On WearTesters, we have created a slew of different lists that we are constantly updating of the best overall basketball shoes, and the best budget basketball shoes, 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.
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. You can also check Weartesters in Español Best Value Basketball Shoes Picks.
Last updated 04.09.2024
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Best Value Basketball Shoes 2024
Anta Kai 1
This is the ultimate Kyrie shoe. If you’ve enjoyed Kyrie’s shoes with Nike, you’ll love these. They are secure, agile, quick, and bouncy. This is a wonderful first signature for Kyrie with Anta, and, considering that they retail for just $125, they’re easily one of the best bang-for-your-buck performance models of the year. They take a bit to break in, and ventilation is an issue, but in general, these are great. Read the full review. Price $125.
adidas AE 1
adidas has been having a bit of a resurgence in the performance basketball market. The Harden Vol 7 was fantastic, the Trae Young 3 was very solid, and now we have the AE 1, Anthony Edwards’ first signature shoe with adidas, and it is a top-tier basketball shoe and one of the best first signature shoes we have ever seen. The AE 1 might end up being the best overall basketball shoe of 2024, but even if it doesn’t end up at that level, it’s an excellent shoe that offers a ton of bang for your buck. Read full review. Price $120.
adidas Dame 8 EXTPLY
The Dame 8 EXTPLY is a solid hoop shoe. There is nothing groundbreaking or flashy about it, but it’s a very well-rounded performance model that’s built tough. The fact that they can handle playing on the blacktop with no issues as well as the level of containment and support they provide make it a very versatile basketball shoe. Read the full review. Price: $130
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
Way of Wade All City 12
The Way of Wade All City 12 is a very solid all-around performance model with no real weak points, and several strong points. The full-length Boom cushioning is very well balanced, the multipurpose traction is excellent, and containment and support are top-notch as well. But what makes these a great pickup is the versatility factor and the all-around value. Read the full review. Price: $150
Way of Wade 808 3
The Way of Wade 808 3 promises to be one of the best guard shoes for the third straight year. You’re getting a great, low profile, speedy cushioning setup, top-tier traction, and support features, and a versatile shoe that will work equally well indoors and outdoors, all for the very reasonable price of $119. Our recommendation is to go with the “normal” version instead of the Ultra version. Read the full review. Price: $119
New Balance TWO WXY V4
The New Balance TWO WXY V4 follows up, the best New Balance basketball shoe to date. There have been several important changes in tech compared to last year’s model, but the V4 didn’t disappoint with a few minor caveats regarding the Fit. Other than that, the V4 knocked it out of the park in every aspect of performance. For its price point, this shoe is an absolute gem. Considering that this shoe will be a great outdoor option, you are getting a TON of bang for your buck. Read full review. Price $120.
Puma Stewie 2
The Puma Stewie 2 is Bianna Stewarts’ second signature, and simply put it is just a great all-around performance model. The shoe boasts excellent indoor traction, a very well-balanced and bouncy cushioning system, and a very secure and natural falling build. If on top of that, you add that they retail for just $125, you can see why this is one of our top value picks. KEEP IN MIND that in the US the Stewie 2 comes in woman’s sizes, so if you want the correct men’s size you will need to go 1.5 sizes up (ie: 12M = 13.5W). Read the full review. Price: $125
Jordan Luka 2
The Jordan Luka 2 is a very similar shoe to the Jordan Luka 1, so it makes sense that it would make our list of the best Jordan basketball shoes. We have basically the same traction setup, very similar cushioning (if anything the Luka 2 is slightly bouncier), and the same spring plate. The Jordan Luka 1 was designed to enhance Luka’s patented stepback and the Luka 2 takes that concept to the next level. They do feel slightly stiffer and will require more breaking time. The fit is true to size. Read the full review. Price: $130
Puma All Pro Nitro
The Puma All Pro Nitro is quite different from the original model, but it is a more than worthy successor to an iconic performance basketball shoe. This iteration boasts outstanding traction, a bouncy and well-balanced cushioning system, and decent materials that effectively fulfill their purpose, resulting in an exceptional all-around performance basketball shoe. Read the full review. Price: $130
Nike LeBron 20
The Nike LeBron 20 was one of the most hyped LeBron James basketball shoes ever, and it really did live up to the expectations. The LeBron 20 offers elite-level traction and some of the year’s best cushioning (and maybe even all-time). The midsole is full-length Cushlon with a forefoot Zoom Turbo unit and an additional standard heel Zoom Air unit in the heel. The upper is also lightweight and comfortable, and if all this weren’t enough, it is the best-fitting shoe of the year. Now that they are starting to be heavily discounted, they have earned a spot on our best-value basketball shoe list. Read the full review.
Price: $200 $154
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
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
Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best value basketball shoes list? Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.
