There are mens basketball shoes for everyone, from low-rise cuts designed for guards and forwards to super supportive high-top styles tailored specifically for centres. The key to finding comfortable basketball footwear is selecting flexible footwear that allows rapid jumping.
Basketball involves sprinting and jumping, which places great strain on the feet and ankles. Basketball shoes are designed to protect against these injuries while providing gripped soles to avoid slipperiness.
Nike
Nike, founded on January 25 1964, by university track athlete Phil Knight and his coach Bill Bowerman under Blue Ribbon Sports, was initially sold at track meets out of Phil Knight’s car trunk.
Nike provides an expansive selection of mens basketball shoes, ranging from high-top sneakers to low-tops. Their shoes boast vibrant colours and retro influences that appeal to any style-conscious man, along with innovative features like Zoom Air units for lightweight cushioning and React foam for energy return. You can even find signature shoes from pro players like Damian Lillard’s Nike Dame 8.
Adidas
Adidas basketball shoes have long been a mainstay on the hardwood for legendary players from Kareem to Dame and Ewing – and the brand continues to build upon this legacy by offering innovative shoes with balance between agility and cushioning to help achieve peak performance on the court. Adidas DamThe e-8 sneaker features a bouncy setup using Boost and Lightstrike technology to provide responsiveness and support during fast cuts or jumps.
Adidas Rivalry High sneakers feature a university theme that pays homage to college hoops while maintaining a classic basketball aesthetic. Or, for something more daring and eye-catching, try Adidas Harden Vol 7 shoes with a distinctive dark blue overlay.
Under Armour
Under Armour is a sports brand known for producing athletic and leisure clothing, shoes and accessories. Their basketball shoes have received high praise from players and sneaker enthusiasts – particularly Stephen Curry’s Curry line of sneakers that NBA star Joel Embiid of Philadelphia 76ers fame wore. Under Armour basketball shoes have received praise for their exceptional grip, traction pattern, and responsive cushioning features.
UA’s SC 3Zer0 II shoe is an economical yet flexible hardwood running shoe that delivers performance and value for its price point. The herringbone traction provides grip and durability, while the Micro G cushion is lightweight yet bouncy for optimal cushioning performance. Furthermore, this shoe’s synthetic leather upper provides support without adding unnecessary bulkiness.
Under Armour offers several high-performing basketball shoes for functional fitness athletes and cross-training players, including the UA HOVR Havoc. Constructed using time-tested EVA and HOVR technologies, it provides superior support and cushioning.
New Balance
New Balance has proven over the last two years that one way to stand out in a crowded sneaker market is through quietly releasing great basketball shoes and hoping that one catches on with fans.
They recently came out with their Fresh Foam X 860 v13 sneaker model. Featuring their latest iteration of Fresh Foam cushioning – soft yet responsive enough for quick transitions and lively take-offs – plus a unique outsole pattern that increases grip while working alongside other stability features to provide superior support, this model stands as their latest offering.
The mens basketball shoes run true to size and fit snugly from the start, which may be too snug for some players who prefer more tailored fits, but most should find comfort after breaking them in. With its midfoot solid TPU shank plate and strong forefoot outsole construction, the V13 provides sufficient support.