Top 10 Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes in 2022

Basketball players need gear that supports their feet during their quick sprints, high jumps, and agile and shifty responses. Basketball shoes are made to withstand impact and provide support to the feet while preventing sporting accidents. Best outdoor basketball shoes requires stronger gear than indoor basketball. The distinction is in the sole and the traction that they offer.

Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes have their soles usually crafted from rubber and are challenging in nature. This gives the athlete a firm grip on the blacktop and prevents them from slipping. 

An outdoor shoe will work well indoors, but this does not use the other way around. Indoor basketball shoes are not constructed to withstand the same harsh conditions as the shoes optimized for the outdoors. Given below are the top 10 best outdoor basketball shoes that can help in scoring that dunk and proving your prowess in 2022:

Top 10 Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes Comparison Table

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES	PRICE
	Under Armour Curry 3	• Traction: Best • Comfort: High • Material: Good	Check Price
	Nike LeBron 17	• Traction: High • Comfort: Good • Material: High	Check Price
	Under Armour Men's Lockdown 4	• Traction: Average • Comfort: High • Material: Average	Check Price
	Adidas Men's Dame 5	• Traction: High • Comfort: Good • Material: Good	Check Price
	New Balance Women's 1080v10 Fresh Foam	• Traction: Good • Comfort: High • Material: High	Check Price
	PUMA Men's Classic Sneaker	• Traction: Good • Comfort: Good • Material: High	Check Price
	Under Armour Men's HOVR Havoc 2	• Traction: Good • Cushion: Average • Material: Good	Check Price
	Adidas Men's D Rose 773	• Traction: Good • Cushion: Average • Material: Good	Check Price
	Nike Men's Air Force 1	• Traction: Good • Comfort: High • Material: Good	Check Price
	Beita High Upper	• Traction: Good • Comfort: High • Material: Good	Check Price

Before investing in a pair of outdoor kicks, it is wise to consider the style of play:

● For distributors or facilitators, shoes with good traction and comfortability are crucial features. While sprinting across the court, proper fit ensures safety. 

● For slashers and high flyers, footwear that support the feet is essential. In addition to the features like lateral stability and traction, comfort and fitting adaptability are also equally important. 

● All-rounders need shoes that support the joint activities they engage in; Check for the signature shoes by players like LeBron James to find the best outdoor basketball shoes for all-rounders.  

● Post players need shoes that give them a firm grip on the ground and remain in position even as they are being pushed. Support and fit are crucial elements to look for in basketball shoes for such players.      

1. Under Armour Curry 3

It was made in collaboration with Steph Curry. The Under Armour Curry 3 is equipped to support the ankles while cutting through the court like the man himself. This durable pair of shoes have carbon fiber shanks to provide stability and absorb shock after jumps. It is also useful in preventing excess rollover motion. 

The comfort offered through the use of Anafoam and molded heel counters earns the Curry 3 another brownie point. The materials used are lightweight and breathable. The patented Threadbare upper makes the shoe simultaneously fashionable and supportive. Moreover, Curry 3 is sleeker and stylish compared to others in the UA Curry series.

Even though it comes under a higher price range, the multi-directional traction pattern and the durable rubber soles with anti-slip material justify the price. Coming in various colors, this signature sneaker is one of the top picks for the best outdoor basketball shoes in 2022. 

2. Nike LeBron 17

Devised to harness the power of LeBron James' style, LeBron 17 has outstanding features and a cool exterior. The user's foot stays higher than it does in a foam shoe because of the use of an air-filled sole. 

The increase in height resulting from the air-filled sole does not reduce the stability offered. The air enhances cushioning and response during impact in the soles. Also, the performance of LeBron 17 is a sure improvement from its predecessors.

The exterior of the kicks is funky looking. In addition, the exclusive Knitposite upper is thick and comfortable. The one downside is that it can get increasingly hot at times. But the signature kicks are durable and undoubtedly the right choice for outdoor basketball shoes provided that it is affordable. 

3. Under Armour Men’s Lockdown 4

Being one of the most reasonably priced shoes on the list, Under Armour Lockdown 4 gives a blend of comfortability and performance. With its basic but effective high top design providing ample support to the ankles, these kicks give a good performance during basketball games. Under Armour's multi-directional traction pattern on the rubber, outsoles provide a solid grip, and the patented EVA sock liner ensures maximum support while moving across the court. 

These kicks are not as lightweight as the ones from the high price range. Even though the shoe is made out of breathable materials, they are not as durable as their more expensive competitors. Looking past the clunky design, Under Armour Men's Lockdown 4 is a cost-effective pair of outdoor basketball shoes.

4. Adidas Men’s Dame 5

Pioneered by Damian Lillard, the soles of Dame 5 are harder than the usual basketball shoes, but this makes it more suited to outdoor games. The herringbone pattern gives good traction even on slightly dusty courts.

Supplied with ample padding, the shoe offers a comfortable fit while managing not to feel puffy. The midfoot provides excellent stability, which prevents accidental sliding during the quick sprints and stops. Even better, the cushioning gets brownie points for being exceptionally supportive and works significantly well under the impact. Most importantly, the internal pod system of Dame 5 guarantees comfort and flexibility.

The only negative review that has been expressed by the users is regarding the material on the upper end. The suede used has been described as easily wearable and cheap looking. Nonetheless, Dame 5 is one of the best outdoor basketball shoes that does not cost a fortune.

 

5. New Balance Women’s 1080v10 Fresh Foam

This is one of the best outdoor basketball shoes optimized for the female population. Fresh Foam offers a basketball shoe that can work as running, riding, and daily wear shoes. The structure of the footwear supports the ankle and evens out the weight during impact.

The midsole is customized to manage the high jumps' effect, and the patterns on the soles give good traction. Made with high-quality and anti-slip material, the soles provide torsional stability and prevent accidents. 

These wear-resistant shoes have hypoknit upper and venting holes along its surface to increase breathability. The inner soles of the 1080v10 keep up good airflow within the shoe and keep the feet dry.

6. PUMA Men’s Classic Sneaker

PUMA Classic Sneakers is an easy and safe pick when it comes to basketball gear. Meeting all the criteria for the basic and the best outdoor basketball shoes, PUMA offers a simple yet powerful design. This lightweight and wear-resistant pair of kicks suit any player and style of playing.

With its thick and cushioned midsole, the foot and the joints are kept safe. The pure rubber sole with protrusions as Hexagonal Zoom units provide stability in the court. Also, the materials used to manufacture the shoe are of high quality. 

Owing to the excellent traction and simple design, PUMA Classic Sneaker has been favored by fashion influencers and the professionals required to be on the move 24/7. 

7. Under Armour Men’s HOVR Havoc 2

HOVR Havoc 2 by Under Armour has a molded textile upper that increases breathability and comfort. The UA HOVR technology used eliminates impact and gives a 'zero gravity feel' during high jumps. Equipped with the compression mesh Energy Web, the UA HOVR foam gives back the energy felt during an impact.

Unlike the HOVR Havoc 1, the herringbone traction pattern in HOVR Havoc 2 does not give a strong enough grip on the court. However, the mesh tongue of the sneakers offers increased breathability. Additionally, the midfoot TPU shank and heel counter give good lateral stability. 

The rubber soles of the kicks are not too firm or too flexible. This prevents the athlete from spraining their ankles often. The shoe boasts of half bootie lining that gives a snug fit, and the presence of the conventional tongue makes it easy to put on.

8. Adidas Men’s D Rose 773

Dubbed as an overall performer, Adidas Men's D Rose has created a buzz for being a solution to players with problems associated with the knees. It checks all the requirements to be the best outdoor basketball shoes. 

The materials used to ensure a steady airflow helps keep the athlete's feet fresh. With its stylish exterior and snug fit, the Derrick Rose signature sneakers enhance comfort while playing. The cloud foam in the midsole of the kicks keeps the feet protected and comfortable at the same time. 

It is equipped to bear the impact of high jumps and sharp turns with the full-length Boost cushioning. Overall, the 'zipper' traction patterns give the player a firm grip even in the grittiest of the courts. 

9. Nike Men’s Air Force 1

One of the most versatile shoes in the market, equally suited to being on and off the court. The padding placed around the collar ensures the utmost comfort to the user. This is a safe choice for the amateur players as well as the seasoned ones. Another added trait is the breathable fabric that assures comfort during games. 

Nike Air Force 1 offers a pair of durable and breathable sneakers in a simple yet stylish design. The shoes need a little time to break-in, but the soles' patterns provide a solid grip on the ground. These sneakers come in different colorways to suit the athlete's style.

10. Beita High Upper

Crafted for making the athlete's interceptions smooth and footwork sharp, Beita High Upper is an affordable option for an everyday b-baller. The highlight of the sneakers is its rubber damping soles that provide a strong grip during the game. The anti-slip material used in the product is an added benefit. 

The durable, lightweight material used and the venting holes along the upper part assure airflow. This keeps the feet dry and comfortable during periods of activity. The molded heels provide support, and this, combined with the high top nature, protects the feet from accidents. 

These comfortable wear-resistant kicks are available in eight different colors. They have an incredible ability to distribute the athlete's weight after jumps to reduce the impact on the joints.

Important Features To Consider

There are a bunch of factors that must be accounted for before investing in outdoor basketball shoes, especially if you are looking to equip your sports gear with the best outdoor basketball shoes:

●    Ankle Support: Quick turns and short sprints characterize a game of basketball. The athlete's ankles bear the brunt of it. In order to minimize the damage to the ankles, it should be adequately supported. 

● Ankle collars support the joint and, at the same time, ensure that the joints receive the protection they need. The collar's varying lengths categorize sneakers into - high tops, mid-ankle, and low ankle shoes. Each type is customized to serve different purposes and prevent injury during types of motion. Even though it is highly debated, high tops provide more support to the joints than low tops.  

● Torsional stability offered by the shoes also matters when it comes to protecting the ankles. The torsional stability of a sole is seen when the shoe's heel does not bend easily when rotated. This quality is essential in preventing nagging injuries such as a sprained ankles.

●    Lightweight: Being light on your feet is crucial during a basketball game. Having a bulkier pair of kicks can hold you back from running, turning, and jumping quickly. This is an aspect where the regular shoe differs from a couple of basketball shoes. Lightweight shoes like the ones from the Nike Lebron series make the footwork smoother and sharper.    

●    Comfort: Picking the best outdoor basketball shoes after long research is going to be futile if they are not comfortable. Ease varies from person to person; some may need shoes that accommodate fallen arches while others might need shoes fitting their wide feet. The game and the player will be equally affected if the sneakers are not easy on the feet; hence look for the comfiest pair you can find. 

●    Body type and size: This feature is important, especially when choosing from the signature series. More significant and bulkier players need support to lock them down onto the ground. Thus wearing the same pair of shoes may hinder the mobility of smaller athletes. If choosing from the signature series confuses you, there are team models suited to everyone's build. This applies to the all-rounder's models as well. 

●    Padding: The cushion's height and the bounce it offers to indicate the impact protection the kicks offer. If the cushioning is set too high, then it gives way to instability during movement. If it is too low, it does not do much, leading to impact protection. Being too stiff or too cushy will interfere with the performance. Additionally, the padding around the ankles and the toebox guard the body parts from injury.   

●    Durability: If a pair of kicks do not last a season of the game, then they do not count as a pair of good basketball shoes. Materials like fuse and mesh last longer, even if it is stepped on or dragged a lot. The shoe falling apart in the middle of a game can cause injuries as well. Hence, look for sneakers that have garnered reviews for being durable.  

●    Traction: Good traction ensures that the athlete does not slip or slide across the court while playing. According to the nature of the traction pattern offered, the user can move around and respond to a moving ball without the fear of accidents. Different traction patterns are suited to different courts; bear this in mind before choosing sneakers. Complete traction patterns with deep grooves provide firm grips. Narrow designs lose grip easily as they gather dirt quickly. Remember, shoes with decent traction patterns last longer. 

●    Style: Looking the part plays an important role during a game. Stepping on to the blacktop with a pair of kicks that matches your persona will boost the odds of winning.

The best outdoor basketball shoes not only has excellent traction, durability, and style, but it should be reasonably priced as well. Of course, the player's talent is equally important as a pair of high-quality sneakers would not necessarily stand in for training.  

Conclusion  

This article has been carefully put together to guide you towards investing in a decent pair of outdoor basketball shoes. Remember, the price of the product does not guarantee spot-on functionality. Consider the player's build, game style, and the conditions played in before picking the sneakers. Any player should hope to find an affordable pair of kicks with strong outdoor soles while looking for outdoor basketball shoes. 

Whether you are an elite professional athlete or someone who plays for recreation, these are some of the best outdoor basketball shoes to check out in 2022. If this article was informative, share it with other sneakerheads and basketball players.