Finding the right basketball shoes today can be a daunting task if you don’t know what you’re looking for. It feels like half the NBA players have their own signature shoe, so a lot of it comes down to which player you want to emulate. Kids still walk into stores, see the photos of Steph Curry on the wall, and say “I want the new Curry’s.” It can be that simple. Or, you know what your needs are and have a specific personal preference based on previous purchases – typically something with great cushioning, extra ankle support, and great traction.
However, you may not be sure exactly which sneaker is right for you. To make things a little simpler, here’s a list of the best basketball shoes of 2023 sorted in order of lowest to highest price, along with the key features of each shoe.
23 Best Basketball Shoes of 2023
$130 and Under
1. New Balance Hesi Low – $110
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, practical basketball shoe, the Hesi Low is for you. Made for basketball players who are looking for a low-cut silhouette, the Hesi Low delivers a lightweight feel and a responsive ride for improved agility. FuelCell foam provides a propulsive feel to help drive you forward. ABZORB insert for added cushioning and comfort.
2. Nike Ja 1 – $120
Nike took a chance by sticking with high-flying Memphis guard Ja Morant during some controversial moments, and they’re hoping that risk pays off with Morant’s new signature shoe: the Ja 1. The Ja 1 is a fairly toned down model, with lightweight, breathable material on the upper and a Zoom Air cushioning unit in the forefoot. It has a raised foam collar for ankle support, and that’s about it. The simple design of the Ja 1 makes it wearable both on and off the court. Hopefully, Morant keeps a lower profile this season, just like his shoes.
3. New Balance Two WXY V4 – $120
Currently worn by stars like Tyrese Maxey and Jamal Murray. One of New Balance’s most popular basketball sneakers, the TWO WXY V4 continues to push the boundaries of a positionless approach to the game, with an evolved take on the sneaker’s hybrid construction. The TWO WXY V4 is the first New Balance basketball model to combine Fresh Foam X and FuelCell, featuring a unique, split sole design built to support both quick lateral movement and high-impact takeoffs and landings. A mesh and synthetic upper is designed to combine light weight with a secure, foot-hugging feel.
4. Puma MB.03 – $125
Puma is really cooking with LaMelo Ball’s signature line. Geared for the younger generation, the MB.03 is highlighted by slime inspired rubber wrap-ups and an engineered knit upper with scratch cutouts. The slime sole and space-age PUMA Hoops tech, including NITROFOAM
provide responsiveness and cushioning in a lightweight package. An engineered mesh upper and TPU heel counter provide excellent breathability and a lockdown fit.
5. Jordan Luka 2 – $130
Dallas Mav star Luka Doncic’s game is one of a kind, and his sneaker line is catching fire now as well. Following up on the success of the Nike Luka 1, Jordan Brand enhanced the second silhouette with an updated synthetic mesh upper for enhanced breathability.
Just like the Luka 1, the Luka 2 has stacked Formula23 foam for a soft, cushiony feel. A sturdy cage wraps around the entire upper for 360-degree connected support, and a strong and flexible plate runs up the lateral sidewall for superior side-to-side stability. There is plenty of stability for bigger hoopers who also love to run the floor like Luka.
6. New Balance Fresh Foam BB – $130
The new Fresh Foam BB is built to help keep players feeling fresh and comfortable, through all four quarters. The first ever Fresh Foam basketball shoe is a mid-cut silhouette featuring the unparalleled comfort of a full-length, Fresh Foam X midsole. A lightweight, engineered FitWeave upper is paired with a lateral cage and synthetic skin overlays, providing additional support and stability during the high impact landings and rapid accelerations of full-court positionless play.
7. Nike Sabrina 1 – $130
One of the most popular and best shoes for women and men this year has been the new Sabrina 1. Designed for New York Liberty point guard Sabrina Ionescu, her signature shoe helps you unlock your versatility with snappy forefoot Zoom Air and cloud-like React foam to help keep you energized.
Nike used insights from next-gen athletes of all genders around the world to bring grippy, best-in-class traction, reliable midfoot support and stability to the court—which every hooper needs. Built for crafty players like Sabrina, but made for anyone who’s ready to put in the work to take their game to the next level.
8. Puma All Pro Nitro – $130
Bringing their latest PUMA HOOPS innovations straight to the hardwood, the All Pro NITRO infuses NITROFOAM technology with an engineered mesh upper to create a responsive basketball shoe that’ll have you sprinting up and down the court in perfect comfort, while the high abrasion rubber outsole is perfect for quick stops and cuts to dance past defenders. NITROFOAM: Advanced nitrogen-infused foam designed to provide superior responsiveness and cushioning in a lightweight package. Engineered mesh upper with TPU Formstrip for added support.
$140 – $170
9. Adidas Trae Young 3 – $140
This iteration of the signature shoes from Trae Young and adidas Basketball is all about the future of the game. Celebrating Trae’s unique look, crowd-pleasing bravado and expressive, futuristic style of play, the Trae Young 3 is built for optimized motion and stability, two elements of Trae’s game that have elevated him to superstar status.
Composite Foam in the midsole ensure your most explosive moves can be done at top speed while an asymmetrical Torsion System provides added support on hard plants and cuts. The mesh upper has strategically placed engineered zones that maximize breathability so you can push the pace for all four quarters, just like Trae.
10. Nike Freak 5 – $140
Designed for Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Freak 5 features a top-loaded Zoom Air unit in the forefoot which provides energy return and responsiveness. An internal containment system gives you a more dynamic fit that limits movement inside the shoe without feeling constricting. Advanced traction pattern in the heel enhances your on-court feel. It helps you stick to the ground for a microsecond while the other directional traction helps you dig your toe in and toe out of it. If your playing style is built for power, speed, and quickness, the Freak 5 is a great shoe for the court.
11. Jordan Zion 3 – $140
Pelicans power forward Zion Williamson is back for his fourth season with the New Orleans Pelicans, and he is rocking the Zion 3 on court. Known for busting out of his sneakers, the Zion 3 is built for Williamson’s powerful game. When working on his third signature shoe in collaboration with the Jordan Brand design team, Zion told them that he’s “made it out of the mud,” referring to all the hard work on his journey from Marion, South Carolina, to the NBA.
The upper features a material and color splatter that was created using 3D imaging of Zion’s foot last launching through mud. It’s a way to tell Zion’s personal story, but it’s also strategically reinforced to help contain strong lateral movements over the footbed. The drop-in midsole is made up of Formula 23 foam with a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot for responsive cushioning. Built for power players like Zion, the Zion 3 is definitely worth trying for power forwards and centers.
12. Skechers SKX Resagrip – $150
Skechers is getting into the basketball sneaker game, and they’re taking it seriously. Touted as a lightweight performance basketball shoe, the SKX RESAGRIP is designed for players who move at top speed. The SKX RESAGRIP offers excellent stability and ankle support with an enhanced collar foam for ankle control and a Skechers HYPER BURST PRO sock liner for increased cushioning and response. A durable mesh upper with HYPER BURST® cushioning and Goodyear® Resagrip® technology outsoles are designed for superior indoor traction. If this pair of shoes takes off, watch out for Skechers in the basketball market as they have a massive and loyal following.
13. Nike KD 16 – $160
Is this the year Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns win the chip? If they do, KD will be rocking the KD16. The Nike KD line has been one of Nike’s top of the line shoes for years now, and the KD16 is no different.
The KD16 features a bottom-loaded forefoot Zoom Air unit for extra pop and lift-off when his game reaches high speeds. A responsive full-length foam adds a soft, comfortable court feel. Flexible grooves and ridges in the durable outsole help to provide multidirectional traction and court feel. A stiff plate under the arch helps keep the shoe stable and helps you smoothly transition from heel to toe. Fun fact: the outsole resembles watch gears, which represent the inner workings of KD and the methodical nature of how he operates.
14. Under Armour Curry 11 – $160
Wanna ball out like Chef Curry? Start by picking up the Curry 11. UA Warp upper technology provides enhanced comfort & control for dynamic basketball movements. A lightweight, comfortable UA IntelliKnit upper is breathable and gives your foot stretch & support where you need it most. A dual-density UA Flow cushioning system provides premium comfort that is super light, bouncy and provides excellent court feel. Forefoot Pebax® plate allows for additional flex and agility with lateral support.
15. Adidas Harden Volume 7 – $160
The latest Harden signature sneakers from adidas Basketball shoes are built for speed with a nod to style. The Lightstrike midsole includes JET BOOST, making the Harden Volume 7 ultralight while also producing plenty of energy return on every stride. The herringbone-pattern rubber outsole and a TPU plate on the sidewall support your foot’s dynamic moves and offensive flourishes. A one-of-a-kind upper design and lacing system stand out from all the other sneakers on the court. This is arguably Harden’s best model ever.
16. New Balance Kawhi III – $160
Built for LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, the KAWHI III is a lightweight, modern, and aggressive shoe, made for a premier hooper at the height of his powers. The KAWHI III is designed for all of the hours spent turning raw talent into instinctive genius, and it’s built for the final seconds of the game when everything is on the line.
A full-length, Energy Arc equipped FuelCell midsole provides a propulsive energy return feeling, created to react to the game’s split-second changes. A minimalist upper design features a lightweight knit construction, with a seamless half-bootie that connects directly to the tongue. The seamless method is also used at the heel, with a molded component that offers a more natural, responsive sense of support than standard stitching. This is one of New Balance’s best basketball sneakers for players that are at the top of their games.
17. G.T. Hustle 2 – $170
Nike utilized insights and feedback from some of the top women athletes to make the G.T. Hustle 2 a soft, supportive and lightweight basketball shoe for everyone. With plenty of cushioning in the midsole and a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot, the G.T. Hustle 2 keeps you moving forward from start to finish. You will be able to sprint, stop on a dime, and score with ease from end to end. The G.T. Hustle 2 helps you focus on dominating the game, not deteriorating when it matters most.
The full-length foam is optimal for providing cushioning at high speeds, and is able to keep your foot from shifting around in the shoe. Nike combined the foam with a molded insole that makes for an ideal combination of soft responsiveness. Nike also stitched a full-length Zoom Air unit to the bottom of the upper to give your foot a propulsive feeling down the floor and optimal energy return from the 1st step you take to the last. This shoe is packed with cushioning and is definitely a top pick.
$180 and Above
18. G.T. Cut 2 – $180
The G.T. Cut 2 helps you break on a dime and propel back into the open lane in a low-to-the-ground design that helps minimize court contact while switching direction. Just like the G.T. Hustle, Nike utilized feedback from top women athletes to create a shoe that helps you play quickly and with boldness, which every basketball player needs. The G.T. Cut 2 helps to separate the players from the playmakers in a design that’s built on creating separation, but supportive enough to help you play all day.
Nike React technology combined with Zoom Air on the bottom layer of the upper stacked with a Zoom Air unit in the heel helps provide the responsiveness you need to create space off the dribble. The React insole provides excellent support and comfort. A soft midsole foam offers comfort and a stable underfoot feel. The upper is inspired by a butterfly with an inner cage that’s built into the lining underneath. It helps reduce the weight of the shoe to help you take off in a hurry.
19. G.T. Jump 2 – $180
One of Nike’s most creative designs of late is the G.T. Jump 2. With crazy Zoom Air placement, the G.T. Jump 2 can add an element of explosiveness very few other shoes can to your game. The bounce in the G.T. Jump 2 is unlike anything you’ve felt before, and the landing is cushioned, helping you spring back skyward once you hit the ground.
Three doses of Zoom Air (one in the bottom layer of the upper and two forefoot units) give you more bounce off the floor. The Zoom Air combines with the jump plate, wrapped with rubber for added support and durability, for an extra spring. Nike React foam in the heel provides cushioning and comfort when landing suddenly and powerfully. The molded heel has an engineered curve for energy absorption and support. Aesthetically-pleasing heel and collar design provide lightweight containment and manage micro-movements of the foot. For those players looking for the next level of cushioning, try the G.T. Jump 2.
20. Air Jordan 38 – $200
The Air Jordan line has always pushed the needle for what a basketball sneaker can be, and the Air Jordan 38 is no different. The low-to-the-ground full-length Zoom Strobel Air unit and Formula23 foam is perfect for quick cuts to the basket with incredible court feel. The lacing system provides excellent lock-down support, and the quality materials mean there is zero break-in time needed. A special Move to Zero box gives you the bells and whistles of commemorative packaging without the extra trash. The upper is made of a synthetic lightweight mesh for plenty of breathability.
21. Nike LeBron XXI – $200
It’s difficult to find any issues with the latest model for LeBron James – the LeBron XXI. Pillowy and responsive Zoom Air units in the heel and forefoot, give you a propulsive feeling and provide plenty of support, similar to the Lebron XVIII. A soft leather exterior gives the LeBron XXI a refined look for both on and off the court.
Inspired by his love for his daughter Zhuri, LeBron is the shield for his daughter, who helped the King grow as a man and softened him as a dad. He feels the need to protect her always, the same way an oyster shelters a pearl to reach its full potential. Exposed construction on the side of the heel gives a shell-like appearance. The perforated foam tongue is quilted, also imitating a shell’s appearance and providing a plush feel.
22. Li-Ning Way of Wade 10 – $225
Inspired by the strong personality and unique playstyle of Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade. This model is the lightest in the Way of Wade series for training with BOOM and a full-length carbon-fiber plate. A full-length BOOM midsole offers higher responsiveness and better cushioning, providing great support for starting faster and landing safer.
Li-Ning touts the Way of Wade 10 as versatile shoes, also being excellent for other court sports, such as volleyball, with a slip-resistant water-ripple patterned rubber outsole and full-palm arched carbon-fiber plate. The Way of Wade 10 is ideal for players looking for consistent grip, a stable court feel, and the best performance. Colored key-shape TPU stabilizer and TPU panel surrounding the midsole to best fit movements in every direction and avoid rollover- friendly to players with explosive playstyle. Bottom line: the Way of Wade 10 is one of the most technologically-advanced shoes on the market today.
23. Anta Shock Wave 5 Pro – $300
After Nike cut ties with superstar guard Kyrie Irving late in 2022, sneakerheads all wondered what would happen next. Irving had a great line with Nike, though his controversial comments made him somewhat of a risk for the next brand to take on. Irving ended up signing with Chinese brand Anta in 2023 and has been wearing the Shock Wave 5 Pro.
Featuring a simple and elegant design, the Shock Wave 5 Pro utilizes a high-strength yarn woven into dynamic line groups. The midsole features nitrogen technology in both the insole and full-length midsole, delivering impressive responsiveness and cushioning. This is the top-of-the-line basketball sneaker for the player who wants the performance of a Maserati on the basketball court. Rumor has it Irving’s first official sneaker with Anta will drop early next year. Anta shoes are difficult to find in the US, so we’ll see if they become more available in the coming months and years.