If you are an outdoor game master, you will be aware of what challenges a player faces on a beaten-up old dusty court. The most important thing that comes up right there is perfect traction, which helps you tackle slipping or sliding over the rugged surface. Gearing up your apparel with the best outdoor basketball shoes is the ultimate solution.
Most basketball shoes are perfectly suitable for indoor basketball, but they won’t last more than a month when it comes to outdoor. Can you bear spending up a bunch of dollars on a pair of shoes every month? Well! Probably not.
Why don’t you think to look for a pair of good outdoor basketball shoes that can serve you for years? With the desired traction in outdoor shoes, you’ll get the best out of your basketball experience. Honestly! You’ll explore that version of you; you’ve never seen before.
You’ll not only get the desired traction, but ultimate impact protection, cushioning, and energy transfer are well equipped in these explicit outdoor basketball shoes.
After detailed research and considering expert advice, we have selected some top-notch models for you. In this review, you’ll get the unique features and a few drawbacks of each model.
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Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes Reviews
1. Under Armour ClutchFit Drive 2 – Best Overall
Here comes our top pick! Under Armour’s one of the top-line products, ClutchFit Drive 2, that comes with excellent traction. That’s what an outdoor basketball player is looking for. Explicitly built for lightweight support and high-end stability, these basketball shoes have got you covered.
When we talk about outdoor basketball shoes, traction is the first thing that comes to mind. For that, Under Armor has made use of the multi-directional herringbone pattern on the rubber outsole with deep and detailed grooves. You can shoot the hoops without tripping, falling, or slipping on the rough surface.
Digging a little deeper! The built-in Micro G sock liner contributes to the thick cushioning for enhanced support. You’ll feel your foot locked-up in a place even during the extreme tactics. Moreover, the improved 3D tongue surrounds the ankle, stabilizes it, and protects it against severe injuries.
Under Armour has made use of UA ClutchFit Technology to make them incredibly lightweight and supple in this updated version. You’ll feel a great energy redirect and a strong, powerful feeling during your game.
The mid-foot and collar areas are molded to provide a second skin feeling to your foot. Plus, there’s an extra space in the toe-area for enhanced support. But we haven’t seen any feel in the midfoot area, which is tight to serve its function well.
The shock-absorbing midsole is much responsive and ensures a comfy, snugly fit. Although there’s no ample amount of support, UA tried to overcome it by using fuse overlay technology. But a pro-level player might be searching for something more than a fused overlay.
2. Adidas Performance Crazy Explosive – Best Traction Outdoor basketball shoes
Adidas is now up with its Performance Crazy Explosive having high-end traction when compared to its previous models. If you are a pro-level basketball player, you will certainly love Adidas’s Coral Power Traction. Although the rubber sole is transparent, it doesn’t pick up grime or dirt from the rough courts –just like Hyperdunk FK.
You can hardly tell the difference between the material of the Primeknit version and the regular one. Despite that, it’s a premium version, but there’s nothing to gush on. Crazy Explosive’s regular version features flexible and synthetic nylon backing everywhere except at the forefoot.
The full-length bootie design fits snugly to your foot, making you feel composed and confident. With the soft-rubbered lateral sides, Adidas hasn’t messed up the cushioning by adding some extra paddings. This shoe comes up with cored areas and thick cushioning around the ankle and midsole to enhance the trampoline effect.
Undoubtedly, Crazy Explosive is one of the best adidas outdoor basketball shoes with better impact protection and comfort. Adidas’s adaptation from a standard lacing system to an anatomical Lacing with a few eyelets is still fair enough. It covers and locks the entire foot without exerting much pressure.
Adding a little more stability, the infinity-shaped shank, flat, wide outsole covered up with safeguards make you never feel the danger of slipping or tipping. An interesting thing! The never-ending supply of light keeps you charged throughout your game.
The overall meshed texture makes the Crazy Explosive extremely lightweight and good-to-go with options. It’s not only one of the best performance shoes but also falls under the category of best budget outdoor basketball shoes.
3. Under Armour Boys’ Grade Mid K – Best Breathable Outdoor Basketball Shoes
Have you ever wondered why your feet start stinking after a strenuous basketball match on a sunny day? Well! Probably that’s because the shoes you are wearing are not breathable and arid. Here comes the Grade Mid K series by Under Armour, one of the best outdoor basketball shoes, well-known for their breathability and comfort.
If you want a pleasant basketball experience, then gear-up yourself with the full-bootie construction of this latest UA series. The improved molded ankle support through upgraded and thick tongue makes sure you don’t get any serious injuries or writhing. That’s the thing we loved most about Under Armour –they take great care of your ankle.
Let’s dig a little deeper! When it comes to outdoor, traction becomes the most important thing to consider. UA Grade Mid K comes with some serious power to deal with traction. The rugged and deeply-grooved rubber sole ensures that your every footstep is firm and solid. Forget about slipping!
The external heel counter keeps your foot heel locked in one place, adding a little to its traction and stability. Moreover, you’ll see a toe wrap inside to enhance forefoot flexibility –hence your performance in the court.
The aesthetic design with matte and meshed texture on the upper makes them one of the great outdoor basketball shoes. Not only for basketball, but you can also pair them up with any trendy apparel for a night party.
The good thing about these shoes is their improved anti-slip lacing closure system. Basketball is an active game that requires a lot of running and jumping. Many shoes have the drawback of the opening of laces again and again. But Under Armour has ground-breaking records in it.
4. Nike Performance Lebron XIII – Best Luxury Outdoor Basketball Shoes
Nike is now up with an elite version of Lebron 12, Nike Performance Lebron XIII, with a classy beast appearance. If you are a pro-level basketball player, then Lebron XIII is really a thing you can play in –you’ll see the best version of you. You can now dominate the field by your grim and firm footsteps.
This luxury pair features a sleeker look with Hyperposite panels on the upper, giving it an overall beast-like and unique look. Although Lebron 13 might look bigger than its ancestor, it’s actually less bulky and minimalistic. The meshed and fused top gives the vibes of another world and makes them look incredibly captivating.
It features the Hexagonal Zoom Air Units that bounce back and gear-up your next move –The most developed Air Zoom Technology so far. The flex groves are below the shoe that maintains better responsiveness, flexibility, and enhanced heel-to-toe transition. Nike Lebron 13 features the best outdoor basketball shoes cushioning.
At first, the rubber sole seemed lagging at providing enough traction on the rough surfaces and worked best at smooth indoors. But the results were miraculous on the rough, dusty court surface too. The rugged rubber sole is less sticky than before, making it a good-to-go option for dusty areas too.
Although there are overlays and overlays beneath the meshed upper that one couldn’t expect enough ventilation, the results are astounding. Even after paying for hours, your foot will remain odor-free and fresh.
If you are looking for a luxury pair to wear both on and off the court, then you are good to go with Nike Lebron XIII. Despite the hefty price tag, the Lebron XIII has a lot to give you. Honestly, you won’t be disappointed by spending that much amount on it –it has got your back.
5. Nike Air Jordan 7 Retro – Best Comfortable Outdoor Basketball Shoes
It won’t be an exaggeration if we call Nike Men’s Air Jordan 7 Retro Basketball Shoe one of the best outdoor Nike basketball shoes in the Air Jordan series. It has a smooth and stylish design with a solid rubber outsole and a triangular pattern engraved on it. The outsole is highly durable when compared to some other Air Jordan shoes.
The rugged, triangular pattern with the deep grooves on the sole provides maximum grip and holds you firm on the ground –hence the incredible traction. It comes with a large volume heel air-sole area, which gives maximum cushioning to your delicate areas and ensures ultimate impact protection in the court.
Nike Air Jordan added a traditional 90’s look in their recent Retro 7 series by engraving the upper with several grooves and fissure. They come with top-notch leather quality, design standards, and the texture quality is very authentic and modern. The aesthetic feel and beautiful aroma of the soft tumbled leather is also an attractive feature
This shoe has Dynamic-fit inner sleeve technology that adapts with your pace and provides stable landing with each jump. Its polyurethane footbed combined with phylon wrap offers long-lasting cushioning and support. The forefoot of the shoe is entirely flexible and supportive for feet, especially while making high jumps.
Undoubtedly, Air Jordan 7 is one of the best outdoor basketball shoes, appreciated in terms of classy looks, high-end quality, ultra-comfort, improved traction, and soft cushioning. If we talk about the price, which can be a little higher for some people, when we consider their modern specs, the price won’t seem high anymore.
6. Nike Air Jordan Unisex-Child – Best Traditional Outdoor Basketball Shoes
Another big bang by Nike! Air Jordan is finally here with tons of features and specs to make you stand astounding. Are you ready to dominate the field with these retro-styled Air Jordan series? With the firm grip and enhanced traction, you can now make sharp moves during the game.
With one of the best traction patterns suitable for both outdoors and indoors, Air Jordan 1 is undoubtedly one of the top outdoor basketball shoes. The shoes also have a soft outsole with a rugged herringbone pattern that imparts you a fantastic court feel.
The shoes’ high cut and the sculpted heel has a right ankle support and protection system, which helps players avoid ankle injuries. The shoe fits very well as it is perfectly designed to its size, and there is no issue of dead space.
Moreover, while jumping on and off the court, you’ll find these shoes are ultra-light in weight. Speed is everything when you are playing basketball; the high-top design and snug laces closure allow you to take quicker, potent steps. There are many eyelets on the laces, so there’s less friction.
You will find a notch on the toe box directly above the toe’s knuckles, which makes the shoe flexible whenever you will stand or flex on the balls of your foot. There’s thick cushioning inside, better lateral support, and a raised tongue for a comfortable experience.
Coming to the design, which is undoubtedly unique in our list, Air Jordan 1 has a classy retro 90s design adorned with Nike and Air Jordan’s logo. Its subtle silhouette makes it attractive and trendy; you can pair it up with any dress-up as a fashion sneaker.
7. Adidas Men Dame 5 – Best Impact Protection Outdoor Basketball Shoes
Here’s another top-line product of Adidas, the Dame 5, with the same herringbone tread pattern on the rugged sole. However, Dame 5 comes with the best implementation of this pattern in Adidas’s product line. It’s a great choice for rough, dusty courts because the thick grooves won’t allow dust to stick on the sole.
Here’s an enhanced version of Dame 4, undoubtedly good news for hoppers because they are going to enjoy the cushioning of Dame 5. You’ll feel this iteration of bounce while jumping on the ground. The full-length and much thicker midsole provides plenty of impact protection and greater stability, making it one of the best mens outdoor basketball shoes.
There are two options for the material; you can either go for mesh or leather. The meshed material is slightly lighter in weight, while the leather remains consistent throughout your performance. Both of them are almost the same; there’s not even a slight difference between them.
Dame 5 is the excellent choice for wide footers, as it will be true to size for them. However, narrow footers need to order a slightly smaller size. Moreover, the lacing system isn’t unique, but still, it will not bother you during your performance. It’s decently built and remains firm on foot.
There’s a TPU panel on the lateral sides that increases the impact protection. Your foot will remain firm and comfy on the midsole, and modified cushioning provides an ample amount of support.
With superior impact protection, outstanding stability, and support, high-end traction, along with a durable build, Dame 5 is truly a performance shoe.
8. Under Armour Men’s Curry 3 – Best Cushioning Outdoor Basketball Shoes
When it comes to basketball, only the best basketball shoes can enhance your performance on the ground and hold you in your position. To make sure you stand firm on the ground, Under Armour, after Curry 1 and 2, brings in the market, Under Armour Men’s Curry 3; only more aggressive and impressive than before.
Traction is the player’s primary concern; for that, Curry uses a multi-directional Herringbone design. The sole features a thicker and much tackier rubber than before, giving it a slight edge above its competitors in the market. Under Armour introduces Threadborne into its material arsenal with high tensile threads throughout the lateral sides of the shoe for the upper part.
Under Armour takes care of your ankle by ensuring it stays intact whether you’re in the court or outside, jogging, running, hiking by providing high ankle support and maintaining its reputation as the best outdoor basketball shoes ever.
Moreover, the Anafoam technology of Under Armour provides a lightweight, customized fit. It ensures this by molding to your foot with each wear and ends up feeling like a custom fit in no time. This Anafoam incorporation at the heel and sides is what makes it unique in the market.
Curry 3 features Curry’s signature at the medial side with a humongous SC logo at the back heel with an “I can do all things” quote written below to remind you every time you’re the man!
The meshed material, charged cushion, thick sole, and streamlined design ensure you step out of your door in comfort, style, and elegance. If you are looking for a shoe that offers added support and less weight, Under Armour Men’s Curry 3 is what you’re actually looking for.
9. Nike The Air Overplay IX – Best Ventilation Basketball Shoes
Nike steps up its game with the Nike Air Overplay lX to meet the demands of one of the most vigorous games, i.e., basketball. Feel an enhanced energy and adrenaline level throughout your body with the Air Overplay lX on your feet. Fire up your game when you’ve got the best shoes to play basketball outside.
This sneaker is made up of mesh leather and synthetic leather uppers to give durability and unrivaled style. Moreover, it provides thicker padding at the tongue and collar for ankle support and softness to provide maximum comfort.
With a mixture of tread patterns to give optimal traction, Nike provides a full phylon midsole that provides underfoot cushioning. It helps you swipe your way through the players and reach that basket in no time.
Nike offers plenty of breathability in the textile interior to make sure that there’s no room for exhaustion whatever the task may be—making it undoubtedly one of the best outdoor basketball shoes of all time.
As far as the design goes, you have your Nike logo on the side with air back around the heel. It comes in some vibrant colors, including Black, Anthracite, Dark Grey, and White. Overall, the design goes well with jeans or knickers, so it comes in handy for casual footwear, making it good for outdoor purposes.
If you want a pair of shoes that help you step up your game by providing an enhanced level of support, grip on the ground, and perfect traction, don’t bother wasting your time thinking about buying Nike Air Overplay lX; just do it.
10. Adidas Men’s D Rose 773 – Best Affordable Outdoor Basketball Shoes
Here comes one of Derrick Rose’s awaited signature shoes, the 3rd repetition of the 773 line that offers all the Athletic features within an affordable price range. To enhance the performance, Adidas D rose 773 lii has EVA cushioning at the heel to provide maximum stability and support.
It endures all kinds of pressure during walking or running, followed by Adidas’s adiPRENE+ cushioning technology on the forefoot, assisting in quick takeoffs. Step out of the court into the street wearing D Rose, featuring a mixture of wavy and linear herringbone patterns on the outsole.
It uses a firm type of rubber compound flat, not too bumpy, resulting in intense traction and firm grip. This makes it one of the best outdoor basketball shoes ever. Adidas uniquely brands the D Rose logo that defines this shoe, found on the heel’s tongue and lateral side.
The Adidas logo can be found molded on the tip of the toe box. The design is practically modernized with synthetic leather as its upper material, and ventilation holes are found at its sides. While the heat escapes from the holes in the tongue, there will be dynamic airflow through the side perforations that prevent sweat and exhaustion.
Most of the support comes from the SPRINTFRAME, which is infamous for pinching the midfoot. However, Adidas solves this problem by shaping it quite down where it isn’t a problem anymore. SPRINTFRAME keeps your foot centered and lowered to the ground helping you stand firm in front of the challenge. This will aid you in sprinting at full speed.
Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best outdoor basketball shoes, you have to keep a lot of things in mind if you want to make your purchase worthwhile. With tons of elite models in front of you, each having their unique specs and a few drawbacks, it might be a confusing task to end-up in choosing the right shoe.
What’s the catch?
Here are a few factors that you have to keep in mind before you get-to-go.
Traction matters a lot!
Undoubtedly, the first and the most important thing you have to look into your outdoor basketball shoe is its traction. Playing basketball indoors doesn’t require that traction, but when you are playing on an old, rough, and dusty court, you need enough traction to stay firm on the ground.
Shoes with good traction not only provides a great experience but also ensures that you don’t slip, fall, or wither during the sharp moves. There are probably fewer chances of getting injured.
Sole material and texture determine the traction. The harder the rubber of the sole, the greater the traction you’ll feel. According to the best outdoor basketball shoes reviews, a hard rubberized-sole with deep grooves is good-to-go with.
Material
The material becomes one of the most important things when it comes to basketball shoes. It has to ensure that your shoes don’t break down within the game. Usually, basketball shoes are made up of synthetic leather, mesh fabric, leather, and any combo of this material.
Although leather is the most durable between these, it may make your shoe bulky. So make sure the shoe you are going to buy is not entirely made of leather. You can go for combinations of different materials for both durability and comfort.
Outsole and Insole
Both the insole and outsole determines your performance in the court. The insole of your basketball shoe must be soft, well-structured, and supporting. Plus, it should be responsive to absorb stress during jumping.
Many best outdoor basketball shoes come with a smart and improved sole layout. Make sure you choose the best one for enhanced comfort and stability.
Air Units and Cushioning
Making the use of Air Unit Technology, most of the luxury models of basketball shoes ensure improved responsiveness and bounce. Make sure the shoes you choose for your next basketball match must contain air cushioning for enhanced performance.
With a lot of bumps and jolts, basketball is a dynamic game. Your gear should be powerful enough to deal with such impacts. Choose the best Polyurethane cushioning, which is the most advanced one for an upper level of comfort.
Breathability
When you have hours of practice on a hot sunny day, one the right pair of shoes can help you deal with excess heat and sweat. Insole Perspiration Absorption unit comes here to absorb the sweat and makes the internal environment arid.
Some cheap outdoor basketball shoes lack this unit, but if you don’t want any compromise on your performance, then get the best for you. There must be numerous pores on the upper and absorption capacity in the inner lining of the shoe.
It will not only keep your foot dry but also prevent certain infections.
Ankle support
Your foot needs an ample amount of support because we all know that basketball is a challenging game. You have to be cautious in any situation. The high-top shoes are usually suitable and recommended for enhanced ankle support.
If you don’t find your foot comfortable in high-tops, then you’ll get some other alternatives too.
Conclusion
You can take your basketball performance to an immense height by wearing the best outdoor basketball shoes. All of the models in our list are ideal for you in their own way. They offer the best amalgam of great traction, high impact protection, enhanced cushioning, better quality, and great price.
You can only get the best out of yourself if you are geared up with a decent pair of shoes –a shoe that meets your requirements. Choosing that pair might be difficult, but after reading this detailed guide you can at least get the best bang for your buck.
If you are still confused, here’s our top pick for you.
Under Armour ClutchFit Drive 2 is one of the best men’s outdoor basketball shoes with improved design, excellent traction, and high-end impact protection. What are you waiting for?
Further Reading:
Best Basketball Shoes for Cement Courts
Best Basketball Shoes for Explosive Players
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