The 5 Best Basketball Shoes for Comfort
Last updated on October 31st, 2022 at 01:04 am
Basketball is an intense game of cutting, sprinting, throwing and jumping. That is why many specialized basketball shoes are designed to withstand extreme pressure and support frequent jumping while keeping the player’s body upright.
Comfort plays a crucial role in the way we play the game. It determines whether we are going to be efficient in playing the game or whether we spend the entire training or workout session completely distracted.
When basketball shoes do not fit properly, they can be a complete distraction from the game. In addition, uncomfortable shoes will often put extra pressure on our ankles and feet.
It is important to always get basketball shoes that always offer maximum comfort.
Many basketball shoes come with strong sidewalls as they tend to endure plenty of pressure generated from sprinting.
Thus, great cushioning and proper fitting are essential to any basketball shoes. Most premium basketball shoes come with all these features. However, they may range from one brand to another.
Things to Consider When Choosing Basketball Shoes For Comfort
Fit
When shopping for a new basketball shoe it is important to always go for shoes that offer a perfect fit. Shoes that do not offer you a proper fit can be a distraction to the game. Apart from ensuring that there is enough space between the front of the shoes and your toes, it is also important to also consider your type of feet.
If you have wide feet, then you might want to avoid narrow shoes like the KD 4 and KD 4. Instead, you might want to go for basketball shoes for players with wide feet such as the Nike Lebron 3. We recently reviewed some of the best shoes for players with wide feet. You might want to check that post out.
Traction/grip
A good basketball shoe must provide enough traction to minimize slipping and maximize performance. Shoes with poor traction not only contribute to slipping but can also lead to injuries. Thus, it is important to always go for basketball shoes with proper traction. In addition, playing surfaces also play a role in the type of shoes that you should go for.
If you love playing outdoors, then you might want to consider getting basketball shoes that are specifically geared toward dusty and hard-surfaced courts such as the Lebron Soldier 13 and Adidas D Rose 11.
On the other hand, if you love playing indoors, then you might want to go for basketball shoes designed for indoor play such as the Nike KD 12 and Air Jordan 32.
Protection
Cushioning is another thing that you might want to consider when shopping for your next basketball shoes. Great basketball shoes should always keep your feet protected. Proper cushioning helps keep a player’s feet healthy by absorbing shock. In addition, Proper cushioning not only helps to enhance the movement of the player’s feet while playing but also helps the player improve their skills and execution.
When shopping for basketball shoes, it is important to always go for shoes that come with plenty of cushioning at the heels, ankles, and the forefront. In addition, you might also want to go for shoes that will lock in your feet, thereby increasing your overall stability.
Materials
Like cushioning, breathability is also an integral part in any basketball shoe that should not be overlooked. The materials used in ideal basketball shoes should always be able to enable the foot to breathe.
Apart from helping support long playing sessions, breathability also helps ward off the tiredness of the player’s feet. Thus, it is important to always get basketball shoes designed with materials that encourage breathability.
Best Basketball Shoes for Comfortability
1. Air Jordan 35
Designed with one of the best cushioning set-ups; the unlocked Zoom Air unit, the Air Jordan 35 is undeniably one of the most comfortable basketball shoes in the market. Apart from offering stability, the Zoom Air unit also offers a great court feel and responsiveness.
If you are a big player or basically a player who loves playing with their heels, then this is a great pick. With a perfect blend of new textile and old-school materials, the Air Jordan 35 not only looks good but also feels good.
In addition, the materials used do offer breathability. Being a premium basketball shoe, you do not need time to break into the Air Jordan 35. Unlike the Air Jordan 34, the Air Jordan 35 comes with an improved support system that ensures ankle support, lateral containment, and stability.
All in all, the Air Jordan 35 is a solid all-around basketball shoe that is undeniably one of the most comfortable basketball shoes. It is important to note that this pair comes with a rather steep price tag.
What we liked about the Air Jordan 35
- Designed with the unlocked Zoom air technology
- Great court feel and responsiveness
- Premium uppers
- Little to no break-in period needed
- Improved support system; ankle support, stability, and lateral containment
What we did not like about the Air Jordan 35
- Steep price tag
- Quite narrow at the front thus will take you more time to break in
You can get this pair of kicks directly from Amazon here
2. Nike Air Zoom UNVRS
While this shoe performs below average in all the other categories, it is still one of the most comfortable shoes on the market. With a cushion rating of 10/10, the Nike Air Zoom UNVRS comes with the highly efficient Strobel cushioning board that is not only comfortable but also bouncy, low to the ground, and offers a great court feel.
Designed with a module traction pattern, the traction on these shoes is not really that great, even on clean courts, as the shoes tend to slide and do not offer hard stops.
You should expect to slide on some hard cuts and some heel slippage during the breaking in time. All in all, the Air Zoom UNVRS performs well on clean courts and tends to pick minimal dust on dusty outdoor courts.
Sporting Flyknit uppers, the materials on the Zoom UNVRS offer comfortability. Nonetheless, if you are an explosive player, you might want to go with another brand. In addition, the Nike Air Zoom UNVRS also has a rather long break-in time.
Overall, the Nike Air Zoom UNVRS is a solid basketball shoe, that is undeniably one of the most comfortable pairs on the market.
What we liked about the Nike Air Zoom UNVRS
- Comes with a Strobel board cushioning
- Highly comfortable Flyknit uppers
What we did not like about the Nike Air Zoom UNVRS
- Above-average traction system
- No suitable for explosive players
If you are interested in this pair of kicks, then you can purchase them here
3. Nike Lebron 18
One of the best-looking silhouettes in Lebron’s signature shoe line, the Nike Lebron 18 utilizes some amazing colorways concepts and great aesthetic design. The Nike Lebron 18 comes with a perfect blend of Cushlon, Max Air, and Zoom Air technology, ensuring that it offers superior comfort and compact responsiveness.
The Cushlon technology is used on the midsole, while the Air Max technology is used on the rear. Despite being bouncy and comfortable, the Nike Lebron 18s do not offer a great court feel.
When looking at the uppers, the materials used are not only highly durable but also premium as well. While the Lebron 18 is true to size, players will need a little bit of time to break in due to the Flyknit material.
In addition, players with wide feet might have a difficult time playing with these shoes. The shoe also comes with a durable rubber outsole that you can use on outdoor courts.
Overall, the Nike Lebron 18 is a highly comfortable basketball shoe that is highly recommended for big guys and those whose playing styles does not involve extremely hard cuts.
What we liked about the Nike Lebron 18
- Offers maximum comfort due to Max Air, Cushlon and Zoom Air technology
- Premium and highly durable uppers
- True to size
- Durable rubber outsole
What we did not like about the Nike Lebron 18
- Longer break-in time
- Does not offer a great court feel
- Poor stability and lateral containment
Get the Nike Lebron 18 directly from the official Nike store on Amazon here
4. Nike KD 13
An all-around performer, the Nike KD 13 comes with great cushioning setups and eye-pleasing aesthetics. Sporting a full-length Zoom Strobel, the Nike KD 13 offers otherworldly impact protection, an insane response, and an unrivaled court feel.
Apart from the great cushioning set-up, the traction on the Nike KD 13 performs well. Designed with a traction pattern that features circular cups and nubs, the Nike KD 13 offers proper coverage, a great bite, and picks little to no dust.
If you love to play outdoors, then you are going to enjoy playing in these shoes. While the materials used on the Nike KD 13 are lightweight, and thin and perform great, they do not feel premium.
In addition, the uppers also do not offer a great lockdown as was the case in the previous installment. If you have wide feet, then you might want to consider going up a size or a half.
Overall, the Nike KD 13 is a great basketball shoe that offers maximum comfort, eye-pleasing aesthetics, and great traction.
What we liked about the Nike KD 13
- Great cushioning set-ups
- Offers a great court feel
- Highly durable rubber outsole
- Great aesthetics
What we did not like about the Nike KD 13
- Materials do not feel premium
Buy the Nike KD 13 directly from Amazon here. It’s important to keep in mind that this specific pair is not ideal for players with wide feet.
5. Adidas Marquee Boost
A high-performing basketball shoe the Adidas Marquee Boost is a highly comfortable basketball shoe that comes with a classic design, that is like the Adidas Streetball. Thanks to the full-length Boost cushioning, the Adidas Marquee Boost offers players plenty of responsiveness and impact protection.
Like most Adidas basketball shoes, the Adidas Marquee boost is designed with a mixture of synthetic leather, knit, and textiles. While these are low-budget basketball shoes, the materials used feel comfortable on the shoes and great on hand.
Built with a herringbone pattern, the Marquee Boost comes with a strong grip, making it ideal for both outdoor and indoor courts. If you are a wide-footer, you will enjoy playing in these retro sneakers. Apart from the wide platform which offers stability, the Adidas Marquee Boost also comes with a heel counter to prevent slipping and an outrigger.
Overall, the Marquee Boost is a great all-around basketball shoe that is suitable for players looking for low-budget basketball shoes that offer comfort.
What we liked about the Adidas Marquee Boost
- Classic retro-design
- Low budget
- Very stable due to the wide platform
- Suitable for wide footers
What we liked about the Adidas Marquee Boost
- Not suitable for outdoor and dusty courts
Buy the Adidas Marquee Boost directly from the official Adidas store on Amazon here
6. Harden Vol 3-Bonus Pick
One of the best James Harden’s on the market, the Harden Vol 3 is a high-performing basketball shoe that offers maximum comfort and superior traction. Designed with the Adidas Boost cushioning, the Harden Vol 3 is not only comfortable but also responsive and low to the ground.
Because the boost is lighter and lower to the ground, you will get a more improved court feel. In comparison to the previous installment, the support offered by the Harden Vol 3 is greater.
While the traction on the Adidas Harden Vol 3 pair works well on indoor courts thanks to the rubber outsole, you will occasionally have to wipe the sole when playing on dusty courts. The Harden Vol 3 comes with basic textile materials that not only offer a premium feel but also offer great lockdown.
Overall, the Harden Vol 3 is a high-performance low-budget basketball shoe that offers great comfortability, traction, and a highly durable construction
What we liked about the Harden Vol 3
- Comes with Adidas Boost cushioning for maximum comfortability
- True to size
- Rubber outsole for great traction
- Great materials for a low-budget shoe
What we did not like about the Harden Vol 3
- Not recommended for dusty and outdoor courts
You can check out the prices for this shoe here.