8 Best Women’s Basketball Shoes Of 2024, According To A Fitness Pro
Jeremy is a former US Marine and the owner of Jumping JAC’s fitness studio. He has over 10 years of professional fitness experience in training those with chronic conditions, the elderly, weight loss clients, athletes, and tactical operators (military, fire, police).
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Shreya is a commerce writer who is passionate about reviewing products related to fitness, health, and home. She holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurugram, and has four years of experience.
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Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
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In This Article
If you love playing basketball, you must be aware of the importance of owning a decent pair of basketball shoes. However, with multiple options available on the market, we know it might not be easy to find the best women’s basketball shoes. Nowadays, various sports brands have come up with a plethora of options exclusively designed for women.
Good and premium-quality basketball shoes for women are breathable and flexible, and they help significantly improve your on-field performance. Playing basketball requires a lot of jumping, running, twisting, and sudden drops. Therefore, you need the right pair of shoes to sustain high impact and provide you with the right support and cushioning for your feet and ankles. It is also necessary to prevent injury while you are playing.
To help you narrow down your search, in this article, we have curated a list of the 8 best basketball shoes that are comfortable to wear and provide great support to your ankle and whole feet. Scroll down to explore the list and pick from our top picks!
[table “5638” not found /]8 Best Women’s Basketball Shoes For Comfort And Ultimate Performance!
1. Best Durable:Nike Women’s Air Force 1 Sage Low Basketball Shoes
A best seller in the women’s athletic basketball shoes category, these shoes have everything you need. Reviewers online also attest to the same. With a sole made with a combination of leather and rubber, these basketball sneakers are durable and sturdy and come with an ergonomic design. The foam insole provides air cushioning that absorbs the shock and also provides arch support. The original AF1 perforation pattern lets your feet breathe while making the shoe look stylish and smart. A modern take on traditional design, these cool colorful shoes will help you enhance your performance while keeping your feet comfortable and secure.
Pros
- Non-marking rubber outsole for traction
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Available in cool colors
Cons
- Toe box may be narrow for some
Quick tip2. Best For Summers:Puma Cali Perforated Women’s Sneakers
A modern reimagining of Puma Classic, these stylish women’s footwear are amongst the most popular women’s basketball shoes. Designed with a perforated leather upper, these lightweight basketball shoes have a midsole and outsole made with rubber for excellent traction and stability. Perfect for summers, the PU molded sock liner provides comfort and cushion support to your feet to avoid straining from constant running and jumping. According to the reviews online, these white basketball shoes are true to the original. They are detailed with the iconic brand logo on the lateral tab and the tongue lace closure offers a stylish look that you will love.
Pros
- Features mesh lining
- Cushioned support
- Low boot shoe
- Rubber midsole and outsole
- Leather upper
Cons
- The leather upper may feel stiff.
3. Best For Ankle Support:Adidas Entrap Mid Basketball Shoes
This awesome pair of basketball shoes comes with a mid-cut design and is detailed with ankle padding for a completely secured fit. With an upper made with leather and suede, the shoe gives a retro style vibe while laced with modern cushioning, it is ready for today’s world. Featuring the trademark OrthoLite sockliner, this pair of lightweight women’s basketball shoes provides excellent support to your feet and protects your ankles and knees from impact. Specifically designed for women basketball players, these ankle support basketball shoes are sure to boost your performance with style.
Pros
- Rubber outsole
- Mid-cut basketball shoes
- Padded ankle
- OrthoLite insole
- Lightweight
Cons
- May be wide for some
4. Best Foot Locker:Under Armour Women’s Jet Basketball Shoes
Featuring innovative design and technology, these shoes are equipped with the classic design to enhance your performance and keep your feet comfortable. With molded and perforated leather and textile upper, the shoe provides breathability as well as support. They maintain their shape with a durable TPU overlay that is also abrasion resistant, making them heavy -duty shoes. The durable rubber outsole with a unique traction pattern makes the shoe ideal for lateral movements with maximum grip. Secure your feet in a comfortable fit of these shoes with an internal heel counter and bootie construction for locked in support. Additionally, the internal mid foot shank provides added support and prevents the foot from rolling over, while the EVA insole gives you excellent cushioning for perfect support.
Pros
- Compression-molded EVA foam midsole
- Foot locker women’s basketball shoes
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- No padding for ankle support
5. Best Wear-Resistant:Sweetnice Women’s High Top Sports Shoes
With soles made of EVA material, these high-top women’s basketball shoes are highly durable and wear-resistant. The anti-slip sole ensures stability and support while keeping your feet comfortable. Designed with a stylish upper, these shoes are soft and are made with breathable materials. Ideal for every sport, these are versatile. These anti-slip basketball shoes can also be worn for a casual outing with friends and family.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Wear-resistant
- Non-slip sneakers
- Mesh upper
- PU material insole
- Ideal for all seasons
Cons
- No sock liner
Remember6. Best Stylish:Wiltena Unisex Lifestyle Sneakers
If you are looking for cute women’s basketball shoes with a stylish design and comfortable fit, this pair of sneakers would be a perfect choice for you. Made with high-quality synthetic leather upper with small venting holes, these court-ready shoes are breathable and keep your feet cool and relaxed. The outsole of these shoes is made with rubber with concave-convex tread pattern for maximum traction and excellent grip. Ideal to use for longer duration, the EVA midsole offers sufficient cushioning to support your feet for extended periods.
Pros
- Soft lining
- Grip-enhancing feature
- Non-slip
- Durable and wear-resistant
- Available in stylish designs and colors
Cons
- May feel stiff
7. Best Elegant:Asics Women’s Classic CT Basketball Shoes
With flexible structure and iconic design, this shoe is made with robust construction and classic style to give you a comfortable and dynamic look for all your outdoor activities. Featuring a rubber sole with unique tread patterns, the shoe ensures maximum grip and traction for a sturdy and stable feel. The shoe’s upper is made with smooth leather that gives them a stylish casual look while being soft and flexible. Durable and lightweight, these shoes are surely one of the most comfortable women’s basketball shoes. You can also use them as stylish shoes for casual wear.
Pros
- Smooth leather upper
- Lightweight
- Soft and comfortable
- Elegant yet simple design
- Sturdy
Cons
- None
8. Best Lightweight:Reebok Unisex Classics Resonator Mid Basketball Shoes
Last but not the least, these unisex classic mid-cut basketball shoes are sure to hit all the right boxes. With an embroidered vector on the supple leather upper, these shoes are made to last long on the basketball court. Soft and slightly stretchy, these shoes provide exceptional comfort and flexibility to your feet all day long. The mid-cut shoe comes with textile lining and a rubber cupsole for superior arch support, cushioning, and absolute protection from impact. Ideal for basketball as well as casual wear, the classic design of these kicks will suit every outdoor activity in style.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Rubber sole
- Mid-cut basketball shoes
- Textile lining
Cons
- Toe box may be tight for some
Our list of 8 best women’s basketball shoes includes various designs and features that are sure to meet your requirements. Let us now look at a few important features that make these shoes ideal for women basketball players so that you pick nothing but good basketball shoes for women.
How To Choose Women’s Basketball Shoes?
- Cushioning and support
For maximum shock absorption and cushioning, look for shoes that have high-quality midsoles. Midsoles made with ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) are sturdy, durable, and lightweight. They are known to withstand hard impact and protect your feet, ankles, and knees from constant jumping and running.
Another popular material is thermoplastic urethane (TPU) which is also lightweight and durable. For insoles, look for soft sock liners that are made with foam. They provide an extra layer of cushioning for added support. In case you have flat feet or high arches, it’s best to look for specialized insoles for the right support.
- High top, mid top, or low top
Low top and mid top shoes work best for positions that require constant moving around, for example guards and forward positions. If you play in the power position or in the center position, women’s high top basketball shoes and mid tops will be ideal shoe cuts for you.
- Traction
To prevent injuries, the traction and stability provided by the outsole is very important. Commonly made of rubber, the pattern on the outsole of the shoes determines the grip of the shoe. Brands now incorporate innovative patterns that provide the traction and stability while also enhancing the overall look of the shoes.
- Fit
Like for all shoes, the fit of basketball shoes should be correct. The shoes should secure your feet and ensure stability. Shoes with lace closure will offer freedom of adjustment for the correct fit. Also look for shoes with padded heel and ankle collar for a snug but comfortable fit.
Here are a few tips to find the ideal women’s basketball shoe.
Tips For Finding The Best Women’s Basketball Shoes
- Different brands run different sizes, therefore measure your foot size and refer to their size chart for the ideal fit.
- If you are unable to find a suitable shoe in the women’s shoe section, you can consider men’s basketball shoes. Just subtract 1.5 from the men’s US size and you will get the shoe size that is equivalent to women’s US size.
- Look for shoes that offer added features like moisture-wicking sock liners and breathable upper material with a classic design.
- Look for shoes that are made with material that is easy to clean and maintain. Uppers made with synthetic material may be easy to clean but may not sustain too much wear and tear.
- Look for outsole patterns that can provide the right grip with ease. Go for ones with intricate tread patterns that provide a good squeak when you have sudden explosive movements.
Infographic: How To Clean Basketball Shoes
Regularly cleaning your basketball shoes enhances their longevity. It helps prevent early wear and tears that come with the loss of gripping power of the soles, leading to the risk of injuries on the basketball court. Squeaky clean shoes do not slip and have an improved appearance as well. Follow the steps mentioned in the infographic below to clean your basketball shoes and ensure their lasting durability.
Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team
The Bottom Line
Basketball players can really benefit from good shoes. While playing the sport, you must wear shoes that are comfortable, breathable, and flexible. For the sudden runs, twists, drops, and jumps, these players require tough shoes that can bear it all. Jeremy Kring, a professional fitness expert, says, “It is important to have footwear that supports optimal movement in the activity of your choice. If the footwear does not support optimal movement, you risk injury of not just the ankle, but of the joints above it as well. These joints often compensate to make up for any stability or mobility that cannot be supported at the foot.”
You can opt for shoes that have shock-proof insoles with air cushions all over for better security and comfort. For a stylish and classic look, choose the Nike Women’s Air Force 1 Sage Low Basketball Shoes, a blend of comfort and fashion, while the Adidas Entrap Mid Basketball Shoes offer a supportive fit for on-court performance. And the Asics Women’s Classic CT Basketball Shoes provide a timeless design while being durable and lightweight. While purchasing the best shoes for basketball, you should select the ones with good perforation that can help your feet breathe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal fit for basketball shoes?
Basketball shoes should not be too tight or too loose. The shoes should correctly fit your feet and provide the right stability for ease of running. Adjust the shoe laces for a snug fit that is comfortable as well as feel secured.
Can you use basketball shoes for casual wear?
Basketball shoes can also be worn casually, but regular wear on hard surfaces or wet terrains will affect the outsoles of the shoes that may impact the grip of the shoes on the basketball court.
Are basketball shoes considered slip resistant?
The closed tread pattern on the outsoles of basketball shoes offer grip and traction on dry surfaces. With traction rubber outsole, these shoes are not ideal for wet surfaces and may not be completely slip resistant. For ideal slip resistance, look for shoes that are made with soft rubber soles and have open tread patterns on the outsole.
Do basketball shoes affect performance?
Yes, a good pair of basketball shoes improve footwork movement and dribbling skills within the basketball court by providing the right traction force, comfort, and flexibility.
Can any shoe be a basketball shoe?
No. Although you can play basketball in all sports shoes, invest in the correct pair of basketball shoes to get the right support and traction.
Is it okay to use running shoes for basketball?
Yes. You may use running shoes for basketball as they are comfortable and offer traction, but do not wear them regularly. Also, the high, low, or mid-top designs on basketball shoes are not available in running shoes.
Can you wear basketball shoes while working out in the gym?
Yes, you can wear low-arch basketball shoes in the gym for working out. They offer adequate support, cushion, and stability as everyday wear.
Should you buy a size bigger for basketball shoes?
No. Most basketball shoes already have a bigger toe box, making them slightly loose and fit for running around.
Do basketball shoes work as an alternative to tennis shoes?
No, basketball shoes are not structurally fit for tennis. They do not support the repeated lateral movements required on a tennis court and can damage the ankles and knees.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shreya Vishwanathan, is a fitness, health, and home expert. Her passion lies in reading and curating products that add the comfort and convenience factor to her reader’s lifestyles. Shreya conducted in-depth research of online reviews and customer feedback to put together a list of the best basketball shoes for women. The shoes recommended in the list are durable, provide good traction, and come with comfortable cushioning. The shoes also have shock absorption and offer a good fit.
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