Whether you play basketball for fun or competitively, having a quality pair of court shoes is great for boosting confidence and improving performance. First and foremost, a good basketball shoe should be built to last you an entire season, with durable, supportive materials and ample cushioning to keep you comfortable. Additionally, the shoe’s outsoles should be grippy, delivering excellent traction to allow for quick changes and prevent slips and slides. Here, we rounded up a list featuring some of the best options on the market for boys. Shop a range of picks spanning different budgets from top athletic brands ahead.
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1. Under Armour Jet 2019
These feature a mesh and textile upper with a perforated heel construction for ventilation. Grippy outsoles allow for quick side-to-side movements.
Pros: A die-cut EVA sockliner and compression-molded EVA midsoles provides lightweight cushioning. Meanwhile, a TPU film toe cap adds protection and makes these shoes more durable. They come in five colorways.
Cons: These may tend to run small.
2. Adidas Hoops Mid 2.0
This mid-top pair delivers the brand’s timeless Three Stripes branding, a performance-enhancing OrthoLite Float sockliner and plush EVA midsoles.
Pros: These tri-color sneakers feature rubber outsoles with excellent grip as well as a cushioned collar and tongue for extra support. A synthetic nubuck upper and a breathable textile lining provide long-lasting comfort.
Cons: These may run on the larger side.
3. Reebok BB 4500 Hi 2
These retro-inspired high-tops are equipped with a durable synthetic leather upper, EVA midsoles supplying lightweight cushioning and rubber soles with good traction.
Pros: These come in four colorways: a royal blue version complete with matching laces, a black option with white branding, a tri-color style in white, black and red, and a two-toned gray version with blue accents throughout.
Cons: Some may find they fit too wide.
4. AND1 Show Out Basketball Shoe
This airy style is made to keep your tot light on his feet. Meanwhile, EVA midsoles reduce the weight of the shoe yet don’t compromise stability.
Pros: It features ventilation throughout for optimal airflow and comes in eight colorways including black and yellow, white with orange accents, black, gray and neon lime, and white with gray and teal accents.
Cons: These also may run big.
5. Wetike Basketball Shoes
A woven mesh upper and side vents make these shoes exceptionally breathable so feet stay cool and dry through any game.
Pros: Soft foam mesh insoles boost comfort. They come in two vibrant, eye-catching colorways to choose from. Non-slip rubber outsoles provide exceptional grip and control. Midsoles greatly reduce the impact on feet.
Cons: The laces may be too long.
6. Hawkwell Basketball Shoes
This pair features a durable manmade upper, padded collar and textile lining for extra comfort, as well as perforations at the forefoot for better breathability.
Pros: They offer multi-surface traction and come in four colorways. A midfoot shank lends support and torsional rigidity. Flex grooves along the sole offer a natural feel. Mesh accents around the ankle enhance airflow.
Cons: They might run small.
7. Vitike Basketball Shoes
These shoes also have a breathable mesh upper that lets the foot breathe and air-cushion heel pods that offer cushioning and shock absorption.
Pros: Their height protects the ankles while giving you free range of motion via elastic laces and stretchable straps. Non-slip rubber outsoles provide stability and traction. Honeycomb insoles deliver breathable comfort.
Cons: These also may fit on the small side.
