Top Basketball Shoes of 2025
Basketball shoes aren’t just about looking good; they’re about performance, durability, and how they fit your game.
When I first started to play club basketball, I got good-looking shoes on sale. I used them for 4 weeks, and I loved them. However, I soon realized why I should have done my research before buying my shoes.
Basketball shoes are more than just shoes. They are outlets for creativity and expression. Stephen Curry even writes the bible verse Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”—on his basketball shoes. He says it's a mantra that he live by and something that drives him every single day.
The basketball shoe market in 2025 has been nothing short of exciting, with cutting-edge technology, sleek designs, and more technology entering the scene. Out of the hundreds, if not thousands of options, five stand out as the cream of the crop to us hoopers. When I first started to play club basketball, I got good-looking shoes on sale. I used them for 4 weeks, and I loved them. However, I soon realized why I should have done my research before buying my shoes. They broke down fast, and they were great shoes, except they weren’t durable. This list is here to save you time when buying your new shoes. For my last shoes, I took 2 weeks to research and eliminate options. This list is for people who want to know the best performers on the court. What shoes you get are up to you, but these are the top shoes recommended by most experts of 2025.
At the top of the list is the Kobe 6, a classic reimagined with modern updates, offering exceptional performance. Next is the Way of Wade 11, Dwyane Wade’s signature line from Li-Ning, known for its. The Sabrina 2, Sabrina Ionescu’s second signature sneaker, checks all the boxes for a shoe guard's need. Meanwhile, the Curry 12 from Under Armour continues to impress, featuring an upgrade from the nearly perfect Curry 11. The list ends with Nike’s GT Cut 3, an elite performer that many NBA players without a signature line wear. Together, these shoes define the pinnacle of basketball footwear in 2025. But which shoes should you get, and what are they good for? Let's dive right in.
1. Kobe 6 Protro ($190-$220 retail)
Photo Credit: GOAT
Arguably, the best shoe of all time just got an upgrade. Most of the changes were small, like improvements in performance and comfort. They replaced the old technology of the pylon with cushlon, which is higher in rubber content, softer, and more durable. Also, the small Zoom Air unit at the ball of the foot has been replaced with a Zoom Turbo unit that is much larger and provides more energy return. These, along with the iconic design and awesome colorways, make this a very attractive shoe for many hoopers.
Sadly, these are some of the most expensive shoes on the market. After Kobe Bryant’s tragic death in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, the shoes have been sold exclusively in raffles. This makes pairs rare and comes in limited numbers, driving up prices. The brand also releases different Kobe shoes during the year, and last year, there were only 3 Kobe 6 releases, with 2 sold out in under 46 seconds and 1 sold out in minutes. Because Nike uses a raffle system for Kobe's, you have to put in your luck for them. First, you want to download the sneakers app or get a Nike account to get into the raffles, and then you hope for the best.
The other option is to buy the shoes from a second hand source. You can buy these on Stock X or GOAT for a more inflated price than you would get from Nike itself but they are trustworthy and have good authentication for their shoes. I would stay away from eBay and other online auctions because even though these sites may have more options, you might get scammed. This shoe is very popular so many companies try to fake the shoe. In fact, some of these fakes are made in the exact same factory as the regular Kobe 6. The Kobe 6 is good for guards who rely on speed, agility, and quick movements. The shoe is designed to enhance first-step explosiveness, ball handling, and cutting ability, all of which are essential for guards. The excellent traction will help with quick stops for shooting, passing, and cutting. It's the number 1 shoe of 2025 for sure.
2. Way of Wade 11 ($287 retail)
Photo Credit: Flight Club
Way of Wade 11’s fixed all the major complaints with the 10s. The Way of Wade 10s were some of the best shoes that combined modern tech and performance on the court. With the 10, the main issue was that the collar would dig into your ankle. The Way of Wade 11 fixed this issue and added even more insane technology. Way of Wade is a shoe line from Li-Ning, a brand that makes the bounciest foam on the market. The new shoe uses something called a carbon core drive system, which is a plate of carbon fiber sandwiched between two pieces of boom foam. This, along with an outsole made of GCU, which is the stickiest, tackiest, and most durable rubber compound ever made with Shoe Elite. These additions make this shoe feel like a trampoline, boosting you with every step.
The WOW 11 features a knitted upper with strategic mesh inserts that improve breathability and flexibility. This helps make the shoe more breathable for extra comfort. Plus the fit is snug but not overly tight, designed to give you a sock-like sensation for maximum comfort during long playing sessions. This shoe has a good sizing and a wide base so I would go true to size. The upper also has a heel counter to help secure your foot in place and prevent you from rolling your ankles. With many different colors and customizable options, these shoes are a great option if you can afford the hefty $225 price tag.
3. Sabrina 2 ($130 retail)
Photo Credit: Sneaker Files
The best shoe from Nike this year is the Sabrina 2 from WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu. The Sabrina 2 is Ionescu’s second signature shoe with Nike. in the world of performance basketball sneakers, and it's one of the top basketball shoes in 2025. Even though the shoes are meant for women, the shoes are popular with men including NBA stars such as Jrue Holiday. Sabrina 2’s signature line with Nike blends cutting-edge technology with sleek design to meet the needs of players who want to elevate their game.
The Sabrina 2 builds on the success of the original model, offering even more comfort, support, and performance. The cushioning on the Sabrina 2 includes React Foam & Zoom Air. Nike React foam in included in the midsole, which is known for providing a combination of soft cushioning and responsiveness. This foam helps with energy return, ensuring that players can make quick movements without feeling sluggish. Personally, react is one of my favorite foams made by Nike, but preference depends on the player. The forefoot is equipped with Zoom Air units, giving the shoe a more responsive feel during cuts and jumps. This setup is ideal for players like Sabrina, who rely on quick stops, explosive jumps, and agility.
4. Curry 12 ($140 retail)
Photo Credit: StockX
The Curry 12 is Stephen Curry’s latest signature shoe with Under Armour, and it continues to push the envelope for performance basketball footwear in 2025. Known for lightweight agility, elite traction, and court feel, the Curry 12 builds on previous models with updated cushioning and support systems designed to match Curry’s quick, shifty playstyle. It’s no surprise that it has earned a spot among the top 5 basketball shoes of the year.
The Curry 12 introduces an improved version of Under Armour’s Flow cushioning system with a dual-density setup. The midsole is softer than previous models, offering better step-in comfort and increased responsiveness. This allows players to get explosive energy return while still maintaining a low-to-the-ground feel, ideal for guards who like courtfeel. Embedded in the midsole is a lightweight Pebax shank plate that provides torsional rigidity and stability, making the shoe suitable for sharp cuts and sudden stops. Known for its squeakless performance, the Flow outsole is engineered to deliver consistent grip without a traditional rubber outsole. The Curry 12 includes a multidirectional traction pattern that bites the floor with every cut. Players report excellent court feel and minimal slipping, especially on clean indoor courts. People say that the traction is so good it hurts their feet sometimes. Yet, when faced with dust, the shoe struggles a lot. But a big upside is that most wearers find the Curry 12 playable straight out of the box, with little to no break-in period required. With many more cool colors on the way, this shoe is a great option.
5. G.T. Cut 3 ($190 retail)
Photo Credit: Amazon
The Nike GT Cut 3 is one of the top basketball shoes of 2025, and it’s particularly well-suited for guards and players who thrive on speed and agility. The GT series has been a popular choice for players who want a shoe that offers a balance of cushioning, traction, and support. The GT Cut 3 builds on the horrendous GT Cut 2 with some updated features that make it even better than the legendary GT Cut 1’s. The cushioning consists of Nike’s React foam in the midsole, known for its combination of softness, responsiveness, and energy return. And for the first ever time in a basketball shoe Zoom X foam provides a responsive, bouncy feel that is ideal for guards who need to stay quick on their feet and react instantly to changes in direction or pace.
The GT Cut 3 features a herringbone traction pattern that ensures maximum grip during quick movements. This type of pattern is designed to give you the ability to pivot and cut in every direction, which is a must for guards who need to change directions instantly. With minimal player branding the shoe is a very popular option with NBA players without shoe deals. This shoe has so many cool colorways with lots of exclusive variants that it is very stylish and sleek.
In the end, basketball shoes aren’t just about looking good but about performance, durability, and how they fit your game. I’ve learned the hard way how important it is to pick the right pair, and after all my research and trial-and-error, these five shoes really stand out in 2025. Whether you’re a guard who needs speed and traction like the Kobe 6, someone looking for bounce and tech like the Way of Wade 11, or you want something reliable and budget-friendly like the Sabrina 2, there’s a perfect fit for everyone. The Curry 12 and GT Cut 3 round out the list with elite performance and fresh designs. At the end of the day, the best basketball shoe is the one that matches your style, fits your foot, and helps you play your best. So choose wisely, do your research, and most importantly—hoop hard.
