Nike - what started off as a tiny importer of Japanese trainers in 1964 is the biggest and most popular sports brand in the world in 2019 with a total revenue of almost $40 billion!
It's difficult to keep track of all Nike basketball shoes that exist on the market: Nike not only designs the signature models of Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and Paul George, but also popular team models like the Hyperdunks, or the Lebron Soldier series; not to mention the wide variety of cheaper budget models.
To get a good idea of all the models on the basketball shoe market I have decided to create a database with all basketball shoes where I could find at least three trustworthy reviews on Youtube or sneaker blogs. In total, I have added 303 shoes so far and read or watched exactly 1526 reviews in doing so.
The following list shows the ten best basketball shoes by Nike ordered by their average overall rating. Shoes were last updated on Apr 15, 2024
- 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.
- 8.7 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.
- 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.
- 8.4 rating based on 10 expert reviews
- The Nike KD 16 is a versatile performer with comfortable, plush cushioning.
- The shoe has something for all positions. There are no outstanding weaknesses.
- 8.3 rating based on 11 expert reviews
- Devin Booker's debut signature shoe features impressive traction and materials.
- The Nike Book 1 is better for lighter, shiftier players.
- 8.3 rating based on 10 expert reviews
- The Nike Sabrina 1 is an excellent debut sneaker catering to low-to-the-ground players.
- The Nike Sabrina 1 is best for shifty guard-type players.
- 8.2 rating based on 7 expert reviews
- Nike's G.T. Cut 3 is a solid performer with its comfortable ZoomX cushioning.
- The Nike G.T. Cut 3 is a shifty shoe best for guards.
- 8.2 rating based on 6 expert reviews
- The Nike G.T. Cut Academy has pleasantly surprising traction, and the cushioning is comfortable.
- This shoe is best for players looking for shifty and reliable traction.
- 8.2 rating based on 6 expert reviews
- Giannis' fifth signature shoe scales back the tech but maintains the performance, such as the traction.
- The Zoom Freak 5s are best for players looking for a minimal shoe that doesn't sacrifice many features.
- 8.2 rating based on 11 expert reviews
- Ja Morant's debut sneaker is a good starting point for the young star, with the fit being the best feature.
- A good pickup for shifty guards who play low to the ground.
The 10 Best Basketball Shoes from Nike
1. Nike Lebron 21
Performance Rating:
8.9
The Nike LeBron 21 maintains its high level of performance while improving its support and stability.Overall rating based on 11 reviews
Pros:
Bouncy cushioning
Upgraded support and materials
Cons:
Slightly narrow fit
What do the experts think?
Nike and LeBron hookup for the 21st entry in his signature shoe line. This time, with improved materials and stability.
Most reviewers agree the traction performance is solid, especially on clean courts. Make sure that you wipe on dusty courts.
The cushioning feels springy and bouncy. The Cushlon foam and Zoom units provide a balanced feel.
The upper materials are where the shoe sees the most change. The leather feels more supportive, and the tongue is breathable, too.
With the revamped upper, the support and lockdown are better. Lateral containment is incredible and secure.
Nike continues in the right direction with the LeBron signature line. The Nike LeBron 21 makes slight tweaks to improve the materials and support.
2. Nike LeBron NXXT Gen
Performance Rating:
8.7
The LeBron NXXT Gen has grippy traction and responsive cushioning.Overall rating based on 6 reviews
Pros:
Sticky traction
Comfortable and responsive cushioning
Cons:
Lower material quality
What do the experts think?
The Nike LeBron NXXT Gen features a map of Akron as its traction pattern. It grips nicely indoors and outdoors.
The foam feels firmer than the LeBron 20, but the Zoom units and shank keep the shoe comfortable and responsive.
Material quality is a downgrade, but there is no drop in performance.
Support and containment are not issues either. The materials work to keep you locked into the shoe.
The latest entry in the LeBron line of shoes has a lower price point than the flagship model and offers just as much performance.
3. 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.
4. Nike KD 16
Performance Rating:
8.4
The Nike KD 16 is a versatile performer with comfortable, plush cushioning.Overall rating based on 10 reviews
Pros:
Well-balanced cushioning
Improved support features
Cons:
Traction takes time to break in and warm up
Slightly heavier and bulkier materials
What do the experts think?
Kevin Durant's latest signature model has slight tweaks to the tech in the shoe.
The traction takes some time to warm up, but the performance is solid in all directions.
There's no Zoom Strobel anymore. It uses an Air Strobel and a forefoot Zoom Air unit instead. The KD 16 provides plush and comfortable cushioning.
The fit feels snug and tight. Some players will have to go up half a size.
Heel containment and lockdown are improved. There's no noticeable heel slippage. The support and containment feel improved too.
Overall, the Nike KD 16 is well-balanced. It's a versatile shoe.
5. Nike Book 1
Performance Rating:
8.3
Devin Booker's debut signature shoe features impressive traction and materials.Overall rating based on 11 reviews
Pros:
Fantastic traction
Comfortable materials
Cons:
It's not the plushest cushioning
The shoe heats up quickly
What do the experts think?
Nike went with the tried and true herringbone traction pattern, and the performance does not disappoint.
The cushioning setup feels basic. The Cushlon has decent responsiveness, and the Zoom unit under the heel is there for impact protection.
Fans of more traditional materials will enjoy the main nubuck setup on the Nike Book 1. The setup is comfortable for performance.
The fit is short and snug. Make sure to try it on first, if possible.
All the necessary support features are there, but the shoe favours lighter players.
Devin Booker's first signature shoe with Nike gets off to a solid start because it nails the traction.
6. Nike Sabrina 1
Performance Rating:
8.3
The Nike Sabrina 1 is an excellent debut sneaker catering to low-to-the-ground players.Overall rating based on 10 reviews
Pros:
Comfortable materials
Grippy traction on clean courts
Cons:
Dust pickup
Not the best for impact protection and bounce
What do the experts think?
Sabrina Ionescu's debut signature sneaker with Nike is a pleasant surprise. There are a ton of features players will enjoy.
The traction is grippy and performs well, especially on clean courts. Just make sure to wipe on dustier surfaces.
Nike uses React foam and a wafer-thin Zoom unit in the forefoot. This setup is best for shifty players who prioritize responsiveness over bounciness.
The materials are a feature reviewers all agree is a standout. The uppers feel comfortable and breathable while remaining supportive.
The support and lockdown are also impressive because of the lacing system. It lets the shoe conform to your foot.
The Nike Sabrina 1 is almost Kobe-esque. The traction, materials, and support all make the shoe feel like it belongs in the Kobe line.
7. Nike Air Zoom G.T. Cut 3
Performance Rating:
8.2
Nike's G.T. Cut 3 is a solid performer with its comfortable ZoomX cushioning.Overall rating based on 7 reviews
Pros:
The ZoomX foam feels bouncy
Lightweight
Cons:
Poor material quality
Dust affects traction
What do the experts think?
Nike releases the third entry in the G.T. Cut lineup using full-length ZoomX foam for the first time in a basketball shoe.
Reviewers agree the traction performs very well on clean courts, but dust causes some slipping.
ZoomX makes its debut in a basketball shoe. The cushioning feels shifty and springy, but it doesn't have as much impact protection as Zoom.
The materials are a disappointment, especially considering the shoe's price. They don't hamper performance much, but they feel cheap.
The fit is solid as long as you tighten down the laces.
Support and lockdown are decent, but be aware the containment has some give to it.
The Nike G.T. Cut 3 is a solid enough performer because of the traction and cushioning.
8. Nike G.T. Cut Academy
Performance Rating:
8.2
The Nike G.T. Cut Academy has pleasantly surprising traction, and the cushioning is comfortable.Overall rating based on 6 reviews
Pros:
The traction is better than expected
Comfortable Renew foam cushioning
Cons:
Lower quality materials
Breathability can be better
What do the experts think?
The first takedown model within Nike's G.T. lineup, the Nike G.T. Cut Academy, makes its mark as a solid budget performer.
Reviewers agree the traction is better than expected. Some even called the performance top-tier.
Nike uses Renew foam and a forefoot Zoom unit for the cushioning. It's comfortable and geared more towards impact protection.
The material breathability could be better, but the shoe is comfortable. There are no performance issues with the materials either.
Support and lockdown are also solid. The shoe has the added benefit of additional lace holes for extra customization.
The Nike G.T. Cut Academy is a worthy first takedown entry within the G.T. line of shoes, thanks to the impressive traction.
9. Nike Zoom Freak 5
Performance Rating:
8.2
Giannis' fifth signature shoe scales back the tech but maintains the performance, such as the traction.Overall rating based on 6 reviews
Pros:
Phenomenal traction grip
Bouncy yet comfortable foam
Cons:
Unforgiving fit
Lack of tech
What do the experts think?
The Nike Zoom Freak 5 departs from the typical shoes in Giannis Antetokounmpo's line.
The traction performance is phenomenal. Reviewers agree there's no break-in time, and the shoe performs well out of the box.
Nike cut back on the complex tech in the cushioning, but it still has bounce. It feels springy and stable.
The fit is unforgiving, especially for wide-footers. It also feels snug.
Support and lockdown are decent. Most of the security comes from the stable foam and lacing system.
The Nike Zoom Freak 5 has outstanding traction, and the cushioning gets the job done.
10. Nike Ja 1
Performance Rating:
8.2
Ja Morant's debut sneaker is a good starting point for the young star, with the fit being the best feature.Overall rating based on 11 reviews
Pros:
Sturdy fit
Responsive Phylon
Cons:
Inconsistent traction
Lower quality materials
What do the experts think?
Ja Morant's first signature shoe features inconsistent traction performance. The rubber is dense, making it hard to grip the court.
Reviewers agree the Phylon is soft and responsive, but it feels flat. Some mentioned the forefoot Zoom felt bouncy.
The materials aren't the best, but the quality doesn't affect performance. They're lightweight and breathable.
The fit is the most consistent aspect of the shoe. All reviewers recommend going true to size.
The Nike Ja 1 is an alright starting point in Morant's shoe line. It's playable, but there's room for improvement.
5 Reasons to buy Nike Basketball Shoes
1. Great Fit
Nike has been in the basketball shoe business forever and they have really perfected the fit of their shoes in my opinion. All versions of a specific model run similarly long and wide. That means if last year's Kobe model fit you perfectly in size 10, then it's highly likely that the next model will too!
There is no need to find a sneaker store to try on each pair. I bought Kobe models online for years on and never had any problems, the same can't be said about every shoe brand!
2. Your Favourite Basketball Player is with Nike
Most of the great basketball players have signed a signature deal with Nike. If you're a fan of Kyrie Irving, Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Paul George or Kobe Bryant then you'll definitely want to go with Nike and rock their latest signature models.
3. Great Tech
Nike has always been a driver of innovation in the world of performance basketball shoes. The debut of Nike Zoom Air revolutionized the cushioning of basketball sneakers in 1995 and even over 20 years later it's still the most responsive cushioning system on the market!
4. The Iconic Swoosh
There is no denying that Nike makes some of the best looking basketball shoes on the market. Phil Knight bought the design of the now-famous Nike swoosh for an incredible $35 from design student Carolyne Davidson - that's got to be one of the best investments of all time!
5. There's a Shoe for Everybody!
Nike releases so many basketball shoes - they truly have a model that works perfectly for every type of basketball player. Big and heavy guys pick the Lebron 17, quick guards the Kyrie 6 and if you like cushioning and have narrow feet then the KD 13 is perfect!
