7 Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes in 2024
Basketball is largely an indoor sport. Officially, it is played on well-maintained hardwood courts which is why brands primarily design basketball shoes for indoor action.
With that, we consider it a huge plus when we find out that a shoe is actually good for outdoor courts. This only means that the manufacturer went out of their way to add more durability to the shoe.
In this article, we present shoes that we found to be most suitable for harsher outdoor conditions. Our top picks are based on both playtesting these basketball shoes on the blacktop and measuring dozens of parameters in our shoe lab.
How we test basketball shoes
To keep our opinions on basketball footwear as objective as possible, we do the following:
- Steer clear from sponsorships. While freebies are nice to have, we’re afraid that they may color our judgments. We see it fit to purchase the outdoor basketball shoes that we were to test using our own cash.
- Test the shoes on realistic outdoor courts. We run, jump, defend, offend, etc. during our game to maximize our impression of the shoes. Just because we played in it outside doesn’t really mean that a basketball shoe is already fit for outdoor use. They must still be played on surfaces that are typical of outdoor courts: rough, dusty, and made of solid concrete with asphalt on top.
- In addition to our qualitative descriptions, we also cut the shoes in half to perform lab testing on them. We then expound the results in a way that is relatable and easy to understand.
Best outdoor basketball shoes overall
What makes it the best?
We say that the Nike Cosmic Unity 3 is currently the best for outdoor hooping because of its durable outsole, low-to-the-ground profile, and immense foot containment capacities. Because of all these benefits, we felt not only protected but also well-supported and much more in control.
While the outsole rubber (3.5 mm) is not really thicker than the average (4.1 mm), our lab assessments revealed that the sole of the Cosmic Unity 3 is actually harder. It registered 86.5 on the HC durometer, while the average is only at 81.5. Based on our experience, harder rubbers last longer outdoors!
Court feel was also something that we didn’t have issues with. In fact, we had so much of it; it’s crazy! The heel and forefoot are only 27.9 mm and 20.7 mm high, or 2.1 mm and 0.9 mm lower than the typical measurements. These figures do not sound much, but when coupled with the midsole’s firmness as gauged by our HA durometer (33.3 vs 26.6 average), they translated to much more pronounced ground feedback, which in turn allowed us to be more confident with our steps.
In the lab, we also manually twisted, pushed, and pulled on this shoe to teach just how resistant it is to force. We gave it a 4 out of 5 for torsional rigidity , while it got a 4 out of 5 for heel counter stiffness. On the court, this meant no ankle rolls and zero heel slippage. We could focus on the game, and our sprints and strides were much more precise and purposeful.
The firm midsole was a two-edged sword. It was not able to deliver that amount of impact protection that we needed. Players who expect pampering from their cushioning systems should look for something else.
Pros
- Perfect for outdoor courts
- Outstandingly durable
- One of the most stable shoes
- Wide platform
- Very secure lockdown
- Reliable traction on all courts
- Breathable enough
- Sustainable materials
Cons
- Firm sole with poor impact protection
- Heavier than average
- Break-in needed
Outdoor basketball shoes with the best traction
What makes it the best?
After hours and hours of wear and lab tests, we finally found who’s the traction boss when it comes to streetball: the Adidas Harden Vol. 7! Its wonderfully crafted outsole worked day and night to bite the court even during our most daring moves, withstanding the abrasion of such surfaces like a champ!
When our durometer returned 82.9 HC measuring the outsole hardness, we had high expectations regarding durability. We played with this shoe way too many matches, yet its outsole didn’t seem to care at all! Our Dremel proved it right, showing only 0.5 mm of damage after our abrasion test. This makes this model's outsole 55% more durable than average!
During our playtests, these Adidas’ outsole supported us even in our most explosive backdoor cuts. We didn’t slip at all, which made us feel surefooted even if the outdoor court was not the best. In the lab, we found the outsole features ripple patterns that ensure easy multidirectional moves. And even if the court was dusty, after wiping the shoe a couple of times it was as good as new.
The main drawback of this model is that it’s not well-ventilated. The Harden Vol. 7 scored a 2/5 in our breathability test, so we don’t think it’s the best choice to play ball in the summer.
Pros
- Super amazing traction on dustless courts
- Heel-to-toe transition is smooth
- Well-pronounced court feel
- Fairly dependable impact protection
- Comfortable and supportive heel area
- Very good overall containment
- Laces offers exceptional lockdown
- True-to-size fit
- Easy to put on and take off
Cons
- Ventilation has to be improved
- Shoe is on the heavier side
Outdoor basketball shoes with the best cushioning
What makes it the best?
After countless hours in our lab and days and nights hooping in the streets, we’ve finally decided the New Balance TWO WXY V4 has the top of the tops cushioning in the outdoor basketball shoes category.
At 31.2 mm and 21.3 mm, its heel and forefoot stacks are pretty much average. That’s what our caliper confirmed, but our feet had something else to say. During our wear tests, we felt incredibly comfortable whenever we landed after a rebound. At the same time, this NB’s energy return allowed us to perform quick split steps and fast footwork overall, such as Euro-steps.
We took the shoe to our lab and cut it in half to learn more about its cushioning system. It features a dual-technology midsole that combines Fresh Foam X and FuelCell. First, we grabbed our durometer, and at 25.0 HA, it agreed with our feet: the TWO WXY V4's midsole is and feels pretty soft. Then we took our caliper and measured the shoe’s outsole thickness at 5.1 mm, which makes this shoe one of the best we've tested so far to play ball outside.
Despite being great for streetball, its lack of breathability might not make it suitable to hoop in the summer or when it's hot overall.
Pros
- Sturdy outsole
- Lighter than average
- Resistance to toe drags
- Fairly supportive structure
- Well-balanced midsole
- Suitable for outdoor use
- Protection from painful twists
- Stable platform
Cons
- Not breathable at all
- Not for wide-footers
Outdoor basketball shoes with the best support
What makes it the best?
The Jordan Zion 2 is serious about durability and stability, making it such a pleasure to use outdoors. But it doesn’t stop there. It also brings so much court feel which helped us unleash some speed and athleticism on the court. Because of all these benefits, this shoe easily toppled other contenders to be the best outdoor shoe for support to date.
Using a caliper in the lab, we measured the thickness of the shoe’s outsole. Even if it’s slightly thinner than average (4.1 mm) at 3.2 mm thick, the outsole was still dependable when it comes to its sturdiness. We couldn’t find any serious signs of wear and tear in the outsole even after several games.
After doing different types of footwork in this shoe, we have to say that support and stability were still topnotch. Our lab test using a digital force gauge uncovered the reason for this amazing performance benefit: the shoe’s structure is actually 64% firmer than average. Our feet surely couldn’t get anywhere they’re not supposed to.
When it comes to ground feedback, this shoe was simply outstanding. Its platform is 2.9 mm and 2.5 mm thinner at the heel and forefoot, respectively. These stack differences brought our feet closer to the ground, giving us better control over our strides.
It’s just too regretful that the Zion 2 just couldn’t be enjoyed by players who want to feel light on their feet. This shoe is surely heavier than average (14.22 oz or 403g), with our scale estimating its weight to be 15.2 ounces or 431 grams.
Pros
- Strong side-to-side grip
- Tremendous support
- Very pronounced court feel
- Reliable energy return
- True-to-size fit
- Breathable
- Good for bigger men
- OK for outdoors
- Casual style
Cons
- Dust-prone outsole
- Lacks impact protection
- Seriously needs breaking in
Best lightweight outdoor basketball shoes
What makes it the best?
As far as other LeBron shoes are concerned, the Nike LeBron NXXT GEN already feels as light as a feather. This shoe registered only 13.12 oz or 372g on the weighing scale, making it considerably lighter than average (14.22 oz or 403g). Besides being light, this basketball shoe also delivered dependable outsole firmness without sacrificing the shoe’s structural flexibility. Taken altogether, these benefits easily make the LeBron NXXT GEN the best lightweight outdoor basketball shoe.
We discovered through our HC durometer measurements that the outsole of the NXXT GEN is harder than that of the typical shoe. It registered 84.5 while the average is 81.5. Taking this shoe outdoors was never a problem.
Doing more natural foot flexions was never a problem with this Nike shoe. Our assessments in the lab showed that this shoe only needed 32.4N of force to bend at 90 degrees. The average hoop shoe would need as much as 40.9N.
Wide-footers are not expected to enjoy this shoe. At its widest, the toebox is only 98.9 mm when the average could go as high as 101.0 mm. The width at the big toe is even more worrisome at 74.9 mm when the average is 76.8 mm.
Pros
- Top-notch traction
- Lightest LeBron shoe (as of 2023)
- Nice bounce in the forefoot
- A fine balance of court feel and impact protection
- Effective foot containment
- Very comfortable wraparound feel
- Quality materials
- Standout design and colors
Cons
- Surprisingly not for wide feet
- Still kinda expensive
Outdoor basketball shoes with the best comfort
What makes it the best?
The Adidas Dame 8 rises far above other outdoor basketball shoes in terms of comfort because its midsole is made of softer foam that helps cradle the foot and secure it in place. Its upper material also hugged our feet quite securely without being too restrictive. We also take note of its unusually wide midsole and wide toebox that give more room to accommodate wider feet.
That the cushioning system is 24% softer than average is both comforting and stabilizing. It’s comforting because it could really attenuate harsh landings and aggressive heel strikes. It’s stabilizing in the sense that its softness allowed the heel area to sink in a little so that the material grasped the foot securely in place.
The upper material of the Dame 8 was such a delight because it was able to deliver so much lockdown without sacrificing comfort. We never had to worry about slipping or feeling so much pain after wearing this shoe for so long.
When we assessed the midsole platform in the lab, we found that its forefoot and heel areas are 5.7 mm and 8.0 mm wider than average. The extra surface area surely served as an outrigger, and it allowed the sidewalls to expand well during quick side-to-side foot movements. We never spent a second worrying about our feet slipping off its platform.
A big caveat for the Adidas Dame 8 is its weight. Our weighing scale in the lab reported its weight to be 14.89 oz or 422g, making it slightly heavier than the 14.22 oz or 403g average. Players who want light kicks should look for something else.
Pros
- Good traction on clean courts
- Impact protection in the heel
- Forefoot responsiveness
- Secure lockdown
- Comfortable in-shoe feel
- Side-to-side stability
- Wide-foot friendly
- Okay for outdoor courts
Cons
- Dust magnet
- Fiddly heel lining
Best budget outdoor basketball shoes
What makes it the best?
It was the amazing hardness of the sole that made the Nike Air Max Impact 4 one of the favorites for outdoor play. Then we have the firmness of the midsole and upper breathability to thank for this shoe’s sustained agility on the court. But it was its $90 price, which is a lot lower than the $135 average, that convinced us that it’s the outdoor shoe that offers the most value for money.
We couldn’t believe our eyes when the HC durometer gave the outsole an 87.5, making it significantly firmer than the average sole that gets a score of only 81.5. Having such a sturdy sole allowed the shoe to withstand the unique pressures of the outdoor courts.
The midsole of the Air Max Impact 4 is arguably one of the most balanced cushioning systems ever. The HA durometer pegged the softness at 25.5, while the average is 26.6. This close-to-the-average firmness allowed us to be quicker on our feet without jeopardizing impact protection.
The breathability of the upper was felt the moment we put on this shoe. We confirmed this when the shoe got a solid 3 out of 5 after we conducted a smoke test on it in the lab.
The width of the footbed is no better than average: 101.1 mm (the average is 101.0 mm). Hence, we can never recommend this shoe to players who have wider-than-usual feet.
Pros
- Traction is consistently good
- Responsive cushioning
- Decent impact protection
- Comfortable and well-ventilated upper
- Dependable foot containment
- Great for outdoor use
- Value for money
Cons
- Needs to be broken in
- Not for wide-footers
5 qualities of the ideal outdoor basketball shoe
A vast majority of basketball shoes are designed with smooth indoor courts in mind.
But because outdoor courts are often more readily available for spontaneous games in public parks and community spaces, there is a considerable demand for shoes that can handle rough surfaces.
If you are on the lookout for a streetball-ready shoe, make sure that it checks the following five boxes:
- Hard, durable, and thick rubber outsole
- Thick tread pattern
- Sufficient cushioning and impact protection
- Durable and reinforced upper
- Good breathability
Choose hard, durable, and thick rubber outsoles for the blacktop
Hard outdoor courts will almost always put more miles on your shoes but different surfaces can have varying effects on your basketball shoes:
- concrete and asphalt are the harshest and most abrasive ones
- rubberized courts are more forgiving
- artificial turf is not very common but is the least demanding on shoes
Thus, the type of rubber used in the shoe’s outsole is a critical consideration.
In our lab, we perform three tests with four different tools to determine the essential characteristics of each shoe’s rubber outsole: hardness, abrasion resistance, and thickness.
Hardness
We press a Shore C durometer against the bottom of the shoe to measure its outsole hardness. The readings range from 50 to 90 HC, where the lower number indicates softer rubber.
Shoes with a softer rubber outsole tend to wear out quickly and lose their grip on the outdoor court, compromising both the shoe's longevity and the player's performance.
Shoes with a harder rubber outsole offer better durability and grip on concrete and other outdoor surfaces. However, hard rubber can affect the shoe's cushioning and comfort, making it crucial to find a balance between durability and comfort when choosing basketball shoes for outdoor play.
Abrasion resistance
In the next step, we turn to a Dremel with a sandpaper tip to test how much damage the shoe’s rubber can sustain within 22 seconds. The speed of the tool is set to 10K RPM while the pressure remains at 3.2N.
After that, we measure the depth of the indentation with a tread gauge. It shows how much rubber the Dremel managed to burn through. The results typically range from 0.2 mm to 2.0 mm, where the smaller number represents better abrasion resistance.
Outsole thickness
Last but not least, we want to make sure that the shoe's outsole rubber is thick enough because this directly affects the shoe’s lifespan.
We measure outsole thickness on half-cut shoes for higher accuracy of the caliper measurement. The results typically range from 3 to 6 mm averaging at 4 mm.
Putting all these measurements together, we can see which of our lab-tested basketball shoes live up to the durability criteria needed for the blacktop.
Tread pattern matters in outdoor basketball shoes
A good grip on the court means better control over your movements and the ability to jump higher. This is why the tread, traction, and grip of your basketball shoes are crucial.
But here's the thing: outdoor and indoor basketball shoes have different needs in this regard:
Indoor basketball shoes have thin razor-like tread lines that have a strong bite on hardwood but are instantly destroyed on concrete or asphalt. Some indoor shoes also feature circular flat spots on the sole that allow for a suction-like grip on smooth and flat surfaces. But take them outside and you may find them slipping and sliding all over asphalt, especially if the surface is not smooth.
Outdoor basketball shoes typically come with larger thicker tread patterns that provide good lateral stability and grip on all types of surfaces.
If you are in doubt about the treading on your pair of shoes, try this quick DIY test:
- When trying a shoe on foot, test the outsole by firmly pressing down against the floor.
- Try to slowly rock your foot back and forth and side to side. With most soft outsoles and thin tread lines, you are going to feel the rubber grooves warping and bending. You don't want that outdoors.
- You can further test it by running a bit, slamming the brakes (stopping to change direction), and stomping with your forefoot.
Sufficient cushioning and impact protection are essential
Concrete courts are much less reactive than wood or PVC courts, so if you’re aiming to play as hard as you would indoors you should invest in a pair of well-cushioned shoes to protect from overloading injuries in the ankles and knees.
The findings of Zhou et al., 2023 suggest that players who habitually strike the ground with their rear foot may be at a higher risk of developing overuse injuries when running on hard surfaces such as concrete.
In basketball, most explosive movements involve a forefoot strike. These can occur while boxing out, jump shots, cutting, and finishing off two feet.
To make sure you’re fully covered for streetball, we meticulously check each shoe’s heel and forefoot stack height as well as cushioning softness in our lab.
Stack height
Stack height indicates how much material sits between your foot and the court. Using a caliper, we measure its thickness in both the heel and the forefoot.
The average stack heights of our lab-tested outdoor basketball shoes hover around:
- 29.5 mm in the heel
- 21.5 mm in the forefoot
Depending on your individual needs, position, and playing style, you may want to go for a more pronounced ground feel or for more impact protection. But keep in mind that concrete and asphalt courts are going to be much harder on your feet and legs than indoor courts. Sometimes betting an extra couple of milimeters can elevate the comfort quite a bit!
Midsole softness
Choosing how soft you want to go in a pair of streetball shoes is also entirely up to you. We are only here to measure cushioning softness on each pair with the help of a Shore A durometer.
To help you understand what each HA reading means in a real shoe, here are two videos illustrating cushioning foams on both sides of the spectrum:
Softer cushioning with a 20.1 HA reading
Firmer cushioning with a 33.3 HA reading
To give you an overview of cushioning in our best-rated basketball shoes for outdoor courts, we gathered the data on stack height and softness in the table below:
Consider upper materials too: are they durable enough?
Playing basketball outdoors WILL deteriorate your kicks faster than playing indoors. This is an important cost factor to keep in mind when considering the upper construction of your shoes.
But how do you know if the shoe’s toebox is reinforced enough to survive constant toe drags against the blacktop?
We are here to test that with our trusty Dremel.
Drilling each shoe’s toebox with sandpaper at a constant speed (5K RPM) and pressure (3.2N) for 12 seconds, we can assess the damage it caused to different types of uppers.
For example, a minor cosmetic scuff that doesn’t affect the shoe’s integrity gets a score of 5 whereas a see-through hole gets the lowest score of 1.
Here is the overview of outdoor basketball shoes with the most wear-resistant toebox materials:
Also do check the inner side of the shoe’s forefoot for any additional layers of protection against toe drags and slashes.
These days, synthetic, knit, and mesh materials are much more common among basketball shoes. That’s because they offer better breathability, lightness, and instant form-fitting comfort compared to old-school leather hoop shoes.
Of course, no one can stop you from getting genuine leather or suede uppers for outdoor courts as these can withstand rough use, providing excellent support and stability. But do keep in mind that the nature of streetball is so abrasive that you will find yourself splurging on this type of shoe more often than you may wish to.
Check breathability to avoid toasty feet in summer
Did you know that basketball was originally invented as a winter sport? It was meant as an indoor activity for the cold and rainy season. Maybe that explains why most hoop shoes these days lack breathability so badly???
Anyway, the basketball scene has evolved quite a bit since 1898 and for Asian countries, for example, outdoor courts have become the most popular and readily available playground for basketball.
Considering the high temperatures and humidity of these areas, breathability becomes of utmost importance.
In our lab, we perform a series of breathability tests to check each shoe’s ventilation capacity. In one of these tests, we fill the upper with smoke and observe how quickly it passes through the upper material. We also take note of the areas that expel the smoke most effectively and happen to be most transparent in our light test.
We summarize our findings in a breathability score between 1 and 5 where 5 stands for the highest level of breathability we’ve come across in a hoop shoe.
Other factors to consider in outdoor basketball shoes
Ankle support and stability features
Look for shoes that provide adequate ankle support to minimize the risk of injuries. That doesn’t necessarily mean choosing high-top shoes!
Contrary to the common stereotype, a higher collar doesn’t give more ankle support according to science. Here is what does:
- high torsional rigidity
- wide base with a lateral outrigger
- stiff heel counter
- secure lockdown
- grounded platform
- solid traction
To learn more about basketball shoes with the best ankle support, see our guide.
Your playing style and personal needs
When it comes to choosing the right basketball shoes for a specific position or play type, there are some additional factors to consider.
Center or Power Forward
These players may benefit from a shoe with more support and cushioning, as they often engage in more physical play under the basket. These types of movements demand sufficient responsiveness for quick pivoting and step-through.
When playing in front-court positions (PF/C), regardless of outdoor or indoor your shoes are subject to additional wear and tear. As a player positioned in the paint during a basketball game, the constant need to box out and secure rebounds puts you at a higher risk of encountering moving feet and potential impacts, and setting picks will have smaller guards regularly colliding with you.
If what we’ve just described is your bread and butter on the court, it’s recommended that you look for a stiff upper construction with plenty of added ankle support to:
- Protect your feet
- Have your outdoor basketball shoes last a reasonable amount of time.
Power Forwards/Centers: LeBron James, Zion Williamson, Shaquille O’Neal.
Guard and Small Forward
These athletes may benefit from a shoe with a lighter weight and more flexibility for faster movement and agility on the court.
You’ll want to look for low-profile cushioning to keep the shoe light and your movements liquid. It’s recommended to look for a more snug-fitting upper with additional features like a mid-foot strap or structured lacing systems so that you’re not worried about the foot moving inside the shoe.
Point/Shooting Guards: Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Luka Doncic, LaMelo Ball, Russell Westbrook, Trae Young, Ja Morant.
Small Forwards: Kevin Durant, Paul George, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum.
FAQs about outdoor basketball shoes
How much break-in time should I give my outdoor basketball shoes?
It really depends on the materials used in the shoe and how often you play in them. We try to give new basketball shoes at least 6 hours of light activity before playing a game in them.
This way you can get used to the shoe’s cushioning and response as well.
How much wear should I get out of outdoor basketball shoes?
Again, it depends a lot on game intensity, how much you drag your feet, and the conditions of the court you play on. Generally, you should get about 70 hours of playtime in with a solid outdoor pair.
Are outdoor basketball shoes more expensive?
They are not! With both premium and affordable options available, you can choose a shoe within your budget.
But based on our personal experience, getting a $200 shoe just to play outdoors is not the best investment considering how quickly you burn through shoes on concrete and asphalt.
If you are a beginner who needs a solid outdoor shoe below $100, there are a few excellent options:
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