Last Updated on: 19th September 2023, 12:45 am
Basketball is a sport that requires a lot of movement on the court, and having the right shoes can make all the difference. Regarding basketball shoes, one of the most critical features is traction. Players risk slipping and sliding without proper traction, which can lead to injuries and missed opportunities on the court.
The best traction basketball shoes are designed to provide maximum grip and stability on the court. They are made with high-quality materials that can withstand the wear and tear of intense gameplay.
When shopping for basketball shoes, paying attention to the type of traction they offer is essential. Some shoes have a herringbone pattern that provides excellent grip, while others have a multidirectional pattern that allows for quick direction changes.
We spent hours researching and testing various basketball shoes to identify the ones that offer the best traction on the court. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, having the right shoes can help you perform at your best and stay safe on the court.
Best Basketball Shoes For Traction
We understand that having the right basketball shoes can significantly impact your game. The right shoes can provide the necessary traction to help you make quick movements, cuts, and jumps on the court. This article has compiled a list of the best traction basketball shoes that will help you elevate your game.
Our team has researched and tested various basketball shoes to provide you with a comprehensive list of the best options available. So, whether you’re a professional athlete or a casual player, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.
Under Armour Lockdown 5 Basketball Shoe
We highly recommend the Under Armour Lockdown 5 Basketball Shoe (available here) for anyone looking for a comfortable and durable shoe for the court.
Pros
- The breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays provides added durability and support.
- The engineered perforations allow added ventilation to keep your feet cool during play.
- The solid rubber outsole with herringbone traction pattern provides ultimate on-court movement and control.
Cons
- The shoe may run a bit small, so consider ordering a half size up for a better fit.
- Some users may find the shoe to be a bit heavy at 12.3 oz.
- The shoe may not be suitable for those with wider feet.
The Under Armour Lockdown 5 Basketball Shoe is a great choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and durable shoe for the court. The breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays provides added durability and support, while the engineered perforations allow added ventilation to keep your feet cool during play. The solid rubber outsole with herringbone traction pattern provides ultimate on-court movement and control, making it easier to make quick cuts and changes in direction.
One potential drawback of the shoe is that it may run a bit small, so it’s important to consider ordering a half size up for a better fit. Additionally, some users may find the shoe to be a bit heavy at 12.3 oz. Finally, the shoe may not be suitable for those with wider feet, so it’s important to remember this when purchasing.
Overall, the Under Armour Lockdown 5 Basketball Shoe is a great choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and durable shoe for the court. Its breathable mesh upper, solid rubber outsole, and herringbone traction pattern will surely provide the support and control you need to perform your best on the court.
adidas Men’s Crazy X 4 Basketball Shoe
We highly recommend purchasing the adidas Men’s Crazy X 4 Basketball Shoe (available here) for its exceptional performance and comfort.
Pros
- The shoe’s textile upper with midfoot band provides lockdown and stability, allowing for confident and explosive movements on the court.
- With generative traction inspired by James Harden’s movements, the rubber outsole delivers exceptional grip and control on the court.
- The Lightstrike cushioning technology provides a lightweight and responsive feel, perfect for quick and explosive movements.
Cons
- The shoe may run slightly small, so ordering a half size up for a comfortable fit is essential.
- The shoe’s design may not be to everyone’s liking, as it features a bold and unique style.
- The shoe’s price point may be higher than other basketball shoes.
The adidas Men’s Crazy X 4 Basketball Shoe is a high-performance shoe that provides exceptional comfort and energy return. The shoe’s textile upper with midfoot band provides lockdown and stability, allowing for confident and explosive movements on the court. Additionally, the rubber outsole with generative traction, inspired by James Harden’s movements, delivers exceptional grip and control on the court. The Lightstrike cushioning technology provides a lightweight and responsive feel, perfect for quick and explosive movements.
While the shoe may run slightly small, ordering a half size up is important for a comfortable fit. The shoe’s design may not be to everyone’s liking, as it features a bold and unique style. Finally, the shoe’s price point may be higher than other basketball shoes. However, the shoe’s exceptional performance and comfort make it worth the investment for serious basketball players looking to take their game to the next level.
Nike KD Trey 5 VIII Basketball Shoes
If you’re looking for a comfortable and responsive basketball shoe, the Nike KD Trey 5 VIII (available here) is a solid choice.
Pros
- The multidirectional traction provides excellent control on the court.
- The mid-top design with perforated foam pods offers a secure fit around the ankle.
- The Nike Renew foam cushioning is soft and responsive, making these shoes comfortable for extended periods.
Cons
- The support could be better, especially for cutting movements that strain the ankles.
- The rubber outsole can wear down relatively quickly with frequent use.
- The forefoot material can crease and wrinkle over time, affecting the shoe’s appearance.
We’ve been using the Nike KD Trey 5 VIII basketball shoes for a few weeks, and we’re impressed with their performance. The wavy tread pattern on the rubber outsole provides excellent traction, allowing us to make quick stops and starts on the court. The foam pods around the ankle help keep our feet locked, preventing any slippage or discomfort during play.
The Nike Renew foam cushioning is also a standout feature, providing a soft and responsive feel that helps absorb impact when jumping or landing. The dual-density midsole offers a good balance of cushioning and stability, making these shoes suitable for various playing styles.
However, we did notice some drawbacks to these shoes. While the ankle support is decent, it could be better, especially for players who frequently make cutting movements that can put strain on the ankles. The rubber outsole also seems to wear down relatively quickly with frequent use, so these shoes may not be the most durable option.
Overall, if you’re looking for a comfortable and responsive basketball shoe with excellent traction, the Nike KD Trey 5 VIII is a solid choice. Just be aware of the potential drawbacks and ensure they align with your playing style and needs.
Under Armour Lockdown 5 Basketball Shoe
If you’re looking for a high-quality basketball shoe that provides excellent traction, the Under Armour Lockdown 5 Basketball Shoe (available here) is a great option.
Pros
- The breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays provides added durability and support.
- The engineered perforations offer added ventilation, keeping your feet cool and dry throughout the game.
- The TPU film toe cap offers extra protection and durability, making these shoes a great investment.
Cons
- The shoes are a bit heavier, weighing in at 12.3 oz.
- The sizing can be a bit tricky, so make sure to try them on before purchasing.
- Some users have reported that the shoes can be narrow, so they may not be the best option for those with wider feet.
Overall, the Under Armour Lockdown 5 Basketball Shoe is a solid choice for a durable and supportive basketball shoe with excellent traction. The shoes are well-made and provide excellent support and protection, making them a great investment for any serious basketball player.
In addition to the breathable mesh upper and TPU film toe cap, the shoes also feature an air mesh tongue for added breathability and a comfortable fit. The plush sockliner maintains its shape for all-day comfort, and the EVA midsole delivers a lightweight and responsive ride. The durable solid rubber outsole features a herringbone traction pattern for ultimate on-court movement and control.
Overall, we highly recommend the Under Armour Lockdown 5 Basketball Shoes for anyone looking for a high-quality basketball shoe with excellent traction and support.
Adidas Hoops 2.0 Mid Basketball Shoe
If you’re looking for a basketball shoe with excellent traction, the Adidas Hoops 2.0 Mid Basketball Shoe (available here) is a solid choice.
Pros
- The rubber sole provides excellent traction on the court, giving you the confidence to make quick cuts and direction changes.
- The synthetic leather upper is durable and provides a smooth feel, while the mesh collar adds breathability to keep your feet cool during intense games.
- The lace closure allows for a custom fit, ensuring your feet stay secure and comfortable throughout the game.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the laces can rub against the court and get dirty easily, but this can be remedied by tying them tightly or double-knotting them.
- The shoe may run small and narrow, so you may need to order a half-size larger than your usual size.
- The sole may feel thin and lacking in cushioning, which could be an issue for players who need more support for their feet.
We’ve tested the Adidas Hoops 2.0 Mid Basketball Shoe and found that it provides excellent traction on the court, allowing us to make quick moves and cuts easily. The synthetic leather upper is durable and provides a smooth feel, while the mesh collar keeps our feet cool and dry. The lace closure allows for a custom fit, ensuring our feet stay secure and comfortable throughout the game.
However, we did notice that the laces can rub against the court and get dirty easily, but this can be remedied by tying them tightly or double-knotting them. Additionally, the shoe may run small and narrow, so you may need to order a half-size larger than your usual size. Finally, the sole may feel thin and lacking in cushioning, which could be an issue for players who need more support for their feet.
Overall, if you’re looking for a basketball shoe with excellent traction and a durable, smooth feel, the Adidas Hoops 2.0 Mid Basketball Shoe is a great choice.
adidas Unisex D.O.N. Issue 3 Basketball Shoe
If you’re looking for basketball shoes that provide excellent traction and are lightweight, then the adidas Unisex D.O.N. Issue 3 Basketball Shoes (available here) are a great choice.
Pros
- The high-traction rubber outsole provides outstanding grip on every move and cut.
- The ultra-lightweight Lightstrike midsole helps you cover the entire court at top speed.
- The textile upper offers durability and comfort.
Cons
- The shoes may run narrow, so you may need to size up.
- The shoes may not provide enough ankle support for some players.
- The shoes may take some time to break in.
We were impressed with the traction on these shoes. The rubber outsole delivers great grip, making it easy to stop and change direction quickly. The Lightstrike midsole is also a standout feature, providing a super-light, dynamic movement that helps you easily cover the entire court.
The textile upper is also a nice touch, offering durability and comfort. We found that the shoes held up well during intense games and practices and didn’t experience any discomfort or blisters.
However, there are a few downsides to these shoes. Some players may run narrowly, so you may need to size up. Additionally, the shoes may not provide enough ankle support for some players, so keep that in mind if you’re prone to ankle injuries. Finally, the shoes may take some time to break in, so you may need to wear them around the house for a few days before hitting the court.
Overall, we recommend the adidas Unisex D.O.N. Issue 3 Basketball Shoes to any player looking for a lightweight, high-traction shoe.
AND1 Pulse 2.0 Men’s Basketball Shoes
If you’re looking for a sturdy basketball shoe that delivers superior traction and maximum skid resistance, then the AND1 Pulse 2.0 Men’s Basketball Shoes (available here) are a great choice.
Pros
- The rubber sole provides great grip on the court or the street.
- The air mesh tongue and molded rear quarter provide breathability and support.
- The full-length rubber outsole maximizes skid resistance and grip.
Cons
- The metal speed laces can be difficult to adjust.
- The synthetic leather upper may not be as durable as real leather.
- The injection molded phylon midsole may not provide as much cushioning as other materials.
We’ve been using the AND1 Pulse 2.0 Men’s Basketball Shoes for a few weeks, and we’re impressed with their performance. The rubber sole provides great grip on the court or the street, and the air mesh tongue and molded rear quarter provide breathability and support. The full-length rubber outsole maximizes skid resistance and grip, making these shoes perfect for quick cuts and sudden stops.
However, the metal speed laces can be difficult to adjust, and the synthetic leather upper may not be as durable as real leather. Additionally, the injection molded phylon midsole may not provide as much cushioning as other materials, which could be an issue for players who need extra support.
Overall, if you’re looking for a solid basketball shoe that delivers great traction and skid resistance, the AND1 Pulse 2.0 Men’s Basketball Shoes are a good choice. They’re lightweight, durable, and provide excellent court or street support.
Nike KD Trey 5 VIII Basketball Shoes
We highly recommend the Nike KD Trey 5 VIII Basketball Shoes (available here) for anyone looking for a comfortable and stylish basketball shoe with great traction.
Pros
- The soft, responsive foam cushioning provides excellent comfort and support for your feet, making it feel like you’re walking on a cloud.
- The multidirectional traction on the rubber outsole with a wavy tread pattern provides durable, multidirectional traction for fast stops and starts, giving you complete control of the court.
- The mid-top design with perforated foam pods helps you feel locked around the ankle, providing extra support and stability.
Cons
- The fabric doesn’t feel high quality, which may affect the shoes’ durability.
- The shoes may run a little narrow, so it’s important to ensure you get the right size for your feet.
- The shoes are a little expensive, which may not be affordable for everyone.
The Nike KD Trey 5 VIII Basketball Shoes are designed to provide excellent comfort and support for your feet, making them perfect for basketball players who want to perform at their best on the court. The shoes feature a dual-density midsole with soft, responsive Nike Renew foam with a distinct dimpled texture supported by a firmer foam for stability. The padded, breathable tongue is topped with raw-edge detail, and the two-layer textile material in the forefoot includes clear yarns that give it a dynamic look.
The rubber outsole with a wavy tread pattern provides durable, multidirectional traction for fast stops and starts, giving you complete control of the court. The mid-top design with perforated foam pods helps you feel locked around the ankle, providing extra support and stability. However, the fabric doesn’t feel high quality, which may affect the shoes’ durability. Additionally, the shoes may run a little narrow, so it’s important to ensure you get the right size for your feet. Finally, the shoes are a little expensive, which may not be affordable for everyone.
Under Armour Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoe
If you’re looking for a basketball shoe with excellent traction and support, the Under Armour Lockdown 6 (available here) is a great option.
Pros
- The herringbone traction pattern on the solid rubber outsole provides excellent grip on the court.
- The leather upper with mesh panels is durable and breathable, providing comfort and support.
- The EVA midsole delivers a lightweight and responsive ride, making it easier to move quickly on the court.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the shoe runs small, so you may need to order a half size up.
- The standard tie lace system may not be as secure as other ones.
- The shoe may not be as cushioned as other basketball shoes on the market.
In our experience, the Under Armour Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoe provides excellent traction and support on the court. The herringbone traction pattern on the solid rubber outsole kept us from slipping and sliding during quick movements, and the leather upper with mesh panels provided both durability and breathability. The EVA midsole was also a standout feature, providing a lightweight and responsive ride that made moving quickly on the court easier.
However, some users have reported that the shoe runs small, so ordering a half size up is important to ensure a proper fit. Additionally, the standard tie lace system may not be as secure as other lace systems, which could be a concern for some players. Finally, while the shoe is comfortable, it may not be as cushioned as other basketball shoes on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a basketball shoe with great traction and support, the Under Armour Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoes is worth considering.
Jordan 6 Rings Basketball Shoes
If you’re looking for a stylish and iconic basketball shoe, then the Jordan 6 Rings Basketball Shoes (available here) are worth considering.
Pros
- The leather, synthetic leather, and textile materials in the upper provide comfort and durability.
- The Zoom Air units in the heel and forefoot offer lightweight, responsive cushioning.
- The rubber outsole provides durability and traction.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the shoes hurt their feet.
- The price may be considered excessive by some.
- The sizing may be slightly smaller than expected.
In our experience, the Jordan 6 Rings Basketball Shoes are comfortable to wear and offer good support for playing basketball. The materials used in the upper provide a good balance of comfort and durability, while the Zoom Air units in the heel and forefoot offer responsive cushioning.
However, some customers have reported that the shoes hurt their feet, so it may be worth trying them on before purchasing. Additionally, some may consider the price excessive, but this is to be expected with a high-end basketball shoe.
Overall, if you’re looking for a stylish and iconic basketball shoe that offers good support and cushioning, then the Jordan 6 Rings Basketball Shoes are worth considering.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best traction basketball shoes, several factors must be considered. We recommend looking at the following features:
Traction
Traction is the most important feature to consider when buying basketball shoes. It’s what keeps you from slipping or sliding on the court. Look for shoes with a rubber sole and a pattern that provides good grip. The pattern should be durable and able to handle the wear and tear of the game.
Fit
The fit of the shoe is also crucial. You want a shoe that fits snugly but isn’t too tight. The shoe should be comfortable and provide good support for your feet. Try on shoes before buying them to ensure a good fit.
Cushioning
Basketball can be hard on your feet, so having good cushioning in your shoes is important. Look for shoes with a comfortable insole and good shock absorption. This will help prevent injuries and keep your feet comfortable during the game.
Breathability
Basketball shoes can get hot and sweaty, so choosing breathable shoes is important. Look for shoes with mesh or other breathable materials that allow air to circulate your feet. This will help keep your feet cool and dry during the game.
Ankle Support
Basketball involves a lot of jumping and quick movements, so it’s important to have good ankle support. Look for shoes that provide good support around the ankle without restricting movement. This will help prevent injuries and provide stability during the game. Especially needed for big men.
In conclusion, when choosing the best traction basketball shoes, it’s important to consider traction, fit, cushioning, breathability, and ankle support. By looking for specialty shoes with these features, you can ensure that you have the best possible footwear for the game.
