7 Best Basketball Shoes For Guards 2022- Top Rated Picks

Wondering if anything like basketball shoes specifically for guards or point guards exist? The answer is Yes! Since we know that basketball teams have different kinds of players with varying styles of play. So there is a need for unique gadgets that fit each player and their playing styles, which makes sense as we know that there are 5 different positions allotted to the players; one of them is the Guard or Point Guard.

The point guard is the swiftest and most active player of all basketball players. To enhance their performance and dominance over the opponent, the sports brands develop the best basketball shoes for guards. However, there is a saturation in the market now, making it difficult to choose the perfect shoes for yourself. In this article, I will break down all the critical points you should consider while buying the shoes with a list of my favorite guard shoes.

But before digging in deep, here is a quick summary:

PUMA Clyde Hardwood– Best Overall

Under Armour Curry 7– Best Basketball Shoes For Shooting Guards

Adidas Dame 7– Best Guard Shoes

PUMA Clyde All-Pro – Responsive Shoes

PEAK Flash Basketball Shoes – Best Basketball Shoes For Point Guards

Nike PG 5 Basketball Shoes – Best PG Shoes

Adidas Own The Game – Best Cheapest Guard Shoes

List Of Top 7 Best Basketball Shoes For Guards 2022

All these reviews are based on my personal experience and customer reviews.

1) PUMA Clyde Hardwood- Best Overall

The PUMA Clyde Hardwood got a herringbone traction pattern in the forefoot with an amalgamation of throwback milk crate patterns in the midfoot and heel area. Besides, the rubber compound used in the sole makes it more tacky and grippy over the court. As a guard, you will get the best traction experience from these sneakers while quickly changing directions.

I tested these shoes on different courts, and from my experience, the outsole caught dust on a dusty floor. However, it does not let the traction go anywhere, surprising to me. It’s just you need to wipe the dust off of the outsole regularly. Otherwise, the traction is similar to that of Kobe 9 for me.

The cushion setup is near to perfect for the point guards. The ProFoam used in the sole makes these shoes extremely responsive and provides enough cushioning. As a guard, you have to stay close to the court as much as possible to make swift moves easily. These shoes have a low profile setup and keep you close to the ground.

The base is an old-school flat that maintains stability while slashing and jump shots. However, the outriggers are not very dramatic but offer due support and stability to the forefoot.

The sole is wrapped around with the TPU that ensures stability by caging your foot. However, you need to break in these shoes since the midsole might initially feel a bit hard.

The upper material is a mixture of synthetic and textile fabric that is great in comfort and strength. Despite the minimalized design, these shoes provide comfort and enhance your mobility.

The PUMA Clyde Hardwood has a low-top design that gives the guard more space to play freely. The nylon cables in the upper start from near the forefoot area to harness the forefoot section and snug your foot. But if you are scared of getting ankle injuries, you could use ankle braces for safety.

When it comes to which size you should go? I suggest you go a half size down since I was not feeling comfortable in my actual-sized sneakers. So I ended up getting a half size down that fit me perfectly after breaking them in. But I would recommend going to a retail store and trying them on by yourself before purchasing.

Overall these sneakers are up to the mark regarding comfort and performance to the look. Especially the prices are not much so you can enjoy premium quality without breaking the bank.

For me, PUMA did a perfect job by fusing the old into new to provide the ideal shoes for basketball players. From the comfort of softer textiles to the strength of genuine leather, they’ve got everything you wish to have in the best guard shoes. The traction is solid with a basic cushioning system. Overall the shoes look great off-court and perform great on the court.

2) Under Armour Curry 7- Best Basketball Shoes For Shooting Guards

Traction is something that you should not get worried about when it comes to the Curry shoes. Since Under Armour Curry 7 is coming from a player (Steph Curry) who is one of the best guards in basketball.

The traction pattern on the rubber compound is insane since a herringbone and the radial patterns grip the floor very well. The most fantastic thing for me is that you don’t need to wipe off the sole at all, no matter where you play. The amalgamation of traction patterns gives coverage in multiple directions, perfect for guards while crossing over their opponents.

Cushioning system is just perfect as there is a dual setup of the symbolic foam compounds of Under Armour. The dual design of HOVR and Micro G makes a stable platform that does not let the shoe sink under the foot. Moreover, its low profile also gives point guards and shooters more room to play aggressively. If I had to compare these with some other guard’s shoes, I would say they are pretty similar to Kyrie’s shoes.

The upper material is a fusion of textile and synthetic leather that gives reinforcement. The textile mesh in the forefoot keeps your feet cool by eliminating muggy air out and allowing the fresh air to enter the shoes. Besides, you do not require break-in time, so wear them and play basketball.

Overall, lockdown is excellent as padding in the Achilles and heel area. Since there is a risk of instability in low-top designs, there is a TPU moderator plate throughout the base that gives the extra support along with the internal heel counter. The placement of eyelets is also very clever, so when you lace up, it snugs your feet perfectly.

Now, if you are buying it online, I suggest going with your actual size. Otherwise, go and try them on by yourself for better fitting.

The Under Armour Curry 7 is the best option if you are looking for traction, stability, and fit. The quality and durability of the material is up to the mark that keeps your feet moisture-free while playing. The traction is solid with a firm cushioning system with a maximum court feel. The heel counter and TPU moderator plate along the base provide extra stability and support.

3) Adidas Dame 7- Best Guard Shoes

The Adidas Dame 7 is an upgrade of the previous model Adidas dame 6, so as the traction is. The traction pattern might seem like the previous model; however, this time, the traction is better, surprisingly. This unique traction pattern is great outdoors as well as indoor courts. However, you need to wipe off the dust now and then if you are playing on the dusty floor.

The Lightstrike cushioning setup is remarkable and provides good impact protection. Since the guards need to be swift with more court feel and responsiveness, these shoes got this. The cushion setup in the midsole provides support and comfort. Although it might feel a bit firmer initially, the cushion setup starts to soften up when you start running around in them for like 2 to 3 times.

The upper material is synthetic with a textile mesh to reinforce the overall structure. The synthetic material provides the design, and the textile mesh keeps the shoe ventilated. There is synthetic nubuck used in the collar that supports your heel and ankle area but not much. The Achilles pillows quilted inside the boots provide extra comfort.

There is extra wiring in the front collar side, like fake fly wires connected with the lacing structure so you can pull them to tighten the fitting around your foot. Also, you have some extra lacing options for a better lockdown and stability of your foot.

Since the guards need to be swift so the low-top design of these shoes would be perfect for them; however, there is not much support for your ankle, so you should be careful while playing aggressively.

I suggest going a size down since, for some customers, it feels a bit long and sloppy on its proper size. However, it would help if you tried on this in-store and then considered buying them.

The Adidas Dame 7 is an all-rounder overall for traction and perfect cushioning. It offers due to traction on outdoor courts as well as indoors. Plus, the low-top design and court feel allow you to make more swift moves like a guard. Besides, the colorways are incredible, making you look more dominant on and off the court.

4) PUMA Clyde All-Pro – Responsive Shoes

The PUMA Clyde All-Pro is the upgraded version of the PUMA Clyde Hardwood, so you got another mixture of their retro heritage with new performance tech; however, the tech part looks more dominant in these shoes.

The outsole is made of rubber with old-school traction patterns that look like the Boston Celtics floor and grip the outdoor courts and indoors perfectly. A pivot point in the forefoot area under the thumb provides excellent traction during lateral movements.

The cushion setup is also upgraded, which reminds me of the boost in Reebok JJ IV but with a mixture of ProForm+. The ProForm does feel a little lighter and bouncier than the previous proform. However, my favourite thing about these shoes is that there is an ortholite insole in there so as a guard you will get the stability and comfort all at the same time. Despite the upgrade in cushion setup, the responsiveness from the shoe is perfect for point guards.

The upper material is fascinating because it’s a multi-zone woven upper that reminds me of the Nike elite series. The synthetic and textile upper mixture provides excellent support with the minimal design. The black threading in the upper indicates the carbon zoning that feels a bit crispy, unlike the rest of the upper. This carbon zone is abrasion resistant, and it requires very little time to break in the shoes.

The retro look is retained by putting the old-school PUMA logo on the tongue, and the eyelets are woven, giving more reinforcement and perfect lockdown to your foot.

As far as the fit is concerned, they do fit proper to size, so that’s what I recommend.

Overall the PUMA Clyde All-Pro are great basketball shoes for point guards or players who like lightweight, comfortable but solid shoes. The structure gives you support and stability but lacks a bit of impact protection. As a guard, you will perform well due to its low-top design and make quick moves by staying close to the ground.

5) PEAK Flash Basketball Shoes- Best Basketball Shoes For Point Guards

The PEAK Flash Basketball Shoes from Lou Williams, a fantastic point guard and shooting guard and a 3-times NBA sixth man of the year. The traction, cushioning, and stability make them the best pg shoes.

The highlight for me is its unique tai-chi cushioning setup from Peak, which is legit stuff and makes the shoes very comfortable. It seems like Lou Williams put his experience in to make these shoes exclusively for point guards and casually for everybody. You can see the cushion underneath the traction, and it’s more cushion than the Peak TP 7. AFTER A HIGH JUMP DUNK, the EVA midsole gives ample support and impact protection. There is a different type of foam named P-Soon in the forefoot for impact protection.

The best thing about the cushion setup is the court feel and responsiveness. As a point guard, it is essential to stay as low as possible to the ground, and that’s what these shoes are offering.

The traction pattern of these shoes is a combination of herringbone on the lateral part and something like a brainy pattern on the medial portion. The herringbone pattern grips the floor and provides stability while making lateral movements. The carbon fiber midfoot shank in the sole offers torsional support since the cushion setup is very soft. It holds on the dusty floor also, and you need to wipe once in a while.

As far as support and stability are concerned, Peak covers it all. There’s a heel plate on the back for heel protection and support. There is the TPU plate for arch support and stability on the lateral part.

I’m a wide footer, and these shoes fit me perfectly with my actual size. However, some of the customers went down a size, so I recommend going down half a size or a size down for a better fit.

Overall the PEAK Flash Basketball Shoes are the best shoes for point guards or shooters from every aspect. You will get stability, support, and traction in the same shoes. Also, the boots look aesthetically pleasing with different colorways.

6) Nike PG 5- Best PG Shoes

The Nike PG 5 is an upgraded version of PG 4 and an all-rounder in performance. The changes in cushion setup make these shoes best for all kinds of basketball players who love court feel and responsiveness.

The traction pattern is identical to the Kobe 9, and it had GOAT traction. For me, the traction is impressive on outdoor and indoor courts, except that it wears out faster on the outdoor surface. I would recommend playing indoors only to make them last longer.

The transition from heel to toe goes pretty smooth due to the slight curve in the heel area. You also get enough heel compression with a good forefoot flex since there is a slight curve in the midsole. The midfoot chainplate in the middle of the outsole provides torsional support.

The cushion setup looks like PG 4, but it is not plush like last year and lower to the ground, providing more court feel and responsiveness. This kind of cushion setup would be great for point guards or shooters that like to stay closer to the ground with some compression.

The outsole rubber is pretty soft; however, in the heel area, much rigid material is used for less compression in that area. It also provides stability to the heel and ankle area while making quick moves. The impact protection is also excellent.

Move on to the material, so the upper material is quite similar to the PG 2 in quality. At first, when you wear these on, the material feels flimsy to me. But once you are break-in, it gets pretty softer and a lot better from the heat of your feet. The tongue is made from nylon material and has comfortable padding on foot.

There is padding in the ankle and Achilles area on the inner side for support and comfort. For me, these sneakers get the job done on this price budget; however, if you want something more premium, you should probably look elsewhere.

As the PG line goes with the narrow sizes, I suggest going with your actual size. It will snug your foot and give a perfect fitting. It might get a bit squeezy on the lateral foot area for some people since the foam extends up. So it is best to try them on first while buying.

I was moving on to support and a good lockdown. I had no issues with the lateral containment since there is a synthetic leather piece there. For heel support, there is the internal TPU heel counter. There is an outrigger in the outsole for stability, so you are good to go with the lateral movements despite the low-top design.

Overall the Nike PG 5 is a perfect shoe for a quality model within the budget price. If you are a wide footer, I would suggest going up half a size due to its narrow design. Besides, the shoes are effortless due to the high heel tab. This is a lightweight shoe with a minimal design yet very responsive.

7) Adidas Own The Game- Best Cheapest Guard Shoes

The Adidas Own The Game is the cheapest and most affordable option with excellent traction, support, and comfort. Besides, it is the best shoe for point guards with wide feet.

Starting with the traction and the traction on these is surprisingly excellent. The outsole is Adiwear rubber that catches dust quickly, so I suggest playing on the clean court if you often don’t like wiping off. Otherwise, the traction is good to go on any court.

The material is quite decent, especially in this price range. The upper is made up of synthetic material that gives structure to the shoes and provides protection to your feet. The mesh on the upper with the synthetic leather gives you a comfortable experience.

The Cloudfoam cushion setup is also very comfy and provides some impact protection. Also, the ortholite property of the cushion setup makes the shoe environment fresh and cool.

The shoes are lightweight with a minimal design that enables you to make swift changes in directions. The midsole is also supportive and gives stability to your foot.

The mid-top design with padding on the tongue and ankle area is perfect for a point guard since it provides stability, support, and comfort at the same time. The closure system is also convenient in that you can quickly tie up the laces and be ready to play the game.

The lateral movements are pretty stable as far as support and stability are concerned due to the outsole rubber extending up on the side. The heel pull also supports the heel area and prevents instability.

For me, the fit is a bit sloppy since I’m not a wide footer or heavy guy. so I would recommend going half a size down if you like a cradled fit. Some customers find it a bit narrow, so you should first try them before buying for a better fit.

For me, the Adidas Own The Game is just a steal with such unique features. Besides the size issues, I don’t see any flaw in these shoes in terms of the price range. If you like to play with court feel and responsiveness, these are perfect for you.

What to Consider While Choosing The Best Basketball Shoes for Guards or Shooters:

There are some important features you must look for before buying basketball shoes for yourself or your loved ones:

Traction:

The traction is the first and foremost thing you should be mindful of. As we know, the guards or shooters are the swiftest players on the court, so the shoe must grip the surface of the court firmly.

The traction of a shoe depends upon the material of the outsole and traction pattern. Herringbone and radial patterns provide more traction rather than other pattern styles.

Cushion:

Plushy cushion setup might help the bulky guys, but the cushioning must be responsive as a guard, allowing a great court feel. There is not much need for impact protection for shooters or point guards, so look for a low cushioning setup.

Support:

Since the guards prefer low and mid-top design shoes, there is less ankle support and protection. However, shooters and point guards require dribbling, crossover the opponents, and stopping on the dime.

So the best basketball shoes for explosive players should have the perfect lockdown with solid support near the base. Look for the boots with snug-fit that keep your foot from slipping around and stable. The extended outriggers and heel counters also provide more stability.

Style of Silhouette:

Guards need to be quick on the court. That’s why most guards prefer low or mid-top basketball shoes. They have a relatively lower cut around the ankles than traditional basketball shoes. This allows more freedom of movement and greater flexibility.

 Conclusion: 

In my opinion, there are three best basketball shoes for guards in the market right now:

PUMA Clyde Hardwood– Best Overall

Under Armour Curry 7– Best Basketball Shoes For Shooting Guards

Nike PG 5 Basketball Shoes – Best PG Shoes

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