Over the last eight or so years, I have played plenty of pick-up basketball, from intramural basketball to random 2-on-2 games in outdoor parks. I would like to think I know what to look for in a shoe, when I am purchasing for a pick-up basketball game. So with that in mind, here are the top-five shoes for the average baller, offered by current NBA players. I have tested all the shoes on this list to make sure they are up to the standards my readers deserve.
The main things looked at for these shoes is overall performance, versatility in multiple play styles and (obviously) how aesthetically pleasing the shoe is to show off at your local court.
5. CP3 X – The shoe has mid-level rise and offers more support than a low shoe like a KD 9. It has solid traction and ankle support while trying to maintain a shooting shoe feel. While the concept seems sound, the low- to high-top crossover that is the CP3 X is No. 5 for a reason. If the crossover, speed game is what you are after, then the shoe will get the job done but is not overloaded with traction. As for look, the shoe’s Aztec, maze-looking half circle on the outside of the shoe is easy on the eyes.
4. KD X – From the KD 8s and on, Kevin Durant’s shoes have been solid for those of you who love taking your game into the paint. The thick sole of the shoe helps ease the blow to the joints that consistent jumping creates. The shoe also has plenty of traction to help cut to the basket. As far as look, plenty of color ways, and the the unique design of how the laces sit on the shoe, from the 8 to the 10, is a nice touch.
3. Harden Vol. 1 – These are a shooter’s shoe through and through. They have great traction and have a tough shell on the toe of the shoe with a more flexible heel. It has a light feel and is built to have the traction and support of a Kobe shoe. This is a great for the perimeter player, the shooter who likes to push the ball up in transition or jam on the brakes to grab the pass and throw up the shot. The look of the shoe is split almost in half, with the primary color ways placing one solid color on each half of the show. With the Harden Vol. 1’s there are plenty of options color wise to choose from.
2. Kyrie 3 – This is the ultimate shoe when looking for stick. The traction offered, combined with the a solid base on the sole of the shoe made to hold up and last extreme pressure from chopping up the hardwood. This is the best shoe for those who consider themselves the point guard. If you’re making plays and creating shots, this is for you. This shoe was perfectly designed to race at 100 mph, then change direction. The shoe takes the ball dominant playmaker feel of the Harden’s to the next level, with the most traction in the shoe game found on the bottom of the Kyrie 3’s. The design of the shoe, with the ridged raindrops on the outside of the shoe and the multiple color options make this a great looking shoe as well.
1. LeBron Solder 10 – This is the best shoe to attack multiple positions on the court. The high top and thick sole keeps the ankle supported while cushioning the impact of jumping around to get boards. The traction of the shoe helps make cuts to slash to the basket. While it is a high-top shoe, the placing of the three straps, combined with the flexible fabric of the top of the shoe makes it flexible enough to keep from ankle restriction when changing direction. The vast amount of options in the color way, along with the classic look of the straps, make this one of the best looking shoes on the market.
Listen to Colton on Locked On Wolves!
