Top Basketball Shoes for Point Guards – Full Reviews [2020]

by Last Updated July 15, 2020

Any quick guard that likes to beat his opponents off the dribble with deadly crossovers and smooth pull-up jumpers need shoes that can keep up with that style. Below are some of the features of a perfect guard shoe. An ideal guard shoe should feature excellent traction that will grip the floor, allowing you to change directions swiftly. Another feature is that the cushioning should be responsive and should not lag. Finally, it should be a low or mid-cut shoe that does not unnecessarily restrict your range of motion.

How to choose the best pair

Simple! Its in-game performance defines a shoe of quality, and no matter what kind of player you are, specific attributes hold.

Support

An intensive game can only get more explosive and physical. Take an example of a nuclear reaction on meltdown. All that energy needs to be contained and, as such, is with your shoes. At the ankle and generally, the whole foot is where support comes at, so you will need the right footwear to take all this.

Comfort

Your shoes are an essential tool in your game, but they should be an afterthought since you need to focus while in the game. You need to focus on your jumper or your defense, so your mind and awareness need to be locked into the game. Uncomfortable shoes can easily make you lose focus. 

Traction

The grip on your soul to the court is a massive factor in your performance during a game since, no matter how explosive and high flying the game is, it all starts at your feet. Traction dictates your stability in your stance, quickness in cuts, and your acceleration to your top speed, which means that no traction, no speed, agility, or power.

Durability

A game pair of shoes needs to be tough enough to see you through the game. Even though some basketball shoes look beautiful, and all are dripping with swag, they are a weapon of war that should be on top of the game. The right shoe should last you at least throughout the season.

Dmitry Leiko
Author and Today's Expert

Hi there! Dmitry Leiko here, I am the author of the article you've just read, and I write reviews for Expert Bestazy, how you've might guess. I'm passionate about a lot of things, from fishing to reviewing the newest gadgets, I especially adore writing and doing this thorough reviews on absolutely different products, as I've tested a lot of them myself and every time doing long research and advising with experts in a particular field to find the best of the best, I hope you'll find good use of these reviews! :)

Dmitry Leiko
Preview
The best low cost pair of shoes
Nike Mens Air Visi Pro Vi Nbk Black/Anthracite Ankle-High Nubuck Basketball Shoe - 7M
Great value basketball sneakers
adidas NEO Men's Cloudfoam Ilation Mid Basketball Shoe,White/Black/Metallic Silver,9 M US
Best Under Armour shoes for guards
Under Armour Men's Lockdown 4 Basketball Shoe, Black (005)/Black, 7
Best traction shoes
adidas Men's Dame 5 Basketball Shoe, Grey/Grey/Black, 7 M US
Best design
Nike Men's Air Versitile II Basketball Shoe, Black/White, 8.0 Regular US
Name
Nike Mens Air Visi Pro Vi Nbk Black/Anthracite Ankle-High Nubuck Basketball Shoe - 7M
adidas NEO Men's Cloudfoam Ilation Mid Basketball Shoe,White/Black/Metallic Silver,9 M US
Under Armour Men's Lockdown 4 Basketball Shoe, Black (005)/Black, 7
adidas Men's Dame 5 Basketball Shoe, Grey/Grey/Black, 7 M US
Nike Men's Air Versitile II Basketball Shoe, Black/White, 8.0 Regular US
Upper material
Nubuck
100% Synthetic
100% Synthetic
Synthetic
Textile and Synthetic
Sole
Rubber
Rubber
Rubber
Rubber
Rubber
Our score
4.6
4.4
4.6
4.7
4.4
The best low cost pair of shoes
Preview
Nike Mens Air Visi Pro Vi Nbk Black/Anthracite Ankle-High Nubuck Basketball Shoe - 7M
Name
Nike Mens Air Visi Pro Vi Nbk Black/Anthracite Ankle-High Nubuck Basketball Shoe - 7M
Upper material
Nubuck
Sole
Rubber
Our score
4.6
Details
Great value basketball sneakers
Preview
adidas NEO Men's Cloudfoam Ilation Mid Basketball Shoe,White/Black/Metallic Silver,9 M US
Name
adidas NEO Men's Cloudfoam Ilation Mid Basketball Shoe,White/Black/Metallic Silver,9 M US
Upper material
100% Synthetic
Sole
Rubber
Our score
4.4
Details
Best Under Armour shoes for guards
Preview
Under Armour Men's Lockdown 4 Basketball Shoe, Black (005)/Black, 7
Name
Under Armour Men's Lockdown 4 Basketball Shoe, Black (005)/Black, 7
Upper material
100% Synthetic
Sole
Rubber
Our score
4.6
Details
Best traction shoes
Preview
adidas Men's Dame 5 Basketball Shoe, Grey/Grey/Black, 7 M US
Name
adidas Men's Dame 5 Basketball Shoe, Grey/Grey/Black, 7 M US
Upper material
Synthetic
Sole
Rubber
Our score
4.7
Details
Best design
Preview
Nike Men's Air Versitile II Basketball Shoe, Black/White, 8.0 Regular US
Name
Nike Men's Air Versitile II Basketball Shoe, Black/White, 8.0 Regular US
Upper material
Textile and Synthetic
Sole
Rubber
Our score
4.4
Details

1. Nike Men’s Air Visi Pro Vi – Detailed Review

From the breakaway to the free-throw line, Air Visi Pro VI Nubuck men’s basketball shoes by Nike have you covered. Features include a foam-padded tongue and collar for comfort, a high-top design for maximum ankle protection, lace-up closures for a secure fit, perforations in the upper for increased airflow, a breathable mesh lining, Tri-vis-Air-Sole midsole heel unit for impact protection and a full phylon midsole for additional lightweight cushioning. 

If you’re looking for a shoe that can handle your quick first step, look no further than the Men’s Nike Air Visi Pro VI basketball shoes. The Visi Pro VI offers a sleek, supportive upper and a well-cushioned ride to keep you comfortable up and down the court. Construction quality and materials are superb. The shoe is durably built and stands up to daily aggressive use. They provide excellent support. The shoes are light and, if you like to run the court, do not feel like they impede your movement. They are well balanced, supportive, and provide excellent traction.

Pros and Cons

  • Provide impact cushioning, durability, and multi-directional traction, enabling you to bring your game to new heights.
  • Asymmetrical foam collar for a comfortable fit.
  • Nike Airheel unit provides impact cushioning.
  • Forefoot perforations promote breathability.
  • When they get wet, the heel squishes like there is water in the heel.
  • They are very pricey.

2. Adidas Performance Men’s Cloudfoam Ilation Mid Basketball Shoe – Detailed Review

adidas NEO Men's Cloudfoam Ilation Mid Basketball Shoe,White/Black/Metallic Silver,9 M US
  • High-top basketball sneaker featuring 3-Stripes logo at sides and perforations for ventilation
  • Air mesh tongue, collar and rear quarter
  • CLOUDFOAM sockliner and midsole for lightweight cushioning
  • Grippy rubber outsole

Hoops-inspired, street-ready. These men’s mid-cut shoes have a leather build, with a knit tongue and collar. A grippy rubber outsole with Cloudfoam provides cushioning for all-day comfort. This pair sole is made of rubber that makes its traction awesome. They have a lot of padding and support, making them super comfortable. The lace-up closure helps ensure that you stay locked in, which makes them stable enough. With modern basketball style and springy cloud foam cushioning, these guys’ shoes are great for everyday wear. Their soft and durable leather upper is perforated, and this helps wick away moisture. Its mesh collar offers comfort and breathability. Clean look, great support, does not rub ankle bones.

Pros and Cons

  • They look very sharp and stylish B
  • They are light and comfortable.
  • They are plenty wide for the large feet and also have sufficient height space for the taller foot shape.  
  • A decent budget basketball shoe
  • They have an issue with soles peeling off.
  • The interior material that is stitched up at the bottom of the laces presses down against the toes as you take a stride. 

3. Under Armour Men’s Lockdown 4 Basketball Shoe – Detailed Review

Under Armour Men's Lockdown 4 Basketball Shoe, Black (005)/Black, 7
  • Molded synthetic upper for a responsive fit & fast look
  • Perforated leather delivers enhanced breathability
  • Lightweight, super-breathable sockliner provides underfoot cushioning & support
  • Injection molded EVA midsole delivers a lightweight & responsive ride
  • Rubber outsole with multi-level adaptive traction patterns to provide exceptional on-court movement & control that won't wear down

The shoe has a breathable mesh upper with a combination of molded & lightweight synthetic overlays for lateral & medial support with engineered perforations for added ventilation. TPU film toe cap for added protection & durability, air mesh tongue for added breathability & a comfortable fit. Plush sock liner maintains its shape for all-day comfort with anti-odor technology applied to sock liner to prevent the growth of odor-causing microbes. It has a molded synthetic upper for a responsive fit & quick look. Its perforated leather delivers enhanced breathability. Lightweight, super-breathable sock liner provides underfoot cushioning & support. The outsole of the rubber with multi-level adaptive traction patterns to give different control that won’t wear down and on-court movement.

Pros and Cons

  • Good quality
  • Fits perfectly and are comfortable to play basketball
  • They are durable
  • They are beautiful design, soft, and tight to the foot
  • Not enough ankle support despite being high top
  • Bad for hardwood, and it is average in traction, materials, and comfort.

4. Adidas Men’s Dame 5 – Detailed Review

Sale
adidas Men's Dame 5 Basketball Shoe, Grey/Grey/Black, 7 M US
  • B-ball shoes built for Damian Lillard's signature game
  • Regular fit; Soft, cushioned feel
  • Textile upper with padded internal pod system for comfort
  • Bounce cushioning provides enhanced comfort and flexibility
  • Zonal herringbone rubber outsole for grip

Scoring machine Damian Lillard’s signature basketball shoe, the Adidas Dame 5, is all about flexibility, comfort, and style. With its uniquely smooth look and feel, you could forget this is a performance-engineered sneaker made for competitors on the hardwood. As a reminder of that fact, the back of the shoe sports the acronym YKWTII (You know what time it is). The herringbone outsole lets you change directions on a dime.

It is Damian Lillard’s latest signature shoe, and it’s also his best! The traction works amazingly well on clean courts, but the translucent rubber versions are too slippery on dusty courts. The materials are super comfortable and very supportive. Still, the felt that is used on some colorways receives very little love from sneaker critics as it feels cheap and gets dirty quickly.

Overall, this is a great performer, especially at a very affordable price. When you quick-plant to drain a three or explode to take it to the hole, you’ll benefit from the Adidas Bounce midsole design that provides lightweight shock absorption and incredible flexibility. An internal padded pod system adds comfort along the midfoot and under the tongue, so the details that Dame demands his game can help you get the most out of yours.

Pros and Cons

  • Responsive Bounce cushioning
  • Very comfortable
  • Excellent traction, superior lockdown, incredible support, and stability
  • The herringbone traction is thick and widely spaced apart.
  • Slippery on dusty courts
  • A little dead space in the toe box

5. Nike Men’s Air Versatile Ii Basketball Shoe – Detailed Review

Nike Men's Air Versitile II Basketball Shoe, Black/White, 8.0 Regular US
  • Visible Air-Sole heel unit provides lightweight impact cushioning
  • Fly wire cables provide stability and lockdown
  • Premium textile material provides incredibly soft comfort around the heel
  • Rubber outsole with modified herringbone pattern for traction

These Nike basketball shoes have all your on-court moves covered. The Nike Air Versitile II provides comfort, cushioning, and a locked-in feel with its premium textile upper, visible Air-sole unit, and Nike Flywire cables.Whether you are playing pick-up ball or part of a competitive rec league, there is no better way to complement your all-around playing style than lacing up the Nike Air Versitile 2.

Delivering lightweight impact cushioning is an encapsulated Air-sole pocket located at the heel. This visible Air-sole unit offers unparalleled cushioning and impact protection, keeping your every step comfortable.These Nike basketball shoes also utilize a Phylon midsole to help protect against shock. The Air Versitile 2 also has a lightly cushioned footbed for additional support.

Flywire technology is integrated with the Dynamic Fit System to provide midfoot stability and a secure fit. It also features a cushioned collar and tongue and a luxe heel package made from ultrasoft foam-backed textiles. 

The durable yet flexible rubber traction enhances the on-court grip to prevent sliding. This shoe is made for the all-around player who demands comfort, cushioning, and a locked-in feel, men’s NIKE air versatile ii basketball shoe delivers. Flywire cables provide midfoot stability, while a luxe heel package made from ultra-soft, foam-backed textile helps you feel contained. This pair improves quickness, explosion, and grip.

Pros and Cons

  • Comfortable and stylish.
  • Great Price
  • They are super lightweight
  • Excellent ankle protection, ankle support & great grip
  • The back rubs against the worst part of the Achilles and has little padding
  • The traction isnot suitable for the hardwood

6. Beita High Upper Basketball Shoes – Detailed Review

Beita High Upper Basketball Shoes Sneakers Men Breathable Sports Shoes Anti Slip Blue
  • ★ Rubber damping sole in net shape provides you with strong groud holding in accordance with the sole force position and supports your weight
  • ★ Breathable, lightweight textile upper and the molded heel shield make greater structure, lock your foot in the right place and protect your ankle from injury by offering better support
  • ★ Durable, wear resistant & and anti-slip material make our product your best choice on the court to win the game
  • ★ The upper with venting holes offers good breathability and sweat perspiration to make you feel dry and comfortable during exercise
  • ★ If any dirt or damaged product upsets you or for some reason you’re just not happy with the one you received, don’t hesitate to contact us, we are always here to help and provide you with the best after sale service!

Have you found your ideal basketball shoes yet? Are you looking for some invincible shoes on the court? Make sure to check out Beita High Upper Basketball Shoes and take it to be your best companion to win the game!

The synthetic full-length upper and molded heel shields are specially designed to provide better-structured support and lock the foot in the right place to avoid injury as much as possible. Perforations and mesh design increase the ventilation to make sure that you feel dry and comfortable while fighting to win. One-piece solid rubber outsole with traction pattern throughout provides torsional rigidity and exceptional lateral movement & stability.

Pros and Cons

  • They feel comfortable, cool-looking, cute and cushioned inside
  • They are a lightweight shoe with lots of toe room.
  • Comes with a size chart for you to choose your perfect fit
  • These shoes are well made for the price
  • Sizes are off by one full size
  • They dig into Achilles all day and cause a lot of pain and discomfort

7. Adidas Men’s Pro Spark 2018 Basketball Shoe – Detailed Review

adidas Men's Pro Spark 2018 Basketball Shoe, Black/White/Grey, 9 M US
  • Breathable textile upper with reinforced stitching and a synthetic toe overlay for durability
  • Internal webbing eyelets for a clean look
  • Padded heel for comfort
  • Cloudfoam midsole for step-in comfort and superior cushioning
  • Non-marking rubber outsole

Cushioned b-ball shoes designed for support and agility. Get buckets all game long. A foam midsole helps you bury jumpers in cushioned comfort, and the rubber outsole provides traction as you pivot and cut to the basket— bury jumper after jumper in these men’s basketball shoes. The breathable upper and synthetic toe overlay is designed for durability. Cloud foam cushioning and a padded heel offer comfort from the opening tip to the final whistle.

Pros and Cons

  • They are very comfortable (especially once you get them laced up), supportive, and breathable.
  • It has super traction.
  • They aren’t as tight around the ankle as a basketball shoe should be.
  • It is not waterproof.

Basketball Shoed for Point Guards Buyer’s Guide

Measure Your Foot

Most people make the mistake of assuming they know their shoe size. While that might be the case, it’s prudent to measure your feet before making a purchase. Both the size and shape of your feet can change with time. By knowing the exact width and length, you’ll be able to land shoes that fit perfectly. Fortunately, most, if not all, shoe stores offer valuable service completely free of charge.

Try the shoe Before Making a Purchase.

You must try your shoes before buying them. Consequently, slip them on and walk around the shoe store. Jump up and down in them a couple of times. Perform a few real-time lateral movements to have an accurate feel of the shoe.

Traction

For a quick guard, traction is the most critical aspect of a shoe’s performance. Sticky traction will allow you to blow by your defender with an explosive first step, help you to stop on a dime when attacking the basket, and give you the necessary grip to annoy your opponent on defense. Shoes with bad traction will rob you of all your quickness, negate all your strengths, and even make you slip on an opponent’s crossover – I’m sure you don’t want that!

So, the most important thing as a guard is to get shoes with fantastic traction.

Cushion

Shoes with comfortable cushioning are great for big massive guys, but not for shifty guards; as a guard, you need a lot less impact protection. Mushy and soft cushioning hurts your speed and quickness as it takes away from your court feel and makes cuts and first steps a split second slower.

Style of Silhouette

Most guards today are playing in low or mid-top basketball shoes. These shoes are cut a lot lower around the ankles compared to traditional basketball “boots.” This style reduces the weight and allows a more considerable amount of flexibility and freedom of movement. If you still don’t feel comfortable playing in low-tops or recovering from an ankle sprain, take a look at ankle braces. Steph Curry is wearing an ankle brace every game, and he’s doing okay! Low or mid-tops are the way to go for guards

Price

Just like when making any other purchase, you should buy something which you can afford. The prudent thing to do is to set a budget and then make sure you stick to it. It is as simple as that. Avoid buying a shoe for a price that you can’t afford.

FAQ

Do I need basketball shoes or will my running, tennis, or volleyball shoes work?
Yes, for the same reason your car does not run on skateboard wheels. It won’t work well, and you will look like a kook. Head on down to your preferred sporting goods store and find the section specially marked “Basketball.”
What is the “best shoe”?
The “best shoe” is always going to be the one that feels best on your feet. Don’t be afraid to try on 20+ pairs until you find the perfect feel. My best advice is not to buy anything until you have worked on almost everything available in your size.
What size are my feet?
That metal foot-measure thing is called a Brannock Device. If you haven’t checked your scale on a Brannock Device in 2 years, check again. Feet sizes change just like everything else on your body.The difference in a half-size is 1/6″, and a full-size is 1/3″ in America. In Europe, the sizing is in centimeters.

Conclusion

When you’re in the market for your big game shoe, do what you can to be self-aware of the kind of player you are. There are many different ways to play ball, so you’ll need to find the shoe that is in line with your game. Whether you’re a captain, role-player, or a starter, you need the tools to keep your game locked in.

Basketball Shoes For Point Guards: Bestsellers

SaleBestseller No. 1
adidas Men's Athletic Cushioned Crew Socks with Arch Compression for a Secure fit (6-Pair), Black/Aluminum 2, Large
  • Cushioned in the foot for comfort and durability.
  • Moisture-wicking yarns keep feet dry from sweat.
  • Arch compression for a secure fit.
Bestseller No. 2
Performance Lightweight Crew Training Socks (3 Pair) (Medium, White/Black)
  • Dri-FIT technology helps you stay dry and comfortable.
  • Reinforced heel and toe for enhanced durability in high-wear areas.
  • Rib cuffs for a snug, comfortable fit.
  • Arch support for a secure fit.
SaleBestseller No. 3
Crocs Unisex-Adult Classic Clogs (Best Sellers), White, 11 Men/13 Women
  • Crocs For Women And Men: The Crocs Classic Clogs Are Not Only The Most Comfortable Shoes For Women And Men But Also Easy To Clean Just Using Soap And Water And Allowing For A Quick Dry.
  • Lightweight And Fun: The Crocs For Men And Women Feature Lightweight Iconic Crocs Comfort. Ventilation Ports Add Breathability And Help Shed Water And Debris Quickly.
  • What Size Should I Buy?: These Men'S And Women'S Crocs Offer A Roomy Fit And We Recommend Ordering A Size Down To The Next Largest Whole Size.
  • Designed To Fit: These Slip-On Clogs Are Easy To Take On And Off, While Being Extremely Durable. These Crocs Even Offer Pivoting Heel Straps For A More Secure Fit.
  • Shop with Confidence: Crocs products are backed by our 90-day manufacturer's warranty for high quality and authenticity. Terms and conditions apply
Dmitry Leiko
Author and Today's Expert

Hi there! Dmitry Leiko here, I am the author of the article you've just read, and I write reviews for Expert Bestazy, how you've might guess. I'm passionate about a lot of things, from fishing to reviewing the newest gadgets, I especially adore writing and doing this thorough reviews on absolutely different products, as I've tested a lot of them myself and every time doing long research and advising with experts in a particular field to find the best of the best, I hope you'll find good use of these reviews! :)

Dmitry Leiko