10 Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes [2023]

People who love to play basketball know well that it is an indoor game. But usually, we all start playing basketball in our backyards or some outdoor basketball courts. That’s why the accessories required to play on the hard blacktop surfaces should be compatible and unique with the outdoor environment. However, the brands of basketball shoes typically put more effort into creating the perfect indoor ones, and there are limited options for the best outdoor basketball shoes.

Now the question is, what features should you consider while looking for outdoor basketball shoes? There are a few things that you should be mindful of.

• First, the traction pattern design must be broad so the dust won’t trap between the grooves.
• The outsole rubber should be thick so it won’t be worn out easily.
• Must be medium or high top design to protect ankles.
• The shoes must not be too expensive as you will play on rough surfaces, so the shoes would not stay in good condition for long.
• Lastly, the upper material should be tough to withstand wild games.

Since the brands don’t make exclusive shoes for the outdoors, you have to find the one by reading hundreds if not thousands of reviews and hope that the shoes you choose are perfect for outdoor conditions.

Don’t panic; we have done the research for you by reading 567 real-time user reviews on almost 158 sports shoes from different brands. And choose some of the best outdoor basketball shoes from which you can pick. Also, I include some of my personal used outdoor basketball shoes.

List Of Top 10 Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes 2022:

 

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

 

1) Adidas Dame 5: Outdoor Court Basketball Shoe for Wide Footers

The main highlight of the Adidas Dame 5 is not only that it comes from Damian Lillard but also its grip and comfort. The American point guard ensured outdoor basketball players got what they asked for. People loved the traction and grip it provided while making fast rough cuts.

The Dame 5 has the best herringbone implementation till now because it spreads all over the outsole, from heel to toe. The traction lines are thick and widely apart, allowing it to grip the outdoor court perfectly without trapping dust between the grooves.

The outsole rubber on these bad boys is firm, ensuring durability and a longer lifetime even on harsh outdoor surfaces. For some people, these shoes felt a little slick initially, but after breaking them in, they hold every floor.

The Bounce cushion setup has been used in the past four models of the Dame line. However, this time it is plusher than the previous model ‘Dame 4’, which was too low to the ground to give more court feel. Still, it will not slow you down and give you the court feel with some extra plushness and bounce to your step.

The shoes come in two different material options. One is a mesh version, and the other is synthetic leather. People didn’t notice much of a difference in both of them performance-wise. Perhaps they felt identical and worked well on the outdoor surface.

I recommend going down half a size for a snug fit for people with narrow feet because the shoe design went a little longer. Despite the long fitting, it does not feel sloppy to some people. I believe the reason must be the extra inner padding for its excellent lockdown. So when you lace the shoes up, they suck your foot into the midfoot and draw you into the rear of the shoes. However, the design is perfect for wide footers.

2) Adidas Men’s Pro Next:  Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes for Beginners

Usually, I avoid playing outdoors for many reasons, one of which is the lack of outdoor basketball shoes with perfect traction, support, and comfort. However, I had to start playing outdoors during Covid, when gyms and indoor basketball courts were closed. I bought the Adidas Men’s Pro Next after checking online reviews, and I was pleasantly surprised by its traction and comfort.

The first thing I felt after wearing the Adidas Men’s Pro Next was comfort! Usually, people claim that Adidas feels like plastic on the feet, but after wearing these bad boys, I disagree with that. The perfect blend of textile and synthetic upper made them the most comfortable outdoor court basketball shoes. The ventilation is excellent; my feet won’t get sweaty even after playing for hours.

Also, the traction patterns are not insane, but they provide what I looked for on the court.

It has a zonal herringbone traction pattern in the outsole, making these shoes perfect for the outdoors. I felt support on the lateral movements, which I believe was due to the vertical herringbone pattern. Plus, I did not frequently have to wipe the dust off due to this pattern combination.

The lockdown is impressive most of the time; I believe it comes from the lacing system that locks down the foot into the footbed. I like its aesthetic look also.

What happens in most basketball shoes for outdoor courts is they lack one main feature while covering the other. However, I did not feel the same in Adidas Men’s Pro Next. The CloudFoam cushion setup has bounce and comfort at the same time. Also, the responsiveness and impact protection was incredible at each jump.

The mid-top cut supports your ankle and prevents instability while making quick moves. The shoes have a broad base for stability on lateral movements.

3) Under Armour Embiid 1: Best Outdoor Hoop Shoes for Serious Players

We have seen instability and little grip to the ground in most basketball shoes with vibrant traction patterns. However, despite its dynamic traction pattern, the Under Armour Embiid 1 is excellently built to grip the outdoor surfaces. I felt an instant bite and stability on the outdoor courts during swift moves and rough cuts. Unlike other expensive basketball shoes, the traction pattern in these shoes is functional and provides overall coverage. Even some people compared it with Kobe 9 in terms of adhesion to the ground.

Another prominent feature that makes any shoe the best outdoor basketball shoe is the thickness of the outsole. The rubber outsole is thick and slightly extends up to the shoes that support you while making quick shifts. Moreover, it also enhances the shoe’s durability and lifespan by reducing the wear and tear of traction pattern grooves.

The perfect blend of cushioning setup in these shoes did not cut off my circulation yet provided comfort. The full-length Micro-G cushion placement offers comfort, and the HOVR under the heel area propels forward. Unlike Curry 7 with the same combo cushion setup, Under Armour Embiid 1 has stability.

I started playing just after they came and felt no irritation or blisters, so I believe no break-in time is required. The ventilation was also excellent due to the mesh upper, and the TPU panels on stress zone areas ensure sturdiness.

The lockdown and midfoot containment were perfect for me due to the side wings. Moreover, I experienced some extra support that comes from the midfoot shank. Another little but important thing was its midsole which made me feel more comfortable while playing basketball.

4) Nike Air Force 1: Best Casual Basketball Shoes

Yes, just like you, I was also surprised by the number of people who love playing outdoor basketball in these low-tops. The Nike Air Force 1 is one of the best casual basketball shoes you wear confidently during your closing games. These sneakers’ sleek design and engineering made them perfect for on-court and off-court performance.

Since Covid spread, people who love basketball started playing on outdoor courts, in their backyards, or on the streets. Street basketball was already famous but grew more during Covid, so players began buying more sneakers instead of actual basketball shoes.

That’s because sneakers are comparatively less expensive and comfy to play basketball, even on hard surfaces. And the Nike Air Force 1 is one of the best street basketball shoes due to its plush material and durable outsole.

What people love most about these sneakers is their top-quality leather material that keeps their feet unstrained and comfortable even after playing for hours. These sneakers are not made to play outdoor basketball, yet the outsole is rugged and grips the ground each time.

Most players experience the same responsiveness and impact protection they used to get from actual basketball shoes. Some people even said it was better than their previous basketball shoes specially made to play basketball. This is the reason that makes it one of the best outdoor basketball shoes.

For me, these sneakers are not only rich in style but also rich in durability. The combination of leather and textile upper confirms its longevity and reliability. However, some people complained that the upper started creasing after a few games, which is typical in original leather shoes, so that’s not the problem. In fact, I believe the creasing gives more texture to the sneakers, and I like them.

These sneakers went true to size for wide footers, but people with narrow feet also enjoyed playing in them. But if you like a snug fit, you should go half a size down.

5) Adidas Men’s Hoop Sneakers – Best Outdoor Basketball Sneakers

Many famous players use different street basketball techniques to dodge their opponents, which the coaches do not teach in the academy. If you are a basketball lover, you must know that actual talent has been made in street games forever. And to learn those skills, you must get the best outdoor basketball sneakers.

The mid-top Adidas Men’s Hoop Sneaker is the best street basketball shoe because outfits exceptional traction. Usually, people do not like sneakers to play basketball, but these bad boys got several fans due to their outdoor floor adhesion. I had to wipe the outsole slightly while playing on a dusty court, but still, the grip was excellent.

Other sneakers lack arch support and expose the ankle, which can cause potential danger to the ankles. However, my ankles were secure and supported by the inner padding, and I got ankle support. The arch support was not insane, but unlike other sneakers, there was a little arch support that felt good.

If you are an average basketball player, you will love its comfy fit and perfect size, which adjusts the foot and ankle appropriately to handle all the jumping and running needs. Moreover, I love these sneakers’ aesthetic look so I can wear them in casual meetings.

Lockdown was perfect, and it snugs my foot like a glove. Also, it runs true to size, but if you have wide feet, you can go half a size up. The people with lesser wide feet had no fitting issues after the break-in.

6) PEAK High Top Basketball Sneakers – Best Basketball Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor

The PEAK High Top Basketball Sneakers are comfortable enough to provide a supportive, stylish, and highly functional performance on indoor and outdoor courts. Even they are less expensive than some Nike sneakers with the same functional features. However, the quality was excellent, and they did not feel cheap.

The sole needs a break-in time because some people feel a film or layer on the outsole that needs to be worn down a bit for better grip. I usually wear these sneakers for a walk or two to break them in before playing basketball. Otherwise, it has the perfect thick outsole rubber for playing outdoor basketball.

The cushioning felt slightly hard, so I would not suggest these sneakers to those who require an extra plushy outsole. However, I had no issues with the cushioning since I used an insole.

The lockdown was incredible without cutting off the circulation due to the lacing system. Arch support was also quite nice, not too low and not too high. Also, the heel support was pretty good and cupped the heel quite well.

There was enough space to wiggle my fingers in the toe box, and the shoes were breathable. The upper mesh design reminds me of Nike’s Flyknit wrapped around with durable rubber but in lesser bucks spent.

It runs true to size for me, but some people had issues with the size. I would suggest going with your actual size and replacing it if it won’t fit you, or try it out first in the store.

7) Nike Precision Iii Basketball Shoes– Best Cheap Outdoor Basketball Shoes

Basketball is a game that everybody plays irrespective of any discrimination. However, not everybody can afford professional expensive basketball shoes. And Nike is taking care of that by providing affordable shoes like Nike Precision Iii Basketball Shoes. Despite its low price, the quality and traction are excellent.

During playing basketball, I came by a comfortable and comprehensive combination of cushion lining and containment. Also, it is exceptionally lightweight and contains midsoles, which provides even more effective performance. That makes these shoes ideal for long-term use.

Due to its multi-directional traction pattern, I could move my feet unrestrictedly on all kinds of playing courts. However, it lacks some support movements, especially lateral lockdown. So I would not suggest these shoes for a heavy player or who needs more supportive shoes.

Another factor that makes these sneakers a personal choice is their high-quality manufactured material to provide service. In addition to this, I did not have to worry about any soft cuts and hard steps while playing basketball. These durable basketball shoes compensate for all the ground losses and are highly efficient and reliable for my stunt moves.

It fit me like a glove, and that’s because of its round toe structure and padded footbed. Furthermore, it contains a specialized and highly innovative engineered quarter panel. It enhances the fitting and comfortability of my feet to a great extent. It runs true to size for most people, so the suggestion is to go with your actual size.

The ventilation was also perfect since I played basketball for hours wearing them. I think these are the best cheap outdoor basketball shoes that will deliver an excellent and responsive court feel.

8) Under Armour Ua Curry 2.5: Best Durable Basketball Shoes

The second name of durability is Under Armour, which proves to be true with the Under Armour Ua Curry 2.5. While playing outdoors, the most concerning point after traction is the quality of the shoe. But Under Armour continuously produces tough kicks, making the competition more challenging for other sporting brands.

Usually, I do not spend much money on expensive outdoor basketball shoes; I instead try to buy cheap outdoor basketball shoes due to rough outdoor surfaces. But when I first look these bad boys, I knew I wanted to try these on.

Traction was not the concern as Under Armour has expertise in that department. It was equally perfect on indoor and outdoor courts, with no dust trapping, slipping, or rollovers. The other thing I have noticed while landing hard is the cushioning.

Despite the ortholite insole, the support and comfort impressed me. Although it is not as good as in Curry 2, it does not cause serious issues. The cushioning system provides impact protection with responsiveness and a slight bounce.

I played rough games wearing these, and the lockdown holds up well. In fact, it was just perfect for my feet. However, it might cause compression on your feet if you are a wide footer. So going a size up would be great.

Ankle and heel support was on the point due to the lacing system and external heel counter. The material also assists in stability since it is synthetic and snugs the foot really well. However, the shoes felt hot compared to other basketball shoes due to the synthetic upper construction. I would suggest that you do not play during summers for long hours.

 

9) Under Armour ClutchFit: Best Basketball Shoes for Forwards

I’m a basketball enthusiast and picky when selecting the perfect basketball shoes that match my feet’ contour. I believe if shoes do not satisfy your feet’ contour, you might get ankle strains. But with Under Armour ClutchFit, despite narrow fitting, I didn’t feel any compression. Instead, I loved it since I like a snug fit. However, I suggest that those with wide feet get a size up.

In addition to its snug fit, the Under Armour ClutchFit checklist for other aspects. Again, the Under Armour legacy continued with the herringbone pattern; for that, it is one of the best basketball shoes for forwards. So the player can participate in the game with full focus without slippage on the court.

Due to the multidirectional patterns, I witnessed maximum grip on indoor and outdoor courts. Traction is an essential feature for basketball players while shooting hoops, and these sneakers ensure you get the absolute best traction on the court.

These shoes are a complete package of comfort and durability and provide maximum support during the game. Another thing that amazed me just after putting these bad boys on my feet was the shoe weight. Anybody can be dodged by its heavy shoe design, but the UA ClutchFit technology makes them lightweight and packs your foot into a supportive and comfortable zone.

Thanks to 3D molded tongue engineered to surround my foot and ankle and provide a snug fit. Additionally, the full-length molded Micro G Sockliner ensured that my foot stayed locked and secured into the shoes to enhance stability.

These are highly responsive and absorb shock impacts due to the charged cushioning midsole. This feature makes it super responsive during the quick-paced court movement. Its rugged upper and robust design make this shoe perfect for withstanding outdoor courts’ toughness.

10) Under Armour Men’s Drive 5: Best Basketball Shoes for Outdoor Use

Under Armour is known for its versatility and yet provides quality. The Under Armour Men’s Drive 5 is another perfect example of my previous statement. It brings both the quality and the coolness, on the same page, unlike other sporting brands.

I am starting from the traction, which is absolutely beast due to the traditional herringbone pattern. Whenever I see this pattern in any basketball shoe, I know one thing for sure: the ground adhesion will be perfect, and Voila! The grip is insane on every court and especially on outdoor blacktops. Due to wide grooves, I did not have to frequently wipe off the dust from the outsole, and the outsole is pretty thick, perfect for outdoor court conditions.

A Quick Tip here- due to its narrow design, it might feel slightly compressed. So for a better fit, get yourself half a size up or, if possible, try it out before buying.

That said, I love the snug fit due to its design and the lacing system. It cradled my feet like heaven from the forefoot up to the edge. However, it needed the break-in time for a few first games. Some people complained about the blistering and itching in the Achilles area. I believe that must be due to the fact they did not lace up correctly. You have to lace these shoes properly from inside and outside.

The upper is made of 2 tone mesh for strength and ventilation, so there is no chance of slippage due to sweat and moisture even if you play for hours. Moreover, the mesh is covered with a TPU coat to provide extra protection to your forefoot.

I like the mid-top cut as it does not stops me from making swift moves. Perhaps the support my ankles get from the design was great. There is an EVA sock liner in addition to HOVR cushioning set up under the foot for extra cushioning and support. For players with high arches- I suggest getting a good sock liner like VK’s for better support and comfort.

Buyer’s Guide For Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes:

The buyer’s guide section is specially provided for all those who had never bought such types of outdoor basketball ever.

Whether you are new to the basketball game or a regular player, the right kind of shoe is essential for you to play. It will not only help you to play comfortably, but it also helps to increase your gaming experience.

Outdoor basketball shoes can be expensive, but if you are a serious player, then the price is not a matter for you.

But if you are investing a hefty amount in purchasing the best basketball shoes, then you must consider some important things. You must find that the basketball shoes you are going to buy should be durable, comfortable, and breathable.

Things to Consider:

i) Durability:

The outdoor basketball shoe should be enough sturdy and durable that it can easily tackle hard force, shock impacts, and rough terrains. For this purpose, outsole durability is very important. And when it comes to the longevity of the outsole, there come two essential points to consider.

1. Dense Rubber: Outdoor shoes should have hard and sturdy rubber sole because it has to cope with the unevenness of the outdoor court. It should be tough and heavy-duty as it will wear out fast.
2. Wide Traction: As outdoor basketball shoes have to deal with debris surfaces such as rock, dust, dirt, and grime. So the pattern of the bottom should be wide and make sure to get deep grooves that will last longer. Because the narrow traction pattern will lose its grip as it attracts the dirt and pebbles more.

ii) Breathability:

You can not ignore the importance of proper air ventilation in an outdoor basketball shoe. It is very important in the days of summer, where your feet quickly get sweaty inside your shoes.

So make sure you are purchasing a pair of footwear that implements a highly breathable and well-ventilated material. It will not only keeps your foot sweat-free but also helps to minimize the chance of getting fungus due to long hours of lockdown.

iii) Cushioning:

Getting the hard rubber-made outsole shoes or well-ventilated shoes is not enough to play outdoor basketball. Comfortability really matters when you have to play for long hours.

Playing on the concrete court or rough terrains will start aching your heels and toes. So it is very important to check for the padding and cushioning that will let you run and jump constantly.

Ample cushioning is also vital for those who have recurring knee problems. So that comfortable cushioning will reduce the stress on your foot.

How To Take Care Of Your Basketball Shoes:

To extend the duration of an outdoor shoe’s durability and performance, you must take care of it by following some guidelines that are as follows:

1. While playing on an outdoor surface, your shoes will catch small pebbles between the traction pattern grooves. You can remove them with the help of a toothpick.
2. There is more dust on an outdoor court than on an indoor court, so you must scrub down all the dust and dirt from the basketball shoes after playing. An old toothbrush would be best to remove the dust.
3. Then remove all the spots from the upper part of your basketball shoes with a damp cloth. It would be better to add a little detergent (chemically inactive) in water to wet the fabric for good results.
4. Remove the midsole and unlace your shoes and wash them with your hands in the machine separately. Then let them dry naturally in the dim sunlight.
5. After the midsole and laces get dry entirely, insert the midsole and tie up the laces. But before that, use a damp cloth to remove the remaining soap from the shoes.

Precautions while cleaning your shoes:

• Never use a washing machine to wash your shoes.
• Always dry your shoes in the natural sunlight rather than heaters or vents.
• Chemically reactive agents like detergents, bleach, or alcohol should be avoided to remove the stains as they may cause more damage to your shoes.

FAQs:

Q1: Can you use basketball shoes outside?

Ans: You can wear your indoor basketball shoes outside but they will lose grip and color rapidly. To expand the lifetime of your basketball shoes, only wear them in indoor basketball courts or gyms.

Q2: How do I choose outdoor basketball shoes?

Ans: Some points to keep in mind while buying outdoor basketball shoes:

Rubber: the first thing to consider while buying outdoor basketball shoes is its Rubber. Look for translucent or solid rubber with decent density and thickness. Denser rubber would tolerate abrasions of rough surfaces more than thin rubber.

Traction: Dynamic traction patterns work great during indoor basketball games but not well enough for outdoor games. While choosing outdoor basketball shoes, consider curved flat outsole patterns. These types of outsoles traction patterns won’t catch rubble and dust so they would last long.

Material: Outdoor basketball shoes come in a variety of materials such as raw material and synthetics. Raw Material provides you comfortable feel but looks ragged too early. To avoid this unkemptness, consider synthetically made shoes such as Hyperfused material built of TPU (plastic)

Cushion: While choosing outdoor basketball shoes, the most important feature to consider is cushioning. As the outdoor surfaces are very rough and it is more likely that you get Achilles pain due to wearing the wrong pair of shoes. A full-length Air zoom system is great to avoid any type of uneasiness during the game. For those who don’t prefer Air Zoom System, a good foam with bouncy rubber could work well.

Q3: is it OK to wear basketball shoes casually?

Ans: it is completely fine to wear basketball shoes casually. They look trendy and comfortable also.

Q4: Are Basketball shoes worth it?

Ans: Absolutely yes! If you’re planning to play basketball professionally or take it just as hobby, basketball shoes would enhance your performance and prevent tendons stiffness.