While our heroes from the NBA and WNBA play predominantly on the hardwood surfaces, sometimes when the sun is out we just want to get out on the outdoor courts and shoot some hoops. In fact, some players prefer outdoor surfaces! However you like to play, if you do ever play outside – make sure you get the right gear for it.
What will give you the edge on the outdoor courts?
Basketball Shoes that work well outdoors need one attribute above all others. Durability. This comes with the quality and longevity of materials used in the shoe’s production. While premium indoor shoes can lead a very long life on the well-kept hardwood, the designs tend to be more fragile which will only lead to heartache as the shoe will fall apart with excessive use outside. Instead, look for firm materials that will hold up across all surfaces.
The Top 10 Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes
It would be far too easy to consign the Nike Fly By Mid 3 into the bargain tier without a second thought. While it does come in at the much cheaper end of the spectrum, there are still some very amicable features of this shoe.
Firstly, the outsole is a bulky rubber entity that won’t compromise on its longevity. It’s clear to see from the design alone that this will hold up for several sessions outside even if you’re consistently going hard in the paint. As these are most certainly Nike’s entry-level outdoor shoes.
The other features of the shoe are exactly where you anticipate a shoe for less than $100 to be. They are OKAY. The cushioning doesn’t feature any kind of air unit but still gives a little spring to your step; while the traction performance is alright too.
If you’re looking for specific criticism, it’s hard to nit-pick at a shoe which sets its stall out with such value – after all, $65 doesn’t buy much these days. The overall aesthetic does however have a limited appeal as it is very plain.
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Released in October 2021, the Nike Air Max Impact 3 has become a favourite from Nike’s recent efforts in the basketball shoe world. It’s easy to see why this shoe makes this particular list; as the extraordinarily thick outsole quickly catches the eye.
This rubber entity has been touted as an extremely durable composite which means it will survive several sessions on the outdoor courts and even longer on the inside courts! The other perks include the shoe’s lightweight design, bespoke cushioning from Nike, and the overall price. For less than 100 US dollars it’s hard to find a shoe of this durability and quality; making it a real consideration if you want value and longevity from your next BB shoe.
The traction pattern is described as an aggressive Herringbone by Nike, who’ve also included some diamond cut-outs to ensure the presence of the foam and cushioning is fully utilised. While the primary colorways might be not too aggressive; there are certainly some jazzy designs to complement the traction including one with some very appealing neon laces. Some of the most popular is the ‘Light Iron Ore’ and ‘Metallic Silver’ designs.
One attribute to be mindful of however is that some reports believe the shoe to run a little smaller/narrower than the anticipated fit size. Consider a size or half-size up or better yet, try them on at the store before buying. Other minor issues include reports of inconsistent impact protection; which could be an issue if you’re a player who looks for big hangtime in the paint.
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Nike has yet again come up with a great outdoor shoe within a decent budget economy. The multi-directional traction pattern on the outsole really makes this shoe stand out on the shelf. It’s this firm pattern that has been built with a decent lifespan to hold up incredibly well on the hard outdoor courts. Yet the traction performance has outperformed that even DeAndre Jordan of the Los Angeles Lakers has been known to wear these shoes on occasion.
There are two distinct variations of foam used in the shoe which combine to give a firm but playful bounce to the user. These also work with the shape of the shoe to allow a really well-supported fit which offers considerable comfort.
Be sure the shop around as the original colorway is a relatively basic black and white. While it is timeless, there are actually some superb variations available that are well worth seeking out if you look for fashionable kicks. Our favourites include the ‘University Red’ and ‘Wolf Grey’ colorway variations, as they look particularly sleek.
While the materials are not of the most exceptional quality they will do more than the requested job, and remember that these shoes are available for $79, so will reflect the price in the quality.
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Kevin Durant is just one of those players that is hard to dislike. His achievements with Oklahoma City Thunder, the Golden State Warriors, and the men’s US national team have ensured his spot in NBA folklore. Oh, and he’s not doing too bad with the Brooklyn Nets either!
How about his shoes though? Well the Nike KD Trey 5 VIII hit the shelves back in early 202 and has stuck around with recognition of quality. It would appear that impact protection was at the forefront of the design as the cushioning and foam combination makes for very comfortable wear – as well as minimizing any damage from adverse landings.
The quality of materials used is actually incredible considering that this shoe is retailing for less than 100 US dollars – which ensured the shoe offers unbelievable value at this price point. Despite the value incentive, this hasn’t scared the professionals as WNBA champion Azurá Stevens has rocked these kicks before; along with Rodney Hood and Patrick Patterson.
These shoes are incredibly lightweight and are no doubt cool if you’re concerned that larger shoes will weigh you down, but this does create a potential pitfall. This is because the lack of weight does make it harder for the shoe to provide ample and consistent support. All things considered, however, if these shoes give you a good fit when trying them on – then there should be ample support.
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Hip hop recording artist, J. Cole has been a long-time basketball fan and avid sneakerhead. Therefore it was no surprise when he collaborated with PUMA to make a signature series shoe, and in 2020 the RS Dreamer was born.
While the design might not have originally been planned to be outdoor shoes, PUMA has actually stumbled upon basketball shoes that are recommended for outdoor use. The thick outsole is built to last and the subtle cushioning gives a great court-feel fit. This lends itself to the traction tread as it gives the wearer the choice to navigate the court at any given pace.
Given that this shoe was designed in collaboration with a hip-hop recording artist, it should be no surprise that these basketball shoes come in a multitude of style variations and colorways. PUMA has always made it one of their staples to make innovative designs but really excels themselves with some of the neon variations of the RS Dreamer.
One note about this particular shoe is that it could be considered a little expensive when compared to the contemporary shoes on the market. The design is cool, but altogether quite minimal (some people like that these days) but one has to wonder if the buyer is simply paying for the J. Cole sponsorship?
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The New Balance TWO WXY gives a great performance across all the courts with its multi-purpose traction tread pattern with the NB logo has been built to more than survive the outdoor courts but to thrive on them. New Balance goes as far as to say that this shoe has been ‘hyper engineered for speed and agility at both ends of the court’. Of course, the contemporary player needs to be up and down the court rapidly; so can this shoe help?
We seriously believe so. This has the features to help you navigate the court just as you desire without slowing you down with unnecessary weight. New Balance has gone to extreme lengths to state that this traction pattern has been custom-built on performance data to ensure it’s the best a baller can get.
The features on this shoe are bountiful with the bespoke FuelCell foam which gives responsive bounce; while the kinetic stitching gives great support while not locking the foot in a vice-like vacuum. The collar is relatively tall and has a sock-liner that keeps the whole foot in place; allowing for the impact protection to work its magic. While all these features sound like they would weigh your foot down, the shoe is surprisingly nimble as the quality of materials is good and lightweight; yet sturdy enough.
Should fashion cross your mind as a necessary attribute, then you’re in luck with this design as there is a multitude of great colorways to get excited about. Our favourite is the yellow and purple sunset edition which looks fantastic and will certainly turn heads at your local gym.
Professionals like Dejounte Murray, Aaron Nesmith, and Darius Bazley have all worn these kicks in the NBA which certainly proves their pedigree. Another advocate of them is Jaylen Brown who famously notched up a 50-point game in these shoes.
If you’re considering these shoes; be sure to check out how they feel on your foot as the fit has been noted as a little unusual; which stems from the sizing which could be narrow and large at the same time. Due to this fit, undoubtedly the break-in period will be a little longer than other shoes.
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When the conversation turns to the greatest outdoor basketball shoes, the New Balance Kawhi 1 more than deserves inclusion for its thick, rigid, and very supportive design. Two-time NBA champion Kawhi Leonard is famous for his athleticism, size, and ability to make intelligent plays with less than a moment's notice. Having won the title with his two prior teams; the San Antonio Spurs and the Toronto Raptors – there’s no doubt he wants to do the same with his current team – the Los Angeles Clippers.
Are his shoes synonymous with his style? In many ways, these shoes serve as pillars for your feet to stand with – much like Leonard is relied upon to be the backbone of his team. The synthetic upper crafts your foot into place without restriction or hampering breathability.
The outsole is a colorful rubber composite that works with the FuelCell foam to give rapid energy and bounce; which in hand with the tread patterns gives great court stability and traction. The materials are thick enough to perform on the outdoor courts for multiple sessions.
The sizing however does raise one or two minor concerns – but only if you have particularly wide feet. This is because the shoe has been noted as having a slightly narrower fit than traditional sizing parameters. If you don’t have width issues with your feet however this can be a benefit as it ends up giving a snugger fit which can help the cushioning and impact protection do their job.
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Damian Lillard has been a staple of the Portland Trail Blazers and the NBA since being drafted to the franchise 10 years ago. With six NBA All-Star games appearances, Lillard has commanded importance - only further validated by bringing home an Olympic Gold medal from the Tokyo 2020 games.
How about his shoes? Well, looking at the seventh edition it’s a heavy hitter for the outdoor courts. These shoes are applauded for their exceptional court feel. Users are quick to praise these shoes for making them feel like one with the court. This is great as the shoe is built to support the whole foot and encourage court stability, from the heel and collar down to the outsole. By the merit of the court feel, some users may however note that this could just be a by-product of poor cushioning – this doesn’t seem to be the case as it still offers a reasonable level of comfort – yet still picks up inconsistent reviews.
If fashion and colorways concern you then be sure to check out the full range of styles that the Dame 7 comes in, it has some amazing editions including a neon lime green edition (guaranteed to light up any court) and a luminous pink variation too.
Before rushing into making a purchase just beware that this shoe is a little heavier than others on the market right now. While it is not like a bag of bricks, it's notably more taxing to wear compared to shoes that are designed to be lightweight. In addition, as previously mentioned the cushioning gets mixed reviews with some stating that it’s comfortable enough; while other more critical reviews believe it’s lacking.
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Has Zion Williamson curated one of the top outdoor basketball sneaker with the first edition in his signature series? The overall No.1 pick from the 2019 draft and New Orleans Pelicans power forward has not only become infamous for his on-court accolades, charitable work off it, and now can add shoe connoisseur to his repertoire.
The outsole is a chunky and usually brightly coloured entity with most colorways. Yet this is not just for aesthetic pleasure as it serves as a great comfy buffer between your foot and the court. The modified herringbone pattern weaves between the Air Jordan embedded logo and delivers great control and durability across all court types.
Zion has become famous for being a sturdy yet explosive defender. While his shoes won’t allow him to completely replicate his skills; with their tall collar and firm structure, the Jordan Zion 1 will do its utmost to keep everything tucked in safely. While the Zoom Air unit and the Strobel cushioning give you ample lift-off to ensure that you can get the hangtime you want when making those big plays.
As previously mentioned this shoe has the capacity to be very fashionable as has been manufactured in quite a few styles and colorways. The Hyper Jade and monochromatic Gen Zion are our favourites but there are many more to choose from. Some variations are even discounted, being readily available for much lower than the recommended retail price.
While there are relatively few issues to nit-pick about this shoe; especially when it offers such tremendous value with the tech for the price; some components do feel considerably less premium than the coveted Zoom AIR technology. If you are particularly bothered about quality materials; then be sure to give the shoe a feel and fit to see if it works for you.
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The Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the most recognizable and adored players in basketball. He worked his way from playing in the lower tiers of Greek basketball before becoming a two-time NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks. While the term ‘Cinderella Story’ is overused, this really could be considered such an example of it.
Giannis has teamed up with Nike and curated a few shoes now, but the Immortality design from 2021 is the most appealing for outdoor ballers. Immortal by name, immortal by nature you ask, well… close to it. Obviously, no shoe lasts forever but these have certainly been built to last. The thick outsole is very apparent upon inspection and will take some heavy sessions to wear down.
That same appearance might lead you to think that this shoe is bulky and weighty. Yet, this is a mirage. Despite its thick appearance all the materials used in this shoe’s manufacturing process have been hand-picked to be lightweight. This means that despite getting great durability and good impact protection, you won’t be weighed down at all.
Given that Nike is a premium and desirable sports brand, you can seldom get Nike shoes (especially performance wear) without spending a pretty penny for them. The Nike Giannis Immortality offers unbelievable value at the recommended retail price of just $79. Now consider the durability of these shoes; it gets even better as it’s not like they will need replacing anytime soon.
While there is little to complain about at this price, some users could consider the materials used in this shoe to be a little cheaper than the contemporary standard. However, it is reflective of the price tag. It’s not outrageous that cheaper shoes use cheaper materials.
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Conclusion
After reading the entirety of this article, we hope you’re in a better position to buy your next basketball shoes with an emphasis on outdoor usage. All the above shoes are great options and will offer you great durability off the hardwood. However, let’s do a quick recap of the headlines.
If you want to be savvy with your cash, then there are a few great options for you that won’t break the bank but still offer you great outdoor hoops. The Nike Fly By Mid 3 is by far the cheapest option (at $65) if you’re comparing dollar for dollar. The appeal of this shoe is still somewhat limited due to its entry-level features.
However, in terms of value, the Nike Giannis Immortality is probably better as it has more features for only a little bit more at $79. Then again, it would be a discredit to not mention the Nike KD Trey 5 VIII which is on the shelves at $89; this is because the shoe has unbelievably great comfort and quality of materials; which deserves to sit on a shoe much more expensive than this one.
To be honest, however, the outdoor basketball shoe market tends to be cheaper than its indoor counterpart. So, there are some great shoes out there for less than $100.
Should you want the best possible shoe based on performance and added extras (and don’t mind about a higher price tag) then you should seriously consider the New Balance Kawhi 1 alternatively the Jordan Zion 1 is also a great choice.
For $159, you would expect a quality premium shoe from the New Balance Kawhi 1. This shoe delivers at the top-end of every attribute including great durability to perform on the hardest and dusty courts. While some players might consider this price point to be a bit too high for a casual or infrequent outdoor game; serious outdoor ballers should consider this one if they want to elevate their game and maximize their comfort with New Balance’s famous FuelCell cushioning.
The Zion series might be fresh out of the gate in its first-ever edition but seriously performs to give outdoor ballers a plush comfy fit. It’s also considerably cheaper than the last option but still packs a decent punch across the board; as Jordan simply doesn’t make bad basketball shoes.
Another notable consideration is the New Balance TWO WXY; despite its flashy exterior, this shoe offers both style and substance. The shoe is a top performer in its field and is durable enough to withstand heavy pressure on the harder outdoor courts for several intense game sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is there a specific brand that I should look for when buying shoes for outdoor courts?
The short answer here is no. All of the companies above are reputable shoe brands and make exceptional shoes for outdoor and indoor courts. By quantity alone, Nike probably produces the most and features heavily on our list – but that’s not a definitive reason to exclude other brands from your search.
However, New Balance also makes some fantastic outdoor shoes right now, and are arguably at the top end of the quality mark.
I like my existing shoes, do I really need to buy more shoes just for the outdoors?
You can of course use your existing shoes outside. It’s just if they’re not intended for outdoor use or durable enough to withstand the harder surface; then it could be an expensive mistake. You see, basketball shoes tend to be expensive, and not many players would like to have to replace them frequently.
If I buy outdoor shoes, can I use them for indoor use?
More often than not, yes. This is because shoes with good outdoor ability tend to have superb durability. This won’t prevent you from using them on softer surfaces.
Should I have a pair of indoor and outdoor shoes?
This depends on you and where you typically play. If you’re going to be playing once a week indoors and twice a week outdoors; then it might be worth getting yourself a pair for each surface. If that sounds too lavish; then a sturdy and premium shoe with good outdoor performance should suit all surfaces.
I seldom play on outdoor courts, do I need outdoor shoes?
This is totally up to you. Remember that outdoor shoes are typically going to be much more durable so could serve more than one purpose, i.e. as a pair of gym shoes or general day-to-day wear. Also, even if you are on the hardwood more often than not – what are you going to wear when your teammate invites you to the local park for a social throw-around? Those $189 indoor shoes are off limits.
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.