10 Best Basketball Shoes for Jumping: Top Picks for Vertical Leap Enhancement

Last Updated on: 5th October 2023, 11:43 pm

Basketball players know that jumping is a crucial part of the game. You need the right gear to jump higher, starting with your shoes. Basketball shoes designed for jumping have features that help players achieve maximum lift and stability.

When looking for the best basketball shoes for jumping, there are a few key factors to consider. First, you want a shoe with good cushioning to absorb the impact of landing after a jump. Second, a shoe with a secure fit will prevent your foot from slipping inside the shoe, which can cause injuries.

best basketball shoes for jumping

Finally, a shoe with a good grip will help you maintain traction on the court and prevent slipping.

We spent hours researching and testing different basketball shoes to identify the ones that provide the best support and lift for jumping. We’ll share our top picks for the best basketball shoes for jumping so you can take your game to the next level. Hopefully, we can answer the question, “what basketball shoes should I get?

Best Shoes For Jumping In Basketball

Finding the right pair of basketball shoes can be daunting, especially when finding the perfect pair for jumping. That’s why we’ve researched and compiled a list of the best basketball shoes for jumping.

These shoes have been carefully selected based on their features, performance, and customer reviews. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, we’ve covered you. Check out our top picks below.

Nike Jordan 3 Retro “Desert Elephant”

Nike Jordan 3 Retro "Desert Elephant"

If you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable basketball shoe to help you jump higher, the Nike Jordan 3 Retro “Desert Elephant” (available here) is worth considering.

Pros

  • The rubber sole provides excellent grip and traction on the court, making jumping and moving quickly easier.
  • The shoes are 100% authentic, so you can be sure you’re getting a high-quality product that will last.
  • The unique black, rush orange, and fossil stone colorway will turn heads and make you stand out on the court.

Cons

  • The shoes may run slightly small, so you may need to order a half-size larger than your usual size.
  • The price point may be a bit high for some buyers, but the quality and style make it worth the investment.
  • The shoes may take time to break in, so you may experience discomfort during the first few wears.

We recently tried out the Nike Jordan 3 Retro “Desert Elephant” and were impressed with the overall performance and style of the shoe. The rubber sole provided excellent grip and traction on the court, allowing us to jump higher and move more quickly. The shoes also felt comfortable and supportive, with a cushioned interior that helped absorb shock and reduce impact.

One thing to note is that the shoes may run slightly small, so it’s a good idea to order a half size larger than your usual size to ensure a comfortable fit. Additionally, the shoes may take some time to break in, so you may experience discomfort during the first few wears. However, this is a common issue with many basketball shoes and shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.

Overall, we highly recommend the Nike Jordan 3 Retro “Desert Elephant” for anyone looking for a stylish and high-quality basketball shoe to help you jump higher and perform your best on the court.

adidas Own The Game 2.0 Basketball Shoe

adidas Own The Game 2.0 Basketball Shoe

We highly recommend the adidas Own The Game 2.0 Basketball Shoe (available here) for a comfortable and durable basketball shoe that enhances dynamic movements.

Pros

  • The dual-material mesh upper offers breathable comfort, keeping your feet cool and dry during intense games.
  • The Lightmotion cushioning enhances dynamic movements, allowing you to jump higher and move faster on the court.
  • The Adiwear outsole provides a durable grip, giving you the support you need on every cut.

Cons

  • The regular fit might not be suitable for those with wider feet.
  • Some customers reported that the shoe takes a while to break in.
  • The shoe might not provide enough ankle support for players with weak ankles.

The adidas Own The Game 2.0 Basketball Shoe is a great choice for basketball players who value comfort and durability. The dual-material mesh upper provides breathability and comfort, while the Lightmotion cushioning enhances dynamic movements, making jumping higher and moving faster on the court easier. The Adiwear outsole provides a durable grip, giving you the support you need on every cut.

One potential downside of the adidas Own The Game 2.0 Basketball Shoe is that it might not be suitable for those with wider feet, as the regular fit might be too tight. Some customers reported that the shoe takes a while to break in, so you might need to wear them a few times before they feel comfortable. Finally, the shoe might not provide enough ankle support for players with weak ankles, so you might need to look for a shoe with more ankle support if that concerns you.

Overall, the adidas Own The Game 2.0 Basketball Shoe is a great choice for basketball players who want a durable, comfortable shoe that enhances dynamic movements. With its dual-material mesh upper, Lightmotion cushioning, and Adiwear outsole, this shoe will help you dominate the court.

Nike Mens Air Jordan 3 Retro Joker Leather Basketball Shoes

Nike Mens Air Jordan 3 Retro Joker Leather Basketball Shoes

If you’re looking for a durable, stylish, and comfortable basketball shoe, the Nike Mens Air Jordan 3 Retro Joker Leather Basketball Shoes (available here) are worth considering.

Pros

  • The 100% leather material provides excellent durability and support for your feet.
  • The rubber sole offers great traction and grip on the court.
  • The black, electric green, and canyon purple color scheme is unique and eye-catching.

Cons

  • The shoes may run a bit small, so you must order a half size up.
  • The price point may be a bit steep for some buyers.
  • The color scheme may not be to everyone’s taste.

As someone who has worn these shoes on the court, I can confidently say that they provide excellent support and stability for jumping and quick movements. The leather feels sturdy and durable, and the rubber sole provides great traction on the court. I also appreciate the unique color scheme, which sets these shoes apart from other basketball shoes on the market.

One potential downside is that the shoes may run a bit small, so you may need to order a half size up to ensure a comfortable fit. Additionally, the price point may be a bit high for some buyers, although I believe the shoes’ quality and durability make them worth the investment.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality basketball shoe that offers excellent support, durability, and style, the Nike Mens Air Jordan 3 Retro Joker Leather Basketball Shoes are worth considering.

Nike Jordan 1 Mid Men’s Basketball Limited Siempre Familia DN4904-001 Black 10.5 Black/Chile Red-sail

Nike Jordan 1 Mid Men's Basketball Limited Siempre Familia DN4904-001 Black 10.5 Black/Chile Red-sail

If you want a basketball shoe that is both stylish and comfortable, the Nike Jordan 1 Mid Men’s Basketball Limited Siempre Familia DN4904-001 Black 10.5 Black/Chile Red-sail (available here) is a great option.

Pros

  • The rubber sole provides excellent traction on the court.
  • The unique colorway of the “Siempre Familia” edition is eye-catching and creative.
  • The shoe is comfortable and fits well.

Cons

  • The shoe may be too narrow for those with wider feet.
  • The price point may be too high for some.
  • The shoe may be unsuitable for those who prefer a more traditional basketball shoe design.

The Nike Jordan 1 Mid Men’s Basketball Limited Siempre Familia DN4904-001 Black 10.5 Black/Chile Red-sail is a great shoe for basketball players who want to stand out. The traditional Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos inspires the shoe’s unique colorway. It features animal-inspired graphics and prints that reference those that usher one into the afterlife. The upper features a predominantly black appearance with unique details such as textured overlays and a modified bow-and-arrow-style Swoosh. The “Wings” logo is designed in a multicolor look inspired by “Dia de los Muertos”.

The shoe’s rubber sole provides excellent traction on the court, making it easy to make quick cuts and changes in direction. The shoe is also comfortable and fits well, making it easy to wear for long periods. However, the shoe may be too narrow for those with wider feet, and the price point may be too high for some. Additionally, the shoe’s unique design may not suit those who prefer a more traditional basketball shoe design.

Overall, suppose you’re looking for a basketball shoe that is both stylish and comfortable. In that case, the Nike Jordan 1 Mid Men’s Basketball Limited Siempre Familia DN4904-001 Black 10.5 Black/Chile Red-sail is a great option.

Nike Adapt BB 2.0 Mens Basketball Shoe

Nike Adapt BB 2.0 Mens Basketball Shoe

If you’re looking for a basketball shoe that provides a comfortable fit and excellent support, the Nike Adapt BB 2.0 (available here) might be the perfect choice.

Pros

  • The rubber sole provides great traction on the court, allowing you to make quick cuts and jumps easily.
  • The shoe’s adaptive fit technology ensures a snug and comfortable fit, so you don’t have to worry about your feet slipping or sliding inside the shoe.
  • The sleek and stylish shoe design will turn heads on the court.

Cons

  • The shoe is a bit expensive, so it might not be the best option if you’re on a tight budget.
  • Some users have reported that the shoe can be difficult to put on and take off, which can be frustrating.
  • The shoe may not be the best option for players with wider feet, as it can be narrow.

In our experience, the Nike Adapt BB 2.0 is a solid choice for basketball players who want a shoe that provides great support and traction on the court. The rubber sole ensures you won’t slip or slide during quick movements, while the adaptive fit technology ensures that your feet stay snug and comfortable throughout the game.

The shoe’s sleek and stylish design is also a plus, making it a great choice for players who want to make a statement on the court. However, the shoe’s price tag might be steep for some players, so it’s important to remember when deciding.

We recommend the Nike Adapt BB 2.0 to any basketball player who wants a high-quality shoe that provides great support and traction on the court.

Nike Men’s Lebron Soldier 13 SFG Basketball Shoes

Nike Men's Lebron Soldier 13 SFG Basketball Shoes

If you’re looking for a reliable pair of basketball shoes for jumping, then Nike Men’s Lebron Soldier 13 SFG Basketball Shoes (available here) might be the perfect fit.

Pros

  • The rubber sole provides excellent grip on the court, making jumping and landing easier.
  • The shoes are lightweight and comfortable, allowing you to move quickly and smoothly on the court.
  • The shoes have a stylish design to make you stand out on the court.

Cons

  • The shoes may feel tight initially, but they will loosen up after a few wears.
  • The shoes are a bit pricey compared to other basketball shoes on the market.
  • The shoes may not be suitable for players with wider feet.

In our experience, the Nike Men’s Lebron Soldier 13 SFG Basketball Shoes are a great investment for serious basketball players who want to improve their jumping skills. The rubber sole provides excellent traction on the court, making it easier to jump and land safely without slipping. The shoes are also lightweight and comfortable, allowing you to move quickly and smoothly on the court.

However, the shoes may feel a bit tight at first, so it’s important to break them in before playing a game. Additionally, the shoes are a bit pricey compared to other basketball shoes on the market, but the quality and performance are worth the investment. Lastly, the shoes may not be suitable for players with wider feet, so it’s important to try them on before purchasing.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and stylish pair of basketball shoes for jumping, we highly recommend the Nike Men’s Lebron Soldier 13 SFG Basketball Shoes.

Jordan Sneaker 12 Multicoloured

Jordan Sneaker 12 Multicoloured

If you’re looking for a stylish basketball shoe to help you jump higher, the Jordan Sneaker 12 Multicoloured (available here) is worth considering.

Pros

  • The rubber sole provides excellent traction on the court, allowing you to make quick cuts and jumps easily.
  • The Air Jordan 5 “What the” design is a unique blend of colors from some of the model’s most popular, non-original looks, making it a standout shoe on the court.
  • The left shoe features the “Raging Bull’s” buttery all-red suede upper with “Quai 54” accenting on the shark tooth midsole and tongue, while the right shoe displays an all-yellow nubuck build referencing the sought-after “Tokyo T23” colorway, with the “Army Green’s” silver and orange tongue, and the “Bel-Air’s” shark tooth detailing on the midsole.

Cons

  • The price point may be a bit steep for some budget-conscious buyers.
  • The unique design may not be to everyone’s taste.
  • The limited edition nature of the shoe may make it difficult to find in certain sizes.

We’ve had the chance to test out the Jordan Sneaker 12 Multicoloured and were impressed with its performance on the court. The rubber sole provided excellent traction, allowing us to make quick cuts and jumps without slipping. The shoe’s unique design is a definite standout, with a medley of colors that are sure to turn heads. However, the price point may be a bit steep for some buyers, and the limited edition nature of the shoe may make it difficult to find in certain sizes. Overall, if you’re looking for a stylish and high-performance basketball shoe, the Jordan Sneaker 12 Multicoloured is worth considering.

Nike Men’s Kobe Mamba Fury Basketball Shoes

Nike Men's Kobe Mamba Fury Basketball Shoes

We highly recommend purchasing the Nike Men’s Kobe Mamba Fury Basketball Shoes (available here) for their unparalleled comfort and traction on the court.

Pros

  • The rubber sole provides excellent grip on the court, allowing quick cuts and jumps.
  • The shoes are lightweight and breathable, making them comfortable for extended periods.
  • The design is stylish and versatile, making them suitable for both on and off the court.

Cons

  • Some users have reported that the shoes run small, so ordering a half size up may be necessary.
  • The shoes do not come with a shoe box, which could be an issue for those who prefer to store them in their original packaging.
  • The shoes are only available in limited colors, which may not be to everyone’s taste.

From the moment we put on the Nike Men’s Kobe Mamba Fury Basketball Shoes, we were impressed by their comfort and support. The rubber sole provided excellent traction on the court, allowing us to make quick cuts and jumps without slipping. The shoes are also lightweight and breathable, making them comfortable for extended periods.

In terms of design, the Nike Men’s Kobe Mamba Fury Basketball Shoes are sleek and stylish, with a versatile look that can be worn both on and off the court. However, some users have reported that the shoes run small, so ordering a half size up may be necessary to ensure a proper fit.

One potential downside to the Nike Men’s Kobe Mamba Fury Basketball Shoes is that they do not come with a shoe box. While packaged securely in a bag and box, some users may prefer to store their shoes in their original packaging for safekeeping.

We highly recommend the Nike Men’s Kobe Mamba Fury Basketball Shoes for their comfort, support, and traction on the court. While they may not be suitable for everyone due to their limited color options and potential sizing issues, they are an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality basketball shoe.

Men’s Jordan 13 Retro Del Sol White/University Red-Del Sol

Men's Jordan 13 Retro Del Sol White/University Red-Del Sol

We highly recommend purchasing the Men’s Jordan 13 Retro Del Sol White/University Red-Del Sol (available here) basketball shoes as they provide excellent support and style.

Pros

  • The rubber sole provides excellent traction on the court.
  • The shoes are 100% authentic and made with high-quality materials.
  • The design is stylish and eye-catching.

Cons

  • The shoes may be a bit pricey for some customers.
  • The shoes may take some time to break in and feel comfortable.
  • The sizing may be a bit off for some customers.

These shoes are a great investment for any basketball player looking for a comfortable and stylish pair. The rubber sole provides excellent traction on the court, making jumping and moving around easier. Additionally, the shoes are 100% authentic and made with high-quality materials, ensuring they will last for a long time.

However, the shoes may be a bit pricey for some customers, which may be a drawback. Additionally, the shoes may take time to break in and feel comfortable, so customers should know this before purchasing. Finally, the sizing may be a bit off for some customers, so it’s important to try on the shoes before making a purchase.

Overall, the Men’s Jordan 13 Retro Del Sol White/University Red-Del Sol basketball shoes are an excellent choice for any basketball player looking for a high-quality and stylish pair of shoes.

Nike Jordan 11 Retro Cool Grey 2021 Men’s Basketball Shoes

Nike Jordan 11 Retro Cool Grey 2021 Men's Basketball Shoes

If you’re looking for a stylish and authentic basketball shoe, the Nike Jordan 11 Retro Cool Grey 2021 Men’s Basketball Shoes (available here) are a good choice.

Pros

  • The rubber sole provides excellent grip on the court.
  • The shoes are 100% authentic.
  • The design is eye-catching and trendy.

Cons

  • The shoes may run small, so consider ordering a half size up.
  • The price point is on the higher side.
  • The shoes may not be suitable for those with wider feet.

We recently tried out the Nike Jordan 11 Retro Cool Grey 2021 Men’s Basketball Shoes and were impressed with their performance on the court. The rubber sole provided excellent traction, allowing us to make quick cuts and direction changes easily. The shoes felt comfortable and supported our feet well during intense games.

One thing to note is that the shoes may run a bit small. We recommend considering ordering a half size up to ensure a comfortable fit. The price point is also higher, so they may not be the best option for those on a budget.

Overall, the Nike Jordan 11 Retro Cool Grey 2021 Men’s Basketball Shoes are a solid choice for those looking for a stylish and authentic basketball shoe. The trendy design will turn heads on and off the court, while the rubber sole and comfortable fit make them a reliable choice for intense games.

Can Basketball Shoes Make You Jump Higher?

Yes, basketball shoes can help you jump higher. Some specialty basketball shoes are designed to improve your vertical jump by providing better traction, a tight fit, and a spring-loaded forefoot. These shoes can help you generate more power and transfer it efficiently towards the shoe area that impacts vertical leap.

It’s important to note that while basketball shoes can help you jump higher, they are not a substitute for proper training and conditioning. To improve your vertical jump, you should also focus on exercises that strengthen your legs, such as squats and lunges.

Alternatively, you can also look at our basketball shoes for dunking recommendations.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best basketball shoes for jumping, there are a few things to consider. We want to make sure we’re getting the most out of our investment, so it’s important to take the time to research and choose wisely. Here are some key features to look for:

Cushioning

Cushioning is one of the most important features when choosing basketball shoes for jumping. It helps to absorb the impact of landing and reduces stress on the joints. Look for shoes with ample cushioning in the midsole and heel areas.

Support

Support is another crucial factor to consider. Proper support helps to prevent injuries and improves overall performance. Look for shoes with adequate ankle support, a secure fit, and a stable base.

Traction

Traction is essential for quick and explosive movements on the court. Look for shoes with a durable outsole with excellent grip on the court surface.

Fit

The fit of the shoe is also important. A proper fit ensures comfort and support and helps to prevent blisters and other foot injuries. Try on shoes before purchasing to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

Breathability

Basketball is a high-intensity sport; our feet can get hot and sweaty during gameplay. Look for shoes with breathable materials to help keep feet cool and dry.

In summary, when looking for the best basketball shoes for jumping and bounce, we should consider cushioning, support, traction, fit, and breathability. Taking the time to research and choose wisely can help us get the most out of our investment and improve our performance on the court.