The most comfortable basketball shoes on the market will always excel in two key features: materials and, most importantly, cushion. Our choices for the current best basketball shoes out there consist of the most well-rounded shoes, but here, the cushion is the main feature we are looking at. So, no matter if we are talking about a great on-court performer, or just a cool casual shoe, to make it on this list, it will have to have great cushion.
Most Comfortable Basketball Shoes Show
Why are these the most comfortable basketball shoes of 2025?
When we are choosing performance shoes that excel in comfort and cushion, what we are looking for are shoes that allow you to play for the most amount of hours with the least amount of impact on your joints. At WearTesters, we spend long hours every day testing our shoes, so we know and appreciate when we have a well-cushioned shoe on our hands. Anything that can keep us on the court for longer, whether it be indoors or outdoors, is always something we look forward to.
As far as retros and casual shoes go, we are looking for great step-in comfort and for shoes that will allow you to rock them for the longest time without soreness.
If you already picked up your hoop shoes for the year and want to boost their cushioning, a great option for that is Move insoles. They can take almost any hoop shoe from flat to bouncy and supportive. You can also check out our list of the best overall basketball shoes for a little more context. You can also check out Wertesters in Español’s list as well.
So, with all that being said, let’s get into our picks:
Last updated 04.24.2025
Most Comfortable Basketball Shoes Overall
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.
Nike LeBron 21 Prime 96
When it comes to blending nostalgia with performance, the Nike LeBron 21 Prime 96 knocks it out of the park. It brings all the comfort, responsiveness, and traction of the LeBron 21, but wraps it in a retro-inspired upper that feels both fresh and familiar. For hoopers who miss real leather uppers, this shoe is a dream come true. The Nike LeBron 21 Prime 96 is easily one of the best performance basketball shoes of the year, because the original LeBron 21 was already amazing, and these just have a better build and materials. These may even be the best LeBron model ever. Read the full review. Price: $200
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 and easily one of the most comfortable basketball shoes. Read the full review.
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
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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, in combination with the upgraded materials and fit make it the most comfortable basketball shoe currently on the market. Read the full review.
Nike GT Cut 3
The Nike GT Cut 3 is a fun low-top basketball shoe. It’s bouncy, agile, and just one of those models that makes you want to sprint up and down the court as soon as you lace it up. The Zoom X does not disappoint and makes the GT Cut 3 one of the most comfortable basketball shoes, and Nike has done an outstanding job of implementing it into a basketball shoe. It’s soft and squishy, but by no means feels unstable or slow on court, and it might just be the best GT Cut model to date. Read the full review. Price: $190
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
Xero X1
The Xero X1 is an innovative take on basketball footwear, bringing the barefoot movement to the hardwood. It is a very comfortable shoe, but not comfortable in the traditional sense. It offers unmatched court feel, natural foot motion, and a unique fit that wide-footers will appreciate. For those willing to embrace natural movement, it provides a unique and comfortable playing experience. If you’re curious about barefoot basketball, the Xero X1 is worth trying. Read the full review. Price $150-60.
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
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.
361 DVD 3
The 361 DVD 3 is a super solid performance mode that offers one of the more unique rides on-court you can experience in 2025. If you’re looking for an affordable, high-performance basketball shoe that checks almost every box, this model should be on your short list, especially for indoor hoopers. From a pure value-for-performance standpoint, the DVD 3 punches way above its weight. Read full review. Price: $120
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
Nike GT Cut 3 Turbo
When Nike dropped the GT Cut 3 Turbo, expectations were high. The GT Cut line has been a go-to for guards who need top-tier responsiveness, traction, and court feel. With a brand-new design philosophy, Nike is aiming to refine what made the previous models stand out while pushing the envelope on performance. The GT Cut 3 Turbo doesn’t feel like a true upgrade. It’s more of a tweaked version with a higher price tag. If you can find the GT Cut 3 on sale, you’re better off saving your money and going with the original. Unless you’re a collector or just love the Black Label branding, this one isn’t a must-have. Read the full review. Price: $210
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 and one of the most comfortable basketball shoes. Read full review. Price: $225
adidas Harden Vol 8
adidas has created a more than worthy successor to one of their best basketball shoes in years, the Harden Vol 7. In terms of performance, the Harden Vol 8 should be equally as effective on court as the Vol 7. But, that’s just half of the story. In terms of overall design and overall build, the Harden Vol 8 maintained a common design language with the Harden Vol 7 while at the same time improving and refining several aspects. This is, admittedly, an odd-looking basketball shoe, but at the same time, it stands out. Truly memorable basketball shoes perform great and look different, and the Harden Vol 8 does just that, and it it sone of the most comfortable basketball shoes on top of that. Read full review. Price $160.
EQLZ 247
The EQLZ 247 is an excellent, well-rounded, high-performing basketball shoe, and one of the most comfortable basketball shoes out there, 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
Nike GT Hustle 3
The Nike GT Hustle 3 offers a mixed bag of performance features. The cushioning is great and would be amazing for outdoor use, but the traction on that type of playing surface would suffer greatly. This amount of cushioning would also be great for big, powerful basketball players who need elite impact protection, but the build and containment might not be able to keep up with these types of players.
However, it is a super comfy basketball shoe, regardless of it’s potential deficiencies. If you’re a lighter guard who enjoys a substantial amount of cushioning underfoot, this might be the shoe for you. Additionally, if you’re a heftier player but you have a very linear playing style, you may also be a good candidate for the GT Hustle 3. Read the full review. Price: $200
adidas AE 1
adidas has been having a bit of a resurgence in the performance basketball market. The Harden Vol 7 was fantastic, the Trae Young 3 was very solid, and now we have the AE 1 which is a top-tier basketball shoe and one of the best first signature shoes we have ever seen. Anthony Edwards’ first signature shoe might end up being the best overall basketball shoe of 2024, but even if it doesn’t end up at that level, it’s an excellent, and very comfortable basketball shoe. Read full review. Price $120.
Jordan 39
The Air Jordan 39 could have easily been the best basketball shoe of 2024-25 with a few simple and inexpensive changes. Instead, we have a shoe that does offer some standout features, but also has some glaring, foundational issues that may render the shoe unplayable for the general public. The cushioning system is elite, but the shoe’s torsional support and containment are lacking. If you are willing to spend a little extra money on top of the $200 the shoe already costs and purchase a pair of insoles that come equipped with torsional support, that may be able to solve some of the shoe’s weaknesses. Read the full review. Price: $200
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.
Puma All Pro Nitro
The Puma All Pro Nitro is quite different from the original model, but it is a more than worthy successor to an iconic performance basketball shoe. Prepare to experience remarkable traction, a plush and well-balanced cushioning system, and reliable materials that deliver their intended functionality. For anyone in search of a top-notch performance basketball shoe and one of the most comfortable basketball shoes, the Puma All Pro Nitro is a compelling choice that ticks all the right boxes. Read the full review. Price: $130
Most Comfortable Budget Basketball Shoes
Check out our list of the best budget basketball shoes here.
Reebok Engine A
The Engine A is not exactly a budget shoe, but it is on the inexpensive sid,e and it is super comfy. Read the full review. Price: $120
Most Comfortable Outdoor Basketball Shoes
Check out our list of the best outdoor basketball shoes here.
New Balance Fresh Foam BB V2
The New Balance Fresh Foam BB V2 are super comfy and can handle outdoor play with ease. Read the full review.
Most Comfortable Basketball Shoes: Retro/Casual
Air Jordan 11 Low I.E. OG Bred 2021
The Air Jordan 11 Low I.E. OG Bred 2021 is proof that retros can still be comfortable and that Jordan Brand was ahead of its time. The tech specs of any AJ 11 are well-known: Phylon midsole with full-length Air-Sole. That still beats most modern basketball shoes. The upper is a nice black leather with mesh sections so your feet don’t feel like they’re in an oven all the time. Playing in these wouldn’t be a terrible idea either. Read the full review. Price: $170
Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT
The Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT really stays true to its name. The CMFT is to be read as “comfort.” It features a canvas upper that is more forgiving than leather. For the midsole, it was basically injected with foam, presumably Phylon, and they decided not to cover it on the outsole. That makes the foam more able to compress and expand under the weight of the wearer. There’s also a heel Zoom Air unit for that extra pep in your step. Read the full review. Price: $150
Air Jordan 1 Zoom
The Air Jordan 1 Zoom doesn’t make it hard for us to find out what the update is with arguably the greatest sneaker of all time. But this isn’t just any regular Zoom unit. They actually used the same Zoom Strobel unit that was first seen in the Nike KD 12. With that, you’ll be able to feel how springy and comfortable these are right away. The materials are all reflective but there are other colorways if that’s not your thing. Also, you’ll probably want to go up half a size when you purchase a pair. Read the full review. Price: $175
Great List, thanks a lot for that!
I can confirm the NB Fresh Foam BB v2 are the most comfortable shoe ever