For many basketballers, Nike basketball shoes are the only basketball shoes. They’ve cornered the market with an uncompromising swagger and dedication to basketball equipment. This had led to a supreme combination of style and substance across the entirety of their basketball shoe range. They command a more than a decent share of the market, so can offer something for everyone looking for shoes. Whether that’s premium ballers with an endless line of credit, the guy who wants some kicks on the cheap, or the baller who is looking for that extra edge on the court with Nike’s bespoke technology.
This is reflective when performing a quick google search of ‘Most Popular Basketball Shoe Brands’ or the like, the results tend to lead you to list articles that generally state Nike as the most popular and/or trusted brand for basketball shoes. Air Jordan sometimes gets ranked as number one, but considering they are made in collaboration with Nike – it furthermore states that Nike is a major player in the market if they can command not one but two distinct brands at the top of the consumer’s regard. Given the brand is named after the Greek god of victory, the company is certainly in line with that – recording some great triumphs in the marketplace.
What should I look for when buying Nike Basketball shoes?
As we are concentrating on a brand rather than a specific purpose you might be looking for, then it’s more a case of what you like aesthetically. Nike has crafted some beautiful designs recently; which lend themselves to the player who wants others to recognize his footwear. An apparent Nike Swoosh trademark is always appreciated, but you should still remember the basics as well. Fit, cushioning, and price. There’s no need or merit to bankrupt yourself for that flashy pair. Equally, be sure the fit works for you. This is true of any brand, not exclusively to Nike.
Top 10 Best Nike Basketball Shoes
Do we need to sell this shoe anymore? The Nike KD 14 isn’t just considered by many to be the best basketball shoes by Nike, but the best basketball shoes right now. Kevin Durant and Nike’s fourteenth effort together is a true masterclass in basketball footwear. The Nike KD 14 is regularly reviewed as one of the top shoes available and has been since it was released in April 2021. The two-time NBA champion has got a shoe that carries the Durant name with true conviction.
Firstly the shoe showcases an extraordinary mid-foot strap which is there for more than just decoration. This utility feature keeps the entire foot in position while offering great court stability. The embedded technology facilitates great hang-time with the Air Zoom units and cushioning which work in tandem to ensure you are secure and comfortable when making killer plays. Rather than being heavily padded, it’s more of a ‘court feel’ vibe which works best for players who want to connect with the court. If you prefer a padded pillow-like fit it might be worth looking elsewhere.
Given the consistently good reviews, the price tag at $149 still represents good value for indoor players who want a shoe with good traction performance and like the court feel.
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The Nike Air Zoom GT Jump is undoubtedly one of our favorites. This versatile shoe is the product of extensive research over years to fine-tune the direct needs of basketballers who want that ‘extra oomph’ in the paint. While that can be hard to define and quantify exactly, this shoe is the closest design to delivering it.
The cushioning takes center stage here as it's regularly touted as one of the most comfortable fits available. Running about the court is more like gliding between clouds given the level of luxury offered here. The technology is nothing short of extraordinary as the Zoom Air Units run alongside the external PEBAX jump frame which is the apparatus that gives you that extra hangtime and easier lift off.
In terms of support, the great performance stems from the taller design which creates a larger surface area for the woven exoskeleton to secure everything in place. As the materials are woven it means the shoe isn’t as heavy as expected. That said, it’s still a little more cumbersome than other shoes which are trying to emulate feather-light weights.
Considering the design and aesthetics of the shoe, Nike could win awards based on just how delicious this shoe looks. There are seemingly endless variations and colorways to choose from. The all-white edition remains a classic, while the Grey Sail has been seen frequently and the ‘Own Space’ series is becoming rather prolific. These styles have subsequently gathered attention off the court as non-basketballers are wearing them for casual everyday use.
While this remains one of our favorite shoes, we do have to note two small potential issues. One is that the shoe can run a little narrower in the fit. Therefore, it is well worth trying it on or being prepared to go a size up if you’re feet are wider than the standard fits.
Secondly, if you shoot the majority of your hoops on the outdoor hardcourts; it might be more worthwhile to find a different shoe as these could be an expensive mistake if you used (even fleetingly) on the harder unkept courts.
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The Nike Air Zoom G.T. Cut is another one of our favorites that we regularly praise on this site. This premium shoe might be on the wrong side of $150 but still packs a punch with its highly thought out way to revolutionize contemporary basketball gear.
Check out Nike’s page for the shoe and full range to find out exactly how they came to manufacture this shoe, but in a nutshell, several head shoe designers and professional players gathered that they wanted to develop a shoe that didn’t compromise on comfort while still giving the player all the tools to create their own space on the court.
The end result is this heavily padded shoe which is loaded with top-level cushioning and foamy materials which create a comfort that is hard to rival. The bespoke Nike technology comes in handy when you need a little help getting off the ground too.
A real bonus point of this shoe is that it can be used outdoors for the occasional casual hoop with your friends. This versatility means that it can cover all the bases of what potential customers are looking for in a basketball shoe. After all, Sabrina Ionescu can be seen wearing them on an outdoor court in the promotional material, it would be an awkward conversation if they didn’t subsequently hold up on the concrete.
If you truly want to point out flaws in this design, then one could be that the shoe is a little heavier than you might anticipate. However, these quality materials used in the cushioning and tech can’t be weightless; so do a little bit of cargo to the shoe.
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Nike takes its position in fashion and footwear as a market leader very seriously. It appreciates the wider world and the efforts needed to ensure the planet acts sustainably. Making basketball shoes like the Nike Cosmic Unity is illustrative of how serious the brand picks up this mantle.
The origins of this shoe can be dated back to 2008 when the brand started its ‘Trash Talk’ campaign on several designs. While the progress has ticked over Cosmic Unity’s release in March 2021 has been the next milestone in the Swoosh becoming environmentally friendly. With at least 25% of the total shoe being made from recycled materials, this design is making a conscious effort to better our world – shoe by shoe.
This shoe offers awesome impact protection as the combination of the Nike Grind rubber and the crater foam work in tandem to give that plush feeling; especially when gravity does its worst to bring you down.
One downside to the shoe is that the materials used don’t necessarily promote airflow to the feet meaning your feet could sweat a bit. However, is this too much of a price to pay if by wearing them you’re saving the planet?
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Seven-time NBA all-star, Paul George has been linking up with Nike for quite some time now. The Nike PG 5 came out in February 2021 and made his signature series incredibly relevant again (after an inconsistent and slightly underwhelming PG 4). This low-top has been adopted by a wealth of George’s teammates in the Los Angeles Clippers locker room; with Amir Coffey and Reggie Jackson both wearing these shoes at least 100 times each. However, the shoes have become synonymous with George scoring at will; having notched up a 42-point game against the Portland Trail Blazers in October 2021 while in these kicks.
But how do the shoes work for non-professionals? Well firstly, these shoes won’t break the bank. Priced at just over 100 dollars this signature series installation represents the fantastic value that isn’t always present in the contemporary marketplace. Furthermore, we all like to throw the odd hoop outside on the hardcourts – and these shoes will actually withstand this type of pressure.
The Zoom Air technology is very present in the shoe; as it collaborates with the bespoke multidirectional traction pattern as the two give users the relevant grip to navigate all points of the court; while managing to get the hang-time when required.
The only considerable snag when eyeing up these shoes is that the sizing has been reported to be a little snug – creating a narrower fit. In theory, this can be a benefit to keeping everything more secure; but if you have a wider foot – make sure you try them.
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We seldom talk about shoes that hit the shelf for less than 100 dollars. That’s because there are relatively few of them and those that do exist can be undesirable. The Nike Lebron Witness 5 bucks that trend as it sits at $99 yet seldom feels like a ‘budget option’ shoe.
Firstly, the Zoom Air units make for a great bounce and give the user some extra momentum moving forward. This is complemented with a rigid heel piece at the back which keeps the entire foot in place to ensure the bounce energy is appropriately concentrated.
The design and aesthetics are relatively simple however this allows for some great variations which focus on interesting colorways. Some of the most popular variations are metallic blue, the Black Lagoon, and the Lime-Glow Bright Mango. However, there is a variation that speaks directly to Lebron James as it uses the Los Angeles iconic Purple and Yellow color scheme.
Despite the bulky appearance and technology included in this design, the shoe is still remarkably lightweight. This is largely due to the breathable materials the shoe is made of; which of course comes with its own benefits. The shoe is durable enough to last you an extended period of time but isn’t widely recommended for outdoor use.
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Kyrie Irving has been a staple of the NBA since he was drafted as the overall number one pick in 2011. Since then he’s sampled success at the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Boston Celtics, and more recently with the Brooklyn Nets. The seven-time NBA All-Star player has built his reputation for extreme control without too much exuberance.
Nike set out to make a shoe of technical excellence with the Kyrie 7 and it’s hard to argue with the success. Ben Nethongkome is one of the senior designers and decision-makers in Nike’s basketball department. He works directly with Irving to ensure the shoe is up to the standard that all parties are happy to put their name to. This means using real-time data from Irving’s performances to craft the perfect shoe in the design and manufacturing process.
One such attribute is the 360-degree multidirectional traction, the rubber outsole is designed to give expert grip and movement across the court. It might not be able to turn you into quite the same quality of world-class dribbler that Irving was, but will give you the tools to go in the right direction.
The Air Zoom Turbo unit is rarely utilized in basketball shoes; as it originated in Nike’s marathon running shoes and is often seen in their tennis shoes. This technology is designed to give extra momentum and spring to your step, hence why it was used in those sports where it is important to move around the playing surface quickly. Basketball is no different and now sees this tech in the Kyrie 7.
Aesthetically speaking, the Kyrie 7 has some exceptional designs including ‘Special FX’, ‘Expressions’, and ‘Icons of Sport’; all of which were limited edition colorways that were released at the launch of the shoe. The latter design takes inspiration from Irving's game-winning shot in the NBA finals back in 2016.
Yet despite the big character and all the features included in this shoe, it still remains rather lightweight and won’t slow you down on the court. Furthermore, the fit should be encompassing as it is applauded for being a true-to-size fit.
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Building on the success of the Kyrie 7, the next edition, the Kyrie 8 comes in incredibly hot having been released in December 2021. However, not everyone liked it – notably Kyrie Irving himself talked the shoe down – stating the finished product was more of a prototype. That said, there are plenty who disagree with him including Herbert Jones, Nikola Vucevic, and Tre Jones who’ve all taken these shoes out on the NBA courts.
The promotional material that accompanies the shoe believes that this shoe wants to allow you to fiercely attack the court with control. Given Irving’s ability to cut up the court to his exact specifications and desires; this shoe gives you the ability to replicate his intricate playing style. The ergonomic upper is made of lightweight and breathable materials which work with the exceptional multidirectional traction pattern; allowing you to spring off your step while remaining in control of your court awareness and change direction when necessary.
That aforementioned cushioning system is built on three layers which utilize Zoom Air technology with plush foam materials to create a very soft underfoot sensation; even when going hard in the paint. In turn, these materials work great when dealing with adverse impact; as it offers great protection.
The bad news for outdoor ballers is that the jury is out on whether they can be a long-term hard court choice. Reviews remain uncomprehensive and the shoe hasn’t been out terribly long; so no firm conclusions can be made. The initial indication however points toward that it can be used for the odd game outside but not if you’re planning on wearing them every week in your local outdoor basketball league.
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Any shoe carrying the Lebron James name has big expectations. Even at 37-years-old, the man continues to build on his NBA legacy with 18 All-Star appearances and four championship wins. No shoe alone will get you to Lebron’s level overnight; but you can always hope, right?
Bigger players who like to get mobile up and down the court (and up in the air) will undoubtedly love this shoe. This is because the shoe has essentially been molded to the needs of Lebron James. He’s a big guy, not just in terms of demeanor – but he’s physically big. Given his size and the rate at which he takes off – any shoe he wears on the court is going to need to offer ample protection. This shoe does this in spades and will offer great impact protection to you as well. Even if you’re not as big as the LA Lakers legend, you will still benefit from the expert cushioning.
The Battleknit 2.0 has been an improved version of the Flyknit technology since 2018 when it was first featured on the LeBron 16. The materials are sculpted to help the foot stay put when not in motion, but amplify your movement when needed to jump and run.
The quality of materials lends itself to the shoe’s lifespan; as you won’t need to buy another pair anytime soon as they have been designed to last with premium fabrics that can sustain several heavy sessions on the court; even with a few big landings.
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If you’re looking for the best value for money then you can do little wrong with the Nike Precision 5. This most certainly hits the mark for the entry-level budget basketball shoe. $69 won’t buy you much in terms of iconic Nike fashion or bespoke technology – but will still get you moving on the court with confidence.
The classic herringbone traction pattern actually works well beyond the expected level for such an inexpensive shoe. The rubber outsole is hard enough to withstand several sessions across all court surfaces, including those harder outdoor spaces. The other materials are lightweight which ultimately means you can travel around the court with relative ease.
The cushioning is a little bit lacking as it is a little thin on the foot. After excessive wear this could easily wear away; however, for the price point – we can’t really expect premium cushioning. You’re getting exactly what you pay for. That said, these shoes are versatile – so if you find yourself needing a casual pair to run or just head down to the store in; these will double up for almost any casual occasion.
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Conclusion
By this point, you should be closer to picking out your next pair of Nike basketball shoes, as we’ve highlighted the best options out there in the contemporary market. Let’s review the headlines so you can make an informed decision when making choices on your Nike shoes either online or in-store.
If you’re living your best life and have disposable income to use on basketball shoes, then we have to recommend the Nike Air Zoom GT Jump and the Nike Air Zoom GT Cut. Both of these premium shoes are loaded with Nike’s high-end technology and the dedication to crafting exceptional game-changing basketball shoes is very apparent.
The Nike Cosmic Unity is a very novel choice as it’s a very well thought out shoe; which tries to combat climate change; as the Nike brand realizes the importance of working sustainably. Those who opt for these shoes will be rewarded with the lesser-seen features including the grind rubber and crater foam.
If you don’t want to break the bank on your next pair of basketball shoes then why not consider the last entry on our list – the Nike Precision 5. This shoe is very amicably priced at $69 and offers a fantastic traction performance and will serve you well for an extended period of time. That said, for just $30 more if you can spare it – the Nike Lebron Witness 5 still can appeal to the lesser affluent market. Priced at $99, you arguably get a lot more shoes and quality for your money. In addition, it is also available in a lot more styles which are infinitely more stylish than the Precision 5.
Should you play the majority of your basketball outside on the harder courts, then you should look no further than the Nike Air Zoom G.T. Cut from this list. This is because it is very reliable on harder surfaces and will survive more frequent use outside.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why is Nike so good?
Nike has built a reputation over a series of years. It’s hard to give a definitive answer in a small window of text, but their patronage speaks for itself. Professional basketballers have worn Nike for eternity and continue to do so. When looking in footwear and sports stores the basketball range is often dominated by Nike products. This is because they’ve become extremely trusted for making quality gear for the sport. It’s clear from their website that Nike is heavily invested in making exceptional basketball shoes as a result of the hard work and research that goes into it.
Should I only look for Nike basketball shoes?
You can never exclude other brands from your search – as the wide market has so much to offer. However, in this article, we’ve tried to cherry-pick exclusively the best Nike shoes. If you’re not tempted by any of these shoes then have a browse our other articles or Nike’s official site; they’ll be something for you.
Is Nike the best brand for basketball shoes?
Again, it’s hard to be concise when determining ‘the best brand’ in such a small allocation of text. But subjectively, Nike could be considered the best brand for basketball shoes as they are extremely popular.
What about Air Jordan, aren’t they made by Nike too?
Yes indeed! The Air Jordan range is a direct collaboration with Nike. They’re also exceptionally good and we’ve got an article on them as well! Here we’ve limited our search to just the original Nike range but as Air Jordans use very similar technology and designs; across the two brands there’s a good chance you’ll find a pair of shoes you like.
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.