10+ Best Basketball Shoes of 2024.
Best Basketball Shoes Overall 2024
To start things off, we will go over the top 10 best basketball shoes overall . Whether you are playing indoors or outdoors, whether you are a shifty guard or an explosive forward, these basketball shoes will serve you well.
We have chosen these shoes because out of the hundreds of shoes we have tested this year, these offer a great blend of performance features that will accommodate most playing styles. Check it out.
Why are these the best basketball shoes of 2024?
Our goal is to offer the best and most unbiased information at all times to help our audience find the best basketball shoes for their particular needs and playing style.
Also, if you enjoy our content, you should know that we have a great community where we discuss sneakers, reviews, and all sorts of other topics. Community members also enjoy behind-the-scenes footage, invitations to WearTesters events, early access to merchandise, and automatic entry into shoe giveaways .
So, after thoroughly testing almost every hoop shoe out there, here is a summary of our top picks across different categories. Further down you can find a more in-depth breakdown of each category.
Nike LeBron 21
The Nike LeBron 21 is a beast on court . It can be described as a remix of the Nike LeBron 20 , and, that shoe was amazing (it was the best basketball shoe from last year in fact). Not only is it one of the top models this year, but it is also one of the most versatile, and one of the most comfortable on court, as well as an attainable Kobe substitute , making it THE best basketball shoe of the year. Read the full review. Price: $200
Way of Wade 11
The Way of Wade 11 is another impressive flagship model from Way of Wade and an improvement on an already great model in the Way of Wade 10. With the Way of Wade 11 you'll be getting reliable traction with a unique, story-driven outsole design that promises to excel indoors. You'll also get exceptional responsiveness and stability from the full-length Boom midsole and EVA foot frame carrier and a much-improved material setup. Stability and locking should also be great and that “customized” carbon fiber shank plate will be elite. This is the best-looking and feeling Way of Wade model to date . Read full review . Price: $225
Nike GT Jump 2
It's nice to see the changes Nike made in this shoe. They have taken everything that was great inthe first model and tweaked it to make it the GT Jump 2 that is much better as a performance basketball shoe . It also makes the Nike GT Jump 2 a more accessible model for the majority of basketball players out there who need the added reactiveness and stability.
The Nike GT Jump is a great hoop shoe, but it's better suited for larger, heavier players, and the GT Jump 2 feels like a more well-balanced shoe, that a wider audience will enjoy. Read the full review.
Under Armour Curry 12
The Curry 12 is currently the best Curry basketball shoe hands down. With this shoe, you are getting everything you have come to know and love from Curry's signature shoes with better cushioning and better traction. Under Armor was able to achieve this impressive result by paying attention to the actual science that goes into designing performance footwear and making a small adjustment.
But the story doesn't end there. This small but critical change also makes this shoe accessible to a much wider audience than any other Curry of the past, as this shoe will suit the on-court requirements of a wider range of hoopers. Read the full review . Price: $140
adidas AE 1 Low
To keep things short and sweet, the adidas AE 1 Mid is an excellent shoe ( one of the best of the year in fact ) and the AE 1 Low is slightly better in almost every way. Although the AE 1 Low looks similar to the originals, this is a very different basketball shoe and a better one at that. Not only is it better, it's cheaper. The first AE 1 retailed for $120, which was already a very reasonable price for such a high-performing signature model, and the low version will run you a mere $110. Read full review. Price $110.
Nike Sabrina 2
It's hard to gauge whether or not a second signature shoe would be able to top its first model, but Nike absolutely killed it with the Sabrina 2 . Not only did they cut the weight on the shoe (28 grams lighter), but they didn't sacrifice any support, stability, or comfort. The cushioning has received a slight upgrade. Nike switched out the React midsole for a dual-density Cushlon 3.0. setup., and kept the same top-loaded zoom air unit in the forefoot. The traction looks different but performs equally well as in the Sabrina 1, which was one of the best-tractioned basketball shoes of 2024. The Sabrina 2 is practically identical to the Sabrina 1 with a couple key upgrades. Read the full review. Price $130
Jordan 38
This year's Jordan Flagship model is a beast and a big improvement on the Jordan 37 . The Jordan 38 is lightweight and nimble, with tons of ventilation, a great no-nonsense traction setup (which in this colorway is etched into a translucent rubber sole), and a very well-balanced layered cushioning system . This cushioning system combines a Phylon midsole, a full-length Zoom Air Strobel, and a slab of Cushlon 3.0 nestled between the outsole and the midsole. The shoe retails for $200 which is steep but the Jordan 38 will be one of the best shoes of the year. Price: $200. Read the full review.
Serious Player Only Player 1 Plus
The Player 1 was already a great hoop shoe and the Player 1 Plus takes things to another level . Everything has been refined and improved slightly in this version of the shoe: more versatile traction, better materials, and better fit. It's just a better-performance basketball shoe .
The biggest drawback of the Player 1 Plus is the price. $180 is, admittedly, steep. But you're getting a ton of bang for your buck and really excellent traction. Read full review . Price: $180
Puma All Pro Nitro
The Puma All Pro Nitro is quite different from the original model, but it is a more than worthy successor to an iconic performance basketball shoe . This iteration boasts outstanding traction, a bouncy and well-balanced cushioning system, and decent materials that effectively fulfill their purpose, resulting in an exceptional all-around performance basketball shoe. Read the full review . Price: $1 30
adidas Harden Vol 8
adidas has created a more than worthy successor to one of their best basketball shoes in years , the Harden Vol 7 . In terms of performance, the Harden Vol 8 should be equally effective on court as the Vol 7. But, that's only half of the story. In terms of overall design and overall build, the Harden Vol 8 maintained a common design language with the Harden Vol 7 while at the same time improving and refining several aspects. This is, admittedly, an odd-looking basketball shoe, but at the same time, it stands out. Truly memorable basketball shoes perform great and look different, and the Harden Vol 8 does just that. Read full review. Price $160.
Honorable Mentions
Puma MB 03
Simply put, the Puma MB 03 is the best LaMelo signature shoe to date , which is a huge compliment. In terms of on-court performance, the Puma MB 01 is hard to beat, but the MB 03 features better materials, and, in our opinion, a more refined and unique design, which definitely puts this model over the top. If you are debating which shoe to pick up for the season, this is one of the safest bets you can make . Read the full review . Price: $1 30
Puma Stewie 2
The Puma Stewie 2 is Bianna Stewarts' second signature, and simply put it is just a great all-around performance model. T his top-notch guards shoe boasts excellent indoor traction, a very well-balanced and bouncy cushioning system, and a very secure and natural feeling low-top build . It won't be a great outdoor option, unfortunately, but as long as you keep them indoors, you will get a very similar on-court experience to the Puma Clyde All-Pro , which is an all-time great. KEEP IN MIND that in the US the Stewie 2 comes in women's sizes, so if you want the correct men's size you will need to go 1.5 sizes up (ie: 12M = 13.5W). Read the full review. Price: $125
Nike Zoom Freak 5
The Nike Zoom Freak 5 just might be the best Giannis Antentoukoumpo signature we have had to date. The Freak 5 does away with the visible Zoom units in the forefoot of the shoe, which adds stability and responsiveness to the shoe. The Zoom Freak 5 is a very simple shoe in terms of tech and overall design, but it will offer above-average on-court. Read the full review. Price: $ 140
Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes 2024
If you play outdoors often, these shoes have the durability and cushioning to keep you going for long hours on the concrete or asphalt. If you want to know how to choose the best basketball shoes for outdoors , we also have an article that can help you out , and you can also check out our full list of the best outdoor basketball shoes .
Way of Wade All City 12
The Way of Wade All City 12 is a very solid all-around performance model with no real weak points, and several strong points. The full-length Boom cushioning is very well balanced , the multipurpose traction is excellent, and containment and support are top-notch as well. They are our top outdoor pick because of the combination of plush, shock-absorbing cushioning and their very durable outsole. The fact that they can handle any type of playing surface and that they will suit almost any position and playing style makes the All City 12 stand out among other similarly priced basketball shoes. Read the full review. Price: $1 50
Best Budget Basketball Shoes 2024
When we are talking about the best budget basketball shoes , we are talking about shoes that the brands have marketed as their cheaper option. There are usually some hidden gems among those models that will give you a ton of bang for your buck. You can check out the full list here , as well as our list of the top basketball shoe deals currently available .
Nike Air Max Impact 4
The Nike Air Max Impact 4 was a big surprise. Easily the best budget model on the market today , and in general one of the best basketball shoes you can buy. The cushion setup is the shoe's best feature. They are incredibly soft and comfortable and feature an upper that needs no break-in time. The shoe's support is also a stand-out feature with two outriggers that make sure your feet are secure during play. There's really no other shoe under $100 that performs this well , this consistently. Read the full review. Price: $90
Best Basketball Shoes for Wide Feet 2024
There are not a ton of great options for wide-footers out there . With the explosion in popularity of online shopping wide footers might not get the chance, to try on sneakers in-store. But, have no fear, Weartesters is here to help you find the best shoes for you. Here you will find our top choice for the best basketball shoe for wide footers , and you can also check out our full list of wide-foot-friendly options here.
Way of Wade Son of Flash
The Way of Wade Son of Flash was an easy pick as the best outdoor basketball shoe of the year, as it is one of the few shoes on the market today built specifically for outdoor use, and it is an excellent all-around performance model. But it is also a great pick for wide-footers as it is built on Way of Wade's wider last. With the Way of Wade Son of Flash, you get aggressive and resilient traction , very nice and reactive cushioning , and a well-built layered upper that is built to do battle outdoors for hours on end. See the full review. Price: $1 35
Best Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support 2024
The main source of ankle support while playing basketball is provided by your ankle itself , and not necessarily from your shoes . If you are looking for a shoe to boost your confidence and get a little extra support, here is our top pick, and you can check out our full list of the best basketball shoes for ankle support as well .
Serious Player Only Ranger 1
The SPO Ranger 1 is a very versatile shoe , which theoretically is intended for both on-court performance and off-court fashion. It packs substantial cushioning, durable traction, and beefy support features. Support is the best and most distinctive quality of the Ranger 1. The Ranger 1 is equipped with a giant midfoot outrigger designed to help prevent ankle rolls. Also, the use of premium materials and the ability to customize the midsole add to its versatility and all-around appeal. Read full review . Price: $ 190
Most Comfortable Basketball Shoes 2024
Our choices for the most comfortable basketball shoes on the market will always have to excel in two key features : materials , and most importantly, cushion . This is our current top choice, but you can check out our full list here .
Nike GT Jump 2
Another top spot for the Nike GT Jump 2. The GT Jump 2 is one of the best basketball shoes of the year and one of the reasons it is so good is precisely because it is such a comfortable hoop shoe. Read the full review.
Best Traction Basketball Shoes 2024
Traction is one of the most important features of a performance basketball shoe. It's the foundation on which everything else is built. If excellent traction is your number 1 priority above any other feature, this is our top pick in regard to traction. Here you can see our full list of the best traction basketball shoes .
Serious Player Only Player 1 Plus
The Player 1 Plus is not only one of the best basketball shoes of the year all around, it is also the shoe with the best traction. Everything has been refined and improved slightly in this version of the shoe: more versatile traction, better materials, and better fit. It's just a better performance basketball shoe . Read full review . Price: $180
Best Low Top Basketball Shoes 2024
Low-cut basketball shoes are some of the most popular styles of basketball shoes on the market. They feel sleeker and more agile than other styles and after Kobe Bryant re-popularized them back in 2008, hoopers couldn't get enough of low-top basketball shoes. You can check our full list of the best low-top basketball shoes if you would like to as well.
Nike LeBron 21
The Nike LeBron 21 makes another appearance on our list, and that is because it is an excellent basketball shoe. It is our top low-top pick because it is the best hoop shoe out there, and it just happens to be a low-top basketball shoe. Read the full review. Price: $200
Best High Top Basketball Shoes 2024
Some people like low-top basketball shoes, and some people like high-top basketball shoes , it all depends on your personal taste while on the court. If you are in the market for the best high-top basketball shoes currently on the market, this is our top pick and you can check out our full list of the best high-top basketball shoes available as well, for extra info and context.
Nike GT Jump 2
This is one of the best basketball shoes of the year, and its also a high top. It's nice to see the changes Nike made in this shoe. They have taken everything that was great in the first model and tweaked it to make the GT Jump 2 that much better as a performance basketball shoe . It also makes the Nike GT Jump 2 a more accessible model for the majority of basketball players out there who need the added reactiveness and stability. Read the full review.
Best Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet 2024
It is a big hassle to find good basketball shoes for people with flat feet . Close to 30% of the population is flat-footed , and finding proper footwear for flat-footed basketball players can be difficult. With this in mind, and after hundreds of hours and models tested, we have chosen the top basketball shoe for flat feet , and we have curated a full list of flat-foot-friendly options as well.
Nike LeBron 21
The Nike LeBron 21 is going to be a great on court model . It can be described as a remix of the Nike LeBron 20 , and, that shoe was amazing. It also features a ton of great features for flat footers: a very comfortable cushioning system (Cusholon midsole + Zoom Air forefoot and heel), as well as great arch and torsional support. This will be one of the best basketball shoes all round of the year, and a good option for flat-footed hoopers. Read the full review. Price: $200
Best Basketball Shoes for Jumping 2024
First off, no basketball shoes will help you jump higher. Any publication or company that alleges the opposite is lying. As simple as that . A basketball shoe can, however, help you jump faster and cushion the impact when you come back down. So, with that in mind, here are our top picks of the best basketball shoes for jumping, and you can also check out our full list here .
Nike GT Jump 2
Because the Nike GT Jump 2 packs such an impressive cushioning package, but at the same time remains tremendously stable and reactive, it is an excellent option to get you off the hardwood and in the air in a hurry and absorb the impact when you come back down . The Nike GT Jump 2 is a very versatile shoe that will work well for every position on the court. Read the full review.
Best Value Basketball Shoes 2024
Here is our top pick for the best “bang for your buck” option currently available on the market. You can check out the full list here .
adidas AE 1
The adidas AE 1 is one of the best basketball shoes of the year. It boasts elite traction, a bouncy low-profile cushioning setup, and it provides a zippy secure ride on the court. It also costs just $120 which, considering the performance punch of the AE 1 packs, is very reasonable. Read full review. Price $120.
Best Cheap Basketball Shoes 2024
Here is our top pick for the best cheap basketball shoes currently available. Budget shoes are a specific type of shoe that is designed to be more inexpensive, best-value shoes are great performers with an amazing price and cheap basketball shoes are simply the best kicks with the lowest price. You can check out the full list here .
Nike Zoom Freak 5
Makes another appearance on this list. It is a great basketball shoe that is currently on clearance, which makes it an easy pick. Read the full review.
Best Basketball Shoes by Brand 2024
If you have a favorite brand, here you can check out our top picks from the top brands. We also have a list of the best basketball shoes by every brand that we have reviewed in the last year.
Best Nike Basketball Shoes
Nike LeBron 21
The Nike LeBron 21 promises to be a beast on court . It can be described as a remix of the Nike LeBron 20 , and, again, that shoe was amazing. Read the full review. Price: $200
Best Jordan Basketball Shoes
Jordan 38
This year's Jordan Flagship model is a beast and a big improvement on the Jordan 37 . It is lightweight and nimble, with tons of ventilation, a great no-nonsense traction setup, and a very well-balanced layered cushioning system . Price: $200. Read the full review.
Best Puma Basketball Shoes
Puma Stewie 2
The Puma Stewie 2 is Bianna Stewarts' second signature, and simply put it is just a great all-around performance model (possibly the best of the 2023/24 sneaker season). Read the full review. Price: $125
Best Under Armor Basketball Shoes
UA Curry 11
The one weakness of all the Flow Curry models has been the cushioning. Not that it's bad in any way, but Flow for basketball has a dense and neutral feeling underfoot, making the shoes that feature fairly niche items. With this new dual-density iteration of Flow, that one weakness has been addressed . Read the full review. Price: $160
Best Anta Basketball Shoes
Anta Shock Wave 5
If you like Kyrie's shoes with Nike you will like this one as well. Anta has thought of everything when designing this model and has created an elite guard shoe. Read the full review . Price: $115
Way Of Wade Best Basketball Shoes
Way of Wade All City 12
The Way of Wade All City 12 is a very solid all-around performance model with no real weak points, and several strong points. The full-length Boom cushioning is very well balanced , the multipurpose traction is excellent, and containment and support are top-notch as well. Read the full review. Price: $1 50
Best Adidas Basketball Shoes
adidas AE 1
the AE 1 which is a top-tier basketball shoe and one of the best first signature shoes we have ever seen. The AE 1 might end up being the best overall basketball shoe of 2024, but even if it doesn't end up at that level, it's an excellent basketball shoe and easily one of the best adidas basketball shoes you can buy. Read full review. Price $120.
Serious Player Only Basketball Shoes
Serious Player Only Player 1 Plus
The Player 1 was already a great hoop shoe and the Player 1 Plus takes things to another level . Everything has been refined and improved slightly in this version of the shoe: more versatile traction, better materials, and better fit. It's just a better performance basketball shoe . Read full review . Price: $180
Best Basketball Shoes By Position 2024
A good place to start when searching for the best basketball shoes for you is checking out shoes that were designed to cater to players who play the same position as you , or that cater to your playing style. Shoes designed for smaller, more powerful players will tend to put more emphasis on traction and court feel , whereas sneakers for bigger, more powerful players will include as much cushion and support as possible .
With this in mind, here are our top picks by position. You can also check out our full list for each to dive deeper:
- Best basketball shoes for point guards
- Best basketball shoes for shooting guards
- Best basketball shoes for small forwards
- Best basketball shoes for power forwards
- Best basketball shoes for centers
Best Basketball Shoes for Point Guards 2024
Nike Sabrina 2
The Nike Sabrina 1 was our top pick in this category last year, and the fact of the matter is that as good as the first Sabrina 1, the Sabrina 2 may be just a little bit better all around. So, easy pick. Read the full review. Price $130
Best Basketball Shoes for Shooting Guards 2024
adidas AE 1
The adidas AE 1 is a great all-around basketball shoe, and it is especially well suited for shifty, explosive players like shooting guards . Read full review. Price $120.
Best Basketball Shoes for Small Forwards 2024
Nike LeBron 21
The Nike LeBron 21 promises to be a beast on court . It can be described as a remix of the Nike LeBron 20 , and that shoe was amazing, in particular, it is amazing for versatile positions like Small Forward. Barring any unfortunate surprises, this will be one of the top models this year, one of the most universal, and one of the most comfortable on court, as well as an attainable Kobe substitute . Read the full review. Price: $200
Best Basketball Shoes for Power Forwards 2024
Puma MB 03
The Puma MB 03 makes another appearance on our best basketball shoes list. The MB 03 is an extremely well-rounded basketball shoe, with above-average cushioning, which will make it a great option for bigger skilled players, and therefore one of the best basketball shoes for Power Forwards. Read the full review . Price: $1 30
Best Basketball Shoes for Centers 2024
Nike GT Jump 2
It's nice to see the changes Nike made in this shoe. They have taken everything that was great in the first model and tweaked it to make the GT Jump 2 that much better as a performance basketball shoe. But this shoe is still one of the best-cushioned shoes we have ever seen, which, combined with the upgraded materials and fit make it one of the best basketball shoes for centers (if not THE best) you can pick up right now. Read the full review.
Best Basketball Shoe Insoles 2024
Move Insoles
Move Insoles come with the backing of the likes of Damian Lillard, Chris Paul, and Jamaal Crawford. If that wasn't enough they come packed with performance features including Shock-Free foam for step-in comfort, DS37 foam as the main cushion booster, a forefoot grip layer, an EVA torsion plate, and a Nylon-based torsion plate on Game DayPro. They are easily one of the best basketball insoles on the market . There are two models to choose from. The Game Day and the Game Day Pro, check them out! . Price: $39.99 or $59.99 .
