5 Best Basketball Shoes for Traction in 2024
One of the most important things that you’ll have to look for while buying basketball shoes is traction. In basketball, players have to constantly change directions, jump, and land on the court. If your shoes don’t have good grip and traction, then you will constantly slip and fall. This can lead to a lot of injuries.
Therefore, you should always look to buy basketball shoes that come with excellent traction. To help you buy the best basketball shoes for traction, we’ve made a list of the 5 best shoes in the market right now. We’ve done so by considering factors such as the outsole pattern, materials used, and the real-life implications of these shoes.
1. Nike KD 15
The Nike KD 15 is a great basketball shoe with excellent traction. The outsole pattern is a multi-directional herringbone design with a variety of grooves and ridges. This pattern provides excellent grip on both clean and dusty courts. Reviewers have mentioned that they’ve never had any problems with slipping even while they’ve played on both indoor and outdoor courts with these shoes.
The cushioning in the Nike KD 15 is also very good. It uses a full-length Zoom Air unit in the midsole, which provides a responsive and bouncy feel. The cushioning is also well-cushioned, providing good impact protection. The Nike KD 15 is likely to stand well even if you have to play intense games in these shoes.
The fit and support of the Nike KD 15 are also very good. The upper is made of a lightweight and breathable mesh material, which provides a snug and secure fit. The shoe also has a supportive heel counter and a midfoot strap, which help to keep my foot in place. You’ll likely not have any problems with your foot slipping out of these shoes, even when you’re making quick cuts or stops.
Overall, the Nike KD 15 is a great basketball shoe that offers excellent traction, cushioning, fit, and support. I would definitely recommend these shoes to anyone who is looking for a new pair of basketball shoes.
Pros:
- Excellent traction
- Good cushioning
- Snug and secure fit
- Lightweight and breathable upper
- Durable outsole
Cons:
- A bit pricier than other shoes
2. Nike Air Jordan 36
The Nike Air Jordan 36 is a great basketball shoe for players of all levels. It’s lightweight, responsive, and is known for its excellent traction. The shoe also features a new Zoom Air Strobel unit in the heel, which provides even more cushioning and energy return.
Reviewers who have worn the Air Jordan 36 have mostly said good things about these shoes. And rightly so, I’ve had a good experience with these shoes too. They’re incredibly light and responsive, and they feel great on my feet. The traction is also amazing, and I haven’t had any problems with slipping on either clean or dusty courts.
One of the things I like most about the Air Jordan 36 is the fit. They’re a bit snug, but they’re not too tight. The upper is made of a lightweight Leno weave that’s both supportive and breathable. I’ve been playing in them for hours at a time, and my feet haven’t gotten hot or sweaty.
Overall, I’m really happy with the Nike Air Jordan 36. They’re a great all-around basketball shoe that’s perfect for players of all levels.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Responsive
- Excellent traction
- Supportive fit
Cons
- Narrow fit
3. Jordan Luka 1
The Jordan Luka 1 is a performance basketball shoe that offers a unique blend of lateral support, traction, and lightweight comfort. The shoe’s Formula 23 foam cushioning is not as bouncy as some other options, but it provides a responsive and low-to-the-ground feel that is perfect for shifty guards and forwards. The minimalist design of the shoe also helps to shed unnecessary weight, making it a great choice for players who want to move quickly and freely on the court.
One of the standout features of the Jordan Luka 1 is its traction. The outsole features a tightly packed herringbone pattern that provides excellent grip on both indoor and outdoor surfaces. This makes the shoe ideal for players who need to change direction quickly or who play on dusty or slippery courts.
The Jordan Luka 1 also offers excellent lateral support. The shoe’s upper is made of a combination of textile and synthetic materials that provide a snug and supportive fit. The shoe also features a TPU midfoot shank that helps to prevent the foot from rolling over.
Overall, the Jordan Luka 1 is a great option for players who are looking for a lightweight, comfortable, and supportive basketball shoe with excellent traction. The shoe’s minimalist design and responsive cushioning make it a great choice for shifty guards and forwards who want to move quickly and freely on the court.
Pros:
- Fantastic traction and lateral support
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons:
- Formula 23 cushioning foam does not provide much bounce or impact protection
- Sizing runs small
4. Under Armour Curry 8
The Under Armour Curry 8 is a basketball shoe that has been making waves in the market. I have been using it for a while now, and I must say, it is a fantastic performer. The traction is one of the best I have ever experienced, and it grips the court like no other. The cushioning is also top-notch, and it provides a comfortable ride throughout the game. The shoe is also very comfortable overall, and I have never experienced any discomfort while wearing it.
The upper of the shoe is too stretchy, and it does not provide enough support. This can be a problem for players who need more support in their shoes. However, this is a minor issue, and it does not affect the overall performance of the shoe.
In conclusion, the Under Armour Curry 8 is an excellent basketball shoe that provides exceptional traction, cushioning, and comfort. It is a well-rounded shoe that delivers protection, versatility, and support without getting in the way. If you are looking for a basketball shoe that can help you perform at your best, then the Under Armour Curry 8 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Exceptional traction
- Comfortable cushioning
- Overall comfort
Cons
- Upper is too stretchy and does not provide enough support
5. New Balance OMN1S
The New Balance OMN1S is a basketball shoe that has been endorsed by Kawhi Leonard. The traction of the shoe is amazing and it grips every court, no matter how good or bad the court’s finish is. The rubber used in the outsole is of high quality and it’s a variation of herringbone, which is done in a beautiful way.
The cushioning of the shoe is stable and has a great court feel, transition, and comfort. However, the impact protection is just okay and not suitable for jumping out of the gym. The FuelCell cushioning is a little on the firm side, but it’s still a suitable cushion. The fit of the shoe is pretty good, but the heel counter is flimsy and feels a bit cheap.
Overall, the New Balance OMN1S is a versatile shoe that comes with great cushioning and a lighter feel, despite not hitting high marks in the traction or cushioning department. The shoe has its strengths and weaknesses, but the traction and fit are pretty good. The shoe is a durable performer with comfortable cushioning and good materials.
Pros
- Amazing traction
- High-quality rubber outsole
- Stable cushioning with great court feel, transition, and comfort
- Versatile shoe with a lighter feel
Cons
- Impact protection is just okay
- Flimsy and cheap heel counter
How to Choose the Best Basketball Shoes for Traction?
Here are some tips to help you with choosing the best basketball shoes for traction:
- Consider your playing style. If you’re a guard who needs to change direction quickly, you’ll need a shoe with a lot of grip on the forefoot. If you’re a big man who needs to stop and start on the block, you’ll need a shoe with good traction on the heel.
- Look for a shoe with a herringbone outsole pattern. Herringbone is the most common outsole pattern for basketball shoes because it provides excellent grip on both indoor and outdoor surfaces.
- Pay attention to the rubber compound. The rubber compound is the material that makes up the outsole of the shoe. Some rubber compounds are better for traction than others. For example, a harder rubber compound will provide more grip on a dry surface, while a softer rubber compound will provide more grip on a wet surface.
- Consider the weight of the shoe. A lighter shoe will be easier to move in, but it may not provide as much traction as a heavier shoe.
Final Thoughts
Based on the tips given above, you will understand what to look for while buying the best basketball shoes for traction in 2023. To help you further with your decision, we’ve compiled a list of the 5 best basketball shoes for traction. Go through each review carefully and then you’ll be able to make the best purchase decision. Good luck.
Here are some additional reviews of basketball shoes for different needs:
