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

Sheena
Sheena on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.5
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.

Best overall
Nike Air Force 270 Nike Air Force 270
$160 $150 From Amazon
Best retro
Nike Blazer Mid 77 Infinite Nike Blazer Mid 77 Infinite
$110 $81 From StockX US
Best high top
Nike Dunk High Retro Nike Dunk High Retro
$120 From Amazon
Best classic
Nike Air Flight 89 Nike Air Flight 89
$120 $80 From Amazon
Best low top
Nike Dunk Low Retro Nike Dunk Low Retro
$120 From Nike
Best value
Nike Air Force 1 07 Next Nature Nike Air Force 1 07 Next Nature
$144 From Amazon
Most popular
Nike Dunk Low Nike Dunk Low
$199 From Amazon
See all 140 nike basketball sneakers
Table of contents How we test sneakersBest overallBest retroBest high topBest classicBest low topBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview

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

Nike Air Force 270
Nike Air Force 270
$150
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No stock  
No stock  
No stock  

CoreScore

89
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 1,062 users

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.
Nike Air Force 270 full review

Best Nike retro basketball sneakers

Nike Blazer Mid 77 Infinite
Nike Blazer Mid 77 Infinite
$81
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$91
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$115
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No stock  

CoreScore

91
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 167 users

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

The Swoosh just added another solid practical sneaker to its Nike Blazer lineup. The Nike Blazer Mid '77 Infinite is a stylish sneaker that perfectly combined retro style and comfort. It also boasts its durability and ample supportive elements. This pair is an excellent option when you want to be comfortable all day with superb street style. It has a clean finish that can be matched when one wants to dress up or down.
Nike Blazer Mid 77 Infinite full review

Best Nike high top basketball sneakers

Nike Dunk High Retro
Nike Dunk High Retro
$120
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$125
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$125
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No stock  

CoreScore

95
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 786 users

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.
Nike Dunk High Retro full review

Best Nike classic basketball sneakers

Nike Air Flight 89
Nike Air Flight 89
$80
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No stock  
No stock  
No stock  

CoreScore

86
Good!
4.3 / 5 from 255 users

Pros

  • Pleasing OG colorways
  • Affordable
  • Nostalgic vibe
  • Fashionably classy
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Tad rigid
  • Upper creases easily

Verdict

With a rich history behind it, the relaunch of the Nike Air Flight 89 is significantly one of the sought-after classic releases. Although the newer version contains subtle differences in shape and fit, many still appreciate that the shoe is brought back. The shoe will likely go with any casual wear with its clean and retro-looking silhouette.
Nike Air Flight 89 full review

Best Nike low top basketball sneakers

Nike Dunk Low Retro
Nike Dunk Low Retro
$120
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$169
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  

CoreScore

85
Good!
4.2 / 5 from 815 users

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Retro style
  • Straightforward
  • True-to-width
  • Amply cushioned
  • Quite affordable

Cons

  • Stiff

Verdict

If you're looking for your next pair of basketball sneakers, you can't go wrong with the Dunk Low Retro from Nike. You’re on the right page if you want a Dunk without breaking an arm or leg. And while this kick isn’t exceptionally soft like the React Element sneakers, it provides the right amount of shock absorption, whether you intend to use it casually or for some hoops.
Nike Dunk Low Retro full review

Best value Nike basketball sneakers

Nike Air Force 1 07 Next Nature
Nike Air Force 1 07 Next Nature
$144
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  
No stock  

CoreScore

94
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 302 users

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

Nike Air Force 1 07 Next Nature may appear rigid and heavy, but it’s way more gentle and accommodating than the typical Air Force 1s. The tongue, heel, and sole are liberally padded, creating a happy environment for the feet. It isn’t only comfy and chic for everyday use but eco-friendly too, with the bottom layer spun from repurposed waste.
Nike Air Force 1 07 Next Nature full review

Most popular Nike basketball sneakers

Nike Dunk Low
Nike Dunk Low
$199
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  
No stock  

CoreScore

87
Good!
4.3 / 5 from 1,129 users

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

Verdict

The Nike Dunk Low represents an institution that sneakerheads of all ages have advocated. Joining the well-revered Nike Dunk shoe collection, this sneaker features several superior comfort elements. And to ensure reliable durability, it is covered with meticulously selected materials, from the upper down to its outsole, to endure daily usage.
Nike Dunk Low full review
Author
Sheena
Sheena

Sheena is a wordsmith turned sneaker addict. Her sneaker fixation intensified as her passion for writing grew. A hands-on mom of two sweet yet spunky kids (plus three dogs and two cats), she finds solitude in leafing through shoe catalogs to find the next "it" sneaker. Scrutinizing hugely popular and underrated kicks is her favorite pastime.

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