Best Basketball Shoes in India – Reviews & Buying Guide

Selecting the right basketball shoe for your game can be a challenging task. The best basketball shoes in the market may not necessarily be the best fit for you. Each player needs to consider personal preferences and various factors before choosing the perfect basketball shoe. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking for a new pair or a beginner in search of your first basketball shoes, factors like comfort, feet width, and playing surface are crucial. These factors can make a significant difference in a competitive game, providing the edge you need to secure a win.

In India, basketball is played on diverse surfaces, including regular cement courts, matted courts, and professional wood courts. Each surface requires a specific type of shoe with a corresponding sole. Additionally, Indian players need to consider the shoe’s upper material, ensuring breathability in warm conditions for comfortable play.

In this review, we analyze these factors to present the best basketball shoes available online in India. Let’s dive in!

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Review – Best Basketball Shoes

Under 10,000 - Puma Rise NITRO Basketball Shoe 

Puma Unisex-Adult Rise Nitro Fiery Coral-Lime Squeeze Basketball Shoe - 7 UK (37701204)
  Sole: Rubber
  Closure: Lace-Up
  Shoe Width: Regular
  Durability: High
  Playing Surface: Outdoor

Elevate your basketball game with the Rise NITRO, an exceptional performance shoe crafted from engineered knit. The seamless multi-zone construction provides lightweight support, breathability, and unmatched comfort. PUMA Hoops tech, featuring NITRO foam, delivers ultimate responsiveness and supreme cushioning. Strategic PWRTAPE placement ensures targeted reinforcement for stability during cutting and jumping. The stylish design, accentuated by vibrant colors and the iconic Formstrip, adds flair to your on-court performance. With NITRO foam cushioning, PROPLATE energy transfer, PWRTAPE support, and nonslip rubber for durability and traction, get ready to take your game to new heights.


Under 7000 - Nike Elevate Basketball Shoe 

NIKE Elevate 3 Men's Basketball Shoes (8)
  Sole: Rubber
  Closure: Lace-Up
  Shoe Width: Normal
  Durability: High
  Playing Surface: Outdoor

Step up your game with the Nike Renew Elevate 3, designed for 2-way players excelling on both ends of the court. This finely-tuned shoe optimizes offensive and defensive performance, providing all-game, all-season support and stability. Enhanced traction and arch support optimize cutting and pivoting, giving you the edge in crucial moments. Upgrade your skills with the Nike Renew Elevate 3 and experience its impact on your game.


Under 5000 - Nike Men's Basketball Shoes 

Nike Mens Renew Elevate II Cool Grey/Black-Metallic Silver Basketball Shoe - 9 UK (CW3406-005)
  Sole: Rubber
  Closure: Lace-Up
  Shoe Width: Regular
  Durability: Medium
  Playing Surface: Outdoor

Nike Men’s Renew Elevate is a top-notch basketball shoe, expertly crafted for performance and style. The breathable mesh upper ensures a comfortable playing experience, and the secure lace-up closure allows for a personalized fit. With a sleek no-heel design, this shoe excels on the court, making it an ideal choice for dedicated players. Elevate your basketball experience with this chic and functional footwear, perfect for those valuing both performance and aesthetics.


Under 2000 - NIVIA Combat 2.0 

Nivia Combat 2.0 Basketball Shoes for Mens | Phylon, Rubber & TPU Shank Sole with Spacer Mesh Covered with TPU Film Upper | Basketball Court Indoor and Outdoor (Black) UK -8
  Sole: Phylon, Rubber, TPU
  Closure: Lace-Up
  Shoe Width: Regular
  Durability: Medium
  Playing Surface: Indoor

Meet the Nivia Combat 2.0 Basketball Shoes – essential gear for top performance on the court. Engineered for tough cuts and dynamic movements, these shoes combine exclusivity and stability with responsive cushioning. The upper, featuring Spacer Mesh covered with TPU film, ensures a precise fit and enhanced comfort. Inner foam stitching provides additional support, and the collar is equipped with two layers of high-density foam for a personalized ankle and heel fit. Luxurious comfort, molded P.U sock liner, soft cushion NR EVA inner insole, and Duo Foam Midsole for lightweight cushioning make these shoes the ultimate choice for performance and comfort on the basketball court.


Under 1500 - Vector X Basketball Shoes 

Vector X Cosmic Basketball Shoe for Men Black-Blue
  Sole: Rubber
  Closure: Lace-Up
  Shoe Width: Regular
  Durability: Medium
  Playing Surface: Outdoor

Discover a top-notch athletic shoe designed for comfort and durability. Crafted with synthetic leather and breathable mesh, the outer material ensures a lightweight and breathable experience. The sole, a blend of Eva Phylon and rubber, strikes the perfect balance between cushioning and traction. Move confidently with the rubber outsole, featuring high-abrasion rubber compound for superior durability and traction on various surfaces. Prioritizing comfort with a padded ankle collar and footbed, this athletic shoe combines style, comfort, and functionality for enhanced performance.


Under 1000 - ZIGARO Beef Basketball Shoe 

ZIGARO Men's Silver Polyurethane Basketball Shoe - 8
  Sole: Thermoplastic Polyurethane
  Closure: Lace-Up
  Shoe Width: Medium
  Durability: Low
  Playing Surface: Indoor

ZIGARO Beef Basketball Shoes offer the best budget option under 1000 rupees. The outer material is PU and PVC synthetic leather with polka dot and graphic printing. The soles are made of thermoplastic polyurethane.


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Best For Kids - Nike Zoom Flight Kids  

Nike Unisex-Child Lebron 18 Bred Black/Court Purple/White/Metallic Gold Basketball Shoe-4.5 UK (CQ9283-004)
  Sole: Rubber
  Closure: Lace-Up
  Shoe Width: Medium
  Durability: High
  Playing Surface: Outdoor

Discover the ultimate Basketball Shoes for standout performance on the court. Crafted with durable synthetic materials, these Lace-Up shoes ensure a secure fit for any game. The flat heel type provides stability, and the non-water-resistant design is ideal for indoor or dry outdoor play. Elevate your game with this sleek and comfortable choice.


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Best For Women -Women's Court Vision Alta Basketball Shoes 

Nike Women's Court Vision Alta LTR, Sail/Diffused Blue-Sail, 6.5
  Sole: Rubber
  Closure: Lace-Up
  Shoe Width: Medium
  Durability: Medium
  Playing Surface: Outdoor

Nike Basketball Shoes provide good comfort and traction, best suited for outdoor games. They are flexible and fit well on all types of women’s feet.


Best For Beginners -Bacca Bucci Basketball Shoes 

Bacca Bucci® Men's Wager Basketball Shoes with Natural Rubber Sole & Breathable Upper- Black, Size UK6
  Sole: Rubber
  Closure: Lace-Up
  Shoe Width: Medium
  Durability: Medium
  Playing Surface: Indoor

The outer material of these shoes is made of Reinforced synthetic leather, and the high-rise upper provides excellent heel support. The rubber outsole is highly resistant to abrasion, making it suitable for beginners learning to play basketball in a club.


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Buying Guide – Basketball Shoes

Soles

Soles are crucial for comfort, flexibility, and traction. They are made of different foams:

  1. Rubber  
  2. EVA (Ethylene vinyl Acetate foam) and compressed EVA foam 
  3. Polyurethane (PU) – more durable       

Rubber

hick rubber soles are used for outdoor playing surfaces, providing high traction. Thin rubber soles are suitable for indoor surfaces, offering lightweight ideal for faster movements. However, rubber soles may lose elasticity and become hard after 6-8 months.

Advantage of the thick rubber sole:

It provides high traction (outdoor surface)

Advantage of the thin rubber sole: 

It is lightweight which is ideal for faster movements?

Disadvantage of rubber soles:

It loses elasticity and becomes hard and brittle after 6-8 months.

EVA (Ethylene vinyl Acetate foam) and compressed EVA foam

Lightweight and commonly used in sports shoes, EVA foam is suitable for swift movements. However, it shrinks quickly when exposed to constant loads, losing its original shape.

Advantages of EVA:

Lightweight so, ideal for swift movements

Disadvantages of EVA:

It shrinks more quickly when exposed to constant loads like walking and running, and so it no longer returns to its original shape.

Polyurethane

Heavier and less commonly used, PU soles provide shock absorption and stability for a longer period. However, they can break easily, and ventilation is poor.

Advantages of Polyurethane:

It provides shock absorption and stability for a long period of time

Disadvantages of Polyurethane:

It can break easily and ventilation is poor

Closure Laces

Shoelaces play a vital role in fitting shoes cohesively. Different closure laces types include traditional shoelaces, Velcro, and no-tie elastic laces.

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Types of Closure Laces:

  1. Traditional shoelaces 
  2. Velcro    
  3. No-tie elastic laces
Traditional Shoelaces:

Traditional shoelaces exist for a long period of time. The biggest advantage of this traditional shoelace is that we can adjust the firmness of the shoe to our own wish. So, it provides high comfort.

Disadvantage of Traditional Shoelaces:

There’s a chance for tripping if the laces are not tied properly.

Velcro:

Widely used in sports shoes for quick wear and removal, but may loosen up over time.

Disadvantage of velcro: 

Velcro loosens up easily after some time and does not provide a firm hold between our feet and shoe.

No-tie elastic laces

Helpful, especially for people with injuries, offering customized grip and comfort. Similar to Velcro, they may loosen up over time.

Disadvantage of No-tie elastic shoelaces:

Similar to Velcro, these no-tie elastic laces also loosen up and don’t provide comfort after some time.

Shoe Width

Consider shoe width for comfort and avoid medical issues. Tips for choosing the right width include measuring feet before purchasing, using a size measuring guide, and walking around in the shoes.

Tips for choosing the right width:

  • Your feet changes in shape over time, so don’t purchase shoes based on the past purchases
  • Measure your feet before purchasing shoes
  • Use shoe size measuring guide
  • Shoe sizes differ from one brand to another brand, so, make sure to walk around the shoes which you
    want to buy

Durability

Consider the purpose of the shoes and choose good quality soles to enhance durability. After every use, remove soles and allow them to dry in sunlight.

Never use the shoes for multitasking

Use shoes only for their intended purpose to maintain durability. Avoid multitasking with basketball shoes, as it reduces their lifespan.

Choose good quality soles

Choosing good quality soles will enhance the life of your shoes. Know your purpose of the Purchase and choose the right quality soles.

Usage

After every usage of your shoes, make sure to dry your shoes by removing the soles and allow them to dry in a sunlight   

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Playing Surface

There are different playing surfaces that are available for Basketball courts

  1. Hardwood
  2. Asphalt 

Hardwood

Most indoor basketball courts use hardwood flooring. Hard maple is used in Hardwood flooring and it can be found in State level and National level stadiums. Maple is used to avoid splintering.

Asphalt

Asphalt flooring is most commonly used for outdoor basketball court surfaces because of its ability and strength to resist all weather conditions. Beginners learn the game on  outdoor courts  or in the streets.

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Other Factors

Ankle Support

Ankle sprain is the most common injury in sports. Choosing the wrong shoes may lead to severe ankle injuries. Using high top shoes is the best way to prevent yourself from ankle injuries. High top shoes absorb the shock while jumping and provide support and safety to your ankles. These shoes are heavier compared to low top and mid-top shoes. 

Arch Support

Pick shoes that fit well and support the arch, as it handles most pressure during movements.

Knee Support

Choose shoes that help prevent knee problems, as jumping in basketball exerts significant force on the knees.

Low Top Shoes

Provide high flexibility for players in the Guard position, but lack ankle support and durability.

Advantage of Low Top Shoes

Lightweight and flexible

Disadvantage of Low Top Shoes

It doesn’t offer ankle support and is less durable.

Mid Top Shoes

Provide high flexibility for players in the Guard position, but lack ankle support and durability.

Advantage of Mid Top Shoes

Does not restrict mobility like high tops

Disadvantage of Mid Top Shoes

Less durable

High Top Shoes

Provide good ankle support, preventing injuries, and are suitable for big players. They are durable but heavy and restrict movement.

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Advantage of High Top Shoes

Durable and has good shock absorption capability

Disadvantage of High Top Shoes

Heavy and restricts the movements of the player

That concludes our review of the best basketball shoes available online in India. Let us know in the comments if we’ve missed any excellent picks!


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