Ultimate Basketball Shoe Buyer's Guide Winter 2025

[@FootDoctorZach]

ERRORS/OMISSIONS: Bounce/Jump should include the Lining Gamma

[@sgonzo5572]

Zero drop with cushion and wide toe box.what shoe(s) fit this criteria?

[@Jumpsync.]

traction should be a category

[@imaestrx3823]

Zach, I really want to tell you you're my go-to reviewer when it comes to buying new basketball shoes! as someone with a high arch and having had 2 major ankle injuries your video's really help me with the search for new shoes with your in depth reviews and hands on video's. Keep doing what u're doing and I really hope you'll be able to do this for many more years to come! ❤

[@FootDoctorZach]

I appreciate you

[@jasonyeung9310]

I got a NB Freshfoam BBV2 cause of one of your older videos. My knees, ankles, and back are thanking you. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@malavkapadia7612]

Got the Kawhi 4s a few months ago (pretty much impossible to find in Canada) and I don't regret it at all. They're perfect for long volleyball days!

[@earlofbgc]

This really helps in picking a shoe

[@djduartecastro]

haha yes just name every shoe !!!

[@lonrea2886]

im so glad all of my hoop shoes are on their right category! thank you for your hard work and dedication making these list for people to use as a guide!

[@esweiss98]

The way doc breaks everything down is amazing. I just ordered the eqlz im excited for them to come in they’re 25$ off

[@someguyfrommemphis]

Good video imo What would be SUPER helpful is being able to try the shoe on. Miss the days when you didn't have to research so much, buy and wait, for something that MIGHT feel right.

[@RajeevPrasad]

Hey Zach, big fan of your content! I'm similar to you in a few ways - I'm a wide footer who plays basketball, tennis, and pickleball. I haven't had any major injuries but have always battled a ton of pain in the outsides of my feet, in my arches, and feel like it's been so hard trying to find shoes that work for me. Your content has been SO incredibly helpful. One request I have for you - would you consider doing some content on basketball / court shoes that accommodate a wide mid-foot? The middle of my foot - basically the arches, but the whole area between the arches and heels - are extremely wide. I have found that a lot of "wide-fitting" court shoes end up not working, because even if they're wide enough in the toes and balls of the feet, they're way too tight in that mid-foot area (the entire New Balance line is a great example of this - I'm sure they'd be perfect for me, but the middle of ALL of their bball shoes is so narrow that they cause foot pain). Would love any tips or recommendations if you have them! Thanks in advance, and keep up the awesome work (it's a godsend to a lot of us weird-footers out there).

[@jefferrrson1x]

fantastic video doc. you've done a great job all year and since the start to educate the masses on sneakers and the science involved with it. can't wait for 2025!

[@TheNardDog77]

Massive help, love all the detailed breakdowns. Great work.

[@santiagoalarcon8758]

Hi Zach, I've been watching your content for a while, and it’s been super helpful in understanding the world of basketball sneakers. I was wondering if you could add a category for other sports, as I play volleyball and would love to know what type of shoes I should go for. Volleyball-specific shoes can be pretty expensive, and I feel like there are great alternatives in the basketball sneaker world for the same price or less. It would also be amazing if, someday, you could review volleyball-specific shoes to break down their tech and compare it to basketball sneakers. That would help a lot in understanding what makes each unique. Thanks so much for consistently uploading such high-quality content-you’re always raising the bar when it comes to sneaker reviews. Greetings from Argentina! 😊🩵🤍🩵

[@danielschmidler8766]

Thanks for this detailed guide. I am searching for a guide like this for volleyball shoes but there isnt one. I am flat and wide fooded and couldnt find a shoe so far that doesnt hurt my feet. now i will try basketball shoes with your guide ❤

[@tcjensen1]

Love to see an ultimate containment video. I still haven’t found anything that tops the Jordan 30 in containment and lockdown. But of course the downside of the Jordan 30 is the stiff heel. It sucks jamming your pinky toe into the side of a shoe or twisting inside it. The Jordan 30 has the carbon fiber where it should be- on the outside of the ball of your foot. Not the toe. Not many shoes can take the torque from hard changes in direction and side steps and step backs. Containment and comfortable lockdown are probably the most overlooked components, and I’d argue 2 of the most important. Ordered your slides 👍🏼 I agree most suck. Good idea.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Hope you like the- make sure to break in with socks and give them some time to mold

[@brianbanks3044]

i am still using my PG6's and New WXY V3 that I got from your recommendations a few yrs ago...the NB BBV2 are comfortable too and the New WXY V4's aren't bad but the the V3 and PG6 are my gamers for pickleball because of the support, comfort and performance...NB V3 has better durability than the PG6 on hard court surfaces but feel is great

[@ballintime7810]

That puffer jacket is dope

[@HavikSK]

As a 200 pound 13 year old that is 6ft the Gianni’s immortality 4 has been one my favorite shoe as a big man

[@mrpgr2321]

Woah..big dude.... At 13 I was 5'1 and about 110lbs

[@HavikSK]

@ tell me about it I’m a size 15 and I’m a big guy I play center at my school and at this age the growing pains are crazy

[@curry42021]

you know you're a tiny gaurd in NBA standards right

[@HavikSK]

@@curry42021 doesent stop me from playing as a center in 13 bro

[@wianvermaak3949]

do you have wide feet? Cuz I got the same problem but I wear 16 n got some wide feet so idk if they'll work for me

[@lblake11]

This helped. I've been rotating the NB TwoWxy v3&v4 for about the past year. Got dame 9s but leaning towards getting the kawhi 4

[@LarryGrimes-l2q]

Absolutely awesome reviews and spot on!! These are must reviews before you buy any shoe.

[@jamah84]

I got the fresh foam bbv2 after one of the other videos similar to this one and I definitely getting a second pair. Just hits so many of the categories that pertain to me

[@FootDoctorZach]

Yeah it’s hard not to recommend them

[@brendancoulson1322]

I like to lift in basketball shoes, it'd be cool to see a category for best to train/lift in

[@segzilla6875]

I have every shoe this year from brons to hardens. Dame. My go shoe right I slept on was GT cut Academy. To me my top 3 this year

[@jojow8999]

What would you say makes the academy stand out from those higher priced models? Seeing a lot of cut academy on discount and it’s tempting to cop one. However I tend to stay away from shoes that have no shank.

[@seouleshoes]

Just snagged some Fresh Foam BB V2s below retail, and am beyond hyped. Also, as someone who owns a pair of the Gammas, can definitelly say their bounce is nice. A crazy shoe like the GT Cut 3, but I feel it's more durable.

[@jodykoubsky4949]

Love this format of video a couple times a year! Please do a pickleball shoe video again!

[@FootDoctorZach]

Wednesday

[@GIVN2SIN24]

I'm surprised about your Zion pick. I've wanted to try them, but they seem to get pummeled in every review/rating I've seen. My initial thought was widefooters trying to cram into them, but I really haven't seen many positive opinions. There's usually a pair on discount, so I might just check em out! As always, thank you for your objective reviews!

[@d1214tgdadaw]

THANKS Zach, another great video. Isn't it time for best hoop shoes of the year 2024?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Next week

[@mdschlayer]

Nike GT Hustle 3 didnt make a single category and I love it.

[@santachristo]

I tried it and left it in the store. Not really good grip. No bounce not comfy.

[@NicholasBreeze-gw9wp]

hey Zach i love the content i was wondering if you could review any shoes from serious player only as im trying to see if they would be a good fit thanks.

[@BreadVanVleet]

Thank u for doing barefoot style 🙏

[@johnpablogrzymkowski]

Love your videos:) You always provide great advice and review

[@spencerkogut107]

AG5 reigns supreme!

[@Jw-hv2pz]

Thank you for including us narrow footers!

[@FootDoctorZach]

We're full service here

[@wagyu2733]

Got the nb hesi low v2 on sale (90aud = 58 usd) and honestly best bang for buck shoe. I have a medium foot and my previous shoe was the two wxy v4 size 11.5, i went down half a size for the hesi low for a more snug fit and had no sizing issues. Traction is way better than two wxy v4 imo I would slip out in the v4's a lot especially on dusty courts.

[@futti9322]

Great vid. Did you also test the best shoes for dusty corts? Or is it kind of the same as rubberized?

[@sneakerheadz_academy]

Hey Zach! Been a fan of your content for a minute now. I had a quick question about your videos in general. What is the last comment you reference in all your videos? I’ve been trying to figure it out and am still not able to. Thanks for your time and I truly appreciate your content.

[@jdabelado716]

I am supposed to get that WOW all city 12 Encore but you said it's not durable outdoors. We only have an outdoor court here so that's why I bought the previous All City 12 instead

[@oOblistexOo]

great video and insane amount of work ❤

[@MasterJPzilla]

Can't believe you still haven't check the Serious Player Only Ranger yet! Please make a review of that one!

[@EazyMagicx]

I seen the NB Fresh Foam BBV2 was the favorite for a good amount. But, There's one shoe that looks like it's been on every list. 🤓I think I found my pick.

[@BenTamblings]

Great video my friend! 🔥🔥🔥

[@mythiclords3175]

Wow fission 9 putting in WORK!

[@Matteopotatoe-17]

Wow is actually the best basketball brand rn

[@Kxgura]

Hi zach! Great video as always. I’m leaning towards the 361 big3 5.0 quick pro, Sabrina 2, way of wade 10, or gt cut3. I’m 13, 5”7 and I’m only 120lbs. I’m a light fast player so I prioritize light weight shoes that have good lockdown and comfort. Which would u recommend? Also u should review the liren 4 v2

[@GabrielBlackmon]

Do you have a playlist of this from past years?

[@briantheodoreb2764]

Alongside your favourite shoe, maybe offer a budget option?

[@hurts.szn.]

I didn’t see Book 1s in the entire list and I saw AE 1s everywhere. would u recommend the lows or highs

[@BradLarocque]

My son suffers from Patellar Tendonitis. What are your recommendations in dealing with what sometimes comes off as a phantom type situation?

[@alexle1935]

AG5 definitely shoes of the year!

[@FootDoctorZach]

Lots of good ones this year

[@droelfetheoelfe]

Hi Zach, I have to play at a pretty dirty court in an elementary school, so performance on dust would be interesting as a caterogy for me and maybe others? Love your stuff

[@FootDoctorZach]

Nice idea

[@MjSurf4Life]

Dr. Zach, I broke both of my 5th metatarsals last winter as I was getting back into playing casual pickup to help get myself back in shape... I stumbled upon your channel and saw you in a 5th metatarsals T-shirt lol... I am 26, and I am an elementary Phys Ed teacher, so I couldn't take the time off of work to have the surgery, so I just worked in a boot on 1 foot and a brace on the other for the whole rest of the school year... It never fully healed and still hurts a little during and after playing... Any recommendations for something like this? I was looking and thinking about getting the New Balance BB V2 as I saw it ranked highly for people with foot injuries in your video, but didn't know if you would recommend something different in my specific case.... Thanks so much, your videos are great, and seemingly really helpful for someone in my circumstance!

[@Arsen-y1i]

You forgot the jb2s in the lists,do you think they are better than the don issue 6s?

[@adrielle1i23]

Zach can you do a review on Anta's Klay Thompson signature insole, I have it on my Freak 5s and they feel incredible Its kinda late but can you also review XTEP's JLIN5

[@gyorgyandrasbiro8514]

Hey Doc! Could you drop you foot measurements for reference in sizing?

[@unknown_vexfn6062]

Hello is there any shoes that are good for Achilles pain ?

[@jaryd4134]

Are you planning on reviewing any Reebok basketball shoes? Curious about them and their performance

[@FootDoctorZach]

Yeah probably

[@RADAHgoN]

Li-ning Gamma is not included in bounce/jumping? Intended or no?

[@jayyy-c9x]

How come you mentioned in the separate review of the AC 12 encore it is bad for bunions but here you put it under the widefoot/bunion friendly option?

[@allensmith9879]

Interesting, i didnt care for the Kawhi 2s gonna have to give the 4s a shot they seem to check a lot of boxes.

[@hardboiled4264]

Wow 361 ag5 is really good

[@fishmorton]

Hello from Scandinavia Doc! I was wondering what is your foot length in centimeters, as I am struggling to find a correct size for my foot shape? Reason I am asking this, is because there seems to be a lot variation how much extra space people like in their shoes..

[@vbroz43]

Is dame 9 ok for center?

[@peterpetersen7040]

I have achilles tendinitis but also a high arch. Should I still go for a shoe in the "Arch pain, strain, tendinitis" category? Is it okay to buy a mildly (2-3 months) used shoe or is it bad because it adapted to another persons feet?

[@Andrenaar]

I have the same issue. I am struggling with my Lebron 21 because the heel notch presses the point where my Achilles hurts and it sucks… greetings from Chile Doc you do a fantastic job!

[@ibangarcia4257]

Thank you ❤❤❤❤

[@george5273]

Hey doc great vid!!! I’m keeping my eyes on the AG 5 but is there any good shoe for calf soreness? That’s something I deal with consistently

[@FootDoctorZach]

2-a-day category

[@kbergrgb]

Luka 3 Or LB22? Im kinda not sure which ones to get lol

[@johnkalpakis9531]

Love your videos doctor . I assume this list is only for this years models? Was considering lebron 21 for support as im a chronic ankle sprainer but its nowhere in your list . Would love to follow your suggestion about the 12 encore but Way of wades shoes are hard to get in my country.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Yes this years models- you can always go back to previous guides to see older models

[@johnkalpakis9531]

@FootDoctorZach I've studied them already and they helped me narrowing down to the 21s , was curious to see how they fare against this years models . Thanks for putting out this useful information!

[@Joeconstantino]

Hello and thanks for the video. I have chronic achilles tendinitis and am looking for a shoe with a higher heel drop. Wearing NB now, but still playing through some pain. Other than rest, any basketball shoe recommendations? Thanks!

[@TheLeolyth]

Hi man, thanks for all your review and all, I'm having long term Shin Splints (seen a lot of expert and all) are Lebron 20/21/22 good for it ? I'm currently wearing the Lebron 20, and was wondering about taking the NB Two WXY V5 (on sale) thanks a lot.

[@shrekmexicano7748]

Hey zach, I have a luka 2 and i'll buy a new shoe. The lukas are an outdoor or indoor shoe?

[@gt86drilfter]

Thank you Doc

[@geno235]

Do you recommend air Jordan 38 for knee pain and power forward player ?

[@FootDoctorZach]

No

[@jbt2127]

Great video! I've already referenced it several times. The AC 12 encore and Shockwave 6 pro check all the boxes for me. Right now the Shockwave 5 pro are on sale. Do you know if there is a huge difference between the 5 pro and 6 pro? Otherwise, for the price, stick with the Encores? Thanks for this! It's a 'kid in a candy store' for us compulsive researcher a!

[@FootDoctorZach]

There’s a big difference between them but they’re both equally as good so I don’t know if you have to upgrade if the 5’s are the right price

[@jbt2127]

Thank you! Really appreciate the reply! For flat feet (flexible), guard, who likes a balanced, quick shoe that might helps midigate ankle and knee injury. What do you recommend? 5pro (100usd) or encore (117usd). Thanks again! Your passion for what you do is evident and extremely helpful!

[@Jumpsync.]

you should make traction a category

[@leandrodenhoed3778]

why would you not recommend Lebron nxxt gen, 21, 22 for lighter players?

[@NotKurt7]

Can we get a review of the uncivilized sneaker? I have been interested

[@kasidetruengkittanawat2848]

Legendary ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@kasidetruengkittanawat2848]

Been watining for a miniute but did not disappointed at all , Pairing with your masurement guide is awsome. FYI: DAME 8 LEBRON 20 LEbron 21 Lebron nxxt gen I need to go up 1 size (I need to go up 1 size because I can't up 1/2 like others do because my 14 and 15 us size didn't have 0.5 options) to fit in as I'm asian from thailand I have wide feet 2E 4E bunion Thank you for having me🥰

[@rafaelvalenzuela9758]

Hi DrZach, coukd you help me depict the differences between the Fission 9 and the Shadow 6? Thank you, i appreciate cushion and durability mainly

[@nicoh0069]

Hi Zach good day, thank you for all the good work that you do; can I ask if the shoes you recommend for tendinitis are viable for someone like me who's currently recovering from achilles tendinitis with insertional achilles tendinopathy...?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Heel pain category

[@nicoh0069]

@FootDoctorZach ok thank you very much for your reply..!

[@davidallender9158]

You need a heater in that studio.

[@FootDoctorZach]

I have one

[@romainmartel]

​@@FootDoctorZachHope you get a second one for chrismas

[@sammyy2189]

Are Gt jump 2 better than Sabrina 2?

[@Ali-fi5qv]

Could you tell me which shoes have the widest toe box with the least taper please

[@FootDoctorZach]

Word for word in the video

[@GladwinAbrio]

would you be able to do a bounce height test for the puma trc blazecourt?

[@gojira2404]

I think your favorite is the NB FFBB V2? 🤔 Im just guessing (no its very obvious 🤣)

[@TheFarmerInClipland]

Hello sir, just asking, so all of nike EP and Jordan PF shoes are good for out/indoors? All of them??

[@AbessHimself]

Love thesse videos i have tailor bunions, wide feet, flat feet. Im looking into the NB TWO WXY V5 but u said in the video it's not good for guards can i still get it?

[@Wi3z]

I can’t tell if i should get the Dame 9s or the dame Certified 3s bc I have extremely flat feet,tendinitis and bunions which shoe would you recommend?

[@aldavai3119]

There is a 15yr old boy on the news in Michigan needing to find size 15 1/2 Puma basketball shoes. If he can't find these, he is not allowed to play with his team. His name is Iasonas Vaiopoulos. The thing is, he can find the size in the required Puma shoes but not the width. The community has contacted Puma and get no response. Do you know if this shoe exists in his size? Again, 15 1/2 size 3 E. Thanks in advance. You can also reach out to the news reporter Mid-Michigan Now, Kyle Makin

[@1209MArky]

Will you be reviewing Kt10

[@fmcddct]

I couldnt help but notice the Anta GH5's are nowhere on any of these lists. You spoke quite highly of those shoes. Where would you say those fall in line?

[@FootDoctorZach]

When I start getting ready for these videos I first see how available a shoe is to buy , if I can’t buy them or can’t find them easily I don’t put them on the list- they may be in easier stock now but at the time of research they weren’t

[@fmcddct]

​@FootDoctorZach gotcha Zach. Yes, fully stocked on Anta. Picked up the other day after your eval, lol. Hoping I love em!

[@Сунђербобан]

I play basketball in Asics gel task mt and sky elite for years, no more nike or adidas or whatever...

[@rocco_222]

Why anta zap 1 not in Ranking?

[@erserd10]

I bought 2 days ago Lebron 21, specailly after check about your lebron 21 videos and why there is no lebron 21 ?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Latest model year only- just watch the previous guide video for the 21

[@erserd10]

@FootDoctorZach Before buy basketball shoes always I care about your reviews, thank you for information 💪

[@supe670rman7]

i’m stuck on getting the new balance kawhi 4’s they tick off my requirements but i’m wondering if there’s a better option? what do you say doc? what would be a second pair for Outdoor since i know the kawhis are more indoor .

[@Befuzzled332]

I didn’t see the JB2 anywhere on here where would it fit into some of these categories?

[@FootDoctorZach]

It’s a last year model- would be on the last list

[@Pohaku_20]

Xenon Xen vs. Hoka Ora Recovery Slide????

[@platypusplays8907]

I was gonna get like Ning gammas but the wow 11’s are looking a lot better for my ankle sprains, heel pain, orthotics and ankle braces. I really like how the gammas would play though so what should I do

[@FootDoctorZach]

I think you already answered your own question

[@platypusplays8907]

@ thanks

[@austin-jy4ep]

ankle was fractured three different places bone bruises all over and torn ligaments what’s best for me 😅

[@FootDoctorZach]

Ankle sprainer category and shock/ arthritis category

[@FootDoctorZach]

But also just the fresh foam bbv2 and ag5

[@adamyeoman6613]

Achilles pain. I've been off the court for about 5 weeks now getting physio and I have to get braces to help my Achilles. Is there shoes that help the most in that area?

[@FootDoctorZach]

In the heel pain section

[@adamyeoman6613]

@FootDoctorZach thank you. I didn't want to assume

[@andrewapotheosis]

What kind of scam artist are you going to? Braces for what.

[@jkwok.1]

Achilles pain?

[@RevolutionaryElmo]

why i can't see jordan39 at all in the list?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Because it’s not on there