Although no piece of equipment can make you the best player in the world, having the right gear as a sportsperson is very important. Take basketball, for instance. The players have no other equipment during the game besides the shoes, hence why choosing the right pair is so important. In this article, we are going to take a look at the ten best pairs of women’s basketball shoes, the shoes that allow players to run, jump, and move with confidence.
In order to choose the best women’s basketball shoes, we took the following four features into consideration:
- The outsole
- Weight
- Padding
- Aesthetics
So what are the best basketball shoes for women:
Nike Women’s React Hyperdunk 2022 Basketball Shoes
Let’s start off with a brand who it seems can do no wrong, Nike. Their Women’s React Hyperdunk 2017 basketball shoes are some of the most comfortable on the market. Players can move easily around the court thanks to the soft, light Lunar cushioning and the supportive upper that keeps the foot in place. Feet are also secure thanks to the half bootie shape and the Flywire cables. The rubber outsole enhances multi-directional traction. The design of the React Hyperdunk 2022 is also very stylish and buyers can choose between a purple, red, blue, or black upper with a thick white sole.
Nike Lebron Soldier XI iD
The Nike Lebron Soldier XI iD is not only a great shoe, they are totally customisable to the wearer! This means that you can create your signature shoe. In general, these shoes have four elastic straps with hook-and-loop closure for a secure fit and are well-cushioned thanks to the Nike Zoom Air feature. They also have a stretchy foam-backed mesh to help with breathability and a lightweight foam midsole for even more cushioning!
To customize the shoes to suit your personality and needs, you can begin with choosing your colors; either one colour for the entire shoe or a mix-match of colors. It is also possible to add your name or your team’s name in a premium embroidered font to the front. Finally, you can choose between a solid-colour, translucent, or glow-in-the-dark sole for multidirectional traction on indoor basketball courts or an extra-durable rubber sole for a fantastic grip on the blacktop.
Adidas Neo Women’s CF Superhoops Mid W Basketball-Shoes
The Adidas Neo Women’s CF Superhoops Mid W Basketball-Shoes has been rated as a comfortable fit with great support for the ankle. These shoes come in a slick white-matte grey option or in a combination of Grey Five/Grey Two/Ice Pink. The uppers are constructed from leather and there is a rubber insole. Cloudfoam cushioning makes for a comfortable wear and the rubber cupsole provides excellent traction. The price point for these shoes is also relatively affordable.
AND1 Women’s Master 2 Basketball Shoes
Another pair of basketball shoes on the lower end of the price scale is the AND1 Women’s Master 2 Basketball Shoes. These lightweight, comfortable shoes are abrasion-resistant and have a non-marking outsole with herringbone tread. There is also an injection molded TPU clip, the main reason why these shoes can boast excellent stability. Comfort is provided via quarter molding design and a dual-density midsole.
Under Armour Women’s UA Micro G Torch Basketball Shoes
Next up are the Under Armour Women’s UA Micro G Torch Basketball Shoes. These lightweight shoes are one of the best for female basketball players for many reasons. First, they have a synthetic leather upper with a molded foam heel, which combines to offer optimal provide comfort and structure. There is also a full-length Micro G® foam insert for cushioned landings.
Another way to ensure comfort is by allowing the feet to breathe. The UA Micro G Torch Basketball Shoes do this via engineered perforations in the forefoot and heel. Finally, there is a molded full-length EVA sockliner and a solid rubber outsole with a herringbone traction pattern that provides exceptional lateral and linear movement.
Adidas Women’s miD Lillard Basketball Shoes
The Adidas Women’s miD Lillard Basketball Shoes are another great choice worth considering. What is great about these shoes is the techfit upper which provides flexible support and a sock-like fit ideal for stability. But that is not all! What is really special about these shoes is that they use Adiprene. Adiprene is a technical development from Adidas that can be found in the footbed/midsole of the shoe. Its purpose is to provide cushioning for the heel and forefoot. It also can cushion against impact absorptions over five times the weight of a person, claims Adidas. The shock absorption is felt mostly in the heel, which maintains your propulsion and movement efficiency while ensuring you use the least amount of energy doing so.
Another super cool feature of these shoes is that they are customisable. It is possible to select individual designs for various components of the shoe including the toe cap, heel, tongue. and the logo. However, you should keep in mind that if you do want to customize the shoes, it usually takes between seven and eight weeks.
Nike Women’s Kyrie 1 iD
Another basketball shoe that it is possible to customize is the Nike Women’s Kyrie 1 iD. Like the Adidas Women’s miD Lillard Basketball Shoes, there is a wait if you want the shoes customized (up to 8 weeks). If you still decide to go ahead, you can choose from multiple base shoe foundations and personalized underlay, lining, outer sole, midsole, heel accent, and even the Nike swoosh logo.
Breathability is key with these basketball shoes thanks to open mesh areas and a low cut structure. This also allows the shoes to become lighter in weight, meaning players can move around the court more quickly. As I mention moving with ease, there is also advanced traction and zoned support to help with forward motion and providing a tight grip on the ground. Another cool feature is the unique zig-zag laces.
Nike Women’s Air Precision Basketball Shoes
Sticking with Nike, we have the Women’s Air Precision Basketball Shoes. These shoes are sure to keep your feet sturdily locked in thanks to dynamic webbing system. It is also assured you will be comfortable as you run up and down the court due to the plush foam pads at the malleolus and ankle. There are also half-length inner booties that create a sock-like fit and feel. Perhaps the best piece of technology the boots have to offer is the Encapsulated Nike® Air unit in the heel. The inclusion of this unit provides incredible durability and grip on a variety of surfaces. Enhanced traction is also provided via rubber-wrapped midsole sides.
Adidas EQT Basketball ADV Shoes
Another offering from Adidas is the EQT Basketball ADV Shoes. Available in white and grey with a white sole, these shoes are sleek and modern mid top shoes inspired by the ’90s EQT Basketball Shoes. The concept of the original shoes was that they would just deliver the essentials and this has been brought forward to today’s version. They are also styled like the originals, with a knit mesh bootie that extends up the tongue and heel. They also feature faux suede panels, TPU accents, and the signature Adidas 3-Stripes.
Other features of the shoes include a molded PU midsole for enhanced comfort and a rubber sole for good grip on the court.
Adidas Mi Mad Bounce
Let’s finish this list with one more from Adidas, the Mi Mad Bounce. Like many of the other basketball shoes we have encountered in this article, these shoes can be customized. The color can be selected for the upper, quarter panel, tongue, stripes, laces, collar, tongue lining, and webbing. A choice of colors is also available for the TPU and outsole. Name, number, or initials can also be added to the shoes and there is an option to include a lace jewel.
These basketball shoes are so much more than customization though! Firstly, they use the BOUNCE™ cushioning technology in the midsole. This technology is able to provide support to the foot and help to launch it back up. The shoes have an engineered mesh upper for breathability and the seamless FUSEDMESH upper is designed to include areas of support and stretch to ensure an adaptable fit. Lastly, there is a high-traction outsole for premium grip.
Verdict
There you have it, the ten best women’s basketball shoes. Looking at the different pairs available and the various features they offer, it is inevitable that a good pair of shoes can make all the difference when playing the game.
There are four elements that are important in a good basketball shoe, which I mentioned at the beginning of the article and I still stand by: the outsole, weight, padding, and aesthetics. Why? The outsole provides a proper grip as you run up and down the court. A lightweight shoe can allow you to run faster and jump about more quickly. Padding provides the comfort needed when playing a physically demanding game. The aesthetics, well, they just add an aura of confidence via customized colors, synchronized team shoes, etc.
It is also evident who the main players are when it comes to women’s basketball shoes: Adidas, Nike, And1 and Under Armour. There are cheaper versions available but, to be honest, it is better to invest a bit more and get yourself a solid pair of basketball shoes. Have fun choosing and good luck in the game!
