4 Best Basketball Trainers in 2024

Sheena
Sheena on
4 Best Basketball Trainers in 2024
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Basketball trainers are primarily worn for their sporty style, versatility, and performance. Premier companies like Nike, Adidas, and Converse are constantly innovating and introducing new technologies to stay ahead in the highly competitive footwear industry.

Men and women of all ages want the latest or funkiest lifestyle basketball shoes to enliven up their sneaker game. That’s why big-name sportswear brands are striving and competing each year to offer excellent quality performance-ready trainers in the market, which has greatly benefited consumers.

With tonnes of options available, we are aware that picking the right pair that genuinely satisfies your needs can be overwhelming. To help you with that, we got our hands on 200+ of the best basketball trainers out there and we tested them hard! After that, we selected the finest ones depending on the category. Take a quick look at our top picks!

How we test trainers

We value our data-driven approach at RunRepeat. We make sure that each sneaker in the database goes through our meticulous performance tests and micro-level scrutiny. That means performing a battery of wear tests and analysing the materials and technologies used in a particular model.

Here are the steps that we specifically adhere to:

  • We, as in-house sneakerheads, personally buy basketball trainers with our own money. We then wear-test each model thoroughly.
  • We put in days’ worth of wearing each sneaker to give us a comprehensive grasp of its comfort, flexibility, durability, and more.
  • Before making our final verdict, we make sure that our top-rated selections are backed up by in-depth reviews from our team of dedicated wear-testers.
  • We also enrich our data by cutting the shoes into pieces and testing them inside our lab.

Best basketball trainers overall

Adidas Superstar
93
Great!

What makes it the best?

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.

Full review of Adidas Superstar

Best retro basketball trainers

New Balance 550
87
Good!

What makes it the best?

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.

Pros

  • Attention-grabbing throwback look
  • Well-cushioned insole
  • Incredibly clean details
  • Suitable for various outfits
  • Durable, high-quality construction
  • No visible wear after several uses
  • Easy to clean
  • Striking shades
  • Reasonably priced

Cons

  • Insufficient lockdown feel
  • Not ideal for wide feet
  • Released in a limited quantity
Full review of New Balance 550

Basketball trainers with the best comfort

Adidas Campus 00S
95
Superb!

What makes it the best?

Airiness was never a problem with the Adidas Campus 00S. Wherever we went, our feet never overheated or sweated too much. The shoe also had its unusually thick tongue that gave the top of the foot the pampering that it deserved. Underneath was a pretty solid base, which helped us avoid painful foot twists. All these features work together to make the Campus 00S the most comfortable among all basketball sneakers.

In the lab, we pumped smoke into the shoe. As expected, the smoke didn’t have a hard time escaping through the holes poked into the upper. These vents really served their purpose, so the shoe got a pretty solid 4 out of 5 from us for ventilation.

At a staggering 23.0 mm, the tongue padding of the Campus 00S is way way way thicker than average, which is only 8.7 mm thick. It was so soft that we felt like we had pillows on top of our feet. Talk about being treated like royalty!

Twisting the foot is truly painful, and we were glad we were able to consistently avoid it because of the rigidity of the shoe’s base. We manually twisted and bent the shoe in the lab, and it still has not lost its firmness. A 4 out of 5 for torsional rigidity was what it truly deserved.

The midsole was just on the firm side, though. Our HA durometer gave it a rating of 37.1, which is significantly higher (therefore firmer) than the 30.9 mm average. We could not recommend this shoe for those who want a lot of impact protection.

Pros

  • Extremely padded tongue and collar
  • Astounding comfort
  • Awesome for daily and casual wear
  • Spot-on fit
  • Soft leather upper
  • Worth the price
  • Old-school vibes
  • Stylish for casual fits
  • Comes with two extra sets of laces

Cons

  • Slightly heavier than usual
  • Its midsole’s a tad firm
  • Difficult to clean and maintain
Full review of Adidas Campus 00S

Basketball trainers with the best durability

Asics EX89
92
Great!

What makes it the best?

The ASICS EX89 is a timeless basketball shoe-inspired kick that brings us back to the days when Jordan and Magic Johnson were dominating the court. This modern take on the timeless design by Toshikazu Kayano from 1989 features the brand's FF Blast midsole foam and an incredible amount of padding that pampered our feet during testing. We were also extremely impressed with how durable and grippy the outsole is, especially for a shoe at this price point. Furthermore, the shoe's understated good looks and many colorway options make it versatile enough to pair lots of outfits.

Pros

  • Keeps feet warm
  • Great traction even on wet surfaces
  • Extremely comfy
  • Good impact protection
  • Feels stable underfoot
  • Retro look
  • Completes many casual outfits
  • Good for gym days or some fitness activities
  • Easy to clean
  • Has Ortholite insoles
  • Fits true to size

Cons

  • Quite heavy
  • Toebox needs a bit of break-in
  • Some synthetic material in the upper
Full review of Asics EX89

Choosing the best basketball trainers from the so many options available can seem like an overwhelming task at first but the benefits are clear. Finding the right pair of basketball trainers is crucial, particularly for a sport known for its dynamic and face-paced nature which relies upon exact foot speed, explosive jumps, and quick directional changes. The best basketball trainers will serve you well - not only will such an investment improve your game, but it will also enable you to stay comfortable for longer.

Since the Michael (‘Air’) Jordan revolution, the basketball trainers niche has become somewhat of a darling of the sports shoe industry. In 2022 the global basketball trainers market size was a whopping $5.31 billion and it is forecasted to reach $6.76 billion by 2029, with an expected compound annual growth rate will be an impressive 3.65% from 2023 to 2030

Midsole

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On the back of this science the world’s best players have responded, and now they wear what feels right. For example, NBA players James Harden, Damian Lillard and Kevin Durant all choose to wear minimalist low-top basketball trainers to help them glide up and down the court.

Similarly the trend for mid-top basketball trainers has really taken off in recent years and that charge appears to be inspired by Lebron James. And if you like his style you might benefit from our guide to the best Nike Lebron basketball trainers.

So are high-tops best? Or should you consider mid-tops and low-tops too? Our advice remains consistent: Wear what feels the most comfortable for you.

Basketball trainers for ankle support and injury prevention

Top-quality basketball trainers prioritise injury risk reduction over ordinary trainers by incorporating specialised design and construction features. These shoes are engineered to provide superior protection and minimise the risk of injuries during gameplay. Here's how they achieve this:

Enhanced sole thickness: The best basketball shoes feature thicker soles, offering increased cushioning and shock absorption. This helps reduce the impact on your feet and joints, providing a comfortable and protective barrier against hard landings and sudden movements.

Superior traction: Basketball involves quick cuts, lateral movements, and explosive jumps, requiring reliable traction on the court. These shoes are designed with outsoles that provide a strong grip, ensuring stability and preventing slipping during intense gameplay. This is especially important when playing on slippery indoor court surfaces, where traction-focused shoes can significantly enhance safety.

Specialised traction patterns: Speaking of which, different court surfaces demand specific traction patterns. The best basketball shoes incorporate unique tread patterns tailored to different playing conditions. Shoes with multidirectional or herringbone patterns excel in providing optimal grip and preventing slippage, whether you're making sharp cuts or dribbling on a smooth surface. We’ve found the Nike Kobe 6, for example, are best worn on indoor courts only while the Air Jordan 1 Retro High trainers are suited to outdoor playing experiences.

Supportive construction: Basketball shoes are built with supportive features that stabilise your feet and ankles, reducing the risk of twists and sprains. Reinforced uppers, padded collars, and secure lacing systems ensure a snug and secure fit, providing additional stability and support during lateral movements and jumps. 

Sole-mates: The anatomy of basketball sneaker soles

Thinking about what makes a good basketballer, one thing that springs to mind is size; basketballers aren’t small. And with that in mind sneaker manufacturers have had to come up with ways for their creations to cope with such heavy impacts, the benefits of which can also be enjoyed by the average Joe and Jane. So what makes the sole of good basketball trainers unique? To understand better let’s take a look at the anatomy of the sole:

Insole: Serving as a cosy resting place for your feet, the insole delivers both comfort and support. Certain models offer the convenience of removable insoles, allowing you to customise your footwear experience.

Midsole: Nestled between the insole and outsole, the midsole exhibits a thinner profile in the forefoot region and thicker padding in the heel area.

Heel cushioning: To counteract impact and offer shock absorption, many basketball trainers incorporate various forms of heel cushioning, including technologies like Nike Air, gel cushioning, and more.

Outsole: Constituting the rubbery foundation of basketball shoes, the outsole excels in durability while providing exceptional traction, especially on smooth indoor courts.

Tread: Employing herringbone patterns that lie flat without protrusions, the tread on basketball shoes aims to maximise contact with the ground. Additionally, some designs feature flex grooves to enhance flexibility while maintaining optimal grip on indoor surfaces.

Consider your playing type/on-field position

If the right pair of basketball trainers can make your game, then it goes without saying that the wrong pair can break it. And not in the good point-break kind of way. Speaking of which, considering your on-court position or playing style isn’t something that springs to mind when in the market for a new pair of kicks, but such a mistake can be futile. Although not necessarily marketed this way, different trainers are made to accommodate different playing styles. Consider these playing types and positions: 

  1. A point guard plays with more speed and agility than other players. These players will seek trainers that are lightweight and flexible to allow for mobility and maximum speed.
  2. On the other hand, a tall centre will enjoy the benefits of maximum cushioning and absorption to accommodate their heavy but strong leaping ability.
  3. If you find yourself playing as a forward or if you don’t have a specific position or playing style, you can go for any basketball trainers that you find comfortable and offer adequate ankle support for repeated movements back and forth to accommodate your on-court versatility.

So is there room for position-specific basketball shoe models to exist in the modern era? Interestingly, the findings from this study published in the Footwear Science publication seem to think so, and reveal the potential for two: (1) a low- to mid-cut agility shoe model for guards and small forwards that has high traction and is supportive during acceleration and cutting movements, and (2) a mid- to high-cut stability shoe for power forwards and centres with the focus on ankle stability and jumping performance [3].

Performance over aesthetics

Flashy designs, trendy colorways and something like the Air Jordan logo sure are nice but if you truly want to excel on the court a pair of high performance basketball trainers should be your primary consideration. Consider all of the key performance indicators we’ve listed above before thinking about the shoes’ aesthetics. And only with all of that information will you be ready to make your decision about what truly are the best basketball trainers for you.

What shoes does LeBron James wear?

Considered one of the best players in the world it comes as little surprise to know that LeBron James wears his own series of Nike basketball trainers. ‘The King’ helps Nike release the latest LeBron shoes simply by wearing them on court, and naturally we have our guide to the best LeBron trainers available here.

References

  1. Cognitive Market Research: Basketball Shoes Market Report 2023 (Global Edition) - https://www.cognitivemarketresearch.com/basketball-shoes-market-report
  2. Barrett JR, Tanji JL, Drake C, Fuller D, Kawasaki RI, Fenton RM. High- versus low-top shoes for the prevention of ankle sprains in basketball players: A prospective randomised study. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 1993;21(4):582-585. doi:10.1177/036354659302100416
  3. Brauner, Torsten & Zwinzscher, Marc & Sterzing, Thorsten. (2012). Basketball footwear requirements are dependent on playing position: Footwear Science. Footwear Science. 4. 191-198. 10.1080/19424280.2012.674980.
  4. KixStats Basketball Shoes Ratings https://kixstats.com/ratings?from=2023-06-10&to=2023-07-09&type=choice&league=NBA&by=kicks#results
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 catalogues to find the next "it" sneaker. Scrutinising hugely popular and underrated kicks is her favourite pastime.