Basketball shoes are designed to provide support, stability and traction on the court. However, not everyone wants to wear traditional basketball shoes for their games.
Some players prefer the comfort and style of non-basketball shoes. That’s why we spent hours researching and testing different non-basketball shoes to find the best ones for playing basketball.
When it comes to non-basketball shoes, there are a few critical things to consider before making a purchase. The first is the sole of the shoe. You want a sole that provides excellent traction and stability on the court. The second is the material of the shoe. You want a shoe that is durable and can withstand the wear and tear of playing basketball. Lastly, you want a shoe that is comfortable and fits well.
We tested ten different non-basketball shoes and found the ones that performed the best on the court. Whether you’re looking for a classic sneaker or a more modern style, we have you covered. In this article, we’ll go over the top non-basketball shoes for playing basketball and why they’re the best choice for your game.
Best Non-Basketball Shoes for Basketball
As basketball enthusiasts, we understand the importance of having the right gear to enhance our performance on the court. While basketball shoes are a staple for any player, sometimes it’s worth considering non-basketball shoes that offer similar levels of support, comfort, and durability. In this roundup, we’ve compiled a list of the best non-basketball shoes for basketball that will help you take your game to the next level. Whether you’re looking for shoes with extra cushioning, superior traction, or a sleek design, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.
Nike Air Monarch IV Cross Trainer
If you’re looking for a versatile shoe that can handle both gym workouts and everyday wear, the Nike Air Monarch IV Cross Trainer (available here) might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The leather upper provides excellent durability and support.
- The lightweight foam midsole with full-length encapsulated Air-Sole unit offers all-day comfort.
- The solid rubber outsole provides excellent traction over varied surfaces.
Cons
- The shoe may run slightly small, so you may need to size up.
- Some users have reported that the shoe is slightly stiff and takes some time to break in.
- The design of the shoe may not be to everyone’s taste.
We’ve been wearing the Nike Air Monarch IV Cross Trainer for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The shoe is made with a leather-and-synthetic upper that provides excellent durability and support. The perforations on the upper also provide airflow during every wear.
The lightweight foam midsole with full-length encapsulated Air-Sole unit cushions every stride, providing all-day comfort in your Nike shoes. The solid rubber outsole is designed to be durable and provides excellent traction over varied surfaces.
One potential downside of the Nike Air Monarch IV Cross Trainer is that it may run slightly small, so you may need to size up. Some users have also reported that the shoe is slightly stiff and takes some time to break in. Additionally, the design of the shoe may not be to everyone’s taste.
Overall, we think the Nike Air Monarch IV Cross Trainer is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile shoe that can handle both gym workouts and everyday wear. If you’re in the market for a new pair of sneakers, we highly recommend giving these a try.
New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer
We highly recommend the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer (available here) for anyone looking for a comfortable and reliable shoe for basketball.
Pros
- The ABZORB midsole cushioning is top-notch and helps absorb forceful impacts, making these shoes perfect for basketball.
- The leather upper provides durability and support, ensuring that your feet stay protected during games and practices.
- The premium PU comfort insert offers long-lasting comfort, even during long days spent on your feet.
Cons
- The shoes may run a bit narrow, so be sure to order the wide option if you have wider feet.
- Some customers have reported that the toe box is a bit confining, so keep this in mind when ordering.
- The shoes may wear out a bit faster than some other options on the market.
We recently tried out the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer and were impressed with their performance on the basketball court. The ABZORB midsole cushioning is truly top-notch and helped us absorb forceful impacts during games. Additionally, the leather upper provided great durability and support, ensuring that our feet stayed protected during practices and games. The premium PU comfort insert was also a standout feature, offering long-lasting comfort even during long days spent on our feet.
While the shoes may run a bit narrow, we found that the wide option provided the perfect fit for our wider feet. However, some customers have reported that the toe box can be a bit confining, so keep this in mind when ordering. Additionally, we did notice that the shoes may wear out a bit faster than some other options on the market. Despite these minor drawbacks, we still highly recommend the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer for anyone looking for a comfortable and reliable shoe for basketball.
Skechers Go Run Consistent
If you’re looking for a comfortable and versatile shoe for basketball, then Skechers Go Run Consistent (available here) is the perfect choice.
Pros
- The lightweight and flexible design of the shoe provides excellent comfort and support during basketball games.
- The Air Cooled Goga Mat breathable insole offers high-rebound cushioning and moisture-wicking properties, keeping your feet cool and dry.
- The rubber outsole provides added stability and traction, making it easier to move around the court.
Cons
- The leather upper may not be as durable as synthetic materials.
- The shoe may not be suitable for players with wider feet, as it may feel a bit narrow.
- Some users may find the shoe a bit too casual for basketball games, as it looks more like a running shoe.
In our experience, Skechers Go Run Consistent is an excellent choice for basketball players who want a comfortable and versatile shoe. The lightweight and flexible design of the shoe makes it easy to move around the court, while the Air Cooled Goga Mat breathable insole provides excellent cushioning and moisture-wicking properties. The rubber outsole also offers added stability and traction, making it easier to stop and change direction.
However, the leather upper may not be as durable as synthetic materials, and some users may find the shoe a bit narrow. Additionally, the shoe may not be suitable for players who prefer a more traditional basketball shoe design, as it looks more like a running shoe.
Overall, Skechers Go Run Consistent is a great option for basketball players who want a comfortable and versatile shoe that can be worn for other activities as well.
Reebok Nano X2 Tr Adventure Cross Trainer
If you’re looking for a versatile pair of workout shoes that can handle both running and training, the Reebok Nano X2 Tr Adventure Cross Trainer (available here) is a solid choice.
Pros
- The rubber sole provides reliable traction for training on any surface.
- The soft and durable upper is made from a breathable Flexweave knit, which is tough enough to withstand rigorous training sessions.
- The responsive and flexible forefoot, thanks to the Floatride Energy Foam, offers lightweight cushioning and stability during workouts.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the shoes run slightly small, so you may need to order a half size up.
- The shoes may not be suitable for those with wider feet, as they tend to run narrow.
- The price point may be higher than some other workout shoes on the market.
We’ve put the Reebok Nano X2 Tr Adventure Cross Trainer to the test, and we were impressed by their performance. The shoes felt comfortable and supportive during both running and training exercises, thanks to the flexible forefoot and durable upper.
The rubber outsole with a strategic lug pattern also provided excellent traction, allowing us to train confidently on any surface. The ROPEPRO outsole midfoot teeth also proved to be useful for rope climbing exercises.
In terms of style, the Reebok Nano X2 Tr Adventure Cross Trainer is ultra-stylish, with a supportive structure that helps you crush your workout goals while feeling good about what you’re wearing.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile pair of workout shoes that can handle both running and training, the Reebok Nano X2 Tr Adventure Cross Trainer is definitely worth considering.
adidas Men’s Explosive Bounce Running Shoe
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly basketball shoe that performs well, the adidas Men’s Explosive Bounce Running Shoe (available here) is a great option.
Pros
- The BOUNCE cushioning provides excellent energy return, making it easier to push the pace on the court.
- The breathable mesh upper keeps your feet cool and comfortable during games.
- The molded heel piece offers extra stability when cutting and driving to the hoop.
Cons
- The sizing can be a bit off, so it’s recommended to go a half size down for a better fit.
- The sole can feel hot at times, which can be uncomfortable during longer games.
- The durability may not be as good as some higher-end basketball shoes.
We’ve found that the adidas Men’s Explosive Bounce Running Shoe is a solid choice for those on a budget. The BOUNCE cushioning provides a nice amount of energy return, making it easier to keep up the pace on the court. Additionally, the breathable mesh upper keeps your feet cool and comfortable, even during intense games.
One thing to note is that the sizing can be a bit off, so it’s recommended to go a half size down for a better fit. Additionally, the sole can feel hot at times, which can be uncomfortable during longer games. Finally, the durability may not be as good as some higher-end basketball shoes, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for something that will last a long time.
Overall, we think the adidas Men’s Explosive Bounce Running Shoe is a great value for those looking for a budget-friendly basketball shoe that still performs well.
Gravity Defyer MATeeM Cross-Trainer
If you’re looking for a running shoe that provides ultimate support and comfort for proper body alignment, pain relief, and plantar fasciitis relief, then the Gravity Defyer MATeeM Cross-Trainer (available here) is a great option.
Pros
- The Hybrid VersoShock Technology provides smart pain relief cushioning and recovery technology that combines patented pain-relieving VersoShock with the full-sole shock absorption of the exclusive VersoCloud spring cell sole.
- The Micro Fiber Leather Upper is cool and easy to wear with a flexible knit and ventilated weave, and ghillie-reinforced instep making every step cool and secure.
- The Hardened TPU Full-Perimeter Shank offers heel-to-toe protection against mid-foot trauma and hyperflexion injuries designed to provide maximum lateral stability while walking, standing, and running.
Cons
- The neck of the shoe is tight, making it hard to get your foot into the shoe.
- The upper part may not hold up as well as the sole.
- The shoe may be a bit expensive for some.
We’ve been using the Gravity Defyer MATeeM Cross-Trainer for a while now, and we’re impressed with its comfort and support. The Hybrid VersoShock Technology provides excellent cushioning and pain relief, while the Micro Fiber Leather Upper is breathable and durable. The Hardened TPU Full-Perimeter Shank offers excellent protection against mid-foot trauma and hyperflexion injuries.
One downside we’ve noticed is that the neck of the shoe is tight, making it difficult to get your foot into the shoe. Additionally, the upper part may not hold up as well as the sole, and the shoe may be a bit expensive for some.
Overall, if you’re looking for a running shoe that provides excellent support and comfort, the Gravity Defyer MATeeM Cross-Trainer is a great option.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best non-basketball shoes for basketball, there are several features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Traction
Traction is essential when playing basketball, and non-basketball shoes may not have the same level of grip as basketball shoes. Look for shoes with a rubber sole that provides good traction on the court. The sole should also be flexible to allow for quick movements and changes in direction.
Support
Basketball involves a lot of jumping and quick movements, so it’s important to choose shoes that provide adequate support. Look for shoes with a sturdy upper that can keep your feet stable during play. The shoe should also have a cushioned midsole and good arch support to absorb shock and reduce the risk of injury.
Breathability
Basketball can be a high-intensity sport, and your feet can get hot and sweaty during play. Look for shoes with breathable materials that allow air to circulate and keep your feet cool and dry. Mesh or perforated uppers are great options for breathability.
Fit
A good fit is essential for any athletic shoe, including non-basketball shoes for basketball. Look for shoes that fit snugly but not too tightly. The shoe should also have enough room in the toe box to allow for natural movement of the toes.
Style
While functionality is key, style is also important when choosing non-basketball shoes for basketball. Look for shoes that fit your personal style and that you feel comfortable wearing on and off the court.
In summary, when choosing the best non-basketball shoes for basketball, consider traction, support, breathability, fit, and style. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a shoe that will help you perform your best on the court.
