Basketball is played both indoors and outdoors. Unlike outside courts, indoor courts do not test your footwear. While outdoor basketball courts face up to various weather conditions and have rough concrete surfaces, indoor courts enjoy consistent temperatures, forces, and hardwood floors.
The performance, traction, cushioning, support, fit, materials, and pros and cons of these basketball shoes are discussed below so that you have a better idea of which shoe to choose according to your interests. I will personally recommend the UA HOVR Havoc 2 and Nike Lebron Soldier 9 because of their durable outsoles that last on rough outdoor courts.
So, go through the list and find the shoe that suits a human’s personality.
Top Selective Basketball Shoes for Outdoor
1. Under Armour HOVR Havoc 2
Top Rated: ★★★★★
Features
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These shoes fit greatly
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The materials used are quite premium
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These shoes are quite comfortable and breathable
Product Description
2. Adidas Cloudfoam Ilation Mid
Top Rated: ★★★★★
Features
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These shoes remain true to size
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They have reasonable prices for the provided features.
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Their sturdy materials make them great for outdoor courts
Product Description
A solid mid-cut style with an appealing price. The Cloudfoam midsole gives them a soft, comfortable ride. Featuring a memory foam footbed.
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3. Adidas Men’s Dame 5-outdoor shoe
Top Rated: ★★★★★
Features
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They are best for playing on outdoor courts
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Their cushioning is quite responsive
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The traction pattern is amazing
Product Description
Play low and fast with Dame style. These basketball shoes are built with a soft suede upper and feature internal pods along the midfoot and under the tongue for exceptional comfort. A Bounce midsole gives the shoes lightweight cushioning, and a mid-foot banking barrier provides lateral stability for quick changes of direction. A herringbone outsole offers great traction.
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4. Under Armour HOVR Havoc 2 roundball
Top Rated: ★★★★★
Basketball shoes have an upper made up of micro-molded flexible mesh, and on the toe, there is a rubber-like material for protection of the underneath material. The mesh covers all around your foot and gives you the best fit. This mesh is breathable, gives the required ventilation, and keeps the feet dry.
The traction pattern on these shoes is herringbone, which is quite thick and may take a bit of time to break in. After which, the grip is perfect. Some patterns are styled, which gives lateral coverage. The pattern is thick enough for these shoes to be used on outdoor courts.
The HOVR cushion is featured, as the name suggests. This Under Armour HOVR technology provides a “zero gravity feel” for energy return that eliminates the impact of jumps step by step.
The support on these shoes is quite good. Its die-cut EVA sock liner provides support below the foot. Their sole is fairly flat, and it has a propulsion plate that provides torsional rigidity.
Fit and it runs true to size, mostly. It has a webbed lacing system for a locked-in and customized fit. The half bootie lining gives a safe and secure fit with traditional tongue construction, which helps in putting them on easily.
Pros
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These shoes fit greatly
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The materials used are quite premium
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These shoes are quite comfortable and breathable
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Their thick traction pattern makes them best for outdoor play
Cons
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The traction is a bit inconsistent
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5. Adidas Cloudfoam Ilation Mid-basketball shoe
Top Rated: ★★★★★
These basketball shoes feature a 3 Stripes logo on the sides. These shoes are very comfortable to play in and feature a great design.
The upper is made up of a leather material that is quite durable, remains in shape for quite some time, and has perforations for ventilation.
Its traction is quite awesome, and it really grips the court with the grippy rubber outsole.
For cushioning, we can judge from the name that it uses a Cloudfoam sock liner and midsole for lightweight cushioning.
The mid-cut design really strikes a balance between agility and stability. It provides ankle support.
Their memory foam footbed provides exceptional performance. These shoes are breathable as they feature an air mesh on the collar, tongue, and rear quarter.
The rear part, collar, and tongue are made of quite sturdy materials that do not get damaged easily. So, it bears outdoor rough courts.
These shoes are best for people with wide feet. Every width of the foot feels comfortable in these shoes. That is why they were also on the list of the 10 best basketball shoes for wide feet.
They can be worn casually too, as their design is quite good.
Pros
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These shoes remain true to size
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They have reasonable prices for the provided features.
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They are quite comfortable and soft.
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Their sturdy materials make them great for outdoor courts.
Cons
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Their upper leather is inflexible
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Their laces are weak
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6. Adidas Dame 5 outdoor shoe
Top Rated: ★★★★★
These are the fifth edition of the Damian Lillard series. These shoes are extremely lightweight. The upper of these shoes is made of soft suede, which adds to their comfort.
The traction is awesome and has a herringbone pattern on a durable rubber outsole, which provides awesome grip and thus is best for playing on outdoor courts.
Basketball shoes for the outdoors have full-length bounce cushioning that provides a balance between responsiveness and protection from hard impacts. It really provides the comfort needed by a player on the court.
These outdoors shave some dead space in the toe area, although their lockdown is great and they greatly support your ankles. They have one of the best ankle supports a shoe can offer. They have internal pods along the midfoot. The forefoot has some extra space that provides stability for the foot.
They are available in two textiles, mesh and leather, and in a variety of colors, but they provide the same performance. It doesn’t really matter if you go for the mesh one or the leather one.
Pros
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These shoes are very comfortable.
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They are best for playing on outdoor courts
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Their cushioning is quite responsive
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The traction pattern is amazing.
Cons
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They have some dead space in the toe box
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7. Under Armour Curry 3 basketball shoe
Top Rated: ★★★★★
The Curry series of Under Armour was great for basketball shoes. These shoes are lightweight and very durable.
The upper of these shoes is thread-borne, which makes them strong and gives them the best support and structure. The balance provided and ventilation are also excellent.
When we consider traction, these shoes have a multi-directional herringbone outsole that provides great support and allows you to play aggressively without worrying about slipping. This amazing traction makes them great for playing on outdoor courts that can be rough and dusty.
For cushioning, it has a charged midsole that dampens the shocks of high-impact landings.
These shoes have foam in places where it wasn’t added before in the previous editions. Its Anafoam and thick padding really cover and lock the ankle.
Its fabric has perforations for ventilation and airflow that keep your feet dry and cool. The molded heel counter gives amazing comfort and protection.
Basketball shoes for outdoors also have a meta-wing plate that provides locked-in stability through the heel arch and foot. It also works as a stabilizer for variable motion. The midfoot shank helps in maintaining torsional rigidity.
These shoes go true to size for people’s feet. People with narrow feet can consider going down half a size.
These shoes perform great on indoor and outdoor courts, so they are a good choice. This is the best edition of the Curry series, so go for them instead of any of the Curry ones.
Pros
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These shoes are highly durable
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Their multi-directional traction provides the best grip.
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The materials used on shoes are great
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They are very lightweight and comfortable
Cons
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They may take a bit of time to break in
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Cushioning is a bit firm
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8. Nike Lebron Soldier 9…basketball shoe
Top Rated: ★★★★★
These amazing shoes should definitely be on your list, as they are so good in comfort and style that you seem to fly in them. The upper of this shoe is entirely a single piece of mesh and nylon. They do not stretch much, so putting them on can be uncomfortable, but after that, they are a delight.
They really have exceptional traction. Whether you go and play outdoors on rough or indoors on smooth, they really grip the court, so that makes them the best to wear for playing outdoor basketball. Their rubber sole does not give in easily.
These fascinating shoes give us Zoom Air units for cushioning, giving our feet an amazingly soft and bouncy performance that absorbs all the impacts of the landings. Their lightweight design gives you maximum freedom to play.
They have a heel strap that locks the heel into the shoes. It is also attached to the heel counter up to the ankle and provides the ankle with the support it needs. The strap on the forefoot locks the forefoot and the midfoot in place.
Its great fit makes its support even better. They fit true to size, and their lockdown is just amazing. Dead space in the shoe is much less, which won’t affect you. Once you tighten the laces, they won’t let the foot move inside.
These shoes are some of the best for outdoor basketball. I will recommend them to you if you want my opinion.
Pros
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They have amazing cushioning.
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They are great on every kind of court whether outdoor or indoor.
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The lockdown is amazing due to the straps
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The traction is beastly
Cons
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Their mesh upper is not stretchable which makes it difficult to put them on.
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9. Adidas Pro Bounce Indoor+Outdoor
Top Rated: ★★★★★
In 2018, Adidas was not having a great year considering basketball shoes until Adidas Pro Bounce was introduced, and it really changed the game for Adidas.
These shoes have Forge Fiber material for the upper, a combination of lightweight mesh with extra stitching for better strength and durability. This material is quite lightweight and breathable, which keeps the feet dry from the airflow.
The outsole on these shoes is one of the best that Adidas has had for a long period of time. The pattern is spiral, which can attract some dust due to shallow grooves but performs best in any court, whether indoors or outdoors.
In these shoes, Adidas used Bounce cushioning rather than the Boost one like their many other shoes. Bounce cushioning provides the best impact protection in these shoes, along with providing a great court feel.
They have good support for the feet. For torsional support, it has two split TPU spring plates that come to the forefoot. The midsole is wide and flat, with outriggers.
These shoes go true to size. Some narrow-footers may need to go down half a size. A bit of dead space is in front of the toe. If you mind that it goes down a size, otherwise, no problem. Narrow footers can also feel a bit of space on the sides.
Their lockdown is awesome, despite a bit of dead space. The lacing system is made of fly-wire-like cables.
I will definitely recommend this one too, as they have a reasonable price and are best for outdoor courts.
Pros
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They are versatile. Both heavy and lightweight players can play in these.
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Their traction is great on any kind of court
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Their midsole protects the lower body from stress during playing
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They are aesthetically appealing and have a great design
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The Bounce Cushioning is well-balanced
Cons
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Their materials may feel a bit cheap
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Their support can be an issue for some people
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10. Amazon’s Choice Adidas Harden Vol 2
Top Rated: ★★★★★
These are the second edition of James Harden’s signature sneakers. These shoes have a material that is a mix of mesh and neoprene. Mesh covers the upper area of the foot mostly. The mesh is very breathable, which provides the required airflow and ventilation. The neoprene part is also partly breathable.
They have a traction pattern like shattered glass, or, say, a fractal pattern, which is random. This Basket Ball Shoe works great on the court, whether indoors or outdoors. On clean courts, the traction is beastly, but on dusty courts, they may need wiping. Hard rubber makes them good for outdoor play.
For cushioning, they feature Full Length Boost like in Vol. 1, but thicker as compared to Vol. 1. This full-length boost gives a good heel-to-toe transition. The density of the cushion is variable throughout the midsole. This cushioning gives great bounce and impact protection.
The support on these shoes is also the best. The internal shank is present for torsional support. The upper also provides a great lockdown and supports the fit. Ankle support is also sufficient.
They fit true to size. The adjustable lacing system adapts to all kinds of feet, either narrow or wide. Sometimes it locks the foot so well that the laces need to be loosened to relieve some pressure.
These are really a step up from Vol. 1 and are great for outdoor play. They provide great performance, and the overall makeup and structure of the shoe are great. They should definitely be on your buying list.
Pros
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These shoes have great cushioning and impact protection
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Their hard rubber and amazing traction make them best for playing on outdoor courts
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The mesh and neoprene both are breathable for the best ventilation
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The lacing system is very innovative and adjustable
Cons
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They may be a bit heavyweight
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11. Under Armour Clutch drive 2, basketball…
Top Rated: ★★★★★
These amazing basketball shoes for the outdoors featuring UA ClutchFit technology are very lightweight and comfy. The ClutchFit technology is featured from midfoot to the ankle collar, unlike the first ClutchFit drive, where it was featured on all of the upper
The traction pattern on them is a simple multi-directional herringbone without any fancy arrangements, etc., that really gets the job done. They grip the feet in such a way that it enables you to take hard cuts and quick cutbacks without worrying about any slippage or injury.
For cushioning, they feature the charged foam technology, which’s a bit firmer than the Micro G featured in the first one but provides better responsiveness and impact protection. So, you need not worry about landing when jumping high.
For support, a fused overlay is used that provides the amazing supportive feel that big players need. These shoes do not restrict you in any way with support, unlike many other shoes that have extra support for bigger players.
Their fit is good. Going down half a size can be good for some people for a snug fit. If you wear an ankle brace, these shoes can accommodate them too. The 3D-molded tongue will cover your foot and ankle and really lock it in place.
Pros
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The traction is amazing due to the multi-directional pattern
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They are durable even on outdoor courts
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They have a variety of colors to choose from
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They are extremely comfortable to wear
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The lockdown and support are amazing due to the narrow fit.
Cons
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They can run a bit narrow
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The shoe can be stiff for some users
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12. Adidas Crazy Bounce basketball shoe
Top Rated: ★★★★★
These beastly shoes have an upper made of a combination of synthetic leather and foam-backed mesh, along with wing overlays that provide support and lockdown. The upper is quite lightweight and durable. These outdoor basketball shoes for outdoor are mostly covered by half-bootie construction. Sensitive areas are protected by leather. The mesh is quite breathable, keeping the feet dry and providing airflow.
For traction, like most Adidas shoes, they also feature a herringbone pattern that is on the full sole from heel to toe. The outsole rubber is quite solid and can withstand outdoor play. The chances of dust collecting on grooves are quite minimal, as grooves are wide and deep.
As the name suggests, bounce cushioning is present that provides great comfort and damps the impact forces to allow you to play aggressively without the worry of injury.
As far as support is concerned, they are really good. They have a wide outrigger that helps players roll their ankles. Ankle collars have rigid materials that make them good for ankle support. The TPU midfoot panel gives extra stability.
This basketball shoe for the outdoors is good for centers or heavy men because of its sturdy upper. Their fit is good as they have the conventional lacing system, which gives quite a snug fit. When laces are pulled, the heel counter and the bootie wrap and lock the foot from the bottom and from behind, providing the best lockdown.
Pros
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Rubber outsole is quite thick and durable and can provide great performance on any kind of court
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The cushioning is great in this shoe as it provides amazing impact protection
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They are extremely comfortable
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They provide great ankle support
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They do not accumulate dust in grooves
Cons
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These shoes may be hard to put on due to half-bootie construction
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Some dead space is present inside these shoes
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13. Adidas D.o.n. Issue #1 for outdoors
Top Rated: ★★★★★
These fascinating shoes have an upper made of textile with details like a spiderweb. The upper feels great and provides the best performance. They may take some time to break in for your feet to adjust, but after that, these lightweight beauties are stable enough for great play.
The rubber outsole featuring the web-like herringbone pattern provides the best grip and traction needed in a court, whether indoors or outdoors. They pick up dust a bit, so wiping will be needed for them to perform at their fullest.
Basketball Shoes for outdoor bounce cushioning, and surprisingly, they are one of the best iterations of bounce cushioning. They provide a great court feel and stability. They also give a plush feel to the foot. The cushioning really provides comfort and impact protection.
Support is one of its best features. The heel lockdown is great. A thick midsole gives a good platform for the feet. The propulsion clip on the side gives lateral support for unorthodox moves.
They run true to size. Some players may need to go down half a size. They can be a bit narrow on the forefoot.
These shoes are also available in mesh and leather in a lot of colorways, so you should definitely give them a shot.
Pros
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The outsole and traction pattern bear the outdoor courts
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The cushioning is great and provides the best balance and comfort
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They have a moderate price
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The materials used are of good quality
Cons
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The heel cushioning can be a little chunky
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Buying Guide
Before Buying Shoes for outdoor basketball a few things you should keep in mind:
- The outsole rubber should be durable
- The rubber should be thick
- The traction pattern should be deep
- The price should be medium as outdoor playing lessens the life of the shoe so buying very expensive ones can’t help
- Cushioning should be more comfortable as outdoor courts can be rough to play on
- Ankle support should be proper for them
- The upper material should be durable
- Basketball Shoes For Playing Outdoors
Conclusion
So, the best basketball shoe for playing outdoors will be the one that can last the longest. Every shoe eventually gives in to the rough surfaces. So, durability must be your first choice. My choices for you are:
- Under Armour HOVR Havoc 2
- Nike Lebron Soldier 9
- Adidas Harden Vol 2
Their detailed description is above. These shoes have the best outsole that can last longer than other shoes. They may lack one or two qualities, but durability is not one of them.
So, have you found your dream shoe? Hurry up and buy them. You can also buy from Amazon by clicking the images and headings.