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 09.25.2023
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Best Value Basketball Shoes 2023
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 KD 15
The Nike KD 15 is a great performer, just like its predecessor. The same tech specs that we came to love are back and a few minor improvements take these shoes to the next level.
The foam midsole is Cushlon, which is soft and plush, and on top of that foam is the full-length Nike Zoom Air Strobel that feels like springs under your feet. The materials have changed slightly, though they’re still breathable and flexible. The best basketball shoes on the market right now, and since they are discounted at this point, the best value pick-up you will find. See the full review.
Price: $150 $135
New Balance TWO WXY V3
The New Balance TWO WXY V3 is an upgrade from the last version and is even better than their flagship model for the Klaw. The traction is fantastic for as long as it lasts. Right off the bat, we know you’ll stop on a dime in these. The cushion with FuelCell works well for most positions. The FitWeave upper is comfortable and moves well with your feet. A very solid offering from New Balance. Read the full review.
Price: $120 $83
Jordan Luka 1
The Jordan Luka 1 was highly rated by our team, and that’s saying a lot. Jordan Brand used the Luka 1 to introduce its newest foam: Formula 23.
Even though most colorways use translucent rubber (mainly to showcase the latest tech), the traction still performed well indoors. Support is an obvious priority, with the IsoPlate system acting as torsional support while beefing up lateral support. And at $110 (or $120 for the special editions), you get a lot of performance for the money. Read the full review.
Price: $110 $83
Li-Ning Wade 808 2
The Li-Ning Wade 808 2 brings back a technology we all loved: drop-in midsoles. This tech was made popular by various Nike Kobe models and the Nike LeBron 11.
The drop-in for this pair is pure Cloud foam which is plush and comfortable. You can also exchange it for the BOOM drop-in from the Li-Ning Wade 808 2 Ultra. It’s awesome when you can customize the cushion to your preferences. It’s one of the best pairs of Li-Ning Basketball Shoes ever, a great Kobe 8 substitute, and one of the best value basketball shoes currently on the market. See the full review. Price: $119 $109
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
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
Nike Kyrie Low 5
The Nike Kyrie Low 5 might look similar to the flagship Kyrie, the Nike Kyrie Infinity, but it’s a very different shoe. As the name suggests, they are low cut and have a more subdued and responsive cushion set up with a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot and a foam midsole. This setup makes the shoe more stable, and the Dynamic Strap System finished the job with two anchor points that lock your heel and whole foot in the shoe. Read the full review. Price: $110
Jordan Zion 2
The Jordan Zion 2 is an excellent performance basketball shoe. It comes after the not-so-stellar performance of the Jordan Zion 1. The traction, particularly, shines in the Jordan Zion 2 as it grips the floor like nobody’s business. It’s best felt when going aggressively from side to side.
The shoe’s main drawback is the materials (which aren’t amazing), but at least the strap works to lock down your forefoot. Heel support is beefy and keeps you locked in at all times. A great basketball shoe and one of the best value basketball shoes. Read the full review. Price: $120
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
New Balance TWO WXY V3
The New Balance TWO WXY V3 improves on the already great New Balance TWO WXY V2. The traction looks to be the most promising, potentially packing Nike Kobe 9-level performance. The FuelCell used on this pair can be described as light and stable. And to top it off, the upper is comfy, and the various colorways all look pretty good. The TWO WXY V3 is worth your consideration. Read full review. Price $120
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
Puma Rise Nitro
The Puma Rise Nitro succeeds the support-deficient Puma Fusion Nitro. The Rise Nitro’s outsole is not only beautiful but functional. The torsional and spring plates are combined to create the ProPlate, similar to the one used in the Puma Clyde All-Pro. The midsole is full-length Nitro-infused foam, much like the Puma MB.01. The only issue is outdoor durability. And while it’s hard to get at the laces, that’s not much of an issue with the great fit. One of the better Puma shoes out there and because of the price one of the best value basketball shoes. See the full review. Price: $125
Under Armour Flow FUTR X 2
The Under Armour Flow FUTR X 2 ensures you can try the best cushioning from Under Armour without breaking the bank by buying the Curry 10. The materials are basic, composed of mesh with fuse sections and a few synthetic overlays. The sole, though, gives the FUTR X 2 the bang-for-your-buck feel. The Flow technology is smooth and reacts on the court without delay. It’s an excellent entry-level basketball shoe that offers outstanding performance, and one of the best value basketball shoes. 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.
