Since its inception, basketball players and fans have been hunting for the perfect pair of shoes to play this sport. One of the original brands, Chuck Taylor, which was created by Marquis Converse, created a path for competing companies to enter into the shoe industry. Soon afterward, other renowned firms such as Nike and Puma also joined the race, making shoes that hold legendary status to date.
As anticipated, basketball shoe companies are always looking for ways to improve the structure and performance of their products. They utilize technologies such as flywire tech, specialized leather among others. Given the tons of basketball shoes on the market, you may find it difficult to find the ideal fit. It is why we have reviewed the top ten basketball shoes in 2025.
List of Best Basketball Shoes in 2025
Table of Contents
- List of Best Basketball Shoes in 2025
- #10. Nike Men’s Hyperdunk 2016 Basketball Shoes
- #9. Reebok Zig Energy Basketball Shoe
- #8. Converse Men’s Chuck Taylor Lean Ox Basketball Shoes
- #7. Adidas Crazy Explosive Basketball Shoe
- #6. AND1 Mens Fantom Basketball Shoe
- #5. ANTA Men’s KT2 2017 Basketball Shoes
- #4. Champion Men’s Inferno Basketball Shoe
- #3. Nike Men’s Lebron Soldier 10 Basketball Shoes
- #2. Under Armour Men’s Curry 3 Basketball Shoe
- #1. Adidas Cloudfoam Basketball Shoe
- Basketball Shoes Buying Guide
- Conclusion
#10. Nike Men’s Hyperdunk 2016 Basketball Shoes
Nike’s Hyperdrunk series rarely disappoints, and the 2016 release is no exception. Resembling the Kyrie 2, these basketball shoes are suited for both clean and dusty floors. As with most of Nike’s shoes, the Hyperdrunk is made of mesh with fuse backing to enhance durability. The areas around the forefoot, mid-foot, and heel are fully wrapped in screen mesh that provides support and decent ventilation. Another key highlight is the shoe’s support system thanks to the strong lockdown, solid foot, and ankle containment.
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#9. Reebok Zig Energy Basketball Shoe
The latest from Rebook is the Zig Energy Basketball Shoe. What makes this pair stand out is its sole, which promises a real bounce and feel of basketball shoes. The zigzag pattern is a perfect addition as it provides lateral stiffness. Available in a black color, these are some of the most spectacular basketball shoes, especially for the style-conscious player.
Aside from improving your performance as you play basketball, these shoes feel comfortable beyond the court. You can use them for your weightlifting, retail work, cross fit and even in the medical field. Also, the Rebook Zig features DMX system that creates proper shock absorption.
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#8. Converse Men’s Chuck Taylor Lean Ox Basketball Shoes
Do not let your small budget stop you from getting the right shoes for playing your favorite sport. The Chuck Taylor is an incredibly affordable pair. It features a canvas material construction that makes it durable. These shoes also have a low-profile sole, enhanced with deep grooves to give your feet a good grip. Converse, the shoe’s manufacturer, made the insole using textile, and this has made it incredibly comfy.
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#7. Adidas Crazy Explosive Basketball Shoe
If you prefer excellent fitting and support, then you will love the performance of Adidas’ Crazy Explosive model. The traction features a coral pattern that is multidirectional and one that grips the floor well. Adidas has also provided a full-length cushion, which looks chic on the heel and thin at the forefoot. The lockdown is also top-notch, and you do not have to worry about slipping.
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#6. AND1 Mens Fantom Basketball Shoe
And1’s Fantom basketball shoe comes at a bargain price, ranging from $30 to $34. It has a basic design and offers everything that a basketball player on a budget requires. With a weight of 12 ounces, the shoe feels very light. It also features a reinforced heel and toe for optimal comfort and stability. Most customers love the hexagonal lace, which makes the shoe fit snugly. And1 Fantom Basketball Shoe is available in royal blue, yellow, blue, black and red colors.
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#5. ANTA Men’s KT2 2017 Basketball Shoes
For its second signature shoe, Anta has released the KT2 2017 basketball shoe, which performs better than anticipated. The superiority of this shoe can be attributed to its exceptional pattern-herringbone is a smart choice- and a sound rubber element. The KT2 is the ideal option for outdoor players. It holds up and grips well. For cushioning, the manufacturer used ANTA EVA foam that provides maximum comfort.
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#4. Champion Men’s Inferno Basketball Shoe
The most attractive feature about the Inferno Basketball Shoe by Champion is that it’s reasonably priced. It retails for about $ 30 on Amazon. The Inferno may not have the sophisticated technologies offered by Adidas and Nike, but it has maximum stability and comfort at a low price.
These basketball shoes are made of fabric and mesh that aid with ventilation and breathability. Other admirable characteristics about the Inferno include a padded sole and collar, non-marking outsole and an ankle pull tab.
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#3. Nike Men’s Lebron Soldier 10 Basketball Shoes
Soldier 10 is the second latest addition to Nike’s Lebron Soldier line. It is mostly loved for its simple and appealing design. The traction consists of a bunch of squares. It is also made of rubber, making the shoe pretty hard and durable.
With regards to cushioning, the shoe is fitted with two bottoms loaded Zoom Air units. This cushioning makes for a good transition and responsiveness. The upper part of Lebron Soldier 10 is made using mesh, then backed with foam. This material feels soft and does not need any time breaks to perform well.
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#2. Under Armour Men’s Curry 3 Basketball Shoe
Featuring an incredibly different design, new construction, and coming off, of the enormous success experienced with the Curry 1 and Curry 2, the Curry 3 Basketball shoes is a hot release. For the traction, the manufacturer fit the shoe with a herringbone pattern with thin grooves. Unfortunately, the outsole draws too much dust, and because the groves are in close proximity, it needs regular swiping to get it out.
It also has a charged foam midsole that guarantees perfect responsiveness, a good court feel, reduced impact and no bounce. This construction is ideal for players, who are light on their feet and fast.
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#1. Adidas Cloudfoam Basketball Shoe
If you are looking for basketball shoes that feature a modern style, the Adidas Cloudfoam is an excellent match. It has a mid-high top design providing you with ultimate comfort as you play your favorite game. The Adidas Cloudfoam, which comes in a range of colors, has been made using high-quality leather material; hence, durable. Other features that customers like about this pair include the springy cushioning, excellent ventilation and a grippy rubber outsole.
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Basketball Shoes Buying Guide
Before reviewing the best models, we would like to talk about the characteristics you should be looking for when shopping for basketball shoes.
High, Mid or Low-Cut?
Primarily, basketball shoes fall into three forms, and this depends on where they meet the ankle. The low-cut type usually sits below the ankle while the mid-cut sits at the ankle level without covering it entirely. Finally, high-cut basketball shoes wrap around the ankles extensively.
The advantage that high-cut basketball shoes have over their counterparts is that they offer excellent ankle support, mainly because they are well-cushioned. Mid-cut shoes, on the other hand, are preferred because of their flexibility. If you are looking for just speed and complete ankle flexibility, your best bet is to purchase the low-cut type.
- Outsole Traction: Basketball shoes that lack proper outsole traction are the last thing you want to have when on the field. They will make it difficult for you to make cuts, stops, and twists. Ideally, you should examine the pattern and density of the rubber used in making the shoes. Is it capable of coping with different surfaces while still grasping the floor when you want it to?
- Choice of Material: Ventilation is as vital for the shoe as is its durability. On this note, a majority of manufacturers blend canvas and synthetic leather to get the most desirable features. When purchasing shoes, ensure that they are made of either canvas or mesh for providing airflow.
- Shock Absorption: Another aspect to focus on is whether the shoe has shock absorbers. Basketball is one sport where players have to be on the move for hours on end. Often, the players will have to land on their feet multiple times during the game; hence, the need for proper shock absorbers.
To address this, most basketball shoe companies equip their products with foam padding using EVA or polyurethane materials. Other renowned brands like Nike go a mile further by adding a built-in air pocket that helps to absorb the player’s impact.
Conclusion
All the shoes on our review were chosen based on quality, comfort level, and reasonable pricing. Subsequently, purchasing any pair on this list will help to improve your basketball performance and experience.
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