The Top 30 Best Cushioned Basketball Shoes [2024]
Finding a pair of basketball shoes that are able to provide you with all the support you need will definitely pay off. Whether you are looking for extra cushioning for your heal, toes, forefoot or even just a softer inside of the shoe itself, there are many great options! Numerous shoes on this list are created to give better protection and support for when you are playing, rather than a normal basketball shoe.
Special cushioning materials are used to make the shoe more comfortable for you to wear. Wouldn’t you rather look forward to the feeling of extra support your pair of basketball shoes give you? Many plays during your basketball game might leave you with fear of your ankles, feet, and toes not being supported. By picking a pair off of this list of the top 30 best cushioned basketball shoes (2022), you can guarantee that there will be no more fear of that.
Here is the scoop on the best cushioned basketball shoes!
1. Under Armour Spawn 3
First on this list is the brand Under Armour’s most cushioned shoe, the Under Armour Spawn 3, which is also their cheapest shoe.
Under Armour is reliable and highly supported so if you find yourself being a fan of this brand, I would recommend this shoe that provides long time support, at a great price.
There are many more of the best cushioned basketball shoes to take a look at as well.
2. Jordan Zion 1
Secondly, the Jordan Zion 1 is easily the best choice for someone who wants a comfortable shoe with a foam carrier.
What makes these appear on the top of the list of most comfortable basketball shoes is that they are made out of such lightweight materials.
Additionally, this specific shoe has been seen many times given at a discount of up to 20% off, providing way better deals than what many other brands would offer.
3. Adidas Crazylight Boost All Star
Every athlete and basketball player has different needs and finding the right pair of comfortable basketball shoes can be challenging.
If you are a person looking for a pair of shoes that provide great durability, the Adidas Crazylight Boost All Stars are made of a synthetic material that is knitted at the top. As you can see in the photo above, the blue mesh upper part of the shoe looks promising for a more comfortable feel.
These basketball sneakers are fancy, being made out of material that is also light reflective. The best place to find these shoes is on stockx.com.
4. Nike Lebron 17
Next on our list is the Nike Lebron 17 shoe, one of the best cushioned basketball shoes.
The best feature for sure of these basketball shoes is the extra cushioning.
For basketball players who are looking for a shoe that also gives them a great court feel, this is the best option. Providing impact protection, ankle support and excellent traction, there is no other shoe that is more perfect to wear on the basketball court.
5. Nike Kyrie 6
There are many different things that your basketball shoes should provide for you. A common factor that a good shoe has is additional support, which the Nike Kyrie 6’s for sure contain.
But even as importantly, slipping and sliding is something basketball players want to avoid. This pair of shoes has strong grip ensured by its reliable and present traction.
The creators of this shoe also made sure to use a fair amount of upper materials to guarantee that even if warn for outdoor use, these shoes will last for a long time.
6. Adidas Harden Vol. 1
Made with much cushion, plush and soft material the Adidas Harden Vol. 1 shoes are one of the best pair of basketball shoes for big men, most importantly.
When being a big man and athlete like James Harden or playing the position of a guard or forward, making sure of underfoot protection is a good idea.
7. Adidas Crazy Explosive Primeknit
The Adidas Crazy Explosive Primeknit shoes are a unique pair of basketball shoes. Adidas’s use of this wave pattern lacing system not only looks cool but offers a new and favored material.
Another great feature of these basketball shoes is the ankle collar that has a sock look, and includes a soft insert. This is great for ankle support.
8. Nike KD XIII
A top pick for one of the best basketball shoes is the Nike KD XIII.
These shoes glow and have a translucent rubber sole which is really cool.
Good traction has been a common review of these due to the way this shoe was created for high performance and durability.
9. Under Armour Curry 6
A great option for a pair of shoes that will give you an outstanding performance as a quick guard are the Under Armour Curry 6’s.
Moreover, the comfortable cushioning inside the extra padding of these new and improved shoes make high performance in your basketball game easy to achieve.
10. Under Armour HOVR HAVOC 3
Next up is this great shoe for someone who has wide feet, the Under Armour HOVR HAVOC 3’s.
A feature of these that more basketball shoes should have are the grooves that vary in width. This makes it so that there is alternative spacing on the bottom of the soles that were put in so that you don’t slip and fall.
These are likely to be a basketball players dream and ideal pair of shoes.
11. Jordan Air Jordan XXXVI
The Jordan Air Jordan XXXVI’s are another viable option for the best cushioned basketball shoes.
These shoes are made out of great lightweight materials and are some of the best basketball shoes on the market.
Thanks to the such materials used, the ventilation is great and your feet with feel breathable at all times. Also since there is advanced gripping on the bottom, traction is no problem to worry about.
Another great feature on these is the springy cushion that provides extra support.
12. Under Armour Lockdown 5
It’s pretty cool that the Under Armour Lockdown 5‘s are the best shoes for not only basketball, but for sports like tennis, participating in gym training and more!
The comfort you get from wearing these is insane. These shoes are so comfortable that many people after buying, end up wearing them every day. School, work, home, the gym and being out and about are all the perfect places to be wearing these.
Important factors to consider when purchasing a shoe include being able to get as much use as possible out of them and paying for a product that is worth it. The Under Armour Lockdown 5’s are worth the higher cost.
13. Vionic Walker Plantar Fasciitis
Finding the best cushioned basketball shoes can be tricky, but what can be even harder sometimes is finding the right shoes for you and for everyday use.
For people with high arches, I would highly recommend the Vionic Walker Plantar Fasciitis shoe. With the addition of a durable and cushioned heel cup and an arch in the shoe particularly created to relieve pain, these might be the most comfortable shoes in your closet.
This pair of shoes has detailed alignment which is great for people who already suffer from foot pain.
14. Adidas D Rose 773
This versatile to any position shoe gives great performance to any type of basketball player.
The balanced cushion put in this shoe is insane. The traction is grippy and great for indoor use.
No matter what play style you perform while wearing the Adidas D Rose 773, they will fit comfortably and get the job done.
15. Adidas Dame 6 Signal
For such a high impact cushioned basketball shoe the Adidas Dame 6 Signal‘s price is worth every penny.
Finding a shoe that is guaranteed to support you while playing should include all of the qualities that apply to your needs.
These shoes have a translucent outsole as well as a bounce balancing cushion that is more effective than many other basketball shoes. To be a great performer, you need these shoes.
16. Adidas D.O.N Issue 2
Adidas shoes are always a great pick and reliable option if you are looking for a shoe that will last a long time. The Adidas D.O.N Issue 2’s are made to be worn for years of playing indoor basketball.
Another option of a shoe that has no problems with traction are these. Having to wipe your shoes while playing indoors is always a hassle, but the soles on this pair will cause no issues of that.
Additional insoles are offered for the insides of these shoes if you prefer extra cushioning. The shoe itself already provides excellent soft cushion but there’s always an option of adding an insert for more.
The lightweight textiles in the Adidas D.O.N. Issue 2 shoes make for a great performance.
17. Lebron 18 Low
Low basketball shoes have been coming back into style and if you are looking for a fresh pair of highly cushioned basketball shoes, the Lebron 18 Low’s are one of the best out there.
Many people who own these shoes say that their favorite feature is the cushioning. The air max unit the creators put in the heel of the shoe make these feel like every step you take is like walking on air.
Slipping is bound to happen when playing on an indoor basketball court but the traction on these shoes make that highly unlikely. Thanks to the awesome design of these, you will be able to maintain your balance while playing a high intensity sports such as basketball.
18. Adidas Harden Vol. 2
Adidas has done a great job of creating a wide variety of cushioned shoes especially made for basketball. They are known well for good traction and supportive cushioning, which the Adidas Harden Vol. 2’s have a ton of.
These extremely breathable shoes are made of a synthetic material, so that your feet get air. The whole toe is made of all mesh which is great because it seems that synthetic mesh seems to perform very well for athletes. There are many things to be said about this shoe but the biggest emphasis and factor to look into when purchasing the Adidas Harden Vol. 2’s is the synthetic material for the best flexible shape.
Fun fact, the fractal traction pattern on these created the name of the shoe after famous basketball player, James Harden. James Harden needed shoes that had the right pressure for his feet during fast movement, and so the Adidas Harden Vol. 2’s were created.
19. Nike Kyrie 3
Next up we have the Nike Kyrie 3’s which are another great pair of cushioned basketball shoes that offer impact protection like no other. Made for bigger players, when constantly landing hard on your feet, who would benefit most from shoes with lots of cushion to protect your joints.
If you are constantly in the gym or playing hours on hours of basketball it is easy for your legs and feet to build up tension and stress. Having the extra layer of cushioning that these shoes provide is a great idea for all of you who play every single day.
A big guy who is coming home every day with foot cramps and sore feet would love to have a new pair of the Nike Kyrie 3’s.
20. Adidas Marquee Boost
Good traction is a must when spending a good amount of money on reliable cushioned basketball shoes. Adidas offers this great option that has a herringbone pattern which provides coverage from the toe to the heel of the shoe so that if something happens to the actual rubber part, there will still be support.
Another thing about these shoes is that they are a cheaper option than many, being about $90, Adidas has given us a steal.
Many basketball shoes get scuffed up and look very old after just a few wears. However the Adidas Marquee Boosts are able to maintain their new and freshly store bought look. This is a great advantage for people who like their items to remain looking like they just bought them.
21. Nike Kyrie Flytrap 5
Up next is the Nike Kyrie Flytrap 5 basketball shoe. These shoes made with rubber compound make great wear for outdoor use.
These lightweight, cushiony shoes give you an extra bounce. Also, they are much comfier than many regular basketball shoes so that you can have no worries about foot pain during a game. The herringbone traction pattern of these shoes make for no slippage on the court.
If you are looking for a basketball shoe that has a lower look, these are popular and in style. Coming in numerous colors and being available for purchase at many different stores, the Nike Kyrie Flytrap 5’s should be next on your list of shoes to buy.
22. Jordan 1 High Zoom Air CMFT
The Jordan 1 High Zoom Air CMFT shoes are really cool.
Similar to the Air Jordan 1 shoe, these were inspired by famous basketball player, Michael Jordan. However this version of the shoe is further updated, including use of the best materials and created for maximum comfort.
A fun little feature that people enjoy is the tongue tag that says “zoom air”. Since this shoe is so popular, most of the time it will be hard to find at normal department stores such as nike for instance. The best place to look for these shoes is ebay.com.
23. Nike PG 5
Next up we have the Nike PG 5’s that are another great option that gives not only superior cushioning but also the best traction due to the rubber outsole.
In order to be the best player you can be on the court, spending time in the gym is what most of your days consist of. That being said, an important role that your shoes need to play is the ability to be reliable and good quality when used on hardwood. The Nike Pg 5 is one of the best options for this.
Every part of the shoe is made to make you feel comfortable when wearing and especially for when you will be running. In other words, i’d say these are a 10/10 would recommend pair of cushioned basketball shoes.
24. Puma MB.01 Lamelo Ball
The next great pair are the Puma MB.01 Lamelo Ball basketball shoes.
This shoe is a first edition signature pair created by LaMelo Ball and many rave about the quality of these shoes, considering the fact that it was his first signature shoe.
These shoes are grippy to the court, lightweight, balancing and supportive. Responsive cushioning is a must for someone who wants to perform well on the court. The cushioning on the inside of these are made of nitro fusion foam. Likewise, there are nothing but good things to say about these shoes!
25. Adidas Dame 7
In order to achieve the best lockdown during a basketball game, you need the Adidas Dame 7’s.
These cushioned shoes are great for performance and have amazing features. They are made with a synthetic textile material which is the best because ventilation is always highly appreciated.
The cushioning in these shoes make it so that on the court you are protected from anything and supported during the high intensity game. These basketball shoes have the perfect blend of materials to be reliable and useful for a long time.
26. Under Armour SC 3Zero III
Next on the list of the best cushioned basketball shoes are the Under Armour SC 3Zero III’s. There are many great things to say about these particular shoes. The herringbone traction is amazing. They are lightweight and feel so nice on your feet.
The midsole of the shoe is made out of Micro-G foam which is super helpful if you have arch pain. However the greatest quality of these basketball shoes would have to be the exceptional grip. Good grip is common for many pairs of basketball shoes but these just perform way higher than many alternative, more expensive options.
The best products are ones that you can get at an affordable price with also the best quality.
27. Nike Giannis Immortality
The Nike Giannis Immortality basketball shoes are one of the best options for outdoor use. For instance, these shoes will not show signs of wear and tear after being used outside.
Additionally, these low top shoes also come with the best grip which is very important while playing basketball.
Many know that for a certain style of play, you may need to find a viable option to your specific position. However, these well rounded shoes are adaptable to any position while also offering the best support.
28. Puma Clyde All-Pro
Finding the perfect pair of cushioned basketball shoes that provide good balance can be difficult. But no need to worry anymore, the Puma Clyde All-Pro shoe is capable of balancing any amount of weight on the court.
Furthermore, the right shoes for you that can support you during any amount of running and jumping are these Puma Clyde All- Pros.
If you like a more minimal feel that has additional cushioning but doesn’t seem like it, you’re looking at the right pair.
29. Adidas Pro N3XT
The Adidas Pro N3XT are great for lateral support. The materials are perfect for this, being able to control your foot when moving so fast. Above all, much support is needed to prevent injury.
I would also recommend these shoes for anyone who wants a higher jump. Cushioned basketball shoes that allow a high jump are sometimes hard to find however this pair works great for that.
30. Reebok Shaqnosis
Choosing your next pair of basketball shoes that are comfortable and supportive should be an informed decision. But there is no need to worry, I’m here to tell you about one of the best pair of cushioned basketball shoes on the market!
Lastly, we have the Reebok Shaqnosis which are super durable. The outsole on these are made for those tough rubber courts that many play on, indoors.
The Reebok Shaqnosis are very popular among shoe collectors because of how old the first release of this shoe is. Previous models have been made decades ago, and they are still around being worn and appreciated by many basketball players.
No matter what specific qualities of great cushioned basketball shoes you are looking for, it is certain that you will find a pair that suits you on this list. Being aware of your specific level of intensity, goals during the basketball game and long term wear is good to keep in mind while on the search for your next pair. Concludingly, whether you workout or play basketball indoors our outdoors, prefer a low top versus a hightop there is the right pair for you here.
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