The most comfortable basketball shoes by Nike
Buying guide
For support on the court, try these 9 picks.
To play hard, basketball players need shoes with soft support. Sneakers with ample cushioning help absorb impact from hard landings, so you'll be game for hours on the court. The more cushioning the shoes include, the more comfort and protection they'll provide. Along with cushioning, look for features like a plush interior and light, breathable mesh upper. These 9 unisex pairs feature Nike's advanced cushioning technologies so you can play b-ball for the long haul.
Best basketball shoes for comfort
In comfy basketball shoes, you'll support your joints as you rack up the points. To land on the right shoe for you, try out each pair. Run and jump, making sure your feet remain in place and that you have enough room in the toe box.
Best for staying fresh 'til the buzzer: KD17 Basketball Shoes
These sneakers include a large forefoot Nike Air Zoom unit plus Nike Air cushioning at the heel in the bottom of the upper. From sprints to defensive stops, they help support your every move so you can stay in the game for hours.
Best for speed demons: Luka 3 'Motorsport' Basketball Shoes
The full length of the shoe offers springy, supportive Nike Cushlon 3.0 foam, which helps drive speed in these comfortable sneakers. The lightweight upper keeps your foot secure while offering enough roominess in the forefoot.
Best for feeling like you're floating: Cosmic Unity 3 Basketball Shoes
In this airy pair, you might think you're walking on a cloud. Foam in the midsole, a plush Nike Flyknit collar and a Nike Flymesh upper combine to create lightweight shoes with padding and a low-to-the-ground feel.
Best for responsiveness: Zion 3 M.U.D. 'Ash' SE Basketball Shoes
Nike Air Zoom technology encases pressurised air in a flexible membrane, providing lots of cushioning in a lightweight package. These leather and suede performance shoes pair a full-length unit of Nike Air Zoom with responsive Formula 23 foam from Nike's Jordan Brand.
Best for jumping: Nike Impact 4 Basketball Shoes
Featuring visible Nike Air Max cushioning in the heel, these shoes are high-tech and high-performance. Lightweight and powerful, they help you jump and land without bogging you down. A sculpted foam midsole and moulded rubber wings add more support, while padding in the heel and tongue supply softness.
Best for those daring to be bold: LeBron Witness 8 Basketball Shoes
A Nike Max Air unit and foam wrap-up in the midsole help cushion landings and lateral moves. Meanwhile, the mesh upper is breathable, helping you stay fresh. Contouring to your foot, this shoe fits snugly so you can focus on the court.
Best for maintaining separation from your opponent: Nike G.T. Cut 3 Electric Basketball Shoes
Nike ZoomX foam provides the highest energy return of all Nike's cushioning systems—and these are the company's first b-ball shoes to feature the foam from toe to heel. A padded collar at the Achilles and a stretchy, breathable upper boost their comfort level. The super-high levels of traction and responsiveness are two other standout features.
Best for the tenacious ones: Air Jordan XXXIX 'Lumière' Basketball Shoes
How's this for comfort? These sneakers include a full-length unit of lightweight and responsive Nike Air Zoom technology. Plus, they feature Nike ZoomX foam, Nike's lightest high-efficiency foam, and the foot protection is optimal thanks to the instep crash pad.
Best for those who want to outlast their opponent: Nike G.T. Hustle 3 Blueprint Basketball Shoes
These shoes offer a double serving of responsive Nike Air Zoom: units in both the forefoot (to support the sides and balls of your foot) and bottom layer of the upper (to provide comfort underfoot). Combined with a tall stack of foam and a lightweight knit upper, they truly treat your feet.
Words by Dina Cheney