7 Best Basketball Sneakers For Men, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
It’s time to upgrade your sneaker game with these latest top-rated men’s basketball sneakers. We tested over 400 pairs from a wide variety of giant brands like Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Puma, and Converse, among others.
If you prefer a particular colorway, we've categorized all basketball kicks according to colors. To find what you’re looking for, navigate through our user-friendly filters to direct your search accordingly. You are just a few clicks away from finding a perfect pair or two. For best overall, check the Nike Air Force models, or the New Balance 550.
We’ve rounded up and tested 400+ pairs of the best men’s basketball sneakers in the market. Skim through the list to see which models fit your style. Also, see the top recommendations below in several categories to jumpstart your search.
Table of contents How we test sneakersBest overallBest NikeBest AdidasBest retroBest PUMABest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
How we test sneakers
From high-top kicks to low-top styles, we’ve carefully vetted all basketball sneakers inside the RunRepeat shoe lab. We take note of their quality, style, and commercial features. We then perform a thorough performance test wearing the shoes in various athletic events and all-day wear.
The selection process specifically involves:
- Procuring the bball sneakers from different brands with our own money. We invest our funds for the tests. This ensures 100% objectivity and independence of our reviews.
- Our team of sneakerheads performs meticulous wear-tests on each shoe. That means wearing the sneakers in their day-to-day activities and various special occasions.
- Subjecting every model to the wear and tear usage. This allows us to evaluate their comfort, fit, versatility, cushioning, durability, and more.
- Making sure that our top picks are backed up by honest and bias-free reviews from our wear-testers.
To conclude this guide, we give all the men’s basketball sneakers their overall ratings. Go straight to the CoreScore to quickly see the best-rated shoes in the bunch.
Best men's basketball sneakers overall
CoreScore
- Top 15% most popular sneakers
Pros
- True to size
- Very comfy
- Nice fit
- Breathable
- Nice design
Cons
- Heavy
- Tight collar
Verdict
Nike has put a nice design into Air Force 270. It’s not running nor a training shoe but a lifestyle shoe. It has the looks of a basketball shoe but the feel of a running or training shoes. You can use this for special occasions but not for strolling in the mall and driving. If you're planning to use this when you travel, be ready to remove them during inspections because it will take you some time.
Best Nike basketball sneakers for men
Nike Dunk High Retro
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$110
Nike
$125
ASOS
Free shipping & returns
$125
Zappos
CoreScore
- Top 4% in sneakers
- Top 3% in Nike sneakers
- Top 4% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Nostalgic look
- Varied colorways
- Spacious interior
- Soft upper
- Offers sustained comfort
- Durable sole unit
Cons
- Lacks support
- Thin laces
- No extra laces
Verdict
The Nike Dunk High Retro exudes a throwback appeal that could turn back the time. Its silhouette satisfies the nostalgia for the good old days of many sneaker enthusiasts. The color variations of this high-top shoe also earned the appreciation of many. Overall, this Nike pair is enjoyed by sneaker fans not only because of its beauty but its inexpensive price point as well.
Best Adidas basketball sneakers for men
Adidas Campus 00S
Amazon
Free shipping
$110
Adidas
Free shipping and returns
$110
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$110
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$110
CoreScore
- Top 1% in sneakers
- Top 1% in Adidas sneakers
- Top 4% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Extremely padded tongue and collar
- Astounding comfort
- Awesome for daily and casual wear
- Spot-on fit
- Light on foot
- Soft suede upper
- Worth the price
- Old-school vibes
- Stylish for casual fits
- Comes with two extra sets of laces
Cons
- Requires break-in period
- Its midsole’s a tad firm
- Difficult to clean and maintain
Verdict
If only one word can be associated with this sneaker, it is ‘favorite.’ It is unbelievable how many times Adidas Campus 00S has been referred to as the sneakerheads’ new favorite shoe. I mean, why couldn’t they when this sneaker made them feel like cool kids? Apart from its badass retro skater look, it is a top pick when taking outdoor walks as it is supremely padded, delivering additional comfort every stride.
Best retro basketball sneakers for men
Adidas Forum Mid Parley
Amazon
Free shipping
$45
Adidas
Free shipping and returns
$45
ASOS
Free shipping & returns
$66
Footshop
$134
CoreScore
- Top 2% in sneakers
- Top 4% in Adidas sneakers
Pros
- Posh aesthetics
- Exudes a timeless vibe
- Comfortable for hours
- Remarkable fit
- Excellent support
- Great top-to-bottom finish
- Unique removable straps
Cons
- Less colorful in real life
- Could be more flexible
Verdict
The expression "leave the past behind" is something that might not apply to the '80s throwback Forum Mid Parley. Giving you retro feels in a modernized shell, this basketball-inspired kick from Adidas proves to be such a comfy and classy icon regardless of the years gone by. And since it's a Parley collab, the end result is a greener product that definitely rocks!
Best PUMA basketball sneakers for men
PUMA Rebound LayUp
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$48
Designer Shoe Warehouse
Free shipping
$50
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$50
Shoe Mall
Free shipping
$56
CoreScore
- Top 20% in sneakers
- Top 13% in PUMA sneakers
- Top 11% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Super soft around the ankle
- Step-in comfort
- Keeps feet warm
- Secure fit
- Doesn't feel stiff
- Clean and straightforward style
- Extremely cheap
Cons
- Narrow forefoot
- Not too many color choices
Verdict
PUMA Rebound LayUp is one of the best loots basketball fans can snag if they're shooting for off-court Pumas. This retro-inspired mid-top grabs a street-ready flair you can wear for daily hustles. It's super gentle to the feet, generously padded throughout, and flexible. While it ticks all the boxes, the real deal clincher is its low price.
Best value
CoreScore
- Top 4% in sneakers
- Top 4% in Converse sneakers
Pros
- Lightweight
- Stable tongue
- Well-padded
- Squishy insoles
- Stylish
- Sharp details
- Budget-friendly
- Guarantees compliments
- Great ankle support
Cons
- Runs large
- Roomy toe area
Verdict
Converse Unt1Tl3D holds a chock full of reasons why it deserves all the love and attention among the high-tops from the brand. The bold script on the cover and flashy bottom already send out hints that this towering figure isn’t your regular Joe, or Chucks for that matter. It’s much more agile, cushioned, and upbeat than most All-Stars. Plus, it offers lots of bangs minus the buck.
Most popular basketball sneakers for men
New Balance 550
New Balance
Free shipping & returns
$80
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$80
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$110
Amazon
Free shipping
$125
CoreScore
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Attention-grabbing throwback look
- Well-cushioned insole
- Incredibly clean details
- Suitable for various outfits
- No visible wear after several uses
- Easy to clean
- Striking shades
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Insufficient lockdown feel
- Fits wider than expected
- Released in a limited quantity
Verdict
The New Balance 550 will surely tickle your fancy if retro sneakers float your boat. It boasts a clean and straightforward style that amplifies its adaptable vibe from the hardwood to the playground. Despite having no modern technology, this kick will not disappoint in providing you with lasting cozy strides while keeping you stylishly chic on the city streets.
