Finding the best pair of basketball shoes for small forwards might be the most difficult of any position on a basketball court. Small forwards tend to be the most versatile players on the court and also display the largest variety of heights and builds. So, you should look for a shoe with a wide variety of performance features while taking into consideration the player’s physical attributes. Not an easy task.
Best Basketball Shoes for Small Forwards Show
Why are these the best basketball shoes for small forwards of 2025?
Small forwards need to be able to do a little bit of everything on the court. They need to be able to slash and shoot effectively on offense, defend various positions, switch easily, and even lend a hand on the boards. Therefore, a good shoe for a small forward needs to be as well-rounded as possible, with no glaring deficiencies or position-specific builds.
Then there’s the question of the player’s physique. In the NBA, small forwards on average stand at 6’7″ but players’ heights span from 6’5″ to 6’10” (roughly), which is a big gap. Depending on the players’ height and weight you might want to reach for a shoe that is better in one aspect than another. Taller, heavier players will probably need a bit more impact protection, while players who are quicker on their feet might want a little extra responsiveness and support.
Lastly, you might want to take into consideration play style. More defensive-minded players will probably enjoy more responsiveness and better traction, while scorers who live at the rim will want a little more impact protection. With all this being said let’s jump in and go over the best basketball shoes for small forwards that are currently available.
Here at WearTesters, we spend long hours every day testing our shoes, so we know when we have a good basketball shoe for small forwards on our hands.
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 power forwards. Now we’re going to dive into the best basketball shoes for small forwards. I you are just looking for the best all-around basketball shoe, you can check out that list as well.
Last Updated: 04.02.2025
Best Basketball Shoes for Small Forwards Overall
Best Basketball Shoe For Small Forwards
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, simply put, is a shoe designed for a player like LeBron James, which makes it a great choice for small forwards. Read full review. Price: $179
361 Joker 1
361 has been making some really great basketball shoes. The 361 BIG3 5.0 Quick Pro has a weird name but is a great basketball shoe, and Aaron Gordon’s AG 5 is one of the most tech-heavy and well-performing basketball shoes on the market. The Joker 1, simply put, is a great first signature shoe, and there are not many (or any) better-equipped basketball shoes for $129. This is a very versatile basketball shoe. Whether you are a big, power-based player or a light, speedy guard, the Joker 1 has you covered. Read the full review. Price: $130
Nike KD 18
The Nike KD 18 is a solid but safe follow-up to the KD 17. By reusing the same tooling, Nike has delivered a familiar experience, which will be great for those who loved the previous model. If you’re looking for a reliable, well-cushioned basketball shoe with great traction, the Nike KD 18 is still a top-tier option. The KD 18 remains one of the best performance basketball shoes available today. Read the full review. Price: $150
Reebok Engine A
Let’s be real: Reebok has been missing from the performance basketball market for far too long. But the Engine A proves they still have something left in the tank. It’s a well-thought-out, well-executed performance model that checks a lot of boxes. The Reebok Engine A isn’t just a solid basketball shoe—it’s a statement from Reebok that they’re serious about making performance sneakers again. If you’ve been waiting for a Reebok hoop shoe that actually delivers, this is the one to try. Read the full review. Price: $120
adidas Harden Vol 9
The Adidas Harden Vol 9 is a refined evolution of its predecessors, building upon the line’s strengths while addressing minor shortcomings. Its standout features include reliable traction, plush cushioning, and excellent support. It’s a versatile option for guards and agile players who prioritize responsiveness, comfort, and support. While it may not be the best choice for outdoor basketball, it will excel on indoor courts, making it a worthy addition to any hooper’s rotation. Read full review. Price $160.
Li-Ning Wade 808 5 Ultra
The Li-Ning Wade 808 5 Ultra is another stellar addition to the Wade 808 series, offering elite traction, well-balanced cushioning, and solid containment, all at a reasonable price point. While outdoor durability might be a question mark, for indoor hoopers this is a top-tier performer that features one of the most unique feeling cushioning systems out there.
Super Boom is plush and bouncy, and although it may take some time to get used to, it makes the 808 5 Ultra one of the best cushioned Way of Wade models we’ve ever tested. Read the full review. Price: $159
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 Small Forward. 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
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
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.
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.
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. 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.
New Balance Kawhi 4
The Kawhi 4 is the best in the Kawhi signature line so far. It offers a much-improved cushioning setup, excellent traction, and solid support while being lighter and more agile. On top of that, the shoe retails for $160, which, admittedly isn’t cheap, but it makes this model all the more attractive when you compare it to other similarly priced performance basketball models. New Balance has done a great job in 2024 of creating a basketball shoe lineup that caters to various preferences for cushioning and play styles, and the Kawhi 4 fits well within New Balance’s diverse basketball lineup. The Kawhi 4 will be an excellent indoor basketball shoe as long as you get the fit right and lateral containment isn’t an issue for your playing style. Read the full review. Price $160.
Jordan Tatum 3
The Jordan Tatum 3 is a pretty decent performance model and is easily the best Tatum model to date. Traction is solid and relatively durable, cushioning is pretty great, and lockdown and fit are also on point. The materials on the shoe are decent and functional, but nothing spectacular, especially considering that this shoe retails for $130. It’s nice to see the improvements Jordan Brand implemented in this model and to see that the Tatum 3 signature line is finally on track. Read the 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
Under Armour Curry 12
The Curry 12 is currently the best Curry basketball shoe hands down. With this shoe, you are getting everything you have come to know and love from Curry’s signature shoes with better cushioning and better traction. Under Armour was able to achieve this impressive result by paying attention to the actual science that goes into designing performance footwear and making a small adjustment. But the story doesn’t end there. This small but critical change also makes this shoe accessible to a much wider audience than any other Curry of the past, as this shoe will suit the on-court requirements of a wider range of hoopers. Read the full review. Price: $140
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.
Serious Player Only Game 1
The Game 1 is another solid hoop shoe from Serious Player Only and it does exactly what the brand wanted it to do: be more versatile than the Player 1, making it a great option for small forwards. The Game 1 is a basketball shoe that more playing styles and body types will enjoy on court. The more robust support features, the added cushioning, and the updated fit and lacing system make the Game 1 a shoe more types of players will enjoy. On top of that, they are less expensive than the Player 1 and can be equipped with any of the drop-in midsoles SPO has to offer. Read full review. Price: $138
EQLZ 247
The EQLZ 247 is an excellent, well-rounded, high-performing basketball shoe, which is made all the more impressive since this shoe is coming to us from a practically unknown brand. The EQLZ 247’s innovative traction system, comfortable and responsive cushioning, high-quality materials, and well-designed support features collectively contribute to its impressive on-court performance. For $150, you’re getting great value for its performance and quality, making it a solid choice for serious basketball players looking for a unique and beastly on-court performance model. Read the full review. Price: $150
Puma MB 03
The Puma MB 03, simply put, is the best LaMelo signature shoe to date, which is a huge compliment. 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 definitely puts this model over the top. This is one of the most versatile shoes currently on the market, and is one of the most solid performance models out there. A great shoe all-around for players with a well-rounded game. Read the full review. Price: $130
Way of Wade All City 11 V2
In the $150 price range, there really aren’t many shoes out there that will give you the same on-court performance, versatility, and all-around value as the Way of Wade All City 11 V2. The All City 11 V2 features an updated upper and enhanced lockdown, but, at the end of the day, it’s still the same very well-balanced, do-it-all hoop shoe, that the original All City 11 was. It is also a model that will work great for the immense majority of players out there, making it an easy choice for those who want to try their first Way of Wade model. Read the full review. Price: $150
Adidas Dame 8
Damian Lillard’s 8th signature shoe is another very solid performance model within the Dame line. the shoe is designed for a guard, but Dame’s playing style and body type make this shoe perfectly suitable for forwards. For the first time in adidas’ basketball lineup, they decided to showcase Bounce Pro in the midsole, which feels soft and fluffy right off the bat, but to improve stability, adidas also included another foam compound on top of that. The upper materials are breathable and malleable, which makes for a short break-in time. The tongue is also nicely padded and the traction is mostly wave-bone. Read the full review. Price: $120
Anta KT 7
The Anta KT 7 is 2022 NBA Champion, Klay Thompson’s signature shoe. Klay is one of the premier wing players in the league and does a little bit of everything on the court, and this shoe was designed to keep up with him. This shoe feels like what the Nike LeBron 19 should have been. Anta just threw every single piece of tech in there.
The cushion is again the highlight of this model. Anta describes it as a nitrogen-infused foam. The foam is bouncy yet stable at the same time, which is exactly what you want out of a foam-based cushioning system.
The midsole is wrapped on the lateral side and exposed on the medial side, similar to Adidas’ previous setups with Boost. Support is also on point. The shoe features Anta’s 3D Hug system that works in conjunction with the carbon fiber torsion plate. The KT 7 features the best of everything Anta has to offer. See the full review. Price: $150
Best Budget Basketball Shoes For Small Forwards
Check out our full list of the best budget basketball shoes here.
Nike Giannis Immortality 4
The Nike Giannis Immortality 4 is a very solid low-top basketball shoe in general, and it is all the more attractive considering that it retails for just $85- which is as inexpensive as it gets for a modern hoop shoe. Traction is great and pretty durable outdoors, cushioning is solid, and lockdown is excellent. The Giannis Immortality 4 is geared towards lighter, shiftier players, but the cushioning setup and lockdown will also make it attractive to some bigger hoopers who are looking for a secure and agile ride. Read the full review. Price $85.
Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes For Small Forwards
Check out our full list of the best outdoor basketball shoes here.
New Balance Fresh Foam BB V2
The New Balance Fresh Foam BB V2 just might be New Balance’s best basketball shoe to date. With this shoe, you’re getting elite traction that can handle outdoor play with ease, a thick plush cushioning system (that’s also ideal for outdoors), excellent materials and build, and this is completely subjective, one of the best-looking hoop shoes of the year.Read the full review. Price $140
Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best basketball shoes for small forwards list? Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.
We are going to have to see what’s up with these Spawns; they have placed above top 5 in all three lists so far. The bigger guys at the 4 and 5 probably won’t see these on their lists though.
Nice to see the HyperDunk ’13 break more ground in this category.
Who didn’t see the Super Fly 2 coming?
Ok so Howard 4 for the 4 & 5 top spot? Place your bets!
Hey NW! Any news on a new melo or a new kobe?
damn NW you killing us with the suspense for the performance review on the Under Armour Anatomix Spawn. It placed 2nd,3rd,4th on the best SG, PG, and SF list respectively. I didn’t wait anymore for the review and asked my relatives at US to get me one.
yeah your right the anticipation is killing me as well! I just hope its because NW likes playing in them so much that he cant find time to review them
I had a chance to try them on in Sports Authority and they feel great!!! The Spawn felt like a glove on my feet and I’m going to pick up a pair. A basketball shoe you can wear from the 1-3 maybe 4 position is a great combo all around shoe! And the price!! I think NW has put his stamp of approval on the Spawn with his placement of them in his past 3 lists.
Hi Nightwing!
You have any personal preference between HD2013 and UA Spawns??
I am still struggling between the two…i wish I could get them both but already got no more space for it…and I still gotta save the quota for LBJ11 lol
Go with Under Armour so you can help support the company. The more support they get, the more likely they are going to be able to keep making great shoes that can compete against Nike.
UA is worth our attention. The ball shoes they’ve released so far are not that bad at all. Lookin at the anatomix you could tell that UA is going the right direction.
Hey man I’m really interested in the UA Spawn Anatomix, when do u think you’ll be doing it’s performance review
Are you waiting to do a joint review with Kickgenius NW? they mentioned doing one in one of their vids and the Spawn performance review is taking abnormally long to release. I’m guessing you finished up your part and are waiting on them. Everyone is waiting in anticipation for the review.
Wow but I would rather get the hyperdunks over the superfly 2
Watch me get alot of hate for that comment
No I agree that the Hyperdunks ’13 are better than the Superfly 2. The Superfly 2 toe box chaffed the top of my toes pretty badly. Unfortunately that has kicked them down further in my rotation.
When I play ball like I’m all into into it like really hyped and I feel that shoe describes how I play plus the comfort and lockdown is beast
In fact I rather would get the hyperdunk 2012 because they are comfortable and i like the look and again I’m gonna get alot of hate for this comment I’m