You may have already seen our Best Budget Basketball Shoes list, but this list is slightly different. The Best Cheap Basketball Shoes list features shoes that aren’t budget shoes, but great performers that are now discounted so you can pick them up at a more affordable price. Many of the shoes you will see here have made other lists like Best Overall Basketball Shoes, Best Nike Basketball Shoes, and Best adidas Basketball Shoes, etc. At their current prices, these shoes are what we would call a bargain.
If you’re looking to buy top-performance models for less than retail, you’ve come to the right spot. We compiled this list just for you. Rest assured that all these shoes have been reviewed by our experts here at WearTesters. Here are the Best Cheap Basketball Shoes available today.
Last updated 04.16.2025
Best Cheap Basketball Shoes
Nike GT Cut Academy
The Nike GT Cut Academy is a very solid budget option from Nike. It’s nothing like the flagship model it emulates, the Nike GT Cut 3, but it’s a very decent basketball shoe nonetheless. If you consider its price it might even be a better performance model than the GT Cut 3. What you are going to get with the GT Cut Academy is a guard-style shoe with great grippy traction, a very well-balanced cushioning system, and a basic but effective all-around build. Read the full review. Price: $95
Nike Member Exclusive: sign in and use code EXTRA25 for an extra 25% off.
Reebok Engine A
Let’s be real: Reebok has been missing from the performance basketball market for far too long. But the Engine A proves they still have something left in the tank. It’s a well-thought-out, well-executed performance model that checks a lot of boxes. The Reebok Engine A isn’t just a solid basketball shoe—it’s a statement from Reebok that they’re serious about making performance sneakers again. If you’ve been waiting for a Reebok hoop shoe that actually delivers, this is the one to try. Read the full review. Price: $120
New Balance Fresh Foam BB V2
The New Balance Fresh Foam BB V2 just might be New Balance’s best basketball shoe to date. With this shoe, you’re getting elite traction that can handle outdoor play with ease, a thick plush cushioning system (that’s also ideal for outdoors), excellent materials and build, and this is completely subjective, one of the best-looking hoop shoes of the year. Read the full review. $82.44 from$129.99 37% off Extra 15% off applied
Nike KD 17
To keep things short and sweet, the Nike KD 17 is basically the same shoe as the Nike KD 16. If you like that shoe, you’re going to enjoy this one. The Nike KD 17 is a top-tier and super versatile performance basketball shoe that will work well for almost every playing style and position on the floor. The KD 17 also gets extra points for being a “better than average” outdoor option, especially if you can find an XDR version. Read the full review.
Nike GT Jump 2
It’s nice to see the changes Nike made in this shoe. They have taken everything that was great in the first model and tweaked it to make the GT Jump 2 that much better as a performance basketball shoe. It also makes the Nike GT Jump 2 a more accessible model for the majority of basketball players out there that needed the added reactiveness and stability. It is also currently heavily discounted. It isn’t a cheap pick admittedly, but considering that the shoe retails for $180 and they are currently available for $130, it deserves a slot on this list. Read the full review.
Nike Member Exclusive: sign in and use code EXTRA25 for an extra 25% off.
Shaq Raq
This shoe retails for just $45. 45$!! Overall, the Shaq Raq is an impressive basketball shoe for its price. It offers solid traction, comfortable cushioning, durable materials, and adequate support. While it lacks some of the high-tech features found in more expensive models, it performs well for players who need an affordable, functional option.
The shoe is particularly well-suited for outdoor play due to its durable outsole, but it also performs adequately on indoor courts. The combination of EVA cushioning and durable materials ensures that the shoe can handle the rigors of basketball without wearing down quickly, even in tougher conditions. For players on a budget or those who need a reliable backup pair of shoes, the Shaq Raq is an excellent option. Read full review. Price $45.
Nike Zoom Freak 5
The Nike Zoom Freak 5 just might be the best Giannis Antentoukoumpo signature we have had to date. The Freak 5 does away with the visible Zoom units in the forefoot of the shoe, which adds stability and responsiveness to the shoe. The Zoom Freak 5 is a very simple shoe in terms of tech and overall design, but it will offer above-average on-court. Read the full review.
Nike Member Exclusive: sign in and use code EXTRA25 for an extra 25% off.
Nike PG 5
The Nike PG 5 are bad boys (our term for great performing shoes). Great traction. Materials that actually work in containing one’s foot. Added support features. And a comfortable fit. The Nike PG 5 is a very well-rounded shoe that will accommodate a lot of your basketball needs, especially indoors. One of the better cheap basketball shoes you will find. Read the full review. Price: $110 $77
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