7 Best High Top Basketball Shoes, 60+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Dimitrije Curcic
Dimitrije Curcic on
7 Best High Top Basketball Shoes, 60+ Shoes Tested in 2023

High-top basketball shoes is the first thing that comes to mind when conversations go into hooping. After all, the iconic Chuck Taylors, which are among the first shoes produced for basketball, were glorious high tops. Also, players like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry love their shoes high or mid. 

It must be noted here, however, that high-tops don't provide more support than low-tops as previously thought. Getting one over the other is not just a matter of preference. 

Still, dozens of high-tops flood the market, and choosing the right pair can be a chore. To make things easier for you, we present here the best high-top basketball shoes that we can find. 

How we test basketball shoes

We've all seen sponsored content, and creators tend to be kinder to those who sponsor them. This is a clear bias and one that we want to avoid. Hence, we see to it that the high-tops that we review aren't freebies from anyone. We always purchase them using our own money.

We also do the following to reduce bias as much as possible:

  • Use these high-tops in actual games to really see how they perform
  • Consider other testers' reviews to verify or further inform our own

The result is a Corescore from 0 to 100 which helps us to rank and compare all of the tested high-top basketball shoes.

Best high top basketball shoes overall

New Balance OMN1S
New Balance OMN1S

CoreScore

90
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 127 users
84 / 100 from 6 experts

Pros

  • Good lockdown and support
  • Amazing traction
  • Durable materials
  • Superb comfort
  • Simple look
  • Secure fit
  • Breathable

Cons

  • Narrower fit overall
  • Lacks cushioning

Verdict

With its excellent support and lockdown paired with a perfect mix of court feel, responsiveness, bounce, and impact protection, it's no wonder that the New Balance OMN1S is loved by many. When it comes to performance, basketball players mentioned that this pair is a great first signature model that can go head-to-head with other signature shoes such as UA Curry 7 and Adidas Harden Vol. 4.
New Balance OMN1S full review

Best high top outdoor basketball shoes

Reebok Shaqnosis
Reebok Shaqnosis

CoreScore

86
Great!
4.6 / 5 from 468 users
80 / 100 from 3 experts

Pros

  • Responsive
  • No break-in
  • Durable on rough outdoor courts
  • Secure fit
  • Great traction
  • Excellent lockdown
  • Good for running & hiking
  • Not a dust collector
  • Fits true to size

Cons

  • Lacks ventilation
  • Stiff footbed

Verdict

The Reebok Shaqnosis is a basketball shoe that is loved by athletes and shoe collectors. The pair is still sought after by many wearers decades after its first release. The responsiveness, support, and comfort that the shoe provides are for players who (1) do a lot of low-post moves and (2) meet the demands of a center. Grab this favorite pair of Shaquille O’Neal kicks and let them bring you memories from the 90s.
Reebok Shaqnosis full review

Best high top ankle support basketball shoes

Reebok Iverson Legacy
Reebok Iverson Legacy

CoreScore

90
Superb!
4.8 / 5 from 1,326 users
87 / 100 from 2 experts

Pros

  • Looks more amazing on hand
  • Excellent court grip
  • Bouncy cushioning
  • Comfortable upper
  • Offers a secure lockdown

Cons

  • Lacks ventilation
  • Tough to put on

Verdict

Despite not having the essence and feel of the typical modern basketball shoes, numerous Allen Iverson fans love these Legacy shoes from Reebok. This hybrid sneaker attracts buyers with its quality materials, responsiveness, comfort, court performance, and classic design. However, there are some issues with its ventilation and ease of wear. But if these don’t matter much, then the Reebok Allen Iverson Legacy is a must-have.
Reebok Iverson Legacy full review

Best high top strap basketball shoes

Nike Kobe AD NXT FastFit
Nike Kobe AD NXT FastFit

CoreScore

80
Good!
4.3 / 5 from 17 users
84 / 100 from 7 experts

Pros

  • Excellent performance
  • Durable traction
  • Light and minimal
  • Reliable outsole grip
  • Well-cushioned midsole
  • Great support and lockdown
  • Comfortable footbed

Cons

  • Not for the outdoors
  • Traction attracts dust
  • Expensive

Verdict

The Nike Kobe AD NXT FF has aggressive traction, balanced cushioning, and excellent lockdown. However, hoopers can get almost the same performance from cheaper shoes such as the Jordan Why Not Zer0.2. Overall, the Nike Kobe AD NXT FastFit is an excellent performer with a premium price tag. If you want the latest Kobe model and have a couple of hundred bucks to spare, then you should pick up a pair.
Nike Kobe AD NXT FastFit full review

Best high top retro basketball shoes

Adidas Adizero Rose 1 Retro
Adidas Adizero Rose 1 Retro

CoreScore

86
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 53 users
86 / 100 from 4 experts

Pros

  • Fantastic performer
  • Amazing traction
  • Feels fast on the court
  • Comfortable upper
  • Appealing style
  • Supportive
  • Great quality

Cons

  • Outsole attracts dust
  • Minimal cushioning

Verdict

The Adidas Adizero Rose 1 Retro feels fast on the floor, and owners love the low-to-the-ground and responsive feel of the cushioned midsole. Its grippy outsole also allows them to explode like Derrick Rose. It is a great retro sneaker that delivers classic style and reliable performance. However, the UA Curry 7 and Adidas Harden Vol. 4 provide a better playing experience at almost the same price.
Adidas Adizero Rose 1 Retro full review

Best value high top basketball shoes

PUMA Legacy
PUMA Legacy

CoreScore

87
Great!
4.6 / 5 from 777 users
89 / 100 from 2 experts

Pros

  • Great on-court performer
  • Great traction
  • Quite comfortable
  • Very durable
  • Excellent lockdown and support

Cons

  • Easily gets dusty
  • Foam cushion feels a little dense and stiff
  • Don't fully break-in

Verdict

The PUMA Legacy has everything you need in a basketball sneaker. These high-tops provide solid support with their engineered knit mesh upper and ankle webbing. The combination of IGNITE and NRGY foams offers adequate cushioning while the high-abrasion outsole delivers durable traction. Overall, the PUMA Legacy delivers no-nonsense performance at a budget-friendly price.
PUMA Legacy full review
Author
Dimitrije Curcic
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.