If you are a quick guard and you like to beat your opponent off the dribble with deadly crossovers and smooth pull-up jumpers you need shoes that can keep up with your style of play.
But what does the perfect guard shoe look like?
- It features great traction that will grip the floor and allow you to change directions very quickly
- The cushioning is responsive and doesn't lag
- It is a low- (or mid-cut) shoe that doesn't unneccessarily restrict your range of motion
So how do you find a shoe that fulfils these three criteria?
Easy! You check all shoe releases of the last year, pick all low- or mid-tops, read all the reviews and choose the one with amazing traction and responsive cushioning!
Sounds like a lot of work? Luckily I did it for you! I have checked out the 303 most popular basketball shoe releases since the end of 2016, read (or watched) all 1526 reviews I could find and summed up the expert findings here.
The following list shows all low- or mid-tops (as of Apr 15, 2024) that received great scores for their traction and feature responsive cushioning:
- 8.9 rating based on 11 expert reviews
- The Nike LeBron 21 maintains its high level of performance while improving its support and stability.
- The Nike LeBron 21 is fit for all play styles because of the mix of traction, cushioning and support.
- 8.9 rating based on 4 expert reviews
- Following the footsteps of the original Puma MB.01, the low-top remains one of the top performance options on the market.
- Players who want an all-around performer with no weaknesses.
- 8.8 rating based on 5 expert reviews
- The Li-Ning Way of Wade All City 12 is a fantastic shoe with close-to-top-tier traction and cushioning.
- The Way of Wade All City 12 is best for guards or players who play fast and rely on court feel and responsiveness.
- 8.8 rating based on 8 expert reviews
- The Curry 10 makes slight improvements and continues to be a top-tier performer.
- Anyone that utilizes traction to maximize footwork
- 8.8 rating based on 11 expert reviews
- The Nike LeBron 20 excels with its bouncy cushion and solid traction, but it has something to offer every player.
- Quick and explosive players will enjoy this shoe the most.
- 8.7 rating based on 5 expert reviews
- The New Balance Fresh Foam BB V2 delivers comfortable cushioning with ample impact protection.
- Explosive players who emphasize a vertical play style will appreciate the New Balance Fresh Foam BB V2.
- 8.7 rating based on 8 expert reviews
- The Adidas AE 1 is an incredible debut shoe with impressive cushioning and lockdown.
- The shoe is best for more powerful players who can utilize the bottom-heavy cushioning.
- 8.7 rating based on 5 expert reviews
- The Curry 11 remains a fantastic basketball shoe. The traction is excellent, and the cushioning provides more impact protection.
- The Under Armour Curry 11 is the perfect shoe for quick and shifty guards.
- 8.7 rating based on 9 expert reviews
- The Harden Vol 7 feels quick because of the traction and cushioning setup.
- The perfect shoe for those with versatile playstyles.
- 8.7 rating based on 6 expert reviews
- The LeBron NXXT Gen has grippy traction and responsive cushioning.
- This shoe is a good pick for players who don't need maximum cushioning but still want Zoom.
The Best Basketball Shoes for Guards
Let's take a closer look at some great PG shoes:
1. Nike Lebron 21
The Nike LeBron 21 maintains its high level of performance while improving its support and stability.Overall rating based on 11 reviews
2. Puma MB.01 Lo
Following the footsteps of the original Puma MB.01, the low-top remains one of the top performance options on the market.Overall rating based on 4 reviews
3. Li-Ning Way of Wade All City 12
The Li-Ning Way of Wade All City 12 is a fantastic shoe with close-to-top-tier traction and cushioning.Overall rating based on 5 reviews
4. Under Armour Curry 10
The Curry 10 makes slight improvements and continues to be a top-tier performer.Overall rating based on 8 reviews
5. Nike Lebron 20
The Nike LeBron 20 excels with its bouncy cushion and solid traction, but it has something to offer every player.Overall rating based on 11 reviews
6. New Balance Fresh Foam BB V2
The New Balance Fresh Foam BB V2 delivers comfortable cushioning with ample impact protection.Overall rating based on 5 reviews
7. Adidas AE 1
The Adidas AE 1 is an incredible debut shoe with impressive cushioning and lockdown.Overall rating based on 8 reviews
8. Under Armour Curry 11
The Curry 11 remains a fantastic basketball shoe. The traction is excellent, and the cushioning provides more impact protection.Overall rating based on 5 reviews
9. Adidas Harden Volume 7
The Harden Vol 7 feels quick because of the traction and cushioning setup.Overall rating based on 9 reviews
10. Nike LeBron NXXT Gen
The LeBron NXXT Gen has grippy traction and responsive cushioning.Overall rating based on 6 reviews
What makes a great shoe for point guards and shooting guards?
Traction
As a quick guard, traction is by far the most important aspect of a shoe's performance. Sticky traction will allow you to blow by your defender with an explosive first step, help you to stop on a dime when attacking the basket, and give you the necessary grip to pester your opponent on defense. Shoes with bad traction will rob you of all your quickness, negate all your strengths and might even make you slip on an opponent's crossover - nobody wants that!
So, the most important thing as a guard is to get shoes with amazing traction.
Herringbone pattern
Cushion
Shoes with comfortable cushioning that make you feel like you're walking on clouds are great for heavy big guys, but not for shifty guards. As a guard, you probably weigh a lot less than the Shaqs of this world, and therefore you need a lot less impact protection. In fact, mushy and soft cushioning often has a negative effect on your speed and quickness as it takes away from your court feel and makes cuts and first steps a split second slower.
As a guard, you want to have a responsive cushioning setup with excellent court feel that doesn't take away from your quickness.
Style of Silhouette
In today's game, most guards are playing in low or mid-top basketball shoes. These shoes are cut a lot lower around the ankles compared to traditional basketball "boots". This style reduces the weight and allows a greater amount of flexibility and freedom of movement. The lost ankle support is made up for with other support features like extended outriggers and sturdy heel counters. If you still don't feel comfortable playing in low-tops, or you are recovering from an ankle sprain take a look at ankle braces. Steph Curry is wearing an ankle brace every game, and he's doing okay! Low or mid-tops are the way to go for guards.