Top 7 Best Traction Basketball Shoes For Indoor & Outdoor (2021 Reviews)

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As you may know, basketball is an intense sport that always requires you to run, jump, and face collision. The basketball court is also flat and not a grass field like football. As a result, if you want to enhance your performance and prevent accidents, you must find the shoes with excellent traction.

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The traction of the shoes depends mostly on the outsole design and material. Also, the shoes’ weight and content can have some effect on the shoe’s ability to grip on the ground. And if you want to find the best traction basketball shoes, you should not skip this article!

Top 7 Best Traction Basketball Shoes Of All Time 2021 Reviews

#1 Best Overall: Under Armour Men’s Spawn Mid Basketball Shoes

ON SALE

Under Armour Men's Spawn Mid...

Interwoven layers of TPU films & PU...
Exposed mesh upper for ultimate...

Molded textile tongue for added...

The first product in our list of the best traction basketball shoe is Under Amour Men’s Spawn Mid Basketball Shoes. And this product is also the best overall: price, design, traction and more.

Although this product is not very expensive, it comes with a rubber sole and a waving pattern. It means that it can offer you excellent traction because the rubber is lightweight and has a unique ability to grip. And the waving model is very thoughtfully designed to create enough space for multi-directional movement.

Last, this pair of shoes comes with a mid-top design to offer users excellent ankle support. It comes with a unique combination of Interwoven layers of TPU films and PU coated mesh, so it is breathable, soft, and durable.

Pros

Reasonable price

Well-made shoes
High-quality material
Excellent traction

Flexible and breathable

Cons

Heavyweight

Under Amour Men’s Spawn Mid Basketball Shoes is the best traction basketball shoe for ankle support, cushioning, and even comfort. It has everything you need for a good pair of basketball shoes.

#2 Best for Kids: Nike Kyrie Flytrap Ii (gs) Big Kids Aq3412-400

ON SALE

Nike Boy's Kyrie Flytrap II...

If you are looking for the best traction basketball shoes for kids, we suggest that you should take a look at the Nike Kyrie Flytrap Ii (gs) Big Kids Ag3412-400. This pair of shoes has only one navy and white color, which makes it suitable for both girls and boys.

About the traction, this item comes with a rubber outsole with herringbone pattern- the typical material and design for excellent traction and support. Also, this item has a lightweight foam midsole for more comfortable and better cushioning.

What makes this shoe unique is the external heel counter with padded collar. It makes the shoe fit perfectly with your children’s feet.

Pros

Carefully designed and well-made
Good support and cushioning

Good traction
Flexible and breathable

Cons

It is pricey
Only one color

Nike Kyrie Flytrap Ii (gs) Big Kids Ag3412-400 is ideal for your kids to start with basketball at school or to start with some school basketball leagues.

#3 Best Cushioning: Jordan Men’s Air Jordan Legacy 312

Jordan Mens Air Jordan Legacy...

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Jordan is always the top brand in basketball shoes because of its high-quality. And Jordan Men’s Air Legacy 312 is one of the best products for basketball players. This product comes with a very sporty design with a mid-cut and three colors of black, white, and red.

Also, this item has a rubber outsole for better traction. And the visible air sole unit is a unique feature that brings excellent cushioning for users. Although it has a leather upper, it comes with hole design and is very breathable.

And last, the material of the shoe is very friendly and durable. The outsole and leather material can last for a lifetime. As a result, it can handle intense training and heavyweight players without being worn.

Pros

Excellent quality material
Well-made and solid construction

Durable and flexible
Good traction and support

Cons

It is pricey

Jordan has a high price for many reasons. Try Jordan Men’s Air Legacy 312, and you will understand why people are willing to pay hundreds of dollars for a pair of shoes.

#4 Best Ankle Support: Nike Men’s Air Precision NBK Basketball Shoe

Nike Mens Air Precision...

Fashion Trend: High-Top Mesh...

If you are looking for a good pair of basketball shoes for ankle support, you should prefer choosing the one with soft and high-top design. And Nike Men’s Air Precision NBK basketball Shoe is one of them. It comes with excellent traction and ankle support, too.

As you can see, this pair of shoes have a rubber sole that can effortlessly provide that traction for you to move flexibly and naturally at full speed. Also, this item has superior cushioning technology of Nike, which can not only protect your feet but also protect your whole body’s joints in the game.

And last, this item has a synthetic fabric to absorb excess moisture and create a lightweight atmosphere for your feet. As a result, you can unleash your natural potential in the game.

Pros

Good sole design
Unique cushioning technology of Nike
Can protect body joints

Good at absorbing moisture

Cons

It is pricey

Nike Men’s Air Precision NBK basketball Shoe is the best choice for cushioning, ankle, and joints support. Although it is a little bit pricey, it is worth it to pay for such a good pair of shoes.

#5 Best Material: Nike Men’s Kyrie Flytrap Basketball Shoes

Nike Men's Kyrie Flytrap...

The next item in our list of the best traction basketball shoes is the Nike Men’s Kyrie Flytrap Basketball Shoes. It is a mid-top shoe, so it is lightweight and flexible but not very good at ankle support. However, its material is the best.

Moreover, this product has Zoom Air cushioning technology – the standard cushioning technology of Nike, which can absorb and release pressure on your feet, ankle, knee, and joints.

And last, the curved outsole is ideal for enhancing traction so you can make quick cuts and transition without worrying about slipping.

Pros

Nice color
Excellent material

Latest cushioning technology
Curved outsole for superior traction

Cons

A little tight in the toes area

Nike Men’s Kyrie Flytrap Basketball Shoes are the best choice if you are looking for a good-quality material and good cushioning pair of shoes for playing basketball.

#6 Most Reviewed: Reebok Men’s Royal BB 4500 HI2 Basketball Shoes

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The next product in our list of the best traction basketball shoes is Reebok Men’s Royal BB 4500 HI2 Basketball Shoes. This product has received thousands of compliments from thousands of customers, thanks to its reasonable price and high quality.

The shoe comes with a high-abrasion-resistant rubber outsole, which is very lightweight and durable. Also, the herringbone design allows making it grip entirely while still not hindering your movement.

Also, this item is a high-top shoe so that it can bring you better ankle support. And the EVA foam sock liner will bring you more comfort under intense training. However, it has upper leather material, which is very trendy and durable but not breathable.

Pros

Excellent traction with a well-made outsole

Good support
Lightweight and flexible
Reasonable price

Cons

Not very breathable

If this pair of shoes is more breathable, Reebok Men’s Royal BB 4500 HI2 Basketball Shoes can be the best traction basketball shoes in 2021. However, with all of its features, this item is enough for you to have an excellent performance.

#7 Best in Budget: Under Armour Men’s Lockdown 4 Basketball Shoe

Under Armour Men's Lockdown 4...

Molded synthetic upper for a...

Perforated leather delivers...
Lightweight, super-breathable...

If you want to find the best traction basketball shoes in a limited budget, you should choose Under Armour Men’s Lockdown 4 basketball shoes. This item comes with a very flexible design and so many helpful features.

This item of Under Armour comes with a rubber sole and molded synthetic upper. So it will responsively fit with your feet and make your feet comfortable inside. However, it has perforated leather with holes designed for better breathability.

And last, the super-breathable sock liner will offer you underfoot cushioning and support. So you can confidently play the game.

Pros

Reasonable piece
Well-made sole and cushioning
High-quality upper material

Breathable and supportive

Cons

The size is small

If you can’t pay much money for a pair of basketball shoes, Under Armour Men’s Lockdown 4 basketball shoes is an excellent choice for you to start with basketball. However, it is not enough for a professional.

How To Choose Best Traction Basketball Shoes

When buying the best traction basketball shoes, you should take a look at the following features:

1. Traction of the Shoes

Traction is one of the most crucial features of the best performance basketball shoes. You will not be able to get the best performance when you always slip on the field or when you have to spend too much effort to lift the shoes of the ground.

And it is the part the outsole will help. Recently, the rubber compound is the best outsole material because it is lightweight and can grip well. Some synthetic compounds are also famous, but they often do not have as good of a grip as the rubber.

Also, the best outsole pattern is herringbone. It has the ideal order of design and space for multi-direction movements. You can also find a block pattern, but it is not as good as herringbone. You don’t need a cleated outsole for playing basketball, too.

2. Lightweight or Heavyweight

Too light or too heavy shoes are not the best choice for you when playing basketball. We know that lightweight shoes are flexible, and heavyweight shoes are more robust. However, don’t choose the shoe that is too light or too heavy.

When wearing the shoes, you should choose the one that makes you feel stable and firm. As a result, it can grip well on the ground, thanks to the excellent traction. Meanwhile, it will not hinder your movement.

3. Well-cushioned

Many people think that shoes can only protect your feet. But it is not the right thought. When playing a sport, mainly basketball shoes, the shoes will protect your whole body. A good pair of shoes can absorb the impact when you move intensively and protect your joints.

It is why famous brands like Adidas or Nikes spend millions of dollars on studying and developing cushioning technology. Based on your weight and your position in the game, you can choose firm or soft cushioning for the most comfort and the best performance.

4. Comfortability

The comfort of the shoe depends mostly on the fit and the upper material.

The material must be soft and breathable to make you comfortable. So, if it is leather, it must come with holes. Or else, you should choose the mesh for more breathability. Of course, each type of material will have pros and cons, so you must select the most suitable one for you.

Also, the fit is essential. If the shoes are too tight, they will leave scratches and swelling on your feet. If the boots are too wide, they will drop off from your feet and lead to accidents. So, when buying shoes, you should check the size carefully, and try it on to see if you are comfortable.

FAQs

How do I make my basketball shoes have more traction?

A: To make your basketball shoes have more traction, you should keep the shoe soles and the floors clean. Besides, you can also use traction mat, grip lotion, or gel mat. Of course, you must refer to the information in this article to buy the best traction basketball shoes.

Why are your basketball shoes slippery?

A: The main reason for your slippery basketball shoes is the dirty sole. The dirt will fill in the space between pattern and make it become a flat surface. As a result, it can’t grip on the ground and tends to be slippery.

What shoes have the best traction?

A: You can take a look at the seven best traction basketball shoes above. Also, there are so many other brands that provide you excellent traction shoes.

Are shoes with the best traction more expensive than the normal ones?

A: In some cases, yes. There is no doubt that shoes with better features will come at a higher price.

Final Words

When buying sports shoes, mainly basketball shoes, you must think carefully about traction. When running and facing collision, you tend to slip on the ground and get into an accident. And it is the part that friction will help prevent.

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Above is our picks of 7 best traction basketball shoes and some features that you should consider to buy the best item for your upcoming match. We hope that the information in this article will help you find the best shoes for excellent performance.