81 best cheap basketball shoes

Quality basketball shoes are a valuable aspect of an athlete’s uniform. It can enhance performance and give players the advantage they need to get ahead of the game. However, there is that worry that well-made basketball sneakers come with a high price tag. The thing is, basketball shoes can be quite pricey because of the high production costs alongside the expensive endorsement deals of celebrities. But one doesn’t really have to break the bank to get those well-coveted quality kicks.

Cheap basketball shoes that have an enduring quality and good performance do exist, but they can be quite tricky to find. Quite often, people have second thoughts about going for more affordable sneaker options for fear of cheap quality and generally, a bad shoe. However, if you know where to look and how to look, being keen on the features and technologies, then you might just find your budget-friendly fix.

The Top Rated Cheap Basketball Shoes By Brand

Different brands have come up with budget models to accommodate purchasers who seek good quality shoes at a lower cost. Here are some of the noteworthy basketball shoes priced under $150.

Nike

Nike Kobe Mentality 2. This is the Black Mamba’s third signature shoe that comes at a very reasonable cost. The second installment of the Kobe Mentality wears a Flyweave upper that is both flexible and supportive for optimum responsiveness during the most explosive moments in the game. The most notable feature of this cheap basketball shoe is its durable rubber outsole that offers excellent court grip by way of a unique traction pattern. The Kobe Mentality line was basically created for fans who aren’t looking to spend big bucks for a pair of Kobe Bryant signature shoes.

Nike Hyperdunk 2016 Low. The Hyperdunk series debuted in Beijing back in 2008 and had been updated with a new release every year. For its eighth installment, Nike has made upgrades, starting with a Flywire lacing system that generally improves foot lockdown. Meanwhile, mesh and fuse line the upper of the low version of the 2016 Hyperdunk, ensuring comfort and breathability. This cheap basketball shoe also boast its solid multi-directional traction owing to the thick grooves on its outsole. Moreover, it offers premium heel lockdown, which is typical of Nike shoes for basketball.

Nike PG 2.5. Paul George shoes are designed for the most versatile players. Wearers can expect no less from this low-top basketball shoe. Considered a hybrid of the PG2 and the PG1, the Nike PG 2.5  highlights many elements from its predecessors. For its overall structure and silhouette including its detailing, this good cheap basketball shoe basically adapts that of the PG 2. The mesh upper ensures high-level breathability while the Zoom unit at the forefoot cushions the foot. Additionally, this sneaker also features a modified version of the strap seen on the PG 1.

Adidas

Adidas Crazy Explosive 2017 Primeknit. Tagged as one of the fan favorites in its year, the Crazy Explosive 2017 with an Adidas Primeknit upper is one of the best cheap basketball shoes in the bunch. The Three Stripes equipped this high-cut sneaker with a forged Primeknit upper that offers lightweight comfort alongside adaptive support. The anatomical lacing system fitted on this model works to minimize pressure on the foot while mesh inserts improved air flow. Additionally, a full-length Boost cushioning brings excellent responsiveness that will make players agile on the hardcourt.

Adidas Pro Bounce 2018. The Bounce replaced the Crazy Explosives in 2018. Set in a high cut style, these Adidas basketball shoes offer adequate ankle support and firm stability that enable quick moves on the court. With its GeoFit and Forgefiber construction, comfort and responsiveness are enhanced while the foot is given optimum mobility. A highlight of this sneaker is the Bounce technology employed in the midsole, which gives excellent comfort as it efficiently absorbs impact. The high-end features of the Pro Bounce 2018 make it one good cheap basketball shoe.

Adidas Harden Vol. 3. The story continues as the next chapter of Harden’s story of on-court prowess is revealed. This men’s cheap basketball shoe is the third signature model of Houston Rockets star James Harden and is meant to deliver unpredictability during the game. Set with an articulated propulsion plate, this shoe promises explosive speed that leaves opponents in the dust. A lightweight, breathable, and unrestricted ball feel owes itself to the woven tech-mesh that lines the upper. It also features a full-length Boost foam, similar to its previous versions for a bouncy and well-cushioned ride on the hardcourt.

Under Armour

Under Armour Heat Seeker. Bearing a close resemblance to the UA Drive 4 Low, this mid-top sneaker hails from a completely new line that caters to purchasers looking for good cheap basketball shoes. The Heat Seeker from Under Armour shows off a full-length knit upper, which is possibly the brand’s best knit implementation to date. It’s soft on areas where it needs to be soft and elastic and get rigid around the lateral sections where it needs to be strong and supportive. Under the knit, a neoprene sock with central laces ensures a snug, foot-hugging fit. Also, cushioning consists of an EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) and Micro G combination, which is the exact same midsole as the Drive 4.

Under Armour Jet 2017. Coming out in a clean and classic look, this is another cheap Under Armour basketball shoe that impresses with its features and performance. The upper of the 2017 Under Armour Jet consists of a leather and textile combination that offers high breathability and support. Meanwhile, a padded tongue and collar help keep the ankles supported when sprinting back and forth. The outsole of this shoe utilizes a herringbone traction that grips to the court and helps control movement.

Under Armour Rocket 2. This budget-friendly model is among the brand’s top releases for 2016. Its solid performance on the hardcourt proves that players don’t need to pay a fortune to get quality sneakers that do the job. Among the highlights of this cheap Under Armour basketball shoe is the Micro G technology on its insole and midsole. This thin, lightweight foam molds to the foot and efficiently absorbs the impact that enhance footwork. The rubber outsole uses a herringbone traction, which is regarded as one of the best traction patterns in sports. Additionally, the UA Rocket 2’s burrito tongue construction helps improve overall fit.

Jordan

Jordan Fly Lockdown. Built with a modern design, this cheap basketball shoe wears a woven fabric upper that resembles that of the Air Jordan 29. Wearers can expect the Jordan Fly Lockdown to offer a durable and comfortable fit. On its side panels are Phylon wings that are symbolic of flight, which is what the shoe is made for. Also, the modified herringbone on the outsole enhances grip and control on the floor.

Jordan CP3 11. The 11th signature shoe of Chris Paul pays tribute to his unquestionable talent and dominance in the game. Created to deliver speed and traction, this cheap basketball shoe from Jordan promises seamless support through its midfoot strap, which ensures foot lockdown. For speed and traction, this model employs a TPU plate equipped with a herringbone traction pattern. Additionally, a Zoom air unit promotes lightweight responsiveness as well as protection.

Tips on finding great basketball shoes on a budget

If you are not one to splurge on a good pair of basketball shoes, then here are a few tips that can help you get the best value for your money. Whether you are looking to find great sales or just a good cheap basketball shoe that gets the job done, this guide can help you sort out your options so you find the shoe that’s just right for your needs.

First things first, you will need to establish a budget. It could be one that’s fixed or preferably, a price range that sets your spending limit. Once you have decided, here are things that you might want to do next.

Opt for last year’s releases.

Latest models of sneakers are always on the pricier end. If you desire a particular new shoe, it is wise to wait it out until the next model comes out so its price depreciates. You can also choose from the wide selection of basketball shoes from the previous year since they are a lot cheaper. There is surely nothing wrong with opting for an older shoe to save a few dollars.

Choose universal shoes for beginners.

Some basketball shoes are specifically made for the indoor game while some are for outdoor play. When looking for basketball shoes to use for casual play or beginners, go for ones that can be used for both outdoor and indoor. After all, you can always purchase a specialized shoe when the need arises later on.

Just because they’re cheap doesn’t mean they’re bad.

It’s unwise to assume that all cheap basketball shoes are no good. The truth is, there are a lot of budget-friendly sneakers that offer a decent performance on the hard court. When looking for the best cheap basketball shoes, try to ask about shoe technologies infused into the shoe’s construction. You will be surprised at the array of cheap basketball shoe options currently available in the market.

Watch out for sales.

According to the experts, the best time of the year to go hunting for athletic shoes is in January. The start of the year is usually met with a good number of post-Christmas sales from your favorite brands. Also, this is the month when old stocks are sold at high discounts.

Check out reviews.

Reading or watching reviews can inform you of the good and bad aspects of a basketball shoe. You will be surprised at how honest reviewers can be when lauding or criticizing the features of sneakers. By looking into what other users have to say, you can get an idea of how a particular shoe performs, how it fits, and the like.

FAQs

How can I find great deals for basketball shoes?

Deals on basketball aren’t that had to find. However, it can be quite tricky. Here are two options that you can consider.

The first option is to buy budget models or sneakers from last season. Look for well-performing cheap basketball shoes set at an affordable list price. You can also go for older models that are sold at a much lower price because a new release is already out. Signature shoes like the Kobe line or the Air Jordans often retail at around $200 at the time of release. However, if you are willing to wait for a year to get them, you might just get them for half the price, especially when it’s a few models old already.

Some budget models like the Nike Zoom Live, the Mamba Mentality, or the Under Armour Charged Controller offer sneakers that retail around $100 since they are not backed by signature players. These cheap basketball shoes perform as well as the pricier models but are priced much lower since they lean towards using more affordable materials, less cutting-edge technology, and much lesser marketing expenses.

Another option you can try is to look out for clearance sales or to avail of discount codes for cheap basketball shoes online. Every now and then, online shoe stores like Eastbay.com or Footlocker will offer discounts of up to 20% for their old inventory so they can clear out on stocks and accommodate new models. At times, you can even avail of cheap basketball shoes or already-discounted ones with a clearance sale, so you make the most of your budget. You can also search for discount coupons specific to certain stores. You can get up to 75% less on your purchase when using these discount codes.

Are there cheap women’s basketball shoes available in the market?

Since the hardwood is definitely not just a man’s playground, brands also manufacture women’s sneakers that meet the needs of lady ballers. There is quite a selection of cheap women’s basketball shoes that are set in a full range of women’s sizing as well as styles to enable the ladies to dominate the court. Nike has released women’s versions of the Nike Zoom Shift, the Nike Zoom Live, and the Nike Hyperdunk 2014. Under Armour also has their Drive 4 in a women’s version.

Author

Dimitrije Curcic

Dimitrije Curcic has been playing basketball for over 22 years. Like Manu Ginobili, he’s a left-hander whose moves led him to a better career-shooting percentage than the Argentine himself. After playing professionally for 10 years, Dimitrije moved to coaching for two seasons before he became a basketball statistician for StatScore, and FanSided contributor for the San Antonio Spurs. Dimitrije loves to tell hoop stories through numbers and graphics and has been featured on Fansided, FiveThirtyEight, Eurohoops, and TalkBasket among the others.

dimitrije@runrepeat.com