Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes In 2023 – Reviews and Buying Guide

Last Updated on September 21, 2023 by

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Imagine just after losing a game of basketball, your opponent saying to you “What happened buddy? You didn’t look sharp out there or not hungry enough?”

Then you’re just about to let him know you’re feeling uncomfortable with these crappy basketball shoes that you’ve bought yesterday. But then you decide not to speak out as it may feel like a lame excuse to him.

Did it ever happen with you?

Therefore, if you play basketball mostly outdoors, we suggest you to get the best outdoor basketball shoes.

Preview

Shoes

Type

Price

Under Armour Men’s UA Clutchfit Drive II

Clutchfit Drive 2

Mid Top

Adidas dame 5 Basketball shoes

Adidas Dame 5

Mid Top

Adidas Performance Men’s crazy Explosive

Adidas Crazy Explosive

High Top

Nike LeBron Soldier XI Men’s

Nike LeBron Soldier XI 

High Top

Nike Air Force 1 Mid '07

Nike Air Force 1 Mid '07

High Top

Reebok Mens Royal Bb4500 Hi2

Reebok Royal Bb4500 Hi2

High Top

Nike Men’s Free Running Shoe

Nike Free Running Shoe

Mid Top

Reebok Men’s Royal BB4500 Hi Basketball Shoes

Reebok Men’s Royal BB4500

Cell
Under Armour Drive 4

Under Armour Drive 4

Cell
Nike Men’s Air Visi Pro VI

Nike Men’s Air Visi Pro VI

Cell

Best Basketball Shoes Reviews

1. Best Overall Basketball shoes: Under Armour Men’s UA Clutchfit Drive II

Under Armour Men’s UA Clutchfit Drive II

In search of an affordable basketball shoe that will provide you greater level of support, grip and comfort? Then you should look no further than clutchfit drive 2 by Under Armour.

The fact that these basketball shoes are extremely lightweight thanks to the UA clutchfit technology and so your feet shall be in a comfortable zone.

Let’s start under armour clutchfit drive 2 performance review.

The 3D formed tongue encircles your foot and ankle. By this way, it makes sure your shoe gets the ideal fit. Besides, full length Micro G sockliner keeps your foot perfectly locked into the shoe and ensures stability.

Not to forget that charged midsole cloudfoam technology is quite shock absorbing and it enables quick movement making your basketball sneakers ultra-responsive.

If I were told to make a list of best mid top basketball shoes, this one would surely rank there.

Alongside having a good control on the court, the rubber outsole with multi-directional herringbone traction pattern shall offer the best grip so that you can perform all your moves without keeping any fear of slipping and falling on mind.

And trust me when we say these additional supports can make a world of difference during playing on the court.

This UA clutchfit drive 2 shoe is well known for snug fitting and therefore having a lace-up lockdown system does not surprise us.

Besides, the shoe is made of mesh & synthetic leather, a combination which gives both durability & breath-ability.

Pros:
  • Best comfort & support at a highly competitive price
  • A reliable & consistent traction
  • Plenty of color choices available to choose from
  • 3D molded tongue with full length molded Micro G sockliner
  • Combo of mesh & synthetic leather
Cons:
  • Due to the thickness of the materials used on these under armour outdoor basketball shoes, it gets hot after few hours of playing

2. Best Budget Basketball Shoes: Adidas dame 5 Basketball shoes

Adidas dame 5 Basketball shoes

Adidas Men’s Dame 5 is a basketball shoe built for Damian Lillard’s signature game. It is not unknown to many, Adidas uses herringbone traction pattern in all of it’s shoes. Dame 5 is not an exception either.

But the pattern is somewhat different from what we get to see in other shoes. Zonal herringbone pattern on the rubber outsole certainly offers one of the greatest grip I have ever seen.

Let’s dig deeper on this Adidas basketball shoe review.

Adidas utilizes bounce, their own cushioning system to provide enhanced comfort and flexibility.

Bounce midsole provides lightweight cushioning to the shoes and whenever there is a quick change of direction, you get lateral foot stability through mid foot banking barrier.

In short, the midsole absorbs each & every impact you are going to have while playing this rigorous sport. You can start feeling the bouncy effect of the Adidas dame 5 basketball shoe from the very moment you step on to the court wearing this shoe.

Soft suede upper material makes these Adidas shoes very much breathable. Not to forget that this b-ball shoe also features internal pods on the mid foot and under the tongue to provide exceptional comfort.

This will allow you to play basketball for as long as you want without creating any sort of discomfort.

Overall, this is a lightweight & flexible shoe with decent enough traction which makes it long lasting on harder surfaces. You should look no further if you’re searching for good adidas basketball shoes.

In the negative aspects of this shoe, Adidas Dame 5 for men is quite large in size. Players with wide feet will like this aspect for sure. But for narrow feet size our advice will be to go a half size down.

Pros:
  • Great traction on hardwood court
  • Padded webbing covering the inside of the shoe makes it feel premium
  • Most comfortable & plush performance shoe
Cons:
  • a ½ inch size down shoe will suit the narrow footers best

3. Best Value Basketball Shoes: Adidas Performance Men’s crazy Explosive

Adidas Performance Men’s crazy Explosive

When it comes to the noteworthy features of Adidas Performance Crazy Explosive basketball shoe, color shifting xeno upper shall be sitting right at the top. Numerous colors of the shoe will present an iridescent look.

Adidas Men’s Crazy Explosive is made of lightweight synthetic & textile material.

With prime knit technology, uppers supply comfort, support and flexibility in all over the shoe. It not only keeps your shoe ultra-light but also offers maximum stability during quick movements.

We don’t hesitate to name it one of the best high cut basketball shoes.

Adidas has boost as their cushioning technology. The midsole uses TPU material, not the conventional EVA.

When putted under pressure, micro cells of TPU are compressed thus acting as shock absorbent. Then they go back to their actual form. By this way, you get really good, comfortable cushioning with boost.

The outsole uses rubber and Crazy explosive outdoor basketball shoes have a unique traction pattern of several shapes such as circle, straight & curved lines.

This rubber outsole is known for providing excellent grip to these Adidas performance basketball shoes.

The updated anatomical lace system shall wrap your entire foot and relieve all the pressure. Crazy basketball shoes use a foam construction, GeoFit bootie that consents with your foot when you would try to break in.

This Adidas Crazy Explosive will be tight fitting but don’t worry it is not uncomfortable in anyway.

Pros:
  • Phenomenal cushioning with boost technology
  • GeoFit bootie closure
  • Strengthened primeknit uppers
  • Lightweight footwear with excellent traction
Cons:
  • Doesn’t offer much breathing space for your feet
  • People having wider feet should look to get a size up

4. Best Bargain basketball Shoes: Nike LeBron Soldier XI Men’s

Nike LeBron Soldier XI Men’s

When it comes to the noteworthy features of Adidas LeBron can play in every position you give him. Similarly, these Nike LeBron Soldier 11 will be a great pick for any kind of basketball players.

These high top laceless basketball shoes, made of synthetic material, have made everyone talking with their innovative lockdown feature.

Four adjustable elastic straps go from toes to collar to provide a secure fit. Both forefoot and midfoot are supported by stronger straps. And you get maximum comfort through the lighter straps that sits in your ankle.

Upper of this Nike LeBron Soldier XI is made of ballistic nylon mesh. It has a well-structured ventilation system to let the air in and your feet will stay cool and comfortable.

Hang on, we haven’t yet finished Nike lebron soldier 11 review.

The outer sole of the Nike soldier XI shoe is constructed of rubber. Add to this a strong grip you get with this unique hexagonal like traction pattern. These Nike Velcro basketball shoes are quite great for any surfaces.

LeBron Soldier XI has come up with a lightweight Nike Zoom Air cushioning units beneath the heel and ball of your foot.

These unique basketball shoes will provide exceptional cushioning that are much needed for safe landings & drives.

When you press on your foot, these air units of tensile fibers shall compress and give you quick bouncy response. These Nike basketball shoes with straps won’t make you regret your decision.

Pros:
  • Lockdown with hook and loop straps
  • Air Zoom Cushion
  • Ballistic nylon mesh upper offers longevity & abrasion resistance
  • Solid rubber sole provides multi-surface traction
Cons:
  • No herringbone pattern
  • Basketball shoes with velcro straps design may not be liked by all

5. Best Basketball Shoes For Overpronation: Nike Air Force 1 Mid '07

Nike Air Force 1 Mid '07

It won’t be too wrong to say this Nike Air Force 1 mid ’07 is absolutely a streetwear legend. After being first introduced in 1982, it had generated a lot of excitement among sneaker enthusiasts.

Whether it is for playing or fashion statement, these are still one of the most popular men’s basketball shoes going around.

Plenty to talk about these great pair of outdoor basketball shoes. Durable rubber outsole means they stay true on rough outdoor courts.

These high top shoes provide additional ankle support if you have any injury scares. Infact, these are the best high top basketball shoes for ankle support.

Perforations on the shoe give proper ventilation when it’s extremely hot out there. It keeps your feet dry and doesn’t allow any fungus to grow.

Padding at the collar gives a snug, comfortable fit. At the start, Air Force can be a little pain to get your heel through the back of your shoe. But once you do that, it will fit perfectly and it is nice to play basketball with them as well.

Infact, the more you wear them, they will get easier & easier to slip into.

Mid collar has got your ankle covered. Plus the foam sole features encapsulated air cushioning that ensures a soft landing. Also don’t forget non marking rubber outsole which is quite handy for traction.

Besides, it falls into the category of affordable Nike basketball shoes.

The only bad thing about these Nike outdoor basketball shoes is, they are kind of big size. Therefore, we would not recommend you to order larger size if you have relatively short height.

Pros:
  • Encapsulated air cushioning
  • Durable rubber material
  • Snug fit
Cons:
  • Oversized shoe

6. Best basketball Shoes For Explosive Players: Reebok Mens Royal Bb4500 Hi2

Reebok Mens Royal Bb4500 Hi2

Time to slip into the classic style with the Reebok Royal shoe. These high top basketball sneakers with mid-cut design have the iconic Reebok logos at side and counter.

A perfect combo of synthetic leather and mesh is exactly what you are going to get in upper. Leather is known for durability whereas mesh give you comfort and ventilation.

Besides, high abrasion resistant rubber outsole offers herringbone traction that makes these kicks last longer.

When it comes to the measurements, you get 1 inch platform, heel is about 1.5” and the shaft measures approximately 4” from arch. You can also remove Ortholite sockliner if you want to.

Plus the cushioned midsoles and padded ankle shall wrap around your feet thus providing a great lockdown system.

It looks pretty similar to the original bb4600 which is the greatest hi top basketball shoe we’ve ever seen.

In a nutshell, these lightweight uppers, excellent traction, great closing system and superior ankle support make this Reebok Men’s Royal shoe really popular for outdoor basketball games.

When it comes to comfort, stability and grip this is as good as any other outdoor shoe. And you simply can’t beat the price on these Reebok shoes. The one thing that worked in it’s favor is, hi top shoes in 4e widths are pretty hard to find!

Pros:
  • Removable Ortholite sockliner
  • Combination of synthetic leather and mesh upper
  • Durable rubber outsole
  • Stylish Reebok logo
Cons:
  • Narrow & undersized (buy a ½ size up)
  • No arch support (for flat footed players, it is not a concern)

7. Best Street basketball Shoes: Nike Men’s Free Running Shoe

Nike Men’s Free Running Shoe

If you’re searching for the best running basketball shoes then we don’t hesitate to say Nike Men’s Running Shoe ticks three major running shoe boxes: durable, extremely comfortable and are not some terrible shade of radioactive-foot-fungus-yellow.

It prevents your ankle from twisting and provides a perfect grip in any kind of surfaces. 

Although the Nike Men’s distance running shoe gives a snug fit, there is no shortage of ventilation due to mesh upper. Durable rubber sole provides good all round support and excellent grip on these men’s Nike basketball shoes.

From the arch, shaft of shoe measures approximately 3 inches.

Zoom air cushioning in the forefoot is quite good when your foot exerts pressure. The pressurized air packs of this innovative sole shall let your foot to flex and expand naturally.

The cushlon midsole foam features a soft and cozy cushioning and your foot stays truly relaxed.

Don’t forget on the heels there is high quality pylon wedge to support that area from every possible angle. These are the best Nike shoes for ankle support.

The standout difference between these mid top Nike basketball shoes & “regular” Free running shoes, is in the lack of increased amount of stitching at the bottom of the shoelace, across the lower top of the foot- that is we think absolutely perfect.

Besides, the hardened uppers can press against top of the foot and it can be really painful.

We recommend these quality running shoes from Nike for almost any activity. Besides, it is easy to pack in a tote or backpack.

Whereas in ordering & buying basketball shoes online, you don’t get the experience of trying them to now the size.

But with these Nike basketball shoes, excellent overall construction and size is perfect- no risk in online orders, you just have to know your Nike size, everything else is right in place.

Let us know if we missed anything to describe on this Nike basketball shoe review.

Pros:
  • Zoom air cushioning
  • Perfect size shoe
  • Comfortable and nice grip
Cons:
  • You may need regular maintenance to keep the dirt away

8. Best Performance Basketball Shoes: Reebok Men’s Royal BB4500 Hi Basketball Shoes

Reebok Men’s Royal BB4500 Hi Basketball Shoes

When it comes to the most durable and safest shoes, Reebok Men’s Royal BB4500 Hi is one of them. Made of high quality leather & synthetic material, these outdoor basketball shoes shall prevent you from ankle injury & provide comfort.

OrthoLite EVA foam sockliner is the best for people who tend to sweat a lot. This will help to keep the harmful bacteria away and reduce the possibilities of producing malodor. And yes, it is removable as well.

This Reebok Royal shoe may not have the same style & design of older Reebok classics yet it has kept many of the older features.

Due to having a leather and mesh upper, there is a blend of lightness, breathability & support. The footwear features mid cut design for added stability & support around the ankles. The foam insoles are very much comfortable.

Besides, customers have reported that having diabetics foot complications seem less problematic with these BB4500 Hi basketball shoes.

A thick & durable rubber outsole has a superb functionality and responds well in any sort of basketball court. At the same time, you can also use them for jogging around or a quick gym session.

Therefore, if you want a retro, natural Reebok look, this is your best shot.

According to the users, they are some of the most comfortable shoes they have ever had. But only problem is shoe fits very narrow. Actually, Reebok made these shoes for a snug fitting, therefore it can get too tight for some players.

But once they break in the shoes, it gets a little bit comfortable.

Pros:
  • Leather and synthetic upper for maximum support & breathability
  • Rubber outsole for longevity
  • Removable Orthotics insert
  • Comfortable & sturdy design
  • Best retro basketball shoes
Cons:
  • Very tight across the toe
  • Wear with seamless socks or five finger socks to avoid irritating

9. Best Basketball Shoes For Guards: Under Armour Drive 4

Under Armour Drive 4

Under Armour Men’s Drive 4 will be a great buy for any guard looking for light, supportive shoes with good traction. This flagship product of UA has a solid rubber sole to withstand even the toughest & roughest outdoor surfaces.

Especially when the outsole comes with the classic herringbone pattern, it provides players exceptional multi-directional maneuverability & control.

The pattern design features deep and wider grooves making it truly difficult for the dust to accumulate between ridges.

Based on Micro G technology, EVA midsole makes these shoes extremely lightweight and offers a comfortable ride. Lightweight mesh upper with engineered perforations ensure breathability.

Compared to the other foams, it’s 30% thinner. This hardly means you have to sacrifice durability.

This is a full length bootie construction with molded ankle collar for greater structure & extended support. The shaft is nearly 5.25” from arch and toe wrapping improves forefoot durability.

There is a heel counter that provides additional support & keeps the back of the foot firmly locked in place. A durable, reinforced lace loop provides a good lockdown system.

Overall, if you need shoes with better grip on the hardwood, these drive 4 shoes will be great choices. We hope going through this Under Armour Basketball Shoe review shall help you to come into a decision.

Pros:
  • Herringbone traction pattern
  • Micro G cushioning
  • Breathable mesh upper
Cons:
  • Hard plastic on the side can dig into ankle a bit
  • Go for a ½ size up if you have a narrow feet

10. Best Basketball Shoes For Traction: Nike Men’s Air Visi Pro VI

Nike Men’s Air Visi Pro VI

To improve your performance on the court, you need a perfectly made shoe that offers flexibility & support. Due to the fact that high quality & imported materials are used in this shoe, Nike Air Visi Pro works great in any surface.

Synthetic leather upper is known for providing extra durability. For superior support, the shaft measures 3.04 inches from the arch.

The Tri-Vis unit gives protection to your feet against impactful landings by forming an Air-Sole.

Don’t forget there is Phylon midsole that gives you maximum comfort & support. And it does so without even increasing the total weight of the shoe. Tough Phylon material gives the shoe extra cushion yet lightweight.

The rubber outsole is quite thick. Hence you get enhanced durability both on & off the court.

Herringbone traction pattern has a superior grip on these Nike shoes with thick sole, offers increased flexibility & keeps you safe while playing basketball. They do a very nice job of holding traction.

In turn, it allows you to perform quick cuts, turns & stopping quite easily. Even with the dirt at the bottom, traction ranks well above the average.

Among this list of basketball shoes, it is one of the best shock absorbing basketball shoes.

This is a great, low cost pair of most comfortable men’s Nike shoes to play basketball in. The plain design seems to appeal many basketball enthusiasts.

The shoe fits well and you won’t experience any pinch points anywhere in the shoe even if you play for 2 hours at a stretch.

Only concern is the shoe can take some time to break in but once you do, everything else softens up quite nicely. Hope we’ve got everything covered on this Nike Air Visi Pro VI review.

Pros:
  • Grooved tread pattern at the bottom offers flexibility
  • Breathable & durable material
  • Air sole unit in the heel is a good shock absorbent
Cons:
  • Requires time to break in the shoes

Ultimate Guide To Buy Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes

If you’re familiar with basketball then the difference between playing indoor & outdoor shouldn’t be unknown to you. Indoor games are played on smooth and polished floors whereas in outdoors, you are exposed to elements.

The point i am trying to make is they both demand different types of basketball shoes. And you can’t use the shoes that are designed for indoors in outdoor courts.

If you do then there is every bit of possibility of yours to become a repeated customer.

“Only outdoor basketball shoes can provide you comfort, right amount of grip & support that you need to cope with rough and hard terrains”

A good pair of basketball shoes can prove to be a huge difference in the total outcome of game.

Outdoor conditions demand specific outdoor basketball sneakers. If you use indoor shoes in outdoor games then you are not doing any favor to your game.

Besides, if you notice closely, shoes tend to go through a lot of wear and tear in outdoor basketball courts.

But the same can’t be said about the indoor courts. Plus, the weather condition does vary in outdoor games. There can be a direct sunlight or slight drizzle, either way they have an impact on your shoe materials.

Finding a good quality outdoor basketball shoe has never been easy especially when both indoor & outdoor shoes are very much alike.

But they vary in their grip, style, construction material and weight. So, anybody can be confused. Which basketball shoes should they buy? Everybody wants the best shoes to play basketball in.

Choosing the right basketball shoes depend on various other factors as well.

And the selection becomes easier when you know about the condition for which you are going to purchase the shoe & which factors may have the biggest influences in the overall look and performance of the shoe.

You might be wondering where to buy good basketball shoes? Yes, we know you’ve been hovering around the web for quite a while. But you are not satisfied with what you’ve encountered.

This time you’ve come exactly into the right place. Infact, this is the best place to get basketball shoes.

We Sportszpro have taken the responsibility to come up with a list of great outdoor basketball shoes currently going on the market.

Besides there is an in-depth buying guide that highlights the things you need to consider before choosing a new pair of sneakers.

This buying guide has literally covered everything that you need to take into consideration when choosing basketball shoes for outdoor.

Indoor Vs Outdoor Basketball shoes Comparison

Due to having almost the same look, people easily get confused between indoor & outdoor basketball sneakers. But there are some crucial difference between the two shoes.

Having the right pair of shoe is essential to enhance your performance. Therefore, you should clearly know the distinction. People often wrongly judge and as a result they don’t get the benefit what they would have expected after purchasing the shoe.

Without further ado, let’s find out which factors differentiate indoor & outdoor basketball shoes.

Factors

Indoor Shoes

Outdoor Shoes

Sole

Soft Rubber

Harder Rubber

Traction

Good

Better

Grip

less

Maximum

Balance

Good

Better

Breathability

lack

Offer

Cushion

less

Maximum

Materials

Solid

Synthetic Leather/ Netting/ Mesh Type

Midsole Thickness

Thin

Thick

Durability

Ample

Less

Grooves

Small & Narrow

Large & Deep

Footstep Size

Small

Large

Weight

Less Heavy

Heavier Than Indoors

These are the differences between indoor & outdoor basketball shoes. By just looking at this table for a minute anybody can think that outdoor shoes are best kind of basketball shoes and indoors are of poor quality.

But this is absolutely a wrong idea.

We are not saying indoor basketball sneakers are bad. It’s just the fact that indoor sneakers are designed for smooth, polished wood surfaces so they don’t require some features of best shoes for outdoor basketball.

On the other hand, in outdoor courts you have to face uncleaned, rugged and harsh terrains so having specialized features are must.

And even with all those extra features, cushion and support you might be wondering how can best basketball shoes for outdoor courts last less than indoor shoes.

Because unlike outdoor shoes, indoor shoes do not need to deal with rough surfaces and so they last quite longer

So can you wear basketball shoes outside?

In naked eye, these differences may not seem a big deal for many.

But they play a big role in your gameplay. Moreover, correct type of shoe can also help in preventing injury and in long term it saves your money. So what kind of basketball shoes should you buy?

Attributes of the Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes

1. The outsole of shoe should be made of a durable, hard rubber compound to deal with the rough surfaces. The composition of basketball shoe soles is one such criterion upon which durability of shoe depends a lot

2. Traction grooves should be quite wide and deep to provide flawless movement on dusty courts

3. The shoes should not be overly expensive as they are not going to last too long

4. Upper material of shoe should be firm and resilient

5. Shoe materials need to be breathable to prevent the repulsive odor released by your sweaty feet

6. Best shoe for basketball must provide you comfort and good ankle support (ankles are mostly vulnerable to injuries)

7. Shoes for playing basketball should have well cushioned interior system to lessen the impact

What is a good basketball shoe?

--Due to sudden directional changes and intense playing style of the sport, you should choose best basketball shoes with cushion that gives you adequate support in your ankle.

You can read our buying guide best basketball ankle braces out here.

Why do you need good outdoor basketball shoes?

No doubt, playing basketball in outdoor is fun but it can turn into a complete mess without good performance basketball shoes. Let’s take a look at why having the best basketball sneakers are essential.

1. Due to constant running and jumping around the court, the impact can be painful at times. It can become not only uncomfortable but also unbearable.

Good traction basketball shoes shall help you in minimizing the pain. This will give you comfortable running experience.

Infact, you will be able to run faster and jump higher. You will be back at your best. Try out best basketball shoes for jumping higher: Adidas Crazy Bounce.

2. Due to the fact that it’s a sport where sudden changes in direction and sprinting momentum are quite obvious, best traction shoes for basketball players should provide adequate level of traction.

This will prevent you from slipping and you can also get past your opponents while doing that.

3. Best rated basketball shoes come with greater stability and high level of support. If you land improperly, you can break your ankle.

High performance outdoor basketball shoes support your heel and arches quite well so that you can land properly. It keeps the shape of your feet natural.

Need all round support from every angle? Get the best all round basketball shoe.

4. If you play in hot and humid outdoor condition, your feet will get sweaty and tired which is not you would expect to get from your best sneakers to play basketball in.

Good b-ball shoes have well-structured ventilation system to keep your feet cool.

Benefits of using outdoor basketball shoes

1. Indoor shoes are made of soft rubber materials. If used in outside courts, this makes them more prone to wear and tear compared to outdoor shoes.

Outdoor shoes are built with hard and durable materials to withstand the abuse in outdoor courts. Because of the kind of materials used in outdoor courts, you may need to push your shoes a little harder.

Plus, you will be exposed to the direct sunlight. Therefore, it requires a reinforced shoe and outdoor b-ball sneakers do just that. So you should look to get the best basketball shoes available now.

2. Outdoor basketball courts are generally rough surfaces. So, they can decrease your speed.

Only outdoor basketball shoes can provide you adequate grip so that it does not affect your movement in the court. Without any hesitation, these are the best basketball shoes for concrete.

3. Good outdoor basketball sneakers have thicker soles than outdoor shoes to cushion against uneven surfaces.

4. Basically the playing condition dictates what kind of shoe you require. For outdoor basketball games, you need outdoor shoes. This is as simple as it can get.

Good shoes for playing basketball outdoor won’t just improve your performance but also give you comfort when you step outside.

5. Top performance outdoor basketball shoes minimize the risk of accidental fallings and injuries to a great effect.

Falling in an indoor court and outdoor court is not the same. Sliding and falling on those rough, uneven surfaces can hurt you badly.

6. You can’t use indoor basketball shoes in outdoors. On the other hand, outdoor basketball shoe gives you a significant edge over the indoor shoes. You can wear these outdoor shoes in every court not just indoors.

Aren’t they good basketball shoes to buy? What’s your take on it? Let me know in the comments section.

What are the most comfortable outdoor basketball shoes?

When we talk about most comfortable basketball shoes, it solely depends on your personal choice and requirements. Not just your playing style even if you’ve any injury concerns, they also play a pivotal role in your shoe choosing.

It is believed by many, thicker soles and large treads provide tremendous amount of comfort as they lessen the impact of your landing on those rougher outside courts.

Many top shoe manufacturing brands have also come up with sneakers that has comfort ring in specific areas of the shoe. It can be on the forefoot, toe or under the heels.

In the end, it comes down to you to decide which hoop shoe can give the highest level of comfort that meets your demand.

Read some popular basketball shoes reviews, judge their features, take the comfort level they are offering into consideration. And we are pretty much sure, in this way you will get the most comfortable basketball shoe for yourself.

Different parts of a basketball shoes

Outsole: Purchasing basketball shoes with best traction is as important as it can get. How much traction you will have is going to be decided by outsoles.

Therefore, sufficient amount of grooves are needed to handle uneven outdoor courts. Along with midsole and upper materials it plays a big hand in the lifespan of the shoe.

Shoes are mostly made of rubber materials. However there can be PVC made shoes as well.

Due to the fact that outdoor games are played on some concrete or other tougher, harder surfaces, it will be better if your shoe has a hard rubber outer sole.

Midsole: There are many who don’t give too much emphasis on the quality of midsole. They forget it impacts their game nothing less than outsole.

A midsole controls and maintains your foot comfort. As a player run, jump and land in the ground, it absorbs the impact and gives some breathing space.

EVA and polyurethane are the two most common materials that are used to make a shoe’s midsole. Playing with comfortable outdoor shoes can grow more interest for the sport.

Upper material: upper material of the shoe is also important. Best basketball shoe brands mostly use synthetic materials, leather and fabric.

Leather is the most popular choice. All leather basketball shoes are loved by most of the people. However, synthetic materials are not bad options either. Due to being lightweight, fabric materials are also getting increasingly popular day by day.

Therefore, to get the highest quality, choose top rated basketball shoes that have the combination of these materials.

Considerations

Durability of Sole: The outsole enables you to have a good control on the court and you can definitely see how much effect it has when you change directions.

If you love playing outdoors then no feature is as important as the durability of the sole of your outside basketball shoes.

Indoor shoes feature a soft rubber outsole as they only need to deal with smooth & polished wooden surfaces.

But with outside shoes, it is not the same. They have to cope with a lot of different textures and unevenness of outdoor basketball courts. Thus it greatly affects the rubber outsole.

Using a shoe made of soft & lighter rubber compounds can make your outsole completely slick. In the worst scenario, there can be holes in your shoes.

And you may need to spend some extra cash in each month to buy a new pair of shoes.

Therefore, the outsole of good outside basketball shoes should feature hard rubber for longevity.

It must be denser, tough & durable so that the sole does not wear out quickly. Rubber can eliminate the tension you encounter while playing this rigorous sport.

Pro Tips:

1. Look for a sneaker with shank plate. This not only gives the shoe it’s structure but also supports the foot. By stiffening the outsoles they provide a more stable fit.

Because of customer’s demand, many manufacturers have come up with TPU or titanium shank plates.

2. If you want a specific part of your sole stronger than others, go with a shoe that has got increased strength/thickness on the heel and outsole.

Traction Pattern: When you are sprinting and changing your directions, you put pressure in certain areas and good outdoor shoes provide a firm grip there. And you can become more agile & confident as a player.

Without having a proper grip there is always the fear of skidding or falling on the court. This is why having the correct traction pattern is so vital.

It will determine your balance on the surface. A good traction pattern can prevent you from sliding constantly. Only shoes with best traction can keep you tension free.

You play basketball indoors on smooth, polished surfaces. But in outdoor courts, there can be rocks, stone chips and dust. So the traction required will be different for outdoor shoes. They require a different type of grip.

A narrow traction pattern and small grooves shall catch a lot of dirt and there can be a loss of traction. You need to make sure, you get a basketball shoe traction pattern with wide-set and deep grooves.

Because only this can ensure, the dust does not get stuck in and you can easily clean the shoe. They are considered as best basketball shoes for dusty courts.

Don’t forget, the traction pattern should cover most of the area of your shoe for better functionality.

Pro tips:

1. Look for basketball shoes with good grip. Go for a herringbone traction pattern as it responds well to the multi-directional footwork.

2. If your outsole wears out quite fast in specific areas, consider having a reinforced tread pattern there to increase the lifespan of your shoe.

Cushion & support

Having a well cushioned support system is another attribute of best quality basketball shoes. In a game where a lot of sprinting and jumping are involved and if you play outside where conditions are less forgiving, this consideration becomes even more significant.

In outdoor courts, your landing impact will be greater than indoor ones. Good quality basketball shoes provide cushioning to reduce the impact. They convert the impact energy into transfer energy so that you can play as long as you wish without having any sort of pain.

Therefore, it is important to select top basketball sneakers that have got cushioning features and support system.

Without having a proper support, chances are higher to injure yourself during a match. Therefore, it would be a smart thinking if you search for basketball shoes with good cushioning.

Thanks to the modern technology, many athletic shoe companies have come up with cushion systems that are quite great for energy transfer and durability.

These are the best basketball sneakers to play in. If we say more specifically they use condensed lightweight foam in cushioning systems.

Most cushioned basketball shoes absorb all the pressure you put on your heels and toes. Some of the common materials that are used include EVA, PE, SBR (Styrene butadiene rubber).

Many companies have introduced their individual blend of foam and later have given a brand name. Lunar, zoom, boost and bounce are some of the best cushioning systems you will see today.

Below we’ve given a suggestion of cushioning systems depending on the player’s need. See if you fall in any of this category:


1. Need an extra bouncy shoe to eliminate harsh impacts?

-Choose shoes with quality cushion and lightweight midsole


2. Are you a tall and heavy weight person?

-Choose a soft & bouncy shoe to get enough cushion upon landing. Here are the best basketball shoes for big men: Nike LeBron “17” XVII & Adidas Crazy Explosive Primeknit


3. Are you a lightweight person?

-Choose a shoe with firm and slightly tight cushioning to move quicker when dribbling. Also keep it remember as well, too much cushioning can lead to sore legs after few days of playing


4. Have any history of recurring injuries or currently suffering from ankle weakness?

-Choose a cushioning that offers greater shock absorption, provide both support and comfort in those areas


5. In search of balance & stability in ankle area?

-Get a high top rather than low top as the first one provides better support


6. Don’t have any injury concerns or want flexibility?

-Choose a low top shoe. Though it is not known for providing the best support & stability but this will be the best bet for versatility & flexibility


7. Want to focus on your speed and become more agile?

-Don’t go for tightly cushioned shoes as it will dampen your speed.


8. Do you play in forward & jump quite a lot?

-Go for a shoe with proper cushioning. For e.g you can choose Nike’s Lebron or Air Jordan


9. Are you a heavy forefoot player?

-You should look for a shoe with lot of cushioning in the forefoot then


10. Do you play dual role both, dunking & dribbling?

-Choose a shoe with both ankle support & proper cushioning


Ultimately, it all comes down to individual’s playing style and requirement through which they would like to choose right type of outdoor sneakers for themselves

Do you know Center players select shoes with greater stability & injury protection? And the guards like to wear lightweight, flexible shoes. 

Infact, there is a study about the demand of basketball footwear according to playing position that you can read here.

Materials

The kind of material used to make these sport shoes is an important criteria before making a purchase. What are basketball shoes made of? You should always look for a material that gives you both, breathability & flexibility.

Only best pair of basketball shoes can meet your demand. This way your foot will get the much needed airflow while playing and it won’t sweat excessively.

If you’re living in an area where the weather condition mostly remains hot & humid, material becomes an even more crucial factor then.

Previously, leather was used in good basketball shoes to play in because of it’s durability. But there was a problem.

Leather basketball shoes were heavy and players could not move freely as they would have liked.

To be honest, every material has some advantages & disadvantages. For e.g mesh is breathable but both fabric and mesh are susceptible to abrasion as well.

Although materials like synthetic leather is quite good for protection but lacks flexibility & breathability. Therefore, our suggestion would be:

1. Choose lightweight, durable basketball shoes that have the combination of lather & synthetic mesh. They shall provide you enhanced foot stability

2. While going for other materials, look for a shoe that has an overlay on your toe and heel position as most of the times abrasion on your shoe happens on these areas.

By this way, you can also increase the lifetime of shoe (TPU plastic is a long lasting material)

3. To cope with outdoor conditions, the basketball shoes sole material will always be hard rubber. The upper material does not come in contact with court surface too often. So, it should be a breathable material 

But if you are used to drag your toe quite often or players are stepping on your shoes, it is better to go with fuse or mesh, known as durable upper materials


Your basketball court shoes will reflect your playing style. At the same time, you should be comfortable, feel well supported and the design should be eye catching to most people.

Ventilation

Ventilation in your outdoor sneakers is one of the major considerations before purchasing the best outdoor shoe.

As basketball is a highly paced game that involves tons of running & jumping. Therefore, it is quite natural that your body temperature shall rise and you are going to sweat very quickly.

This can produce a very unpleasant smell as well. With hot and tired feet, you won’t be able to play for too long. It can get even worse if it is hot & sunny day out there.

In an outdoor basketball sneaker, the significance of air & moisture ventilation is beyond description really. Moreover, you have to deal with harsh outdoor elements as well. There might be some players who have had fungus or other skin disease in the past.

This is why our recommendation will be to look for shoes that have mesh uppers/wide mesh ventilation chambers instead of smaller perforations. These comfy basketball shoes would provide you the kind of breathability you are searching for.

Top rated basketball sneakers with adequate ventilation will be your ultimate goal. Because they are the best basketball shoes to wear while playing this game.


Cut

Cut is one of the primary considerations when you are going to purchase best basketball shoes on the market. Because this is going to influence several other factors such as how good you feel when you wear a shoe.

But the two most important aspects upon which It has a far greater impact than others are stability & mobility. They function in opposite direction to one another. Read below to find out in details:

Depending on the types of cut we’ve classified outdoor basketball shoes:

1. Low top shoes: Many ask this to me that are low top basketball shoes safe to wear? Well, materials in the collar area do not exist in these shoes making it lightweight.

To be honest, these low top b-ball shoes are not amongst the most common type of basketball shoes largely due to the fact that they don’t provide too much of ankle support. Infact, they provide least stability.

When it comes to the positives, these basketball shoes low top reduce exhaustion and increase your speed due to lightness.

These light low top basketball shoes are ideal for smaller & quicker players who depend a lot on their speed yet seeking maximum mobility.

2 best low top outdoor basketball shoes:
a. Adidas D Lillard 2
b. Adidas Performance Men’s Crazylight Boost Low


2. Mid-top shoes: Compared to the low cut basketball shoes, the collar area extends slightly higher here on these type of shoes. This cut enables quick movement alongside providing a good level of comfort.

These mid top basketball shoes are very good example of creating a nice balance between mobility & stability.

However, if you are in search of ankle protection then it’s very much unlikely to get here on these mid cut basketball shoes which still keeps you exposed to ankle injuries.


3. High-top shoes: By far, high top cut is the most loved shoe anybody has ever seen. Among all kinds of basketball shoes that we’ve mentioned above, these are considered as best shoes for basketball.

Their ability to offer comfort in your ankle is the primary reason of huge popularity.

Unlike low & mid top shoes, they will give you full coverage into the area above your ankle & Achilles. They extend their cut to give your ankle full protection. This type of basketball shoes significantly minimizes possibilities of ankle strains & injuries.

On the negative side, these high cut basketball shoes are heavy therefore a player’s speed is decreased. Big guys who prefer stability over mobility can choose these type of high top basketball shoes for ankle support & thereby protect their ankle.

Best basketball shoes for weak ankles: Adidas D.O.N

These are the types of basketball shoes that you often get to see in the market


Pro tips:

1. If you need to change your directions and momentum quite a lot then you require extra ankle support to prevent rolling and injuries. Therefore, hi cut basketball shoes will be the best bet

2 Best ankle support basketball shoes:
a. Under Armour Men’s Lockdown
b. New balance Men’s MW759


2. If you are looking to run fast, increase your speed and become agile on the court then basketball shoes low cut designs are tailor made for you

Best basketball shoes for speed: Adidas Men’s Tmac Millennium Basketball Shoe

So what type of basketball shoes should you get?


Style

Style of your shoes depends on a few things:

1. Health state: if you’re prone to hamstring or other ankle injuries, choose a shoe that gives you cushion against such incidences 

Besides, there are some best outdoor shoes for men that you can wear with knee braces. For e.g Nike Men’s Kyrie 5


2. Skill level: you need to think about your skill level before buying an outdoor shoe

a. If you’re a starter, you can continue with some simple shoes instead of using any premium ones. Try out best basketball shoes for beginners: Adidas D Rose 7

b. If you’re between a starter and intermediate player, choose a lightweight shoe with high traction

c. If you are a pro player, select highest rated basketball shoes that have got the best features


Best basketball shoes for small forwards: Nike Air Jordan 13 Retro
Best basketball shoes for power forwards: Adidas D Rose 773 III
Best basketball shoes for dunking: Nike Zoom KD 12


3. Personal need: some may need shoes for running a lot on the court then they should choose flexible shoes. It will allow them to move freely. And these outdoor shoes are heavier than indoor ones because of the thickness of sole

Other thing is do you want to use the shoes quite regularly or occasionally? If your purpose of buying basketball shoes is for regular use then you certainly need best durable sneakers 

You can’t just overlook durability, can you?


4. Personal choice: some have their eyes set on high top shoes and others may like low top shoes. So, there is nothing wrong with that. According to your preference you can choose shoes to play basketball


Weight

It’s a no brainer that your shoes for outdoors will be a touch heavier compared to the indoor shoes. The reason is quite simple.

When you play outdoors, your foot need extra cushions against those rough & hard surfaces. In outdoor sneakers, the midsole tends to be a lot thicker than the indoor ones. This is what makes the outdoor shoes heavier of the two.

But there are some lightweight basketball shoes available on the market. Nevertheless, you can’t deny the importance of the heaviness of your shoe.

Because in outdoor basketball courts, gravel or small stones are quite frequent. To cope with less forgiving surfaces, the weight of the best selling basketball shoes helps greatly by keeping your foot stable and thus protecting you.

Still want to get light high top basketball shoes? Then go for Adidas performance Men’s Cloudfoam Ilation Basketball Shoe


Price

Purchasing the best basketball shoe for yourself is important. However, a pair of good basketball shoes should not be overly expensive as they won’t last forever.

Besides, there are people who think that the costlier the shoe gets, the better quality it becomes.

But there are exceptions as well. Cheap outdoor basketball shoes are not that bad. We suggest you a couple of things:

1. If you’ve just started as a basketball player- go for cheaper priced b-ball shoes. You don’t need to buy the most expensive pair of basketball shoes straightaway

Because as you grow more as a player, you can always change your cheap hooping shoes and get a premium one

2. If you are a pro then purchase the best shoes to hoop in because your skill demands that

3. If you can’t afford pricey but high quality basketball shoes, don’t be sad. Because there are quite a few quality basketball shoes available which are affordable as well. They might be cheap but good basketball shoes overall


Pro Tips:

Depending on your budget & playing need, get a pair of hooping shoes which suit you best

2 best cheap basketball shoes:
1. Adidas Pro Bounce Low Basketball Shoe
2. Nike Air Versitile II


Fit

To avoid injuries & imbalance, best shoes for playing basketball should be well locked onto your feet.

Moreover, you need to make sure your toes do not touch the shoe tip. Inside the shoes there should be very little space for foot movement.

But one thing to remember, good hooping shoes should not be too tight or too loose. You need to find the right balance in between.

Because if your shoe size is larger than your foot, there will be difficulty in moving and due to imbalance you may just fall on the court and injure yourself.

 If your shoe is too tight to your liking, there can be sore legs and pain.

In short, you should get the right size when choosing the best shoes to play basketball.

It is heard that shoes expand when it is hot and then contract during cold weather. So better would be to try out shoes in evening to get the correct measurement of basketball shoe fitting.


Closures

Getting the correct shoe fit becomes easier if your basketball footwear has a handy enclosing system.

Basketball shoe designs do vary. Shoes come with various styles of closures. Laces, zips, Velcro, straps are some of them. People mostly use shoes with laces. Infact, most popular basketball shoes come with lace up closures.

However, if lacing up the shoe does not feel easy to you, there are Velcro and combo style closings to choose as well.


Manufacturer

Top basketball shoes brands have their own ways of developing a shoe. Different basketball shoe brands include different features on their products.

Therefore buying a Nike shoe is not the same as an Adidas shoe. A hyperfuse feature is incorporated into Nike shoes to make them a little lighter.

In contrast, you will see a hard knit feature on some adidas shoes so that your shoes stay firmly attached with foot.

Therefore our advice will be to properly read it’s features, pros & cons before making a decision. Besides, you can’t rely on lesser known brands. They might be trying their best to deliver quality products but yet to compete with the big boys out there.

So choosing a shoe from a particular brand that offers trustworthy performance and specialized features to support the foot and keeps you going in any surface shall be ideal.


Maintenance

This is as important as buying the shoe. You can’t just buy a sneaker, play regularly and keep it without cleaning at all. You need to maintain a good shape otherwise all your money can be completely wasted.

Yes, you may not be able to clean the street basketball shoes after each game. However, there is not too much difficulty in wiping the shoe lightly after each usage.

Therefore, it is important to select a b-ball shoe that can be maintained without any hassle.


Pro tips:

1. If you play more often, try to clean the shoe thoroughly at least once in a week

2. When you are not using your men’s outdoor basketball shoe, try to cover with a piece of cloth or place in a rack to keep it dust free

Steps to choose best outdoor basketball shoes

1. Take your time & measure each of your foot properly. There are many who think that they know their shoe size but they don’t 

As a result, they end up buying narrow basketball shoes or extra wide basketball shoes. But little they know about the fact that they have got unusually narrower or wider feet than others 

So get the correct measurement of your feet to get the best basketball shoes to play in

Best basketball shoes for narrow feet: UA Men’s HOVR Havoc 2
Best basketball shoes for wide feet: Adidas Men’s Ownthegame Wide


2. There are basketball shoes for power forwards.

If you are one of those powers who like to push themselves heavily in their movements then you need a shoe with decent amount of internal padding, cushioning and advanced stability in the heel 

Or if you are a fast moving player, you need the lightest basketball shoes to move freely


3. If you need higher ankle support to avoid getting a twisted ankle then look for extra high top basketball shoes. They provide the greatest ankle support in all types of shoes


4. What are the best basketball shoes? Undoubtedly, there is no shortage in terms of quality in well-known shoe manufacturing brands.

At the same time, it is also important you don’t give too much priority on just brand. Rather focus on which type of shoe suits your style of play and the snug fitting

If you’re not feeling comfortable or the shoe is not supporting your buying purpose then the money will get wasted.

Go for affordable basketball shoes that give you better grip and respond well in outdoor condition


5. Another common mistake players make by picking stylish looking/flashy basketball shoes over quality just to show off their fashion sense.

Yes, it might be one of the coolest b-ball shoes but it can also mess things up if they are wrong choices for you

It does not have to be the most colorful basketball shoes. In short, your best outdoor basketball shoe should be made of harder rubber material and has a wide traction pattern along with good ankle support, cushioning and breathability

If not then you are creating a path for yourself to be on the sideline rather than on the court. Hopefully now you can help your friends & relatives how to pick basketball shoes

Additional Tips

1. Store your shoes: many try stuffing their best hooping shoes into a narrow space of gym bag. But that’s not the ideal thing to do especially when you’ve just finished the game.

Both your feet and shoe can be really sweaty. Hence your shoes should be allowed to dry properly.

Therefore, we highly recommend you to keep it in a place where the air flow can easily come in and go out. After sometime you can place them in the box with which it came and eventually store there.


2. Keeping your best b-ball shoes clean: outdoor basketball shoes have to deal with a lot of dust and dirt. Therefore without proper cleaning, gradually even the nicest basketball shoes are going to lose their original appearance.

As a result, after a few days they can turn into the worst looking basketball shoes. To maintain a good shape in your best new basketball shoes, regular cleaning is quite essential.

Shoe material should be durable & easy to clean as well. You should avoid using any washer or dryer.

So how would you clean your best basketball shoes? Let me tell you how to clean basketball shoes-

a. Clean the sole of your shoe with a soft shoe brush

b. Put some laundry detergent & water on your shoe. Try to mix them both using a soft cloth. Rub the shoe in varying motion to clean the dirty areas. You can also use the brush as well

c. Then use water to clean excess soap off your balling shoes

d. If the dust still exists, you can repeat the cleaning process again

e. Use another piece of cloth to wipe the water from the shoe

f. Now, you can keep your good looking basketball shoes at room temperature and let it dry completely

This is the best way to clean basketball shoes. You can also read if you want to know how to clean a basketball


3. No compromise with comfort level: Best outdoor sneakers should give you good support on feet. At the same time, you will need to feel comfortable with them so that your purpose of purchasing them doesn’t go in vain .

Adequate comfort reduces strain and fatigue as well. So look for comfortable basketball shoes with good ankle support.


4.
Look for padding in the shoe: look for most durable sneakers that come with padding in specific areas to get right amount of support & comfort. Best durable shoes never come up short in this regard.


5.
Snug fit: along with proper foot support, snug fitting play a key role in ensuring the safety of your b-ball sneakers.

Lace up shoes with slightly higher neck work best especially when it comes to executing sudden, quick moves of basketball. Best basketball sneakers hardly compromise on this feature.


6.
Avoid boneless shoes
: avoid shoes that come with thin outer sole and upper material because they are not going to last long in outdoor games.

They are most probably worst basketball shoes ever. You want to purchase the most durable shoes in the world, right?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Kyrie 5 good for outdoor?

-Absolutely, Kyrie 5 is good for outdoor play. The outer sole of the shoe is made of a durable & harder rubber material. It also has a good traction for outdoors.

Not to mention the manufacturer has incorporated these nice looking basketball shoes with some decent cushioning and fit as well. You will have the opportunity to get a healthy amount of court feeling and lockdown feature is quite great.

Only negative point is that the dust can accumulate in the grooves so you will be required to wipe the shoes quite often.


2. Is it OK to wear basketball shoes outside?

-No, it’s not OK. You should never wear your indoor basketball shoes outside.

Because rough outdoor surface can easily destroy your shoe’s outsole and traction pattern. As a result, very quickly you’re going to lose both, grip & color of your shoe.

The only way to increase the lifespan of your indoor shoe is by not exposing them to outdoor elements. Besides, indoor courts are not quite dusty as outdoor courts. So, you will be able to keep your good indoor basketball shoes clean as well.


3. How long do basketball shoes last outdoors?

-Depending on the nature of usage, basically basketball shoes outdoor can last from six to nine months.

It all comes down to yourself really. How often you choose to play outdoor and how much aggressive you are as a player shall define it.

Though you can longer the lifespan of shoe, if you choose a shoe with durable and thick rubber materials (these are the most durable basketball shoes).

Besides, not playing too much on those roughest, uneven surfaces & proper cleaning could also prove quite beneficial. Lastly, purchasing the most expensive basketball shoes won’t be the smart thing to do.


4. Why do NBA players wear low tops?

-In today’s world, players seek more freedom in their movement. Therefore, it is of no surprise why many NBA players prefer wearing low tops.

Lightweight good low top basketball shoes help in gaining extra speed while running. Some low top shoes can be more than 20% light compared to the high tops.

The lightness of the best low top basketball shoes won’t make your feet to feel fatigue. Therefore, you will be able to perform to your full potential.


5. Is it OK to buy basketball shoes for daily use?

-Sure, why not? If you like the design, color, features & most importantly feel comfortable with it, don’t hesitate then. Go for it.

If you don’t know, basketball shoes are for every casual occasion. They are very much popular for street wear. And there are some really good basketball shoes.

But you should look to get a low top shoe because high top shoes extend their reach over ankle so your mobility is reduced to a great extent while walking.

In short, going for lightweight basketball sneakers would be the ideal thing to do here.


6. What is the best outdoor basketball shoe 2020?

-Our experts have identified Under Armour Clutchfit Drive 2 as the best outdoor basketball shoe.

You will have the best grip with multi-directional herringbone pattern. Durable rubber outsole makes these shoes quite long lasting. Add to this Micro G Sockliner that provides reliable stability & snug fit.