7 Best Mid Top Basketball Shoes, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
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Mid top shoes are a great option for all-around players. Lighter than a high top, yet slightly heavier than a low top, the mid top or mid cut basketball shoes offer more versatility, allowing you to stay agile and locked in securely.
If you want the best of the best worlds, look no further than the mid top basketball sneakers. In fact, we’ve rounded up the best mid cut style models out there across different brands. We’ve been testing the latest releases from Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and Air Jordans, among others.
Each brand offers its own highly-rated signature shoes from past and present NBA Legends, as well as non-signature options. HEAD on below to check them all out.
Table of contents How we test basketball shoesBest overallBest outdoorBest ankle supportBest slip-onBest strapBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
How we test basketball shoes
To make the recommendations, each model on the list is put through a rigorous testing process. Aside from our standard wear tests and on-court assessments, we bring all the shoes to the RunRepeat shoe testing lab for a battery of mechanical tests. Here’s exactly our approach:
- We buy all the mid top basketball shoes using our own funds. This ensures that all our in-depth reviews are devoid of any taint of bias or brand loyalty.
- Inside the RunRepeat lab, our shoe specialist cuts the shoes into pieces. This allows us to examine each essential part and measure 30+ parameters such as the ankle support, bounce, flexibility, grip, and many others.
- Our wear-testers put in many hours of playing time to determine the level of performance, comfort, and durability of each model.
- We gather more useful data from other trusted basketball shoe experts and regular hoop players who use mid-cut shoes.
For the overall ratings, we use the proprietary CoreScore system that calculates all the collated data above. A final score ranging from 0 – to 100 is given on each model. We then highlighted the top-rated shoes in different categories.
Best mid top basketball shoes overall
Jordan Zion 2
Nike
$73
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$90
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$95
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$120
Pros
- Strong side-to-side grip
- Tremendous support
- Very pronounced court feel
- Reliable energy return
- True-to-size fit
- Breathable
- Good for bigger men
- OK for outdoors
- Casual style
Cons
- Dust-prone outsole
- Lacks impact protection
- Seriously needs breaking in
What makes it the best overall?
Zion Williamson is a really big and powerful player, and his second signature shoe is built for players like him. Its design and overall structure contain so much force and high levels of aggression on the court. It's all about powerful cuts, forceful offenses, and determined sprints to the basket. It's as if the Jordan Zion 2 is saying: "give it your all or not play at all!"
Best mid top outdoor basketball shoes
Nike Lebron Witness 6
Nike
$66
Amazon
Free shipping
$69
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$100
Stadium Goods
$100
Corescore
Pros
- Side-to-side containment
- True to size
- Thin but durable materials
- Comfortably padded tongue
- Smooth heel-to-toe transition
- OK for outdoors
- Easy on-off
- Stylish
Cons
- Dust-prone outsole
- Lacking impact protection
- Barely there court feel
- Break-in needed
What makes it the best outdoor?
The Nike LeBron Witness 6 can now cease to exist so that the LeBron Witness line can go to being the glorious line that it was. Sure, this shoe is not a lot like the Witness 5, but the updates do not do it any good. With many serious flaws, this shoe is great only as a collector's item on a lighted glass-enclosed shelf. If you want a safe game shoe, take your money somewhere else. We recommend the Nike Mamba Rage.
Best mid top ankle support basketball shoes
Pros
- True to size
- Secure foothold
- Fits great for wide-footer
- Good lateral stability
- Cushy, responsive cushioning
- No break-in period
- Feels light
- Sufficient breathability
- Sleek design
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Outsole pattern is not durable for constant outdoor play
- Heel cushioning not enough for heavy post players
Best mid top slip-on basketball shoes
Adidas N3xt L3v3l
Amazon
Free shipping
$65
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$100
Zappos
Running Warehouse
Corescore
Pros
- Top-notch materials
- Snug fit
- Excellent cushioning
- Superb comfort
- Great support and lockdown
- Reliable traction
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Quite expensive
What makes it the best slip-on?
With its excellent overall fit and comfort, many verified buyers are satisfied with these slip-on basketball shoes from Adidas. The N3xt L3v3l also has an amazing style with premium materials to cleat, just like James Harden’s Vol 3 shoes. Basketball players attested that this shoe does its job well on the court.
Best mid top strap basketball shoes
Corescore
Pros
- Clean, simple style
- Great for casual wear
- Looks luxurious
- Durable upper
- Easy to clean
- Easy to put on
Cons
- Requires long break-in time
- Not a performance shoe
- On the pricey side
What makes it the best strap?
Although this shoe is the Playoffs version of the Super.Fly 5, many of the shoe’s key features are very different from its predecessor’s. For one, the Playoffs version looks cleaner and sleeker. The Jordan Super.Fly 5 PO also has a midfoot leather strap, whereas the previous model did not. The added details add a feel of luxury, leveling the model up as a lifestyle sneaker.
Best value mid top basketball shoes
Adidas Pro Model 2G
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$35
Shoebacca
$40
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$100
Zappos
Corescore
Pros
- Superb comfort on & off the court
- Clean & classic look
- Reliable traction
- Great cushioning
- Excellent lockdown
- Good for casual wear
- Great for guard positions
Cons
- Needs break-in
- Narrow toe box
What makes it the best value?
With a grip that works well on any court condition, the Adidas Pro Model 2G is well-received by basketball players, especially those who play the guard positions. Many are happy that this updated pair looks and performs just as well as the original Adidas Pro Model. Fans are delighted that these retro basketball sneakers are a steal for their price.
Most popular mid top basketball shoes
Corescore
Pros
- Durable materials
- Appealing style
- Supportive ankle section
- Upper doesn't crease easily
- Available in several colorways
- Easy upkeep
- Reliable on-court grip
- Comfortable fit
- Fits true to size
Cons
- A bit heavy
- Requires a break-in period
What makes it the most popular?
The Nike Air More Uptempo is an on-court classic that has returned and amazed hoopers once more. Several players in the basketball community could not help but appreciate the sturdiness, ample rearfoot support, and reliable traction the shoe offers. Moreover, this basketball companion is not just about functionality. It also flaunts a stylish design that catches the eyes of many. That said, owners consider this Nike pair a fantastic purchase.
