Basketball in recent years has become a position-less game. Centers like Nikola Jokic are passing and dribbling the rock, similar to how guards like Chris Paul have done it for years. We see point guard-sized players like Ja Morant posterizing big men and scoring more than they facilitate, and even 6’6″ centers like Grant Williams or PJ Tucker that are tremendously effective on defense and spacing the floor on offense. So finding the best basketball shoes by position can be harder than it seems. Size and playing style are still factors on the court, and therefore elements to consider when choosing the best basketball shoe for your “position”.
Signature basketball shoes are of course designed to cater to the player and playing style of the signature athlete, so it should be as easy as grabbing the signature model of a player that plays your same position, right? Well, not really. There are Kyrie models that are better suited for shooting guards, even though Kyrie is a point guard, and non of Giannis Antentokoumpo’s shoes seemed to be designed for a power forward.
If you have a particular playing style, you will need a particular type of shoe that can keep up with your game. If you play more like a point guard you are probably quicker and shiftier and your job is to set up the offense and ensure everyone is in the right place at the right time. If you are more of a shooting guard style player you can score and shoot, and you need to spot up and change directions in a hurry, and we see three-and-D players more often now.
Small forwards are likely two-way players and can mostly do a little bit of everything from offense to defense. Power forwards give that scoring threat from the post and help box out on rebounds. Centers anchor the defense and ensure that nobody gets in the paint uncontested.
If you’re looking for the best basketball shoe for a particular position, you are in the right place. We test hundreds of pairs each year that fit various positions and playing styles to find the best basketball shoes overall. So, with all this being said, let’s get to all the best basketball shoes by position that are currently available.
You can also check out our full lists of the best basketball shoes for point guards, the best basketball shoes for shooting guards, the best basketball shoes for small forwards, the best basketball shoes for power forwards, and the best basketball shoes for centers if you want to see more choices.
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Best Basketball Shoes By Position
Best Basketball Shoes For Point Guards
Nike Sabrina 2
The Nike Sabrina 1 was our top pick in this category last year, and the fact of the matter is that as good as the first Sabrina 1, the Sabrina 2 may be just a little bit better all around. So, easy pick. Read the full review. Price $130
Best Basketball Shoes for Shooting Guards
Anta KT 10
This is perhaps the most well-rounded shoe of the year. Traction is elite, the cushioning is bouncy yet stable underfoot, and the modern synthetic build gets the job done. Then there is the price. $130 is very reasonable for a basketball shoe nowadays; in this case, it is a steal. It’s Chris’ favorite shoe of the year for a reason. The worst that can be said about the Anta KT 10 is that it will require some break-in time, but once it has loosened up a bit and molded to your foot, it is an elite performer on court. Read the full review. Price $130.
Best Basketball Shoes for Small Forwards
Nike LeBron 22
If you like older LeBron James signature models, you will like the LeBron 22. Overall, the Nike LeBron 22 is a powerful performance shoe that caters to players seeking robust support, responsive cushioning, and enhanced stability. It’s not the Kobe-adjacent-feeling shoe that the LeBron 20 was, or even the more substantial version of that that the LeBron 21 was. The LeBron 22 is ideal for heavier, more powerful players who thrive on stability and support. Simply put, this is a shoe designed for a player like LeBron James. Read full review. Price: $179
Best Basketball Shoes for Power Forwards
361 Joker 1
361 has been making some really great basketball shoes. The 361 BIG3 5.0 Quick Pro has a weird name but is a great basketball shoe, and Aaron Gordon’s AG 5 is one of the most tech-heavy and well-performing basketball shoes on the market. The Joker 1, simply put, is a great first signature shoe, and there are not many (or any) better-equipped basketball shoes for $129. This is a very versatile basketball shoe. Whether you are a big, power-based player or a light, speedy guard, the Joker 1 has you covered. Read the full review. Price: $130
Best Basketball Shoes for Centers
361 Joker 1
The 361 Joker 1 is a great hoop shoe. Great for Power Forwards, great for Centers as well. Read the full review. Price: $130
