5 Best Expensive Basketball Shoes in 2023

A shoe that costs around $200 per pair should consistently prevent twists, have an amazing grip, and be made of durable materials. We say the Nike LeBron 20 is the best shoe in the higher price range because it delivers all of the mentioned benefits.

We did manual bending and twisting of this shoe, and we concluded that it is perfectly on the stiff side. It got a 5 out of 5 from us as far as resistance to bending is concerned. On the court, this shoe was just so supportive and protective from twists our feet felt like they were some heavily guarded VIPs.

Hours of playing showed that the bite was quite consistent. Dust didn’t even have the chance to interfere with the shoe’s traction performance. Whether we wanted to quickly change directions or just execute a quick sidestep, we always got the grip that we needed.

Another good thing to point out about the outsole rubber is its hardness, which we measured in our lab using an HC durometer. The result that we got is 82.6, making the rubber of the LeBron 20 slightly harder than the average 80.3. This hardness gives the shoe more durability.

The upper materials did not disappoint. The Dremel test revealed that they are quite sturdy. A fastly rotating sandpaper tool was placed against the toe area for four seconds, and the generated friction did not even get through the first layer. With this amount of pressure, other shoes have already started to break. 

Regretfully, the upper sturdiness jeopardizes breathability. When we pumped smoke into the shoe, it did not escape through the upper as easily as we would have hoped. Hence, we recommend that players with sweaty feet stay away from the LeBron 20.

The Nike Adapt BB does not only impress aesthetically. It definitely stands out, performance-wise. It is amazing in so many ways, from the performance to the design. If you are a sneakerhead with a love for tech advancements, this shoe is a must for a solid performer on the court.

After the disappointing release of the Kobe A.D., many are surprised by the Kobe A.D. NXT’s performance. Erasing the memory of its predecessor, the shoe holds its own on-court with its consistent traction, unique lacing system, and fantastic fit. It fixes most of the mishaps of the A.D. and even goes a step further by having new technologies.

The PUMA Dreamer 2 has a revered spot in the basketball shoe market. It offers a really soft and breathable upper, making it suitable not only for in-game use but also for all-day utility at work or school. This PUMA basketball shoe also boasts commendable craftsmanship; its look is so seamless you would think it is much pricier than it really is! Its amazingly supportive fit is the final feature that makes it such a pleasure to wear.

The Nike Air Zoom GT Jump really lives up to expectations. Heavier men who love lots of impact protection and bounce are happy with this one. Guards and smaller players may benefit more from other models in the GT series: the Run and the Cut.