10 Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes: Picking a shoe for your game is a difficult task, especially if you understand how much of a difference can it really make in your playing.
They can be your win or lose situation while playing.
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At first, it does seem tough to make the right choice when it comes to a large variety of shoes when it comes to outdoor playing.
But once you understand the basics of what makes shoes great; you are good to go. There are a lot of things to consider while you are searching for the best shoes.
From the sole to the comfort and the different sizes; everything plays a huge role in making a shoe perfect for outdoor basketball.
Why investing in basketball shoes is important?
- The right shoes don’t stress your feet and knees.
- They are able to offer impact protection to the player.
- They lock your feet tightly yet are comfortable to wear for long hours and play.
- They provide incredible support and don’t let your ankle roll or twist.
Thus, if you wish to win the game and put your entire effort and potential into playing basketball, then your shoes matter a lot.
If you have been playing for a long time, you would even know the best brands that provide you the best shoes for basketball.
However, we have compiled the 10 best shoes right here. We have mentioned what makes them the best and why they are worth your investment.
Furthermore, we will be unveiling the tips you need that can help you in purchasing the right pair, along with the things that matter the most.
Table of Content
Our List of Outdoor Basketball Shoes To Buy:
Adidas Performance
Adidas is an old player in the world of sports shoes and we know for sure that we won’t be disappointed by this brand at all. Especially when it comes to Men’s Crazy Explosive shoes. It is a high performance and high energy shoe which sets itself apart with breathable and highly comfortable cushioning.
This pair is not only comfortable but it is as light as air.
With the breathable cushion, your feet feel free and the exposure of air remains incredible.
What we really appreciate about these basketball shoes is the lacing system. It is remarkably designed so that it wraps the entire foot impeccably. This relieves the pressure on the arches.
Furthermore, the molded heel promises to lock your foot into the shoe perfectly.
This helps in the prevention of slipping as their chances of it while you play. With Adidas Performance Men’s Crazy Explosive, you can play without any worries.
The mesh tongue of the shoe adds more breathability to it, making it our top priority when it comes to the best outdoor basketball shoes.
The traction of the shoe is boosted by the rubber that is placed over the midsole. The rubber sole ensures great traction and enhances comfort too. All in all, we love this pair and Adidas has certainly done an exceptional job in designing this one.
Why do we love it?
- Breathability
- Wonderful lockdown of the foot
- Great support and stability
- Remarkable protection from slipping or falling
- The midsole rubber is amazing
If you are looking for leveling your game up, then there is nothing better than this one. With amazing breathability and remarkable support and lockdown, you can play crazily and achieve professionalism in your game.
Adidas Performance Men’s Cloudfoam
We have another Adidas shoe as our second runner up. Men’s Cloudfoam shoe is an affordable pick to make from Adidas.
It offers you great support, playing stability and comfort. The upper of the shoe is a combination of fabric and leather which makes it lightweight and breathable. The 3 stripes logo at the side of this shoe makes it look like a beauty. The mesh at the collar, tongue and rear quarter of the shoe, allows great airflow while you play.
But what really makes this shoe unique is the Cloudfoam midsole and sock liner.
This is where this pair of shoes wins the game. The cloudfoam feature ensures foot protection and lockdown, along with great comfort.
The footbed of the shoe is made up of memory foam which adds up to the comfort of this shoe. The outstanding traction of the rubber outsole is another reason to love this one. All in all, Men’s Cloufoam shoe pair from Adidas is another top basketball shoe that you can rely upon, with closed eyes.
Why do we like it?
- Cloudfoam midsole and sockliner
- Memory foam footbed
- Extremely breathable uppers
- Mesh collar, tongue and rear quarter
- Comfort, stability, and support
Offering an exceptional and breathable airflow, this pair of shoes is a winner for all basketball freaks.
Live your game to higher levels with the support and stability that this one has to offer.
Nike’s Men Lebron Soldier IX
The innovative strap system of Niker’s Lebron Soldier IX is the show-stealer.
It locks down the player’s foot to a 360 degree, promising exceptional support, stability, and comfort. The Lebron Soldier has had several versions but this one (the 9th one) is the best of the best.
Tagged as the highest performance basketball shoe, this one is a must-have for players. The Flywire cables of this shoe integrate with your midfoot strap to provide you with the best support. It is extremely lightweight and comfortable.
The Nike Zoom Air Units come in full action with the softest cushioning which allows you to play at high speeds, without the fear of slipping or falling. Thus, bolt around the court fearlessly with the Lebron Soldier IX.
The shoe has decoupled rubber pods that boost your motion while playing.
They also tend to add durability to the shoe. Furthermore, the rubber sole has a hexagonal pattern and multi-directional traction which offers outstanding grip over the feet. Thus, you can move freely and jump and make incredible things that can help you level your game up.
Lastly, the lunarlon cushioning enhances its overall comfort and makes it one of the best Nike shoes for basketball.
Why do we like it?
- Nike Zoom Air Units cushioning
- Decoupled rubber pods enhance motion
- Flywire cables offer stronger grip
- Full inner sleeve wraps
This is a wonderful Nike basketball shoe that comes with exceptional support, stability, and comfort. The traction and Flywire cables along with superb cushioning make it a wonderful pick for all basketball lovers.
Under Armour Men’s Curry 2.5
What makes the Under Armour Men’s Curry 2.5 a great choice is the external heel counter and shank that locks your feet in the shoe, for amazing stability. It also promises ankle support which saves you from slipping or falling. The synthetic wraps are molded and bring in comfort for the player.
Another incredible feature of this shoe is the ETC anti-friction top cloth. Why? Because it helps in keeping your feet cool and dry. In addition, the antimicrobial and die-cut OrthoLite sock liner adds to the stability of your foot and keeps it comfortably in its place.
The Micro-G foam is full-length which provides the player with explosive take-offs. This adds a powerhouse within the player and gives him the power to unleash his full potential. You can cut your way around the basketball court, without any fears.
Why do we like it?
- Micro-G Foam
- OrthoLite Sockliner
- ETC Anti-friction
- Amazing cushioning
With incredible support, cushioning, stability and explosive take-offs, this basketball shoe is a wonderful choice to make.
Adidas Performance Men’s Crazylight Boost Low
We are back at Adidas with this one. If you want a shoe that can boost your game, then Adidas Crazylight boost low is a wonderful choice to make? Why? Let’s show you why! To begin with, the Jacquard upper of this shoe makes it comfortable and breathable. Moreover, it looks extremely chic as well.
To enhance its comfort, the shoe has a back collar and a textile lining to it as well.
The molded TPU eyestay piece along with the heel cup promise to deliver amazing stability and a wonderful lockdown.
The traction of the rubber sole is also impressive and allows you to speed up and down across the court, with ease. Overall, this show deserves to be tagged as one of the best outdoor basketball shoes. It is lightweight, comfortable and promises amazing stability and power to the player. What else does a basketball player demand for?
Why do we like it?
- Rubber sole provides incredible traction
- Lightweight
- Jacquard upper brings in amazing breathability
- Molded TPU eyestay and heel cup are worth appreciation
You can soar through the air with the Adidas Performance Men’s Crazylight Boost Low shoe. With stability and powerful foot lockdown, you get the extra punch that one needs to boost their game up. Since 2017, this is one of the best. With its impressive properties, it is still the best choice to make.
Nike Men’s HyperDunk
The name of this shoe lets you know a lot about it; make the perfect dunk and enhance your game skills like never before. Nike Men’s Hyperdunk is mid-top basketball shoes that are promising in terms of stability, comfort, and support. There are no foot restrictions that allow you to soar through the court, with ease.
The forefoot and heel of the shoe have Zoom Air Units which makes it super responsive and very comfortable for the player. Moreover, the Flywire cables are integrated with the laces of the shoe to add stability.
They lock your foot down in its right place and allows you to play without any fears of falling or slipping. Therefore, the grip of the foot is impressive which is what a player really needs to boost their game.
To add more to its greatness, Phylon injected midsole offers you an incredible cushioning which is highly absorbent for high impact while you play. The rubber sole has herringbone tread pattern which provides amazing traction too. You can play multi-directional and ace your game with this shoe. It is overall, an incredible piece to add to your basketball shoes collection.
Why do we like it?
- Herringbone tread pattern
- Incredible foot lockdown with Flywire cables
- Zoom Air Unites in the heel and forefoot
- Lets you make multi-directional movement
With ultimately powerful support and comfort, Nike Men’s Hyperdunk is an impressive choice to make by anyone who wishes to level up their game. They are stylish and allow you to move multi-directional through the court too with a strong foot lockdown grip. With everything a player needs, this is one of the best when it comes to playing basketball outdoors.
Nike Men’s Kyrie 3
If you have the powerful and explosive moves, then all you need is this pair of shoes to make your basketball game epic. These are Kyrie Irving’s signature shoes and you will feel like Kyrie in these when you play. Soar through the court, past your defenders and ace your game!
The hyperfusion combination of this shoe is what sets it apart. The TPU skin, the mesh and the synthetic material, combine to deliver durability, support, and stability to the shoe. They also tend to make it more breathable.
It has forefoot band locks that provide incredible foot lockdown and stability to the player. The injected Phylonfoam makes the shoe extremely lightweight too. Furthermore, it comes with Zoom Air Units in the heel. This means that the shoe cushioning is impeccable around the heel area which is under constant stress while you play.
However, what really makes this pair shine is the outsole curvature. It has independent pods that are responsible for the incredible traction and provide you with a grip that allows you to make cuts and move fast through the court.
Why do we like it?
- Hyperfusion construction
- Zoom Air units make the heels are comfortable
- Forefoot band locks bring in, stability and higher grip
- Phylon foam adds comfort
- Independent pods promise amazing traction
If you are a Kyrie fan, this is a must-have for you. Even if you are not, these pairs of shoes allow you to soar through the playing area like a pro. With wonderful foot lock grip, cushioning and support; Kyrie 3 is certainly an incredible shoe by Nike. you won’t regret investing in it at all.
Adidas Dame 3
Get that dunk perfect with the Adidas Dame 3. These are Damian Lillard’s signature shoes and provide great traction, incredible energy, and wonderful comfort and support. The mesh of the shoe is extremely breathable which makes your feet cool and comfortable throughout the game.
The open collar provides you with the right on and off. The best part about Dame 3 is that it comes with different lacing options. This might be attractive for a lot of basketball players. You can easily get the grip that you want. The bootie construction ensures a remarkable foot lockdown, promising great stability while you play.
The bounce cushioning of Dame 3 is also impressive as it gives you an extra punch of energy that you need, with every step. The tread pattern on the sole and outer rubber sole is great as it lets you move and play with confidence. Overall, this is another great Adidas basketball shoes that you can rely on for enhancing your game skills.
Why do we like it?
- Mesh Uppers are extremely breathable
- The tread pattern is unique
- Great traction
- Lacing options
- Bounce cushioning
- Open collar
The superb grip of Adidas Dame 3 along with its bounce cushioning is all you need to play with confidence and ease.
You get the perfect punch of energy with the cushioning with each step because your feet feel comfortable throughout. The stability is also impeccable. All in all, you can rely on this piece of Adidas for sure.
Nike Zoom KD 9 Elite TS
This Nike basketball shoe has a ¾ silhouette. It is the very first shoe in the KD line that has this silhouette. Flexible, comfortable, supportive and durable are the right words to describe this pair. If you wish to take your game up a notch, then this is an actual elite shoe to opt for. It promises to enhance your game like none other.
The construction of this shoe is fly knit, which makes it stretchy. Furthermore, the flex grooves on the midsole provide great support and stability to your foot with each movement.
Lastly, the mid-cage locks your foot in the right place, offering a perfect grip for multi-directional moves and explosive pull-offs.
The midsole is made up of Zoom Air units which bring in amazing cushioning and comfort to the shoe.
What adds up to all of these amazing elite features is the traction pattern on the rubber outsole; it is multi-directional. It offers an epic grip and allows you to be confident while you play at faster speeds.
The Zoom KD 9 Elite TS is a superb product that is lightweight responsive and comfortable. There are genuinely no second thoughts about this one.
Why do we like it?
- Flex grooves
- Flyknit construction
- Midfoot cage for lockdown and grip
- Traction patterns are multi-directional
- Midsole is Zoom Air integrated
This pair of Nike basketball shoes is stretchy and comfortable. With the fly knit construction and the flex grooves, it has set itself apart. Also, the silhouette adds a look of perfection to this masterpiece and makes it worth buying. If you wish to play with booming confidence then this shoe is your perfect pick.
Well, these are our top 10 best outdoor basketball shoes. We have picked these with care and have made sure that no matter which one you pick, you will be satisfied with the outcome. They are providing you with playing confidence that is needed.
Make the explosive pull-offs and sore through the court, past your defenders with these shoes. They are durable, reliable, comfortable and provide you with amazing stability, support, and comfort.
But there are some things that you need to keep into consideration before buying the best basketball shoes. Thus, we have summed up a handful of tips and things that you need to consider before investing in these shoes. It is going to be a considerable purchase, therefore, it is best to be sure before you buy.
Tips for buying basketball shoes for Outdoors.
As you have seen, there are innumerable choices to consider when you step outside to buy the best basketball shoes for yourself. There are so many of them out there, that you are definite to get overwhelmed. But this is not a “heat of the moment” decision to make. You cannot buy a basketball shoe based on impulsive decision making.
You are required to consider some things before you invest in the right pair of shoes. Every basketball enthusiast understands the basics of a perfect basketball shoe. But if you are a newbie in the world of basketball, then we have a handful of tips for you right here.
Understand the Low, Mid and High
Okay, so basketball shoes come in three different heights; low, medium and high. Understanding the basics of all these three is crucial. It will help you define the type of basketball shoes that would be perfect for you.
Low Top: If you have to guard the game, then the low top basketball shoes would be great for you. They are built for agility and speed.
Mid Top: These shoes are great for people who are looking for good ankle support.
If you are in practice mode or you do not know your position yet, then this would go with all the positions.
High Top: The high top basketball shoes are for extra stability and extra support. They are easy on the ankle and foot overall and thus are a great pick to make for anyone who wants full grip and comfort.
The high top basketball shoes are the most purchased ones because every player (somehow) wants the ankle and foot support and stability. You cannot play like a beast without support. However, if you are guarding the game then the low top shoes are also a great pick for you.
Knowing your position in the game can really help you make the right decision.
Materials:
Many people would consider the outlook of the shoe after this but we suggest that you look at the material. Why? Because the material defines the lifespan of the shoe. Synthetic mesh is a great choice to make and leather has been replaced by synthetic materials now. Leather is still used in the designs but the shoes are not made up of it, entirely. Make sure that the shoes you pick are breathable because they tend to keep your feet cool and comfortable and that is all you want for an impeccable game.
Toughness:
The material of the shoe will determine its toughness. The longer it lasts, the tougher it is and it all comes down to the fabric that is used in its construction. This is why it is crucial to do your research before you make a pick. You must know what the shoe is constructed of.
Nike and Adidas both have wonderful, lightweight options that are tough.
Although it was once said that heavyweight shoes are tougher but with a lot of new innovations, this has been set apart. Lightweight basketball shoes are trending and they are greater than a lot of heavy shoe options.
Outlook:
Now that you have judged the toughness of the shoe and you know what material it is composed of, you can pay attention to how it looks. This is a huge feature to consider because you don’t want to look out of style, do you? Your shoe should portray your personality.
So do not overlook the importance of how it appears. Make sure that you like the color and design!
Fitness:
Give it a try! You won’t buy a shoe without trying it on, would you? Thus, try it on and see how it fits. It should provide an amazing foot lockdown and grip that makes your feet feel stable. Width-wise, the shoe should fit comfortably. It shouldn’t be too loose or too snug. Judge it finely. If the heel moves just a bit, this is fine. But if it feels like slipping, then the fit is not good and you know what to do!
Outsole:
The outsole is very crucial because it connects the player with the court. It is made up of synthetic material or rubber usually. This is the part of the shoe that provides traction. Thus, it has to be considered a lot. To play well, you need great traction and great traction is relying on a good outsole.
The Nike Kyrie shoe has a great outsole and there are many other basketball shoes with great traction and outsole. Thus, make your pick smartly.
Cushioning:
Cushioning is important to consider because it makes your shoe comfortable or uncomfortable. A basketball player usually runs around 2-5 miles per game, so if the shoe cushioning is not comfortable, the game won’t be amazing either. Foam and Air Zoom cushioning is great.
You can look at the shoes we have mentioned above because they have incredible cushioning and are promising in terms of comfort.
Your budget:
Once you have done your research, you obviously need to consider your budget too.
We would suggest that you invest once and for all in good basketball shoes so that you don’t need to replace them after a few months.
Thus, save up guys!
Outdoor basketball shoes won’t come for a cheaper price tag. Or else, you can look out for discounts.
Picking the right basketball shoes is very crucial. It helps you define yourself as a player. If the shoe quality and built-in are not great, you won’t be able to play with confidence. Thus, make sure that you are investing in the right pair.
Comfort, stability, support and great flexibility are some of the basics that your shoe must be able to deliver also, make sure that the shoe does not slip while you are trying it on. It must fit you well.
CONCLUSION
We won’t say that the best basketball shoes will make you a pro player. But having the right shoes will help you put your game skills to use, in perfection. As your level of comfort, stability and support increase, your game levels up automatically. The right shoes will definitely improve your game but you need to have the skills too. The basic factors that help you make the right choice are:
- Fit
- Traction
- Style
- Support
- Breathability
- Comfort
By keeping these basic factors in mind and consideration, you can buy the best shoes and level your game up.
