5 Best Basketball Shoes for Women (2024)
Basketball is a physically demanding sport that can put a lot of strain on our feet. This is why finding the right pair of basketball shoes is essential for you to perform at your best on the court. After all, the right pair of kicks will provide you with the needed support, traction, and comfort.
However, not all basketball shoes are suitable for both men and women. Women’s feet are generally wider and have a higher arch than men’s. They also tend to play basketball differently than men, making more lateral movements. This is why we’ll be discussing the best basketball shoes for women in this article.
So, if you’re a female basketball enthusiast looking for the perfect pair of kicks, you’ve come to the right place.
What are the Best Basketball Shoes for Women?
When looking for the best basketball shoes for women, there are certain considerations that you’ll need to make. Here are some key factors that you’ll need to assess when choosing the best basketball shoes for women:
- Your playing style: Guard or post?
- Your budget: How much are you willing to spend?
- Your foot type: Wide or narrow? High or low arches?
- The surface you’ll be playing on: Hard or soft?
- The weather conditions: Cold or hot?
Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start narrowing down your choices.
Here’s our list of the best basketball shoes for women in 2023.
1. Under Armour Curry Flow 9
The Under Armour Curry Flow 9 is a great basketball shoe for women, particularly those playing the guard positions. First off, the Curry 9 Flow has phenomenal traction, which is essential for quick cuts and changes of direction on the court. In terms of cushioning, it might not be the best option out there but it still provides good comfort to the players.
Another thing that I really like about this shoe is that it is one of the lightest basketball shoes on the market. In terms of design, I really admire how minimal the design is. So, if you’re like me and don’t like the most extravagant shoes, then this might be the perfect choice for you.
The Curry 9 Flow also offers excellent stability and lateral containment. This is especially important for preventing ankle injuries and maintaining balance during quick movements. Moreover, this shoe features a lightweight, breathable upper with a supportive midfoot cage. This provides perfect cushioning for impact protection as well as responsiveness.
To sum it up, female basketball players who play guard positions and want a lightweight, responsive, and supportive shoe with excellent traction and stability should consider the Under Armour Curry Flow 9.
Pros
- Excellent traction
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Provides excellent stability
- Minimal Design
- Perfect choice for female guards
Cons
- Can be a bit narrow for some people
2. Under Armour Flow Breakthru 2
Next up on our list is the widely loved basketball shoe – UA Flow Breakthru 2. In fact, the Breakthru 2 has received positive reviews from customers on Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods, with an average rating of 4.2 and 4.4 out of 5 stars, respectively.
One of the main reasons why this shoe makes it into our list is that it is extremely lightweight, making it easier for women to move around the court. In addition, the revolutionary UA Flow cushioning technology delivers super-light and bouncy responsiveness, providing an insane grip for maximum traction.
The Breakthru 2 is designed based on research showing that women’s feet are different than men’s. It is more flexible and has sensory reflectors, making it more comfortable and supportive for women. Due to this women-specific design, the UA Flow Breakthru 2 is one of the best basketball shoes for women out there.
Pros
- Lightweight and responsive
- Good traction
- Excellent traction
- Women-specific design
Cons
- Limited color options
- Might run small and narrow for some people
3. Nike Womens Zoom Freak 3 Knit Performance
The Nike Women’s Zoom Freak 3 Knit Performance is a great choice for women who are looking for comfortable and high-performing basketball shoes. In terms of comfort, this shoe has a snug and comfortable fit that fits true to its size. It also features a bouncy forefoot cushion that provides a comfortable step on the court.
The traction that this shoe provides is top-notch too as it provides a solid grip on the court. The outsole of the Zoom Freak 3 Knit Performance features a herringbone traction pattern that provides a good grip on both indoor and outdoor courts. This traction helps players make quick cuts and changes of direction without slipping.
Moreover, the Nike Zoom Freak 3 is an all-round shoe that is suitable for different playing styles. It also has a knit upper that provides a comfortable and breathable fit. All in all, this shoe is an excellent choice for any player who prioritizes both comfort and performance.
Pros
- Comfortable and fits true to its size
- Great traction
- Suitable for various playing styles
- Perfect blend of performance and comfort
Cons
- Might be a little less durable
4. Nike Women’s Air Zoom GT
Next up on our list is the Nike Women’s Air Zoom GT. It is a low-profile shoe that is packed with Nike’s latest technology. In terms of fit, traction, and cushioning, the Air Zoom GT is one of the best basketball shoes for women right now.
This shoe might also be a good choice for any of you who’s got a wide feet. This is because the shoe’s materials are soft and pliable, allowing a comfortable fit for all types of foot sizes. The Nike Air Zoom GT also has a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot and a Phylon midsole. This is why the cushioning of this shoe is responsive and provides good impact protection. In addition, the rubber sole’s grip is excellent and it sticks well with the floor.
Overall, the Nike Women’s Air Zoom GT is an excellent basketball shoe that is fast and responsive with excellent traction and cushioning.
Pros
- Good choice for wide feet
- Comfortable fit
- Excellent traction
- Good cushioning and responsive
Cons
- Might require a break-in period
5. Adidas N3XT L3V3L
At first glance, you might not think that the Adidas N3XT L3V3L is actually a basketball shoe. This is because the Adidas N3XT L3V3L is probably the most futuristic performance basketball shoe currently on the market. The shoe comes without any lacing system, which gives it a unique look and style. Nevertheless, this shoe is one of the best basketball shoes for women in the market due to its support, cushioning, and performance.
First of all, let’s talk about this shoe’s fit. The fit of the shoe is very good, but putting them on can be a hassle (due to its laceless design). The shoe is available in narrow and wide widths, and it runs small to large in size. Having said that, the support and lockdown of the shoe are great as they provide solid lateral stability, lateral containment, and ankle support.
In terms of performance, the Adidas N3XT L3V3L is a good performer and is suitable for guards or wings who need a lot of responsiveness with some ankle support. In terms of cushioning, the tooling of the shoe offers a very well-balanced ride with a slight bounce to it. The shoe features Boost technology that offers incredible energy return with every step and jump.
Overall, the Adidas N3XT L3V3L is a tremendous step forward for laceless performance shoes. And if you’re someone who loves the futuristic look of this shoe, then this might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- Laceless design and a futuristic look
- Great lockdown and support
- Good comfort and cushioning
- Lightweight
- Reliable traction
Cons
- Might be uncomfortable for those who don’t like laceless design
- Putting these shoes on can be a hassle
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best basketball shoes for women can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By considering your playing style, needs, and budget, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect pair of shoes for you.
In this article, we reviewed some of the top-rated basketball shoes for women on the market. We took into account factors such as performance, comfort, durability, and price to help you make the best decision for your needs. However, our top choice among these 5 choices would definitely be the Under Armour Flow Breakthru 2 as it has specifically been designed for women’s needs.
