Ultimate Basketball Shoe Buyers Guide 2023

This ultimate basketball shoe buyers guide contains the best basketball shoes for every game style, position, foot type, and injury, body type and chronic condition you may find on the basketball court.
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Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:10 How to use this Basketball Shoe Guide
00:58 Best basketball shoes for wide feet
01:13 Best basketball shoes for narrow feet
01:27 Best basketball shoes for true width / medium feet
01:39 Best basketball shoes for high arches
01:52 Best basketball shoes for flat arches
02:08 Best basketball shoes for orthotics, inserts and braces
02:21 Best basketball shoes for centers
02:33 Best basketball shoes for guards and wings
02:47 Best basketball shoes for forwards
02:58 Best basketball shoes for bounce / jumping
03:12 Best basketball shoes for balance and containment
03:23 Best basketball shoes for speed
03:33 Best basketball shoes for durability
03:49 Best basketball shoes for hardwood , nimble grip
04:00 Best basketball shoes for indoor and outdoor courts
04:11 Best tennis shoes for outdoor basketball
04:24 Where to find help for basketball related foot pain
04:43 Best basketball shoes for heel pain
05:11 Best basketball shoes for ankle sprainers
05:30 Best basketball shoes for tendinitis, arch strain , painful flatfoot
05:45 Best basketball shoes for ball of foot pain
05:58 Best basketball shoes for shin splints
06:11 Best basketball shoes for knee, hip, back pain, shock. absorption
06:29 Best basketball shoes for heavy and light weight players
As a foot doctor I look at basketball shoes and basketball sneaker technology a bit differently as I focus more on what foot types benefit from these shoes as well as the basketball shoe's functional attributes on the basketball court
Part of the 2023 Basketball shoe review series
DISCLOSURE: I often review or link to products I regularly use and think you might find helpful. Wherever possible we use referral links, which means if you click one of the links in this video or description and make a purchase I may receive a small commission or other compensation.
Many of my links to products/gear are links to those products on Amazon. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and related sites
Disclaimer : This is not medical advice, nor can I give you medical advice. Everything here including videos and comment responses is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your doctor to obtain advice with respect to any health issue or condition. Nothing here should be construed to form a doctor patient relationship.

[@FootDoctorZach]

2023 Basketball Shoe Guide (20% OFF): geni.us/hoopshoeguide

[@channingbanks5786]

You’re the Man for this Doc👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@AndrewHepworth-rg4td]

Can you do a review on the Nike Air Vision pro 5's

[@bikungbarbaso3490]

@FootDoctorZach pls do review lining liren 3 v2

[@zense7721]

awesome list doc! also, really appreciate that you added older shoes, so we can also see how they hold up against newer models

[@uwupandaXD]

thank you for making this video! been trying to get some new ones to hoop over the summer

[@rogermeyer860]

Well done Zach! My fav shoe for past few years were the Jordan 36's until my recent achilles tendinitis and bone spur. I've sense moved on to a new pair of Dame 8's i've been saving and they are seeming to work better than the 36's, but I may try the Zion 2 or Jordan 37 lows based on your buyer guide.

[@fusionforce]

Great lists of bball shoe buying guide! Thanks a lot

[@nana-yaw8117]

amazing list, so much content packed into 7 mins! would you ever review the underarmour lockdown 6? is it on your radar?

[@murdaman6169]

I thank you

[@mjk_iyco4605]

Thanks Zach!

[@doug186]

Thanks Doc. Got the Zion 2’s to help with Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis. It’s helped tremendously along with treatment. I wish I saw your video 4 shoes ago. Lol. 🙏🏼

[@pinx884]

FINALLY. THANKS DOC. REALLY NEEDED THIS VID. UDABEST

[@PearlBagel]

thanks Zach

[@texasaggie85]

appreciate the knowledge and the work you put in!

[@FootDoctorZach]

Glad it helped you

[@flamesurr4175]

Thank you so much

[@ductran5509]

just bought the fission 8, I have horribly flat feet and roll my ankle a lot. Your reviews help a lot!

[@Harley87chevy]

How are you liking them? I’m 6’2” 210 and I have ankle issues

[@David-1216]

Your videos never disappoint. If you already have a high arch, should you get Powerstep insoles with a high arch?

[@JujuSchreiner]

best basketball shoes for volleyball players would be very interesting! including what qualities of the shoes are more important in volleyball than in basketball for example

[@deenil]

Please do this doc!

[@obi_hoan6118]

Yes !!! I use bball shoes for Vball, this would be so useful !!!

[@jorgedanielbarloaarellano5079]

Pleaseeeeee

[@cyrus5288]

yes

[@spongebob2306]

UP!!

[@amnjordan23]

Jordan really made a hell of a shoe for zion... i bought these to play in outdoors because I'm a bigger guy with knee issues... they played great!

[@LordVlad2321]

Great Review 💪🏿🧠 Cannot wait for the review of the New Li-Ning Bad Five (3) heard those are bad boys 🔥💥

[@brentkiandejesus5304]

You're the best!!!!

[@luizcruz3506]

Awesome list, Doc! I love your channel. Just felt that Puma TRC Blazer Court was left out 😅

[@eddiemontero5810]

I'm not gona lie these are so slept on.

[@bleeblaabloo]

I like how the Lebron 20s is pretty much on every list 😂 makes me feel like I made the right decision getting two pairs of them

[@MangaSword8]

😂 fr im getting me a pair next!!

[@wahidahmad2577]

Same as zion 2! I have both and definitely enjoy both!

[@andrew-ze9lp]

@@wahidahmad2577 i actually hate both of them, they both feel like bricks

[@wahidahmad2577]

@@andrew-ze9lp I'm 170cm 25 years old, love retro sneakers. I have lebron 9, reebok question, penny 1, pippen 1, jordan 12, zion 2, Foamposite for playing basketball routinely, i love these "bricks". Even though i know the newer generation of sneakers are lighter and lower like my Kobe 8, lebron 20, kyrie 2, kobe 11, kyrie 7, wow10, sometimes i prefer the bricks one. If you're okay with the bricks one, any shoes are solid! But traction is important tho!

[@ethanthao2831]

Wow 10 is better

[@regilsusano3124]

WOW 10 on every list

[@aaareis12]

Hi from Portugal! Great job as always! Just wanted to ask something, in this video you're saying that the Nike G.T. Jump 2 are good for ankle sprainers but in the original Nike G.T. Jump 2 review video you said they were kind a bad. Just wanted to clarify this, I'm interested in this shoes. Continue the great work, big fan!

[@kklima2464]

Thank you. Next time, could you also list shoes to avoid for each pain category?

[@emailou1811]

So is the wow 10 good for outdoors, or is it just upper durability type of durability? thx, love ur vids

[@Buddyverse97]

Hi Doc! You're amazing. Is there a chance that you would do a review for Adidas Pro Model 2g low? It's really a classic one and kind of interesting because it's a relaunched version of shoe back in the early 2000's.

[@seouleshoes]

Great list! I'm curious where you'd put the LeBron 2s on here. I know it's a retro but I'm so glad they brought it back. Such a good hoop shoe, and I think it's great for wide/flat footers.

[@timl998]

He didn't put lebron 2

[@Filipe-op1hx]

Amazing list I have a doubt for you … between the puma Stewie 2 and the NB WYZ V3 which one you think is better ? ( also in impact protection for someone with knee tendinitis )

[@locke735]

You’re awesome.

[@mjhonsun]

I didn't know that a lighter shoe was better for shin splints. I was thinking more cushion or impact absorption was better, but that adds to the weight. I wonder if there is an optimal weight/cushion balance for shin splints. I always learn something with these videos.

[@garrettmitchell352]

I don’t know if you are dealing with shin splints or not but I use to have that problem until I started doing tibialis raises and never have had the issue since

[@shengenma3116]

【Future Video Advice】Maybe a video for equipements/protectors to prevent (or even hold you through) an ankle sprain, Doc? (PS: I really expect more contents/topics about injuries. I think that is something you can differentiate..from other content creators that do sport shoes reviews)

[@raya472]

In short, one of the best all round shoes is the anta kt8. And I agree 😁

[@Bartek_Hurko]

Hi Zach! Thanks for movie! Any tips for best shoes when it comes to breathabilty?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Look up the more recent ultimate guide it has a section on it

[@engr_jest9683]

If you can't afford lebron 20, pg6 has it all from cushion to traction, the only downside for pg6 lockdown is not very firm, got ac11 too, if you have foot aches or ankle aches, this is the best shoe, very good traction, lock down and support is very good, and the cushion full lenght boom is very amazing, got pg6 but i think ac 11 ha better cushion and court feel. But if you want everything lockdown, cushion, support, looks go to wow 10.

[@peubarros]

Hey Zach, do you mind doing a review on asics sky elite ff 2? I’ve been told that it is the best shoe for volleyball and i wonder how it translates for basketball

[@m1ghtycs]

When I'm playing with my Dame 8's top of my feet where the laces are located hurt like hell. I'd really appreciate it if you had a recommendation for it Doc. Thanks.

[@goldorak5282]

Very useful as always. Thank you. I am surprised that you mention the gt jump 2 as not out yet? Expected for July I believe and hoping it will be good overall (impact protection and support plus outdoor). The new balance fresh foam bb was my favourite but been recalled. Jordan Zion 2 is your favourite so I will check it out again. I had lots of issues with Achilles, base of my feet and calves. Pain is gone and I am strengthening now all summer before playing again…very tough to find right shoes outdoor…was counting on NB fresh foam BB but no news since recall. No WOW in U.K. or Europe too…shame

[@ayldzz1197]

You can get WOW shoes in the UK

[@chriskartalidis9687]

Hello from Greece. Amazing presentation, just discovered you! I have a gout on top of my big toe. Kinda wide foot as well (nothing major). Which shoe is the best to get? Am I looking for a soft material on top? I have checked why not 0.6, Lebron NXXT GEN and KD 16. I was fine until now (they broke) with my 2013 hyperdunks

[@woutvanhulle5290]

best basketball shoes for volleybal players!!

[@juanlilsavage2159]

this man is a mvp

[@fgpsychology]

Look for the Andiem Pivot 1.0 and add it in the best basketball shoes for ankle sprainers. Awesome shoe

[@edisongalgao644]

have you ever use nike vaporfly next % 1 2 and 3 while playing basketball? just curious

[@wildanreza5642]

what about kobe 9/11 and kyrie 3, are they good for wide footer? thx

[@soledoutreviews]

Loving that GH4 and lebron NXXT lately

[@Blaze_556]

I have wide feet and high arch, especially on my left foot. Jordan zoom separate seems like the only shoe that fits me right. Any shoes similar to those?

[@garthezekieltalusig9156]

Can you please do a review for Li-Ning YUSHUAI XVI V2! Thankssss!!!

[@twistedladder3506]

WoW fission 8 seems to check every box, I like the 10s so maybe I’ll give them a try next

[@nasirgeorge4488]

Should I get the harden vol 7 or wow fission 8

[@heraldbobilles2491]

can you do, top underrated shoes, cheapest but perform really well.

[@gojira2404]

Noticed you have the KD16s in here. Did you get to review them early? If yes im excited for the video! The fission 8s also seems to be a good all arounder like the WoW 10s but is more affordable. Do you think its better?

[@iccaruuss]

he had the jordan 38’s in there too

[@MadSUPANOVA]

Random yap. My entire life.. I burn off the outer heel edge of all my shoes. So I always had to put extra cushioning in heel.. I try to stay up on toes but I always revert back to my heels. Why I like basketball shoes slightly ti ok tilting me forward to keep me up on my toes. Jordan 36 .5 up in size feels good, but the pertrudingi air bubble, makes for a wobbling feel but still a comfortable shoe.

[@dda35828]

fire

[@otiredpanda9473]

Do u know how long it takes for the way of wade website to restock

[@DonAballa-um9mx]

PLEASE REVIEW THE KD 16

[@iShiftIn2Turbo]

Of course you make this the week after I already bought the Way of Wade Fission 8 😭. It seems like it ought to have what I need though.

[@Nico_911]

Can we get an embiid 1 review?

[@harveyaquino9128]

any basketball shoe that you can recommend for guyd that hava jumper's knee.

[@Nucifero58]

I highly recommend the Dame 8s as a player who is 5'10" 220. My position is post up and 3pt shooter with wide feet and bad ankles. Bought a pair on super discount and they have been amazing

[@aroncampos5720]

Dame is a great shoe and very wide foot friendly. Im 6'2 170lbs stretch big

[@henrycavillsrealmustache3553]

@@aroncampos5720 you need taller friends if you the “big” at 6’2 170 💀

[@Ianbishop-ok5uc]

@@aroncampos5720your big is 6’2??? 😭😭😭

[@FormalJio]

Although it's hard to mix and match the "Wide, Flat, ankle support, indoor/outdoor Shoes".. WOW 10 and WOW fussion 8 is the best choice, Big thanks to this Video. 🤜🏽🤛🏾

[@MadSUPANOVA]

After test. Wide PG 6 Harden 7 Harden 6 Narrow Kyrie Infinity and Kyrie low (for wide go up 1 full size) Ja 1 For comfort to play in PG6 Jordan 36 ( go up .5)

[@Sushigroup69]

Wow the fission 8 is everywhere. While the shadow 4 is a no show. I got to do drills with my new pair yesterday (shadow 4 half size up), and was underwhelmed with the cushion. Im coming from a rotation of anta gh3, yushuai 15 v2 low premium, and all city 11

[@_rooooooo]

these are tuff

[@danielzhang6569]

2:12 damn I didn't know the Jordan 38's were out

[@ryanno8537]

How is it that in your KD 15 review, you emphasized how great they are for heel pain & achilies issues, but left them off your list here for heel pain? I also noticed you put the Lebron 20 twice on a couple lists. Was this an error where you meant to put the KD’s?

[@Shick146]

can you do the puma all pro nirto

[@MaxB072]

On air force 1 I got a 9.5 so should I get a 9.5 on wow 10?

[@iplayonarcade]

Wait but what's the range of weight of the heavier player and lighter player shoes? Like how many kilogram - kilogram?

[@tigerli5767]

Can we get a video on the CJ2!

[@kerimkc7374]

try out the li ning badfive series

[@MultiKrrrr]

Thanks a lot Doc. I'm planning to buy a new pair. If you need to choose from this four option (Lebron 20 / Harden Vol 7 / PG6 / KD15), what would you highly recommend? I know it depends a lot of unique/personal factors, but overall what'd you choose? Appreciate your help.

[@MultiKrrrr]

Forgot to mention, It should be for outdoor:)

[@somidel]

im thinking of buying hardens for outdoor. kd 15 has heel slippage,lebron 20 are soft for outdoor and pg 6 are not bad.

[@andrerodrigues9168]

What is Nike EP family and Jordan PF? I didn't get it 😅

[@kliensgendraule3154]

Bri how about the son of flash for durability?

[@abd2112]

What does "EP or PF family" mean for Nikes and Jordans?

[@walalant7609]

Anta KT8 is everywhere🥶

[@rodelcelo1766]

seems to me that Dame 8's are the best all around given that it's listed in almost all of the lists :)

[@Sam-rj8yh]

I've had the dame 8's for about 6 months and they're great. The comfort is amazing and they're great if you have wide feet

[@mksb42]

KD16 made the list? Review coming soon?? 👀👀👀

[@Shylow2133]

I tried looking it up but can’t find nothing what’s the Jordan pf family

[@dujonedwards2810]

What's the shoe featured at 3:34?

[@cermet1320]

Still wondering if I have wide feet. I tried NEW BALANCE TWO WXY V4 and they felt really tight from the sides. My size is probably around 47 (13) and I also tried a size too large and it was still quite tight.

[@RedPqnda]

Hey I’m a lightweight guard who needs a nice nimble shoe. Thing is, I have a very wide foot with a high arch. I really struggle with finding shoes that fit me well. Based on the list, the trae young and harden shoes sound like they might fit me well, but do you have any suggestions

[@epicbean6910]

try new balance two wxy3

[@dingerero]

Hi Sir, may I ask what is the best shoe for dusty indoor courts?

[@epicbean6910]

lebron 20

[@janarviviado1509]

if you are using orthotics (Move insoles), do you need to size up on the Harden Vol 7s?

[@FootDoctorZach]

I didn’t but depends on how wide and high volume

[@baderallabadi2778]

any shoe suggestions for plantar fasciitis? Would prefer something with foam base

[@FootDoctorZach]

There’s a whole section on heel pain

[@BenTamblings]

Very helpful. You had Game Style spelled as Game Sytle hehe

[@FootDoctorZach]

To err is foot doctor

[@quany2hottyy391]

I’m trying not to buy another pair of dame 8 but this video is not helping 😭 probably gonna get the extply they just release

[@unskeptable]

I want a basketball show that can be worn as a casual shoe in the clubs

[@scr00che94]

why aren't there any kobes? Because of the price?

[@austinAandres]

Can you do this for tennis?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Already did - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZ-veJWKps9jjMU

[@LucaTlach]

1:04 - I could not find any "EP" family shoes... And where is the information if the Nike shoe is an EP shoe? Also could not find any Jordan EP shoes... (Engineered Performance)!

[@kevinvalencia5120]

Dude what’s heavy for being on the heavy size

[@JDexia]

GT Jump 2? Dont tease me man! You dont have to spoil much, just Y/N - are they better than the Jumps?? 👀👀

[@kingfaze8461]

Review melo mb.02 rick and morty

[@6ixthstage845]

bro WOW 10 on all categories related to me but they look long AF

[@alfagamingyt2205]

Anta kd 8 is almost on all lists 🤣

[@muhammadalfarizy743]

1. Money

[@ziggyai]

Why is WOW fussion 8 everywhere lol

[@oecus2786]

I noticed that you repeat some answers within a list a few times.

[@kevinvalencia5120]

Do you like a video to show you what type of foot you have

[@ballislifew9290]

Hey doctor Zach! I noticed the wow 10 did not make your “best shoes for guards” list, nor did it make the “best shoes for speed” list or “best shoes for lighter players” list, while making the “best shoes for heavy players” list. I thought the wow 10’s were a light shoe that is very responsive and explosive because of the carbon fiber. Is it a heavier shoe than I thought? And is the traction not top tier? I am very curious because of the high price range. Great video once again and I am a really big fan!!

[@Playerway]

I thought the same. The WOW10 is the most complete shoe for any player.

[@emazhing102]

AIR DELDON FOR GUARDS?!?!