Two Jordans have dominated the basketball court more than anyone else - one is the player Michael Jordan (now retired), and the other Jordan is a shoe that continues the legacy. And it will probably never retire from action. Looking for the best basketball shoes to up your game? Today, I will tell you everything you need to answer the question: what is the best basketball shoes? And then, go ahead and buy one for yourself.
Basketball is an extremely active sport and at every level, there are hundreds of skilled players. But good skill needs to be complemented with proper equipment to prevent injuries & allow better movement. To do great at this sport, you need to have great control over your body, fast movement to be present all around the court and enough protection to avoid any sudden injuries. Basketball shoes are designed to do all that - great traction, great agility & great cushioning.
Why should you get basketball shoes?
Although donning something your favorite stars wear is a compelling enough reason for some people, it’s not just that. Does any of the following sound like something you’d want?
- Excellent traction and stability while moving on the basketball court.
- Fast, agile movements that help you use your skills to dominate the court.
- Great cushioning that not only saves you from injuries during landing but also feels super comfortable.
- A sexy and stylish look that you can don anytime you want, even when it’s raining outside.
If you crave for even one of the things on the list above, let me help you pick the best jordan basketball shoes for you.
The Best Brands
When it comes to the best jordan basketball shoes, Nike and Adidas stand head to head. Both companies make some excellent shoes and if you have the budget I’d suggest you try them both. (unless you already have a personal favorite). In fact the Jordan shoes have been the gamechanger for these companies.
Even though the market is dominated by two major shoe manufacturing companies - Nike & Adidas, there are other brands that are doing well for example, shoes from Under Armour are really nice.
But the overwhelming number of options available to you might get you confused. In this article, I go over the best jordan basketball shoes so that you get to be a part of the legacy, the movement that’s going on for decades. As you read through the article, you will find some of the best products available today. Use my buying guide to pick any one of the below products and dominate the court while keeping yourself safe.
Top 5 Basketball Shoes
Below are the best shoes that I have found on the market. I have tested and carefully curated this list from my own personal experience and that of other real life users, so you know that the information you’re reading is from thorough and genuine research. My goal is to help you pick the best shoes you can get for basketball.
1. Nike Jordan Men’s Air Jordan 1 Basketball Shoe
This shoe started it all. And more than 27 years later, it is still the top pick, even if you’re not a retro fan. It was a gamechanger for Nike when they launched this shoe and Michael Jordan endorsed it.
It offers you great traction all around, both indoors and outdoors. The outsole is very solid and comes with extra stitching for durability. You can add extra cushioning on the inside if you’re not satisfied with what it ships with. What you will love about this shoe is that it comes with comfort as well a style that catches everyone’s eye.
2. Adidas Performance Men’s Cloudfoam Ilation Basketball shoe
The standout feature of this pair of shoes is how lightweight it is. It comes with a perforated leather top so you get enough ventilation. The inner sidelines and back are very soft and the mesh design makes them very breathable so you have guaranteed comfort.
The three stripes on each side make sure that you’re locked in and provide you with great support. The outsole is made up of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), which is why this shoe is so light. And the price makes this shoe a bargain you should not miss! Great product if you’re on a tight budget.
3. Nike Men’s Lebron XIII Basketball Shoe
The Nike Lebron features a unique hexapod design on the outsole which makes it extremely suitable for clean indoor courts. The shoe has a mesh design on the top and the sizes fit perfectly. It is famous among users for the extreme support that it offers. The cushion’s great too.
But if you’re looking for a shoe that you can use on dusty and rough outdoor courts, avoid this one.
4. Adidas Performance Men’s Crazy 8 Basketball Shoe
Another model that has survived the test of time. The Adidas Crazy was launched back in 1998, but it still performs great more than 20 years later. This shoe is built for speed and precision so you can move fast and dominate the court with your movements.
When it comes to performance, this shoe is a beast. It does not offer you a lot of cushioning but that can be taken care of by adding extra insoles if you want. The outsole is made of rubber and is very durable. You can use it both indoors and outdoors. What’s even better? It sells for less than $100!
5. Under Armour Men’s Curry Basketball Shoe
In a market flooded with quality shoes from giants like Nike and Adidas, Under Armour shoes are like a breath of fresh air. They make really good shoes and the Curry model is a great example. It offers superb traction to help your balance both indoors and outdoors. The cushion is not as bouncy as the Nike shoes but you still have it good enough. The material is SpeedForm in parts, and the top is perforated to allow for ventilation.
Fit is one of the areas these shoes excel at. They do take 2-3 days to break in though, but afterwards, you will have one of the most comfortable shoes present on the market.
Other Alternatives
Want to check out more options before you make your decision? Here are some other alternatives that I like. Though not as good as the top 5 products on the list, they still beat other shoes on the market.
1. Adidas Men’s Tubular X Basketball Shoes
What you will love about these shoes is their sock like fit which makes them mold to your feet. Well, almost. If I had to use only two words to describe these shoes they would be - Super Comfortable.
The Adidas Men’s Tubular X ‘s upper part is made of neoprene rubber and the outsole is made of EVA material. This means that the shoe is super light. It is available in many different colors, but the black is the most popular one. You can wear these anytime, not just for basketball.
2. Adidas Performance Men’s D Rose 5 Boost Basketball Shoes
The Men’s D Rose with the Boost technology comes in both mesh and non-mesh variants. You can choose from 16 different colors. The best feature of these shoes is the great ankle support they provide you which can match any of the top 5 shoes on our list.
3. Nike KD 8 Mens Basketball shoes
Want a shoe that allows you to play great on both clean and dusty surfaces? The Nike KD 8 is what you’re looking for. Although the rubber is soft, the outsole design is where this shoe really shines when it comes to traction. The new zoom air unit makes this shoe very comfortable and you will get amazing cushioning.
The only thing I disliked is that it take a little longer to break in, but if you can tough it out it’s an amazing shoe.
4. Adidas Men’s Light Em Up Basketball Shoe
Alright, this one is for you if you’re looking for a budget model. This shoe sells for under $70! But that doesn’t mean it compromises on the core features. It has a mesh top, and a rubber outsole for efficient traction. The insole is molded foam, and you can only choose from two different colors.
5. Nike Jordan Kids Retro Basketball Shoe
At last, a Jordan made for kids. These shoes are extremely comfy and look great. They also come in seven different sizes so no matter how big your kid is, he/she can have a Jordan.
The shoe features a hook and strap design which gives it a more kid-like feel. The price is high-end, but this is one of the best shoes for kids who want to play basketball.
Buying Guide
So you want basketball shoes, but how do you decide what is the best basketball shoes for you? I have narrowed down the list for you. Use the following points to help you pick out the best fit for you.
- How much traction does the shoe provide? Are you going to be playing indoors only or outdoors too?
- Basketball involves a lot of jumping and landing on your feet. Make sure that the shoes provide you sufficient cushioning depending on your style of play.
- The style. This is a matter of personal taste. What kind of looks do you want? For me, it’s the retro. Do you want them to be higher or of standard height?
- How much support does the shoe provide? If you’re only going to use it for walking and mild running skip this.
- Finally, the budget. How much cash are you willing to pay? Basketball shoe prices can go well over $300, but if you’re actively pursuing this career, it’s an investment you should make.
If you want to know more about what is the best basketball shoes available today, then check out this video below:
Conclusion
What makes the basketball shoes great? They are very sporty and stylish so you don’t have to play basketball to wear them. Just put them on and flaunt them, even during the rain. If you do play basketball, investing in a good pair of shoes will go a long way in giving you the agility, speed, balance and protection you need to excel at this game along with your skills.
Basketball shoes are here to stay. And more people are going to own them. The question is: Are you going to stay on the fence & watch or are you going to make a decision? All products on the above list are classic shoes me & my team have personally tested. You can pick any product from the list depending on your choice and become a proud owner today!