On WearTesters, we have created perpetually updated lists of the best overall basketball shoes, the best budget basketball shoes, and the best basketball shoe deals, all of which are not exactly the best value basketball shoes.
Our best overall basketball shoe list compiles the best basketball shoes available with no regard to price, our best budget basketball shoe list compiles the best low-priced models out there, often shoes brands release as inexpensive performance options, and lastly, our best basketball deals page offers our picks of the best basketball shoes that are currently on sale.
But, there is one other way to organize basketball shoes taking into consideration performance and price: by their value. That was the genesis of our best-value basketball shoes list.
In this list, you’ll find the best bang-for-your-buck options currently on the market. You’ll find both expensive and inexpensive options as long as they pack a ton of value for the money you pay.
We’ll consider technology, on-court performance, and all-around versatility, so it’s no easy task to make this list even with testing hundreds of basketball shoes each year.
Weartesters in Español Best Value Basketball Shoes Picks
Whether you’re looking for that one shoe that will have you covered no matter what position you play or the surface you play on, or you’re just looking for the most advanced shoe at the best price, this is the list for you.
Last updated 06.01.2023
Best Value Basketball Shoes Show
Best Value Basketball Shoes 2023
Nike Air Max Impact 4
The Air Max Impact 4 is very similar to the Air Max Impact 3, and that’s a good thing. The Air Max Impact 3 was the best budget model of last year, and the Impact 4 will likely take those honors this year. One standout feature of both shoes is the cushion. The tooling (midsole/outsole) stays mostly the same, which is great news for fans of the last year’s model. It’s Phylon foam with a heel Air Max unit. One of the best value basketball shoes out there. See the full review. Price: $90
Li-Ning Wade 808 2
The Li-Ning Wade 808 2 brings back a technology we all loved: drop-in midsoles. This tech was made popular by various Nike Kobe models and the Nike LeBron 11.
The drop-in for this pair is pure Cloud foam which is plush and comfortable. You can also exchange it for the BOOM drop-in from the Li-Ning Wade 808 2 Ultra. It’s awesome when you can customize the cushion to your preferences. It’s one of the best pairs of Li-Ning Basketball Shoes ever, a great Kobe 8 substitute, and one of the best value basketball shoes currently on the market. See the full review. Price: $119 $109
Jordan Luka 1
The Jordan Luka 1 was highly rated by our team, and that’s saying a lot. Jordan Brand used the Luka 1 to introduce its newest foam: Formula 23.
Even though most colorways use translucent rubber (mainly to showcase the latest tech), the traction still performed well indoors. Support is an obvious priority, with the IsoPlate system acting as torsional support while beefing up lateral support. And at $110 (or $120 for the special editions), you get a lot of performance for the money. Read the full review. Price: $110
Nike Kyrie Low 5
The Nike Kyrie Low 5 might look similar to the flagship Kyrie, the Nike Kyrie Infinity, but it’s a very different shoe. As the name suggests, they are low cut and have a more subdued and responsive cushion set up with a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot and a foam midsole. This setup makes the shoe more stable, and the Dynamic Strap System finished the job with two anchor points that lock your heel and whole foot in the shoe. Read the full review. Price: $110
Jordan Zion 2
The Jordan Zion 2 is an excellent performance basketball shoe. It comes after the not-so-stellar performance of the Jordan Zion 1. The traction, particularly, shines in the Jordan Zion 2 as it grips the floor like nobody’s business. It’s best felt when going aggressively from side to side.
The shoe’s main drawback is the materials (which aren’t amazing), but at least the strap works to lock down your forefoot. Heel support is beefy and keeps you locked in at all times. A great basketball shoe and one of the best value basketball shoes. Read the full review. Price: $120
Nike Zoom Freak 4
The Nike Zoom Freak 4 boasts two large Zoom Air pods in the forefoot, making for a comfortable ride up front. The Phylon midsole also curves up the midfoot section to offer a supportive feel. The sole is semi-decoupled, which helps with mobility, but players that generate a lot of torsional force might run into problems.
The strap from the Nike Zoom Freak 3 was replaced by a midsole extension on the lateral side to provide additional support. The best Giannis shoe to date and one of the best value basketball shoes. Read the full review. Price: $130
New Balance TWO WXY V3
The New Balance TWO WXY V3 improves on the already great New Balance TWO WXY V2. The traction looks to be the most promising, potentially packing Nike Kobe 9-level performance. The FuelCell used on this pair can be described as light and stable. And to top it off, the upper is comfy, and the various colorways all look pretty good. The TWO WXY V3 is worth your consideration. Read full review. Price $120
Puma TRC Blaze Court
The Puma TRC Blaze Court continues Puma’s resurgence into the basketball performance sneaker scene.
The shoe’s traction works great (though it can chip slightly) and the Trinomic cushion, which is now foam-based, is one of the bounciest setups on the market. The rest of the midsole is ProFoam+ which is comfortable. The Puma TRC Blaze Court is probably the best Puma basketball shoe right now and easily one of the best value basketball shoes out there. See the full review. Price: $120
Puma Rise Nitro
The Puma Rise Nitro succeeds the support-deficient Puma Fusion Nitro. The Rise Nitro’s outsole is not only beautiful but functional. The torsional and spring plates are combined to create the ProPlate, similar to the one used in the Puma Clyde All-Pro. The midsole is full-length Nitro-infused foam, much like the Puma MB.01. The only issue is outdoor durability. And while it’s hard to get at the laces, that’s not much of an issue with the great fit. One of the better Puma shoes out there and because of the price one of the best value basketball shoes. See the full review. Price: $125
Under Armour Flow FUTR X 2
The Under Armour Flow FUTR X 2 ensures you can try the best cushioning from Under Armour without breaking the bank by buying the Curry 10. The materials are basic, composed of mesh with fuse sections and a few synthetic overlays. The sole, though, gives the FUTR X 2 the bang-for-your-buck feel. The Flow technology is smooth and reacts on the court without delay. It’s an excellent entry-level basketball shoe that offers outstanding performance, and one of the best value basketball shoes. See the full review. Price: $120
Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best value basketball shoes list? Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.
