The 5 Best Basketball Shoes Under $50

Last updated on October 31st, 2022 at 02:06 am

Choosing the right pair of basketball shoes is one of the best decisions that a player can make. While many of the basketball shoes in the market tend to be pricey, it is important to note that the most expensive pairs are not necessarily the best shoes.

Getting a new pair of basketball shoes is something that should not be taken lightly. It requires careful deliberation and planning and a clear understanding of your needs, feet type, position, and budget.

Apart from considering the overall appearance or the aesthetics that a basketball shoe offers, you should also consider what these pairs of shoes bring to the table performance-wise.

Basketball shoes within this price range tend to be either non-signature models, outdated models that newer models or takedown models have replaced.

Because non-signature options do not have any big names attached to them, they tend to be more affordable compared to signature models.

In addition, older models see a significant drop over time in their pricing from their date of release because newer and updated versions have hit the market. To appeal to a wider audience, many shoe companies produce takedown models.

Many of the shoes under $50 are for individuals who are looking for solid training shoes without having to break the bank.

Most likely, their current pairs are worn out or are getting back into the game after a long hiatus. Mainly these shoes will be used for day-to-day practice.

Wearing worn-out shoes increases one’s chances of injury. Settling for a shoe that does not meet your needs can cause back pain, knee aches, foot pain, and several other complications. 

In addition, basketball shoes under $50 are the perfect choice for individuals who are looking for an additional pair of shoes for training. This individual probably has two or three pairs and would like to get an additional pair.

Things to consider

Durability

Before purchasing your next basketball shoes, it’s important to consider the type of surface that you will play on. If you will play on an old upbeat court, that’s covered in dust and dirt, then you will most likely need a pair that will offer the right amount of traction to ensure that you will not be sliding or slipping all over the place.

Technically, you will also need a pair that’s designed for rougher use. The best basketball shoes’ outer soles should be made of rubber. Check out our top 5 basketball shoes for the outdoors.

Support

Another thing to consider when shopping for affordable basketball shoes is support. While you might go for basketball shoes under $50, it’s important to settle for a pair that provides enough ankle support.

Shoes that offer proper ankle support reduce one’s susceptibility to injuries by offering sufficient protection against excessive movement and also by increasing foot stability.

Comfort

It’s important to also consider comfort when shopping for affordable basketball shoes. Like support, comfort is also critical, as it can have a direct impact on your playing style.

While many of the basketball shoes under $50 are designed from less expensive materials compared to those used on expensive basketball shoes, you should still settle for one that features EVA form such as or Nike’s air technology which is quite common among many of the shoes within this price range.

In addition, you should also settle for basketball shoes that are infused or reinforced with artificial rubber-like neoprene to increase comfort.

Style

When shopping for basketball shoes, it’s important to always place your style of play into consideration. If you happen to be a big man, preferably a power forward to center, you will need shoes that offer more cushioning.

The Nike Lebron 17s and Zoom Freak 2 are the ideal models for big men. If you are a big man, then look at the best shoes for big men forwards and centers.

Guards will require shoes that allow them to get a more pronounced feel of the basketball court.

There are several basketball shoes such as the Kyrie and Kobe which offer a superb court feel and come with great traction.

Best Basketball Shoes Under $50

1. Adidas Don Issue 1-9/10

One of the most recommended budget basketball shoes, the Adidas Don Issue 1 is Donovan Mitchell’s first signature line of shoes. In addition, the Adidas Don Issue 1 also comes with a responsive bounce cushioning which will offer an outstanding balance between the feel of the basketball court, impact protection, and bounce.

The Adidas Don 1 features materials which are not only aesthetically pleasing but also perform and feel great. The spiderman theme is also a bonus, considering these are low-budget kicks.

Although the Adidas Don Issue 1 is a low top, they still offer excellent lockdown.

While the shoes offer superb traction, there are others who have complained that they slip a lot when playing with these shoes.

Our Ratings

• Materials: 9/10
• Fit: 9/10
• Cushioning: 9/10
• Support: 9.5/10
• Traction: 9/10

Pros	Cons
1. Comes with a spiderman theme and esthetically pleasing materials, which is a bonus	The traction with these shoes on dusty courts or hardwood floors remains an issue as the shoes will require regular wiping
2. The cushioning offers a perfect balance between the court feel, impact protection and bounce	The mid-foot feels very uptight
3. Offers excellent lockdown, which is essential for guards

2. Nike Kyrie 6-8.5/10

Featuring everything that a player needs on the court, the Nike Kyrie 6 is the ideal pair for a regular basketball player. Apart from offering a terrific forefoot feel and bounce thanks to Zoom Turbo, the Kyrie 6 also features Phylon cushioning on the heel, which is way softer in comparison to previous installments.

All the materials used in this pair are not only soft but also quite comfortable. The Nike Kyrie 6 also offers plenty of lockdown and support, which makes these pairs of sneakers ideal for crossovers and quick movements.

Like most shoes within this price range, the Kyrie 6 offers very minimal traction in dusty and woody courts. Looking at the overall build and technology used on this shoe, it’s clear to see why it’s one of the best basketball shoes under $50.

We really loved the uppers mainly because they feel somewhat premium and something that you might get in some high-end shoes. Overall, the Nike Kyrie Irving 6 are solid basketball shoes, with the only shortcoming being the traction on dusty courts.

• Materials: 9/10
• Fit: 9/10
• Cushioning: 9/10
• Support: 9.5/10
• Traction: 8/10

Pros	Cons
1. Offers maximum support and lockdown, making them suitable for quick movements and crossover moves	1. Offers minimal traction on dusty courts
2. Very comfortable

3. Under Armor Havoc 2-7.5/10

The Under Armour 2 is a performance-driven basketball shoe that features HOVR cushioning which offers the player lots of impact protection and responsiveness. All the materials on these shoes feel premium, which is an added bonus, considering this is a budget shoe.

In addition, the Under Armour 2 are not only comfortable to wear but also does a great job in locking down the player’s feet.

The heel counter, outrigger, and mid-foot shank do a great job of proving plenty of stability and support. These silhouettes also offer outstanding lockdown and customized fit as they come with webbed lacing systems.

The Under Armour 2 also comes with a half-bootie lining for a secure fit and traditional tongue construction that offers easy entry.

• Materials: 7/10
• Fit: 7/10
• Cushioning: 9/10
• Support: 8/10
• Traction: 7/10

Pros	Cons
1. Offers plenty of support and stability thanks to the solid traction	1. Traction might not be as good as it was on the Under Armour Havoc 1
2. Comfortable to wear and provide proper lockdown on a player’s foot	2. Breathability might be an issue on these shoes because of the choice of materials
3. Comes with a solid construction, which makes it highly durable

Who should get the Under Armour Havoc 2

• Players looking for shoes with plenty of stability and support
• Anyone looking for a highly durable pair

5. Dame 5-7/10

Like many basketball sneakers from Adidas, the Dame 5’s use herringbone traction from the toe to the heel. However, the implementation of this pair is way superior to that of any other sneakers from Adidas.

Because of the superior traction, the Dame 5’s are perfect for both indoor and outdoor courts, however, using the pair indoors might require regular wiping of the outsole.

In addition, the Dame 5’s also come with bounce cushioning, which offers players great impact protection and responsiveness when playing. While the bounce on this pair might feel thicker compared to the previous installment, it still does a solid job.

The overall build of this shoe is pretty solid, using both leather and mesh options for the uppers. Unlike the leather options, the mesh options are pretty light and also feature a synthetic suede/nubuck rear panel.

Considering this is a budget-friendly basketball shoe, the leather used in other options is synthetic and thus do not expect a premium finish or look.

If you are a wide-footer, then this shoe has been made just for you. The fit is slightly longer towards the toe and some volume is left between the roof of the shoe at the toes. Like the previous installment, the lockdown and stability are amazing on this pair.

That said, if you are looking for a solid all-around basketball shoe that offers great cushioning, traction, stability, and support, then you should definitely get the Dame 5s.

Our Rating

• Materials: 7/10
• Fit: 7/10
• Cushioning: 9/10
• Support: 8/10
• Traction: 9/10

Pros	Cons
1. Stylish basketball shoes with a sleek outline	1. May prove difficult to play with in dusty courts
2. All-round basketball shoes: Great cushioning, traction, stability, and support	2. The uppers might feel cheap
3. No time is needed to break-in
4. Allows the use of ankle bracelets due to full knit and tongue collar

4. Adidas Streetfire-7/10

If you are looking for a pair that offers plenty of comfort, then the Adidas Streetfire will do the trick. Because of its comfortability and construction, players require very little time to break in.

The Adidas Streetfire features a textile upper, which makes this pair not only lightweight but also breathable. Unlike most basketball shoes, the innersole of the Adidas Streetfire is removable, which makes the use of orthotics seamless.

The shoes also feature arc support that not only feels great but also is quite stable. Streetfire’s rubber outsole makes the shoe ideal for both outdoor and indoor use.

Our Rating

• Materials: 8/10
• Fit: 8/10
• Cushioning: 9/10
• Support: 8/10
• Traction: 7/10

Who should get the Adidas Streetfire

• Ideal for wide-foot players
• Players who love to play both indoors and outdoors

6. Adidas Pro Next: Bonus Pick-6/10

The Adidas Pro Next is another budget-friendly option from Adidas that comes with plenty of beneficial features. While it’s not a signature shoe, the Adidas Pro Next is a high-performing shoe that can be compared to the Dame 5 and the Jordan CP3s in terms of build, performance, and technology.

Being a mid-top shoe, the Adidas Next provides superb ankle support and lockdown.

In addition, the cushioning on this pair is superior as the shoes come with a soft heel pillow and a responsive Cloudfoam midsole. The rubber outsole features a herringbone pattern that provides a cross-sectional grip in various high-impact areas.

Like most Adidas basketball shoes, the Adidas Pro Next also features a trendy faux-leather design which makes the pair perfect for off-court use.

Depending on your style and taste, the Adidas Pro Next is available in a variety of color options including scarlet, cloud white, collegiate navy, collegiate royal, core black e.t.c.

Our Ratings

• Materials: 8/10
• Fit: 8/10
• Cushioning: 9/10
• Support: 8/10
• Traction: 7/10

Pros	Cons
1. Offers superb ankle support and lockdown	1. The break-in period might be longer
2. Light in weight	2. Suede material might not last for long
3. Offers amazing traction
4. Available in plenty of colour options

What we liked about the Adidas Pro Next

• Offers superb ankle support and lockdown
• Lightweight
• Amazing traction
• Available in plenty of color options

What we didn’t like about the Adidas Pro Next

• The break-in period might be longer
• Suede material might not last for long