There are many different criteria for choosing basketball shoes. You may be into low-tops or high-tops, you may have flat feet or wide feet, or maybe you just go with your favorite brand. One good way of finding basketball shoes that will work for you is by sorting through shoes that were designed to cater to your playing style. To that end, in this article, we will go over the best basketball shoes for point guards.
Point guards tend to be lighter, faster, and shiftier players. This style of play is better accommodated by shoes that have great multidirectional traction, low-profile responsive cushioning, and a flexible yet supportive upper. The traction should be able to keep up with all of your changes of direction, the cushioning should be just enough to offer impact protection, but not so much that it slows you down, and the support should keep your foot safely in the footbed.
With all this in mind, we have sifted through the hundreds of models we test each season and picked out the top sneaker models that excel in these aspects. So, with all that being said, let’s get right into the best basketball shoes for point guards.
We’ve already listed the best basketball shoes for shooting guards, the best basketball shoes for small forwards, the best basketball shoes for centers, and the best basketball shoes for power forwards. Now we’re going to dive into the best basketball shoes for point guards. I you are just looking for the best all-around basketball shoe, you can check out that list as well.
Best Basketball Shoes for Point Guards Show
Updated: 12.12.2024
Best Basketball Shoes for Point Guards Overall 2024
Best Basketball Shoe for Point Guards
Nike Sabrina 2
It’s hard to gauge whether or not a second signature shoe would be able to top its first model, but Nike absolutely killed it with the Sabrina 2. Not only did they cut weight on the shoe (28 grams lighter), but they didn’t sacrifice any support, stability, or comfort. The cushioning has received a slight upgrade. Nike switched out the React midsole for a dual-density Cushlon 3.0. setup., and kept the same top-loaded zoom air unit in the forefoot. The traction looks different but performs equally as well as in the Sabrina 1, which was one of the best-tractioned basketball shoes of 2024. The Sabrina 2 is practically identical to the Sabrina 1 with a couple key upgrades. Read the full review. Price $130
Anta Kai 1 Speed
The Anta Kai 1 Speed is an excellent basketball shoe for players who prioritize speed, traction, and agility. The shoe’s traction is one of its strongest attributes, offering superior grip for fast, shifty movements on the court. As a bonus, it is durable enough to handle outdoor surfaces without skipping a beat. The Nitro Edge foam provides a responsive ride with just enough cushioning and compression to handle impact without sacrificing court feel. One of the best low top basketball shoes on the market. Read the full review. Price $125.
Nike GT Cut 3
The Nike GT Cut 3 is a fun shoe. It’s bouncy, it’s agile, and it’s just one of those models that, as soon as you lace it up, makes you want to sprint up and down the court. The Zoom X does not disappoint, and Nike has done a very good job of implementing it into a basketball shoe. It’s soft and squishy, but by no means feels unstable or slow on court, making it a great option for guards in general, and it might just be the best GT Cut model to date. Read the full review. Price: $190
EQLZ 360
The EQLZ 360 is a meticulously engineered basketball shoe tailored for players who prioritize agility, court feel, and stability. It is a shining example that — if you pay attention to both design and functionality — you can create a visually unique and attractive basketball shoe that provides elite performance on court, is built with premium materials, AND doesn’t break the bank for most consumers. The EQLZ 360 cuts no corners and doesn’t rely on crazy gimmicks as a crutch or as a reason to hike up the price. If you are a true sneakerhead looking for elite on-court performance, you really should consider supporting a brand like EQLZ that is doing things the right way. Read the full review. Price $130.
Serious Player Only Player 1 Plus
The Player 1 was already a great hoop shoe and the Player 1 Plus takes things to another level. Everything has been refined and improved slightly in this version of the shoe: more versatile traction, better materials, better fit, … it’s just a better performance basketball shoe. The biggest drawback of the Player 1 Plus is the price. $180 is, admittedly, steep. But you are getting a ton of bang for your buck and excellent traction both indoors and outdoors. Read full review. Price: $180
adidas AE 1 Low
To keep things short and sweet, the adidas AE 1 Mid is an excellent shoe (one of the best of the year in fact) and the AE 1 Low is slightly better in almost every way. Although the AE 1 Low looks similar to the originals, this is a very different basketball shoe and a better one at that. Not only is it better, it’s cheaper. The first AE 1 retailed for $120, which was already a very reasonable price for such a high-performing signature model, and the low version will run you a mere $110. Read full review. Price $110.
Curry Fox 1
The Curry Fox 1 is comfortably above average as far as a basketball shoe goes. It is, however, a niche model. The Curry Fox 1 is better suited for lighter, shiftier, guard-style players who play on well-kept indoor courts. If that’s you, the Fox 1 will be a great shoe. In any other situation, there are probably better shoes available. Read full review. Price $120.
Anta Shock Wave 6
In terms of overall performance, the Anta Shockwave 6 is a solid, well-rounded basketball shoe that excels in durability, traction, and support. It is particularly well-suited for players who favor a minimalist cushioning setup, preferring a shoe that provides excellent court feel and a snappy reactive ride, like shifty guards. Where the Shock Wave 6 may fall short for some players is in the cushioning department. The shoe is built with synthetic materials, but it still feels relatively premium in hand and, at the end of the day, we are talking about a $105 shoe. The Anta Shock Wave 6 is built for players who prioritize speed, agility, and court feel, this shoe delivers on all fronts. Read full review. Price $105.
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Way of Wade 11
The Way of Wade 11 is another impressive flagship model from Way of Wade and an improvement on an already great model in the Way of Wade 10. With the Way of Wade 11 you’ll be getting reliable traction with a unique, story-driven outsole design that promises to excel indoors. You’ll also get exceptional responsiveness and stability from the full-length Boom midsole and EVA foot frame carrier and a much-improved material setup. Stability and lockdown should also be great and that “customized” carbon fiber shank plate will be elite. This is the best-looking and feeling Way of Wade model to date. Read full review. Price: $225
Nike JA 2
The Nike Ja 2 is a solid performer on the court, excelling in traction and providing decent support and cushioning. On the other hand, it doesn’t push the envelope at all in terms of design or innovation, and its use of cheap materials is a notable drawback, especially for those expecting premium quality from a signature Nike shoe. Read the full review. Price: $120
Nike Sabrina 1
The Nike Sabrina 1 is a great first signature shoe for Sabrina Ionescu and is one of the best basketball shoes Nike has to offer in 2023/24. The Sabrina 1 is a top-notch guard-style shoe that will give you great traction (indoors), a speedy and reactive cushioning setup, along with elite lockdown and support. If you’re looking for a basketball shoe with beefy and plush cushioning, this might not be the shoe for you, but that is hardly a drawback. Read the full review. Price: $130
Nike GT Hustle 2
The Nike GT Hustle 2 is the successor to, and an enormous improvement on the Nike GT Run and might just be one of the better performance models we see this year. It is also somewhat of a niche performance model. The very low-profile cushioning system (which features a full-length Zoom Air strobel), the minimal support features, and the traction could make the Nike GT Hustle 2 one of the best guard shoes of the year. Read the full review. Price: $170
Puma All Pro Nitro
With the Puma All Pro Nitro, you get a basketball shoe that is very different from the original All Pro but proves to be a commendable successor to the all-time great performance model. The shoe excels in providing superior traction, a bouncy, comfortable and well-balanced cushioning system, and functional materials that efficiently serve their purpose. In summary, the Puma All Pro Nitro stands as an excellent choice for Point Guards seeking an all-around high-performance basketball shoe. Read the full review. Price: $130
Nike Giannis Immortality 3
In a world where signature basketball shoes will run you no less than $160, and can’t even be used outdoors, it’s refreshing to see a shoe like the Immortality 3. This is a very solid performance basketball shoe, that will hold up well outdoors for just $90. Now, there is nothing I would call elite on the Giannis Immortality 3 but it is a very versatile and well-rounded basketball shoe indeed. Read full review. Price $190.
Jordan Luka 3
Overall, the Jordan Luka 3 is a rather disappointing model. Performance should be fine, but feels lackluster if you take into account the $130 price tag. The lack of innovation is also a bummer, both in terms of tech and all-around aesthetics. Admittedly, traction and support are standout features, and cater well to shifter players on the court, and the cushioning setup will provide a comfortable, zippy, and smooth ride, which will work well for most playing styles. However, the materials used feel very cheap for the price, and the fit can be uncomfortably tight. Honestly, we expected more from the 3rd signature shoe of a player of the caliber of Luka Doncic. The Jordan Luka 3 sneaker is a solid choice all around, especially for players who prioritize traction and support, but we suggest holding off until you can get the Luka 3 on discount. Read the full review. Price $130.
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.
Puma Stewie 2
The Puma Stewie 2 is Bianna Stewarts’ second signature, and it’s a great all-around performance model that will perform exceptionally well for lighter guards. The shoe has everything a point guard will need on court: excellent (indoor) traction, a very well-balanced and bouncy cushioning system, and a very secure and natural feeling build. The light, low-top build makes it an even more guard-friendly option. 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
Anta Shock Wave 5
Anta really has thought of everything when designing this model and has created an elite guard shoe. Even though the Anta Shock Wave 5 wasn’t designed specifically for Kyrie Irving, it’s a very “Kyrie feeling” shoe and has everything a point guard could need or want. Great traction, excellent support features, responsive cushioning… If you liked Kyrie’s Nike shoes you will like this one as well.
If you were looking for an agile, low-profile, reactive hoop shoe, with a dash of impact protection underfoot, the Shock Wave 5 is going to be a very good option. Read full review. Price $115.
Nike Kobe 6 Protro Reverse Grinch
Nike has brought us “protros” in the past that haven’t lived up to the term, offering little or no performance updates. Kobe, who actually coined the term, would be proud of this model as it makes an almost perfect shoe that much better.
As far as the colorway goes, it may not be as iconic as the standard Grinch colorway, but it’s still sleek and bright. If you’re lucky enough to get them, do yourself a favor and play in them. Read the full review. Price: $190
Curry 10
The Curry 10 tweaked the slight shortcomings of an already great shoe, the Curry 9. Steph Curry’s signature line is one of the most consistent signature lines out there, and the Curry 10 is another highlight.
One of the main features is the Under Armour’s Flow cushioning/ traction system (also featured on the Curry 9). Flow offers great impact protection and a seamless ride from heel to toe. The shoe is lightweight and feels more like a reinforced running shoe. The Curry 10 also features an improved and more supportive upper called Warp 2.0. Read full review. Price: $160
Nike Zoom GT Cut 2
The Nike Air Zoom GT Cut 2 follows one of the most hyped basketball shoes in recent memory, the Nike Zoom GT Cut. The GT Cut features a low-profile, lightweight setup that compares well to last year’s model. The React, full-length Air Zoom Strobel, and heel Zoom unit work well together and provide solid cushioning despite how low this shoe sits to the ground. It’s a quick point guard’s dream shoe, but big guys may want to look elsewhere. Read the full review. Price: $150
Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes for Point Guards 2024
Check out our full list of the best outdoor basketball shoes here.
Nike Giannis Immortality 3
The Immortality 3 makes another appearance on our list as our top outdoor pick for points guards. Read full review. Price $190.
Best Budget Basketball Shoes for Point Guards 2024
Check out our full list of the best budget basketball shoes here.
Nike Giannis Immortality 3
Here we have the Immortality 3 once again, and the fact of the matter is that it is a great hoop shoe for point guards, that is great outdoors, and it just happens to be a budget option. Read full review. Price $190.
Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best basketball shoes for point guards list? Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.
wonder if Super Fly II would be a good choice…
Ditto, was just wondering about the SF2’s not making it into the list.
I have 6 out 10 of these kicks and I’ve called it on other posts on here; the CP3 VI A.E. is my number one. The cushion may have taken the greatest hit, but as a guard, I’m flying and stopping in the blink of an eye. Great shoe and I got nervous of not seeing it on the list after certain picks.
The UA Anatomix Spawn is already on the list and quite high before we get the performance review. That is impressive.
I would’ve expected the Hyperdunks 2013 to place higher with it’s packaged setup.
Full length Micro G and anatomical mapping for optimal flex… greater than the HD2013 lol.
Word, looking forward to the review. I asked about a pair last week at my local House of Hoops and they looked at me crazy. Not many know about this shoe, but they will when word on the street hits.
Here is what I have on the PG list in purchased order:
This year I started with the Kobe 8, Rose 3.5, XX8, Crazy Quick, CP3 VI AE, & Hyperdunk 2013. I would’ve been content with just the Kobe 8, but your reviews have piqued my interests and kept me going. I find me a decent Anatomix Spawn colorway and it’s on.
lol, wow. Tell your wallet I apologize.
what do you think about air jordan 14 for pg? i also puta a sb insole with heel zoom
I love the 14s. Didnt put them on the list bc i kept it all current releases.
Waah im a 31 yo recreational pg but my plantar fasciitis made me say goodbye to most of these, especially my beloved kobe 8. Only an old pair of Lebron 8 v1 helped relieved the pain. Hope the HD2013 will work.
Can you explain how the cp3.vi ae tops the kobe 8? Cp3.vi ae had decent breath ability and cushion while kobe 8 nailed down all 5 categories. You also stated that kobe 8 had better traction than cp3.vi in your kobe 8 performance review.
Both shoes have the same scores in all categories except cushion. The Kobe 8(Lunarlon) scored 9 and the CP3 VI AE(Podulon) scored 7.
I remember the Kobe 8 review and Nightwing stated that the traction was quite possibly the best traction SINCE the CP3 VI. That means that the tractions are in the same league.
My reasons for the CP3 VI AE winning out are:
1)Price-They are $15 less at $125 vs $140. You can find some colors for $109 though
2)Durability-The cushion and outsole will last much longer. I dare you to run Kobe 8 outside lol!
Actually in the kobe 8 review in the video he stated that if he had to choose between the two he would choose the kobe 8, but I agree with you
you can always get an XDR version of the kobe 8….
i don’t really know how to compare the two shoes, i like them just as much as each other most days, and each offers a little something that the other doesn’t, while offering high end performance for dudes who do a lot of sharp cuts and quick movements…i’ve never tried the AE on, but i have two pairs of the regular VIs and they are a marvel to me, podulon is one of my favorite cushions ever, the traction never gives up regardless of what you do, the upper is virtually indestructible, etc. the kobe 8, however, has full length lunarlon, which is a dream, and is really supportive for such a light and flimsy looking shoe.
but yeah, i would think that the VI would probably win out because- as dime slinger has pointed out- of price and durability. though the 8s surely win on an aesthetic basis, i don’t have money to buy any of them (i have the pythons and ogle at virtually every colorway that has come out since), but the 8s are probably the nicest looking shoe that nike has put out in a while, the mesh giving you loads of different possibilities as far as prints go. the blue lights are really something, and the purple gradients…
Hey Tadatsune, is XDR really that good though? Does it really make the shoe last longer outdoors? I recall you saying in a previous post that your KD Vs (non XDR version) have lasted longer outdoors than some of your shoes with XDR outsoles.
well, the rubber is much harder than the rubber you find on the non-xdr versions, so i would imagine that it does make a difference, though the shallowness/depth of the traction pattern determines, on top of that, how long the outsole will last in general. so, a CP3.VI xdr will probably last you longer than a kobe 8 XDR, which has a pretty shallow traction pattern. the KD V is a strange exception, i wouldn’t take it to mean that XDR is by and large a gimmick…i really wouldn’t use the KD VI outside, for example- the pattern is shallow AND the rubber is extremely soft…
to expand on my point though, i personally wouldn’t risk taking the non-xdr kobe 8 outside, the rubber is REALLY pliable. same with a lot of adidas’ shoes, i have held off on picking up a pair of the crazyquicks simply because the rubber is softer than anything else out there…
Hey Tadatsune, thanks for explaining that to me. The KD Vs must be a weird exception. When I read that you said that about them a few weeks ago, I was starting to think that maybe XDR is a bit of a gimmick.
btw, I never asked – What kind of outdoor surface do you play on? That is also another variable that I didn’t consider.
ps the rubber on the cp3.vi/ae is really soft, too, it’s just that the grooves are really deep. i’m not sure how long the regular version would last outside, but i pretty much ruined the traction pattern of a pair of XDR VIs after about 5 months of hard play.
I think you should release a list for pgs but with retro models haha
Nightwing, in your opinion, do you think the the cp3.vii might possible top the cp3.vi ae in terms of needs for a point guard?
Its possible for sure but not sure if they will. We’ll see.