Different Types of Basketball Shoes
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to choose the right pair of basketball shoes, it’s crucial to highlight the three main types of basketball shoes, which are: low, mid and high-top.
1. Low-top basketball shoes: Low-tops are great for players who need to move quickly without being held back. The low-top styles offer reduced ankle support but in exchange, provide players with a whole lot of speed and maximum flexibility—essential for players who rely on quick cuts and explosive speed to control the court.
2. Mid-top basketball shoes: More of a recent addition to the basketball shoes lineup, mid-top basketball shoes offer the middle ground between both low and high tops. Perfect for all-round players or those who need both speed and support.
3. High-top basketball shoes: As one of the more well-known types of basketball shoes, high-tops offer players maximum support and stability when on the court for sudden stops and starts, jumps, turns and crossovers. The uppers wrap high around the ankle, giving it the name it’s so famous for.
Different Types of Basketball Shoes
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to choose the right pair of basketball shoes, it’s crucial to highlight the three main types of basketball shoes, which are: low, mid and high-top.
1. Low-top basketball shoes: Low-tops are great for players who need to move quickly without being held back. The low-top styles offer reduced ankle support but in exchange, provide players with a whole lot of speed and maximum flexibility—essential for players who rely on quick cuts and explosive speed to control the court.
2. Mid-top basketball shoes: More of a recent addition to the basketball shoes lineup, mid-top basketball shoes offer the middle ground between both low and high tops. Perfect for all-round players or those who need both speed and support.
3. High-top basketball shoes: As one of the more well-known types of basketball shoes, high-tops offer players maximum support and stability when on the court for sudden stops and starts, jumps, turns and crossovers. The uppers wrap high around the ankle, giving it the name it’s so famous for.
Anatomy of a Basketball Shoe
There are three main parts of a basketball shoe: the upper, midsole and outsole. Each aspect plays an important part in the overall function and feel of the shoe.
1. The upper: The upper refers to how high the shoe reaches on your ankle and comes in either low, mid or high top variations. Your uppers should be firm and supportive and enable flexible movement without any tight feeling.
2. The midsole: The midsole is the “middle” part of the shoe that contains all the cushion and tech you need to perform on the court. From pressurised air to lightweight foam, the midsole should provide both the comfort and support that you need for your position. When choosing a basketball shoe, be sure to consider how much cushioning and flexibility you want in a mid sole. Typically thinner midsoles will give you more court-feel, while thicker midsoles are more cushioned.
3. The outsole: This part of the shoe is important for providing players the traction they need to jump, pivot and move without slipping. It’s usually made from rubber or other synthetic material and is a must for shooters looking to stay balanced or for defensive players who need stability for their rebounding position.
Anatomy of a Basketball Shoe
There are three main parts of a basketball shoe: the upper, midsole and outsole. Each aspect plays an important part in the overall function and feel of the shoe.
1. The upper: The upper refers to how high the shoe reaches on your ankle and comes in either low, mid or high top variations. Your uppers should be firm and supportive and enable flexible movement without any tight feeling.
2. The midsole: The midsole is the “middle” part of the shoe that contains all the cushion and tech you need to perform on the court. From pressurised air to lightweight foam, the midsole should provide both the comfort and support that you need for your position. When choosing a basketball shoe, be sure to consider how much cushioning and flexibility you want in a mid sole. Typically thinner midsoles will give you more court-feel, while thicker midsoles are more cushioned.
3. The outsole: This part of the shoe is important for providing players the traction they need to jump, pivot and move without slipping. It’s usually made from rubber or other synthetic material and is a must for shooters looking to stay balanced or for defensive players who need stability for their rebounding position.
What are the Key Factors when Choosing Basketball Shoes?
While you might gravitate towards picking basketball shoes based on the look or the specific brand, there are a range of key factors you should consider before making your choice.
What are the Key Factors when Choosing Basketball Shoes?
While you might gravitate towards picking basketball shoes based on the look or the specific brand, there are a range of key factors you should consider before making your choice.
1. Position and Playing Styles
Different positions on the court typically require a different amount of support, however, we recommend considering your play style as the determining factor in what basketball shoe is best suited to you.
Play Movers: With your focus being on getting the ball the to right people at the right time, you’ll be likely running the floor non-stop to keep up with the play. Having correctly fitted shoes, with a comfortable lockdown around your foot gives you one less thing to worry about on the court. Traction and comfort are also important since you’ll spending the whole time moving, so choose a shoe that you feel confident in.
Scorers & Agile Players: Cutting through the opposition at break-neck speed, players who value agility need a basketball shoe that can keep up with their fast-paced movements. Arch support in the midsole and lateral support in the heel will give you exactly what you need to cut, jump, sprint and dodge through the pack. Cushion and traction are essential, but often comes down to whether you like to jump (more cushioning), or run (more traction).
All-Rounders: For the players that can do it all, you need a shoe that can keep up. For this type of player, the choice in shoe will often come down to personal preference and what they want to get out of it. If lockdown and cushioning is key, a basketball shoe with a well-fitting upper and a thick midsole might suit you. On the other hand, if you want superb flexibility and maximum traction, a low-top style with an aggressive outsole will be what you’re looking for.
Defenders: Whether you’re blocking shots, snatching rebounds or putting up an unstoppable screen, defenders need a basketball shoe that stands strong against your opponents. The lockdown in the upper needs to be firm, while support is also key, since you’ll need to be moving quick one minute, then doing explosive leaps to block shots the next. High-tops are favourites for less agile defensive players, while low-tops are for those who want to dart between the opposition.
1. Position and Playing Styles
Different positions on the court typically require a different amount of support, however, we recommend considering your play style as the determining factor in what basketball shoe is best suited to you.
Play Movers: With your focus being on getting the ball the to right people at the right time, you’ll be likely running the floor non-stop to keep up with the play. Having correctly fitted shoes, with a comfortable lockdown around your foot gives you one less thing to worry about on the court. Traction and comfort are also important since you’ll spending the whole time moving, so choose a shoe that you feel confident in.
Scorers & Agile Players: Cutting through the opposition at break-neck speed, players who value agility need a basketball shoe that can keep up with their fast-paced movements. Arch support in the midsole and lateral support in the heel will give you exactly what you need to cut, jump, sprint and dodge through the pack. Cushion and traction are essential, but often comes down to whether you like to jump (more cushioning), or run (more traction).
All-Rounders: For the players that can do it all, you need a shoe that can keep up. For this type of player, the choice in shoe will often come down to personal preference and what they want to get out of it. If lockdown and cushioning is key, a basketball shoe with a well-fitting upper and a thick midsole might suit you. On the other hand, if you want superb flexibility and maximum traction, a low-top style with an aggressive outsole will be what you’re looking for.
Defenders: Whether you’re blocking shots, snatching rebounds or putting up an unstoppable screen, defenders need a basketball shoe that stands strong against your opponents. The lockdown in the upper needs to be firm, while support is also key, since you’ll need to be moving quick one minute, then doing explosive leaps to block shots the next. High-tops are favourites for less agile defensive players, while low-tops are for those who want to dart between the opposition.
2. High or Low-Top Preference
When you’re going in for a layup or taking off after a rebound, the height of your basketball sneakers can make an impact on how supported you feel.
2. High or Low-Top Preference
When you’re going in for a layup or taking off after a rebound, the height of your basketball sneakers can make an impact on how supported you feel.
What about mid-top shoes?
If you’re still unsure which type of shoe you’ll prefer when you're on the court, opting for mid-top shoes may be the best option, as they offer a balance of support and agility without sacrificing too much added weight.
What about mid-top shoes?
If you’re still unsure which type of shoe you’ll prefer when you're on the court, opting for mid-top shoes may be the best option, as they offer a balance of support and agility without sacrificing too much added weight.
3. Specific fit or feel
Another aspect of choosing the right basketball shoe is the feel and fit, as this can have an impact on your overall performance on the court.
Traction: It’s super important to have enough grip when you’re running fast and need to stop or slow down quickly. Look for shoes that have a grippy outsole with a thick tread.
Support: The shoes you pick need to be sturdy and durable enough to carry your weight up and down the court. You want to look for cushioned support that doesn’t take away from your control of your movements.
Comfort: Obviously, you want a shoe that will keep up with you game after game, so look for a shoe that has enough width, unrestrictive support and cushion to keep your feet comfortable and pain-free.
Court-feel: Being able to feel the court as you move is crucial for players of all skill levels. That being said, court-feel is often a trade-off with comfort, as the more cushioning you have, the less connectedness you have with the court, while less cushion means you feel more of the surface. Some players want more court-feel, while other want less, which may impact your decision on comfort level of the shoes.
3. Specific fit or feel
Another aspect of choosing the right basketball shoe is the feel and fit, as this can have an impact on your overall performance on the court.
Traction: It’s super important to have enough grip when you’re running fast and need to stop or slow down quickly. Look for shoes that have a grippy outsole with a thick tread.
Support: The shoes you pick need to be sturdy and durable enough to carry your weight up and down the court. You want to look for cushioned support that doesn’t take away from your control of your movements.
Comfort: Obviously, you want a shoe that will keep up with you game after game, so look for a shoe that has enough width, unrestrictive support and cushion to keep your feet comfortable and pain-free.
Court-feel: Being able to feel the court as you move is crucial for players of all skill levels. That being said, court-feel is often a trade-off with comfort, as the more cushioning you have, the less connectedness you have with the court, while less cushion means you feel more of the surface. Some players want more court-feel, while other want less, which may impact your decision on comfort level of the shoes.
4. Style and Colour
Basketball shoes are known for their stylish exterior, so choosing your shoes based on this factor can give you the confidence boost to play at your peak. Basketball shoe styles from our Curry collections offer a huge selection of explosive colours and designs, while jam-packed with UA tech that doesn’t quit until you do. UA Flow cushioning in the midsole, UA WARP uppers for adaptable movement and durable outsole with incredible court feel make the Curry basketball shoes a must for any basketball player.
4. Style and Colour
Basketball shoes are known for their stylish exterior, so choosing your shoes based on this factor can give you the confidence boost to play at your peak. Basketball shoe styles from our Curry collections offer a huge selection of explosive colours and designs, while jam-packed with UA tech that doesn’t quit until you do. UA Flow cushioning in the midsole, UA WARP uppers for adaptable movement and durable outsole with incredible court feel make the Curry basketball shoes a must for any basketball player.
How to Pick the Right Size Basketball Shoe?
When it comes to sizing your basketball shoes, there’s a few things to keep in mind other than just the general fit. With any shoe size, try to keep about a thumbnail distance between your big toe and the end of the shoe for an optimal fit.
For athletic shoes, it’s best to go up around half a shoe size when selecting a size. This is because when we exercise or play sports, our feet can swell and expand, so having the extra room will mean you can stay super comfortable and supported for longer.
For basketball shoes specifically, you want to ensure that you have enough room between your foot and the upper. If it's too tight, your foot will push and expand the upper and cause it to become loose and unsupportive over time. Make sure to look for a non-slip heel counter as well, as this will ensure your feet remain planted throughout your game.
Be sure to read our size guide to find the right size for you before purchasing.
How do I break in basketball shoes?
When breaking in your basketball shoes, don’t be dismayed if it takes some time and a couple of wears to get your foot used to the style. If you’re experiencing blisters, calluses or any pain, your shoe might be too small. If your heel is slipping, try a new lacing technique, a thicker sock or add in an innersole to bolster the back of your foot. If you want to try your shoe on before you buy, check out our store locator here to find a store near you to get a real feel for your next pair.
How to Pick the Right Size Basketball Shoe?
When it comes to sizing your basketball shoes, there’s a few things to keep in mind other than just the general fit. With any shoe size, try to keep about a thumbnail distance between your big toe and the end of the shoe for an optimal fit.
For athletic shoes, it’s best to go up around half a shoe size when selecting a size. This is because when we exercise or play sports, our feet can swell and expand, so having the extra room will mean you can stay super comfortable and supported for longer.
For basketball shoes specifically, you want to ensure that you have enough room between your foot and the upper. If it's too tight, your foot will push and expand the upper and cause it to become loose and unsupportive over time. Make sure to look for a non-slip heel counter as well, as this will ensure your feet remain planted throughout your game.
Be sure to read our size guide to find the right size for you before purchasing.
How do I break in basketball shoes?
When breaking in your basketball shoes, don’t be dismayed if it takes some time and a couple of wears to get your foot used to the style. If you’re experiencing blisters, calluses or any pain, your shoe might be too small. If your heel is slipping, try a new lacing technique, a thicker sock or add in an innersole to bolster the back of your foot. If you want to try your shoe on before you buy, check out our store locator here to find a store near you to get a real feel for your next pair.
Our Top Basketball Shoe Picks
Whether you’re looking for a low, mid or high-top basketball shoe, we’ve got a vast selection of shoe styles to choose from, that will enhance your performance on the court for better speed, agility and overal stamina as you go for the winning shot.
Our Top Basketball Shoe Picks
Whether you’re looking for a low, mid or high-top basketball shoe, we’ve got a vast selection of shoe styles to choose from, that will enhance your performance on the court for better speed, agility and overal stamina as you go for the winning shot.
Curry 2 Low FloTro Basketball Shoes
For the players that need explosive speed without any of the weight, look no further than the UA Curry 2 Low FloTro basketball shoes. With a lightweight, seamless upper, moulded heel for a supportive, locked down feel and open cell foam sockliner for the ultimate step in comfort, these shoes know what the court is about. Whether you’re taking the rebound and sending it down the court or just need to be on your game, these basketball shoes offer a dynamic and tech loaded feel that will last game after game. Available in a range of stylish colourways, find your perfect pair to add to your kit now.
For the players that need explosive speed without any of the weight, look no further than the UA Curry 2 Low FloTro basketball shoes. With a lightweight, seamless upper, moulded heel for a supportive, locked down feel and open cell foam sockliner for the ultimate step in comfort, these shoes know what the court is about. Whether you’re taking the rebound and sending it down the court or just need to be on your game, these basketball shoes offer a dynamic and tech loaded feel that will last game after game. Available in a range of stylish colourways, find your perfect pair to add to your kit now.
Curry 2 Low FloTro Basketball Shoes
For the players that need explosive speed without any of the weight, look no further than the UA Curry 2 Low FloTro basketball shoes. With a lightweight, seamless upper, moulded heel for a supportive, locked down feel and open cell foam sockliner for the ultimate step in comfort, these shoes know what the court is about. Whether you’re taking the rebound and sending it down the court or just need to be on your game, these basketball shoes offer a dynamic and tech loaded feel that will last game after game. Available in a range of stylish colourways, find your perfect pair to add to your kit now.
For the players that need explosive speed without any of the weight, look no further than the UA Curry 2 Low FloTro basketball shoes. With a lightweight, seamless upper, moulded heel for a supportive, locked down feel and open cell foam sockliner for the ultimate step in comfort, these shoes know what the court is about. Whether you’re taking the rebound and sending it down the court or just need to be on your game, these basketball shoes offer a dynamic and tech loaded feel that will last game after game. Available in a range of stylish colourways, find your perfect pair to add to your kit now.
Curry Flow 10 Basketball Shoes
If you’re looking to up your performance and need a supportive all-rounder, then the Curry Flow 10 basketball shoes are your go-to for a versatile feel that won’t quit. Exclusive UA WARP tech in the upper moulds to your foot, providing enhanced comfort and mobility while UA Flow on the outsole adds extra grip so you can cut, stop and start with extra precision. No matter what position you play, the Curry Flow 10’s are a must for dynamic moves every single time.
Curry Flow 10 Basketball Shoes
If you’re looking to up your performance and need a supportive all-rounder, then the Curry Flow 10 basketball shoes are your go-to for a versatile feel that won’t quit. Exclusive UA WARP tech in the upper moulds to your foot, providing enhanced comfort and mobility while UA Flow on the outsole adds extra grip so you can cut, stop and start with extra precision. No matter what position you play, the Curry Flow 10’s are a must for dynamic moves every single time.
If you’re looking to up your performance and need a supportive all-rounder, then the Curry Flow 10 basketball shoes are your go-to for a versatile feel that won’t quit. Exclusive UA WARP tech in the upper moulds to your foot, providing enhanced comfort and mobility while UA Flow on the outsole adds extra grip so you can cut, stop and start with extra precision. No matter what position you play, the Curry Flow 10’s are a must for dynamic moves every single time.
UA Flow Breakthru 3 Basketball Shoes
Designed for those players that need added support around the ankles, there’s nothing better than the UA Flow Breakthru 3 basketball shoes. With super breathable, engineered mesh uppers, half bootie design with moulded collar for an incredible, supportive fit and UA Flow cushioning that's supportive, bouncy and light, you can cut through the pack and take on your opponents with ease. Available in a range of bright colourways, find your fit with the UA Flow Breakthru 3 series now.
UA Flow Breakthru 3 Basketball Shoes
Designed for those players that need added support around the ankles, there’s nothing better than the UA Flow Breakthru 3 basketball shoes. With super breathable, engineered mesh uppers, half bootie design with moulded collar for an incredible, supportive fit and UA Flow cushioning that's supportive, bouncy and light, you can cut through the pack and take on your opponents with ease. Available in a range of bright colourways, find your fit with the UA Flow Breakthru 3 series now.
Finding your perfect basketball shoes is a journey to discover which styles, fits and makes you prefer to play in. Whether you need speed, agility, support or a combo of all three, transform your basketball career with the collection of basketball shoes for men and women from Under Armour and take on the competition with ease now.
