The 2021-2022 NBA season was a stormer. Returning to the classic 82-game slate after the upset of COVID, it gave us basketball fans our first full taste of that much-missed NBA energy. The return to normality also meant a return to the Golden State Warriors securing the title after a masterclass from Steph. But while there was no change in the standard of basketball, we noticed a closer focus on on-court style. We'd argue that the recent seasons had the best basketball shoes for several years.
That's done well for the 2023-2024 NBA season, with big releases from all sides of the basketball shoes spectrum. Nike basketball shoes usually take the title for the best signature designs, but we've waited and watched with baited breath to see how new releases from the likes of New Balance and adidas matched up this year. Plus, there's a growing range of budget-friendly basketball shoes hitting the market lately that are worth check-in out.
So, in time for the season’s play-offs, we’ve scoured the net, read hundreds of reviews, and rounded up the best basketball shoes that you’re likely to see or have seen in the NBA 2023-2024 season. Rather than our usual style-first approach, for this selection we’ve looked at fit, technology, traction, quality, (and a bit of style) to offer up the definitive best basketball shoes of 2023-2024 list.
From one of the best general-release Nike basketball shoes we've seen in years, to new signature pairs from Trae Young, Kevin Durant, Kawhi, and more. Here are the only basketball shoes that you should be wearing on court this season.
Keep scrolling to see a list of the best basketball shoes of 2023-2024.
New Balance Hesi Low
This moment has been coming. We knew it was only a matter of time before New Balance dropped a court-ready basketball shoe that incorporated the power of Fresh Foam and here it is. The New Balance Hesi Low features one of the most comfortable sole units yet, thanks to a FuelCell foam sole. The low-cut sneaker also boasts a lightweight, engineered ABZORB insert to offer cushioned stability and comfortable support on the hardwood.
adidas Harden Vol.8
James Harden's long-range game is matched by his equally aggressive, equally effective under-the-rim play, so his signature shoes need to suit all play types. Based on a Boost midsole, the Harden Vol.8 feels ultra-responsive and lightweight, aided by bands to the forefoot and heel which hold your foot in place so there's no delay between reaction and movement.
Nike Luka 2
Few arrivals in the NBA are as successful as that of Luka Doncic. Now six years into the league, the star has got the second installment of his first official signature shoe with the Swoosh. At a price of $130, this is a great shoe to sport for regular shootarounds, as it offers one of the most balanced rides we've felt yet. The sole unit is defined by full-length Formula 23 foam, which won't offer the same bounce as the more technical sole units in the roundup but feels highly supportive and cushions to the max.
adidas Dame 8
Nowadays, almost all of the best basketball shoes fall under the name of an NBA superstar, like Milwaukee's talisman Damian Lillard whose adidas Dame 8 hit the hardwood succeeding the fan-favorite Dame 7. This time the shoe comes made of production waste to reduce the use of virgin materials. You'll find dual-density Bounce Pro cushioning throughout that ensures that the Dame 8 loses none of the lightweight, fast reactions that made the Dame 7 so popular.
Nike Lebron XXI
The Swoosh is always developing something exciting and in terms of Nike basketball shoes of the 2023-2024 season, that comes in the form of the Nike Lebron XXI. Featuring a noticeably slender appearance, the Lebron XXI promises "a light, low-to-the-ground design, giving you agile fluidity and explosiveness without excess weight". Not to mention the beautifully understated lavender or silver color palettes. While other pairs use bold color to stand out, this legend-inspired shoe is all about performance.
Nike Jordan 6 Rings
Imagine just taking all the best bits of all the best Jordans and mashing them into one shoe? Well, you don't need to imagine it. The Nike Jordan 6 Rings takes elements of each shoe worn by Mike in the Championship series. What we're really interested in here is that Nike has made a retro-style basketball shoe that can play with the new kids, too. The sole unit combines Zoom Air units and a sticky rubber outsole to provide bounce and traction while the mesh and leather upper takes control of the visuals.
Nike Tatum 2 "Vortex"
From an icon to one in the making, the Nike Tatum Vortex pays homage to Jason Tatum. The unique sole catches eyes while you catch balls, with support for low-to-the-ground gameplay.
Li-Ning Way Of Wade 10
Founded in 1990 by gymnast Li Ning, Li-Ning has earned its stripes in the sportswear arena. Although regular readers of Highsnobiety might be more familiar with the name in a lifestyle sense — offering bold, futuristic designs, it's a regular component of our sneaker roundups — the brand's work with Dwayne Wade is making some serious noise now. We love white basketball shoes, so the Li-Ning Way of Wade 10 gets top marks there, but its also got a lot of technical prowess, too. Li-Ning’s BOOM midsole offers amazing cushioning and combines with a full-length carbon fiber plate for best-in-class energy return.
Nike KD16
Durant's KD range is a perennial top-performer when it comes to the best basketball shoes. The KD16 is no different. Full-length Zoom Air cushioning combines with new tech within the lacing to hold you in place: when you tighten up, the floating wings that anchor the laces press down on the foot to secure you. Odd, seeing as KD loses a shoe approximately twice a game.
Nike Giannis Immortality 3
Named after The Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Nike Giannis Immortality 3 is an equally mind-boggling entity. For those looking for an all-around performer, the Immortality 3 is as good an option as any other. Seeing as Giannis can effectively play anywhere on the court, it makes sense that his signature shoe can too. We really noticed the curved sole unit on this pair which boosts your momentum & cushions perfectly. Giannis' now-signature reversed Swoosh detailing has continues to dress this pair, too.
adidas Donovan Mitchell D.O.N. Issue 5
Donovan Mitchell left his mark on the basketball shoes market about as quickly as he did the NBA as a whole. The young star gets stronger every season and his D.O.N. line follows suit. Issue 5 is the latest of the range and is set to be the most popular thanks to Lightstrike cushioning working in tandem with abrasion-resistant TPU to the outsole, which provide the support and grip needed to rack up big numbers.
New Balance Two WXY V4
Inspired by the changing structure of today's game, the New Balance Two WXY V4 is optimized for the player who plays everywhere. Made for the moment you spring from defense to offense and vice versa, the Two WXY V4 features FuelCell foam to deliver a propulsive feel to help drive you forward on the turn. On the flipside, a strong midsole shank affords great torsional rigidity in the shoe for a strong base when you're sticking to your opposite number.
New Balance Conversations Amongst Us Kawhi Sig 2
We already listed the KAWHI II and we know that we said this roundup was purely about performance but we couldn't resist plugging this pair designed by Joe Freshgoods. Obviously this remixed design carries across all of the performance aspects listed for the KAWHI II above, but it also brings one of the freshest visual characters with it. The off-white finish boasts a bunch of beautiful cracked textures to the toe box and heel, as well as a gum outsole for a vintage twist at the end.
Skechers SKX Float Shoes
Their trademark HYPER BURST cushioning makes these Sketchers ultra-lightweight and resilient; perfect for players who prefer stability in their stance. The mesh material'll keep your feet cool as you pace up and down the court.
Under Armour Curry 11
Curry broke a boundary when he opted for Under Armour for his signature shoe. Since then, UA has become a big player in the basketball world and it's thanks in no small part to the effectiveness of Curry's basketball shoes. The Curry 11 promises the best ride yet with a bouncy build that goes big on cushioning for a zippy, fast-reaction game.
adidas Adizero Select 2.0 Low
Both light and bright, these adidas low-cut shoes have an A Bounce midsole to keep you agile and flexible on all surfaces.
adidas Trae Young 3.0
Trae Young's debut shoe set a high bar for the star's following releases. We can safely say that the adidas Trae Young 3.0 surpasses the debut design. Swapping out the low-top build for increased ankle support, the Trae Young 3.0 features a knitted upper which holds you in place . Laces allow you to customize your fit if you choose. A Boost-cushioned heel works with a Lightstrike midsole to facilitate an explosive first step without weighing you down.
Anta Kai 1
Kyrie Irving's Anta Kai 1 is a limited edition shoe in collaboration with the titular Chinese sports apparel brand. The contrasting purples, pinks and cremes, the print, the added velcro strap make for a gear that is snug, stylish, and unlike most footwear you'll see on court.
adidas BYW Select Boost
Be it for sprinting or jumping, jump shots or practice hoops, these adidas tick all the right boxes, featuring their signature BOOST midsole for energy return and stable comfort.
adidas AE 1 With Love
Sailing out on the ever-ascending Anthony Edwards, his adidas shoes feature a unique honeycomb pattern sole cage that is as breathable as it is jaw-dropping. These kicks guarantee traction, grip and innovation in their design, befitting a young star that has been taking and will continue to take the NBA by storm. And who knows, wearing these, maybe so will you.
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