7 Best PUMA Basketball Shoes in 2023
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Why trust us
Nike (together with its subsidiary Jordan) and Adidas have long been the most dominant players in the basketball shoe market. However, this did not stop PUMA from re-entering the game in 2018 after around twenty years of producing only lifestyle sneakers and running shoes among others.
PUMA's grand re-entry was with a rightful nod to its great basketball past. The company produced a new and aptly modernized version of the Clyde Court Disrupt, which of course was a direct pick from Clyde Frazier's arsenal.
Since then, PUMA has produced a handful of kicks, each with its own strength. We get acquainted with the most outstanding among them here.
How we test basketball shoes
Picking the best PUMA basketball shoes requires serious testing; the company has poured years of research and development into each product that all perform so well. We always make sure that each PUMA shoe gets used in more than two games before a verdict or final assessment is made.
To further ensure the objectivity of our picks, we do the following:
- See to it that each product is bought using our own cash to avoid bias
- Also consider the inputs and experiences of other testers with the shoe to make our reviews more comprehensive
Best PUMA basketball shoes overall
PUMA RS-Dreamer
87
Great!
What makes it the best?
The RS Dreamer is borne out of the collaboration between musician J. Cole and PUMA, and it's a success. The features added to the shoe work together to deliver comfort, support, and overall good performance on the court. The shoe's agreeable aesthetics add to its value. It's safe to say that the PUMA RS Dreamer is a must-buy item!
Pros
- All-day comfort
- Dependable grip
- Stylish appearance
- Sufficient lockdown
- Excellent stability
- Outdoor use
- Great court feel
Cons
- Heavier than most
- Not breathable
- Lacks impact protection and bounce
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Free shipping
$40
Stadium Goods
$60
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$95
Zappos
Best PUMA mid top basketball shoes
PUMA Dreamer 2
88
Great!
What makes it the best?
The PUMA Dreamer 2 has a revered spot in the basketball shoe market. It offers a really soft and breathable upper, making it suitable not only for in-game use but also for all-day utility at work or school. This PUMA basketball shoe also boasts commendable craftsmanship; its look is so seamless you would think it is much pricier than it really is! Its amazingly supportive fit is the final feature that makes it such a pleasure to wear.
Pros
- Very comfortable upper
- Amazing one-to-one fit
- Great support and lockdown
- Grip that works
- Effective cushioning system
- Nice craftsmanship
- Neat design
Cons
- Not for wide-footers
- Hard to put on
Today's best price
Men
Women
StockX US
$75
eBay
$128
Zappos
Running Warehouse
Best PUMA low top basketball shoes
PUMA Clyde All-Pro
87
Great!
What makes it the best?
Since the Clyde Court Disrupt, PUMA Hoops's Clyde line has been dishing out alternatives to the usually pricier and more popular Adidas and Nike kicks that flood the market. The PUMA Clyde All-Pro is assessed to be even better than, or at least comparable to, the Nike Kobe 9, which critics say is among the greatest basketball shoes. The All-Pro's bad points are either easy to remedy or there just because of a personal preference.
Pros
- Pronounced court feel
- Amazing traction
- Insane lightness
- Nice bounce
- Grounded and stable
- Effective moisture-control
- Comfortable tongue
- Cushioned heel
- Very smooth heel-to-toe transition
- Aesthetically appealing
Cons
- Lacks forefoot cushion
- Narrow structure
- Needs break-in
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$65
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Best PUMA high top basketball shoes
PUMA Legacy
87
Great!
What makes it the best?
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.
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$40
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$65
Zappos
Running Warehouse
Best PUMA outdoor basketball shoes
PUMA MB.02
83
Good!
What makes it the best?
The MB.01 had a good run, and the MB.02 is not to be outshone. The second LaMelo Ball signature basketball shoe from PUMA does not stop dazzling players with its superior performance on the basketball court. It is arguably one of those shoes that are able to charm a lot of ballers, regardless of their in-game roles and positions.
Pros
- Consistently great traction
- Bouncy midsole
- Topnotch comfort
- Fairly breathable upper materials
- Heavy-duty laces
- Superior stability
- OK for outdoor use
- Feels light
Cons
- Too similar to the MB.01
- Might be too snug
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$125
Stadium Goods
$135
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$140
Zappos
Best value PUMA basketball shoes
PUMA Palace Guard
85
Good!
What makes it the best?
Most buyers think that these retro basketball shoes are straight-up fire. From the materials down to the smallest detail, Palace Guard got everything right. These PUMA shoes from the late ‘80s even feature a few updates that contribute to cushioning and comfort. Simply put, the PUMA Palace Guard OG is retro at its finest. For just 90 bucks, you won’t find anything better.
Pros
- Quality
- Excellent value for money
- Super premium
- Fit perfectly
- Great style
- Super durable outsole
- Quite comfortable
Cons
- Feels a little heavy and bulky
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$30
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Most popular PUMA basketball shoes
PUMA Rise Nitro
80
Good!
What makes it the most popular?
For many, the PUMA Rise Nitro is easily one of the best basketball shoes that ever came out of Puma's factories. This basketball shoe is such a joy to play in, especially for ballers who assume mixed roles on the court. The Rise Nitro is both hugely aggressive and swiftly precise. It has the looks, too, so the $120 spent on this is money that does not go to waste.
Pros
- Effective grip
- Responsive forefoot
- Cushiony heel
- Comfortable upper
- Dependable support and lockdown
- True to size
- Fairly lightweight
- Futuristic look
Cons
- Not for the outdoors
- Dust-sensitive outsole
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Free shipping
$52
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$77
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$85
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$125
Comparison of the 7 best PUMA basketball shoes
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