In this article I will be discussing my personal favorite basketball shoes from this year. From well-known brands like Nike and Adidas, to lesser known brands like Anta and Li-Ning, this year’s basketball shoe category is definitely amazing.
10. Way of Wade All City 11 V2
Considered one of the best shoes for guards this year, the Wade All City 11 V2 is definitely the best guard shoe for under $150. A woven upper and good lace lock down makes this shoe contain your foot very well for allowing quick sharp movements. In addition, Li-Ning’s full length boom foam in the mid-sole makes this shoe perfect for jumpers and explosive players.
9. Anta Shock Wave 5
Coming in at number nine, the Anta Shock Wave is one of my personal favorites from my collection. From the support, to cushioning, traction and lock down this shoe is perfect for shiftier players. Although being around $160 on certain websites, you can find it for $120 on most, depending on the colorway. For an average price of around $140 this shoe is definitely perfect for people who are shifty and explosive.
8. Nike Ja 1
At number eight is another shoe perfect for quick and explosive players. Coming in at only $110, this shoe is perfect for its price. Coming in with 9/10 traction and 9.5/10 cushioning, if you are jumping and running up and down the court this shoe is perfect. The only problem I have with the shoe is the break in period is about one full week, but after the break in the shoes lock down, cushion and support is top tier.
7. Nike Lebron NXXT Gen
Coming in at a strong number seven, the Lebron NXXT Gen is a perfect overall shoe for any play style. From an explosive guard to a heavy center the Lebron NXXT Gen is well-cushioned, has good grip and amazing support. At $160 there are not many shoes that can beat these in a similar price range.
6. Nike KD 16
If you are looking for a low to the ground, well-supported shoe, then the KD 16 is perfect. Another $160 shoe, but it is definitely the best for the price with a multi-directional traction pattern, and full length air units in the mid-sole. The air units and amazing support make this shoe good for heavier players, but the weight of the shoe can also fit what a guard needs in a shoe.
5. Nike LeBron 21
The LeBron 21 is an amazing shoe that only comes with two downsides, price and breathability. It is one of the best shoes on the market right now for any position due to the bottom loaded air units in the heel, and amazing cushioning everywhere else. The only two downsides to the shoe is that it is $200 and does not have good air flow due to the Nubuck (synthetic leather) upper. Even though there are two downsides everything else on the shoe really balances it out and makes it a good choice if you can afford it.
4. Nike Sabrina 1
The Sabrina 1 is another great shoe for the price. Coming in at only $120 this shoe is the best shoe for a cheap price. With amazing lock down, great cushioning, amazing support and crazy traction; this shoe is great for all positions and mostly all play styles. The Sabrina 1 features a toe Zoom Air unit and full length Cushlon foam in the mid-sole, which makes it a perfect choice for players that need good cushioning and court feel.
3. Nike Kobe 8 Protro
Although on the pricier side, only being able to be found for around $300, the Kobe 8 Protro is a fan-favorite of the basketball community. With a full-length Cushlon drop in mid-sole, this shoe is low to the ground and has really good cushioning. It also has very good lock down and support, allowing small guards to small forwards to enjoy this shoe the most.
2. Way of Wade 808 3 Ultra
The WoW 808 3 Ultra features amazing lock down, traction, support and a drop in Boom foam mid-sole. Coming in at $150, it is a perfect shoe for guards who can afford this price point. It is definitely the best shoe for guards on the market right now, at a fair price too.
1) Way of Wade 10
The WoW 10 comes with a full length Boom foam mid-sole, high or low top, good support, great traction, is low to the ground and has amazing cushioning. All of this comes at a price, although, due to the shoe being $200 or more depending on the colorway you decide to buy. This shoe in my, and many other peoples’ opinion, is the best shoe for any position and any play style on the market right now.
