7 Best Nike Basketball Sneakers, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Let’s go back to the phenoms that started it all -- the Nike basketball sneakers. Crossing over from the hoop floor to the realm of pop culture, streetwear, and fashion, the Swoosh has conquered the fashion industry like no other, offering everyone the highly-coveted sporty, super cool athletic footwear.
Get any of the iconic and modernistic sneaks from Nike in a wide array of colorways and styles. From the historic Nike Air Force models and timeless Nike Air Flights to the restyled Nike Dunk and Blazer releases, there’s tons of amazing options in the selection that will satiate any sneakerhead’s cravings.
We’ve considered 100+ pairs of the best Nike basketball sneakers out there. Skim through our extensive list to see the respective ratings of various models based on our wear tests. Also, find below our top picks in different categories to kickstart your search.
How we test sneakers
From leather, suede, and modern specs, to collab designs from famous designers in the industry, we’ve vetted them all with care inside our independent RunRepeat shoe lab. After taking notes of essential data, we subject each model to a series of performance tests in the street and in athletic events.
For our in-depth reviews, we do these:
- Procure all bball sneakers from the Swoosh label from our own pocket. This ensures objectivity and an unbiased approach in our reviews.
- Perform a battery of meticulous wear-tests on the footwear. That means donning on the sneakers for various occasions -- attending special events or just an all-day streetwear.
- Evaluate every model’s performance after long hours and days of usage. We pay attention to their out-of-box fit, break-in period, overall comfort, versatility, durability, and more.
- Make sure that our final rankings are backed up with comprehensive reviews from pro
In the end, we give the Nike basketball sneakers their respective ratings. Refer to our proprietary CoreScore system to quickly find all the best-rated models on the list.
Best Nike basketball sneakers 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 sneakers.
- Top 16% most popular sneakers
Pros
- True to size
- Very comfy
- Nice fit
- Breathable
- Nice design
Cons
- Heavy
- Tight collar
Verdict
Best Nike retro basketball sneakers
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 28% in sneakers
- Top 19% in Nike sneakers
Pros
- Comfy for extended periods
- Versatile style
- Clean finish
- Supportive collar:
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Affordable
Cons
- Difficult to don
- Stiff at first
- Narrow width dimension
Verdict
Best Nike high top basketball sneakers
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 3% in sneakers
- Top 2% in Nike sneakers
- Top 2% 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
Best Nike classic basketball sneakers
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 5% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Pleasing OG colorways
- Affordable
- Nostalgic vibe
- Fashionably classy
- Versatile
Cons
- Tad rigid
- Upper creases easily
Verdict
Best Nike low top basketball sneakers
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 2% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Versatile
- Retro style
- Straightforward
- True-to-width
- Amply cushioned
- Quite affordable
Cons
- Stiff
Verdict
Best value Nike basketball sneakers
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 5% in sneakers
- Top 3% in Nike sneakers
- Top 11% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Incredibly comfy
- Soft interior
- Partly sustainable
- Stylish
- Affordable
- Enough wiggle room
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Squeaky sole
- Requires some break-in
- Lacks arch support
Verdict
Most popular Nike basketball sneakers
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Retro aesthetics
- Exceptionally durable
- Feels comfortable for hours
- All-rounder flair
- Fashionable hues
- Easy to clean upper
- Value for money
Cons
- Stiff at first
- So-so cushioning