Best Basketball Shoes 2022: Top Picks For Indoor And Outdoor Courts
When looking for the best basketball shoes around, it can be difficult to know exactly how much to spend and what sort of quality you’re getting for your money.
With new technology and sneakers constantly being released as well, like these with IsoPlate foot frames, selecting the right pair for you and your playstyle isn’t easy.
Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks based on price, reviews, and any defining features that help make these sneakers stand out from the crowd.
Whether you’re after something for outdoor courts, like these Under Armour Lockdown 5‘s, or something for indoor use, like these Air Jordan XXXVI‘s, we’ve got you covered right here.
We’ve also highlighted a few upcoming sneaker releases for you to mark in your diary for future purchases. We’ll keep this list updated to make sure you stay in the loop with all the latest basketball shoe news.
Best Basketball Shoes
- Air Jordan XXXVI
- Under Armour Lockdown 5
- adidas Dame 8
- Nike LeBron 19
- Nike Hyperdunk X
- Under Armour Curry Flow 9
- Nike Cosmic Unity
Best Indoor Basketball Shoes – Air Jordan XXXVI
Brand: Air Jordan | Material: Jacquard Leno-Weaver
The Air Jordan XXXVI doesn’t just top this list through name value alone. They make our list because they’re designed to perform on the court via their lightweight materials and solid traction for movement.
To save weight, Jordan hollows out the gap between the outsole and the midsole, helping to stop the shoe from weighing you down as you twist, turn, and leap through the air during a game.
Not only will the Jordan XXXVI‘s help you perform, but they will also help keep you protected through the inclusion of Zoom Air, designed to distribute the impact felt when landing from an explosive jump.
Ultimately, we feel the Jordan XXXVI‘s are a great option to consider which is why they also feature in our list of the .
Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes – Under Armour Lockdown 5
Brand: Under Armour | Material: Unspecified
These Under Armour Lockdown 5‘s have been designed with durability in mind, with features such as film toe caps providing additional support and protection, particularly when taking the game outdoors.
On top of that, these sneakers also come with an air mesh tongue which should be both highly breathable and incredibly comfortable when paired with the plush sock liner.
Interestingly, the Lockdown 5‘s also feature anti-odour technology in the sock liners which, Under Armour states, discourages bacteria and odour-causing microbes from developing.
On the whole, if you’re searching for a solid pair of basketball sneakers that have been built to last, even when worn outdoors, then these Lockdown 5‘s could be the shoes for you.
Best Budget Basketball Shoes – adidas Dame 8
Brand: adidas | Material: Synthetic Textile
This is Damian Lillard’s 8th shoe in his range, upgrading on the 7 in a number of key areas which help make this one of the best basketball shoes on a budget.
Firstly, they come with adidas’ Dual-density Bounce Pro cushioning which is designed to provide the ideal ratio between energy return, cushioning, and support.
You also get a unique pattern on the rubber outsole that is said to provide outstanding grip on a hardwood court.
It’s also worth noting that these sneakers are created sustainably as well as 25% of the components used to make the upper contain a minimum of 50% recycled content.
Ultimately, the Dame 8‘s provide a great option if you checked out our article and feel a low-cut trainer is the one for you to help you perform on the court.
Best Basketball Shoes For Wide Feet – Nike LeBron 19
Brand: Nike | Material: Synthetic
The Nike LeBron 19‘s are designed to be the most comfortable pair of sneakers on the court thanks to the 360º Max Air unit within the thick, responsive Zoom Air unit found under each shoe’s forefoot.
On top of that, you get pods embedded in the tongues and collars of these sneakers to provide lightweight cushioning around the ankle and over the top of your feet.
To round off Nike’s commitment to comfort, these sneakers feature full inner sleeves which contour to your feet for a snug, secure feel.
The thin, transparent exterior layers are said to be highly durable and lightweight to help reduce in-shoe movement, thus making them a great option to consider if you’re looking for a pair for wider feet.
Best Basketball Shoes For Jumping – Nike Hyperdunk X
Brand: Nike | Material: Synthetic
You can likely expect these Nike Hyperdunk X‘s to give you a little extra lift on your vertical jump as well as cushion you as you land again.
This is because the sneakers come with a huge amount of foam in the insoles and a wavy traction pattern across the outsoles, designed to improve grip and enable a better take off.
On top of that, the uppers are made from a lightweight, textile material with a 3/4 finish for a securer fit around your ankles.
On the whole, these sneakers look to be a great option to consider to help you score the perfect dunk in your .
If you want to find out more, check out our article on .
Best Basketball Shoes For Speed – Under Armour Curry Flow 9
Brand: Under Armour | Material: Mesh
It comes as no surprise that Curry’s latest signature shoe was developed with speed, agility, and dribbling in mind given Steph’s position on the court.
First and foremost, these sneakers feature Under Armour’s WARP upper technology, which has been designed for enhanced comfort and control throughout the dynamic range of basketball movements.
On top of that, Curry Flow 9‘s come with TPE-blend sock liners with lower compression sets, aimed to improve your energy return for explosive power.
Moreover, you get Under Armour’s Flow cushioning which is said to be super-light and bouncy, all whilst providing insane grip, thus making these an excellent pick if you’re a fast-paced guard like Curry himself.
Best Sustainable Basketball Shoes – Nike Cosmic Unity
Brand: Nike | Material: Synthetics
When it comes to sustainability, there is arguably no better basketball shoe out there right now than the Nike Cosmic Unity.
The sneakers feature 25% recycled material by weight, plus Crater Foam soles on top of a layered cable system crafted with 99% recycled content.
In terms of performance, the shoes come equipped with a full-length Zoom Air Strobel, made in part with recycled TPU, which is designed to keep you gripped to the court.
All in all, these sustainably made sneakers may be the answer if you’re looking for well-rounded pair of shoes made from recycled content.
Best Upcoming Basketball Shoes
With sneaker technology constantly changing and growing, there are plenty of revolutionary designs to look forward to this year, however, there are also a few retro remakes to keep an eye on as well.
With that being said, here are some of our ones to watch over the coming months.
Jordan Why Not .5 Sandy Gold
New images of Russell Westbrook’s Jordan Why Not .5 showcase the latest sandy gold colourway due to arrive in 2022.
Despite the more muted aesthetic, you still get large-volume Zoom Air units, multi-direction traction pads, and the usual Webbing Fit system for a secure lock-in, ready for court action.
No release date has been announced; however, the sandy golf .5s are expected to launch at a price of $130. Stay tuned for more information right here.
Nike Kobe 6 Protro
Kobe Bryant Estate’s has recently renewed its partnership with Nike which will see the beloved Kobe line continue despite the tragic passing of the legend himself in 2020.
The first release under this renewed relationship looks to be a new Nike Kobe 6 Protro dressed in a black and white colour scheme.
Nike is yet to put out any information regarding the release; however, the shoes are expected to arrive at some point in 2022 with a $180 price tag according to reports.
Naruto x Jordan Zion 1
Several new Jordan Zion 1 colourways have been revealed in collaboration with the popular anime Naruto.
Three colourways are expected to launch as part of a wider Naruto collection, all of which draw inspiration from the protagonist’s various characters. For example, this inverted white and black design is based on Naturo’s Six Paths Madara Uchiha Form.
The are expected to drop on 18 May 2022; however, the collection’s flagship orange and yellow colourway is scheduled to arrive a week earlier. Stay tuned for more updates right here.
Jordan Luka 1
Luka Dončić has recently revealed his first-ever signature Jordan sneakers known as the .
Six colourways are rumoured to be released in total, all of which feature new IsoPlate foot frames, designed with the multidirectional play of Dončić in mind, plus full-length performance foam named Formula 23 in the midsoles.
Nike News hasn’t disclosed a release date yet; however, the six colourways are expected to drop at various points between 30 June and 27 Decemeber 2022. Stay tuned to find out more right here.
Rui Hachimura x Air Jordan 36
Washington Wizards’ forward Rui Hachimura looks to be getting his own signature Jordan 36 colourway in 2022, with the sneakers featuring subtle nods to Hachimura’s Japanese heritage.
Through the light brown mesh panels and the translucent outsoles, you’ll find mountains drawn against a cloudy backdrop, with cherry blossoms and basketballs floating above the clouds.
The exact release date for these ‘s is currently unknown, so stay tuned for updates right here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Basketball Shoes
With so many different styles of basketball shoes on the market, you may have a number of questions about what makes each of them stand out, but don’t worry because we’re here to clear up a few of the most common queries.
What Should You Look For In A Basketball Shoe?
There are a number of key features to consider when deciding on which basketball shoes will suit your needs.
One of the most important elements to look for is whether they are comfortable as you want to ensure your feet can absorb the constant high-impact of specific movements like jumping which is part and parcel of a basketball game.
Another feature to consider is the shoe’s ankle support as you may have heard of the term ankle-breaker, used to describe when a defender falls over from a crossover dribble, and therefore you will likely want to give yourself the best support possible if or when this happens to you.
Do Basketball Shoes Fit True To Size?
Typically speaking, yes they should do but some basketball shoes have additional features which may affect the comfort and fit.
Ideally, basketball shoes are tight-fitting for security and control, but also wide enough and padded enough to keep you comfortable and protected from other players and impact from landing on the court.
Are Basketball Shoes Good For Running?
For short distances, you’ll probably get away with using basketball shoes for running, particularly if they’re low-tops, however, if you’re tackling a longer workout, we’d advise against wearing basketball sneakers.
You’re probably better off going for a that will likely be lighter, more comfortable, and is ultimately built for forward motion rather than lateral movement like basketball shoes.
Are Basketball Shoes Good For The Gym?
We’ve previously talked in-depth about and concluded that the stiffness, support, and flat soles of basketball shoes make them a viable option to wear when training.
The main downside of them is the amount of cushioning contained in the midsole to protect your feet and joints on the court, something that isn’t required during weightlifting and can in fact be deferential as the padding might absorb your downward power.
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