The best Adidas shoes for playing basketball
In the world of sports equipment, Adidas is one of the most popular brands around the world. Its “three stripes” and “Trefoil” logos are iconic and synonymous with quality and performance, and although often seen as sports and leisure wear, Adidas is best known as one of the world’s leading players in the shoe – accounting for nearly $14 billion of the company’s revenue. Although most widely associated with football, Adidas also offers a wide selection of high-quality basketball shoes worn by some of the best players in the NBA and beyond.
Between high-end athlete signature shoes and more affordable generic models, Adidas offers some of the best sneakers on the hardwood, perfectly suited for professionals, amateurs and street ballers.
What to know before buying Adidas basketball shoes
Adidas basketball shoes are popular on and off the court, worn by superstar athletes and culture keepers, not to mention average consumers. They can even be seen on the fashion catwalks, with Kanye West’s Yeezy collection steadily selling out in record time. But no matter how cool the kicks look, it’s important to consider everything from the fit of the shoe to the materials and everything in between.
Silhouette
The silhouette of a shoe is easily recognizable in three varieties: low cut, mid cut and high cut. Each offers different qualities that suit athletes with different skills and playing styles, but all three are fashionable for everyday wear.
- Low Cut: The least supportive of the three silhouettes, it is ideal for players whose speed and agility are central to their style of play, such as guards who tend to dribble to the edge.
- Mid-Rise: These hold the “Goldilocks” position of being neither too short nor too tall for most players, making them perfect for fast and agile players who need a bit more support at the ankle and Achilles heel. They are a great option for the swingman stance or two-way guards and forwards.
- High: They are designed with vertical movement in mind, providing maximum support in the heel and ankle areas, especially for players who play in the paint struggling for rebounds and returns.
Materials
Sports shoes are generally made from the same materials, but Adidas and other companies nowadays use more durable materials and textiles. These include recycled polyester, nylon and polystyrene, and sustainable or “better” cotton. Additionally, Adidas only uses leather and skins from non-threatened or non-endangered animals approved and rated by the non-profit Leather Working Group, which provides environmental certification for the leather industry. leather manufacturing.
The soles of Adidas shoes, on the other hand, are made from recycled rubber, algae-based ethylene-vinyl acetate or thermoplastic polyurethane. For some models, Adidas works with German tire manufacturer Continental to make grip-enhancing rubber outsoles using recycled tires. However, Adidas’ most significant material advancement over the past decade is its Boost midsole foam, made in partnership with German chemical company BASF. Boost technology provides a higher degree of energy return than common rubber soles, making these midsoles more durable, comfortable and geared towards high performance.
What to Look for in a Quality Adidas Basketball Shoe
Slip-On vs. Traditional
Adidas basketball shoes are available in traditional lace-up designs as well as innovative lace-up shoes that offer just as much support as their alternatives. The biggest advantage of laceless sneakers is obvious: taking them off eliminates the risk of tripping over loose laces. However, wearing sneakers without laces requires a more precise fit, so be careful not to settle for half a size too big or too small.
Cushion, comfort and fit
High performance is only possible if the shoes fit well, provide the necessary cushioning and are comfortable. Adidas shoes generally fit true to size, so the wearer can be confident that a size 10 won’t be loose or too restrictive. However, the company also offers wide foot size and flat foot support options for athletes with a unique foot size and shape. Some Adidas basketball shoes also feature Bounce midsoles, a more responsive and firmer variant of the Boost midsole that may be more suited to a basketball player’s dynamic movements.
Style
A player’s style is almost as important as the comfort and performance of a basketball shoe, and Adidas offers a variety of looks that are sure to include something that matches your personality. Different molds, silhouettes, stitching, prints and flourishes are combined with unlimited colors, patterns and other visual elements to present hundreds of unique looks that are sure to intimidate your opponent.
How much you can expect to spend on Adidas basketball shoes
Adidas basketball shoes come in affordable options between $70 and $100, and high-end varieties cost over $200.
Adidas Basketball Shoes FAQ
Are Adidas basketball shoes true to size?
A. Generally speaking, Adidas shoes run true to size; In addition, the company offers models for wide feet and flat arches.
Do NBA players wear Adidas shoes?
A. Although Nike’s Air Jordan line is the most recognized branded shoe, Adidas provides iconic sneaker lines to many of today’s professional basketball stars. NBA stars Damian Lillard, James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Derrick Rose and more all have their own on-court collaborations with Adidas. WNBA superstar Candace Parker also has her own signature sneaker, one of the few female athletes with such sponsorship.
What is the best Adidas basketball shoe to buy?
Best Adidas Basketball Shoes
Adidas Dame 7 Basketball Shoes
What do you want to know: Damian Lillard’s new signature edition is a big improvement over the previous model and a great performer overall.
What you will love: These shoes have balanced cushioning, good outdoor and on-court traction, and a great price.
What you should consider: Materials feel less than premium.
Or buy: Sold by Adidas
Best Adidas basketball shoes for the money
Adidas Harden Stepback 2 Basketball Shoes
What do you want to know: Basketball’s biggest beard, James Harden, has several signature shoes, but this one strikes a great balance between performance and price.
What you will love: These have a durable indoor/outdoor outsole, great materials and good lateral containment.
What you should consider: They are not suitable for weak ankles and knees and are prone to heel slippage.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Adidas DON Issue #2 Indoor Court Basketball Shoes
What do you want to know: Donovan “Spida” Mitchell’s second edition signature is another solid performance shoe at an affordable price.
What you will love: This model has solid cushioning and good support and shock protection.
What you should consider: This shoe is heavier than other models and not suitable for outdoor use.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon and Adidas
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Matt Fleming written for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their buying decisions, saving them time and money.
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