Basketball is a sport that requires a certain level of footwear to protect the player’s feet and to help with grip on the floor.
However, when a player gets ready to play an outdoor game of basketball, they might be looking for a more specific shoe.
Namely, one with a better grip on the uneven ground, better ankle support, and several such others.
With all of the different brands and types out there, finding the best outdoor basketball shoes might not be the easiest task.
So in this review, you will find the best pairs of outdoor basketball shoes that are ideal for playing one of the coolest sports out there!
Top 5 Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes – Editor’s Pick
In this section, you will find a comparative overview of the products aiming for the title of best outdoor basketball shoes.
Product Name | Style | Size | Get It AT |
---|---|---|---|
Nike Men’s Lebron XIII Basketball Shoe | Hi-top | 5-14 M US | |
Adidas Performance Men’s Crazylight Basketball Shoe | Lo-top | 5-16 M US | |
Nike Men’s Air Max Emergent Basketball Shoe | Lo-top | 5-15 M US | |
Under Armour Boys’ Grade School Jet Mid Basketball Shoes | Hi-top | 5-7 M US | |
Nike Zoom Ascention Men’s Basketball Shoe | Lo-top | 7-13 M US |
9. Under Armour Women’s UA Torch Fade Basketball Shoes
Ideal for: Women
First on our list of best outdoor basketball shoes are these Under Armour shoes, ideal for women who love to play the game both indoors and outdoors.
They are actually engineered specifically for women with special padding in the heel to provide support and cushion when playing.
Their lightweight construction provides comfort.
The mesh tongue on these shoes is breathable, meaning that your feet will remain dry and cool during the game no matter how intense it gets.
The molded toe cap also provides protection and a certain durability.
Heights:
- Great fit for many foot types
- Excellent support
- Stylish design
Plains:
- The shoe is stiff before you break it in
- Can be uncomfortable if not broken in properly
8. Adidas Performance Men’s Crazy Bounce Basketball Shoe
Ideal for: Men
If you are looking for a shoe that provides that extra bounce for your jump, then you’ve found the right pair.
This pair of basketball shoes has incredible support with the synthetic overlays.
The mid-cut design of these shoes also offers a certain ankle support for those who play this game intensely.
Their rubber outsole provides a great grip on both indoor and outdoor courts.
Also, their bounce technology provides comfort for players who tend to jump more than others.
The lightweight design of these shoes also helps with extended verticals and other jumps.
Heights:
- Has extra cushioning
- Flexible and supportive
- Has a wider toe box for wider feet
Plains:
- Sizing runs small
- Breaking them in takes a while
7. AND 1 Men’s Rocket 4.0 Basketball Shoe
Ideal for: Men
This pair of basketball shoes is incredibly breathable, which is ideal for playing outdoors.
The mesh tongue and the leather upper both provide a certain level of breathability that outdoor basketball players look for.
These shoes also offer an improvement on the ankle, medial, and heel support during the game.
Their classic construction helps keep the feet lower to the ground when running.
This helps with better speed and grip on and off the court.
The rubber sole adds support to the shoe while in action.
Heights:
- Price is great
- Shoes are easy to clean
- Material is breathable
Plains:
- Breaking in the shoes takes a while
- Heel cushion tends to flatten
6. Nike Women’s Hyperdunk Basketball Shoes
Ideal for: Women
These shoes made it on our list of best outdoor basketball shoes for several reasons.
Made with extra support through the Flywire cables, these shoes are ideal for women who enjoy playing both indoor and outdoor basketball games.
Also, the ankles will be fully supported.
There is a certain level of responsiveness in these shoes as well.
This aids in running and jumping during more intense games.
Another interesting thing about these shoes is the fact that they were made to fit women’s specific foot sizes.
Thus, the company has created a shoe perfect for women basketball players!
Heights:
- Supportive in the right places
- Has great traction
- Stylish and functional
Plains:
- Can be uncomfortable around the ankles
- Fit can be off
5. Nike Men’s Lebron XIII Basketball Shoe
Ideal for: Men
These basketball shoes are equipped with four different air units for flexibility and responsive cushioning when jumping or running.
The air units are located under the heels and the heads of the feet where the pressure points are common for many people.
Another interesting thing about these outdoor basketball shoes is the Flywire cables.
These wrap around your heels to keep them stationary when running or jumping.
This adds support to the feet when playing on many courts.
Also, their rubber sole provides traction for indoor or outdoor use.
Heights:
- Interesting design
- Lightweight construction
- Comes in many different colors.
Plains:
- Half size small for narrow feet
- Laces cannot be removed
4. Adidas Performance Men’s Crazylight Boost Basketball Shoe
Ideal for: Men
When looking for a comfortable pair of outdoor basketball shoes, you need to look no further.
This pair has a back collar that inserts into the shoe for added comfort.
Their upper also provides the support needed.
The rubber sole gives the shoes just the right amount of grip needed when playing on an indoor or outdoor court.
These shoes have a special property that works to keep your steps charged during the game.
The lightweight construction prevents your feet from growing tired.
Also, your vertical won’t suffer from the weight of the shoes.
Clearly, you can see why these shoes have made our list of the best outdoor basketball shoes.
Heights:
- Traction is superb
- Shoes do not wear down easily
- Lightweight construction
Plains:
- Stability is not as high
- Fit is off a bit
3. Nike Men’s Air Max Emergent
Ideal for: Men
For outdoor play, these shoes are ideal for uneven ground and hard concrete underfoot.
The rubber sole provides just the right amount of grip you need when running up and down the court.
Also, the special unit in the heel of the shoe provides a certain level of comfort and cushion when jumping up and down.
In fact, these shoes are also equipped with leather around the ankles to provide ankle support
The flex grooves in the sole of the shoe allow for your natural foot movement when playing.
This shoe is ideal for both indoor and outdoor play thanks to its stability and lightweight construction.
Heights:
- Extremely comfortable fit
- Fit true to size
- Lightweight construction
Plains:
- Narrow construction not ideal for wide feet
- The glue between the soles can loosen over time
2. Under Armour Boys’ Grade School Jet Mid Basketball Shoes
Ideal for: Kids
Adults aren’t the only ones who need great outdoor basketball shoes.
These kids shoes are ideal for playing both indoors and outdoors on any court.
The shoes are ventilated to keep feet cool during play, and the sock liner is great for children.
The rubber sole provides the necessary traction needed to prevent little feet from injury.
Also, the upper is made with panels for support and breathability at the same time.
Heights:
- Fit is great
- Lightweight construction
- Extremely comfortable
Plains:
- Do not last as long as others
- Grip doesn’t last very long
1. Nike Zoom Ascention Men’s Basketball Shoe
Ideal for: Men
These basketball shoes are ideal for stability, especially if you tend to roll your ankles during intense games.
The wings on the lateral outsoles work to support your ankles during different side-to-side movements.
Their rubber outsole also helps provide the necessary traction you need when running on both indoor and outdoor courts.
The tongue on the shoes is thin but slightly padded, and the laces go up the ankles for added support.
These shoes are both durable and stable for long wear and usage.
Heights:
- Comfortable even on concrete
- Lightweight construction
- Great traction on all courts
Plains:
- Made narrow
- Takes a bit to them break-in
Conclusion
Playing basketball is fun, but finding the best pair of shoes to keep your feet and ankles safe during play?
Not so much!
Luckily, you can use the reviews above to find the best outdoor basketball shoes to meet your needs.
There is a little something for everyone on this list, something perfect for any basketball player.
Also, if you generally enjoy outdoor sports, you can check out this list with the trail running shoes, rock climbing shoes, and cycling shoes.
If you tried any of the products mentioned or you would like to add one that we missed, you can leave a comment below!
Recommended: Why not take a look at our lists of best shoes for most any activity including hiking or for going out on boat trips.