7 Best Expensive Basketball Shoes, 30+ Shoes Tested in 2022
These are the pretty expensive basketball shoes worn by NBA Legends, past and present, as well as trendsetters. To justify their hefty price, these models are much better equipped when it comes to traction, cushioning, energy return, and other cutting-edge shoe technologies.
Top-of-the-line basketball kicks are usually signature releases from leading brands such as Nike, Jordan, Adidas, Puma, and Under Armour. You’ll also find haute-couture collabs of celebrities and star athletes, making the products palatable to fans even with whooping price tags.
To help you in your search, we’ve tested and reviewed 10+ of the best expensive basketball sneakers out there. We rank all the pairs on this list by style, off-the-court reputation, and, of course, on-court performance. Head on below to find out.
How we test basketball shoes
We choose our top picks based on categories that matter to you. The selection process is one of the most comprehensive in the industry. It involves rigorous testing of each pair of shoes inside our RunRepeat shoe lab. We further test the shoes on the court, indoor and outdoor.
This is how we approach it:
- We buy all the expensive basketball shoes on this list from our own pocket. This eliminates any bias and ensures the objectivity of our reviews.
- We cut the models into pieces for in-depth analysis. We closely check and examine the cushioning system, traction, ankle support, energy return, and many more.
- We do plenty of wear tests on the court playing several games of hoops.
- We further enrich our aggregated data by comparing notes with other professional testers outside RunRepeat.
To get the final verdict, we input all comparable data above using the CoreScore system. An overall rating from 0 to 100 is assigned on all basketball shoes in the database depending on their overall value and performance during the tests. We then feature the top-rated shoes here.
Best expensive basketball shoes overall
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all basketball shoes.
- Top 1% in basketball shoes
- Top 2% in Nike basketball shoes
Pros
- Good traction
- Breathable upper
- Phenomenal fit
- Quick, intuitive, secure lockdown
- Minimal foot fatigue
- Easy movement
- Aesthetically beautiful
Cons
- On the pricey range
- Not for wide feet
- Difficult to put on
- Requires longer break-in period
- Too long laces
Verdict
Best Nike expensive basketball shoes
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all basketball shoes.
- Top 20% in basketball shoes
- Top 18% in Nike basketball shoes
Pros
- Stylish design
- Multiple colorway options
- Short break-in period
- Provides great support
- Responsive midsole
- Durable upper
- Accommodates any playing style
Cons
- Flimsy adhesive
- Poor outsole durability
- Quick dust pickup
- Over-the-top price
Verdict
Best Adidas expensive basketball shoes
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all basketball shoes.
- Top 28% in basketball shoes
- Top 27% in Adidas basketball shoes
Pros
- Superb grip and control
- Great impact protection
- Design has big personality
- Feels low-to-the-ground
- Great support and containment
- Smooth heel-to-toe transition
Cons
- Quick dust pickupp
- Too expensive
- Poor translucent outsole durability
- Pull tab causes chaffing
Verdict
Best low top expensive basketball shoes
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all basketball shoes.
This shoe has a 8% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 21% in basketball shoes
- Top 20% in Nike basketball shoes
Pros
- Good heel cup support
- Impressive lockdown
- Great ankle support
- Aethetically beautiful
- Lightweight
- Flexible
- Rare find
Cons
- Weak traction
- Poor wearability
- Small forefoot midsole
Verdict
Best high top expensive basketball shoes
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all basketball shoes.
This shoe has a 8% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 2% most popular basketball shoes
Pros
- Epic cushioning
- Premium materials
- Nice fit
- Dependable support and lockdown
Cons
- Subpar traction
- Seriously heavy
- Looks and feels bulky
- Expensive
Verdict
Best Jordan expensive basketball shoes
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all basketball shoes.
This shoe has a 8% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 13% most popular basketball shoes
Pros
- Durable upper
- Dope appeal
- Great ankle support
- Glove-like fit
- Reliable grip
- Stable
- Good foot containment
- Superb comfort
Cons
- Difficult to put on
- Outsole clogs up
Verdict
Most popular expensive basketball shoes
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all basketball shoes.
This shoe has a 8% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 28% in Nike basketball shoes
- Top 30% in basketball shoes for ankle support
Pros
- Dope looks
- Superb comfort
- Fits true to size
- Reliable traction
- Premium materials
- Secure lockdown
- Great for casual wear
Cons
- Too expensive
- Not well-ventilated
