If you’re a basketball player, you know the importance of owning a good pair (or multiple pairs) of shoes.
Low quality shoes can be uncomfortable and even cause injury and are likely to fall apart quickly.
This will negatively impact your play on the court and will make the game less enjoyable.
Your shoes may actually be the most important part of your entire basketball collection.
One problem that exists for many recreational players is that they play ball on both indoor and outdoor surfaces.
There is a noticeable difference between a hardwood floor and a concrete surface, and it is wise to invest in multiple pairs of shoes as some play better on different surfaces.
This article will look at some of the best indoor and outdoor shoes that you can buy if you want to light up the court – no matter what the surface.
First, we’ll start off with some indoor sneakers you can utilize with a few of them being good for indoor and outdoor use.
Then we’ll conclude with a list of shoes that are best for outdoor usage. So, without further ado, here’s the list for some premium kicks.
The 8 Best Indoor Basketball Shoes
These shoes are designed to play nicely on indoor courts with their polished hardwood floors.
1. Nike Zoom KD 12
Nike is the most well-known basketball shoe company in the world, and there’s good reason for that.
The Zoom KD 12 features the new Nike Zoom Air cushioning system, which has been lauded by professionals throughout the league.
It is designed to give you better movement and control, allowing you to move more effortlessly and pick apart the competition.
There’s even an air zoom unit in the heel, which provides extra spring and bounce, while also making the shoe more comfortable.
This shoe has great traction and looks excellent, providing a strong upper surface so that it can take plenty of abuse.
It is made of synthetic mesh and has a strong but light rubber sole, so you’ll really feel like you’re flying when you put these shoes on.
Nike definitely doesn’t disappoint with this offering. Even the plastic clip wraps are a nice addition, meaning that your shoes will stay on no matter how hard you play.
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2. Air Jordan XXXIV
Anybody who knows anything about basketball knows that Air Jordans are always highly desirable, no matter what the model.
The Air Jordan XXXIV is not only a sleek looking shoe, it performs with some of the best new shoes on the market.
This is a tough shoe that will provide plenty of protection for your feet, but at the same time it is lightweight and durable, allowing you to run around the court with ease.
This pair of shoes features Zoom Air cushioning, so you can run, jump, and change direction easily, all while feeling like you’re riding on a cloud.
Even though it has a heavy-duty look, these shoes breathe very well thanks to the mesh lightweight upper section, so you won’t have to worry about your feet getting sweaty or overheating.
There is plenty of ankle support, and the high padding will make sure that your foot stays in the shoe no matter how hard you are running or jumping.
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3. Nike LeBron Soldier XIII SFG
Everyone knows that Lebron doesn’t mess around on the court, and this shoe doesn’t mess around either.
The Soldier XIII SFG is Lebron’s signature shoe, providing you with plenty of support for even the most intense of basketball games.
The excellent traction means you’ll be very stable on the court. And although these are designed for indoor courts, they actually hold up very well on outdoor courts as well.
This shoe has a lot of cushioning, but not so much that it affects the performance, so you’ll be playing ball in comfort while maxing out your potential every time you step on the court.
This is another one that includes Nike Zoom Air cushioning, and one step in these and you’ll definitely notice the difference.
Your bones and joints will thank you because the Zoom cushioning absorbs plenty of shock and allows you to continue to play the game without aches and pains.
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4. Nike PG3 Basketball Shoes
It should come as no surprise that Nike makes so many appearances on this list. They are simply one of if not the best in the entire game, as is evidenced by their immense popularity.
The PG3 Basketball Shoe is offers a simple but elegant design that is perfect for players who aren’t too concerned with being flashy.
The higher-top design allows you to secure the shoe for every game so that you are tightly laced in and playing in optimum comfort.
The Nike Zoom unit means that the shoe will absorb all the shock as you play and give you some extra spring as you’re running and jumping.
The multi-directional pattern on the bottom combined with the strong treads will put you in complete control of the game as you run across and around the court with relative ease, stopping on a dime and making all your shots.
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5. Jordan Why Not Zero
Another Jordan shoe making the list was inevitable, as the GOAT is synonymous with both the game of basketball and the shoes used to play it.
This isn’t a basic looking shoe by any means, so those who don’t want to make a splash might want to steer clear.
But for the player who wants to be seen, the Why Not Zero is the perfect combination of glitz and performance.
Of course, this one features the Nike Zoom Air unit to give you plenty of comfort and boost your overall game when it comes to jumping and moving.
The five-hole lace system is adjustable, meaning that you can make this shoe fit your foot perfectly, even if you have a wider one.
The outsole is very strong and will stop any abrasions while keeping your foot protected and stable.
The traction on this shoe is unbelievable, so you won’t have to worry about flopping around the court as you play.
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6. Adidas Harden Vol. 4
This is the first Adidas entry on the list, but that doesn’t mean that it’s inferior.
James Harden is one of the games brightest stars, and there’s a reason he went with the well-known brand to design his own personal shoe.
Adidas shoes provide some of the best grip in the game, and the Harden Vol. 4 is no exception. You’ll be able to stop and pivot quickly, even if the biggest defenders are coming your way.
The cushioning is slightly different than what you may be used to if you wear Nikes often, but that doesn’t mean it is worse.
It is, in fact, a very comfortable shoe that will absorb plenty of shock, allowing you to play a comfortable game and focus on your skills rather than your feet.
The adjustable lacing system means that you can get as snug as a fit as you desire, so these shoes will always stay on and provide you with plenty of support.
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7. Adidas Men’s Harden Stepback Basketball Shoe
Another Adidas shoe, and another Harden design. This should come as no surprise since the player is so heavily involved with the brand.
This are a simpler looking shoe, but they have plenty of features that make them an excellent option for a game of basketball.
The highly quality materials are put together nicely, giving you a lot of support, even if you have extremely large feet.
In that case, you can adjust the laces and the opening to give you some breathing room while still keeping your ankles and feet stabilized.
The upper sole is mesh and very breathable, so your feet won’t get sweaty or sticky during the game.
These shoes are lightweight but provide plenty of traction, allowing you to play a full game of basketball without worrying about rolling your ankle or falling all over the ground.
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8. Under Armour Curry 3 Zero III
Under Armour may not be one of the bigger names in basketball, but they still make some high-quality shoes.
Again, it all comes down to personal preference, but if 3-time champion and 2-time MVP Steph Curry wears them, you can be sure that these are great shoes.
These low-profile shoes can be worn on and off the court, but don’t let the simple design fool you.
These are incredibly durable and extremely comfortable, meaning you can play basketball all day without worrying about injury or fatigue.
The extra neck padding provides an additional layer of comfort so that your feet and ankles can feel great all game long.
It is a lightweight shoe that allows your feet to breath but has plenty of traction, so you can run up and down the court quickly while making abrupt stops when needed.
These are underrated shoes that simply get the job done when it matters.
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The 5 Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes
There are some subtle differences between indoor and outdoor basketball shoes.
Outdoor basketball shoes are a little more durable because they have to endure the elements, but they might be a little stiffer because of this.
Still, they perform very well, so here are some of the best outdoor shoes that you can buy.
1. Under Armour HOVR Havoc 2
The second Under Armour entry on our list, this is a great outdoor basketball shoe because it maintains a lightweight while staying strong and durable.
It is very flexible, and the breathable mesh material means that your feet will stay cool even throughout the most intense games.
With a webbed lacing system, your foot will remain in place and shouldn’t need adjusting even if you are running and jumping non-stop.
The unique cushioning is very comfortable and will help your feet to feel good all day long, even after the game is over.
The traction is great for outdoor surfaces, and the materials are strong so that they will not wear out too quickly.
Outdoor games can take a toll on your shoes, but these should last you a very long time.
These may not be the most impressive looking shoes, but they certainly give you a great bang for your buck as far as performance is concerned.
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2. Adidas Men’s Ownthegame Wide Basketball Shoe
This is a classic looking shoe, but the features are anything but classic! This updated shoe provides you with some of the highest-quality cushioning that money can buy, and the traction on it is amazing.
These soles are excellent for outdoor surfaces because of their strength and durability.
The cut of this shoe will provide you with plenty of support while you are playing, even if the game is getting pretty heated.
The wide profile of the shoe is great for people with big feet and will help you to spread your toes out to improve balance and comfort.
They might look like heavy-duty shoes, but they are surprisingly lightweight and breathable, meaning you can play basketball all day long without your feet sweating or becoming sore.
You will certainly be impressed by the great traction these shoes provide, even on some of the toughest terrain that you might find yourself playing on.
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3. Nike Men’s Lebron 17 Basketball Shoes
You may know Lebron from his indoor NBA play, but there’s no doubt that he has dominated some street games in his time.
The Lebron 17s are made with outdoor play in mind, and it’s easy to see why.
They have very large heels, allowing them to take on the extra shock and force that comes with playing on the rougher, denser, outdoor terrain.
Because they have the Zoom Air pockets, you benefit from a great response and a high level of comfort and cushioning.
The wide fit means that you’ll gain an advantage with extra balance, and the plastic clips lock the shoe in place so that it won’t go flying off, even if you go flying up.
If outdoor basketball is your game, you can strap these shoes on and enjoy high performance all day long without worrying about injury or fatigue.
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4. Under Armour Men’s Lockdown 4 Basketball Shoe
These are another pair of shoes that are made specifically for outdoor games.
In typical Under Armour fashion, they aren’t as flashy as some of the other options, but they still get the job done, and can be even worn out after the game.
The superior grip on these shows will have you running across the court with ease and pivoting on a dime when you need to make a flashy play.
The responsive midsole provides you with a great level of comfort, as is it EVA and helps to keep your foot locked in place to give stability.
They might look like they’re hot, but they are surprisingly lightweight and breathable, so sweating won’t be too much of an issue.
The rubber outsole is a fantastic feature, as it provides protection from abrasion and erosion due to water or dirt.
These are simply a shoe that gets the job done, and helps you to perform at your maximum ability.
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5. Nike KD Trey 5 VII Basketball Shoe
Another outdoor-specific shoe, the KD Trey 5 VII gives you a classic look with the modern bells and whistles.
These are some of the most durable shoes that you can find, and you could even play several games in a torrential outdoor downpour and they would still perform for a long time to come.
The rubber sole is perfect for outdoor courts, protecting your feet from the extra shock that they are often known for.
That’s also thanks to the superior cushioning that Nike is known for, and that is designed in this case specifically for outdoor courts.
Despite looking heavy, these lightweight shoes have a great bounce and spring feeling that will help you improve your game every time you go out to play.
They are extremely responsive and comfortable, giving you all the durability you could hope for in an outdoor basketball shoe.
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What to Look for in Basketball Shoes
So in this section, we’re going to discuss what you should look for in a basketball shoe just to make sure you select the right one.
However, we’re aware that the list for outdoor shoes is kind of short, so if you’d like to see a couple more options for outdoor courts, make sure you check out this list.
Before you begin your journey to finding the right shoes, you should have a good idea of what to look for.
Of course, personal preference will play a major role, but it is important to understand some of the indicators of high-quality vs low quality shoes.
Comfort
It should go without saying that comfort is one of the most important factors when picking out a shoe.
If it doesn’t fit right or if your foot doesn’t feel good in the shoe, how are you ever going to play to your maximum ability?
Obviously, a new shoe isn’t going to be as comfortable as one that has been broken in, but you should be able to tell the second you put on the shoe if it is worth moving forward.
There should be enough cushioning to absorb impact and keep your feet feeling nice, but you don’t want something that overdoes it with cushioning, as this will inhibit movement and durability.
There are many different materials that are used in cushioning, and the technology behind it continues to get more impressive, so always look for the newest shoes if you want to benefit from the best cushioning.
These materials differ from brand to brand, and there is no 100% right answer. If the shoe feels good when you put it on and walk around in it, there’s a good chance that you might end up loving it.
But you should be sure to try on different brands and models, as you want to find the one that feels best for your foot size and shape.
Traction
The comfort inside the shoe is one thing, but it won’t matter much if the shoe lacks proper traction.
Traction is incredibly important in helping you run and jump, and even more so for preventing injuries.
A shoe that slips and slides on any surface can lead to rolled ankles and broken bones, as well as constant falling.
Certain soles are more suited for outdoor play, while others perform better on indoor courts. This is because of the difference in surface materials.
If you play on both surfaces, you might want to look into getting two different pairs of shoes based on their traction.
You won’t get maximum performance, but you will at least be able to play safely and comfortably no matter where you are going.
Movement
Traction is part of movement, but overall movement is a different thing. It includes traction as well as your ability to lift your feet, pivot, and run around freely and comfortably.
Movement can be affected by the weight of the shoe, the shape of your foot, the material on the soles, and even the lacing.
You want shoes that won’t slow you down because they are too heavy.
You also want to make sure that you can stop on a dime, as there are many plays in basketball that require a sudden change in direction.
Depending on the type of player you are, you may look at different kind of shoes.
If you are a defender who needs to stand your ground, more stable shoes might be good, but if you are a fast player who is constantly running, jumping, and shooting, you may want lighter, springier shoes.
Brand
There are many brands of basketball shoes, and not all are created equally.
Although it ultimately comes down to preference, you should be aware that the bigger names are usually so popular because they are made with better materials and feel better.
Cheap knockoffs simply don’t get the job done. You are more likely to get injured or to need to replace your shoes sooner than you would like.
Nike, Adidas, and Reebok are some of the most popular brands of basketball shoes, and you are probably quite familiar with them and their famous logos.
You can find high-quality basketball shoes from any of these companies, but you should do some research and testing to see which ones are right for you.
Some people swear by a single brand, while others are okay switching between brands when they come out with something new.
