10+ Best Budget Basketball Shoes - WearTesters (2024)

When we talk about budget basketball shoes or cheap basketball shoes, a common misconception is that they are worse on-court performers than their signature or flagship counterparts. But even though brands need to reduce costs to make their basketball shoes cheaper, therefore packing less valuable tech and materials into these types of shoes, there are still excellent performance basketball shoes among them.

Admittedly, when we are talking about cheap hoop shoes, things get a little more hit or miss, but there are still plenty of great basketball shoes out there in this category. In fact, we see budget basketball shoes make our overall best basketball shoes list all the time, you just have to do a little more digging. Fortunately, here at Weartesters we test hundreds of basketball shoes every year on court, so all the hard work is already done and all is left is to find the best cheap basketball shoe for you.

To that end, we have made several lists to help you find the best affordable basketball shoes out there that fit your playing style. Here you will find the best budget basketball shoes currently on the market, but we also have lists of the best value basketball shoes and the best basketball shoe deals. Here we will be looking at shoes that were released as budget basketball shoes, in our value list you may find more expensive models that offer a ton of bang for your buck, and on our deals page, you can find great shoes that are now on sale. you can also check out Weartesters en Español Top Picks here.

Last updated 02.26.2024

Best Budget Basketball ShoesShow

Best Budget Basketball Shoes 2024 Overall

10+ Best Budget Basketball Shoes - WearTesters (1)

Nike Air Max Impact 4

The Nike Air Max Impact 4 is absolutely the best budget basketball shoes on the market today. The cushion provides the biggest bang for your buck. They’re incredibly soft and comfortable for what is most likely Phylon. Add that to a soft upper that needs no break-in time and you have a great-feeling shoe. Support is terrific with two outriggers and the fit is wide-foot friendly. There’s really no other shoe under $100 that performs this well, this consistently. If you enjoyed the Nike Air Max Impact 3, you will love this model. The best cheap basketball shoe hands down. Read the full review. Price: $90

9.2/10

Total Score

#nike_DM1124-300

10+ Best Budget Basketball Shoes - WearTesters (2)

Nike GT Cut Academy

TheNike GT Cut Academy is a very solid budget option from Nike. It’s nothing like the flagship model it emulates, the Nike GT Cut 3, but it’s a very decent basketball shoe nonetheless.If you consider its price it might even be a better performance model than the GT Cut 3. What you are going to get with the GT Cut Academy is a guard-style shoe with great grippy traction, a very well-balanced cushioning system, and a basic but effective all-around build. Read the full review.Price: $95

8/10

Total Score

#nike_FB2599-001

10+ Best Budget Basketball Shoes - WearTesters (3)

Nike LeBron Witness 8

heNike LeBron Witness 8 is a big improvement on the Witness 7. It’s a much more low-to-the-ground, responsive, and secure feeling shoe on court thanks to the improved containment and the switch in the cushioning system. As far as budget shoes go it’s one of the more solid options, but also one of the more expensive ones. Read full review. Price $110.

7.5/10

Total Score

#nike_FB2239-003

10+ Best Budget Basketball Shoes - WearTesters (4)

Nike Giannis Immortality 3

In a world where signature basketball shoes will run you no less than $160, and can’t even be used outdoors, it’s refreshing to see a shoe like the Immortality 3.This is a very solid performance basketball shoe, that will hold up well outdoors for just $90. Now, there is nothing I would call elite on the Giannis Immortality 3 but it is a very versatile and well-rounded basketball shoe indeed. Read full review. Price $90.

8.2/10

Total Score

#nike_DZ7533-101

10+ Best Budget Basketball Shoes - WearTesters (5)

Nike Precision 6

The Nike Precision 6 is another budget model that isn’t too popular but performs pretty well for its price point. The Phylon used here is decent. It isn’t anything crazy, but it should get the job done, especially outdoors. The real highlight of the shoe is the traction. The bite was really good and Nike did a great job of not messing up the herringbone and used the right rubber compound. The Precision 6 for sure isn’t going to blow you away, but it’s a decent option. Read the full review. Price: $75

8.2/10

Total Score

#nike_DD9535-103

10+ Best Budget Basketball Shoes - WearTesters (6)

Nike KD Trey 5 X

The Nike KD Trey 5 X is Kevin Durant’s latest budget signature model that takes cues from his flagship, in this case the Nike KD 14. The biggest and most welcome surprise is the cushion. The foam midsole is Renew, and a rectangular forefoot Zoom Air unit is in the forefoot, similar to the Nike Kyrie Low 5. It provides impact protection without making you sink into the midsole. This department didn’t feel budget at all. Read the full review. Price: $100

8/10

Total Score

#nike_DD9538-601

10+ Best Budget Basketball Shoes - WearTesters (7)

Nike Giannis Immortality 2

The Nike Giannis Immortality 2, are Giannis Antetokounmpo’s budget basketball shoes, and they are very similar to the first edition. Which is good news.

The shoe features a Phylon midsole, the same grippy and durable traction pattern as in the Immortality 1 and functional but cheap materials. If you are looking for a cheap basketball shoe with a reactive cushioning set up and great traction, check these out. Read the full review. Price: $85

8/10

Total Score

Buy Nike Giannis Immortality 2

10+ Best Budget Basketball Shoes - WearTesters (8)

Nike Renew Elevate 3

The Nike Renew Elevate 3 made some aesthetic improvements from the previous model. The cushion is Nike’s takedown version of React called Renew. The implementation is different here because the main Renew foam is only 3/4 length, thickest in the heel, and the rest of the midsole is regular EVA. As far as fit is concerned, we advise that you try this in-store in both your true size and half a size down. Fit is critical in getting the proper support. Price: $80

7/10

Total Score

Buy Nike Renew Elevate 3

10+ Best Budget Basketball Shoes - WearTesters (9)

adidas Dame Certified

The adidas Dame Certified is Damian Lillard’s budget model for the year, a very solid performance basketball shoe overall. The Dame Certified features full-length Bounce cushioning which is on the reactive side, great durable traction, and a highly functional upper built with nice cheap layered materials. All of this for just $100, making this a great budget basketball shoe from adidas.Read the full review.Price: $95

8.5/10

Total Score

Buy adidas Dame Certified

10+ Best Budget Basketball Shoes - WearTesters (10)

adidas Harden Stepback 3

The adidas Harden Stepback 3 is a fantastic budget basketball shoe option. The best part is the traction. It grips every surface, outdoor and indoor. However, we would not recommend them as long-term outdoor basketball shoes. The Bounce foam midsole feels like the one we fell in love with a few years ago. The materials are basic yet comfortable. The fit is accommodating, and wide-footers will especially enjoy it. Read the full review. Price: $80

8/10

Total Score

Buy Harden Stepback 3

10+ Best Budget Basketball Shoes - WearTesters (11)

Adidas Son of Chi 2

The adidas Son of Chi 2 may end up as the best adidas basketball shoe of 2022. The traction is a big highlight of its performance. Even with translucent rubber, the shoe gripped all floors well, regardless of court conditions. It’s also durable and will last longer than most rubber outsoles today. The full-length Bounce midsole provides impact protection even with 0mm of drop. Even though it doesn’t look like much, it is top in its class as far as budget basketball shoes go. Read the full review. Price: TBA

9/10

Total Score

Buy Adidas Son of Chi 2

10+ Best Budget Basketball Shoes - WearTesters (12)

Under Armour Spawn 4

The Under Armour Spawn 4 is a great under-the-radar offering from Under Armour. The shoe features full-length MicroG which is excellent and very grippy traction. Materials are nothing to write home about, but they are lightweight, breathable, and functional. Read the full review. Price: $110

7.5/10

Total Score

Buy Under Armour Spawn 4

10+ Best Budget Basketball Shoes - WearTesters (13)

Puma Court Rider 2

The Puma Court Rider 2 is the follow-up to the Puma Court Rider 1, a budget offering from Puma that was a go-to of LaMelo Ball’s. With the court rider 2, you get a full-length slab of rider foam for cushioning (which is on the responsive side), awesome traction, and a wonderfully constructed upper. Read the full review. Price: $100

8.5/10

Total Score

Buy Puma Court Rider 2

10+ Best Budget Basketball Shoes - WearTesters (14)

Curry 3Z6

The Curry 3Z6 is solid, though some aspects need improvement. Our favorite feature is the traction. It’s thick and grips well on all courts, including concrete and blacktop outdoor courts. If you can deal with the minimal MicroG midsole, you’ll enjoy a stable ride. These shoes will be a great option, especially for shooters. And at $80, this is right in the cheap basketball shoe sweet spot. One of the best budget basketball shoes out there. See the full review. Price: $80

7/10

Total Score

Buy Curry 3Z6

Best Budget Basketball Shoes 2024 for Outdoors

10+ Best Budget Basketball Shoes - WearTesters (15)

Nike Air Max Impact 4

The Nike Air Max Impact 4 is again our top pick, even for playing outdoors. The cushion setup is the main reason. The cushy set-up will keep you playing pain-free outdoors for hours.

The upper is soft but resilient, and the shoe’s outsoles grip well and will withstand the rigors of outdoor play. On top of that, the support is great so it is a no-brainer pick for the top budget outdoor shoe available. Read the full review. Price: $90

9.2/10

Total Score

#nike_DM1124-008

10+ Best Budget Basketball Shoes - WearTesters (16)

Nike Giannis Immortality 3

The Immortality 3 makes another appearance on our list. As we mentioned it it a solid performance model that will hold up well to the rigors of outdoor play. Read full review. Price $90.

8.2/10

Total Score

#nike_DZ7533-301

Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best budget basketball shoes list? Comment below or message us onInstagramorTwitter.

10+ Best Budget Basketball Shoes - WearTesters (2024)

FAQs

What is the most worn shoe in basketball? ›

The Nike Kobe 6 Protro was the most worn basketball shoe of the 2022-23 NBA season, with players logging 40,884 minutes in the iconic model. While NBA players have had no trouble obtaining the rare shoes, most fans cannot find the shoes from the Nike Kobe line for anywhere close to the retail price.

Is curry 10 good for wide feet? ›

Good fit, traction is super!

Firs UA / Curry shoes that I purchased and the fit is nice! I have a wide foot, this shoe does the job for me.

Is Giannis Immortality 3 good? ›

This is a very solid performance basketball shoe, that will hold up well outdoors for just $90. Now, there is nothing I would call elite on the Giannis Immortality 3 but I think it is a very versatile and well-rounded basketball shoe indeed.

What are the top 1 shoes in the NBA? ›

Keep scrolling to see a list of the best basketball shoes of 2023-2024.
  • New Balance Hesi Low. New BalanceHesi Low. ...
  • Nike Luka 2. NikeNike Luka 2. ...
  • Nike Lebron XXI. NikeLeBron XXI. ...
  • Nike Tatum 2 "Vortex" NikeTatum 2 "Vortex" ...
  • Nike Giannis Immortality 3. NikeGiannis Immortality 3. ...
  • New Balance Two WXY V4. ...
  • Skechers SKX Float Shoes.
May 27, 2024

Is LeBron 21 wide? ›

The shoe is equipped with a very wide base, a stable cushioning system, a substantial heel counter wrapped in Nike Sphere, that ultra-supportive upper, and then we have that TPU shank.

How to clean Nike Giannis? ›

How to Clean Your Shoes, Step by Step
  1. Use a Dry Brush. Remove loose dirt from the outsole, midsole and uppers using a dry, soft-bristled shoe brush. ...
  2. Make a Mild Cleaning Solution. Mix warm water with a small amount of mild laundry detergent or dish soap. ...
  3. Hand Wash the Laces. ...
  4. Wash the Soles. ...
  5. Wash and Blot the Uppers. ...
  6. Air Dry.
Oct 22, 2021

What is the most commonly used type of basketball shoe? ›

Global basketball shoe market share by type
TypePercent share
High Tops59.5%
Mid Tops32.1%
Low Tops8.4%
Sep 16, 2023

What is the most worn shoe type? ›

In today's society, sneakers are one of the most worn types of shoes. You can find a wide variety of different and prices can range anywhere from 70$ to 10.000$ and more.

What is the most popular shoe? ›

With global footwear sales of $33 billion in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2023, Nike is not only the most popular but also by far the biggest seller of athletic footwear in the world.

What is Michael Jordan's favorite basketball shoe? ›

Throughout his illustrious career, Jordan wore various models of sneakers, but there is one that stands out as his favorite - the Air Jordan 11.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Eusebia Nader

Last Updated:

Views: 6585

Rating: 5 / 5 (80 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Eusebia Nader

Birthday: 1994-11-11

Address: Apt. 721 977 Ebert Meadows, Jereville, GA 73618-6603

Phone: +2316203969400

Job: International Farming Consultant

Hobby: Reading, Photography, Shooting, Singing, Magic, Kayaking, Mushroom hunting

Introduction: My name is Eusebia Nader, I am a encouraging, brainy, lively, nice, famous, healthy, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.