The 5 Best Basketball Shoes for Jumping

By Solomon Njoroge 2 years ago

Last updated on October 31st, 2022 at 02:35 am

It is every basketballer’s dream to have an insane vertical jump.

Whether it is through intense regular training or by following a given program.

While you might be able to gain a few inches, your basketball shoes play a crucial role in your progress.

Several studies show that when a player ignores the use of proper gear, it can lead to repeated ankle stress, which many at times results in mishaps and frequent falls.

What many basketball players do not know is that basketball shoes can either aid you them improving your vertical jump or affect their overall performance.

In addition, apart from jumping, a proper basketball gear will help enhance your overall performance in the court.

Thus, the correct basketball shoes will not only help you train longer but also help you heal faster.

It is important to always choose a basketball shoes that is specifically design for jumping.

There are plenty of basketball shoes in the market.

However, choosing the best basketball shoes for jumping can be quite a daunting task.

There are plenty of aspects that you should put into considering when shopping for your next jumping basketball shoes.

Best Basketball Shoes for Jumping: Things to Consider

Cushioning

Jumping tends to put pressure on our feet, knees and spinal code. Thus, it is important to always settle for a pair that comes with plenty of cushioning. Cushioning will keep your body safe by absorbing most of the shock generated by jumping.

An ideal basketball shoes for jumping should come with plenty of cushioning at the heels, forefront and ankle. In addition, an ideal jumping basketball shoes should be able to properly lockdown your feet in the process increasing your overall stability.

It is important to note, that jumping tends to put more pressure on one body part, the ankles. This is one of the main reasons why many of the basketball shoes for forwards tend to have plenty of ankle cushioning.

All in all, an ideal basketball shoes will help offset any pressure on your ankles, knees and spine.

Fit

Apart from cushioning, you should also consider fit when shopping for your next basketball shoes. Wearing uncomfortable basketball shoes can often lead to the development of various disorders and complications.

In addition, shoes that do not fit properly can be a distraction to your overall performance on the court and ability to successfully complete your jumping exercises. When shopping for your next basketball shoes for jumping exercises, you should first ensure that there is enough space between the shoes and your feet.

In addition, you should also consider your type of feet. If you have wide feet, then you should always settle for basketball shoes developed for players with wide feet. On the other hand, if you have flat feet, then you should purchase basketball shoe ideal for players with flat feet.

Traction

Your outsole plays a crucial role in your jumping ability as it directly affects your ability to exert explosive power. In addition, without proper grip, you will not be able to properly execute your jumps. When going for jumps, you normally must gain horizontal speed before taking off.

This is one of the reasons why your vertical leap tends to be higher on regular waxed floor in comparison to dusty outdoor courts.

Thus, when shopping for your next basketball shoes its important to consider the type of surface that you will be playing on and the traction on the shoes.

Best Basketball Shoes for Jumping

1. Nike PG 5

The Nike PG 5 is a solid all-round shoe that comes with plenty of traction and cushioning. Because of its lightweight and minimalistic design, this basketball shoe is suitable for players who are shopping for jumping shoes.

The cushioning on the Nike PG 5 is somewhat like that of the Nike PG 4. However, the Nike PG 5 is not only more advanced but also provides a much better court feel.

While the material is what you should expect from a PG signature line, it is comfortable on the feet and performs well. The lockdown and support on the Nike PG 5 are great thanks to the wide outrigger and the wide base.

Nonetheless, it is important to note that the Nike PG is somewhat narrow, hence not suitable for players with wide feet. If you have wide feet, then you might want to check out the best basketball shoes for players with wide feet.

What we liked about the Nike PG 5

  • Comes with a lightweight and minimalistic design that is ideal for jumping
  • Offers a much better court feel
  • Offers comfortability

What we did not like about the Nike PG 5

  • Features a narrow design
  • Somewhat cheap materials

2. Adidas D Rose 11

Like the Nike PG 5, the Adidas D Rose 11 is also a great all-around performer that comes with traction and cushioning being the main talking points. Because of its wide base and stretchy uppers, the D Rose 11 is an ideal shoe for players with wide feet.

Sporting the Lightstrike cushioning system, the Adidas D Rose 11 will offer maximum protection when landing after jumps. Being a low-budget shoe, you should not expect premium materials.

Most of the materials used in this silhouette feel cheap, however, it still manages to get the job done. When it comes to fitting, the D Rose 11 runs a ½ size bigger, and thus, you might notice a little bit of legroom at the forefoot.

The support on this shoe is great, offering stability and lateral containment. The only downside to this shoe is that it does not offer proper ankle support.

What we liked about the Adidas D Rose 11

  • Offers plenty of cushioning
  • Runs ½ bigger which means more legroom
  • Designed with great traction
  • Offers lateral containment and stability

What we did not like about the Adidas D Rose 11

  • Material used feels somewhat cheap
  • Does not offer proper ankle support

3. New Balance Kawhi 1

If you are a big man who is looking for rigid and tough jumping basketball shoes, then you should consider the New Balance Kawhi 1. Kawhi Leonard’s first signature shoe, this silhouette is a solid performer that comes with plenty of traction.

Designed with a data-driven outsole, this basketball shoe performs quite well both outdoors and indoors. However, when playing on dusty courts, you will have to constantly wipe the shoe as it picks dust more often.

Sporting Fuelcell foam, the midsole on the New Balance Kawhi 1 is much thicker and offers plenty of impact protection while jumping. However, the court feels offered by this pair is not as great.

The uppers of the New Balance 1 consist mainly of fuse and hard textile, which honestly speaking does not feel premium. Being a premium shoe, we expected materials of higher quality.

The support on this shoe is also great, offering both stability and lateral containment. The shank plate and the heel counter will always keep you locked in.

What we like about the Adidas D Rose 11

  • Comes with plenty of traction
  • Designed with Fuelcell foam for maximum impact protection
  • Offers great stability and lateral containment

What we did not like about the Adidas D Rose 11

  • Comes with non-premium material

4. Air Jordan 35

The Air Jordan 35 is a superb jumping basketball shoe that is suitable for all positions. The grip on these silhouettes is great, while the stopping power is on another level. Designed with Zoom Air units at the heel, ensures that this shoe is not only responsive but also extremely comfortable. Materials on the Air Jordan 35 are premium, offering a great mix of new and old textile materials.

In addition, because they are stretchy and breathable, players do not need time to break into these basketball shoes. Another feature that makes the Air Jordan 35 great for jumping is its stability and ankle support.

It’s important to note while the Air Jordan 35 is undeniably one of the best basketball shoes on the market, it’s not suitable for outdoor play. All in all, the Air Jordan 35 is a great basketball shoe that is best suited for players keen on improving their vertical jumps.

What we liked about the Air Jordan 35

  • Comes with plenty of grip
  • Uses Zoom Air units
  • Offers plenty of ankle support and stability

What we did not like about the Air Jordan 35

  • Not suitable for outdoor play

5. Nike Lebron Soldier 14

Built specifically for players looking for plenty of cushioning, the Nike Lebron Soldier 14 is another solid jumping basketball shoe. The cushioning set-up of the Nike Lebron 14 feels insane and features a forefront Zoom unit and Cushlon unit offering players plenty of protection.

Apart from the cushioning, the support and lockdown offered by Lebron 14 is great. True to size, this silhouette will fit nicely around your feet without any pinching that is common in some basketball shoes.

The materials used on the Nike Lebron Soldier 14 uppers not only feel premium but also offer plenty of breathability. The traction on the Soldier 14 is average, falling short on quick cuts and hard movements.

In addition, you will have to constantly wipe your feet, especially when playing on dusty courts. Overall, the Nike Lebron 14 is a solid basketball shoe that offers all-round protection and comfort.

What we liked about the Nike Lebron 14

  • Comes with plenty of cushioning
  • True to size
  • Built with premium uppers

What we did not like about the Nike Lebron 14

  • Inconsistent traction

6. Adidas Next Level

A low budget offering, the Adidas Next level is a great jumping basketball shoe that offers plenty of support and comfort. While the Adidas Next Level does not come with any lacing system, the support offered by this offering is great. Designed with a Lightstrike cushioning system, the Adidas next Level offers maximum impact protection especially during landing. Apart from impact protection, the Lightstrike cushioning system also offers great responsiveness and court feel. Take off the ground with much ease as this basketball shoes comes with a solid rubber outsole that comes with a multi-directional herringbone pattern. Build with Primeknit uppers, players do not need time to break into this basketball shoes. Like most shoes on this list, the traction on the Adidas Next Level has issues on dusty courts. Thus, you should expect to constantly wipe your shoes.

What we liked about the Adidas Next Level

  • Offers plenty of cushioning and impact protection
  • Solid traction on clean and semi clean courts
  • Comes with Primeknit uppers

What we did not like about the Adidas Next Level

  • Inconsistent traction on dusty courts