The Best Basketball Shoes for Men
If you're still playing pick-up in the dusty old kicks that you wore to your last intramural game, it's probably time for an upgrade. Basketball shoes have come a long way, even in the last few years alone; the seemingly unending influx of NBA player collaborations continues to push the world of shoe design further. Because there are so many options, we've compiled a list of the best men's basketball shoes available on the market. Whether you're playing blacktop ball, running your local gym's indoor courts, or looking to make a fresh fashion statement, you're bound to find the perfect fit below.
Peak Lou Williams Streetball Master
Peak Performance
It seems only fitting that Lou Williams—the most decorated “Sixth Man of the Year” award winner—partnered with the growing Chinese brand Peak to represent this line of Streetball shoes; he knows the value of the underdog better than most. While most basketball shoes are relegated to indoor court performance, the Streetball Master has a thick, rugged outsole that promises durability on outdoor courts. The hightop shoe’s stabilization module provides ample ankle and forefoot support to reduce the risk of injury and ensure stable changes of direction. On top of that, an affordable price means the only things you’ll break are your defender’s ankles.
Pros:
- Durable rubber outsole designed for outdoor performance
- The stabilization module promises quick cuts and ankle safety
- Rubber construction is wear-resistant and long-lasting
Cons:
- May be lacking in support for players with high arches
Adidas Harden Stepback
The irony of naming the Adidas Harden Stepback as our “Runner Up” is not lost on us; Harden is notorious for running with the ball on his way to the hoop, but we’re certainly glad he ran with this design for his signature shoe. These mids seem to fit well for players with wider feet, even though they’re not wide-sized. The perforation near the toe provides breathability, while the herringbone pattern of the mid and forefoot outsole increases traction. When you’re wearing something this comfortable, there’s no such thing as “one step too many.”
Pros:
- The outsole provides heel cushioning and forefoot traction
- Accommodating for wide-footed players
- Affordable for a signature shoe
Cons:
- Could provide better ankle support
Nike Men’s AT1200-600 Basketball Shoe
It's OK to Flex
Everyone loves the flashiness of a signature collab shoe, but there’s certainly something to be said about getting back to basics. Nike’s AT1200-600 basketball shoe proves that dropping a name doesn’t mean dropping reliability or performance. The engineered mesh upper allows more natural flexing of your foot, while the Renew foam sole promises plenty of cushion and bounce. The rubber outsole rolls up near the outside of the forefoot, providing the stability that’s often lacking in more flexible shoes.
Pros:
- Proprietary “Renew” foam insole cushions the foot and gives plenty of bounce
- Mesh upper is light but durable
- Rubber outsole designed to provide stability
Cons:
- Not the most striking design for a basketball shoe
Adidas Men’s N3xt L3v3l
No Laces, No Problems
It’s only natural to be skeptical of a no-lace shoe designed for a game that requires changing directions on a dime, but Adidas broke the mold in a big way. The trick was creating a shoe tight enough to provide stability while making it malleable enough to slip on without straining yourself. With its sock-like fit, the N3xt L3v3l promises ample security for even the weakest of ankles thanks to its Primeknit synthetic upper and hightop design. Check out these aesthetically inventive sneaks and make sure you’re slipping on your next pair of basketball shoes instead of slipping on the court.
Pros:
- No-lace design means the shoes slip on quickly and easily
- Primeknit construction is light but durable
- Aesthetically stunning and unique
Cons:
- May not be suitable for players who are in-between shoe sizes
- Very snug fit immediately out of the box
Under Armour Men’s HOVR Havoc 2
Keep Your Feet Fresh
Under Armour understands that it’s hard to run the court when your feet keep overheating, which is why they designed the HOVR Havoc 2. The mesh tongue and perforations throughout the shoe work together to maximize airflow, but not at the expense of stability. Webbed lacing and a firmly molded textile upper ensure a secure fit, so feel free to take advantage of the dual-patterned sole designed for quick cuts and stopping on a dime. This colorful mid promises high performance and exceptional aesthetics at a reasonable cost, making these kicks a slam dunk.
Pros:
- Perforations keep your foot cool during the game
- Webbed lacing adds security and a proper fit
- Plenty of heel cushioning and ankle stability
Cons:
- May not be suitable for outdoor play
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a pair of indoor and outdoor court shoes?
Though this depends on how frequently and at what level you play, the general consensus is yes. Buying an outdoor shoe for indoor games will result in lower traction while buying indoor shoes for outdoor games will result in compromised durability. This is because the rugged sole patterns of outdoor shoes lack traction on smoother surfaces and the finer sole patterns on indoor shoes don’t wear well on outdoor courts. If you’re going to invest in a quality shoe, you might as well extend its life as long as possible.
Are there advantages to having a no-lace shoe?
Other than having the coolest kicks on the court? Actually, yes. Players that prefer a tight fit all throughout their foot will enjoy the snug, sock-like fit of a no-lace shoe. Though it forfeits your ability to adjust the tightness, it does provide a consistently secure fit that won’t ever grow too loose or cut off circulation. If you consider yourself an early adapter, now is the time to let go of your laces.
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