If you’re taking your pickup game to the next level, your footwear should get an upgrade too. The best basketball shoes can help you avoid injuries and move confidently. “If you’re playing basketball more than casually—especially on indoor courts or in organized settings—a dedicated basketball shoe isn’t just advisable, it’s essential,” Stefanie Bourassa PT, DPT, a board certified sports clinical specialist and the sports medicine manager at Hartford HealthCare Rehabilitation Network, tells SELF.
Luckily, there are tons of sleek, supportive pairs to choose from (many of which cost less than a standard pair of running shoes). With help from experts and a SELF staffer who regularly hits the court, we found the best basketball sneakers you can slip on for your next practice.
Our top picks
- Best Low-Top: Nike A’One, $115
- Best for Ankle Support: Nike LeBron Witness VIII, $115
- Best for Sweaty Feet: Under Armour Curry 12 Saturn Rings, $140
- Best for Playing Outside: Wade All City 12, $149
- Most Stylish: Nike KD18, $170
In this article
Shop the best basketball shoes
Let’s get your head in the game.
Best Low-Top: Nike A’One
Katie Gunderman, SELF’s associate social media manager, reviewed Nike’s A’One— the first signature shoe from WNBA star A’ja Wilson—when it first came out. She deemed it one of the coolest court shoes she’s ever tried.
“They give me a firm base to launch off of and just the right amount of padding when coming down from a jump. The traction also keeps me grounded and gives me control on the court,” she wrote. “Bonus: The A’Ones are easily the most complimented shoe I’ve worn, and who doesn’t like a confidence boost before they compete?”
Gunderman did note that she had to wear her pair a few times before they felt comfortably molded to her feet—but, in her experience as a high school and college athlete, that tends to be the case with basketball shoes. As a silver lining, that stiffer feel makes the A’Ones more durable, so you can show them off for longer.
Best for Ankle Support: Nike LeBron Witness VIII
Gunderman has loved the LeBron James’s Witness line since college, and it’s easy to see why. Its split sole bends with your foot, its padded collar keeps you comfy, and its all-over design prioritizes stability and support.
There’s a unique foam piece inside the shoe that wraps around your foot, which helps it fit snugly and keeps your foot aligned during lateral movements. The structure continues up the shoe’s mid-top shaft: It prevents your ankle from rolling, but doesn’t feel bulky or restrictive.
Best for Sweaty Feet: Under Armour Curry 12 Saturn Rings
Under Armour
Curry 12 Saturn Rings
Keep the air flowing and say goodbye to swampy feet with Under Armour’s Curry 12 Saturn Rings, another Gunderman-approved pair of kicks. Its upper is made of breathable (yet durable!) mesh, and the foam midsole has a light, bouncy feel. It’ll soften your landings all game long.
For all its comfy features, this shoe still packs a ton of power. It has a segmented internal plate that stabilizes the midfoot, while bending and flexing with your toes. And, to help you turn on a dime, the UA Flow outsole seamlessly grips the floor.
Best for Playing Outside: Wade All City 12
Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist based in North Carolina, tells SELF that the Wade All City 12 is ideal for playing on outdoor courts, thanks to its impressive traction and above-average cushioning. The shoe’s outsole is made with tough, extra-thick rubber, which increases its grip and durability. Pavement is harder on shoes than hardwood, so that resistance to wear and tear is key for outdoor basketball shoes, Dr. Bourassa says.
One thing to note: The All City’s sizing is only listed in men’s sizes, so it may be helpful to consult the brand’s size guide to find the right fit.
Most Stylish: Nike KD18
Dr. Daughtry notes the KD18 is one of the best shoes you can try from Nike (which is saying something, given the brand’s dominance in the sport). It performs on the court, looks seriously cool on the street, and has the seal of approval from Olympian hooper Katherine Plouffe.
Among the KD18’s noteworthy features (hello, ultra-breathable mesh, extra padding under the heel, and a springy forefoot) is a firm plastic frame that holds your foot in place. That’ll prevent slipping and sliding inside the shoe, making your movements feel more controlled.
Frequently asked questions about basketball shoes
Who actually needs basketball shoes?
“If you’re just shooting around or playing a quick pickup game outdoors, you might get away with [wearing] a solid cross trainer,” Dr. Bourassa says. “But even then, you’re likely sacrificing both comfort and protection.”
Anytime you’re doing a specific activity, your shoes should suit the movements associated with that activity. Otherwise, you won’t be able to execute those moves as well—and you could get hurt, Dr. Daughtry says. For basketball specifically, wearing improper footwear can increase your risk of ankle sprains and overuse injuries, Dr. Bourassa says. So, if you plan on playing more than the occasional game, it’s not a bad idea to pick up a dedicated pair of hoop shoes.
Can you play basketball in regular sneakers?
As much as we love a good pair of running shoes, they can’t do it all. The main issue with wearing them for basketball is that they’re only built for forward (and not side-to-side) motions, Dr. Daughtry says. “Basketball shoes are uniquely designed to help protect players’ feet from the need for sudden movement in different directions,” she explains. Some pairs may have similar cushioning to running shoes (to help absorb the impact from jumping), but they tend to be stiffer and have a wider, grippier base.
“Think of it this way: Running shoes are designed for mileage, not maneuverability. Basketball shoes are built for control, cushioning, and court feel,” Dr. Bourassa says. “[These features are] all essential when you’re pivoting, posting up, or sprinting baseline to baseline.”
What should you look for when shopping for basketball shoes?
While basketball shoes tend to feel firmer than bouncy, cushy running shoes, you still need some padding to protect your feet and joints, Dr. Daughtry says. Dr. Bourassa recommends looking for shoes with foam midsoles that are made for shock absorption and don’t feel overly soft.
As we mentioned earlier, basketball shoes need to support the multidirectional movements you naturally make during gameplay. They should be structured around the sides of the shoe, have a stiff and stable base (read: you shouldn’t be able to twist the shoe easily), and keep your ankle and inner foot from rolling, Dr. Bourassa says. She adds that you don’t necessarily need a high-top shoe to get maximum ankle support (though that style can be helpful for some, Dr. Daughtry says). If you prefer low-top sneakers, just make sure your pair has a firm heel collar and feels locked-in through the midfoot.
A durable outsole made from grippy rubber is a “non-negotiable” in basketball shoes, Dr. Bourassa says. “Good traction supports explosive changes in direction and prevents slipping,” she adds. “Look for herringbone or radial patterns that grip well on hardwood.”
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