12 Best Adidas Basketball Shoes 2023
In the world of high-performance footwear, Adidas is in a league of its own. Adidas, with its relentless innovation and rich sporting history, has consistently created some of the best basketball shoes.
As a former player who dunked, dashed, and deflected with all my might on the court, and now as a dedicated youth basketball coach, I understand the essence of a good basketball shoe.
Based on my first-hand experience and understanding of the sport, I will share my insights about the best Adidas options in the market right now.
Whether you’re a speedy guard, a dominating center, or a passionate recreational player, this guide aims to help you find the best Adidas basketball shoes that will not just fit your feet, but also elevate your game.
Our Top picks for Best Adidas Basketball Shoes
- Best Overall: Adidas UltraBoost Light
- Runner Up: DAME 8
- Best Value : OWN THE GAME 2.0 SHOES
Here are 12 Best Adidas Basketball Shoes
1-Adidas UltraBoost Light (Best adidas basketball shoes all time)
Overall Rating
Shoe Specs
Infohoops Verdict
Adidas Ultraboost light shoes are well cushioned, extremely comfortable, breathable, true to size, and long-lasting. They are simple to maintain, and the fit and lock system keeps your feet in place and aids lateral movement. The improved heel lockdown feature works well and reduces heel stress.
Other Experts Say?
For years I’ve been a huge fan of the Ultra Boost, and that’s mainly because the Ultra Boost, at least to me, has been one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn.
Whether you’re a runner, a sneaker enthusiast, or just looking for a comfortable shoe to kick around in, there is just so much cool tech that you’ll want to see in these shoes.
In the midsole, there’s a crazy amount of compression in the heel and a crazy amount of compression in the forefoot. It feels great.
Pros
- Highly cushioned
- Stylish, Cozy, and comfy
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Enhanced heel lockdown
- Durable
Cons
- The heel-to-toe transition could be better.
Detail:
Ultra Boost Light has a modern and sleek look.
The firm rear rubber is durable and provides excellent traction, while the front continental rubber provides grip and allows for a smooth roll-through.
We found it to be gripping enough to provide stability while also being easy enough to allow for a more fluid gate.
It is less squishy and more quickly rebounding than Boost in terms of cushioning.
Also, it is lightweight, provides support and comfort, and fits true to size. The upper is made from recycled waste materials, which adds to their appeal.
Lastly, it has a heel lockdown feature that works well and relieves heel stress. If you’re a rearfoot, midfoot, or forefoot striker, these shoes will provide some protection.
See Full: Adidas Ultra Boost Light Review
2-DAME 8 BASKETBALL SHOES (Best adidas basketball shoes for outdoor)
Overall Rating
Shoe Specs
Infohoops Verdict
Overall, Dame 8 is a decent shoe for 120 bucks. The material is of good quality, and it felt comfortable on foot. Although it’s not the most minimal feeling, the foam is lighter, and there’s much more compression.
Other Experts Say?
These are very comfortable with a lot of compressions and good bounce, and I enjoyed the extra bounce I got from the heel when I was running down the court.
It’s a good cushioning setup if it doesn’t get smashed or compressed in a couple of months of heavy use, as it usually does.
It has excellent cushioning, a great core feel, and minimal break-in time.
Pros
- Impact protection in the heel
- Forefoot responsiveness
- Comfortable in-shoe feel
- Suitable to those with wide foot
- Okay, for outdoor courts
Cons
- Easily catches dust
- Traction is okay
Detail:
This Damien Lillard’s eighth signature shoe with Adidas is a good performer on a clean court with a solid bite.
But when we tried this product, we found out that it is a dust magnet, and wiping the outsole is also difficult.
The durability is okay with deep grooves and hard rubber, so you will be okay playing it outdoors.
The heel-to-toe transition is extremely smooth, and we got a full-length bounce pro for the cushioning setup.
The impact protection is amazing. Your feet are going to have a smooth feel like you’re walking on clouds or a marshmallow.
The material is like a textile mesh throughout this entire upper material composition. Additionally, Dame 8 is the best Adidas basketball shoes for wide feet.
See Full: Adidas Dame 8 Review
3-HARDEN VOL. 6 BASKETBALL SHOES (Best Adidas boost basketball shoes )
Overall Rating
Shoe Specs
Infohoops Verdict
The overall cushion is very responsive, and there’s not a lot of softness in the forefoot. Also, the material is soft and conforms to your foot very well.
Other Experts Say?
Once you break it, it gets softer and feels very, very nice on foot; another good thing about it is that it feels very supportive.
You’re getting much more surface area contact on the outside forefoot that will grab an outdoor court.
Material-wise, the toe box is not mesh; it feels very soft and bends pretty easily.
Pros
- Excellent traction
- Comfortable cushioning
- Great for agile movements
- Lateral stability
- Great ankle lockdown
- Suitable for outdoor games
Cons
- It has to be broken in
- Material quality is subpar
Detail:
For the Harden Vol 6, the traction we have got is a solid rubber outsole, and it’s all herringbone. So if you’re playing on a clean court, you’ll be getting a very good bite– it’s top-tier traction.
If you are playing in a dusty setting, however, it’s still pretty good, but then it does pick up dust. It was a very easy wipe. Also, you should be fine if you’re playing on an outdoor court.
After putting it to the test, we found the rubber is pretty damn hard, the grooves are deep, and there are many grooves, so that’s a good thing.
For the cushioning setup, we got a full-length boost, and the Boost is super nice, and it feels the same as the Harden Vol 1.
See Full: Adidas Harden Vol 6
4-T-MAC 1 BASKETBALL SHOES
Overall Rating
Shoe Specs
Infohoops Verdict
The T-Mac 1 does well on the court, particularly for more aggressive players. It is ideal for big men who require a lot of cushioning and enjoy playing outdoors.
Other Experts Say?
The material’s very durable. It is very supportive, but you need to break it down slightly.
You have this double-last midsole here, which is supposed to keep your foot closer to the midsole to give you that one-to-one fit.
Pros
- Solid support
- Durable build
- Suitable for wide-footer
- Good for outdoors
- Retro look
Cons
- It has to be broken in
- Ventilation needs to be improved
Detail:
Traction-wise, it performs well– very pliable. There’s very little flex in cushioning, and the foam needs break-in time.
They fit perfectly, but if you like that snug fit, go half-size down on these guys. But if you like it, just a loose fit, go with your true size, and you’ll be ready.
5-AGENT GIL RESTOMOD SHOES
Overall Rating
Shoe Specs
Infohoops Verdict
Overall, Agent Gil Restomod is a decent purchase with good traction. It has an old-school look which is attractive as well as nostalgic. Moreover, the addition of Boost gives a pretty good feel as well.
Other Experts Say?
The materials we got are suede which feels thin, like minimal-feeling materials. They’re overall supportive, and it conforms to my foot very well.
The sneaker’s durability is really good, and lateral support, of course, is coming mainly here on the patent leather around the midfoot part.
You have a pretty decent cushioning setup, and I like that bounce.
Pros
- Excellent traction
- Comfortable with good cushioning
- Good quality materials are used
- Suitable for wide feet
- Effective ankle lockdown
- Nice old-school look
Cons
- Needs time to break-in
- Heavier than average.
Detail:
Gil Restomid has good traction with herringbone pattern. It has some circles and is like a wave bone– like a wave-wavy herringbone.
The shoe has a solid bite on the floor though it is picking up dust. However, it performs well on Dusty setting on a clean cord.
As per our expertise, the durability seems like it could be better since the rubber is very soft. They probably could be better shoes for outdoors.
Cushioning setup has good impact protection and feels more like a responsive cushioning setup.
There are better options for impact production, compression, and bounce, but they are adequate for hard impacts.
The material is soft and conforms to the foot, though it feels slightly more rigid.
For the fit, we recommend going true to size. Lastly, the weight is an ounce and a half to an ounce heavier than average which is why this shoe feels heavy.
6-HARDEN STEPBACK 3 SHOES
Overall Rating
Shoe Specs
Infohoops Verdict
The Adidas Stepback 3 is another budget basketball shoe on the market. Traction, support, and lockdown are all superb. Just remember to wipe away the dust for consistent traction. The cushion, however, is not bouncy but provides excellent impact protection. Overall, it’s a good low-cost basketball shoe.
Other Experts Say?
The material, so we have textile mesh. It’s really thin and conforms to your foot very well. I do like it here in the forefoot, and also very supportive, and in the ankle area, we have a good amount of padding. It feels nice and cozy.
For outdoor use and durability, you should be fine. The rubber is very hard, and the grooves are thick and deep, so outdoor use should be good to go.
My favorite part of the shoe is that they did a nice job with the linear tread pattern and more of the topographical map-type patterns.
Pros
- Excellent bite on the court
- A lot of courts feel
- Good energy return
- Comfortable wraparound
- Sufficiently supportive
- Ergonomic design
- Fast break-in
- Value for money
Cons
- Not for outdoor use
- Dust-prone outsole
- Cheap-feeling materials
Detail:
The traction of Harden Stepback 3 is incredible, with good durability due to the rubber and the grooves that are thick and pretty deep.
For the cushioning setup, we got full-length bounce, and bounce is usually nice. The material feels nice for the price of 95 bucks.
The size fits extremely well, so my toes go right to the edge of the shoe. Also, it is a normal fit. It’s not super narrow, not super wide.
For the support and lockdown, it is quite stiff, so that feels nice and secure.
See Full: Adidas Harden Stepback 3 Review
7-D.O.N. ISSUE #4 BASKETBALL SHOES
Overall Rating
Shoe Specs
Infohoops Verdict
If you want something super cozy and very comfortable, DON Issue 4 is a great option. It has good support for thin materials and it feels cozy in the back of the shoe and has a really good cushion.
Other Experts Say?
It has adequate support right here in the forefoot and midfield, but if you are looking for ankle support, there are better options than this one.
It’s like a textile mesh that could be cheaper with a more secure lacing system.
The upper is more of a knit material, so it is breathable, and this shoe’s interior padded lining feels comfortable for my feet.
Pros
- Excellent traction on clean courts
- Smooth transitions
- True to size
- Durable and okay for outdoors
- Incredible cushioning setup
Cons
- It has to be broken in
- Feels a little heavier than normal shoes.
Detail:
DON Issue 4 performs well on a clean court, but you do have to break it in a little bit. But it doesn’t perform well in that dusty setting– it is a pretty easy wipe though.
We have found from using this product that it’s grooves are deep, and the rubber is hard, so you should be okay outdoors.
The cushioning setup is a full-length light strike, which is not the best option, but if you’re doing heel strikes and hard impacts, you should be fine.
8-HOOPS 3.0 MID CLASSIC VINTAGE SHOES (Best adidas basketball shoes for ankle support)
Overall Rating
Shoe Specs
Infohoops Verdict
Overall these basketball shoes are a great investment for basketball players. The shoe offers excellent traction, ankle support, and comfort, which is essential for any basketball shoe. Some potential downsides, such as the sizing and Arc support, can be addressed by trying on the shoes and adding insoles if necessary. All-in-all, we highly recommend the Adidas men’s Hoops 3.0 mid-basketball shoes.
Other Experts Say?
These basketball shoes have several advantages, making them a great choice for basketball players. The shoe offers excellent traction on the coat, making it easy for players to make quick turns and movements.
Pros
- Excellent traction
- Comfortable with good support
- Lightweight
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Fewer colorway options
- Narrow fit
- Not enough arc support
Detail:
Hoops 3.0 are designed with a durable synthetic leather upper that offers a comfortable fit and feel.
The shoe features a mid-top design that provides extra support to the ankle—making it a great option for basketball players.
The shoe also features a padded collar and tongue, adding extra comfort and support to the fit.
Its outsole is made of non-marking rubber, providing excellent coat traction.
When we used this product, we found that it has a pivot point allowing quick and easy turns on the coat. The shoe is designed with a lace-up closure that offers a secure and snug fit, preventing any slipping or sliding while playing.
The mid-top design of the shoe provides extra support to the ankle reducing the risk of injury.
Additionally, the padded collar and tongue of the shoe provide additional comfort, making it easier for players to wear them for extended periods.
One of the disadvantages of these basketball shoes is that they may only fit true to size for some.
Another potential disadvantage is that the shoe may not provide enough Arc support for some players, leading to discomfort and pain during prolonged use.
9-OWN THE GAME 2.0 SHOES (Best cheap Adidas basketball shoes)
Overall Rating
Shoe Specs
Infohoops Verdict
If you’re looking to save money and are not too worried about the aesthetics, this is a solid performer. The shoe feels extremely light and minimal, and you feel very responsive when playing it.
Other Experts Say?
The quality of the materials and the foam could be better, but you can’t complain, especially because of the price tag.
The majority of this shoe will be, you know, that mesh feel, and it makes the shoe super breathable and light.
The traction will have a lot of little abrasions throughout, and that’s good because it will help you grip.
Pros
- Excellent traction
- Good support and lockdown
- Very comfortable feel
- Lightweight and breathable material
- True-to-size fit
- Good value for money
Cons
- Not for outdoor use
- Not suitable for a wide foot
Detail:
Own The Game 2.0 is the cheapest shoe Adidas offers for basketball g. The traction seems very durable, though the rubber is extremely hard, the tread is super thick, and the goose is deep.
So if you play outdoors in it, you should be fine. It does pick up dust if you’re playing on a dusty court.
The heel-to-toe is okay and, surprisingly, is very smooth with responsive cushioning.
Our findings show that Own The Game uses basic mesh material which is super thin; it conforms to your foot very well and is comfortable and minimal.
10-BYW SELECT SHOES
Overall Rating
Shoe Specs
Infohoops Verdict
Overall, Adidas BYW Select is a top-tier performer. This shoe has you covered whether you’re a player who needs a lot of impact protection or an athlete whose footwork magic depends on a lot of court feel.
Other Experts Say?
The Adidas BYW Select basketball shoe is responsive and comfortable. The cushioning is good, and the traction works as it should.
It’s soft, it’s comfortable, and the overall core feel is nice.The traction is awesome. This doesn’t squeak too much, but it will hold good traction on the floor.
The shoe I like so far it’s pretty damn comfortable. It feels very thin and minimal but also feels very supportive and comfortable.
Pros
- Excellent traction on clean courts
- A lot of forefoot court feel
- Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
- Aesthetically attractive
- Comfortable cushioning
Cons
- Not suitable outdoors
- Dust-prone traction pattern
Detail:
Adidas BYW Select is a bit expensive, but it’s a nice shoe to play with. The traction is top-tier and if you’re playing on a clean court, you have amazing stops.
It does pick up more dust, but if you do wipe it, it should be fine.
As per our expertise, the cushioning setup is super nice, having a soft stroll board in the heel– so stepping in comfort under the cushion is good.
Moreover, the impact protection is great, just the heel does get pretty thick.
The material however, is of low quality, but it does feel nice on foot– it is thin and supports and conforms to your foot very well. The upper lateral containment is great and it’s a good-looking shoe.
11-ADIZERO ROSE 1.5 RESTOMOD
Overall Rating
Shoe Specs
Infohoops Verdict
Overall material for the given price is not of great quality, but on foot, it feels too comfortable and conforms the foot pretty damn well. It’s a good performer. Just make sure you’re playing on a clean court.
Other Experts Say?
It feels very supportive, and I was surprised to feel like there was no pinching, like a little bit where the shoe bends on top of your foot but not as bad as the Harden Volume 1.
Traction will have to stand out more than I feel it has plus.
It could look better casually, but it works well for performance. Additionally, it’s a heel counter or a heel cup that is fully exposed, so that thing works extremely well.
Pros
- Good traction
- Durable
- Suitable for outdoors
- Excellent cushioning
Cons
- Material quality is okay
- Picks up dust quickly
Detail:
The traction of Rose 1.5 performs well on a clean court and has a good bite.
We wouldn’t say it’s topped compared to the curry 8 curry and 9 kd-14 mb1, as those have really good bites.
After using it, we found that it picks up dust quickly, so bad performance in a dusty setting. As far as outdoor use goes, you should be fine.
For the cushioning setup, they have adiprene midsoles, and the rest have a full-length light strike, which feels pretty nice– Not the best option, though.
The tongue is minimal, with no padding, and the ventilation needs to be improved.
All-in-all, a good option with great impact protection.
12-HARDEN VOLUME 7
Overall Rating
Shoe Specs
Infohoops Verdict
The Adidas Harden Vol 7 is a versatile performer that is suitable for the majority of players. It is an excellent choice for bigger players who require impact protection and lateral support and athletes who play primarily on indoor and well-maintained courts.
Other Experts Say?
In terms of torsional support, you’re also covered because this shoe features a bottom-loaded shank plate, which adds rigidity to the shoe.
The Adidas Harden Vol. 7 is one of the best basketball shoes available. The cushioning and support are excellent, and the traction pattern is aggressive and consistent.
The cushioning setup with a subtle balance was comfortable, and the materials felt great on foot. It didn’t feel stiff.
Pros
- Traction excellent
- Heel-to-toe transition is smooth
- Durable, with an insane grip
- Comfortable and supportive heel area
- True-to-size fit
- Impressive balance in cushioning
Cons
- Not suitable for outdoor use.
- Materials are not high-quality and breathable.
Detail:
Based on our firsthand experience, this Harden signature shoe proved to have an excellent traction as long as you wipe down dusty courts.
The shoe features Boost in the heel and Lightstrike in the forefoot for a firm but bouncy and cushioned ride.
Although the materials are comfortable, they could be better quality and breathable. The shoe’s form-fitting materials and solid base provide support.
See Full: Adidas harden vol 7 Review
Things To Consider Before Buying Adidas Basketball Shoes
When shopping for basketball shoes, these are the main factors to consider:
- One of the most distinguishing features of a shoe that makes it suitable for certain types of players and play styles is the ankle collar length.
1. High Top
High ankle shoes are identified by a reinforced high ankle collar that completely encloses the ankle.
2. Mid-top
These shoes’ mid-ankle collar just covers the ankle and provides an all-around performance with a balance of features ideal for small forwards and shooting guards.
3. Low Top
Low ankle shoes are ideal for quick and shifty players who require responsiveness to match their agility.
- Look for uppers that are designed for lightweight support and breathability, as these are essential features for all types of players.
- Consider your playing style when it comes to midsole cushioning. If you value comfort and flexible cushioned support, consider a shoe with Boost or Bounce in the midsole.
Lightstrike’s snappy midsole cushioning will keep up with your moves if you want quick response and speed.
- The traction of the shoe is the bottom of the shoe that grips the floor and allows you to move quickly and easily.
To do this, two criteria must be considered.
- To select the proper type of traction, you must first decide which court you will play on. After that, you can determine which type of shoe you have by researching it or moving the rubber with your nail. If the rubber is stiff, the shoe is an outdoor shoe; otherwise, it is an indoor shoe.
- The traction pattern on a shoe should be multi-directional for better grip.
Conclusion
Once you’ve chosen which basketball shoes to purchase, it’s time to put them to use and personalize them.
Breaking in basketball shoes is a simple process—remember, they should be comfortable right out of the box.
When you put them on, find a court, and play a full 60-minute basketball workout at game speed, the shoes will quickly become comfortable and feel like your own.
We hope this article helped you find out the best Adidas basketball shoes.
FAQs
Do any NBA players wear Adidas shoes?
James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Damian Lillard, Trae Young, Derrick Rose, and Kristaps Porzingis are a few of the more well-known players currently signed with Adidas and actively playing.
Can Adidas Superstar be used for basketball?
Yes, it can be used for basketball.
