Best Basketball Shoes 2022: Top Picks For Indoor And Outdoor Courts

There’s a lot to consider when searching for the best basketball shoes, particularly with the wide selection of models and brands to choose from.

With sneaker technology constantly improving as well, for instance, the upcoming Luka 1s feature new IsoPlate foot frames, finding the right pair for your playstyle isn’t always so straightforward.

Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks based on price, reviews, and any defining features that make these sneakers suitable for all the different positions on the court.

So if you’re looking for some of the best Air Jordans around in these Jordan XXXVIs, or you’re looking for something built for speed, like these Under Armour Curry Flow 9s, then we’ve got you covered right here.

We’ve also highlighted a few upcoming sneaker releases for you to mark in your diary for future purchases. We’ll keep this list updated to make sure you stay in the loop with all the latest basketball shoe news.

Best Basketball Shoes

Best Indoor Basketball Shoes – Air Jordan XXXVI

Brand: Air Jordan | Material: Jacquard Leno-Weaver

The Air Jordan XXXVI doesn’t just top this list through name value alone. They make our list because they’re designed to perform on the court thanks to their lightweight build and advanced traction for better movement.

To save weight, Jordan hollows out the gap between the outsoles and the midsoles, helping to stop the shoe from weighing you down as you twist, turn, and leap through the air during a game.

Not only will the sneakers help you perform, but they should also keep you protected through Nike’s Zoom Air cushioning in the soles, which have been added to distribute the impact and shock when landing from an explosive jump.

Ultimately, we feel the Jordan XXXVIs are a great option to consider and should be ideal if you’re looking to perform on the court.

Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes – Under Armour Lockdown 5

Brand: Under Armour | Material: Unspecified

These Under Armour Lockdown 5s have been designed with durability in mind, hence why they include features such as film toe caps providing additional support and protection, particularly when taking the game outdoors.

On top of that, these sneakers come with an air mesh tongue which should improve their breathability whilst also making them more comfortable when paired with the plush sock liner.

Interestingly, the Lockdown 5s also feature anti-odour technology in the sock liners which, Under Armour states, discourages bacteria and odour-causing microbes from developing.

On the whole, if you’re searching for a solid pair of basketball sneakers that have been built to last, even when worn outdoors, then these Lockdown 5s could be the shoes for you.

Best Budget Basketball Shoes – adidas Dame 8

Brand: adidas | Material: Synthetic Textile

This is Damian Lillard’s 8th shoe in his range, upgrading on the 7 in a number of key areas which help make this one of the best basketball shoes on a budget.

Firstly, they come with adidas’ Dual-density Bounce Pro cushioning which is designed to provide the ideal ratio between energy return, cushioning, and support.

You also get a unique pattern on the rubber outsole that is said to provide outstanding grip on a hardwood court.

It’s also worth noting that these sneakers are created sustainably as well as 25% of the components used to make the upper contain a minimum of 50% recycled content.

Ultimately, the Dame 8s provide a great option if you checked out our low top vs high top article and feel a low-cut trainer is the one for you to help you perform on the court.

Best Basketball Shoes For Wide Feet – Nike LeBron 19

Brand: Nike | Material: Synthetic

The Nike LeBron 19s are designed to be the most comfortable pair of sneakers on the court thanks to the 360º Max Air unit within the thick, responsive Zoom Air unit found under each shoe’s forefoot.

On top of that, you get pods embedded in the tongues and collars of these sneakers to provide lightweight cushioning around the ankle and over the top of your feet.

To round off Nike’s commitment to comfort, these sneakers feature full inner sleeves which contour to your feet for a snug, secure feel.

The thin, transparent exterior layers are said to be highly durable and lightweight to help reduce in-shoe movement, thus making them a great option to consider if you’re looking for a pair for wider feet.

Best Basketball Shoes For Jumping – Nike Hyperdunk X

Brand: Nike | Material: Synthetic

You can likely expect these Nike Hyperdunk Xs to give you a little extra lift on your vertical jump as well as cushion you as you land again.

This is because the sneakers come with a huge amount of foam in the insoles and a wavy traction pattern across the outsoles, designed to improve grip and enable a better take off.

On top of that, the uppers are made from a lightweight, textile material with a 3/4 finish for a securer fit around your ankles.

On the whole, these sneakers look to be a great option to consider to help you score the perfect dunk in your best basketball hoop.

If you want to find out more, check out our article on what basketball shoes are best for jumping.

Best Basketball Shoes For Speed – Under Armour Curry Flow 9

Brand: Under Armour | Material: Mesh

It comes as no surprise that Curry’s latest signature shoe was developed with speed, agility, and dribbling in mind given Steph’s position on the court.

First and foremost, these sneakers feature Under Armour’s WARP upper technology, which has been designed for enhanced comfort and control throughout the dynamic range of basketball movements.

On top of that, Curry Flow 9s come with TPE-blend sock liners with lower compression sets, aimed to improve your energy return for explosive power.

Moreover, you get Under Armour’s Flow cushioning which is said to be super-light and bouncy, all whilst providing insane grip, thus making these an excellent pick if you’re a fast-paced guard like Curry himself.

Best Sustainable Basketball Shoes – Nike Cosmic Unity

Brand: Nike | Material: Synthetics

When it comes to sustainability, there is arguably no better basketball shoe out there right now than the Nike Cosmic Unity.

The sneakers feature 25% recycled material by weight, plus Crater Foam soles on top of a layered cable system crafted with 99% recycled content.

In terms of performance, the shoes come equipped with a full-length Zoom Air Strobel, made in part with recycled TPU, which is designed to keep you gripped to the court.

All in all, these sustainably made sneakers may be the answer if you’re looking for well-rounded pair of shoes made from recycled content.

Best Upcoming Basketball Shoes

With sneaker technology constantly changing and growing, there are plenty of revolutionary designs to look forward to this year, however, there are also a few retro remakes to keep an eye on as well.

With that being said, here are some of our ones to watch over the coming months.

Nike LeBron 20

As LeBron James enters his twentieth year in the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers star has been pictured by NY-based photographer Moving Pictures in what is seemingly his new LeBron 20 signature sneakers.

Worn by the King himself on the court, the 20s are set to arrive in bright pink and appear to be made almost entirely from knitted material, although this is only our prediction based on the images we’ve seen so far.

A full list of all the LeBron 20’s technology is yet to be disclosed along with the release date; however, some reports predict their arrival later this year. Stay tuned for more information once Nike makes an official announcement.

Nina Chanel Abney x Air Jordan 2

Two new Air Jordan 2 colourways have been revealed via Nike SNKRS in collaboration with the African American contemporary artist Nina Chanel Abney.

The first design features a Chicago-inspired colour scheme, while the second switches out the Gym Red tones for Malachite green to dress a pair of low-tops.

According to Nike SNKRS, both pairs of the Nina Chanel Abney x Air Jordan 2s are due to launch on 8 July 2022 if you’re eager to get your hands on a pair.

Air Jordan 37

With 2021/22 drawing to a close and the 2022/23 NBA season on the horizon, early images of the new Air Jordan 37 have surfaced online to continue Nike’s tradition of annual Jordan releases.

The sneakers will seemingly contain elements of the Jordan 7 like the “AJ7 Fit Padding” around the ankles for additional support, plus an additional exoskeleton based on the technical image seen above.

Nothing has been officially confirmed yet regarding the Jordan 37 release, so make sure you check back in as we’ll be keeping this article updated once more information is announced.

Jordan Luka 1

Luka Dončić has recently revealed his first-ever signature Jordan sneakers known as the Luka 1s.

Six colourways are rumoured to be released in total, all of which feature new IsoPlate foot frames, designed with the multidirectional play of Dončić in mind, plus full-length performance foam named Formula 23 in the midsoles.

Nike News hasn’t disclosed a release date yet; however, there are some reports that believe the first colourway will launch as early as the 30 June 2022. Stay tuned for more information right here as we’ll keep things updated once Nike makes an official announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Basketball Shoes

With so many different styles of basketball shoes on the market, you may have a number of questions about what makes each of them stand out, but don’t worry because we’re here to clear up a few of the most common queries.

What Should You Look For In A Basketball Shoe?

There are a number of key features to consider when deciding on which basketball shoes will suit your needs.

One of the most important elements to look for is whether they are comfortable as you want to ensure your feet can absorb the constant high-impact of specific movements like jumping which is part and parcel of a basketball game.

Another feature to consider is the shoe’s ankle support as you may have heard of the term ankle-breaker, used to describe when a defender falls over from a crossover dribble, and therefore you will likely want to give yourself the best support possible if or when this happens to you.

Do Basketball Shoes Fit True To Size?

Typically speaking, yes they should do but some basketball shoes have additional features which may affect the comfort and fit.

Ideally, basketball shoes are tight-fitting for security and control, but also wide enough and padded enough to keep you comfortable and protected from other players and impact from landing on the court.

Are Basketball Shoes Good For Running?

For short distances, you’ll probably get away with using basketball shoes for running, particularly if they’re low-tops, however, if you’re tackling a longer workout, we’d advise against wearing basketball sneakers.

You’re probably better off going for a top running shoe that will likely be lighter, more comfortable, and is ultimately built for forward motion rather than lateral movement like basketball shoes.

Are Basketball Shoes Good For The Gym?

We’ve previously talked in-depth about whether basketball shoes are suitable for the gym and concluded that the stiffness, support, and flat soles of basketball shoes make them a viable option to wear when training.

The main downside of them is the amount of cushioning contained in the midsole to protect your feet and joints on the court, something that isn’t required during weightlifting and can in fact be deferential as the padding might absorb your downward power.

Read More: Best Jordan 1 Colorways Available Now