Best Basketball Shoes in 2024

From Nike and Jordan to adidas and Under Armour, an overview of the year’s best basketball sneakers.

AUTHOR: GRAEME CAMPBELL UPDATED ON: AUGUST 12, 2024

Best Nike Basketball Shoes

Nike Air Zoom GT Cut 3 - The Nike Air Zoom GT Cut 3 is the first-ever Nike Basketball shoe to feature full-length ZoomX cushioning. The shoe is lightweight and agile, with extra underfoot traction designed for split-second cutting plays.
Nike Zoom GT Jump 2 - The sophomore silhouette in the Zoom GT Jump series is reinforced with three variations of Air: a full-length Air Zoom Strobel unit and two round Air Zoom bags.
Nike LeBron 21 - Designed by Jason Petrie, the LeBron 21 features a low-cut, aerodynamic silhouette for quick plays. A Zoom Turbo unit is included in the forefoot, while a Zoom Air unit is incorporated in the heel. A full-length Cushlon 2.0 foam carrier provides additional reinforcement.
Nike KD 17 - The 17th edition in Kevin Durant’s signature series combines Air Strobel and Zoom Air for a dual-density cushioning setup, while a traction pattern inspired by a topographical map helps with multidirectional movements.
Nike Book 1 - The debut signature shoe from Devin Booker is heavily influenced by lifestyle elements, shaped by the goal of creating a “timeless future classic.” The silhouette features a TPU sidewall for stability, while Cushlon 2.0 foam and Air Zoom come together underfoot for a supportive ride.
Nike Kyrie Low 5 – The Kyrie Low 5 is a foundational model well-suited to players with a speed-driven game. It places a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot, with soft cushioning in the midsole.
Nike Ja 1 – The Nike Ja 1 is inspired by Ja Morant's vigorous style of play, incorporating hand-written notes and other aesthetic flourishes that pay homage to team Morant. The silhouette incorporates a midfoot lockdown system, forefoot Zoom Air bag and raised sidewall guardrail, all coming together for a dynamic fit, support for landing and a responsive ride.
Nike Zoom LeBron NXXT Gen - A foundational model in LeBron James’ signature line, the Zoom LeBron NXXT Gen is designed for speed and power, two key elements of James’ legendary game. Breathable, open-hole mesh appears throughout the upper, with Zoom Air in the forefoot and heel for energy return. On the outsole, a multidirectional traction pattern is inspired by a map of Akron, Ohio, where James grew up.

Ja 1 'Light Smoke Grey'

Air Zoom GT Cut 2 'Industrial Blue Jade Ice'

LeBron 21 'Freshwater'

KD 16 'Ready, Play'

Best Jordan Basketball Shoes

Air Jordan 37 – Featuring design elements reminiscent of the Air Jordan 7, the Air Jordan 37 is focused on providing a bouncy step. Technical specifications include a full-length Zoom Air Strobel unit and an additional Zoom Air unit placed below the forefoot, while a carbon fiber midfoot shank helps offset the load.
Air Jordan 38 - One of the most technologically driven Air Jordan’s ever, the 38th edition features a foot-stabilizing X-Plate for the first time. A full-length Zoom Strobel unit and Cushlon 3.0 wedge offer additional support.
Air Jordan 39 - Michael Jordan took a hands-on approach in the creation of the Air Jordan 39, instructing designers to make it the most premium silhouette in the series to date. The silhouette is equipped with full-length ZoomX foam and a responsive full-length Air Zoom unit for explosive cuts.
Jordan Luka 2 – The Luka 2 is the sophomore design in Luka Dončić’s signature Jordan Brand series, created for nonlinear movements, a key component of Dončić’s unique game. A full-length Formula 23 foam combined with a flexible IsoPlate offers lateral support, while a medial Cushlon 3.0 wedge helps keep the foot stable.
Jordan Zion 2 – The Jordan Zion 2 is designed to support the ankle when making lateral cuts. Like Zion Williamson, the sneaker packs plenty of power, and is well-matched to physical players due to the decoupled Strobel engineering that allows for extra Zoom Air at the forefoot.
Jordan Tatum 2 - Jayson Tatum’s second signature Jordan shoe prioritizes lightness, with a full-length Air Strobel unit underfoot for responsiveness and smooth transitions from heel to toe.

Air Jordan 37 Low 'Fraternity'

Air Jordan 38 'Fundamental'

Jordan Luka 2 'Luk.AI'

Jordan Zion 2 'Voodoo'

Best adidas Basketball Shoes

adidas Trae Young 3 – Trae Young’s third signature sneaker is highlighted by a colossal sole unit with topographic map-inspired details. The engineered knit upper is bolstered with strategic TPU placements.
adidas Dame 8 – The adidas Dame 8 is infused with full-length Bounce Pro, offering a mix of balance and support. The Damian Lillard shoe’s unique outsole supports cutting plays and explosive acceleration.
adidas D.O.N. Issue #6 - adidas’ D.O.N. Issue #6 is lightweight and nimble, designed for guard-oriented performance. Highlighted by smooth linework, it features Lightstrike Pro foam in the forefoot and regular Lightstrike foam in the heel.
adidas Harden Vol. 8 - The eighth model in James Harden’s signature adidas series combines a Jet Boost midsole with Lightstrike cushioning, utilizing three different traction pods underfoot for quick movements.
adidas AE 1 shoes – The debut signature basketball shoe for Anthony Edwards features a honeycomb patterned-TPU support cage with breathable perforations. The midsole combines Boost and Lightstrike for lightweight cushioning and energy return.

Trae Young 3 'Stormtrooper'

Dame 8 'Respect My Name'

D.O.N. Issue #5 'Black White'

Harden Vol. 7 'Lucid Fuchsia'

Best Under Armour Basketball Shoes

Curry Flow 11 – For the Curry Flow 11, Under Armour employs synthetic UA Warp technology for a fit that molds to the foot. A dual-density UA Flow cushioning setup is utilized for the first time, while a segmented plate helps keep the mid and underfoot stable.
Under Armour Flow FUTR X – Building on past innovations, the Under Armour Flow FUTR employs Flow tooling that helps bite the court. A midfoot strap with lace integration keeps the foot in place, while a Pebax shank improves stability.
Under Armour Embiid One – Under Armour’s Embiid One is Joel Embiid’s first signature sneaker. Integrating Micro-G and Hovr technology that provides cushioning and improved energy return, the silhouette is suited to power forwards and guards alike.

Curry Flow 11 'Dub Nation'

Flow FUTR X 'White Metallic Gold'

Embiid One 'Goldmind'

Curry Flow 11 'Future Curry'

Best Basketball Shoes From Other Brands

New Balance Two WXY V3 - The New Balance Two WXY V3 sees a FuelCell midsole enhanced by ABZORB cushioning technology. The silhouette is designed for abrupt stops and quick movements.
New Balance Two WXY V4 - Combining Fresh Foam X and FuelCell for the first time in a New Balance basketball shoe, the Two WXY V4 is distinguished by a unique split sole, designed for sharp turns and rapid cuts.
Way of Wade Son of Flash – Way of Wade is the signature sports brand by Li-Ning and Dwyane Wade. Built specifically for outdoor play, the Son of Flash silhouette features a fully synthetic upper, mounted upon a Cloud Foam midsole with Boom cushioning in the forefoot and heel.
Way of Wade 10 Low - Taking design inspiration from the energy found in lightning, Li Ning’s Way of Wade 10 Low pairs a BOOM midsole with a full-length carbon fiber plate for energy return The upper is built with breathable mesh and no-sew overlays.
ANTA Kai 1 - Kyrie Irving’s first ANTA silhouette is maximalist in its execution, bringing together breathable mesh, no-sew overlays and a midfoot strap on the upper. Nitroedge foam underfoot provides impact-dampening.

Best Women's Basketball Shoes

Nike Sabrina 1 - Sabrina Ionescu's first Nike basketball model is inspired by her Romanian heritage. The low-profile silhouette is engineered with Zoom Air, React foam and a stabilizing shank.
Nike Sabrina 2 - Sabrina Ionescu’s sophomore model builds on the structure of its acclaimed predecessor, equipped with Cushlon 3.0 technology inside a more robust Cushlon foam shell for the first time in a basketball shoe. Additional features include an updated “S” frame around the knit upper and a herringbone-traction pattern underfoot.
PUMA Stewie 2 - Breanna Stewart's second signature shoe, PUMA combines engineered mesh and an external PWRTAPE support system on the versatile Stewie 2. A NITRO-infused midsole cushions each step, while an adjoining outsole tread pattern helps grip to the surface.
PUMA Stewie 3 - The sequel to Breanna Stewart’s second signature shoe is notable for its all-new drop-in midsole, combining Profoam technology with a NITROFOAM unit and TPU shank plate.
Under Armour Breakthru 3 - The Under Armour Breakthru 3 is optimized for the female foot, featuring a breathable mesh upper with strategically placed TPU films. Flow cushioning serves as the midsole and outsole.

Best Overall Basketball Shoes for Guards

Best Overall Basketball Shoes for Power Forwards and Centers

Popular Basketball Shoe Colors

Top Basketball Shoes

MB.01 'Iridescent Dreams'

Ja 1 'Light Smoke Grey'

Wmns Sabrina 1 'Family Bonds'

LeBron 21 'Freshwater'

KD 16 'Ready, Play'

Way of Wade 10 Low 'Cherry Blossom'

Air Zoom GT Cut 2 'White Grey Pink'

Air Jordan 38 'FIBA'

Jordan Luka 2 'Black Cement'

Harden Vol. 7 'Stormtrooper'

Where to buy basketball shoes?

You can buy basketball shoes on GOAT. Explore a selection of basketball shoes.

What new basketball shoes are coming out?

Upcoming and recent basketball sneaker releases include:

Are basketball shoes good for running?

Basketball shoes are suitable for light runs and recreational exercise. For longer distances, a specialist running shoe is recommended. For more information, consult our running shoe guide.

How to clean basketball shoes?

Basketball shoes react well to most specialist shoe-cleaning products. For more sneaker cleaning tips, consult our cleaning guide.

Can you wear basketball shoes for volleyball?

Basketball shoes are an ideal substitute for volleyball shoes, offering similar traction as shoes designed specifically for volleyball.

How should basketball shoes fit?

Basketball shoes should fit snug. A thumbnail’s worth of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe is an ideal size.

How to break in basketball shoes?

The simplest way to break in basketball shoes is to wear them every day, even for light 15 to 20 minute drills. Additionally, wearing a thick pair of socks can help expand the shoe material.

Are Jordans good basketball shoes?

Yes, Air Jordans are good basketball shoes. Originally designed as Michael Jordan’s signature footwear line, Air Jordans have been a staple basketball shoe since debuting in 1985. Today, newer Air Jordan models are considered most suitable for playing basketball.

What basketball shoes does Timothée Chalamet wear?

Timothée Chalamet wore the adidas Trae Young 2 ‘Green Mint’ in a pickup game in New York City alongside fellow actor Adam Sandler.

What basketball shoes does Caitlin Clark wear?

Caitlin Clark was wearing the Kobe 5 'Bruce Lee' in the Women's NCAA National Championship game against South Carolina on April 7, 2024. She has also been seen wearing the Kobe 6 'Reverse Grinch' during games.

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