10 Best High Top Basketball Shoes 2023

As a basketball enthusiast and coach, I understand the importance of having the right gear on the court. 

High-top basketball shoes are one of the many essential items for any basketball player, providing the necessary support, stability, and comfort. 

Whether you’re a beginner, a recreational player, or a seasoned pro, investing in the best high-top basketball shoes can improve your performance and reduce your risk of injury. 

Top Choice as Best High Top Basketball Shoes:

Product

Features

Pirce

1-New Balance Kawaii 2

Best Overall

2-Nike GT Jump

Runner Up

3-Lebron 19

Best Nike 

4-Air Jordan 1 

Best Ankle Support

5- Air Jordan XXXVI

Best Budget

Here are 10 Best High Top Basketball Shoes :

1. New Balance Kawahi 2 (best high top basketball shoes of all time)

Overall Rating

9

Shoe Specs

  • Release Year: 2022
  • Size: Slim fit (snug)
  • Weight: 326g
  • Top: High-top
  •  Lockdown: Lace-up
  •  Material: Fit weave Lite

Infohoops Verdict

The Kawhi Leonard signature shoe from New Balance is a good move in the right direction. After a brief break-in period, the traction bites on almost any surface. This shoe is more breathable and pliable without jeopardizing the shoe’s ability to provide excellent foot containment.

Other Experts Say?

Foot Doctor Zach

These are the best shoes if you’re looking for a super durable shoe that can grip any surface.

The Sole Brothers

If you’re playing on an outdoor court, it is a very durable outsole, so overall, the traction performance was good.

WearTesters

It’s aggressive on top of that, so I think this will be an excellent indoor and outdoor option.

Pros

  • Consistent grip
  • Excellent court feel
  • Great for quick guards
  • Outstanding support and lockdown
  • Light and breathable material
  • Great for outdoors

Cons

  • Needs time to break-in

Detail:

Drawing from our experience, the shoe’s traction is excellent on both clean and dusty courts. It does, however, require some break-in time.

The rubber is thick and translucent, with well-spaced grooves and just enough flexibility to flick dust and debris away most of the time. 

While the rubber is thick and relatively durable, the tread depth could be better, which could be an advantage for those looking for outdoor play in the Kawhi 2. 

The New Balance Kawhi 2 features full-length FuelCell foam underfoot. 

Like the Kawhi predecessor, the nitrogen-infused midsole feels denser than New Balance’s team models that use FuelCell. 

Furthermore, the Kawhi 2 cushion’s thinner profile makes the less plush feeling more noticeable, even after the break-in period. Overall, the cushion is only average.

The New Balance Kawhi 2 is a high-top, reliable performer shoe that offers ankle support. The ankle collar on the shoe is extremely high. It provides excellent support to the Achilles tendon. 

This basketball shoe is an excellent choice for those seeking a well-balanced cushioning system that accommodates a variety of playing styles.

Also, this is an excellent option if you want sneakers that are comfortable enough to wear off the court for long periods and durable enough to be used in outdoor games.

See Full: New Balance Kawhi 2 Review

2. Nike GT Jump

Overall Rating

8.8

Shoe Specs

  • Release Year: 2022
  • Size Medium Fit
  • Weight460g
  • Top: High Top
  • Lockdown: Lace up
  •  Material: Nike Jumpwire

Infohoops Verdict

Nike Air Zoom Jump provides excellent impact protection. It has great padding and support patterns that are packed with technology. The shoes are visually appealing and well-ventilated. Overall, a good purchase.

Other Experts Say?

Foot Doctor Zach

You get an excellent grip on the court, so these shoes are probably the best rebounding type of shoes.

The Sole Brothers

 I enjoyed the cushioning setup. It’s super fun, and the impact protection in the shoe is one of the best you can get right now.

Snkr Tech Talk

For the cushioning setup of the nike zoom gt jump, I would give this a solid 10 out of 10.

Pros

  • Very responsive cushion
  • Solid impact protection
  • Lateral stability and torsional rigidity
  • Maximum jump height
  • Breathable and durable material
  • Good traction

Cons

  • Not a good option for outdoor courts
  • Heavy

Detail:

The Nike Air Zoom GT Jump featured a classic herringbone pattern. The high-cut basketball shoe performs superbly on an indoor, lightly dusty court. 

As per our expertise, the floor bite and grip are incredible. However, it collects dust and is not suitable for outdoor courts.

The sneaker’s name suggests it will aid jumping and provide more push-off force. 

The shoe enhances these qualities by packing three different cushions in the Nike Air Cut GT Jump’s midsole. 

First and foremost, there is an insole that is not too marshmallow soft. Then you get a full-length Zoom Strobel to join forces with. 

A piece of Zoom Air is in the forefoot just below this one, and another is in the heel.

It has the best support features that anyone looking for basketball shoes should look for. 

The heel also has an internal TPU heel counter to protect the ankle. As a result, the shoe has good lateral stability.

It provides a comfortable one-on-one fit in a true-to-size pair. However, if you have wide feet, you should order a half size up for a comfortable fit.

It’s ideal for big guys and centers who are heavier and looking for a shoe that protects their knees and saves their joints on high jumps. 

See Full: Nike Air Zoom GT Jump Review

3.  Li-Ning Wade 808 2 Ultra (Best high top outdoor basketball shoes)

Overall Rating

8.7

Shoe Specs

  • Release Date: October 2022
  • Size: true to size
  •  Top: High Top
  • Lockdown: Lace up
  • Midsole:  BOOM drop-in
  •  Material: Leno weave

Infohoops Verdict

The Ultra V2 has excellent traction. It works well on all types of surfaces. The solid rubber options are excellent. It’s soft and comfortable while still being light. A redesigned heel and ankle section improves the Ultra version’s support and lockdown.

Other Experts Say?

Tommy Liu

It has excellent cushioning, the nice curved shape on the outsole will give you a smooth transition, and they are soft and responsive on feet.

The Sole Brothers

If you’re going to be playing on and out the court, also here in the middle of the outsole, it’s pretty cool because it is like a mesh material.

WearTesters

If we’re talking about price and everything, this is a great shoe, one of the best, with the most bang for your buck.

Pros

  • Incredible traction
  • Suitable for outdoors
  • Minimal and comfortable
  • True-to-size fit

Cons

  • You may feel a little heel slippage

Detail:

This is, without a doubt, the best feature of the Li-Ning Wade 808 2. The pattern is thick and multidirectional, and it screeches rather than squeaks. 

The medial side of the outsole is rounded, which is ideal for swift players. 

This performed well on every court we tried it on, and because the rubber used here is quite thick and durable, it would be an excellent choice for outdoor use.

The standard drop-in is made of Li-Ning’s Cloud foam, which is light, soft, comfortable, and smooth on the court. 

Impact protection is adequate, but court feel and responsiveness are prioritized.

We got true size in both pairs and would recommend it to most players. A half-size-up is recommended if you have wide feet because these are pretty snug through the midfoot.

Standard support features include a wide base and a nice forefoot outrigger. 

There’s also a small TPU midfoot shank that isn’t very strong, but a full-length TPU cage on the lateral side of the shoe that aids in torsional support and keeps the shoe from bending.

These shoes are best suited for players who prefer to play outside and want something similar to the Kobe line.

4.  Air Jordan XXXVI (Best cheap high top basketball shoes)

Overall Rating

8.6

Shoe Specs

  • Release Year: 2022
  •  Weight: 370g – 390g
  • Top: High-Top
  • Lockdown: Lace up
  • Midsole: Full-length Zoom 
  • Material: Jacquard lenoweave

Infohoops Verdict

The Air Jordan 36 has all the features that one would expect from the best basketball shoes, such as excellent cushioning, support, and material. The traction is fantastic and works well on both clean and dusty courts. It’s a powerful performer with an incredible full-length Zoom Air Strobel.

Other Experts Say?

Foot Doctor Zach

Compared to some other shoes, this one has a more robust compound for outdoor use

The Sole Brothers

Traction was good; pretty top-tier traction and cushioning setup are excellent, as Jordan 36 uses a full-length zoom strobe unit.

Hoop And Life

Jordan 36 has a multidirectional outsole pattern that provides stop-and-go traction. The traction on these works well. It made me feel, you know, quick on my feet.

Pros

  • Amazing traction
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Smooth heel-to-toe transition
  • Excellent impact protection
  • Responsive with good bounce

Cons

  • Lacks ankle support

Detail:

The Air Jordan 36 has standard herringbone traction. The herringbone tread pattern provides basic yet effective multidirectional traction. 

We discovered that the full-length Air Strobel is fantastic because it is plush and comfortable underfoot.

It’s incredibly snug, but even players with slightly wider feet can wear it true to size.

You will find all of the necessary support features.  

A heel counter is inside, and a shank plate is in the middle of the foot. They also have a relatively large base. 

The only issue was the protruding forefoot Zoom Air. It wobbles, which you will notice until you become accustomed to it. 

Guards and scorers who must propel themselves quickly to the basket will benefit from wearing this Air Jordan 36. It is also suitable for those who prefer a lot of impact protection.

See Full: Air Jordan 36 Review

5.  Lebron 19 (Best Nike high top basketball shoes)

Overall Rating

8.6

Shoe Specs

  • Release Year: 2022
  • Size: True-to-size
  • Weight: 550g – 570g
  •  Top: High-Top
  • Lockdown: Lace up
  •  Material: Mixture of textiles

Infohoops Verdict

Overall, you will have fun wearing Nike Lebron 19. It has an insane amount of bounce, and the cushion is fantastic. However, the traction and weight of the shoe hold it back. The cushioning is the standout performance aspect of the LeBron line, as it always is. The shoe provides adequate impact protection while remaining bouncy thanks to the forefoot Zoom Air.

Other Experts Say?

Foot Doctor Zach

The shoe holds up well, giving confidence to your footwork.

The Sole Brothers

It’s a crazy cushioning setup with a lot of compression and bounce, and, of course, impact protection is probably one of the best you can get.

Hes Kicks

Lebron 19 harnesses that energy with a lock-in fit and updated cushioning system.

Pros

  • Great cushioning setup
  • High-quality materials
  • Nice fit
  • Reliable support and lockdown

Cons

  • Traction is okayish
  • Heavy and feels bulky

Detail:

The Nike LeBron 19 features a rubber outsole with a distinctive traction pattern. The outsole of the Nike LeBron 19 features a micro-engineered pattern. 

The outsole can grip the floor reasonably well but could do much better.

However, the traction pattern on the Nike Lebron 19 basketball shoe is less reliable on dusty courts and outdoor areas. It quickly collects dust. A quick clean would improve its traction. 

The Nike LeBron 19 features a dual Air Max unit chamber in the heel and a connecting Air Max chamber that runs from the midfoot to the forefoot. 

A Nike Zoom Air unit provides cushioning in the forefoot, which gives the player a forward thrust. It makes your movements faster and faster.

Though it weighs more than average, the impact protection and cushioning are massive.

Given the amount of cushioning in this LeBron shoe, it’s clear that it’s designed for heavier men and/or people who prefer a lot of impact protection. 

This shoe is also ideal for those who enjoy high-end items and have the means to afford them.

See Full: Nike Lebron 19 Review

6.  Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG (best high top basketball shoes for ankle support)

Overall Rating

8.4

Shoe Specs

  • Release Year: 2023
  • Signature: Michael Jordan’s
  • Weight: 400g
  • Top: HighTop
  • Lockdown: Lace up
  • Material: Split-grain leather

Infohoops Verdict

It has a decent outsole grip, a true-to-size fit, and adequate rearfoot support. Many people consider the shoe a fashion sneaker and a collector’s item because of its rich history. Although the cushioning setup could be more impressive, these are still playable. The budget shoes also have excellent traction and court feel.

Other Experts Say?

Sean Go

If you have a narrow normal or slightly wide foot, true size should be fine for you unless you have a wide foot.

WearTesters

These guys are made of this material, so they don’t look shiny or anything. I adore it because it is very matte.

Hes Kicks

Because of its heritage, you should think about purchasing this sneaker when it becomes available.

Pros

  • Excellent traction
  • Very lightweight and durable
  • Breathable upper materials
  • No break-in time needed
  • No dust buildup
  • Lots of courts feel
  • Smooth steps

Cons

  • Cushioning could be better

Detail:

The multidirectional circles and the soft, flexible rubber give incredible traction from the front to the back. 

Based on our observations, the traction surface performed admirably outdoors and successfully on clean and dusty indoor courts.

A little compression would improve the cushion. The shoes are, at best, average and typical of a low-cost shoe.

Leather was chosen because it adds strength and durability and has a potential use.

Both the midfoot and the heel offer outstanding lockdown. 

You’ll notice that the fit becomes looser as you spend more time on the court due to moisture and heat buildup.

It is ideal for you if you prefer various color combinations and need a shoe that supports your ankles.

Additionally, this might be a great pick if you’re looking for footwear with both indoor and outdoor traction.

7. Nike Kyrie Infinity

Overall Rating

8.3

Shoe Specs

  • Release date: November 2022
  • Size: True-to-size
  • Weight: 370-390g
  • Top: High Top
  • Lockdown: Lace up
  • Material: Textile

Infohoops Verdict

This basketball shoe is perfect for guards who want to move quicker and more precisely to score more goals and ultimately win the game. In the end, the Nike Kyrie infinity is a superb shoe that works well with various playstyles.

Other Experts Say?

Foot Doctor Zach

This is one of Nike’s better setups in terms of cushion and responsiveness to your foot.

The Sole Brothers

Heel to toe transition is super smooth when you’re doing heel-dominant strides down the court. It feels very, very nice.

Snkr Tech Talk

The traction was terrific. It needed a little break-in time, but I found it remarkable after that.

Pros

  • Excellent traction on both clean dusty courts
  • Light and comfortable
  • Bouncy with a lot of forefoot flex
  • Satisfactorily supportive structure
  • Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
  • Okay outdoors

Cons

  • Material quality is not premium
  • Narrow fit

Detail:

Based on our first hand experience, the aggressive traction pattern of the Kyrie infinity is etched into the rubber. The traction was excellent, aided by the shoe’s lockdown and support.

The traction will have you stopping on a dime, making hard cuts, and locking down on defense. 

It worked just as well on outdoor courts though there are more durable outdoor play setups.

These shoes will give you a lot of traction when turning corners and changing directions.

The midsole is made of phylon, and there is a U-shaped zoom unit in the heel and a large zoom Strobel in the forefoot. 

The combination offers excellent impact protection and even feels bouncy while keeping you close to the ground, just like a traditional Kyrie shoe.

The materials used are both comfortable and perform well. They’re also lightweight and breathable. 

The lacing system aids in providing a comfortable fit for most people. 

This signature shoe is ideal for basketball players who prefer to avoid wiping the soles of their shoes regularly and those with narrow feet.

It’s also a good choice for guards and other ballers who prefer shoes built low to the ground.

See Full: Nike Kyrie Infinity Review

8. Air Jordan XXXVII (Best high top basketball shoes for wide feet)

Overall Rating

8.3

Shoe Specs

  • Release Date: Sep, 2022
  • Signature: Micheal Jordan
  • Weight: 400g
  • Top: HighTop
  • Lockdown: Lace up
  •  Material: Lenoweave

Infohoops Verdict

Overall, the cushioning, support, and traction are superb. They would be ideal for any big man with quick feet. The Jordan 37 is designed for indoor performance and shines on hardwood courts. The traction is excellent, and the materials provide a solid lockdown.

Other Experts Say?

Snkr Tech Talk

Regarding the traction pattern on the Air Jordan 37, I would give these a solid eight and a half out of ten.

The Sole Brothers

This is an excellent option if you’re looking for a highly well-ventilated material that’s super thin and feels pretty nice on foot.

WearTesters

I had an outstanding experience with traction. I also found the shoes’ outsole more durable than expected.

Pros

  • Excellent traction
  • Very responsive
  • Pronounced court feel
  • Torsional support
  • High impact protection
  • Suitable for flat feet players

Cons

  • Lack supportive features

Detail:

When we tested this product, we discovered that the Air Jordan 37 requires some break-in to be comfortable after the first few days. You’ll have a great bite if you’re playing on a clean court.

However, the dust performance could be improved. It attracts dust, but it cleans up easily.

The grooves on the Jordan 37 are intense and thick for durability, and the rubber is tough, so you should be fine even if you play on an outdoor court.

The fit is superior to the Air Jordan 36. It accommodates slightly wider feet better. 

For cushioning that helps in compression and bounce, we have a double-stacked Zoom unit in the forefoot and Formula 23 in the heel. 

This is an excellent option if you want a lot of compressions and balance in the forefoot.However, there may be better options if you want something more responsive and mellow. 

We recommend these shoes for forefoot-heavy players looking for a bouncy setup.

See Full: Air Jordan 37 Review

9. Nike Lebron 18

Overall Rating

8.1

Shoe Specs

  • Size: true to size
  • Top: High Top
  • Lockdown: Lace up
  •  Midsole: Air Max unit
  • Material:  Batleknit.

Infohoops Verdict

The LeBron 18 has good traction on clean courts but needs more traction on dusty courts. The outsole’s rubber is durable enough for outdoor use. The LeBron 18 is a comfortable shoe that is better suited to big men who can benefit from the cushioning and don’t make many sharp cuts.

Other Experts Say?

The Sole Brothers

This shoe is very nice, and I really enjoyed playing with it, especially since I was playing outside.

WearTesters

The traction on these is much better than what I had experienced on the LeBron 17.

Hoop And Life

The material on these is extremely strong and durable.

Pros

  • Good traction
  • Incredible protection
  • Suitable heavy athletes
  • Premium Materials
  • Durable

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Needs breaking in

Detail:

After trying out the Nike LeBron 18, we found its traction consistent and worked wonders indoors. We like how the flex grooves always kept the rubber in contact with the floor. 

They’ve also held well outside. Not exceptionally durable, but effective. 

A Cushlon midsole surrounds a full-length Zoom Strobel and a rear Air Max unit. 

Having this much cushion can sometimes make it too soft, causing lag time with your movements. However, the combination of cushioning systems worked well with little delay. 

The LeBron 18 fits true to size, but the materials require some break-in time. The shoe’s support is its weak point, as there were issues with lateral stability and containment due to the soft and high-off-the-ground outsole. 

The Nike LeBron 18 is ideal for heavier players who need good cushioning and don’t do a lot of quick direction changes and lateral movements.

10. Nike Air Deldon

Overall Rating

7.2

Shoe Specs

  • Release Year: 2022
  • Size: true to size
  • Top: High Top
  • Lockdown: Lace up
  • Midsole: Full-length Air
  •  Material: Synthetic leather

Infohoops Verdict

The Nike Air Deldon is one of the most creative shoes available. It allows you to move in various directions and provides a wide range of motion for your footwork. In terms of performance, the Nike Air Deldon is a mixed bag. Although the traction could be improved, the cushioning and support are excellent.

Other Experts Say?

Foot Doctor Zach

I was pleasantly surprised about the forefoot getting into the fit of the Deldon because she was super expandable.

The Sole Brothers

There is good compression here in the heel, so it doesn’t feel too bad here in the heel, and then in the forefoot, we have an excellent curved shape.

WearTesters

It is super functional, which again is what this is, which is fantastic, and this is just one of the most interesting signature shoes ever.

Pros

  • Comfortable cushion setup
  • Secure lockdown with stable support
  • Supportive fit

Cons

  • Inconsistent traction
  • Poor quality materials

Detail:

We have found from using this product that the traction could be better at stopping on a dime. The grip is decent, though.

When there is dust, the traction is poor which worked well if the court was freshly maintained.

The foam is comfortable, and we appreciate the full-length Air Strobel unit. The forefoot Zoom unit also provides some bounce.

The heel comfort and padding are great, and the rest of the upper is thin but could be more breathable. Overall, the quality is subpar.

Keep in mind that there is no internal heel counter. The forefoot is secure, but the rear foot is not.

A full-length Air Strobel and a forefoot Zoom unit provide cushioning, and the setup is comfortable while still offering some bounce. 

Despite lacking a traditional heel counter, the support and lockdown are surprisingly stable. 

It is also excellent for players who enjoy full-length Air and play on clean courts.

Things To Consider Before Buying The Best High Top Basketball Shoes

Why choose high tops?

  • High tops make big and heavy players feel safer and more protected.
  • Many people prefer the classic and vintage look of high tops.
  • Modern materials significantly reduce shoe weight.
  • Support and Stability: Support and stability are essential for high-top basketball shoes. Look for shoes with sturdy ankle collars and firm lacing systems to ensure excellent ankle support. 

This reduces the risk of sprains and other injuries during quick movements and direction changes. Furthermore, shoes with reinforced midsoles and outsoles provide increased stability and prevent excessive foot rolling.

  • Cushioning and Impact Protection: Because basketball is a high-impact sport, proper shoe cushioning and impact protection are essential. Look for Nike Zoom Air, Adidas Boost, or Under Armour HOVR models with responsive cushioning technologies. 

These cushioning systems absorb shock and provide maximum energy return, allowing you to move readily while reducing the strain on your joints.

  • Traction: On the basketball court, good traction is essential for maintaining grip and preventing slippage. 

Look for shoes with a long-lasting rubber outsole with multidirectional or herringbone patterns. These designs offer excellent traction and allow you to make quick cuts, stops, and direction changes without losing your balance.

  • Durability: Basketball shoes endure a lot of wear and tear due to the strenuous movements on the court. 

Choose shoes made of high-quality materials that can withstand the game’s demands. To ensure longevity, look for reinforced stitching, strong overlays, and long-lasting outsoles.

  • Fit and Comfort: Some high-top basketball shoes have extra cushioning or padding, each providing an extra bounce level. These are the kinds of shoes I’m looking for in this review.

Also, a basketball shoe should be properly fitted for maximum comfort and performance. Ensure the shoes you select fit comfortably without being too tight or loose. 

To ensure a good fit, try them on with basketball socks. Shoes with breathable uppers and lots of cushioning also add to the comfort during extended periods of play.

  • Budget: Last but not least, when choosing high-top basketball shoes, consider your budget. 

While top-tier models frequently come with the most up-to-date features and technologies, there are also excellent mid-range options that deliver reliable performance at a more reasonable price. 

Determine your price range in advance, then look for shoes that offer the best features for that price.

Also Check: Best Low Top Basketball Shoes

Conclusion

Finding the Best High Top Basketball Shoes can significantly improve your game and protect you from injuries. 

You can narrow your options and make an informed decision by considering factors such as support, stability, cushioning, traction, durability, fit, and personal preference. 

We hope this article helped you with the Best High Top Basketball Shoes.

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