The 10 Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes to Conquer Any Court, According to Experts

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For decades, dedicated hoopers and casual players forced themselves into uncomfortable shoes to play basketball. There’s no denying how emblematic some old-school basketball shoe designs are; from the constant hype behind any of Jordan’s first 14 pairs to how omnipresent Chuck Taylors and Superstars have become, these shoes remain as popular as ever. But still, that doesn’t mean wearing them for a pick-up game is in your best interest — and that applies doubly when playing outdoors.

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To this day, the issue with outdoor basketball shoes remains predicated on a need for designs created explicitly for the ruggedness of non-hardwood courts. Brands like Nike and Under Armour have made proper adjustments to ensure that their outdoor men’s and women’s basketball shoes can tackle any terrain, whether concrete, asphalt, or even the lawn. Several high-top and low-top options fit the bill, but pinning down the best outdoor basketball shoes is a true challenge.

Due to rough, unforgiving surfaces like asphalt, two key factors to seek out in a pair of outdoor basketball shoes are ample midsole cushioning and a durable outsole. Of course, like any pair of basketball shoes, stability and ankle support are also essential for protecting your joints amid the quick, lateral movements the game demands. Because outdoor courts are particularly harsh on footwear, it’s important to keep tabs on the tread of your shoes to prevent injury. Puma product line manager Jeff Gately mentions that typical, well-made basketball shoes should last a whole season but says, “this could vary depending on the playing surface and durability of the shoe.” Moreover, due to the different environments, it’s not much of a time-related question than it is about the terrain and just how much you’re hustling on it.

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With the help of Gately and physical therapist Dr. David Salas of Alta Orthopaedics, we’ve compiled a guide of the best outdoor basketball shoes.

What to Look for in the Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes

• Material: Most elements you want to consider here parallel those on any other pair of basketball shoes or the best workout shoes in general. Still, there are a couple of other features to consider, according to Gately. In addition to the indispensability of a grippy rubber outsole, he suggests looking for a mix of stiff and supple materials. Supportive, zero-stretch materials offer more stability in high-impact zones, like near the ankles and forefoot. Breathable, lightweight upper materials deliver a soft on-foot feel to limit pressure points, according to Gately.
• Cushioning: Comfort and personal preference come first with basketball shoes. Still, consistent hoopers grow to realize what works best for them, which California-based physical therapist David Salas makes very clear. When discussing how your next pair of shoes should feel, he emphasizes that “the number one driver of what seems to work is comfort.” Cushioning will be a primary source of comfort in your shoes. The shoes on our list marry this cushioning with features you’d find in stability running shoes, like a stiff midsole and a heel counter, for added support.
• Traction: Finding shoes with traction is paramount when you’re playing indoors and outdoors, but the materials here can make a significant difference. For example, many of the pairs included in our list feature grooved outsoles unique to the respective silhouette, assuring remarkable levels of grip and traction on tough terrain.
• High-top vs. low-top: This age-old debate applies to indoor and outdoor basketball, but ensuring you have the right amount of cushion, stability, and protection outdoors is essential to prevent trips or falls (scraping your knees on the hardwood isn’t fun, but take our word when telling you it’s worse on the pavement). As a result, you should stick with the basketball shoe style you most commonly wear and feel most comfortable playing in. Primary ball handlers should note that low-tops provide far more freedom of movement, while traditional bigs may be better off rocking high-tops for extra security.

What Is The Difference Between Indoor And Outdoor Basketball Shoes?

While few sportswear brands design basketball shoes mainly intended for outdoor courts, it’s apparent that certain silhouettes are made with more demanding terrain in mind. As a result, it’s critical to be wary of the surface you’re stomping on before ordering a pair of basketball shoes. While household name brands often design shoes for league professionals, certain pairs have what it takes to withstand surfaces that are less forgiving than traditional hardwood.

Harping back on the integral rubber outsole, this is the only element that could determine a genuine difference between indoor and outdoor shoes. It’s best to pay close attention to the construction of the bottom half of the shoes, seeking out options with stiff rubber outsoles. An adequate outsole for playing outside should be deep enough to ensure traction but not deep enough to pile up with pebbles and dirt.

How We Selected the Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes

For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.

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To narrow down the sneaker scene’s shortlist of great outdoor basketball shoes, we spoke with two experts for intel on what to seek out in the best outdoor basketball shoes. Through extensive research of the basketball shoe market and key considerations for outdoor shoes, like cushioning and traction, we figured out which innovative sneakers can stand up to the likes of concrete or asphalt. We also factored in personal testing and customer reviews to make sure our list includes options for all foot types and types of players. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Experts

Dr. David Salas is a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Alta Orthopaedics. As a physical therapist, he has sub-specialty certifications in instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, cupping therapy, and strength and conditioning. He has experience in orthopedics, sports with a niche in running, neurological conditions, geriatrics, and pediatrics.

Jeff Gately is a Puma product line manager responsible for wear testing and making custom changes per the request of NBA and WNBA athletes.

Meet the Author

Yoni Yardeni is a Los Angeles-based fashion, footwear and culture journalist whose previous work has appeared in HiConsumption and HotNewHipHop. Through prior stints, his work ranged from curating buyer’s guides for the fashion world’s best boots, sneakers, and jackets to revisiting Lil Wayne’s quintessential mixtapes and albums. Yardeni’s expertise in athletic footwear informed the selections on this list of the best outdoor basketball shoes.

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Categories: Outdoor