It’s a fundamental necessity for all basketball players and their shoes to have good elements of grip and traction while on the court. Without it or in the wrong shoes you’ll get nowhere on the court as it’ll be notably difficult to navigate play or get the jumps you need.
In some instances too, a good traction pattern will increase your stability and in turn minimize the potential you could incur when taking a tumble or fall on the court. Most basketball shoes’ traction performance is a reflection of the quality materials used in the shoe. While it is possible to have good traction on non-premium kicks; it’s much rarer. A shoe with good traction is more often than not of good quality and is likely to serve you a good period of time before you need a new pair.
Nike has gone as far as to publish papers (well, an online article The Science of Traction at least) on the importance of traction and over their 40+ year tenure in the basketball shoe marketplace as to what they do to engineer the best traction for each shoe on every (or a specific) surface. The article is a good read and is well worth checking out if you’re a Nike fan or are interested in getting the very best traction performance out of your next pair of basketball shoes.
In recent years, however, Under Armour has become very well-known for making high-end shoes with very good traction performances with plenty of plaudits going in their direction for several models. That said, there are many more basketball shoe manufacturers, and should check them all out before blindly going for a specific brand.
Basketball Shoes that Offer the Best Traction and Grip in 2022
The Under Armour Flow FUTR X ensures that the brand is right at the forefront of traction performance as even this budget-friendly shoe features unreal traction action which has earned praise from many basketballers and sneakerheads. This comes largely from the durable UA Flow outsole which is a borrowed concept from the company’s running shoes. The grip makes you think ‘is this the best grip basketball shoe?’ This is a very valid question. The Flow outsole of course was designed with runners in mind so needed to offer adhesive qualities to keep users vertical and safe.
The shoe is a clear dedication to every baller to experience great grip and lends itself to all with the lightweight nature and light price tag. The midfoot strap is a nice addition as it keeps the foot in place while you ride out the cushioning and court-feel hybrid fit. Another highlight of this shoe is its versatility as it is tipped to perform well on both indoor and outdoor courts. If that wasn’t enough; this shoe has been touted as a very true-to-size fitting which has become a bit of a rarity these days.
It’s clear to see that the direction and emphasis of this shoe is its traction performance, the rest of the shoe is still good – but there’s a notable drop off in quality compared to the Flow outsole. Yet again, for this price, it’s hard to argue as it’s still great value. If have a bigger shoe size and enjoy performing big jumps; then you may want to look further down our list as impact protection isn’t perfect here due to the nimble design. If you like the benefits of this shoe but have more disposable income; check out the Under Armour Curry 8 – as it is very similar but a more premium shoe.
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Stephen Curry seldom plays badly. Under Armour seldom make bad basketball shoes. Eight editions into the series, those statements are still true and this one is engineered for court traction and grip. Sometimes referred to as a premium version of the Under Armour Flow FUTR X given it uses the same UA Flow technology but is backed up by more lavish elements.
The block white Flow outsole performs as we’ve come to expect, astonishingly, as it gives you the confidence to travel the court with security. Aesthetically it is paired with a contrasting dark upper with a multicolour trim in the primary colorway which is very appealing and fashionable. Again, given this UA flow tech was intended for running, it holds up great on outdoor courts and boasts great durability as this shoe will certainly be an investment in time. The materials are top-notch as your feet slip into them like hand-in-glove; allowing you to expertly and comfortably play your individual game.
The upper parts of the shoe are made of a knit and mesh combination which are breathable and lightweight. These synthetics are topped with a stretchy heel and collar which provide a sock-like fit; however, the lack of a firm element might not suit all users. Be sure to try these shoes on however as the fit has been noted by some users as a little tight.
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Released at the back end of 2021 the Under Armour Curry 9 is not only another fine basketball shoe made in collaboration with Stephen Curry. Under Armour describe this as: ‘better than their best basketball shoe’ which might be a confusing statement – but the bottom line is; they believe in this shoe.
While prior editions of Curry’s shoes simply took the UA Flow technology the ninth edition has fine-tuned it after meeting with NBA players to find out what contemporary basketball player needs. It’s this theme that is consistent throughout the shoe. It blends the court feel with just enough cushioning so you can feel your surface but still feel comfortable when going at pace.
The TPE-blend sock liner along with the molded collar and breathable mesh tongue creates an unbelievable ride when wearing this shoe. The whole foot has been thought about to ensure no part of it is compromised when making high-energy runs up and down the court.
Despite all that premium technology loaded on the shoe for your performance, the Under Armour Curry 9 is by no means heavy as it comes in very light on the scale. The shoe is also durable enough to play on the outdoor courts, meaning that this shoe will suit most players regardless of court preference.
There’s no obvious weakness to this shoe, however, it’s not been out too long so these may be reported as the shoe is worn more excessively. The shoe, in theory, could be considered to be expensive, however, it's merited given the great features and performance. So despite the $159 price point, it still comes out with great value.
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There are few basketball shoes out there that rival the Under Armour Anatomix Spawn 3 for cushioning. This cloud among the courts ensured you can go hard in the paint without going hard on your feet. This stems from the interwoven synthetics and various fabrics which make up shoes that comfort and encase the shoe. The mesh benefits from anatomical design; which is not only ergonomically pleasing but also rather fashionable.
In terms of traction, this shoe doesn’t let up either. The pattern is a combination of square and circular treads with crosses thrown in there for good measure; whatever the secret is with these shapes – it performs as it provides tremendous grip to the user.
When comparing this shoe to others on the list there is a noticeable dip in the quality of the materials used. This isn’t to say these are bad in quality and to be totally fair, they are not bad for less than 100 dollars; just when compared to the premium materials found elsewhere there is a disparity. The materials however are extremely light so it feels more like a big thick sock rather than a shoe.
If you’re keen on throwing hoops on the outdoor courts, then these will hold up for a while but not if you have a particularly hard game that might wear out the shoe quickly on harder surfaces.
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At first, this shoe could present an unusual or a narrow fit, this is largely down to the heavy cushioning and the fact that the shoe is loaded with New Balance’s exciting technology. While neither additions are bad; the combination does make for a snugger fit which could take some getting used to. If possible be sure to try them on in multiple sizes before buying so you avoid a shoe that doesn’t work for you. That said, reports due generally state that the shoe does break in with time.
The traction has been highly rated (like all of the shoes in this article) and features a radical pattern. The wavy and curvy lines resemble macaroni pasta; it grasps the court with tremendous grip allowing the user to navigate the court with great ease. In addition to the pattern, the New Balance NB logo is present; which looks especially cool if you leave an imprint on the court.
The FuelCell foam works in tandem with the traction pattern to make an incredibly responsive shoe. While it stops short of replicating a trampoline; there’s more than enough bounce in these shoes to get you a lift when you need it most when looking for additional airtime.
The top of the shoe is complemented with a Kinetic Stitch which aims to the foot in place while not hindering flexibility or foot breathability. That support is consistent throughout as the midsole shank adds a firm layer to the design.
While we covered a large amount of tech on the shoe, one might expect the shoe to tip the scales – but the reverse is actually true. This is because the materials used are strong but incredibly lightweight ensuring it’s strong but won’t weigh you down.
The New Balance TWO WXY benefits from an amazing branding and color scheme which ensures that there’s a fashion piece for everyone. The ‘team gold with vivid cobalt’ and ‘light peony with black and persimmon’ have quickly become two notable fashion statements in this range.
While the recommended retail price sits at $139 this sure is frequently seen in the sale promotions across online and store outlets. Be sure to check out various styles to assess all the available prices as these shoes have been spotted as low as $89 which is a considerable discount!
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Paul George might not take the international limelight or acclaim like other contemporary superstars but the small forward has been consistently performing at a high level throughout his career. That has earned him a cult following at his prior teams the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder – as well as a mighty appreciation at his current team – the Los Angeles Clippers.
George’s ultra-sturdy game starts at the base of his shoe. So naturally, the rubber outsole of the Nike PG 5 is an extra thick surfaced layer of rubber. The multi-directional tread pattern facilitates players who want to make sudden movements or quick direction changes across the court.
While these shoes will not win awards for best quality materials used in shoes this year or next, they are still well above the mart for the price being charged here. This is true of the interior which has a great cushioning setup while the outside looks great – and resembles a much more expensive shoe. This is largely down to Nike’s inclusion of the Nike Air Dot Weld Strobel unit which is designed to provide good quality support/cushioning for a long period of time – adding yet more value as this shoe won’t need replacing in a hurry.
Be sure to try a size up or even try them out at the store as the shoe is commonly noted as running a little tight and/or small, so is especially important if you have a bigger or wider foot.
Outdoor ballers should be careful with this as the reviews tend to suggest this shoe will quickly perish if used outside excessively – but it should survive the odd game out on the concrete.
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Walter Frazier, better known as Clyde went down in history as one of the greatest point guards and overall players in NBA history. But how does his shoe range from Puma bare his name? The Puma Clyde All-Pro was released in 2020 and was the third edition in this exciting range.
The design is certainly very different and eye-catching when sat alongside most featured in this article. It takes a more casual approach looking like a high-end fashion sneaker rather a basketball shoe. This means the low-top colorways tended to be more muted than expressive. While this might not be to everyone’s tastes – enough players will prefer this cultured aesthetic. That said, if you do want a gaudy design then look out for the colorway made in collaboration with PORSCHE – the car company, as it’s very eccentric.
One of the best features of this shoe is the ProFoam+ midsole. This has been engineered to enhance the traction performance as well as extend the durability of the shoe. Some newer versions of this shoe also feature the PROPLATE technology which supports your reflex movements and is it provides propelling energy whenever you need to take off.
Be patient with this shoe, as many sources suggest an initial break-in period is required but this allows the user to get the most out of the shoe when it has fully molded to your foot. In fact, after this process, it becomes a very comfortable, true to size fit from this lightweight shoe.
Players who favour the outdoor courts will be pleased to hear that these shoes are generally seen as suitable for such surfaces. While excessive use is not recommended; they will hold up if you want to take them on them in and out of the gym.
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The contemporary Brooklyn Nets forward, Kevin Durant has become a fan favorite for his standing as one of the best players to have ever played in the NBA. He’s a two-time champion, one-time MVP, and 12-time all-star game participant. Even at 33 years old now, he’s still blasting hoops in the net. His latest shoe in collaboration with Nike, the Nike KD 14 might not be able to ascend your game to his level by itself, but you’ll certainly be heading that way.
The most striking and obvious feature of this shoe is the apparent midsole strap. While other contemporary designs have shied away from the strap feature of late; this shoe embraces it. Naysayers might recall that most foot straps on basketball shoes are ornamental and serve no purpose. Nike and Durant however made sure that this wasn’t the case here. It locks the foot in with enough pressure to ensure your feet make a perfect connection with the court.
The traction pattern is a robotic design combining lines and squares, creating something resembling a bio-mechanical plate. This pattern combined with the multiple Zoom Air units makes the shoe incredibly responsive as it allows the user to get a great leap when looking for hangtime.
Another awesome selling point to these shoes is their great support; even as a mid-top the heel is relatively tall and provides the foot a great base to sit up against. The thick cushioning also lends itself to support as the whole shoe keeps the foot in place.
Given this shoe’s general all-around performance and price point, it performs well all over leaving no key weakness to dissect. The only major snag is that the shoe is not likely to perform or last if you use it on hard outdoor courts. If you were to nitpick, then some reports have suggested that the initial run or two out in these shoes can be a little bit stern; but this is quickly negated by breaking them in.
Be sure to check out the NRG edition too, as it is very similar but has some variety in the colorways and different aesthetic designs. However, both this and the standard version has some great designs including the ‘Triple Black’, the ‘Nationals’, and the ‘Synthetics’ colorways that have proved particularly popular.
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PUMA tends to be innovative with their basketball shoes and has certainly grabbed attention with this shoe, given it was designed in collaboration with hip hop artist, J. Cole. There’s a distinct synergy there too with both the brand and the rapper having roots in Germany.
This low top sits somewhere between the casual sneaker and comfy basketball shoes for those recreational hoops. The traction performs much better than most shoes at this price point as PUMA has hit the mark with their distinct rubber material mix. Testers have revealed that the grip is reliable across both indoor and outdoor courts; meaning all ballers can enjoy this shoe. The pattern is quite appealing too as it resembles an earthy leaf which might not add anything to the overall performance, but it still looks cool!
The ProFoam is a great addition too as this shoe feels great on; almost like a thick gym sock, it’s that comfy. Combined with the great textile materials ad this becomes a luxury fit shoe that requires a very limited break-in period as it immediately comforts your foot.
The only considerable down point to consider buying this shoe is that it is quite heavy, so in theory could slow or weigh you down if your game relies on lightweight agility to motor across the court in transition.
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One of our favourite shoes, the Air Jordan 36 seldom escapes the limelight – whether it’s for the unique colorways, that bespoke (and refined) Eclipse Plate 2.0, or its fabulous traction performance; this shoe often grabs headlines. But does it merit that $185 price tag?
No doubt these enter the conversation regarding: ‘top-rated basketball shoes with the best traction’ given their appeal and performance. Firstly, the classic Herringbone pattern in zig-zag fashion is finely embedded at the bottom of the shoe and gives a great grip on the court. While tested and played vigorously on clean courts with players like Carmelo Anthony, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Rui Hachimura all donning the AJ36 in the NBA – this shoe also holds up outside.
While the traction performance is certainly a major selling point to this shoe, it’s loaded with tech including the full-length Strobel Air Unit which essentially loads your foot with explosive power to elevate and get the hangtime you need when going hard in the paint.
The Jacquard leno-weave is new to Nike’s repertoire for this shoe and compliments the lavish comfort from the whole of the shoe which provides as its incredibly breathable and bouncy, thusly allowing the user to move around as if floating on clouds.
The only notable drawbacks are that the shoe does require a little time for most users to get accustomed to and of course, it’s not a cheap purchase – but should you save up for it, it’s worth the investment as these shoes will perform on the court.
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Conclusion
We do hope that you’re well-equipped now to tackle the shoe store or online outlets with enough information to make an informed decision about buying basketball shoes with an emphasis on traction performance. But here’s our quick round-up to summarise the best of our picks.
The Under Armour Curry 9 should be considered one of the best basketball shoes out there on the market not only for traction performance but comfort as well. Given some shoes can be even pricier this offers great value for money even if it is $159.
Should you be particularly frugal and are looking for the best deal on shoes then the Under Armour Anatomix Spawn 3 retails at less than one hundred dollars and is of great value especially if you want a well-cushioned shoe. The Nike PG 5 might retail for a few dollars more but is still amazing for value as its cushioning and support are that of a much more expensive shoe.
By the same merit, it’s worth checking out the availability of the New Balance TWO WXY as the shoe can be found for a discount price, despite the recommended retail price belonging to the mid-range bracket. Both of which are great shoes with amazing amounts of value to be found for the right price.
If however money is no object to you or you’ve budgeted accordingly, then you can’t go wrong with the Air Jordan 36. It comfortably makes its own agenda with a pricing structure close to 200 dollars, but seldom disappoints. After all, the Air Jordan range is one of the longest-running shoe series – it wouldn’t have got to a 36th edition if they churned out bad shoes.
Frequently asked Questions:
Is there one brand that stands above all else in terms of traction performance?
All of the shoes in this have been hand-picked as they often rank highly for traction performance. In terms of brands and companies which really appear passionate about traction and grip; we’d err toward Nike and Under Armour. Nike has documented endless research on it which includes their work on the Air Jordan series, while Under Armour continually produces shoes with exceptional traction. Other brands still can make great shoes for traction, but these are the most apparent and visible.
Is traction performance the most important factor to consider?
In many ways yes, it is. Throughout our website and articles, we always talk about traction performance for every shoe – even when it’s not the focus. Remember however you should ensure the shoe works for you and your needs. For example, if you need a specific fit – don’t compromise that for a good traction pattern; as no matter how good it is, you won’t be playing well if the shoes don’t fit.
How will I know that the shoes will grip the court well before buying them?!
Oh my, well the answer here is, you won’t. Remember, however, you have a wealth of information at your fingertips – including this article in which we recommend all of the above shoes. There are people paid to write and talk about shoes all over the internet. If you’re really indecisive then read reviews about specific shoes and/or check out some YouTubers who will actually test them out on various courts and give some first-hand (or first-foot) experience of how each shoe performs. While there is a certain amount of faith you’ve got to have from ordering to playing, this isn’t the dark ages, you can make an informed decision.
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.