We’ve already listed the best basketball shoes for point guards, the best basketball shoes for shooting guards, the best basketball shoes for centers, and the best basketball shoes for small forwards. Now we’re going to dive into the best basketball shoes for power forwards.
Why are these the best basketball shoes for power forwards of 2024?
The power forward position has evolved greatly over the last decade. At one point power forwards, as the name would indicate, were bruisers. A power forward was usually the second tallest player on the court, he or she was slightly more agile than a center, a rebounding pillar and you would rarely see a PF take a shot anywhere near the three-point line. Nowadays, a power forward needs to retain those skills as well as spread the floor, get up and down the court in a hurry, and knock down threes.
These new skill requirements mean that finding footwear that can keep up is harder than ever. But, have no fear, Weartesters is here. Out of the hundreds of shoes we’ve tested, we looked for shoes that have a good amount of cushion and support to accommodate bigger players but still have grippy traction and some responsiveness. So without any further ado, here are our best basketball shoes for power forwards.
P.S.: If you are just looking for the best all-around basketball shoe, you can check out that list as well.
Updated 11.27.2024
Best Basketball Shoes For Power Forwards Show
Best Basketball Shoes for Power Forwards Overall 2024
Best Basketball Shoe For Power Forwards
Puma MB 03
The Puma MB 03 might just be the best LaMelo signature shoe to date, which is saying something. In terms of on-court performance, the Puma MB 01 is hard to beat, but the MB 03 features better materials, and, in our opinion, a more refined and unique design, which might just clinch the W. Read the full review. Price: $130
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
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. But this shoe is still one of the best-cushioned shoes we have ever seen, which, combined with the upgraded materials and fit make it one of the best basketball shoes for power forwards and the best basketball shoes for centers you can pick up right now. Read the full review.
adidas Dame 9
The Adidas Dame 9 strikes a great balance between comfort, support, and style. Its traction pattern provides reliable grip indoors and the Lightstrike cushioning system delivers a plush, responsive feel, making it one of the more comfortable shoes in the Dame series. While not premium, the synthetic leather materials offer durability and a structured feel that complements the shoe’s performance-oriented design. And it retails for just $120. Read full review. Price $120.
Nike LeBron 21
The Nike LeBron 21 promises to be a beast on court. It can be described as a remix of the Nike LeBron 20, and that shoe was amazing, in particular, it is amazing for versatile positions like Power Forward. The cushioning system makes it an excellent choice for explosive and shifty bigs. Barring any unfortunate surprises, this will be one of the top models this year, one of the most universal, and one of the most comfortable on court, as well as an attainable Kobe substitute. Read the full review. Price: $200
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, making it a great option for small forwards. 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.
361 AG 5
If what you are looking for in a basketball shoe is elite performance, thoughtful, innovative design, and a reasonable price, you really should consider a shoe like this. The AG 5 is easily the best bang-for-your-buck basketball shoe currently on the market, and it’s as versatile as a shoe can be. The AG 5 is also packed with more tech than anything you will find in almost any other brand, The AG 5 proves that you can mass-produce a great, tough basketball shoe brimming with tech that most consumers can actually afford. Read full review. Price $130.
Way of Wade All City 12 Encore
The Way of Wade All City 12 Encore is an updated version of the 12th iteration in Dwyane Wade’s All City line. The Way of Wade All City 12 Encore is a very solid all-around performance model with no real weak points. The full-length Boom cushioning is very well balanced, the traction is great and more durable than it looks, and containment and support are near-elite. As a bonus, this is one of the rare Way of Wade models to feature (synthetic) leather. You would be hard put to find a better setup for the price. Read the full review. Price: $150
Nike LeBron NXXT Gen AMPD
The Nike LeBron NXXT Gen AMPD is a solid and well-rounded basketball shoe. For $170 you’re getting almost everything the Nike LeBron 21 has to offer, and that shoe is currently our top pick for the best overall basketball shoe of the year. It is also a basketball shoe that almost any type of player will enjoy, and a more than decent option for outdoor play. If you are looking for a more inexpensive version of the flagship LeBron, this is the shoe you are looking for, and even if you aren’t, this might be one of the safest bets out there in terms of on-court performance. Read the full review.
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 terms of every aspect of performance. For its price point, this shoe is an absolute gem. Read full review. Price $120.
Anta KT 7
The Anta KT 7 is 2022 NBA Champion, Klay Thompson’s signature shoe. The cushion is the highlight of this tech-heavy model. Anta describes the KT 7 cushion set-up as a nitrogen-infused foam, which is bouncy yet stable at the same time. A great setup for forwards.
The midsole is wrapped on the lateral side and exposed on the medial side, similar to Adidas’ previous setups with Boost. The shoe also features Anta’s 3D Hug system that works in conjunction with the carbon fiber torsion plate to offer some Grade A support. The KT 7 features the best of everything Anta has to offer. Read the full review. Price: $150
Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes for Power Forwards 2024
Check out our list of the best outdoor basketball shoes here.
New Balance TWO WXY V4
The New Balance TWO WXY V4 is also a top-notch outdoor option for Power Forwards. Read full review. Price $120.
Best Budget Basketball Shoes for Power Forwards 2024
Check out our list of the best budget basketball shoes here.
Nike Air Max Impact 4
The Nike Air Max Impact 4 is the best budget basketball shoe currently on the market. Fortunately for Power Forwards, the shoe excels in impact protection and support.
The shoe features a surprisingly soft foam and a heel Air Max unit that pack a ton of impact protection. On top of that, the shoe features great support and containment features. Everything on the shoe feels like a steal for a shoe under $100. Read the full review. Price: $90
Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best basketball shoes for power forwards list? Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.
wow Anatomix Spawn is everywhere haha more like a UA version of Hyperdunk haha
Are you going to be doing one for a center and an updated list of wide shoes
Absolutely ridiculous to include a shoe that you have not even put on your feet.
You are wrong RC, #nightwingknows
For players who are very versatile and play combo positions the Hyperdunk, XX8/E or Spawn seem to be the way to go.
Doesn’t look like there is many PFs around here.
lol, I think we’re all short, and I also think that some of the posters here with their skill sets would be awesome if we had the height/size of a PF.
nightwing – any upcoming dwight 4 review? they look awesome in the world tour cw