The Best Basketball Shoes of 2016
2016 has been an absolutely phenomenal year for basketball sneakers. Tons of game-changing models were released. Adidas, Nike, Under Armour – everybody step their game up, it’s so crazy. So the biggest question is – Which ones are the best basketball shoes of 2016?
Welcome to my TOP 10 Basketball Shoes of 2016!
TOP 10
10. Nike Kobe 11 Elite
Tech: Nike ZOOM AIR, Lunarlon, FlyKnit
Weight: 343 g. / 12.09 oz
Pros: Very durable upper | Dynamic Cushion setup | Great Support Breathability |
Cons: Inconsistent Traction | Lack of Comfort in the Forefoot |
Best for: All Position Players
Retail Price: $200
9. Nike Kyrie 3
Tech: ZOOM AIR, Flywire
Weight: 369.6 g. / 13.04 oz
Pros: Beastly Traction | Amazing Court Feel | Great Support |
Cons: Lack of Cushion Responsivenes | Requires Break-in Time |
Best for: Guards
Retail Price: $120
8.Under Armour Curry 3
Tech: Threadborne, Charged, AnaFoam
Weight: 397 g. / 14 oz
Pros: Comfortable fit | Killer Traction | Great Materials | Suitable for Outdoor |
Cons: Decent Impact Protection | Roomie Fit |
Best for: Guards
Retail Price: $140
7.Nike Hyper Dunk 2016 Low
Tech: ZOOM AIR, Fuse, FLYWIRE
Weight: 369 g. / 13 oz
Pros: Solid Traction | Comfortable Fit | Responsive Cushion Setup | Great Durability |
Cons: Basic Materials
Best for: All Position Players
Retail Price: $130
6.Adidas Harden Vol.1
Tech: BOOST, Genuine Leather
Weight: 427 g. / 15.05 oz
Pros: Premium Materials | One-to-One fit | Amazing Traction | Solid Suport for a low top |
Cons: Impact Protection | Rubber Compound isn’t durable |
Best for: Guards
Retail Price: $140
5.Adidas Dame 3
Tech: FUSEDMESH, BOUNCE
Weight: 399 g. / 14.07 oz
Pros: Very Responsive Cushion Setup | Superb Impact Protection | Beastly Traction | A+ Support |
Cons: Not Suitable for Outdoors |
Best for: All Position Players
Retail Price: $115
4.Adidas D Rose 6 PrimeKnit
Tech: BOOST, Primeknit, StableFrame, TPU Cage
Weight: 462 g. / 16.3 oz
Pros: Bouncy Cushion | Superb Traction | Comfy Fit | Premium Materials |
Cons: Material Durability | Slightly Heavy |
Best for: All Position Players
Retail Price: $140
3.Nike KD 9
Tech: FlyKnit, ZOOM AIR
Weight: 341.3 g. / 12.04 oz
Pros: Super Comfortable Fit | Premium Materials | Responsive & Bouncy Cushion Tooling | Solid Traction |
Cons: Not Suitable for Outdoors | Minimalistic Support |
Best for: Guards
Retail Price: $150
2.Adidas Crazy Light BOOST 2016
Tech: BOOST, Jacquard Upper, Continental Rubber, Sprintplate
Weight: 370.2 g. / 13.06 oz
Pros: Perfect BOOST Cushion | Comfortable Upper | Great Materials | Amazing Traction |
Cons: NONE
Best for: All Position Players
Retail Price: $120
1.Adidas Crazy Explosive Primeknit
Tech: Primeknit, BOOST, GEO Fit Boot
Weight: 426.4 g. / 15.04 oz
Pros: Top Notch Cushion Setup | Premium Materials | Great Lockdown | One-to-One Fit | Pure Primeknit | Solid Support |
Cons: Rubber Compound isn’t Suitable for Outdoor | Upper Durability |
Best for: All Position Players
Retail Price: $150
Great top 10 for basketball shoes. So, I’m looking to spend between $115-$150. That’s pretty good for quality shoes. Adidas #1, man those guys been in business for a long time. Thanks for this, really well done.
Thanks, Peter! 115$-150$ dollars is a perfect price range for you to grab great performing shoe. Yeah… I think 2016 was the best year for adidas so far. I can’t wait to see how they will surprise us this year.
I appreciate it.
Great summary of the best basketballs shoes that are out there!
Do you know how long these basketball shoes can last? For someone who plays only about twice a week?
Thanks,
Paulina
Huge thanks!
It really depends on where are you playing (indoors or outdoors). Either way, they should last at least 2 seasons 🙂
Hey, thank you for this review. I personally have always been a fan of Nike basketball shoes. My latest pair is the Lebron James in the Miami Dolphins colorway. Because they are in a unique light green color, I do not wear them that often and wear my Asics instead.
But thanks to this review I am thinking that I may want to start considering a couple of Adidas. I really like your number 1 selection. I have heard some great things about the Primeknit sneakers and how comfortable they are. Plus red is my favorite color. I also like the Adidas D Rose 6 Primeknit.
One thing is for sure, I am still not a fan of Under Armour basketball shoes. They just do not excite me like Nike and now Adidas. Now the only problem I have is deciding which of the two Adidas styles I will purchase. If I purchase both my girlfriend will not let me forget that I spent more money on me than her. LOL
Hey, Robert!
Oh man… This colorway is one hella nice. Great purchase! Do you wear them casually?
I highly recommend you to try adidas new models with Primeknit and BOOST cushioning, they are fantastic!
Now talking about which model to choose, it’s all up to you. The adidas Crazy Explosive, Crazy Light or D Rose 6 Primeknit – they all will perform amazing for you and will give everything you need to feel confident on hardwood. Oh, those girlfriends 😀
Nice List mate, planning to buy a couple of shoes in next week.
Appreciate it Dela! You can also check my latest list here, maybe you’ll find some more options.