“what is the shoe that helps me run faster?”, or ” what is the shoe that improves my game tremendously?” Well, there is not an answer to those questions. What we have is noting other than options. I have made a list for each basketball position you play, and the shoes that will fit your position the best.
To keep in mind, every player is different from the way they play to how much effort they give. With the technology we have today. It is tough for us to find the difference between what is good and what is bad. So, we want to find the shoe that suits your play style. So everyone can perform at their highest level of skills. There are so many factories to take into consideration picking your performance basketball. Some of them are not obvious.
Table of Contents
What does your basketball position have anything to do with your shoes?
The point guard, known as the one, is typically the team’s best ball handler and passer. They usually are very fast and are good at driving and short-range. Therefore, they often lead their team is assists and are able to create shots for themselves and their teammates. They are quick and are able to hit shots either outside the key but a majority are inside the 3 point line or a lay up. This type of player need shoes that have really good traction and light on their feet.
The shooting guard is also known as the two or the off guard. Along with the small forward, a shooting guard is often referred to as a wing because of it use in common positioning tactics. As the name suggests most shooting guards are prolific from the three-point range and long mid range. Some key aspects to being a shooting guard is having the ability to patiently and methodically circulate the three point line linear with that of the ball. This type of player need shoes that have lockdown defense and good durability.
The small forward, also known as three. Though they are not the primary ball handler, small forward need dribbling skill. Though they are not expected to be great post players, they need to be able to post up. Versatility is key for small forwards because of the nature of their role, which resembles that of a shooting guard more often than that of a power forward. This is why the small forward and shooting guard positions are often interchangeable and referred to as wings. This type of player need shoes that have really good durability and explosive.
The power forward, also known as the four. Power forwards play a role similar to the of center. They typically play offensively with their backs towards the basket and position themselves defensively under thee basket in a zone defense or against the opposing power forward in man-to-man denfense. The power forward position entails a variety of responsibilities, one of which is rebounding. This type of player usually wears high tops and have shoes that protects their ankle.
The center, also known as the five, usually plays near the baseline or close to the basket. They are usually the tallest players on the floor. The center usually scores “down low,” or “in the paint”, but some can be good perimeter shooters. They are typically skilled at gathering rebounds, contesting shots and setting screens on players. This type of player have good durability shoes and protect their ankle.
Things to consider for buying shoes:
Many hoopers have different skill levels, but no matter what your shoes will have that same quality.
Traction: Traction is a must for fast players or any type of guard. It helps you to play a faster playstyle and it even helps on the defense side. You will feel more explosive if your shoes have good traction. The grip on the floor is a big factor in performance at your highest level.
Durability: During a long game, maybe over time, you do not want your shoes to give up on you. It could be ripped shoelaces, terrible insole, or loss of traction. That is why you need to have a pair of shoes that have strong durability. Durability is needed for all positions. Any shoes that are made of sub-par material wouldn’t last half a season on the feet.
Support: Support comes at your ankle and your whole foot. You don’t want to get hurt during a game or a practice. That’s is why a strong supportive shoe is needed. In general, support is a must-have for a big man or any rough players.
Comfort: Yes, some shoes can be fire looking. But never forget what shoes are actually for. If your basketball shoes are not comfy, they might not be the right shoes. Having comfy shoes can help you focus better on your game, instead of worrying about your shoes.
1. Best Overall Performance Shoes
Air Jordan -XXXIV-
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen” – Michael Jordan
- Signature: Michael Jordan
- Released: 2019
- Manufacturer: Jordan/Nike
- Overall: 9.5
This shoe right here might be the best Jordan basketball shoes after Jordan 29. The biggest shoe of last year, a big-time shoe. The traction is great. Especially on a clean court, very good bite. To be honest it is a lot better than previous Jordan shoes. As far as dust goes, it does pick up a little bit of dust. But it is a super easy wipe off.
It doesn’t pick up very fast either. The durability of this shoe is really nice. I think it should be okay to play outdoor with them, but it’s not the best option. I really enjoy this cushion. I don’t think the hole in the sole makes the cushion feels any different. I think the main purpose of the hole is to reduce weight.
This shoe is super bounce, especially on your front foot. On the back of the foot, you can feel the compression and firm. A lot of Jordans are edge out, but this one here is rounded and curved. The ankle is padded with support. It’s really good for lockdown. It was pretty easy to put the shoes on. The top opens up a lot. You kind of have to double knot these shoes because the shoelaces come loose easily. (OVERALL BEST SHOES YOU CAN ASK FOR) CONS takes time to break in the traction.
2. Best Basketball Shoes for Point Guard (1/PG)
Curry 4
“Success is not an accident, success is actually a choice. …” – Stephen Curry
- Signature: Stephen Curry
- Released: 2018
- Manufacturer: Under Amour
- Overall: 9.1
Curry 4 is one of the best looking basketball shoes ever, but does the permanence back it up? Let’s find out. Curry 4 has cross centric traction pattern designed to optimize for feet and heel traction. The gold speckles on the bottom look really nice. I really like the circular pivot point on the traction pattern it makes it easier for you to make quick moves and adjustments when you’re on the court.
The shoe has a mid internal sleeve that creates a structural fit around the collar and forefoot. It gives the shoe a lot of support. The Knit section is also really nice, it’s soft and stretchy, it feels pretty comfortable. I don’t recommend playing curry 4 outdoor, it will tear the cushion up.
The curry 4 has tons of laces make sure your foot is lock-in. The curry 4 has a metal wing shank that provides a look down through the heel forest and arch. It also has a speed plate for underfoot structure and performance containment built to handle explosive movement. If you’re the type of hooper who like that court feel, and that low to the ground feel, then these right here might be the shoes for you. ( super flashing looking shoes for a PG) (Helps you make quick moves) cons: picks up a lot of dust. Takes time to break it in.
3. Best basketball Shoes For Shooting Guard(2/SG)
Adidas Harden Vol 2
” If you have a dream, chase it no matter what it takes.” – James Harden
- Signature: James Harden
- Released: 2018
- Manufacture: Adidas
- Overall: 9.2
I really enjoy playing in these, and I’ll tell you why. The lockdown in these is absolutely amazing. The lacing system does a really good job at locking in your foot and prevent it from sliding back and forth. Personally, I thought the traction was pretty solid. The outsole features a data-driven pattern like its predecessor, and it allows us to cover multiple directions. The flat design on the bottom does pick up some dust.
You do have to wipe the bottom every now and then just to bite the floor a little harder. The cushioning of this shoe is my favorite part of this shoe. You have a full-length boost foam midsole which is one of the best boost experiences that you can get on the hardwood. It provides a ton of energy return and impact protection. It helps you to make quick changes in directions with no trouble.
The whole shoe is just super comfortable, and I really have no complaints. It also requires 0 break-in time. For the support, I do realize this is a low top. For the most part, I have no complaints in the term of support. If you are a guard, I think this shoe has more than enough to support you during a play. (full length boost cushioning/super comfortable) (super reliable shoe for guards) cons: Try to go down a half size while picking Adidas shoes. Not the best traction.
4. Best Basketball Shoes For Small Forward (3/SF)
KD 11
” With everything I do, I just try to be myself. ” – Kevin Durant
- Signature: Kevin Durant
- Released: 2019
- Manufacture: Nike
- Overall: 9.2
These are Kevin Durant’s 11 signature shoes. The colorway of this shoe is super flashy, a very good looking shoe. The KD 11 has a wavy multi-directional tread pattern that provides multi-service traction.
The traction on this shoe is pretty consistent, and it depends on the court. These are absolutely phenomenal on a clean court, but when you have a dusty court. The traction is not as great. Surprisingly, these play really good out courts too. The KD 11 has a lightweight plus material that wraps your foot for breathability and flexibility. The mid padded area is really soft and stretchy. On the backside, you have this panel that gives you good stability and support.
For support and lockdown, the KD 11 has flywire cables to lock you in when you lace it up. It also has a stretchy call for easy entry where it compresses and contours around the ankle for secure comfort. The rubber outsole keeps your foot and extends up to the sides of the shoe for balancing. The lockdown was really good on the shoe. You have the sock liner fit along with the good lacing system. The cushion on the KD 11 was my favorite part of the shoe. The shoe has the implementation of the Nike react and the zoom air cushioning. (Really good cushioning) (super cool colorway) cons: not the best supporting shoe
If you want to read my full review of the best basketball shoes for small forward in 2020, click here.
5. Best Basketball Shoes for Power Forward (4/PF)
Nike Lebron XV
” you have to be able to accept failure to get better.” – LeBron James
- Signature: LeBron James
- Released: 2018
- Manufature: Nike
- Overall: 9.4
This is one of the best looking LeBron signature ever. From the materials to the little details, the shoe looks really high-class and expensive. The LeBron 15 has an icy translucent rubber outsole, that offers durable multi-surface traction. The bottom of the shoe is kind of pointy. overall, the traction on this shoe is solid when it comes to a regular court.
The LeBron 15 has a battlement upper that delivers stretchy support ultra-lightweight flexibility and a locked-in feel. The thicker leather on the side of the shoe is for support too. The LeBron 15 has nice durable and stretchy at the same time. For support, The 15 has a full inner sleeve that offers a secure soft life fit including a high stretch collar providing support around your ankle. I feel pretty balanced on these shoes. The lockdown for LeBron 15 is also really nice too.
The lacing system does lock in your foot really well and the stretchy collar lets you get the shoe off and on really easily. The LeBron 15 has battle max cushioning, it is basically maxed air zoom. The cushioning on LeBron 15 is fantastic. It feels super comfy for a basketball shoe. The cushioning helps powerful players to make quick moves. (Best shoes for a powerful player) (Really good support and durability) Cons: Takes time to break it in. The traction is inconsistent
6. Best Basketball Shoes For Center (5/C)
Adidas Crazy Explosive Primeknit
The crazy explosive primeknit works for big men with any play style. Close to the rim? Check. Have a fast play style? check.
- Released: 2017
- Manufature: Adidas
- Overall 9.3
The first thing that catches my eye is a soft light collar sleeve along with the wavy design upper. It really makes the shoe look a lot sleeker, and I have to say the look is dope. This shoe has a massive colorway, so you can pick on your own choice.
The crazy explosive has a translucent household that wraps up and around the midsole. The traction pattern is the same as the 2016 model. The traction is not the strongest point of the shoe, but it gets the job done. The rubber outlook is soft, but that durable. So if you are an outdoor hooper. These are not the best choice.
7. Best Basketball Shoes for outdoor player
Professional Anti Slip Sports Shoes (Budget List)
” Make your supporter proud and your haters jealous ” – Klay Thompson
This shoe has a combination of traction pattern. Herringbone is always a great choice as well as the rubber compound that they used. For design, They didn’t do too much fancy or special design. It might not look too special, but this shoe plays very well outdoor. These shoes grip the floor no matter what.
The outdoor player will love the Shoes, and they are very durable. There is an outdoor KT2 if you want to check it out. I personally like this one more. They use a basic slab of EBA foam for the cushion set up. They have two different density foam pads now it’s exactly just like the other big brand(Nike, Jordan, and under amour). I was really surprised by how comfortable this shoe was. It was more comfortable the more you wear them.
The lockdown on these shoes is solid too. Noting too crazy, but it sure gets the job done. This is the most comfortable Chinese based shoe that I have ever worn. Not only that this shoe offers everything you need, and for a reasonable price. (Super comfortable shoe) (Really low price) cons: lacks of cushioning
Other Great Basketball Shoes:
Kyrie 4
Cons:
- Takes time to break it in.
- Not the best cushion.
- Good for guards, but average shoes for others.
Pros:
- Many different colorways.
- Kyrie 4 has very aggressive.
- multi-directional ration pattern.
- It can play outdoors.
- Super nice material.
- Very soft and flexible.
- Great support and lockdown.
- Lightweight cushioning.
Cons:
- Inside protection isn’t the best.
- Not that stretching.
- A little bit goes dead space.
Pros:
- One of the best traction shoes.
- Don’t pick up much dust.
- Nice and soft cushion.
- Good heel protection.
- Good support.
- Very stable and lockdown.
- Super light shoe. (8.47 ounces)
Useful Tips and Resources
Things to consider if you are a wide footer: 1. Thickness height of your foot. 2. Mid-foot-forefoot width. 3. Some uppers can stretch, however you will need a wide base. 4. Do you need outriggers to help prevent your ankle from rolling. 5. Would you wear 2 pairs of socks for a better fit.
Picking shoes as a woman: To get the perfect size for women. All you need to do is some quick math. Just subtract 2 from the men’s size. So, basically, if you wear a size 10 in men, it will. be size 8 in women.
Adidas Sizing: For tennis shoes, I just pick my regular size as Nike or other shoes. I like my shoes a half size bigger. For basketball shoes, you should try to get the best size. So I suggest going down half a size on Adidas. So basically, if you wear size 10 in Nikes. You try on size 9.5 or 9 on Adidas according to you.