Table of Contents
An in-depth list of the best basketball shoe brands on the market – updated for 2024!
Choosing from the best basketball shoe brands around can be a challenge.
So we’ve created this breakdown of the biggest basketball brands from around the world right now!
Basketball shoes are one of the most sought-after equipment in basketball for both junior and senior players.
It’s one of the first things every basketballer, young and old, picks up, scrutinises, and checks balance and weight.
Particularly for serious athletes, the basketball shoes worn are a statement to everyone else about who they look up to and what they project to everyone around them.
All basketballers remember their first basketball shoes, no matter how many are used after that. Basketball shoes form core memories for basketballers no matter the experience or success achieved. It’s a right of passage that every athlete experiences.
What are the best basketball shoes made of?
The humble basketball shoe developed a lot over time. Modern basketball shoes began with rubber, canvas and fabrics. Although the core materials of what basketball shoes are made of have remained the same, the methods and combinations of the materials have drastically evolved with each generation.
The primary materials are still different types of rubber, canvas and fabrics. However, the implementation methods such as moulding and 3D printing have revolutionised manufacturers’ ability to construct innovative styles vastly beyond the basic constructions of the early days.
With a lot of research and development, the leading manufacturers of basketball shoes have also implemented improvements such as orthopedic insoles and digital performance tracking technology.
The history of basketball shoes
In 1917, the Converse All-Star was the first basketball shoe on the market.
Over the years, other brands such as Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Air Jordan, and Under Armour joined the basketball market. This new range and competition in the industry heralded the shift of basketball shoes from a piece of equipment to a representative extension of a player’s style and personality.
Outstanding players initially established contracts with basketball shoe manufacturers to combine their brand with a custom-designed basketball shoe. The competitive transformation of the basketball shoe industry culminated in its feature product type, the signature basketball shoe.
How to choose the right basketball shoe for you?
Selecting from the best basketball shoe brands in the world can be a challenge. Several different factors govern the choice of a particular basketball shoe.
First, there are several general types of basketball shoes, and the athlete must select the appropriate style for their needs.
Further, consideration must be given to the price of basketball shoes, as there are expensive basketball shoes.
A high price tag isn’t necessarily an indicator of quality, but the level of development and labour involved in each basketball shoe can be immense. Also, the cost of raw materials and the labour force locality can influence much of what we see in price brackets between brands.
These factors mean basketball shoe selection usually garners the most time and research for each athlete’s kit.
Selecting the right basketball shoes
This article lists the many different basketball brands that manufacture basketball shoes worldwide.
These brands have support among the professionals in the industry, and you can expect top-notch quality by selecting a basketball shoe from these brands.
So let’s start with the breakdown of basketball shoes from around the globe!
These are in no specific order or indicative ranking.
Nike basketball shoes
Nike is a basketball founded in the United States in 1964 by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman. The company is a prominent brand in national and international basketball markets. Nike is known for its successful basketball shoe, Air Jordan.
Nike manufactures sports equipment for other sporting codes, such as European football, American football, lacrosse, swimming, golf and baseball. Nike also produces a broader array of basketball related products, such as fitness apparel, protective equipment, playing equipment, and sports electronics.
Notable athletes that have used Nike basketball shoes are Tiger Woods, Maria Sharapova, Carl Lewis, Michael Jordan, Russell Wilson, Ronaldinho, Sam Kerr, Rafael Nadal, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sheryl Swoopes, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and LeBron James.
What are some Nike basketball shoes?
Nike Zoom Freak basketball shoes
The Nike Zoom Freak basketball shoe series arrived on the market in 2019.
The Nike Zoom Freak series is known for low-top shoes that enable stable performance, movement speed and a springy feeling for the wearer. The Nike Zoom Freak basketball shoe has been used by NBA stars.
Who uses the Nike Zoom Freak basketball shoe?
Nike basketball shoes are designed and manufactured by Nike and used in the NBA.
Basketballers who have used the Nike Zoom Freak basketball shoe series include Isaiah Hartenstein, De’Andre Hunter, Cory Joseph, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Kyle Hines, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Kennedy Chandler.
Nike LeBron basketball shoes
The Nike LeBron basketball shoe series arrived on the market in 2003.
The Nike LeBron series is known for high and low-top shoes focusing on support, comfort and performance. The Nike LeBron basketball shoe has been used by stars of the NBA.
Who uses the Nike LeBron basketball shoe?
Nike basketball shoes are designed and manufactured by Nike and used in NBA.
Basketballers who have used the Nike LeBron basketball shoe series include Steven Adams, Bruno Fernando, Emma Cannon, Jabari Parker, Malik Beasley, and JR Smith.
Adidas basketball shoes
Adidas is a basketball founded in Germany in 1924 by Adolf Dassler. The company is a prominent brand in national and international basketball markets. Adidas is known for its successful basketball shoe, Superstar.
Adidas manufactures sports equipment for other sporting codes, such as European football / soccer, tennis, and athletes. Adidas also produces a broader array of basketball related products, such as training apparel and footwear, sports equipment, and sports science technology.
Notable athletes that have used Adidas basketball shoes are James Harden, Derrick Rose, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell, and Damian Lillard.
What are some Adidas basketball shoes?
Adidas Harden basketball shoes
The Adidas Harden basketball shoe series arrived on the market in 2015.
The Adidas Harden series is known for low-top shoes that are known to sit low with a great fit for players with high agility. The Adidas Harden basketball shoe has been used by stars of the NBA.
Who uses the Adidas Harden basketball shoe?
Adidas basketball shoes are designed and manufactured by Adidas and used in the NBA.
Basketballers who have used the Adidas Harden basketball shoe series include Steven Adams, Zach LaVine, Betnijah Laney, Victoria Vivians, DeAndre Bembry, and Bogdan Bogdanovic.
Adidas Dame basketball shoes
The Adidas Dame basketball shoe series arrived on the market in 2015.
The Adidas Dame series is known for low-top shoes for comfort, outstanding balance and agility. The Adidas Dame basketball shoe has been used by stars of the NBA.
Who uses the Adidas Dame basketball shoe?
Adidas basketball shoes are designed and manufactured by Adidas and used in the NBA.
Basketballers who have used the Adidas Dame basketball shoe series include Ivica Zubac, Kianna Smith, Jordan Nwora, Ruthy Hebard, and Zach LaVine.
Air Jordan basketball shoes
Air Jordan is a basketball founded in the United States in 1997 by Nike and Michael Jordan. The company is a prominent brand in domestic and international basketball markets. Air Jordan is known for its successful basketball shoe, Air Jordan 1.
Air Jordan manufactures sports equipment for other sporting codes, such as American football, baseball, motorsports, and boxing. Air Jordan also produces a broader array of basketball related products, such as apparel, balls, training shoes, hoops and backboards.
Notable athletes that have used Air Jordan basketball shoes are LaMarcus Aldridge, Luka Doncic, Isabelle Harrison, Tim Hardaway Jr., Jabari Parker, Russell Westbrook, Rhyne Howard, Cheick Diallo, and Rajon Rondo.
What are some Air Jordan basketball shoes?
Air Jordan Zion 2 basketball shoes
The Air Jordan Zion 2 basketball shoe series arrived on the market in 2021.
The Air Jordan Zion 2 series is known for high-top shoes for top locks, mid-support and high-intensity play. The Air Jordan Zion 2 basketball shoe has been used by stars of the NBA.
Who uses the Air Jordan Zion 2 basketball shoe?
Air Jordan basketball shoes are designed and manufactured by Air Jordan and used in the NBA.
Basketballers who have used the Air Jordan Zion 2 basketball shoe series include Rhyne Howard, Alex Len, Naji Marshall, Ismael Bako, and Paolo Banchero.
Air Jordan Luka 1 basketball shoes
The Air Jordan Luka 1 basketball shoe series arrived on the market in September 2022.
The Air Jordan Luka 1 series is known for low-top shoes for speed and efficiency. The Air Jordan Luka 1 basketball shoe has been used by stars of the NBA.
Who uses the Air Jordan Luka 1 basketball shoe?
Air Jordan basketball shoes are designed and manufactured by Air Jordan and used in the NBA.
Basketballers who have used the Air Jordan Luka 1 basketball shoe series include Obi Toppin, Maik Kotsar, Markus Howard, Grant Williams, and Bruce Brown.
View Air Jordan’s Sports Profile
Reebok basketball shoes
Reebok is a basketball founded in the United States in 1958 by J.W Foster and Sons. The company is a prominent brand in domestic and international basketball markets. Reebok is known for its successful basketball shoe, Reebok Pump.
Reebok manufactures sports equipment for other sporting codes, such as athletics, UFC, and American Football. Reebok also produces a broader array of basketball related products, such as training apparel, uniforms, training shoes, and other fitness training equipment.
Notable athletes that have used Reebok basketball shoes are Shaquille O’ Neal, Allen Iverson, Shawn Kemp, Yao Ming, Dee Brown, Trey Burke, and Wenyen Gabriel.
What are some Reebok basketball shoes?
Reebok Answer 4 basketball shoes
The Reebok Answer 4 basketball shoe series arrived on the market in 1991.
The Reebok Answer 4 series is known for high-top shoes for speed and support in high-intensity play. The Reebok Answer 4 basketball shoe has been used by stars of the NBA.
Who uses the Reebok Answer 4 basketball shoe?
Reebok basketball shoes are designed and manufactured by Reebok and used in the NBA.
Basketballers who have used the Reebok Answer 4 basketball shoe series include Dwight Howard, Montrezl Harrell, Lexie Brown, Josh Richardson, and Trey Burke.
Reebok Shaqnosis basketball shoes
The Reebok Shaqnosis basketball shoe series arrived on the market in 1995.
The Reebok Shaqnosis series is known for high-top shoes for power, bounce and support in close to the rim play. The Reebok Shaqnosis basketball shoe has been used by stars of the NBA.
Who uses the Reebok Shaqnosis basketball shoe?
Reebok basketball shoes are designed and manufactured by Reebok and used in the NBA.
Basketballers who have used the Reebok Shaqnosis basketball shoe series include Montrezl Harrell, Josh Richardson, and Trey Burke.
Under Armour basketball shoes
Under Armour is a basketball founded in the United States in 1996 by Kevin Plank. The company is a prominent brand in domestic and international basketball markets. Under Armour is known for its successful basketball shoe, Steph Curry.
Under Armour manufactures sports equipment for other sporting codes, such as European football / soccer, baseball, boxing, UFC, golf, Aussie rules, and American football. Under Armour also produces a broader array of basketball related products, such as training apparel, caps/hats, uniforms, sneakers, training shoes, and other fitness training equipment.
Notable athletes that have used Under Armour basketball shoes are Steph Curry, Seth Curry, Tyasha Harris, Patty Mills, Jaylen Brown, Delon Wright, and T.J. McConnell.
What are some Under Armour basketball shoes?
Under Armour Curry 10 basketball shoes
The Under Armour Curry 10 basketball shoe series arrived on the market in 2016.
The Under Armour Curry 10 series is known for low-top shoes for speed, agility and balance needed in high-intensity play. The Under Armour Curry 10 basketball shoe has been used by stars of the NBA.
Who uses the Under Armour Curry 10 basketball shoe?
Under Armour basketball shoes are designed and manufactured by Under Armour and used in the NBA.
Basketballers who have used the Under Armour Curry 10 basketball shoe series include Damion Lee, Thomas Walkup, Giannoulis Larentzakis, Niccolo Mannion, and Patty Mills.
Under Armour Embiid 1 basketball shoes
The Under Armour Embiid 1 basketball shoe series arrived on the market in 2022.
The Under Armour Embiid 1 series is known for low-top shoes for strength, bounce and being lightweight for explosive performance. The Under Armour Embiid 1 basketball shoe has been used by stars of the NBA.
Who uses the Under Armour Embiid 1 basketball shoe?
Under Armour basketball shoes are designed and manufactured by Under Armour and used in the NBA.
Basketballers who have used the Under Armour Embiid 1 basketball shoe series include Will Barton, George Hill, and Josh Richardson.
View Under Armour’s Sports Profile
Summary of the best basketball shoe brands in the world
This article has explored some of the best basketball shoe brands in the world.
So what do you think? Do you have a favourite basketball shoe brand or model?
Hopefully, this article has provided some valuable insight and awareness into the scope of the best basketball shoe brands around the world.
