Can your next Basketball Shoes take you to Stephen Curry and Luka Doncic level?
It could be a stretch to ask your next pair of basketball shoes to elevate you to the very top of the NBA standings but every point guard and shooting guard deserves the best shoes to allow them to be the best they can be. Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, and Kyle Irving might be the best guard players in the NBA right now. While a pair of shoes alone won’t take you to their standard, there’s no reason why you can’t head in their direction with the right footwear.
Shooting guards like James Harden, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan are all best known as the sharpshooter of the team. They have that attention to detail and accuracy to open up the rest of the court with their pinpoint passing. So naturally, the shoes need to foster those skills. They need to keep you grounded while also giving enough boost when reaching for a three-pointer or longer pass.
The contemporary point guard elite like Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, and Damian Lillard rely on similar skills as they orchestrate the offense. Typically point guards handle the ball more than other players and have to work hard in transition play – they need shoes to navigate the court quickly.
Consider your exact position on the court as well as your natural skills on the court. Also, consider where you play – are you on inside or outside courts? How frequently do you play? What is your budget for new basketball shoes? With these answers to hand, you’ll be able to take a fine-tuned approach and you’ll be able to find the best shoes for you. We’ve cherry-picked these 10 suggestions to enhance any guard player’s game. Remember, speed and stability are key for both guard positions.
Top 10 Best basketball shoes for guards
The Puma Clyde All-Pro hits hard in the tradition of the Puma Clyde series; a name that has been prevalent in the Basketball footwear arena since the 1970s. Widely reviewed as an all-round performer, the ProFoam+ cushion with the snug-fit secures feet with amazing comfort allowing for point and shoot guards to be stable while making key plays.
Puma is very happy to have this shoe series buck the trends when it comes to the usual fashion norms. The series has always had that punky edge as it tries to integrate skateboard and basketball cultures – giving Clyde quite a loyal following.
It’s worth stressing that these shoes are consistently praised in reviews for the comfy true-to-size fit. Some bloggers and sneakerheads have gone as far as to use them for recreational use, especially with appealing designs. That said, be careful with these off the court as the reviews are very mixed when it comes to outdoor usage.
RJ Barrett of the New York Knicks and Sterling Brown from the Dallas Mavericks have both worn this shoe extensively throughout their careers, a testament to just how useful it can be in the shooting guard position.
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Do we need to sell this shoe anymore – other than simply reminding you this made with Kevin Durant in mind? While the 2007 first-round draft pick and current Brooklyn Nets player doesn’t occupy a guard position this shoe can still help you out. This is verified by Pat Connaughton, Devin Vassell, and Duncan Robinson who have all frequently rocked these kicks.
The fourteenth shoe from the Kevin Durant range adds to the already existing prestigious lineage. The traction and support this shoe offers are truly exceptional. If you’re looking for style too, then this one has your number with a large range of artistic designs and colorways.
The cushioning is also noteworthy for its ability to console the feet when tackling high-energy lift-offs by soaking up any excess impact.
The materials might not be the best-ever textiles but still, hold their own in terms of durability. Something to consider is that these shoes are crafted for almost exclusively in-door court use; as they just won’t hold up outside. Reports also suggest the fit can run a little narrower than expected, so it is worth trying before buying.
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When ripping up the court at the AT&T center and beyond, Dejounte Murray often calls up the New Balance TWO WXY. The San Antonio Spurs point guard has made a living out defending every court like it is his own personal property. This steely resilience has put him in contention to become the defensive Adonis for future generations of aspiring point guards.
The New Balance TWO WXY might not be the be-all and end-all of Murray’s successes, but they certainly give him an edge. Firstly the court feel is designed with expert traction to ensure that he can navigate the court with speed and velocity.
One of the best points about this shoe is the sock lining. This essentially makes the shoe an extension of your foot rather than a shoe as it slips on with great ease and with great comfort. It’s this piece that makes it a great choice for any player who suffers from ankle injuries or is generally prone to any kind of mishap.
There are relatively few weaknesses to this shoe which one should expect given the premium pricing. Users of this shoe should be careful when taking it outside of the regular indoor courts. While user reviews often state it can be worn on the streetside courts, it isn’t widely recommended for excessive outdoor wear.
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Stephen Curry’s collaboration efforts with Under Armour have seemingly gone from strength to strength. It’s been a win-win for the brand as having arguably had one of the all-time shooters in basketball associated with them is exceptional. Curry has more or less become the face of their shoe business given his popularity and success since joining them in 2013. Business analysts have even suggested that Under Armour’s profitability and stock prices fluctuate on Curry’s on-court performances which in line heavily influence his shoe line sales.
The traction on this shoe performs like no other and is possibly the best for this attribute on our list here. This is large to its foam-based outsole. Testers have revealed the shoe is slick on the court and ultra-lightweight. Yet it’s not just sneakerheads who have enjoyed this shoe. Curry’s Golden State Warriors teammate also rocks this shoe on a regular basis as does Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard, Kent Bazemore.
A very interesting point about the signature Under Armour foam outsole is that it was originally intended exclusively for their running shoe products. After testing the foam out, the initial users stated they thought gave sufficient bounce to compliment basketball players. The rest of course is history as the brand is now a major player in the basketball shoe market.
The materials are undoubtedly of top quality which in no small part allows for the expert-level cushioning. They also come in a variety of color variations, including a very popular ‘yellow taxi’ theme which will no doubt light up the courts you play on.
Outdoor ballers will rejoice that this premium shoe is touted as a suitable option for outdoor courts. Instead of its rubber counterparts, the foam seems to spread out its wear evenly meaning it’ll take a lot of heavy usage before a replacement is required. This is an evident nod to the durability factor which patrons would expect for the money they are forking out for this shoe.
This is certainly a versatile shoe offering good value even with such a big price tag. It will however still scare off those who aren’t as affluently blessed as it still sits up there as a very expensive shoe. The only small point to be wary of is the sizing – which has been noted as running a little small. The heel can feel a little stiff at first but when broken in certainly becomes a lot more comfortable.
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The Air Zoom G.T. Cut has certainly been an indulgent product from the Nike upper management. Basketball product manager, Nicole Chow took a lead role in its development, which included heading up research with WNBA point guard Sabrina Ionescu. The NCAA record-breaker states that she’d often sacrifice speed for comfort. That’s where Chow and her team wanted to change the game.
Nike discovered that the current generation of basketballers rely on their speed to make spaces on the court. By all accounts, this is incredibly true of the guard’s game. While De’Aaron Fox has been inconsistent since joining the Sacramento Kings, he’s played at his best when in the Air Zoom G.T. Cut. The point guard hit a 43 point game last year against the New Orleans Pelicans while in these very shoes.
Fox utilizes all the bespoke Nike technology the shoe is loaded with including two Zoom Air Units, two layers of Nike React foam and a crafted upper for maximum foot breathability. This data-driven approach with the guidance of Ionescu is enhancing games; ensuring players can make the space they require the to hit the high numbers on the court.
One of the standout attributes of this shoe is the superb cushioning which makes for an exceptionally comfy fit. This comfort is recommended for any player who needs additional padding, especially when trying to minimize shock/impact when landing. Again this goes back to their prime directive with this shoe to facilitate speed but not hinder comfort.
The brand believes these shoes will hold on to the outdoor courts, but compared to others on this list – they might not perform as well. That said if you want to throw the odd hoop while ripping up the streets; then these kicks won’t completely fail the first time around.
While the price point is more expensive than most of the other shoes on this list, this model offers a lot of value. Given the quality of materials, they’ll be incredibly durable and will last you for a long time – even if you consistently go hard in the paint.
One of the few sticking points with this shoe is that it can pick up dust from less maintained courts. Just be careful when taking these out for a session so you don’t get them dirty unnecessarily.
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Designed with small forward, Paul George, the Nike PG 5 is certainly a flashy shoe with a lot to offer. The seven-time NBA All-Star and LA Clippers player has made a living from quick movement around the court and more recently becoming a reputable three-point shooter. If his shoes are anything to do with his success, it’s worth any guard player taking a look at these given his crossover skills.
If you’ve watched Paul George from his Indiana Pacers days you’ll appreciate his exceptional movement around the court. This shoe tries to give every player the chance to replicate his agility with a multi-directional tread on the outsole. It gives the user every opportunity to change direction and dictate the game.
George clearly has an influence on the LA Clippers locker-room with Reggie Jackson, Amir Coffey, and Terance Man all rocking this shoe over 70 times each in their careers. These three guard players have all tasted success too as they are relatively distinguished players in the contemporary game.
This shoe also uses the unique Nike Air Dot Weld Strobel cushioning. This has been custom-made to help with quick transition play. Its thick lining offers great comfort so that the foot isn’t battered after a hard game of consistent switch plays on a hard court. While guards might not be as back and forth as other players on the court, you still need the ability to do so – especially if you come up with a tough opponent.
Before purchase consider your fit with other Nike shoes. While all designs fit differently, this one has a slight tendency to be a little narrower than anticipated. It’s another shoe that can cope on outdoor courts; yet doing so is most likely going to decrease the life of the shoe. That said if you’re playing on well-kept courts, you’ll still be able to benefit from the sublime traction.
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LeBron James, even at 37 continues to be one of the most successful and talked about basketballers. While often deployed most frequently as a small or power forward he’s shown over time he can handle all positions with competence. While the shoes alone won’t get you in the cast list of a potential Space Jam 3 or the LA Lakers starting line-up; they can still improve your guard game.
It’s not only the infamous baller and part-time movie star who rocks these with great prowess. While on a much lower pedal stool, Jusuf Nurkic has rocked the LeBron Witness 5 and stepped up his game of late. The Portland Trail Blazers player hasn’t always electrified the Moda Center. He has most certainly used the tremendous on-court traction to bring up his 3-pt percentage, free throws, and even points per game in the last two seasons. Yes, he’s often seen as a center player – but the shoes seem to be helping him do everything and anything guard players are tasked with. It’s worth noting that the Bosnian player switches up his shoes but keeps rocking the Nike LeBron range.
The rigid heel keeps everything in place without compromising mobility at all. In fact, the placement of the two Zoom Air units under the balls of the feet is a genius method to maximize elevation when you need that extra lift on your drive plays, making it an almost perfect guard shoe.
The shoe also allows the foot to breathe which is often omitted from the design of many contemporary basketball shoes. The mesh materials allow enough ventilation while also contributing to a fantastic aesthetic design. While some colorways could be considered a little gaudy, the Lakers scheme is very appealing and would suit any aspiring baller trying to get on to the Crypto .com Arena roster.
Bear in mind however that this shoe is not intended for use on outdoor courts.
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Damian Lillard has been collaborating with Adidas for somewhat of eternity now, with over 20 collaboration products available on their website. The Dame 7 EXTPLY: DAME D.O.L.L.A. (or Dame 7 for short) is another great addition to a reputable line.
The six-time NBA All-Star has been widely touted as one of the best point guards of all time and continues to break NBA records. While his game relies on mental strength and the ability to pick the right play out, he relies on his sneakers to allow him great speed and court mobility. That’s why the Portland Trail Blazers legend rocks these kicks now. Oh, and it’s not just him rocking them either. Coby White from the Chicago Bulls, Bruce Brown of the Brooklyn Nets, and New Orleans Pelicans’ Tomas Satoransky all lace up the Dame 7 on a regular basis.
The shoe boasts quality and has no real performance flaws upon initial use as it propels you around the court with exceptional speed and power. It has been noted that the shoe can be a little heavier than anticipated but this is a case-by-case occurrence.
A really good plus point for these shoes is the ability to take them outside. The outdoor baller can often feel left out in the cold for good shoes that will actually hold up on concrete and perform. Adidas has turned that on its head with this shoe and it regularly is praised for its durability.
What has to be said is that the designs and colorways can be a little jarring or overtly eye-catching. A lime edition is incredibly loud while a premium issue recites Lillard’s personal mantras and jottings on the toe vamps. However, if you want to light up the court with bright designs then these kicks are certainly befitting of that goal.
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If you want to be a shifty guard like Lonnie Walker IV from the San Antonio Spurs, then wearing the Adidas Exhibit A is certainly one way to emulate the 2018 first-round pick. The shoe has been designed to facilitate quick plays and enhance on-court speed. The support and fit complement Adidas’ bespoke Lightstrike cushioning which undoubtedly aids on-court responsiveness without weighing the foot down.
Given the price point, this shoe occupies in the contemporary market, it’s clear to see that this is an all-rounder shoe. That said the fantastic support and on-court traction make it particularly appealing for shooting and point guards.
The simplistic design is somewhat timeless, yet this does allow for numerous color variations available, the ‘Acid Red x Sky Rush’ theme proving to be exceptionally popular. With an ever-changing world and the need to consider sustainability; Adidas answer the call with this shoe using lots of recycled materials; with at least 50% of the components used coming from repurposed textiles.
It might be a common theme on this list but it’s still worth re-iterating when relevant: DON’T USE THESE SHOES OUTSIDE. While they’ll get you zipping around the indoor court, they simply won’t last or perform on the concrete.
As with these big manufacturing runs the sizing tries to encompass all potential users, be sure to try them on as there’s a tendency for these shoes to fit a little wider and bigger. Great if you’re feet are between sizes, but worth trying on beforehand.
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It’s not the first time we’ve recommended the shoes from New Balance’s Kawhi range. Again, we must acknowledge that LA Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard is not a guard player. That said, this shoe can still help guard positions due to its exceptional craftsmanship. New Balance state that this shoe is a collaboration with sports science as all parts have been engineered with peak performance in mind. The upper features a ‘Kinetic Stitch’ that aids direction changes when you need to shuffle around the paint.
2016 first-round draft pick and contemporary guard, Jamal Murray has also rocked these kicks throughout his Denver Nuggets career. The 6’3’ Canadian undoubtedly appreciates the fantastic support offered by the Kawhi 1 which keeps him grounded.
The support is top class, making it ideal for any guard who needs to keep grounded on the court. Another notable strength of this shoe is the true-to-size fitting making it easy for you to find a comfy fit.
In fact, the only concern comes to the materials which are still very good yet when considering the price of the shoes, some would consider them to be below the standard of the premium market space it sits in.
One of the key differences between this shoe and others is that this shoe can be used on outdoor courts. While if you’re predominantly an outside baller, you might want another pair when you take them inside – these shoes will actually perform on concrete.
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Conclusion
We hope you're one step closer to the NBA All-Star game now you’ve found the shoe for you, if you need a recap then remember:
The Adidas Dame 7 is exceptional for both outdoor use and if you want to make a fashion statement. By the same merit if you have a lot of disposable income then you can do no wrong with the New Balance Kawhi 1 if you’re predominantly throwing hoops outside.
If you have the money and are serious about basketball both inside and outside, then Under Armour Curry 8 should be seriously considered. While it’s at the top end of the market prices, this shoe does very little wrong as it performs on all courts and is extremely durable, never mind fashionable.
If you want a shoe with all the bells and whistles; and money is no object to you – then the Nike Air Zoom G.T. Cut is an exceptional choice. It’s a shoe designed with the contemporary player creating their own space on the court and has no obvious flaws.
Another great shoe is the Nike PG 5. Like the aforementioned product from Nike, it’s loaded with custom features – but the price point is much lower; yet the quality doesn’t make this feel like an inferior shoe at all.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Should I buy shoes specifically for my guard position?
Honestly, buy what feels right for you. From our research, we believe that these are the ten best shoes for the guard positions. While other shoes might be intended for other positions; they could still benefit you and your game.
How do the shoes know my position?
Well…they don’t! The shoes we’ve picked out simply have great attributes to help you in your position. In theory, they’ll be able to maximize your performance as a guard. It’s really for you to know your game and what you need from a pair of shoes to best help your game.
I’m not always playing in the guard position, are these shoes still good?
Yes! These shoes we’ve recommended are what we think will suit point guard and shooting guard players – but we appreciate that you might not play there all the time or you might shuffle around the court. Look out for phrases like ‘All-Round’ as those shoes will generally suit players not sticking to a set position.
Will these shoes be any good if the coach changes my position?
While we have cherry-picked these 10 pairs out for their reliability and compatibility to the shooting and point guard positions, they are all from reputable brands and still perform well if your coach decides you’re now playing as a small forward instead. If you really want to try them out as a guard, get a new team!
Hey, I’m Aleksandar and I am a Basketball freak! That is why I decided to create this blog. Teaching people How to dunk a basketball and How to Jump Higher in this sport or other related sports that require vertical jumping, is my specialty. If that’s your aim, then you have come to the right place.