort during extended play.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is basketball shoes good for style?

Yes, basketball shoes are not only functional but also a fashionable choice. They can make a bold style statement, especially high-tops that draw more attention. Factors like color, lace type, sole shape, accent details, and limited-edition artwork can enhance the style of basketball shoes and make them stand out.

2. What are court shoes for basketball?

Court shoes are specifically designed for basketball and other court sports. They are not lightweight like other athletic shoes but provide the necessary support for the movements required in court sports. Wearing court shoes during a basketball game can significantly improve performance and reduce the risk of injuries. However, they are not typically used for casual or everyday wear.

Editor's Notes

During our basketball shoes research, we found 48 basketball shoes products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 71,635 customer reviews through our big data system to write the basketball shoes list. We found that most customers choose basketball shoes with an average price of $78.84.

The basketball shoes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of basketball shoes, including Nike, Under Armour, AND1. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 139 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Mary Hopper Avatar

Mary Hopper is an Italian fashion designer with 10 years of extensive working experience in the fashion industry. She can design clothing and fashion accessories, such as handbags, backpacks, shoes, and jewelry. She is also a professionally trained content writer specializing in managing various fashion and beauty blogs.

Basketball Shoes Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Nike Under Armour Under Armour Nike Nike Nike AND1 Under Armour Nike Nike
Department mens mens unisex-adult mens mens mens unisex-adult mens womens mens
Sole material Rubber Rubber Rubber Rubber Rubber Rubber Rubber Rubber Rubber Rubber
Outer material Real or synthetic leather and textile materials. - Polyester Rubber - - Synthetic - Leather Nike Materials
Care instructions - Machine Wash - Machine Wash Machine Wash Machine Wash - Machine Wash - Machine Wash
Origin Imported Made in the USA or Imported Imported - - Imported - Made in the USA or Imported - -
Closure type Lace-Up - Lace-Up - Lace-Up - Lace-Up - - Lace-Up
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.8
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