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Adidas Superstar is indeed the brightest star among other basketball sneakers because of the undying connection of its classic silhouette to hooping. Setting aside its incredible basketball-rooted style, we also found that the durability of its construction is without equal. When it comes to support and traction, Adidas Superstar absolutely delivered more than what we demanded from a basketball kick!

We can glide through the streets for hours in sheer comfort because of the smashing underfoot feel offered by the Adidas Superstar. We love how it provided us with ample arch support, letting us enjoy pain-free tours. Also, we discovered that there is sufficient toe wiggle room, eradicating any trace of hotspots around the toe. 

What also floored us is the stellar quality of the Adidas Superstar. We didn’t see any damage or abrasion on the sneaker even after braving the hustle and bustle outdoors. However, we discovered that it entails a wearing-in period as it felt stiff at the beginning. Unless you’re okay with it, we suggest searching for basketball sneakers that are comfy right from the onset.

Our wear tests of basketball sneakers pointed to the New Balance 550 as the best choice for retro. We found that it has an incomparable blend of retro charm, profound basketball legacy, and exceptional quality. And the finishing touch: It is phenomenal on foot!

Even though the New Balance 550 has a vintage basketball look, we are more than impressed with its performance which aligns with present-day standards. In terms of matching with our daily casual and upscaled styles, we found that the sneaker does a very good job. We also appreciated how it took care of our feet even during full-day outings. 

The quality of the New Balance 550 is also faultless. We are delighted by the impeccable construction of the sneaker as we didn’t discover any flaw. As a matter of fact, even if we used it pretty roughly, the New Balance 550 stood strong without looking battered.

However, due to its loose fit around the toebox, a toe-hugging fit is something not to be expected from New Balance 550. If you prefer a snug feel around your toes, we suggest sizing down or getting other sneakers that are tapered in the front.

Adidas Campus 00S brought us around town in a fuss-free and seamless manner. Airiness and comfort are its hallmarks, with a well-ventilated design that ensures our feet stay cool and dry even during extended wear. The extremely plush padding feels like a treat for the feet, while the solid base supports our feet well. All these offer unparalleled comfort among basketball sneakers.

The generously padded tongue provides exceptional comfort, with its 23.0 mm thickness far surpassing the average of 8.8 mm. Despite its thick cushioning, the upper offers a pleasantly breathable experience. In the lab, the smoke we pumped in passed easily through the ventilation holes, earning an impressive 4/5 rating.

Moreover, the shoe's grounded profile boosted stability while the sturdy construction prevents painful foot twists, earning it a commendable 4/5 for torsional rigidity. With our caliper, we measured a below-average 24.6/14.5 mm stack that heightened surface feedback. Its firm composition also kept us surefooted, as confirmed by our 37.1 HA durometer measurement. However, being 20.1% harder than average, those seeking a highly cushioned ride won’t find the impact protection they need in Campus 00S.

When the topic was durability, no other basketball sneaker could top the ASICS EX89. This basketball shoe had an extremely tough toebox, a perfectly durable heel padding, and a notably abrasion-resistant outsole. It was simply durability all over. It was simply the most durable basketball sneaker that we encountered. But it still gave a bonus; it had an amazingly thick tongue that provided all the pampering that we appreciated throughout our wear time.

In the lab, our Dremel drill was quite busy because we tested the toebox, the heel padding, and the outsole with it. Both the toebox and the heel padding displayed amazing resistance to pressure. After our high-pressure drilling, there was barely a mark on the site of the assault. Both these parts deserved the perfect 5 that we gave them.

As for the outsole, the dent that the Dremel left was only 0.6 mm deep. This damage was significantly less than the 1.0 mm that the typical sneaker would have incurred. We did not feel vulnerable at all when we wore this shoe on rough outdoor surfaces. 

The ASICS EX89 surely was tough, but it still had its soft spot. Its tongue was not only nice and plush, but it was also pretty thick. The average tongue was measured by the caliper to be only 8.7 mm thick. The tongue of this basketball sneaker reached 12.2 mm. 

All was well until we assessed this shoe’s weight. This one was indeed heavy. At 17.0 ounces (482 grams), it easily made the average sneaker (14.04 oz or 398g) feel like a shoe for kids.

While the New Balance 480 looks sporty and chunky on the outside, it’s actually light and gentle on foot. It has a grounded profile and a high level of flexibility that enhances our control and makes the ride more forgiving for all-day walks. Among the basketball sneakers we rounded up in the lab, 480 embodies minimalism the best.

Despite its chunky retro appearance, the shoe remained lightweight, tipping the scales at 14.0 oz (395g). Credit goes to its low stack height, measured at a modest 26.7/15.3 mm compared to the average of 30.4/19.3 mm. This thinner profile granted us added agility and enhanced control because of better ground feel.

The 480’s comfortable ride stems from its unresisting midsole from all directions. Whether we twisted or bent the shoe in our trials and lab assessments, it surrendered with minimal resistance. Twisting it revealed a low 2/5 torsional rigidity while our bend test shows it’s 39.4% more flexible than average.

Instilling confidence with every stride is the robust outsole, with its wavy pattern providing excellent grip even on wet pavements. It also exceeded the average kick in our Dremel test by showing less damage, a testament to its durability. However, we can’t say the same for the toebox and heel as they wreaked havoc in our Dremel tests. Those who prefer better quality in these areas can search further.

Adidas Forum Low combines innovative features with striking retro aesthetics, seamlessly bridging the gap between sport and style and maintaining its relevance across generations. Originally gracing basketball courts in the 80’s, this pair quickly transcended its athletic roots from being a sporty shoe to the best classic sneaker. Its grounded yet flexible design offers enduring comfort, and its premium construction, validated by the lab, guarantees our safety and protection.

Forum Low, as stated in its name, keeps its stack low at 27.0/14.5 mm vs. the 30.4/19.3 mm average. This grounded profile ensures precise control over our footwork, therefore improving our stability. Additionally, in our wear tests, Forum Low exhibited impressive traction across diverse surfaces, a nod to its basketball heritage that ensures reliable grip in various conditions.

Enhancing a forgiving ride is the free-flowing midsole, which emerged 19.5% more flexible than average in our bend test. This means the shoe bends with our foot flexion without much resistance.

Just like its presence in the industry, the toebox proved to be resilient and long-lasting against our Dremel test. Showing barely visible damage, it earned a well-deserved 5/5 for toebox durability. Moreover, our blow torch proves the authenticity of the leather in its upper.

However, what this Adidas shoe missed is keeping its weight low. At 16.4 oz (465g), it’s 17.1% heavier than the average kick.

The Converse Chuck 70 High Top proudly honors its basketball origins, offering features such as a durable and protective upper, a remarkable grip, and a flexible midsole. Shifting from its original purpose to a classic and stylish sneaker, it continues to survive changing times and trends because of its iconic silhouette and versatility, making it our best high-top basketball sneaker.

The upper is made of solid canvas with a reinforced design in the toe area for added protection. Putting it against our brutal Dremel reveals its sturdiness with a high 4/5 toebox durability score. 

Underfoot, the outsole delivers remarkable traction on any pavement and keeps us steady on wet surfaces. It still retains the original diamond pattern because it works well and we have no complaints!

As a high-top, Chuck 70 gives the initial impression that it’s stiff, but our actual walks and lab tests prove otherwise. It felt effortless to bend and move our feet. Our 90-degree test reveals it’s 37.4% more flexible than average, which is perfect for feeling agile and comfortable on walks.

However, its lack of cushioning may lack the plush support others need. We can’t recommend this sneaker for prolonged walks.