What Are the Best Nike Basketball Shoes?

To put your best foot forward on the court, consider these six winning sneaks. Ideal for basketball, they’ll help absorb impact, boost speed, promote stability and improve traction. To hone in on your ideal pair, reflect on your playing style and position, whether you shoot hoops indoors or out, and your risk for injury. Then, review these key priorities and the kicks that score highest on those fronts. Armed with the right pair, you’ll be able to give it your best shot.

Consider what matters most for you: performance, cushioning or outdoor play.

These lightweight pairs are all about supporting speed and mobility while reducing slippage with features like responsive foam and grippy outsoles.

The ultimate in this category, these shoes boast full-length ZoomX foam (which provides Nike’s highest level of energy return of all such foams). Plus, they sport super-high traction from heel to toe.

With super high cushioning and responsiveness, these shoes help you excel when you’re right down to the buzzer. Excellent multidirectional traction also helps you make sharp cuts.

Comfort and versatility are at the center of these A’ja Wilson signature kicks releasing in May 2025. The Cushlon ST2 foam helps promote smooth, cushioned landings no matter how high you soar.

Comfortable and responsive, these shoes in Kevin Durant’s line feature a large Air Zoom unit in the forefoot and Nike Air cushioning at the heel. The ridged outsole pattern supports traction.

The midsole of these new sneaks features two types of foam: Nike’s newest Cushlon for plushness, surrounded by firmer Cushlon for stability. An Air Zoom unit in the forefoot helps with responsiveness and support.

These sneaks in Ja Morant’s line include an Air Zoom unit in the forefoot and plush cushioning in the midsole. A raised foam collar supports the ankles, while extra ankle padding gives you comfort when landing and taking off a containment system and forefoot strap provide stability.