Best Basketball Shoes for Kids: Top Picks for 2023

Basketball is a popular sport among kids, and having the right equipment is essential for their performance. One of the most crucial pieces of equipment for basketball players is their shoes. Basketball shoes are designed to provide support, traction, and comfort, which are essential for a player’s performance. In this article, we will be discussing the best basketball shoes for kids.

When shopping for basketball shoes for kids, there are a few critical factors to consider. Firstly, the shoes should provide excellent support to the feet and ankles to prevent injuries. Secondly, the shoes should have good traction to provide stability and prevent slipping on the court. Lastly, the shoes should be comfortable, as basketball games and practices can be long and tiring.

After researching and testing various basketball shoes, we have identified the top ten best basketball shoes for kids. Our selection includes shoes from different brands, price ranges, and styles to suit every kid’s needs and preferences. Whether your child is a beginner or an experienced player, we have a shoe that will suit their needs.

In the next section, we will be discussing each shoe in detail, highlighting its features, pros, and cons. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the best basketball shoes for kids and be able to make an informed decision when purchasing a pair for your child.

Top 3 Best Basketball Shoes for Kids

Under Armour Unisex-Child Grade School Lockdown 6

Nike Kids Air Jordan 3 Retro OG Basketball Shoe

adidas Own the Game 2.0 Basketball Shoe

We know how important it is for young basketball players to have the right gear to perform at their best. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best basketball shoes for kids. These shoes are designed to provide comfort, support, and traction on the court, helping your child play their best game. Whether your child is a beginner or an experienced player, we’ve got you covered with our top picks. Check out our list below and find the perfect pair of basketball shoes for your little athlete.

Under Armour Unisex-Child Grade School Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoe

Under Armour Unisex-Child Grade School Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoe

If you’re looking for a durable basketball shoe for your kid, the Under Armour Unisex-Child Grade School Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoe is definitely worth considering.

Pros
  • The leather upper with mesh panels provides breathability and comfort during long games.
  • The plush foam sockliner adds extra cushioning for underfoot comfort.
  • The solid rubber outsole with herringbone traction pattern offers ultimate on-court movement and control.
Cons
  • Some customers have reported that the shoe runs about a half size too big.
  • The shoes may not be as flexible as other basketball shoes on the market.
  • The color may not be as bright as it appears in the product image.

We recently purchased the Under Armour Unisex-Child Grade School Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoe for our son and we were impressed with its durability and comfort. The leather upper with mesh panels kept his feet cool and dry throughout the game. The plush foam sockliner provided extra cushioning for his feet, which helped him play longer without any discomfort.

The solid rubber outsole with herringbone traction pattern offered excellent grip and allowed him to make quick and precise movements on the court. He was able to move around with ease and maintain control of the ball. The shoes also held up well after multiple games and practices.

However, some customers have reported that the shoe runs about a half size too big. We recommend measuring your child’s feet and checking the size chart before purchasing. Additionally, the shoes may not be as flexible as other basketball shoes on the market, which may take some getting used to. Finally, the color may not be as bright as it appears in the product image.

Overall, we highly recommend the Under Armour Unisex-Child Grade School Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoe for its durability, comfort, and excellent traction.

Nike Kids Air Jordan 3 Retro OG Basketball Shoe

Nike Kids Air Jordan 3 Retro OG Basketball Shoe

If you’re looking for a high-quality basketball shoe for your kids, the Nike Kids Air Jordan 3 Retro OG Basketball Shoe is a great option.

Pros
  • 100% Authentic
  • Durable
  • Brand New
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Limited color options
  • May run small

These sneakers are made with high-quality materials to ensure they can withstand the wear and tear of playing basketball. They come in the original packaging, so you know you’re getting an authentic product.

The Air Jordan 3 Retro OG Basketball Shoe is built to last, and it’s a great investment for any young basketball player. The shoe is designed to provide comfort and support, so your child can play their best on the court.

One downside of these shoes is that they can be expensive, but the quality of the product makes it worth the investment. Additionally, there are limited color options available, so your child may not be able to get their favorite color.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality basketball shoe for your child, the Nike Kids Air Jordan 3 Retro OG Basketball Shoe is a great option.

adidas Own the Game 2.0 Basketball Shoe

adidas Own the Game 2.0 Basketball Shoe

If you are looking for a reliable and stylish basketball shoe for your kid, the adidas Own the Game 2.0 Basketball Shoe is a great option.

Pros
  • The synthetic sole provides excellent traction on the court.
  • The shoes are machine washable, making them easy to clean and maintain.
  • The shoes are true to size and provide good support for your child’s feet.
Cons
  • The shoes may be a little wide for some children’s feet.
  • The gold stripe may peel off after some use.
  • The shoes may not be suitable for outdoor use.

We have been using these shoes for our child’s basketball practices and games, and we are impressed with their performance. The synthetic sole provides excellent grip on the court, and the shoes are comfortable and supportive for our child’s feet. We also appreciate that the shoes are machine washable, which makes them easy to clean after a sweaty game.

One thing to note is that the shoes may be a little wide for some children’s feet, so it’s important to check the sizing chart before purchasing. Additionally, the gold stripe on the shoes may peel off after some use, but this is purely cosmetic and does not affect the performance of the shoes.

Overall, we highly recommend the adidas Own the Game 2.0 Basketball Shoe for any kid who loves basketball and needs a reliable and stylish shoe for the court.

VITUOFLY Kids Basketball Shoes

VITUOFLY Kids Basketball Shoes

If you’re looking for a comfortable and durable basketball shoe for your child, the VITUOFLY Kids Basketball Shoes are a great option.

Pros
  • The air cushion provides excellent shock absorption, making these shoes comfortable to wear during long games or practices.
  • The hook and loop closure makes it easy for kids to put on and take off the shoes themselves.
  • The non-slip sole provides good traction, reducing the risk of slips and falls on the court.
Cons
  • Some customers have reported that the laces are too long and need to be double knotted to prevent them from coming undone.
  • The sizing may run slightly small, so it’s important to measure your child’s foot and refer to the size chart before purchasing.
  • The shoes may not be suitable for outdoor play on rough surfaces, as the synthetic material may wear down quickly.

In our experience, the VITUOFLY Kids Basketball Shoes are a solid choice for young basketball players. The air cushion provides excellent support and comfort, which is essential for preventing foot fatigue during long games or practices. The hook and loop closure is also a convenient feature that allows kids to easily put on and take off the shoes themselves.

One thing to keep in mind is that the laces may be too long for some customers. However, this is a minor issue that can be easily solved by double knotting the laces or trimming them to the desired length. Additionally, the sizing may run slightly small, so it’s important to measure your child’s foot and refer to the size chart before purchasing.

Overall, we would recommend the VITUOFLY Kids Basketball Shoes to parents looking for a comfortable and durable basketball shoe for their child. They are a great value for the price and provide excellent support and traction on the court.

ASHION Unisex Kids Basketball Shoes Air Boys Girls High Top Sneakers Breathable Outdoor Cushioning Athletic Shoes 9.5 Big Kid F15/Silver Black

ASHION basketball shoes for kids

ASHION Unisex Kids Basketball Shoes Air Boys Girls High Top Sneakers Breathable Outdoor Cushioning Athletic Shoes 9.5 Big Kid F15/Silver Black are a great choice for kids who love playing basketball.

Pros
  • These shoes are very comfortable and provide great cushioning for the feet.
  • The shoes are breathable, which helps to keep the feet cool and dry during intense play.
  • The high-top design provides good ankle support, which is essential for preventing injuries.
Cons
  • The shoes may not be as durable as some other basketball shoes on the market.
  • Some users have reported that the shoes run small, so it may be necessary to order a size up.
  • The shoes may not be suitable for outdoor play on rough surfaces.

Overall, we recommend these basketball shoes for kids who need a comfortable, breathable, and supportive shoe for indoor play. The shoes are not as durable as some other options, but they are reasonably priced and provide good value for the money.

The ASHION Unisex Kids Basketball Shoes Air Boys Girls High Top Sneakers Breathable Outdoor Cushioning Athletic Shoes have a lace-up closure and are made with polyurethane (PU) for the outer material and rubber for the sole material. The shoes are machine washable, making them easy to clean after a day of play. The shoes are available in a range of sizes to fit kids of different ages and shoe sizes.

In terms of style, these shoes have a sleek and modern look that kids will love. The silver and black color scheme is versatile and can be paired with a range of basketball outfits. The shoes have a best sellers rank of #1,550 in Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry, which is a testament to their popularity among customers.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a comfortable and supportive basketball shoe for your child, the ASHION Unisex Kids Basketball Shoes Air Boys Girls High Top Sneakers Breathable Outdoor Cushioning Athletic Shoes are a great option to consider.

JMFCHI Kids Basketball Shoes

JMFCHI Kids Basketball Shoes

We highly recommend the JMFCHI Kids Basketball Shoes for parents looking for a high-quality, durable and affordable pair of basketball shoes for their kids.

Pros
  • The shoes are made of high-quality materials that are both durable and comfortable, ensuring long-lasting use.
  • The shoes come in a variety of colors and sizes, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your child.
  • The shoes feature a lace-up closure and non-slip sole, ensuring a secure fit and safe play.
Cons
  • The shoes may run small in size, so it’s important to double-check the sizing before purchasing.
  • The sole of the shoes is thin, which may cause discomfort after extended periods of walking or running.
  • Some customers have reported that the shoes are not as breathable as they would like.

We found the JMFCHI Kids Basketball Shoes to be a great option for parents looking for an affordable and durable pair of basketball shoes for their kids. The shoes are made of high-quality materials that are both comfortable and long-lasting, ensuring your child can wear them for many games to come. Additionally, the shoes come in a variety of colors and sizes, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your child.

One thing to keep in mind is that the shoes may run small in size, so it’s important to double-check the sizing before purchasing. Additionally, the sole of the shoes is thin, which may cause discomfort after extended periods of walking or running. However, we still believe that these shoes are a great value for the price and would recommend them to any parent looking for a reliable pair of basketball shoes for their child.

AND1 Takeoff 3.0 Basketball Shoes

AND1 Takeoff 3.0 Basketball Shoes

We highly recommend the AND1 Takeoff 3.0 Basketball Shoes for kids who want to take their game to the next level. These shoes have a sleek design and provide excellent support and comfort on the court.

Pros
  • The shoes have a mid-top design that provides excellent ankle support, which is crucial for basketball players.
  • The synthetic outer material is durable and easy to clean, making the shoes long-lasting.
  • The rubber sole provides excellent traction on the court, preventing slips and falls.
Cons
  • The shoes may run small, so it’s important to double-check the sizing before purchasing.
  • Some users have reported that the shoes are not as breathable as they would like.
  • The shoes may take some time to break in, so they may feel stiff at first.

These shoes are a great investment for young basketball players who want to improve their game. The mid-top design provides excellent ankle support, which is crucial for preventing injuries on the court. Additionally, the synthetic outer material is durable and easy to clean, making the shoes long-lasting. The rubber sole provides excellent traction on the court, preventing slips and falls.

However, it’s important to double-check the sizing before purchasing, as some users have reported that the shoes may run small. Additionally, the shoes may take some time to break in, so they may feel stiff at first. Overall, we believe that the AND1 Takeoff 3.0 Basketball Shoes are an excellent choice for young basketball players who want to take their game to the next level.

Nautica Kids Horizon Sneaker Lace-Up Fashion Shoe Boot-Like High Top for Boys and Girls (Big Kid/Little Kid Sizes) 2 Little Kid Chestnut Navy

Nautica Kids Horizon Sneaker Lace-Up Fashion Shoe Boot-Like High Top for Boys and Girls (Big Kid/Little Kid Sizes) 2 Little Kid Chestnut Navy

If you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable basketball shoe for your little one, the Nautica Kids Horizon Sneaker Lace-Up Fashion Shoe Boot-Like High Top is a great option.

Pros
  • The shoes are stylish and trendy, making them perfect for both boys and girls.
  • The rubber sole provides excellent grip, making them ideal for basketball games.
  • The shoes are lightweight and comfortable, allowing for easy movement on the court
Cons
  • The shoe laces are tight and may be difficult to loosen.
  • The shoes may run slightly large, so it’s important to measure your child’s foot before purchasing.
  • The shoes are made in China, which may be a concern for some consumers.

As soon as we received the Nautica Kids Horizon Sneaker Lace-Up Fashion Shoe Boot-Like High Top, we were impressed with their stylish design. The chestnut navy color scheme is perfect for both boys and girls, and the high-top style provides added support during basketball games.

The rubber sole of the shoe is another standout feature. It provides excellent grip on the court, which is essential for young basketball players. The shoes are also lightweight and comfortable, allowing for easy movement on the court.

One downside to the shoes is that the laces are tight and may be difficult to loosen. Additionally, the shoes may run slightly large, so it’s important to measure your child’s foot before purchasing. Finally, the shoes are made in China, which may be a concern for some consumers.

Overall, we highly recommend the Nautica Kids Horizon Sneaker Lace-Up Fashion Shoe Boot-Like High Top for parents looking for a stylish and comfortable basketball shoe for their little one.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best basketball shoes for kids, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure that you’re making the right decision. Here are some features that you should look for when buying basketball shoes for kids:

Fit

The fit of the shoes is one of the most important factors to consider. The shoes should fit well and provide enough support to the feet. A good fit will help to prevent injuries and ensure that the child is comfortable while playing.

Support

Basketball shoes should provide ample support to the feet, especially the ankles. Look for shoes that have a high-top design or provide extra padding around the ankle area. This will help to prevent injuries and provide the necessary support during the game.

Traction

Traction is another important factor to consider when buying basketball shoes for kids. Look for shoes that have a good grip and provide enough traction on the court. This will help the child to maintain their balance and prevent slipping and sliding on the court.

Durability

Basketball shoes should be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Look for shoes that are made of high-quality materials and have a sturdy construction. This will ensure that the shoes last longer and provide good value for money.

Comfort

Finally, comfort is an important factor to consider when buying basketball shoes for kids. Look for shoes that have a comfortable insole and provide enough cushioning to the feet. This will help to prevent blisters and other foot injuries and ensure that the child is comfortable while playing.

By considering these features, you can choose the best basketball shoes for kids that provide the necessary support, comfort, and durability for a great game.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular brands for kids’ basketball shoes?

There are several popular brands that make basketball shoes for kids, including Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and Jordan. These brands offer a variety of styles and sizes to fit the needs of different children.

What should I consider when choosing basketball shoes for my child?

When choosing basketball shoes for your child, it’s important to consider factors such as fit, support, and durability. Look for shoes that fit well and provide adequate support for your child’s feet and ankles. Consider the type of court your child will be playing on and choose shoes with appropriate traction. Additionally, look for shoes that are durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.

Are high top basketball shoes necessary for kids?

High top basketball shoes can provide additional ankle support, which can be beneficial for some children. However, they are not necessary for all kids. It’s important to choose shoes that fit well and provide adequate support, regardless of whether they are high top or low cut.

Can girls wear the same basketball shoes as boys?

Yes, girls can wear the same basketball shoes as boys. Many brands offer unisex styles that are suitable for both boys and girls. However, it’s important to choose shoes that fit well and provide adequate support for your child’s feet, regardless of their gender.

Are there any basketball shoes specifically designed for preschoolers?

Yes, there are basketball shoes specifically designed for preschoolers. These shoes are often lightweight and flexible, with features such as Velcro straps or slip-on designs to make them easier for young children to put on and take off.

What are some features to look for in youth basketball shoes?

When choosing basketball shoes for youth players, look for shoes with good traction, adequate support, and a comfortable fit. Consider the type of court your child will be playing on and choose shoes with appropriate traction. Look for shoes with a cushioned midsole to provide shock absorption and reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, consider the style and design of the shoes to make sure they fit your child’s personal preferences.