The 15 Best Basketball Shoes Of 2024

When you are wearing a pair of the best basketball shoes, you can do better in the game and lower the chances of accidents.

Imagine you are playing basketball with your friends and enjoying but suddenly there is severe pain in your feet only because you are wearing improper basketball shoes.

Worst case scenario would be sitting idly while your friends continue playing. “I’m sure you’d regret not having a perfect pair of basketball shoes that are designed specifically to support you and your feet when you are doing any sport” says Brian McCormick, basketball expert & sports psychology.

Moreover, if basketball is your thing, then having the right pair of shoes is a must.

Shoes made specifically for basketball players provide necessary friction with the court surface and also necessary shock absorption for your ankles.

Here are 15 of the most amazing basketball shoes, some of which are great in comfort and some are great for ankle support.

Well, not all of them are perfect but you’ll like them a lot more than you hate them. And don’t judge the book by its cover that is their brand name; rather judge them by the pros and cons they have to get the actual picture.

We have created this list to gather the very best choices of basketball shoes you can buy before you play the next game.

Try one from this selection and see how it changes your whole basketball game in just a few days.

Our Top Recommendations!

Best Overall: Adidas KXF10 Harden Stepback Men’s Basketball Shoe
“AdidasKXF10 Harden shoe is very comfortable to wear along with providing support to your sole. It’s lightweight with amazing and fascinating design. It has superb grip holding tendency and with all such amazing features, it is a low-cost shoe.”

Best Value: Nike Hustle D8 (Gs) Unisex Basketball Shoe For Child
“This shoe is very comfortable to wear which provides support to your feet with amazing features. A long rubber midsole provides flexibility. It is an awesome shoe for your child.”

Best Pick: Beita Anti Slip High Upper Sports Shoes
“Beita Anti Slip shoe with superb grip quality best supports your ankle. It is a lightweight and low-cost shoe with water-resistance feature that provides comfort to your feet with non-slippery property. Also available in four different amazing colors.”

15 Best Basketball Shoes Reviews of 2021!

Best Overall: Adidas KXF10 Harden Stepback Men’s Basketball Shoe

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Not just low cost, this exquisite Adidas KXF10 Harden Stepback Men’s Basketball Shoe delivers what is expected from it.

It’s very lightweight, has a very comfortable cushioning system and a well-balanced grip holder. So, it gives you enough traction whenever necessary.

Its midsoles, at the same time, are bouncy and long; the outsole is made of super grip quality rubber material and ergonomic design for better support and comfort level.

Why Is It Different From Others?
Because of its flexible cushioning and super grip holder, this is very suitable for core athletes and sports enthusiasts.

Who Is It Best For?
Hardcore basketball players will like this shoe the most.

Best Value: Nike Hustle D8 (Gs) Unisex Basketball Shoe For Child

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You will never regret buying Nike Hustle D8 (Gs) Unisex Basketball Shoe for your child. The protection level it provides with its wider Velcro strap, closure system, and locked-in feature for the feet is definitely what you want for your child’s safety.

The open design with top-quality mesh and airflow pathway inside the shoe ensures better breathability and longevity.

Why Is It Different From Others?
It has a very comfortable sole and your child can move flexibly wearing this shoe.

Who Is It Best For?
This is the best shoe for your child for playing basketball.

Best Pick: Beita Anti Slip High Upper Sports Shoes

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With better PU material as well as durability, these Beita Anti Slip High Upper Sports Shoes are perfect for flat feet.

Specially designed and manufactured for heavy athletic activities, these are what you want if you are an avid player.

They are non-slippery, suitable for both indoors and outdoors, come with superior grip quality, and have amazing ankle support and ventilation system.

Why Is It Different From Others?
It has slip resistance which allows you to play at extreme speed with nothing to worry about your safety.

Who Is It Best For?
Pro basketball players who run very fast while playing on the court.

PEAK Master Breathable Men’s Workout Shoes

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Equipped with a stabilization module and support system for lateral movements, PEAK Master Breathable Men’s Workout Shoes is a very good choice.

They are extremely suitable for wide-footed persons and scientifically designed to provide maximum stability and support while playing any sports.

This is a good choice as it has the very good build quality and durability with shock absorbent technology.

Why Is It Different From Others?
It will reduce your ankle twisting to a bare minimum that will enable you to move laterally in the court with much ease.

Who Is It Best For?
Those who are tricky basketball players would very much enjoy playing their game in this shoe.

Adidas OwnTheGame EE9642 Basketball Shoes For Men

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If you are looking for better performance within a reasonable price, Adidas OwnTheGame EE9642 Basketball Shoes for Menis the one for you.

It is more suitable for beginners but to make it more budget-friendly, it had to be cut down on some features.

With a herringbone pattern on the outer edge, it has a good grip over any surface.

Why Is It Different From Others?
Cheaper option compared to the insole quality among the other similar options of the market.

Who Is It Best For?
Beginner players with a necessity for comfort and durability are best suited to buy this shoe.

Under Armour HOVR 3022050 Havoc 2 Unisex Basketball Shoe

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Under Armour HOVR 3022050 Havoc 2 Unisex Basketball Shoe is specially designed for people with narrow feet.

The upper textile of this model is designed scientifically which makes it breathable for skin and comfortable for the foot.

For a better fit, it has a custom-made lacing system with a webbed mesh tongue.

Why Is It Different From Others?
It is specially designed for the players with a narrow foot so that they can move fast wearing this.

Who Is It Best For?
It is best suited to men or women with narrow feet and pro-playing moves.

Nike Air Mavin 719924-003 Basketball Shoe For Men

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You won’t have to be a sportsperson to buy Nike Air Mavin 719924-003 Basketball Shoe For Men. They are comfortable, durable, and come in a wide variety of colors.

The synthetic feathery mesh panels are very comfortable for your feet and the rubber-made exterior is also great for grip so you can run and jump with minimal effort.

Why Is It Different From Others?
It has increased breathability as well as comfort level.

Who Is It Best For?
Those who want comfort and durability, in fact, the whole package with a stylish look, will definitely like this.

Nike LEBRON WITNESS IV Men’s Basketball Shoes

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For wide-foot people, Nike LEBRON WITNESS IV Men’s Basketball Shoes should be one of the topmost choices.

It has a great cushioning system, better support, and stability like no other. Lion head-shaped unique heel collar gives a very manly vibe to this supreme quality sports shoe.

Flat-foot people will feel very comfortable in these shoes. But if your feet are on the narrower side, you may want to opt for half a size larger model.

Why Is It Different From Others?
It has a comfortable interior and the shoe is flat feet friendly, and excellent for both running and pivotal movements.

Who Is It Best For?
Those with a wide foot but would like to wear shoes that are comfortable for heavy use.

Under Armour 3022121 Pre School Unisex Child Basketball Shoe

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Under Armour 3022121 Pre School Unisex Child Basketball Shoe is one of the best shoes for kids out there. It has a great build quality with mesh material for better breathability.

You can forget about odors causing by wearing a shoe for a long time when you wear this one.

It is a shoe with a super light design and has the necessary strength to provide great balance and support.

Why Is It Different From Others?
It has amazing longevity and high-end build quality which makes it a very elegant model for core sporty persons.

Who Is It Best For?
Those who want to own a shoe with a trendy look and better quality, it is best for them.

ASHION Non-Slip Basketball Shoes

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These ASHION Non-Slip Basketball Shoes are not very popular as a basketball brand but they are very likely to pass your quality test once you get used to them.

They have a breathable design and a comfortable cushioning system.

Why Is It Different From Others?
It is very adaptive for the outdoor environment and beginner-friendly among other varieties.

Who Is It Best For?
Those who want to improve their game playing within a very short amount of time would definitely love this model.

Adidas EF0665 Men’s Harden Basketball Shoe

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Adidas EF0665 Men’s Harden Basketball Shoe is one of those shoes which don’t let you look otherwise once you lock your eyes on them.

These are extremely good-looking with proper balance and design. It is also one of the best quality products in the market.

Your whole foot will fit perfectly in the shoe but still will have enough toe space for your comfort.

Why Is It Different From Others?
This classic shoe has a unique design to withhold pressure and is suitable for long-term use for any athletic person.

Who Is It Best For?
People especially those who jump a lot during their game-play are more likely to fit in these better.

Nike Basketball Shoes For Men

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Nike Basketball Shoes For Men are so lightweight that you will feel like flying while playing with these shoes.

It has a good quality lacing system so that it fits your feet perfectly and the exterior is made of rubber which increases the shock absorbance well enough to provide a smooth landing.

Why Is It Different From Others?
Very lightweight compared to the quality and service it provides, so you wouldn’t feel any extra weight during playing.

Who Is It Best For?
Those who play for a long time and practice a lot will be very comfortable wearing this shoe for day-long activities.

PEAK Anti Slip Professional Shoes

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PEAK Anti Slip Professional Shoes offer you superior flexibility, proper support, and greater comfort. No matter if you are a professional or a beginner player, this will satisfy your need in every aspect.

This provides a very good quality cushioning and you can wear them all day long.

Whether you practice for a while or for a full day, this will prevent rollover and lower the risk of slippage.

Why Is It Different From Others?
Exquisite material and high-end manufacturing methods made this shoe one of the most favorite models among athletes and shoe enthusiasts.

Who Is It Best For?
If you like unique products with premium brand quality, this is the one for you.

Under Armour 3023949 Lockdown 5 Men’s Basketball Shoe

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Very comfortable forefront makes Under Armour 3023949 Lockdown 5 Men’s Basketball Shoe one of the most amazing sports shoes out there.

It does not compromise on the performance part while keeping in mind to provide a fresh and trendy look.

Whoever designed this shoe knows an avid player very well and that’s why it has such amazing quality and innovation both incorporated in it.

Why Is It Different From Others?
Its quality is not compromised behind the superior outer look of this shoe. While maximum good to look at products don’t deliver what they are expected, this one meets both ends.

Who Is It Best For?
For those who want maximum service with a high-end elegant and stylish look.

Adidas Originals AH2658 Pro Bounce Men’s Basketball Shoe

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If you like thick shafts in your shoe, most probably you will also like the Adidas Originals AH2658 Pro Bounce Men’s Basketball Shoe.

These are manufactured with high-quality forge fiber and not with any ordinary fabric.

For the cable lacing system, these shoes are always going to stay up against your feet even after all-day-long use.

Why Is It Different From Others?
Extremely good cushioning and comfortable sole inside of this shoe is the most amazing feature and trust me you’d want your feet to use them.

Who Is It Best For?
For pro players who prioritize comfort over anything.

Why Are There Specialized Shoes For Basketball?

Whether you just started playing basketball or you have been playing for a while, a good pair of basketball shoes is never a bad investment.

Basketball shoes are specifically designed for playing in the courts and it is supposed to make your feet relaxed and comfortable, enable you to give better performance, stay durable for a long period and at the same time compliments your look.

Even though there are hundreds of different basketball shoes in the market, all of them require you to do a major job – helping you to draw out your best performance.

That being said, I am going to tell you some major benefits you’re going to get by investing in a good basketball shoe:

• First, you will notice while wearing a great basketball shoe that you will feel more confident than before while heading for the court. You will see positive energy and strength during jumping and moving. You will be able to disarm your competition with confidence. You’ll feel like you are perfectly geared up for delivering your most amazing performance!
• A perfect pair of shoes will provide you enough traction to prevent slippage, giving you the necessary balance and stability. You will be able to jump higher and run faster because you will feel fully safe.
• A good basketball shoe has even better cushioning that is specifically built to provide your heels better comfort. Thus, you are more likely to better concentrate on the game.
• It gives you immense support and lets you acquire the taste of a great game without having to worry about injuries and pain.
• And many others!

Things To Keep In Mind Before You Decide!

The Skill Level Of Your Shoe

You are going to have to decide on your level of skill before buying the basketball shoes. This is how you will decide the type of your show. Such as, if your skill level is elementary, light shoes that have good friction may be best for you to run fast and move without dealing with fatigue.

The Health Of The Player

Are your knees and ankles prone to injuries? How about your hamstrings? A higher injury rate is the body’s way of telling you to get a shoe with cushion support against those areas. There are even shoes that are compatible with accessories like knee braces. These shoes should be the initial choice.

Your Style Of Playing

People do not emphasize their playing style enough while buying their shoes but they should. Everyone’s style is different and it plays a significant part in selecting a good pair of shoes. Let me share some styles and the type of shoes that complements those styles.

Power players should have good cushioning and a lot of stability in the shoes they use and that are why they should get a shoe with heavier pair with better cushion support and stability.

A fast player is always worried about their speed and therefore chooses a very light shoe. Their shoe should provide enough support and cushion with moderate flexibility. So the lower-cut shoes should be a better choice.

If you are an all-rounder player of basketball, you need your shoes to provide strength and be fast at the same time. For that, shoes with a medium level of ankle cushioning with necessary support are the best choice.

So, choose a pair that will benefit you most while complying with your performance and style.

How To Decide On Which One To Buy? Ultimate Basketball Shoes Buying Guide!

Those players with all-around style usually require a good cushion with enough frictional force in their shoes. They should check the outer layer of the sole thoroughly to see if it has the necessary amount of frictional force.

The outer layer of the shoe must be made of rubber-type material with good quality and great grip patterns. Usually, shoes come with great grip patterns nowadays.

Determining Level Of Playing – Fast Players

Fast players require a light shoe with an excellent exterior. A shoe with lower-cut structure usually provides better stability while playing on the court and running very fast.

The features of a shoe those are lower-cut in design give greater balance with minimum weight. A good basketball player will be able to run very smoothly with ease wearing a lightweight shoe.

Determining Level Of Playing –Aggressive Players

Some more aggressive players need shoes that have better cushioning and frictional force. To check for cushioning, players need to look at the configuration and technology of the midsole carefully and also the material they are made from. Markets are filled with different brands of shoes to choose from.

Shoe Construction –Upper Part Of The Shoe

Usually, upper part protects the feet during the game and also helps to keep the shoe more stable. The buyer should always select a good quality model although it may be a little costly.

Material of the upper part of the shoe should be enough breathable and it should be built in such a way so that it can last even after an intense game. Leather as a material gives breathability and it is also flexible if installed with synthetically made mesh in the shoe.

Closure Systems

The closure system is also needed to be looked at before buying a basketball shoe. There are different types of closure systems installed in different shoes. Following are the most used closure system available in the market:

• The Laces
  Laces as one of the systems of closure of the basketball shoes seem to be very common these days. The lacing system provides the player with better stability. Players can also loosen or tighten the shoe the way they want as per the game.
• The Straps
  Some of the shoes are made with straps that wrap around arching the upper portion of the shoe. It protects the ankles from rolling over and provides more stability. Some shoes have both the straps and laces combination.

Shoe Construction –Mid Sole

A very important feature of a basketball shoe is the midsole. It absorbs almost all of the impacts and forces due to body weight.

It is the upper and exterior part of the sole. It is sometimes made of either single-use or taking a good combination of EVA & polyurethane.

In recent times there has been some very good research on the midsole materials and they have come up with some very good options.

For the material of cushions, EVA is very lightweight but doesn’t provide longevity that much.

Shoe Construction – Outer Sole

The outer sole of the basketball shoe should be made with a material that is durable and the shoe should contain a good shape and grip patterns so that it can provide the necessary traction for the player.

A lot of basketball shoes have the herringbone pattern for the grip which gives enough frictional force and control over the motion which is a great plus point for the game. The exterior surface of the shoe should be flat so that it can give the player more control and better stability.

Shoe Soles Traction Force

The traction force of the basketball shoe is a very crucial parameter while choosing a good shoe. Traction force is a force that is used to easily move the body of the player against the surface of the basketball court.

Traction force enables a basketball player to get a better movement with the necessary speed for the game. Shoe sole plays a critical part in the generation of the traction force.

Benefits Of Having A Good Quality Basketball Shoe!

You will have lots of benefits if you have an outdoor basketball shoe. Here are some of the benefits listed for you.

Moving In The Court

Moving while playing on the court is important in a basketball game. In a game, you will want to be able to move easily. Also chasing the team, you are playing against is also very important.

You need to keep in mind that injury may occur at any time. Outdoor basketball shoes will allow anyone to move very easily with much more flexibility.

Exclusiveness In The Design

The design of the basketball shoes is different from that of the traditional shoes. Basketball shoes are designed by a professional designer so that they can give the highest amount of protection to your feet. Also, the cushions of those shoes are bound to give you comfort while playing the game.

Durable

Good basketball shoes also have great longevity. Especially when there is a game in a court made of harsh concrete, longevity is very important to consider.

The materials used for making the basketball shoes are usually great in quality and thus make the shoes durable for a long time.

Foot Support

Ordinary shoes provide little to no support to the feet. On the other hand, basketball shoes are specially made to support your feet through everything. A good quality shoe will be able to lower the damage from any accident.

Provide Enough Grip

Basketball courts in the outdoor area are mostly rougher than basketball courts in the inside area. This causes an increase in traction or decrease in speed.

Basketball shoes made for outside courts are designed to overcome these problems. The shoes provide the necessary grip and support to move efficiently while playing.

Ventilation Or Air And Weight Of The Shoe

There is lots of movement and jumping associated with a basketball game. Almost all of the time during the game, the player needs to run and chase the others from the competitor team.

But this is very hard if they are wearing heavyweight shoes. Also when the shoe is not open enough, it won’t be able to ventilate the air and thus becoming very hot on the inside of the shoe.

The shoes made by basketball manufacturers are made with enough ventilation system with minimum weight. And therefore, those shoes are easier to use and run faster.

Decrease The Number Of Unwanted Accident

Basketball injuries are very common. So, the shoes that are used while playing are made in a way so that they reduce the number of injuries to a great deal.

But it’s not possible to make it zero and unwanted accidents happen a lot. Basketball shoes ensure that the pain and damage would be minimum with them. They provide ankle support with a comfortable cushion.

How To Keep Your Basketball Shoes Clean

To keep the shoes in good shape, cleaning them regularly is necessary. At least after every single game, they should be washed thoroughly.

You may ask why. It is because it will get rid of the bad smell, won’t let your shoes lose traction through washing the debris from the tread, and prevent the shoes from decaying by decreasing grime from the shoes.

As a general warning at first, the shoes should not be washed using a washing machine or dryer. Also, they should not be immersed fully in the water. Here are some steps to walk you through the proper cleaning process of a basketball shoe.

1. You need to remove extra dirt with the help of a shoe brush with a soft-bristle or a toothbrush from the outer surface of the shoe.
2. Then you need to mix some lukewarm water with a moderate amount of detergent or leather cleaner if your shoe is made from leather. Take a little of the mixture in a soft sponge or piece of soft cloth in order to clean the shoe thoroughly.
3. Remove the insole and then clean it with detergent and water.
4. Use a wet sponge to remove the excess amount of soap off the shoe as well as the insole.
5. Let them dry by themselves in the air. They should not be left to be dried in sunlight or using any direct heat.

As a basketball player, one of your most valuable possessions is basketball shoes so it is really important that you take good care of those pair. If you take care of them in a good way, it will also take care of your feet and your look and performance.

FAQs About The Basketball Shoes!

Q: Are The Basketball Shoes Worthwhile The Price?
A: Anything can be worn while playing a basketball match but we would recommend you to try the basketball sneakers at least once.

To save you from ankle sprain from a frequent directional change in the game, basketball shoes are designed with higher tops to evenly distribute landings in comparison to similar tennis shoes.

Q: Does Owning A Basketball Shoe Make Any Real Difference?
A: Players need to jump, start and stop constantly while playing and so the shoes are always designed to absorb the shock and give better ankle stability and flexibility so that the player gets to move in a lateral direction with ease. For this reason, basketball shoes usually are bulkier in size than regular running shoes in general.

Q: Is It All Right If I Play Basketball Using My Running Shoes?
A: A brief answer to this question would be, yes, you surely can play the game in your running shoes because running shoes can also give you support to move easily and also spring off surfaces but if you still want to play the game on the same old shoes that you run with, you might wanna choose cross-trainer for this case.

Q: Should The Basketball Shoes Be Bought Half A Size Bigger Than The Actual Size?
A: Despite being true to its size, a basketball shoe usually has wider bases. It’s useful for those who have wider feet. You can buy the larger one from your actual size. This will create extra toe space for you.

Q: How Much Is The Longevity Of A Basketball Shoe?
A: Playing basketball at least 2/3 times in a week will require you to replace them every 3/4 months. But if your playing rate in a week is 5/6 times, you may need to replace them every month.

Q: Can I Wear The Basketball Shoes If The Court Is Harsh Concrete?
A: Playing basketball on a relatively rough surface outdoor will most likely damage your shoes. The ground rule is, you don’t want to use your indoor shoes while playing outside if you want your shoes to stay durable for a long time because they are exclusively designed for indoor surfaces.

Q: I Have Heard That Basketball Shoes Are Bad For The Feet. Is It True?
A: The materials used for manufacturing basketball playing shoes are polyurethane or EVA as the midsole and harder material for the exterior sole. All of these have a certain fatigue factor and it influences the functions of the shoes greatly.

Q: Should I Buy A Tight Shoe?
A: Among all the sports injuries, the number of ankle injuries is very high. To prevent those, supporting the ankle during a sport is important.

The upper soul should fit the ankle firmly and the laces should tighten the shoes enough. But it should not be too tight so that it causes an interruption in blood circulation.

Q: Basketball Shoes Feel Heavy To Me. Why Is That?
A: These shoes are specially designed in a way so that they can protect your feet from any distress caused by the game.

This includes any vertical leaping or moving side-to-side very quickly. They are usually stiffer and heavyweight than every day running shoes as well as they can give better ankle protection.

Q: Can I Wear My Basketball Shoes While Going Outside?
A: You should never wear the shoes you wear inside in an outside area. If you use it outside, it can lose its longevity, grip, and looks.

If you use them for a limited time, they will be more durable. And if you wear them only in the court, it will also stay cleaner.

Q: Are The Basketball Shoes Eligible For Everyday Use?
A: It can serve the purpose for day to day use for having so many features. The design can be flashy sometimes and looks great with proper clothing.

The support system for the feet in a basketball shoe is also great. But wearing them regularly may cause them to last shorter than usual.

Q: Is It True That I Can Jump Higher If I Wear Basketball Shoes?
A: Your basketball shoes should respond to your needs and give you a safe experience. It is easier jumping with a basketball shoe because of the softness, springy surface, and responsiveness of the cushion. But even that has a limit.

Q: Why Do The New Shoes Hurt?
A: A shoe that is still new can feel a little tight around your toes. They can also be rubbing against your heels and pinching you with every single step. But they usually feel all right when you were trying them in the store.

That’s because the new shoes take some time to break in and before this time has passed, the shoe will feel a little uncomfortable and may also cause some blisters until your shoe can adjust to your feet.

Q: I Have Seen The Basketball Player Wear Slides. Why Is That?
A: The prime reason behind this is to relieve your shoes from the tension from wearing basketball shoes on a hard surface during the time of playing or practicing for a match.

Conclusion

Even though you want, you cannot try all of the best basketball shoes. Some of the shoes will be a better fit for your feet, some will be great for the design while others will be great for the grip they have.

Before you decide which one to buy, you should always keep in mind to search for flexible material because they will be able to adjust well to both of your feet while causing less sweating.

To avoid any falling on the surface, slipping, and tipping, you can try this Adidas KXF10 Harden Stepback Men’s Basketball Shoe.

Also, another cost-effective option would be Beita Anti Slip High Upper Sports Shoes. The second option is much better than the first one if you want something budget-friendly.

These are trendy shoes as well as flamboyant. They also have lots of nice features so that you can feel powerful and competent while playing.

You should buy the one that gives you high traction force to the surface and has a good quality cushioning material inside the shoe to give you better comfort and making the shoe more durable.