The Best Basketball Shoes of 2023

Key Points

• Basketball shoes support players in a multitude of ways, including protection, mobility, and comfort.

• The most successful footwear brands create shoes that move from the courts to the streets with ease.

• Special collaborations and exclusive colorways add stylistic depth to performance-based basketball shoes.

You take your basketball seriously and understand the importance of having the right shoes to optimize your performance on the court. However, basketball shoes are much more than sporty accessories to enhance your hoops game.

Thanks to sneaker grails like Air Jordans and Nike Dunk Lows, basketball sneakers are symbols of popular youth culture, popping up everywhere from Paris Fashion Week to inner city street corners.

With many options available, looking for shoes that combine comfort, support, style, and durability is essential. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the best basketball shoes of 2023, sharing insights on the top models from various brands and highlighting their unique features.

Harden Volume 5 Basketball Shoe

$69.99

by Adidas 

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02/18/2024 04:39 am GMT

adidas Harden Vol. 5

As of June 2023, NBA firebrand James Harden opted into a $35.6 million contract in the hopes of working out a trade that would see him leave the City of Brotherly Love. As reported on July 18, 2023, it's still unclear where Harden will end up. 76ers president Daryl Morey is waiting for a worthwhile deal before shipping off the all-star player despite rumors that Harden wants to unite with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in Los Angeles.

Regardless of where Harden plays next season, his line of signature sneakers remains among the most innovative on the market. adidas took a modest step forward on the technological front with its "Futurenatural" advancement. The shoes boast a comfy 360-degree fit with hybrid cushioning, allowing its wearer to pivot and change directions on a dime like Harden.

Performance and Comfort

When you slip on the adidas Harden Vol. 5, you instantly feel its support and comfort. The shoe features the responsive cushioning of Boost technology, ensuring optimal energy return for your explosive movements. Furthermore, the anatomical design of the shoe comfortably hugs your foot, providing all-around support.

The adidas Harden Vol. 5 has high-quality materials and a multi-directional traction pattern designed to withstand challenging plays on indoor hardcourts or cement pavements. Its durable rubber outsole resists wear and tear, allowing you to sharpen your skills and unlock new parts of your game.

Style and Available Colorways

Inspired by James Harden's distinct style code, the Harden Vol. 5 showcases a blend of futuristic design and street style aesthetics. Express your stylistic flair while wreaking havoc on the court in one of the shoe's eye-catching colorways. With the Harden Vol. 5, you'll perform like a pro and look the part.

Converse All-Star Pro BB

Despite sitting on the sidelines for years, Converse jumped back into the basketball arena with the All-Star Pro BB series. VP of Global Footwear at Converse Brandis Russell explains, "It felt like it was the perfect time to relaunch in the basketball space. The collaboration with Nike makes it even more powerful and poetic."

Converse's All-Star Pro BB takes the classic Chuck Taylor silhouette and revamps it to meet the demands of modern basketball. The uppers have a lightweight, multi-layered mesh that provides excellent breathability and flexibility, while the React cushioning in the sole ensures responsive support throughout the game. Step into the future of Converse basketball with this innovative design.

An essential aspect of any basketball shoe is its traction, and the Converse All-Star Pro BB excels in this area. The diamond-patterned rubber outsole ensures a firm grip on various surfaces, from hardwood courts to asphalt. Confidently make quick cuts and explosive movements, knowing your shoes won't disappoint you.

Unique Design Elements

Embracing its All-Star design origins, the Converse All-Star Pro BB features iconic star branding and distinctive elements that set it apart from other basketball shoes. Available in both high-top and low-top variants, the shoe combines the best of Converse's heritage with modern performance features. Make a statement on the court with this high-performance homage to basketball history.

Jordan Why Not .5

Say what you will of Russell Westbrook's skillset or hot-tempered tirades; his crash-the-glass style of play has carried him to multiple NBA all-star appearances and memorable playoff matchups. Jordan Brand honors Westbrook's breakneck speed and athleticism with a supportive shoe that sustains his robust game.

Signature Elements

As part of the Jordan Brand family, the Jordan Why Not .5 represents Russell Westbrook's signature style and aggressive play. The shoe boasts an aerodynamic design, with a bold, asymmetrical lacing system and straps that provide a secure fit. From the Jumpman logo to Westbrook's signature insignia, the Why Not .5 showcases its heritage while setting the stage for future performance innovations.

Designed with Westbrook's high-energy play in mind, the Jordan Why Not .5 combines Zoom Air cushioning and a lightweight Phylon midsole. This setup ensures you have both impact protection and responsive energy return, making it ideal for players who like to attack the rim, just like Brodie himself.

Customization Options

The Jordan Why Not .5 offers a variety of customization options for those interested in creating a variation all their own. Choose from vibrant colorways and limited-edition releases celebrating significant moments in Westbrook's career. Stand out from the competition and exhibit your flair with the Why Not .5.

New Balance KAWHI

Despite being a new player in the basketball sneakers scene, New Balance's contribution to mainstream pop culture far outweighs its sparse time in the sport. Although partnerships with Aimé Leon Dore and Stone Island have made the brand a fixture in streetwear, its affiliation with two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard cemented its place among basketball fanatics.

The New Balance KAWHI reflects Kawhi's methodical and dominant style of play with a design that emphasizes stability, precision, and control. With Kawhi's input throughout the development process, this shoe meets the demands of elite-level competition.

Constructed with a thoughtful blend of materials, the New Balance KAWHI stays true to its sustainability values without compromising performance. The shoe features durable knitted fabric along the upper for excellent support and breathability, while the recycled rubber outsole minimizes environmental impact.

Stability and Responsive Cushioning

The New Balance KAWHI features a FuelCell midsole that provides energizing cushioning and support during swift movements. The shoe also employs a performance-inspired, locked-in lacing system that ensures a secure fit for maximum stability during quick cuts and power post moves, signature components of the Klaw's game.

Nike LeBron 20

LeBron James is a generational talent who has successfully sustained an all-NBA career spanning 20 seasons. Nike celebrates the superstar's legacy with his 20th signature shoe — a first of its kind for the Swoosh brand. The Nike LeBron 20 is the first low-top silhouette in LeBron James' iconic shoe series.

Key Innovations

The Nike LeBron 20 handles the unstoppable force that is LeBron James himself. Key innovations include a full-length Zoom Air unit that delivers an ultra-responsive feel and exceptional cushioning. If you like to drive the paint and crash the glass like the King, the Nike LeBron 20 offers ample support fit for a pro. The shoe's refined design is a testament to LeBron's basketball prowess and long-lasting impact on the game.

Expect limited edition releases like the Uninterrupted collaboration and the "Nike Lifer" colorway, making the LeBron 20 more than just a performance shoe but a pop culture collector's item.

Comparison to Previous LeBron Models

Building on the success of previous models, the LeBron 20 fine-tunes its features to maximize effectiveness on the court. From its supportive upper construction to its lockdown lacing technology, the LeBron 20 is a culmination of lessons learned from the past.

Puma Clyde All-Pro

Approved by such NBA stars as LaMelo Ball and Kyle Kuzma, the Clyde All-Pro silhouette has been instrumental in catapulting Puma back into basketball sneaker relevance with its heritage design elements and advanced cushioning technology.

The Puma Clyde All-Pro pays homage to basketball legend Walt "Clyde" Frazier, fusing Puma's rich basketball roots with contemporary performance features. Drawing inspiration from the original Clyde silhouette, the All-Pro includes Puma's advanced performance technology, resulting in a timeless and cutting-edge shoe.

With its lightweight construction and responsive cushioning, the Puma Clyde All-Pro is ideal for versatile players who want to excel in all aspects of the game. The shoe's ProFoam midsole and agile design allow for seamless transitions and quick movements, especially for those who take pride in playing both sides of the ball.

Collaborations With Fashion Brands

Apart from its performance capabilities, the Puma Clyde All-Pro has made waves within the streetwear community. Look no further than RHUDE's creative director Rhuigi Villseñor, who remixed the Puma Clyde All-Pro Mid for Washington Wizards star Kyle Kuzma back in 2021. The Puma Clyde All-Pro is more than just a basketball shoe — it's a piece of modern culture.

Under Armour Curry Flow 10

The Under Armour Curry Flow 10 commemorates Stephen Curry's sharpshooting legacy. Although the NBA superstar is best known for being the league's most dangerous long-range sniper, surpassing Ray Allen's all-time three-point record in 2022, Curry is one of the NBA's most durable players. His signature Curry Flow 10 silhouette allows him to run the floor and fight through screens with its thicker midsole and TPE-blend sock liner.

The Under Armour Curry Flow 10 perfectly embodies the superstar's style of play. With its focus on shot-making precision, agility, and style, this shoe manifests Stephen Curry's transformative impact on the game. Lace up with the Curry Flow 10 and channel your inner Splash Brother on the court.

When making sudden cuts, pivots, and explosive accelerations, the Under Armour Curry Flow 10 keeps you fully in stride. The shoe's unique lacing system and supportive midsole ensure a snug and secure fit, while the flexible knit upper allows for superb overall foot mobility. Achieve lightning-fast movements with ease thanks to the Curry Flow 10's impeccable lockdown mechanism.

Social Impact Partnerships

Under Armour fights for social change with campaigns meant to empower marginalized communities. The sportswear brand joined forces with Brooklyn-based not-for-profit art collective WORTHLESSSTUDIOS on a project giving light to those considered underdogs.

Game Changers

Exploring a shoe's performance features, design elements, and technological advancements is the best way to determine the right basketball shoe for your on and off-court needs. Diversify your skillset and expand your style game with basketball shoes meant for the court, streets, and everywhere in between.

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