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.
Updated: 09.25.2023
Best Basketball Shoes for Point Guards Show
Best Basketball Shoes for Point Guards Overall 2023
Best Basketball Shoe for Point Guards
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 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.
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
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 shoes for PGs. 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 true to size. Read the full review. Price: $130
Jordan Luka 1
The Jordan Luka 1 was highly rated by our team, and that’s saying a lot. Luka Doncic and the Jordan design team did well on this one. Jordan Brand used the Luka 1 to introduce its newest foam: Formula 23. Right off the bat, you’ll feel how comfortable it is underfoot. Support is an obvious priority with the IsoPlate system acting as torsional support while really beefing up lateral support for extra support on stepbacks and defensive slides. That’s perfect for quick, shifty point guards. And at $110 ($120 for the special editions), you get a lot of performance for the money. Read the full review. Price: $110
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 Kyrie Low 5
The Nike Kyrie Low 5 might look very similar to this year’s flagship Kyrie, the Nike Kyrie Infinity, but it’s a very different shoe. The Kyrie Infinity is great, one of the best of the year, but even though it was designed for a shifty point guard like Kyrie Irving, the Kyrie Low 5 features better point guard-centric features. 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. Traction and support are excellent, and you just feel more agile on the court. Probably the best pair of basketball shoes for point guards right now. Read full review.Price: $110
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
Nike Kyrie 8 (Infinity)
The Nike Kyrie 8 is an awesome all-around performance model and the best shoe in Kyrie’s signature line alongside the Kyrie 6. The shoe offers a great blend of features including a large volume forefoot Zoom strobel unit and another standard unit in the heel. On top of that, you get excellent lockdown and some premium materials along the upper.
The traction does take some time to break in, so keep that in mind, and the cushioning system is more on the plush side, but that doesn’t stop it from being an amazing performance model. Read the full review. Price: $140 $70
Puma TRC Blaze Court
The Puma TRC Blaze Court continues Puma’s resurgence into the basketball performance sneaker scene. The outsole looks and performs exceptionally. It’s mainly made of multi-directional lines with herringbone in crucial places. This makes shifting from side-to-side a treat and is excellent for shifty players like aspiring point gods. Trinomic and ProFoam+ give point guards enough impact protection to last the whole game. If you haven’t tried Puma basketball, this is an excellent shoe. See the full review. Price: $120
Nike PG 6
The Paul George Signature line is a very solid performance basketball shoe. It is the first shoe in the Paul George signature line to feature a fully foam-based cushioning system, in this case, the shoe features Nike’s React foam. The cushioning and traction are great, and all around the shoe performs really well.
The one big drawback of the PG 6 is the materials Nike used along the upper. They feel and look cheap, but they get the job done so one can’t complain too much, especially if you take into account the shoe’s price. Read the full review. Price: $110
Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes for Point Guards 2023
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. 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. This feels lower to the ground than the shoe above it. See the full review. Price: $150
Li-Ning Sonic Team Low
The Li-Ning Sonic Team Low is an outdoor basketball hooper’s dream shoe, especially if you’re a point guard. The outsole is made of what they call “Tuff RB” for tough rubber. The shoe can hold up to not only hours upon hours but also months of outdoor play. The grip was never inconsistent, even on indoor floors. The one caveat is that it can feel bottom-heavy because of how thick the rubber is. The midsole is lightweight and responsive, plus the upper stays true to that character. See the full review. Price: $89
Nike KD 14
The Nike KD 14 is just a great all-around model. It might not be as guard-specific as other sneakers on the list, but it’s a great performer that adapts well to all playing styles.
The full-length Zoom Air strobel mixed with the soft, plush Cushlon is more than enough to keep your legs fresh outdoors. The rubber compound may not be insanely firm, but there’s a lot of tread to wear down, so it should last you a while. Plus, the grip is fantastic. As with any shoe, make sure you get the right size. See the full review. Price: $150
Best Budget Basketball Shoes for Point Guards 2023
Nike Giannis Immortality 2
The Nike Giannis Immortality 2 is bassically the same shoe as the first edition. The Phylon midsole does not have any Nike Air or Zoom Air inside it. It’s just foam and is more on the responsive and court-feel side of the spectrum. Because of this, point guards will enjoy this setup. The traction pattern stayed the same, which is good since it offers excellent durability and grip. There are slight material changes, but they are slight. No break-in time is required. Read the full review. Price: $85
Puma Court Rider 2
The first iteration of the Puma Court Rider was a decent performance model but the Puma Court Rider 2 kicks everything up a notch. The Puma Court Rider had been LaMelo Ball’s Puma model before he got his own signature sneaker, the Puma MB.01.
The traction pattern is very similar to the previous version. The traction is excellent and as an added bonus it works great outdoors. The materials aren’t amazing but, there are several different materials used on the upper and together they make for a dope design and a supportive ride. As far as sizing is concerned most will want to go true to size. These guys are all court feel and traction, very reminiscent of a Kyrie model. Read the full review. Price: $139
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.