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Last Updated: May 01. Basketball sneakers are always part of the men’s wardrobe. Whether for fashion or sports use, basketball shoes are always part of the closet of a man. Though, someone who would wear it for fashion may not prioritize durability, someone who takes the sport seriously, however, needs the best basketball shoes. So what are the criteria for basketball sneakers to be considered the best? Here is a buying guide for all you basketball players out there!
There are so many good basketball shoes in the market right now and it might be a challenge to look for the perfect one. So here is our list of the top 5 to help you out! Better get your cash ready because you will totally want to buy at least one, if not all, of the shoes in our list.
Top 5 Basketball Shoe Reviews
Model | Material | Our Rating | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Leather and Synthetic | ||
 | Synethic | ||
 | Leather | ||
 | Rubber | ||
 | Synthetic |
Air Jordan XX8
The Air Jordan XX8 has a translucent outsole with a spiral effect. No matter what you do in the court, there is going to be traction and that is just a phenomenal attribute that the Air Jordan XX8 has. Rubber in the sole is not that flexible but that should come out as a good thing because it makes it more durable. This shoe may be used both on indoor and outdoor courts. The forefoot and back unit is separated and the middle is raised a little bit so that when you press down, it absorbs the shock evenly.
This shoe is perfect for guards or anyone who runs a lot on the floor because of the cushion. The Air Jordan XX8 does not feel as the typical zoom unit because it rests directly without the foam. The material used for the interior is minimal micromesh which are like fingers that hug your foot. There is also a mesh inner boot. The exterior shroud is also very durable. The zipper will make a lot of people worry since laces are more durable but the zippers are top of the line. So that should not be a problem. The Air Jordan XX8 is so light that it just feels and looks like a giant sock with a sole. The only drawback you could have with this unit is the fact that if you get run over a lot, the outsole will wear out easily. A thicker fuse might have done the trick here.
If you choose to buy this basketball shoe and want a real snug fit, you need to go half a size down. You can adjust this from low top to high top depending on your needs.
Nike Kobe 8 SYSTEM
First things first, the Nike Kobe 8 System has a range of awesome designs. It is available in really dope designs you will love. The shoe is so aesthetically beautiful that you can actually wear it casually. This fits like a glove and offers awesome traction on inside courts. Outside courts are a different story and you must play with it outside at your own risk. The lockdown is top of the line. It is ridiculously light at 9.6 ounces and very durable. The level of comfort allows you to have quicker feet which will benefit basketball players.
The traction is herringbone that is why it is great indoors. If you play outdoors a lot, then you are better off with the XDR outsole. The rubber is super soft but has a dragon skin texture that offers great grip on the floor. The cushion is a system set up which is optional for the user. If ever you do choose to use this perfect foam cushion, expect that impact will be distributed evenly. The material used is mesh which wraps around the foot greatly and does not allow any dead space inside. There is support all throughout the shoe as well inside. The pillows on the tongue are a great feature and you can snug it as much as you want. This fits true to size and overall, this is the best basketball guard shoes ever.
Adidas Adipure Crazyquick
Traction is great indoors rather than outdoors because the rubber is not that dense. So, it’s ultimately your decision to use this shoe for outdoor gaming. The forefoot has minimal cushion and this should come out as relatively comfortable for some people. However, if your criterion for shoes is the cushion, then you are better off with another kind. The midsole is thin and this is not such a drawback because it actually feels great most especially if you are a ground player, not the one who keeps on jumping and flying in the court.
The material used is TechFit and, as usual, super awesome. Durability wise – not so much but when it comes to providing support – it is top of the line. There is SprintFame that is perfectly foot hugging. The lacing has a synthetic overlay design to make sure to keep the foot locked into the bed. You might have a little trouble making sure that your heel is in place. Ventilation is given but doesn’t expect a tremendous amount of air like other basketball shows. This one has a moisture wicking spandex that should do the trick. Since you are practically barefoot in this shoe, then you will avoid ankle injuries as it does not hug your ankles that much. Overall, Adidas did a superb job on this one, the only thing that can make it perfect, if it still isn’t for you, is their Boost foam. Once you get this all together, it becomes the perfect basketball shoes.
Nike Air Jordan Retro 4
Also known as the Carmelo 4, this is also a great shoe for the ball game. This is available in many colors as well. This shoe is tagged as the best release of the year 2013 so far and rightfully so. It is indeed great basketball shoes. The material is synthetic and meshes on the upper part. The mid sole is max air unit and the outsole is Rubber with the classic herringbone pattern. The rubber outsole makes it very easy for basketball players to stop and move without getting injured. The height is low top to mid top and secures the ankle very well. This is a great basketball shoe but most of all it is super stylish! This looks great on the court and on the dance floor. This is probably why it’s sold out everywhere and why people lined up for it for up to 5 hours just to get it on the release date. Great buy and a must have.
Nike Air Force 1
This basketball shoe comes in many different styles that you will surely love. The Nike Air Force 1 is the updated version of the original which was released in 1982. The difference from the previous ones? Well, not that much. It still aims to provide comfort to basket ball players and users while adding some fresh designs every time a new one comes out. This is a must have for all Nike Air Force One Collectors and basketball players as well.
The material used in this version is letter and it has a very nice man made sole. It has a premium leather upper as well. There is an air-sole unit that is perfect for cushioning. It is very easy for a player to move around and jump or run because the sole absorbs shock evenly. The rubber outsole provides the player with great grip and is also very durable. So there is no need to worry about durability. This shoe is one of the most sold old shoes that Nike has and I seriously think that this will have more versions in the future. It’s a classic and each time a new version comes out, more value is placed into the old ones.
How to Find the Best Basketball Shoes
Choose the Perfect Ankle Height
The ankle height of the shoes has a lot to do with how a basketball player plays in game. In fact, each role on a basketball team should have a corresponding ankle height for their basketball sneakers. For instance, if the team relies on you for speed then the ankle height for your basketball sneakers should be relatively short because high top ones can restrict movement and slow you down. Mid-tops may be acceptable for runners but low-tops are a definite NO!
Those who need to perform many different roles in the game can be safe with mid-top ankle high basketball sneakers which are very abundant in the market these days because this is also the choice of basketball player trainees. If your role in game is to make a lot of stop and start moves, then the best are high-top basketball sneakers. High-tops are great for pivoting and jumping. High tops are also great for casual games such as those in half courts and the like.
Provides Comfort and Ease in Playing
All basketball players need cushioning, flexibility and support in their shoes. In addition to this, basketball sneakers should not be a burden to the person playing. This is why it is very important that they are super light. In average, the best basketball shoes should just weight about more or less 10 ounces. All these factors make up the best shoe for basketball. Thus, try out all the shoes that want until you get the one that is a perfect fit.
Choose the Right Size and Width
Now, this is pretty obvious, however, there are times when you simply base the shoe you buy from the size written in the box. For basketball players, repeated stress on the feet can actually change the size of the foot and though this change is small, it can affect how a player runs and does other actions in the court. Thus, every time you go shopping for the best basketball shoes, you must always let a sales associate assist you in re-measuring your shoe size. Sizing charts are all over shoe stores anyway, so this won’t be a problem. If you plan to buy online, simply take a ruler or tape measure and trace your foot then measure from the heel up to the highest toe.
Don’t Miss Out on Style
Of course, style would be part of this list. You want to look your best so you can play your best game. Over the past few years, the basketball sneakers that players wear has become a part of their individuality. There is no one style of basketball sneakers that look great. What may be a cool design for you may not be the same for another. No matter what style you choose, make sure it looks good on your feet!
Conclusion
So, there you go! The top 5 basketball shoes of the year. These shoes are not only guaranteed to give you a good game on the court, but it also ensures the safety of your golden feet. These set of shoes may have different prices ranging from affordable to not-so-affordable but always bear in mind that it is very important is that you are safe while playing basketball. In addition that, comfortable basketball sneakers will give you your A-game! The best basketball shoes will bring out the best in you and will definitely make you the best player you can be. And last but not the least, it does not hurt to bring a little bit of style in the court! So go head and rock these kicks along with your jersey and have a lot of fun!
Last Updated: May 01.
