Basketball is such a popular game among a lot of people that the details related to it are taken much seriously by the people passionate about it. Any sports doesn't only involve the gaming equipment, the fitness and performance of the player are equally important. Do you think that great performance at the basketball court is possible without the right accessories? Well, you are wrong if you think so.
Basketball is close contact and aggressive game. You not only need protection against injuries but boosted confidence to improve the performance. This confidence kicks in when you are rightly geared up and protected with the right sports accessories.
We are pretty sure that you understand the importance of a good pair of shoes for any sport that requires a lot of activity. To get that ultimate support and comfort while you play, you do need the best outdoor basketball shoes. These shoes might look similar to the ones made for indoor play, they are very much different in terms of design, style, and weight.
For that outdoor play on dirtier or dustier courts, the shoes must be rightly curated as to not hamper the player’s performance. The requirements of every player are different and that is why we have so many models of outdoor basketball shoes that you can choose from. In this article, we bring to you the reviews of the ten best outdoor basketball shoes along with a buyer’s guide that will help you with the necessary details about picking a shoe for outdoor basketball games.
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Contents
- 1 Reviews of the 10 best outdoor basketball shoes
- 1.1 1. Adidas Men's Dame 5- Editor’s pick
- 1.2 2. Under Armour Men's Curry 3Zero Basketball Shoe- Alternative pick
- 1.3 3. Adidas Performance Men's Crazy Explosive Basketball Shoe- Budget Pick- Budget Pick
- 1.4 4. Jordan Kids' Air 1 Ret Hi PremHc Gg- Upgrade pick
- 1.5 5. Adidas Performance Men's CloudfoamIlation Mid Basketball Shoe- Also great
- 1.6 6. Nike Men's Air Versitile Ii Basketball Shoe
- 1.7 7. Adidas Originals Men's Pro Bounce 2018 Low Basketball Shoe
- 1.8 8. Under Armour Boys' Drive 4 Basketball Shoe
- 1.9 9. Nike Men's Hyperdunk 2015 PRM
- 1.10 10. Under Armour ClutchFit Drive 2
- 2 How to pick one amongst the best outdoor basketball shoes?- An ultimate Buyer’s guide
- 3 Conclusion
Reviews of the 10 best outdoor basketball shoes
This list has been designed by us based on a lot of research and user’s experiences. So you wouldn't have to look beyond this to make a choice. Here are the complete details about the outdoor shoes that we recommend:
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These outdoor basketball shoes by Adidas are our Editor’s pick for the review that we are putting up for you. These are the front-runners in the race of the best outdoor basketball shoes. This product can be deemed to be the best among the entire collection of shoes by the most trusted brand Adidas.
A unique thing to note about the Dame 5 is the herringbone traction that has been stretched from the heel up to the toe. The traction has lines that are thick and spaced widely enough. The spacing is wide enough between the lines that are used to make the pattern on the sole of the shoes.
The technology that is used makes it difficult for the dust to settle and clog between the lines of the outsole if the game is happening on more dusty courts. The grip remains tight and the shoe won't come out that easily and the traction remains reliable. Users have found them very comfortable and the model is very slick and stylish.
The bounce happens on the back and is thicker than the other models. Bounce over the boost feels like a treat with a thick midsole. The bounce cushioning provides enhanced flexibility and more comfortable experience.
Dame 5 is available in two types of materials- leather and mesh. The mesh version of the shoes is lighter and cheaper. The leather Dame shoes are more consistent in performance and looks are also premium.
The lacing of the shoes is the usual good. The textile of the upper part is padded with a pod system which adds up to the comfort fit of the shoes. The entire lockdown of the product is amazing and makes the stability incredible.
Pros
Cons
This product is our alternative pick because it has got features that make it next to the best. These best outdoor basketball shoes by Under Armour are the improved version of the previous Curry 3 model. Let us see what improvements they have done and if the product makes up to be your pick.
The technology used is that of the Micro G and Charged. The Micro G foam absorbs the external impact and lets the player make higher jumps. The charged cushioning is all about saving the ankle from any jerk during the high jumps.
The upper part of the shoes is made up of reinforces mesh material. This improves the overall durability of the product. The overall feel of wearing the shoes is very light and the support provided is impressive.
The midsole of the shoes comes with a dual-density that helps to keep the foot on equilibrium. The outsole is made of rubber with a pattern of traction technology that has got extensive detailing. There is no chance that you need to worry about the quality of this product as it is Steph Curry’s signature model.
The traction works amazingly well on almost all sorts of courts. The foot containment is highly reliable and the flexibility is also on the better side as compared to the previous models. The Mesh is soft and very breathable without compromising on the fit.
The heel support of these shoes has also got modified to be the better. There is an ankle strap on the lateral sides which makes up to be a worthy alternative to carbon wings and an outer heel counter. The strap is attached to the laces, so when tied up, the legs get tightly locked to the heels.
Pros
Cons
These shoes by Adidas are our budget pick for this review. Our favorite brand Adidas decided to go ahead with the shoe game and thereby endeavored to scale up the previous version of the shoes of Crazy Explosive model. These shoes are certainly designed to give that extra sporty and stylish look.
Talking about the quality of the material, these shoes are made up of 100% synthetic material. The material is of imported quality. The shoes are laded with the Boost technology which gives them their energy-producing properties. This technology is all about excellent impact protection and a bouncy ride along with keeping the responsiveness and game feel on the high.
The shoes have a stiff upper made up of hard mesh. It may feel hard for a while but the support that it provides is uncompromising and much better than most of the competitor models. A sleek fuse layer added with the mesh gives a sturdier fit.
These best outdoor basketball shoes promise to charge you up with every step that you take and keep the entire experience charged with energy and lightning speed. The traction of the shoes is just the same as usual. On the cleaner courts, the grip is extraordinary while on the dirty courts, it might take some cleaning to get that hold.
The durability of the shoes is very impressive with the light in weight synthetic material and the mesh upper. The fit of the shoes is slightly on the bulkier side but the foot containment is good enough to hold the shoes to the foot tighter. The lacing system is anatomically wrapped that locks the foot and thus lessens the pressure.
The heel counter is present on the insides. A stabilizer shank for better support to the torsion along with a wide base culminates to make the shoes more stable. The outsole is made of rubber which gives a perfect grip.
Pros
Cons
These shoes by Nike are our upgrade pick for they are rising the popularity scale fast. They also go by the name of Air Jordan 1 “Shadow” and is regarded by many as one amongst the many versatile shoes from the signature sneaker series of Michael Jordan. The brand maintained the classic standards of the shoe quality and style.
These shoes boast Air branding from the brand Nike over the tongue. This model of Air Jordan was released in 2018 with little improvisations. Those shoes featured premium leather covering on the upper part and look ultra classy.
This version of Air Shadow is a blend of leather and fabric which makes them more stylish and durable. The color options are many ranging from monochromes to a combination of two. The dark grey and black color combination are very popular among the shoppers as it goes with any outfit.
These sneakers styled best outdoor basketball shoes have managed to stay in the market and the sneaker rotations ever since they were launched. The looks and fit of the shoes have been appreciated by the users highly. This product will prove to be worthy of the investment.
These shoes are easy to clean which makes them suitable for many activities other than just the game of basketball. Although you need to be a little careful with the material that you will use to clean the shoes, like paper towels. The fit of the shoes just settles perfectly on the foot and is loose and tight in the right places.
The ankle support of the shoes is also good with the high ankle tops. The service offered by customer support is also appreciable. The colors come true to the description.
Pros
Cons
These shoes by Adidas can easily give competition to many of the best outdoor basketball shoes. We recommend these shoes to you in case you want the best of features and that too under a suitable budget. These pair of shoes flaunt a professionally crafted design and are the perfect option for the players who take their game seriously.
These sneakers are high-top styled and the design gives it a universal appeal along with comfort. Starting with the material of the shoes, they are made of 100%leather which is used on the upper part to make them sturdy and durable. The rest of the areas are made of high-quality fabric that remains tear-resistant for longer.
Cloudfoam technology is used in the making of the shoes that give it an ultra-light feel and comfort like never before. The midsole and the sock liner attached in the shoe are the ones that give a cushioning effect to the wearer. You won't have to bear the brunt of overweight shoes anymore that hinder your performance.
Another impressive feature of these pairs of shoes is the presence of the logo on the sides of three stripes and the mid-cut design which gives them a classic look. You can also notice small perforations on the sides which help the ventilation and sweat evaporation as well. The mesh fabric on the tongue, collar and rear quarter area of the shoe serves the same purpose of air circulation and sweat-wicking. You will no longer have to bear that sweaty feeling while playing.
The outsole of the shoe is made of good quality rubber that gives it the perfect grip. This grip prevents sliding even on the smoothest of surfaces. The shaft of the shoe reaches up to the mid-top scaling from the arch
Pros
Cons
As the name suggests, these shoes by Nike play a versatile role for the features they have got. The shoes have got a modest look, but the performance is not compromised on any front. These best outdoor basketball shoes are made for the all-rounder players who want comfort during their play along with a cushioned and locked-in support for proper stability.
The upper of the shoes are mostly made up of air mesh. This promotes air circulation and sweat evaporation that gives a dry feeling to the player throughout the game. For all the active players out there, this shoe is the perfect option as it gives you a cool feeling and keeps you free of blisters.
Another best part about the shoes is that it comes with visible air soles. These heel units are so designed to give the wearer cushioned support when they land and jump up to make that dunk shot. The impact is also absorbed to keep the foot free from any jerk.
The looks are just phenomenal, as has been reported by a lot of users. The unique design and sharp looks of the shoes give them a wide appeal. They are suitable for both outdoor a well as indoor play.
The fit of the shoes is like a glove that settles perfectly close to the arm. The outsole is also made up of rubber that keeps the grip tight at almost all kinds of court surfaces. The traction of the shoes follows an improvised herringbone technology that prevents the dirt from locking into the spaces and loosening the grip.
The area around the heel is made up of premium quality textile that keeps the softness and comfort level high. The cables are made of fly wires that keep the shoe tightly locked around the foot. The upper mesh is also accompanied by matching strong laces that add to the looks of these best outdoor basketball shoes.
Pros
Cons
Adidas tried to bring the business of Hoops back to glory with the introduction of these best outdoor basketball shoes called the Pro Bounce. The shoes prove in action what they offer in the description. It serves many purposes and can be used for several sport positions.
Talking about the material, the shoe has been built of the ForgeFiber which is a light mesh fabric. This fabric is sewn with a tough stitch pattern that keeps the shoes reinforced and strengthened. The fabric is breathable and easily moves with the movement of the foot.
The Bounce technology is yet again used in these shoes and performing a lot better than the Boost variables. This is used in the midsole to give that responsive cushioning effect. It also gives a light bounce back under the foot and maintains the court feel to its fullest.
These pair of shoes offer reliable and consistent traction with the spiral patterns on the outsole. They are perfectly capable of outdoor and heavy usage. The lockdown of the shoes is solid and the flywire lacing system adds to the stability.
The support offered by the pair of shoes is excellent. Torsional support of the shoe came from the dual TPU springing shanks that cross around the forefoot. A flat and wide midsole is accompanied with dual large outriggers which make the entire system even more robust.
The size of the shoes is accurate to the description and you wouldn't have much problem choosing the right shoe. The low-cut silhouette pattern gives better mobility to the ankle.
Pros
Cons
These shoes are specially made for the all-rounder players who are present at all points in the court, be it indoors or outdoors. This is the signature model of Steph Curry and has been solid in terms of performance ever since it was launched. The Drive 4 model is a decent one and an easily serviceable shoe for players of all positions.
The majority of material that has been used in the shoe is a lightweight mesh that has been put in the shoe upper. The mesh has been attached without any sewing following the synthetic overlay pattern and has been very tightly woven around the medial midfoot, lateral toe, and midfoot. Padded panels, made of a material like neoprene, are inserted around the mesh weave to fulfill the empty space led by the outer panels. Despite the stiff material, there is no stiffness and the shoes remain durable and flexible.
The fit of the shoes is highly comfortable and snugly with a full-length boot like built with a molded collar around the ankle. This makes the shoe perfect fit and the support rises manifold. The midsole comes with a plate that keeps the shoe free from any bending that might lead to any wear and tear.
The base is wider with a stabilizing cushioning to the landing on the heels; this happens with the help of the heel cups on the lower area that is flexible yet locking. This heel counter also keeps the foot locked in place with additional support. There is a toe wrap too that improves the durability of the forefoot.
The traction is solid, thick and follows the wavy herringbone pattern; keeping the grip tight on any kind of floor. Once the laces are tied up super-tight, these best outdoor basketball shoesget a perfect lockdown feel and the laces are durable and match the color of the shoe. It comes with the charged cushioning and absorbs the impact nicely.
Pros
Cons
These shoes by Nike are its attempt to introduce certain changes in the previous models to cover up their drawbacks. These best outdoor basketball shoeslook pretty stylish and decent. With the combination of designing like a high-cut model while the performance of a low shoe, this model of the Nike shoe has tried to continue the legacy of the brand.
Talking about the material, Nike has used the Hyperfuse material in the construction of the shoes which give them a lightweight and breathable comfort. The air ventilation is very good at the tongue area.
The traction of the shoes follows the classic herringbone pattern. The different parts of the traction on the outsole provides support for different kind of movements that you make. The space between the lines of the traction is wide enough to prevent the dust from getting clogged in.
The lace is made of Flywire that provide the shoe additional support and a better lockdown fit. The ankle area of the shoe has a high-cut look and comes with articulated padding for an extra comfortable fit. The heels area and the forefoot flaunt air units that give the shoe a low profile and responsive cushioning.
A thick rubber outsole is apt for a solid grip on any type of surface. This material also extends up to the sidewalls for additional support and stability. The foot containment is impressive and there is no slippage on the insides as well as the outside.
The shoes used the Nike Zoom cushioning technology that absorbs the external impact nicely while the jumps and lands. Your feet will remain fatigue-free and no injury would be caused. The durability of the shoes is high and remains a favorite option for many of the players.
Pros
Cons
This shoe by Under Armour is another great performing product among some of the other excellent models by the brand. Loaded with the combination of the Micro G around the sock lining, the protection game against external impact is high.
Speaking of the material, Under Armour used the ClutchFit synthetic material in the underlay extending from the ankle collar up till the midfoot. The fuse on the overlay is reliable and keeps getting flexible with constant usage of the shoe. There is a mesh lining on the forefoot that is equally flexible and doesn't cause any discomfort to the foot.
The three dimensional molded custom fit on the tongue area snugs to form a nice fit around the foot and the ankle. The cushioning technology use in the shoe is that of Charged foam which is known for its responsiveness. The cushion largely remains unnoticed but effective.
The traction of these best outdoor basketball shoes follows the herringbone pattern where the lines are drawn in multi-direction on the outsole. This allows the shoe to provide an excellent court feel and ultimate control over the play power. The performance is uncompromising with wide solid coverage for any kind of movement and position.
The fit of the shoe is just like a second skin that snugs over your fit. You feel the conforming fit in the collar and mid-foot area. In the forefoot and toe area, the mesh underlay gives the same kind of comfort.
The heel cup is upgraded to add lateral stability to the shoe which keeps the foot from slipping off while the game. The supportive fit of the shoe is made for all kinds of positions and especially for the centers and forwards. The looks are ultra-stylish and perfect for the game but not much for casual settings.
Pros
Cons
How to pick one amongst the best outdoor basketball shoes?- An ultimate Buyer’s guide
If you are passionate about basketball and know every single detail of it, you must be probably aware of the fact that the shoe meant for the outdoor games is not the same as the ones for indoor play. The indoor shoes will not last on the outdoor courts and will cause a lot of discomfort to the player too in terms of support and performance. Its thus, very important that the shoe you buy must last sufficient for a satisfying experiment out of the investment.
Basketball shoes have witnessed a lot of technological changes in recent years given the changing nature of the game. The requirement is to look cool and stylish and at the same time perform the best. The best outdoor basketball shoes perform a dual job accurately. Let us know more about them and understand what it takes to pick the right one.
What is unique about basketball shoes?
When going to look for the best outdoor basketball shoes, you must first know what are they specialized for and why a regular shoe cannot do the job. The basketball shoes are specially curated to give maximum cushioning support to the player, along with high mobility and support to the ankles. This is done so because there are a lot of movements involved during the play including forwards, backward, side motions and loads of jumping.
Generally, you will find two types of basketball shoes in the market- high and low. The shoes with the upper area stretching up high till the lower portion of the ankle, are preferred less by the people as they restrict mobility; nonetheless, they are ideal for the center forwards. The low shoes, on the contrary, give more flexibility to the ankle and can be picked by players of almost all positions.
Take a look at this video to understand better.
How do the best outdoor basketball shoes benefit you?
As we know that these shoes serve a specialized purpose, the benefits of getting a pair of them are many. Let's take a look at some of them:
The outdoor courts are put under varying weather conditions. According to that, the shoes must be breathable enough to keep the air circulation on and the feet dry.
These shoes come with durable and thicker soles to keep the game going even on rough grounds without letting the feet sweating or sliding inside the shoe.
These shoes have a bigger traction pattern to avoid the dust from clogging and prevent the player from skidding on the floor.
The tread and sole of the shoes are so designed to give the best of grip to you.
What to consider while searching for the best outdoor basketball shoes?
Buying the right pair of shoes with all the desired features might look a hefty task, but no, it is not. We list out to you the most important factors that you should keep in kind while strolling in the online market for the shoes. Your choice will depend upon the personal requirements, play style, and individual high and lows. Let's take a look at all such determinants:
The material of the shoe
It is advisable to look for such a shoe that has a flexible and breathable material. The air circulation must be good and the sweat-wicking properties should be high. The material can either be leather or mesh. TPU plastic is another good option.
Style
To get the best outdoor basketball shoes, you should decide for what purpose you need the shoe and what are the circumstances in which you will play the game. The options would be a high ankle or a low shoe. Such shoes are heavier than most of the indoor ones due to the sole thickness.
Durable rubber compound
While playing on the rough courts, the rubber outsole suffers the worst of action. Its thus, very important, that the shoe must have a dense and solid rubber compound. That way, the abrasive power of the shoe becomes higher and effective in keeping the shoe lasting for long.
Traction pattern
They need to be large enough to not let the dirt gather and stuck in the sole. The grooves are deeper on the best outdoor basketball shoes. It should also extend to the ends of the outsole to decrease the possibility of wear and tear. Good traction is also essential for keeping the player safe from sliding or falling.
Weight of the shoes
These shoes are on the heavier side as compared to the indoor ones. It is because they need to bear a lot of brunts while keeping your foot safe from the hard surface and possible injuries. The heaviness is in the thick mid-soles that carry most of the weight while playing.
Durable upper material
Although this area is not as vulnerable as the outsole, it still needs to be sturdier if you are a player with difficult toe moves and very aggressive. A more durable mesh or fuse on the upper area increases the overall strength of the shoe.
Cushioning
If you playing outdoors and already have a knee problem, then the shoes with the best of cushion support must be your go-to. This subtracts the impact on your foot and the joints. Additional cushioning will prove beneficial to you if you want a fatigue-free gaming experience.
Your budget
Last but very important, the amount you are willing to invest in is a very important part of the entire process. You should know that the average life span of the best outdoor basketball shoes is relatively lesser than the indoor ones because of the rough court surfaces. So make sure to buy the one that rightly serves your purpose and should last long enough to satisfy you fully until its time for you to buy the next pair.
There are some of the other important steps to follow to get that perfect pair of best outdoor basketball shoes:
You should take care to have proper measurements of the feet.
You must know the type of game that you play and based on that, pick the right shoe with the right features.
Decide the level of ankle protection you desire. Then pick either of the high-reaching or low basketball shoes.
Decide accordingly whether you need the shoes for indoor or outdoor play.
Ensure that there is some space in the forefoot area so that the toe doesn't get crushed due to sudden movements.
The focus should be more on the supportive features of the shoe and then the style.
Ensure that the shoes have got some warranty as you wouldn't want to buy them every month.
Conclusion
This review was all about finding the best outdoor basketball shoes for you. The list of the shoes reviewed has the best products as per the market response. For all those players out there who want the best combination of comfort and style, the reviews along with the buyer’s guide will prove to be a one-stop help.
Getting the right shoe can lessen the performance burden up to a significant extent and you will only need to focus on the training and other parts of the game. They will help you to be faster and more efficient as you get that ultimate confidence. A lot of basketball players and coaches have appreciated the importance of a good pair of basketball shoes and how they help the players in playing for a longer duration and make even nicer moves by giving them the right support.
We hope that the article was able to help you get the answers to all your queries. The additional information will help you in making the right choice while exploring the best outdoor basketball shoes.
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