Top 7 Best Sneakers for Basketball in 2022 – Review
Passionate about Basketball? Not only passionate but also a player of this sport? This is a team sport which is a combination of running, jumping, sudden changes of directions, and stops, and none of these movements can be achieved without proper and professionally built sneakers for this sport. It is not easy selecting the best sneakers for basketball with a large variety out there, with many brands present who have introduced many articles also. After all, why should it not? No sportsman wants to be held back due to any injury caused by the wrong selection of sneakers.
From the material to cushioning to weight to design and grip, each and everything matters for an athlete. Every foot is uniquely shaped and has a different comfort style. It also depends on the basketball player which sneaker is best according to his preference for how it sits well with him to achieve the best performance while playing. What you prefer might not be preferred by someone else. Some prefer more cushioned while some go for the traction. Many are appreciators of the lightweight and supportive design of the sneakers.
Not every sneaker can be perfect but you can find the perfect one according to your need for the courts so that you can achieve the winning performance to your heart’s desire. After reviewing and going through many sneakers in the market present, I as a basketball fan, have selected the seven best sneakers for basketball. Below you can go through the details of each one keenly to find the best match for yourself.
1. Nike Kyrie 7 – Latest Basketball Sneakers
The Kyrie 7 by Nike is among the best sneakers out there for basketball players. This model has many worth paying for key features which make it stand out as the best overall pair of sneakers. It not only delivers comfort through its comfortable cushioning but also is useful for quick moves. To some, it might not be the best according to their choice, but the following key features are worth noticing:
When it comes to the durability of these sneakers they are best suited for indoor courts. As always Nike in these also delivers a strong rubber sole, solidly built heel, and good stitching to keep it from wear and tear when the athletes make quick moves and sudden stops. When mentioned that they are best for indoors, it does not mean they will get damaged easily on outdoor courts. They are just not going to deliver the same performance for someone who plays on driveways, and streets, which means you will have to replace them sooner.
The Kyrie 7, due to Air Zoom Units, are not only providing the best responsiveness but also delivers comfort to your feet. The sneakers provide ample cushioning during jumping and running keeping you from getting tired easily. After all, that is what a sneaker is all about, to provide ultimate relaxation and protection to you when playing any sport. Moreover, another key feature to mention is how they fit properly on the feet, neither too loose nor too tight. They sit perfectly on the feet giving enough space to move our toes inside them.
Considering the overall performance of the Kyrie 7, it provides strong grip, mobility, and responsiveness. The traction in these sneakers helps in providing a reliable grip on sudden stops and jumps while playing basketball. For lovers of tough shots, it has its back. The mobility and responsiveness help you in playing better, improving the running and jumping on the court. All the while lightweight design keeps your feet from overheating. This cannot be the case when you go for long games though.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sturdy Sole
- 360-degree traction
Cons
- No long-term durability
Nike Kyrie 7 is one of the most beloved basketball sneakers by athletes. Given its best responsiveness and overall performance on the courts, it is a go-for and a top recommendation from my side.
2. Adidas Marquee Boost – Best Popular Basketball Sneakers
Tough, breathable, and lightweight! Who would not want a pair of sneakers like this? Here is when Adidas Marquee Boost comes in, known for its finest cushioning. This pair of sneakers got what you are looking for with really great features. Talk about balance and blend, Marquee here provides that, because either too soft or too hard cushioning can lead to painful feet when you get off the court.
The Marquee Boost comes with full-length cushioning giving you the bouncy feeling you need on the court. Whether jumping or running, it keeps up with keeping the feet as comfortable as possible. Though this feeling may not be liked by some people out there, the Marquee Boost tops as the best sneakers for basketball. The herringbone outsole itself provides great traction on the court.
The Marquee Boost built provides you with multi-directional coverage. Thanks to this stopping and balancing on the court become easier giving your feet a full grip on the ground. The more spaced grooves though cause a little bit of problem when they are filled with dust making the performance a little inconsistent due to this sensitivity. This thing should allow you to be ready to wipe the dust off every now and then to keep from slipping.
When you consider how is the support offered by the Marquee Boost, it is solid. Given the width of the outsole, the sneakers are foundationally stable to play. It provides proper torsional support along with the midfoot lacing for lockdown. Considering the main features, there are other points to notice also like how the sneakers are breathable with a slick design offering you a wide range of colors. The Adidas Marquee Boost is durable and can be well-used outdoors.
Pros
- Excellent outsole grip
- Good ankle support
- Finest comfort
Cons
- Does not have torsional rigidity
Adidas here proved itself by making sure everything is balanced. Even though it has some slight flaws which might not be considered by some but it is still a full package worth buying.
3. Adidas Coll3ctiv3 – Best Basketball Sneakers to play in
Another pair of sneakers featured by Adidas best for basketball is Adidas Coll3ctiv3. This 100 percent synthetic built is designed for outdoor courts and gyms, proving that it is there to deliver power and durability when worn on rough grounds. The Adidas Coll3ctiv3 is mainly constructed to survive the beating so it is not the most premium cushioned out there. Even though not the most comfortable, it still has its aspects for a catch.
When it comes to playing on streets or outdoor courts, the Adidas Coll3ctiv3 got you covered. This pair of sneakers is built for rigid users, those who go for long-lasting products, the Coll3ctiv3 serves the purpose. They are not only durable for the gym but also serve responsiveness and power to the players who play on the outdoor courts. The Adidas Colle3ctiv3 is 100% synthetic, with fine material to survive wear and tear. The pair of sneakers is without any doubt built strong with a high-end soul and are true to size.
It is made breathable to keep your feet from getting any blisters. The lockdown of the Coll3ctiv3 is great. Moreover, the padding in the heel and forefoot helps a lot. Even though it is synthetic built, it still provides you with the toughness and responsiveness you need. Along with its unique design, you can achieve your power moves to the fullest.
Unlike other pair of sneakers, the Adidas Coll3ctiv3 are not going to give you great cushioning. Though the cushioning in these is not the worst but is also not the finest. Why are they not the softest cushioned? It is because they are built for the outdoors. The sneakers still undoubtedly do provide the comfort you need when playing on the courts with just a little less impact protection.
Pros
- Elegant design
- Long-lasting built
- Best for outdoors
- Breathable
Cons
- Not so soft cushioning
Adidas Coll3ctiv3 may not have the best cushion to it but the sneakers without any doubt are a remarkable choice. The material is durable and delivers an amazing performance on the courts. So if you are a rigid basketball player, the Coll3ctiv3 is worth it.
4. Nike Air Zoom BB NXT – Best Nike Sneaker
Nike does not hold back when it comes to providing quality to its customers around the globe. Among its many other pairs of sneakers, Nike Air Zoom BB NXT is worth the fame it got delivering a top-notch speed. Is it worth the hype it has created? Yes without any second thought, its features set it apart from many.
This gravity-defying pair of sneakers come with a triple-layered react midsole cushioning system to provide you with an in-air sensation. The amazing cushioning allows you to have the performance of your choice while keeping your feet comfortable in all the running and jumping on the court. Nike Air Zoom BB NXT is suited for any playing position on the court.
The rubber outsole with its interesting wave-like patterns at the front and back delivers you amazing traction. Whether it is the stops, go’s, or slight movements, it serves great. The wave-like grooves at first make a person skeptical that dust will stick and hinder the movements but at every point, Zoom BB NXT proves wrong. Another thing is you can play outdoor without worrying about the wear. At any surface and you have the speed and movements of your choice.
In terms of performance, it provides good cushioning, and base stability and is also great in regards to traction. The triple-layered react foam gives you good responsiveness and flexibility in movements on the courts. This pair of sneakers is state-of-the-art. It is not only lightweight but also accommodates all playstyles on the court. The Nike Air Zoom BB NXT is lightweight. It uses a grid of twisted strands in leno-weave style to make the lockdown stronger. The Air Zoom BB NXT is a full package offered in the market.
Pros
- Responsive jump frame
- Impressive cushioning
- Consistent traction
- True to size
Cons
- Not ankle support
Nike always aims to deliver the best to its customers and it has done it again. And who does not want comfort, and this pair here delivers its best. Cutting, jumping, and running are prominent movements in the game of basketball, so if you are looking for a cushy ride and responsiveness, along with excellent impact protection, Air Zoom got you covered.
5. Under Armour Embiid 1 – Best Under Armour Sneaker
There are not many sneakers with good features out there build for big people. This is where Under Armour Embiid 1 comes in, having a strong build to provide the strength and support required. They are great for tall people and have some key features which set them apart.
The Embiid 1 is designed to provide ample support to your feet. It not only fits properly but the lockdown also keeps it intact. The TPU Support wings on the midsole on the top provide lateral support. It is made to keep your feet safe against the quick moves and return enough energy which keeps you from getting tired soon. Since it is for the tall people, the TPU Shank Plate on the midsole base of sneakers is kept wide with round edges to give a boost to shifty move players on the court. Like always Under Armour has done it again in the support category.
It serves a multidirectional grip on the court. The traction is good for the strong movements on the outdoor courts. The sneakers keep you from falling or slipping and provide ample relaxation also on shifty moves on the court. Though it is giving you the traction needed, it is not among the very finest ones, when indoor courts are considered it does lags but in the outdoors, it is of the best quality. Even though you can use it well outdoors, one thing is to be kept in mind that the grooves of Embiid 1 are thin and will wear out on abrasive surfaces.
Aside from providing good support and traction, the sole is designed to give great cushioning to your feet. Tall people given their big build require softer sneaker soles to keep them from getting tired real soon. This is where the Under Armour Embiid 1 proves to be worth it. It comes with Micro-G Midsole with a HOVR crash pad at the heel, this not only provides comfort but is also very responsive on the courts. The Embiid 1 is neither too cushy nor too hard, is a complete balance making it comfortable.
Pros
- Provides impact protection
- Breathable material
- Returns ample energy
- Gives a supportive and a satisfactory grip
Cons
- Needs break-in time
Providing you with multi-directional grip, good support, and traction, Under Armour Embiid 1 is a perfect blend of comfort and all other features. All of this makes it a remarkable choice for buying especially for the big men.
6. PUMA Clyde All-Pro Kuzma – Best Puma Sneakers
Outstanding performance, great stability, best traction, and much more! The Puma Clyde All-Pro Kuzma got you covered. Whether the talk is about durability or responsiveness on the courts for any position or movement, this pair of sneakers does not fail to surprise. Every aspect of it is unique in its own way. Let’s see how it earned its title as The Best Sneakers for Basketball.
The Clyde All-Pro fits true to size. The upper part of the sneakers is made up of lightweight, durable and breathable mesh. This makes them better ventilated to keep the feet from getting heated up and prevent blisters. The material gives a bit stiff look but the moment they are worn, the sneakers fit properly. The whole Clyde All-Pro is designed with a minimalistic perspective vision to provide ultimate performance on the courts whether indoor or outdoor.
PUMA sneakers once had a noticeable issue with the cushioning. But this time they came out with a surprise by using the Profoam+, which provides an amazing and comfortable feel to your feet. The cushioning of Clyde All-Pro has changed the history of its ancestors. Moreover, an extra layer of Pebax Puck is added for cushioning.
The sneakers from the heel to the midsole to the toes provide a perfectly balanced cushioning. It not only keeps the feet balanced on the indoor courts but also gives a great performance on the outdoor courts with abrasive surfaces. The cushioning without any doubt is the most stand-out feature of the PUMA Clyde All-Pro.
Given a multidirectional coverage, the traction served by Clyde All-Pro is simply fantastic. The front end of the sole is designed like a parquet floor which provides good support for sudden stops and go’s. The front end of the sole is coupled with the fierce multi-dimensional heel which provides a strong grip on the floor.
Pros
- Usage of great materials
- Offers great traction
- Comfortable cushioning
- Supportive design
Cons
- There should have been more impact protection.
With every movement on the court floor, you can experience how well the sneakers are balanced, every jump and landing gives your feet an amazing feel on the courts. The design does not let you feel stuck or lagged on any type of movement. This type of supportive traction was not experienced after Kobe 9.
7. Nike KD 14 – Best Looking Basketball Sneakers
This pair is not only larger but is more focused on giving support and comfort to the feet. Nike always comes out with something innovative, something creative, and something unique, the Nike KD 14 is the proof. The KD 14 is not only suitable for wide feet but also for tall people and has one of the amazing ventilation.
When put on and get a feel of it, the KD 14 turns out to be really comforting. It does need a little time to adjust to the foot but once you go for a run with it, it is evenly balanced to provide good support to the feet, all the while being comfortable. Big people mostly need a stable base with a responsive and soft cushion, the Zoom Air Strobel in KD 14 serves properly. The midsole is neither too thick nor too thin giving a spring-like feeling to every sharp movement.
Whether the performance is on the indoor courts or the outdoor courts, the traction offered by KD 14 is absolutely fantastic. The rubber outsole has a strong grip and offers a powerful push during strong movements. Along with the powerful traction offered, the lockdown is also strong which keeps the sneaker intact and does not lets it loose giving it a great fit. The KD 14 by no means will let you feel that your movements are even a little bit restricted and will serve well on any surface other than the courts.
Pros
- No heel slip
- True to size fit
- Strap lockdown
Cons
- A little bulky
Considering all the features of KD 14, it is a full package. Not only it is suitable for the indoor and the outdoor courts but is also responsive on other surfaces also. Designed to fit properly and give a stable base. Adding to it, the multiple layers of mesh are both flexible and breathable. The ventilation system of KD 14 is worth noticing. This sneaker assessed in every way proves to be a fantastic choice for any basketball lover.
Basketball is not an easy sport with all the quick movements, jumps, and running. Such a sport requires sneakers that not only provide you with good traction or boost your performance but at the same time are comfortable and breathable. These features are a must to look for when selecting your perfect pair to stay safe from blisters and achieve the performance of your choice. Among the selected and reviewed seven best sneakers for basketball, our top three recommendations are:
- Nike Kyrie 7 for its not only overall performance but all the traction it serves.
- PUMA Clyde All-Pro for its durability, and comfort and is best for any player.
- Nike KD 14 for its the players with an emphasis on support and also the design specifically targeted towards big men.
This was an elaborated review of the best sneakers for basketball, to make the choice easier for you.