The Top 10 Best Basketball Shoes for Centers & Big Men in 2024

Finding a great pair of basketball shoes as a big man is not as easy as it used to be. The NBA game is shifting away from slow and heavy big guys, towards smaller and more versatile players, and the same is happening to basketball sneakers.

Signature shoes these days are almost exclusively reserved for guards like Kyrie Irving, Paul George, or James Harden. The only big guy that has a signature sneaker with one of the big brands is Joel Embiid.

But fortunately, there are still some sneakers that work well for traditional centers, and in this article, I am going to show you how to find them!

How to find your perfect pair of basketball shoes as a center:

Most centers prefer high-top sneakers
The cushioning should provide a lot of impact protection
The shoe should be very supportive

Let's see why that is:

Why most Centers chose High-Tops

Traditionally, basketball sneakers were cut higher than regular sneakers, ending above the ankles. While that is no longer the case, with light and flexible low-tops becoming more and more popular, most big guys still prefer high-tops.

These shoes provide additional support and a sense of security which is important for the battle under the basket. The ankle collar also helps to protect against other players stepping on your feet, and the additional weight doesn't matter for most big men because they don't rely on their quickness anyways.

Why Cushioning is so important

Guards like Steph Curry or Kyrie Irving don't need a lot of cushioning, and this shows in their signature sneakers which come with very firm and low mid-soles. Obviously, that won't work for heavier basketball players!

The additional pounds of centers put a lot more stress on the joints and which means they need softer and more comfortable shoes to reduce the amount of pressure they put on their feet. Cushioning systems like Nike's Zoom or Adidas's Boost, which offer a lot of impact protection and comfort, are a great choice for centers.

The following list includes 10 shoes that work well for centers and heavy forwards.

They all fulfill following criteria:

They are High Tops
Cushioning was rated better than 8.0/10 on average
Support was rated better than 8.0/10 on average

1. Nike G.T. Jump 2

8.6 rating based on 7 expert reviews
Nike's G.T. Jump 2 has one of the best cushioning setups.
Any players who thrive with maximalist cushioning will love the Nike G.T. Jump 2.

2. Air Jordan 38

8.6 rating based on 7 expert reviews
The Air Jordan 38 takes a step forward with improved support. The traction and cushioning are also solid.
This is a perfect shoe for players looking for maximalist containment.

3. Under Armour Flow FUTR X Elite

8.2 rating based on 5 expert reviews
The Under Armour Flow FUTR X Elite provides stable cushioning and grippy traction with an innovative upper.
This shoe is best for players who prefer a wider, more accommodating forefoot area during play.

4. Nike Air Deldon

7.7 rating based on 3 expert reviews
The Air Deldon has a comfortable cushioning setup but inconsistent overall performance.
A great pick for players who play on clean courts and enjoy full-length Air.

It's Quiz Time!

Answer 6 easy questions and find
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Best Basketball Shoes for Centers

1. Nike G.T. Jump 2

Performance Rating:

8.6

Nike's G.T. Jump 2 has one of the best cushioning setups.

Overall rating based on 7 reviews

Pros:

Top-tier cushioning setup

Improved mobility from the Jump Frame

Cons:

Materials quality could be better

What do the experts think?

The latest in the Nike Zoom G.T. Jump series is an impressive upgrade. The traction is reliable, and it performs well on all court types. Dust doesn't affect performance much, but make sure to wipe. Nike improved the cushioning setup too. The React is soft and comfortable, while the Jump Frame and Zoom Air provide outstanding bounceback. The material quality isn't the best, but they feel comfortable. Lateral stability isn't as secure because of the reduced Jump Frame, but the support is still fantastic and uncompromised. The shoe allows for more movement. Overall, the Nike G.T. Jump 2 is a maximalist shoe done right.

Colorways of the Nike G.T. Jump 2:

2. Air Jordan 38

Performance Rating:

8.6

The Air Jordan 38 takes a step forward with improved support. The traction and cushioning are also solid.

Overall rating based on 7 reviews

Pros:

Improved containment and stability

Comfortable full-length Zoom Strobel

Cons:

Price is expensive

Outsole durability

What do the experts think?

The latest entry in Jordan Brand's signature lineup improves on the previous Air Jordan 37. The traction grip is elite, but the rubber wears away quickly. It's not suited for outdoor use. Jordan Brand uses a full-length Zoom Strobel combined with Cushlon 3.0. It provides a comfortable and bouncy cushioning setup. Support is much improved this year. The lockdown and containment keep you stable and secure. The materials are comfortable and breathable. The upper feels more traditional in terms of materials. Jordan Brand paid attention to the details with the Air Jordan 38. The shoe is more reliable and secure this year.

Colorways of the Air Jordan 38:

3. Under Armour Flow FUTR X Elite

Performance Rating:

8.2

The Under Armour Flow FUTR X Elite provides stable cushioning and grippy traction with an innovative upper.

Overall rating based on 5 reviews

Pros:

Stable foam midsole

Comfortable Intelliknit upper

Cons:

Stretchy forefoot materials

Non-optimal performance fit

What do the experts think?

The Under Armour Flow FUTR X Elite is a newly innovative performance basketball shoe. Flow foam remains elite on clean courts. As always, wipe on dusty surfaces. The midsole setup features a bulkier iteration of Flow. It feels more stable and secure. It's better for responsiveness. Under Armour's Intelliknit upper is also comfortable, lightweight, and breathable. The midfoot shank and stiff heel counter ensure support and containment are not an issue during play. The fit is divisive. Players who enjoy more freedom and stretchiness in the forefoot and toe box will enjoy the fit, but players who prefer a snug fit will not. The Under Armour FUTR X Elite steps up with a more innovative upper, and the traction and cushioning are what you expect from Flow, but make sure you like the fit beforehand.

Colorways of the Under Armour Flow FUTR X Elite:

4. Nike Air Deldon

Performance Rating:

7.7

The Air Deldon has a comfortable cushioning setup but inconsistent overall performance.

Overall rating based on 3 reviews

Pros:

Comfortable cushion setup

Supportive fit

Cons:

Inconsistent traction

Poor quality materials

What do the experts think?

Elena Delle Donne's debut sneaker features a traction pattern reviewers said was inconsistent. It performs on clean courts but is poor whenever dust is present. The cushioning is a full-length Air Strobel and a forefoot Zoom unit. The setup is comfortable while still providing some bounce. Reviewers have divided opinions on the materials. Some say the materials are poor quality, and others say it's plush and comfortable. The support and lockdown are surprisingly stable despite not having a traditional heel counter. Overall, the Nike Air Deldon is a mixed bag performance-wise. The traction has a lot of room for improvement, but the cushioning and support perform well.

Colorways of the Nike Air Deldon: