The Top 5 Best Basketball Shoes for Kids in 2023: Your Ultimate Guide!
What does every basketball parent want?
Do you want your kids to succeed on the court? Have a stylish pair of kicks? Stay injury free?
Well, you’ve come to the right place!
The list below checks off all of those boxes and then some!
Best for Big Kids: 3.5Y-7Y
Jordan Luka 1
This shoe is the best overall for Big Kids and offers traction on both indoor and outdoor courts. They’re also very comfortable and run true to size.
Best for Little Kids: 10.5C/K-3Y
Preschool UA Lockdown 6
These are a great pair of high-top shoes that provide ankle support so your little one can avoid sprained ankles and can be worn on both indoor and outdoor courts.
Best for Infants & Toddlers: 2C/K-10C/K
Nike Air Max 270
This shoe includes a mesh upper to help your kids’ feet breathe when they’re on the court. Good for both casual wear and for when they hit the hardwood!
With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right pair.
I’m overwhelmed just from the research!
I’m hoping this list will allow you to spend less time researching and more time with the kids. Maybe even helping them work on their basketball skills?
To make things easier for you, I’ve compiled a list of the top 5 best basketball shoes for kids this year to help your little one who may be new to playing basketball.
Read on to find out which shoes made the cut!
What Are Basketball Shoes?
Basketball shoes are shoes designed specifically for basketball.
How are they designed specifically for basketball?
In basketball, there is an enormous amount of running, jumping, cutting, slashing (not like in a horror movie).
With so many different movements involved, players need a pair of shoes that can keep up.
Enter basketball shoes.
Basketball shoes offer features like increased traction so players don’t slip on the court.
They offer better materials that can take a beating so you don’t have to buy a new pair of shoes every month.
When you wear basketball shoes, you get good ankle support since basketball players are prone to rolling ankles due to the various movements they need to perform. These injuries can multiply if you don’t know how to make basketball shoes more grippy.
To make a long story short, if your kids are playing basketball, I HIGHLY recommend picking up a pair of basketball shoes so they can perform their best and stay injury free.
What Are the Best Basketball Shoes for Kids This Year?
Here are my picks for the best basketball shoes for kids this year.
Jordan Luka 1 (Best for Big Kids: 3.5Y – 7Y)
Here are the best big kids basketball shoes on the market and Luka Doncic’s first signature shoe with Jordan Brand. The Dallas Maverick frontman has turned heads with his phenomenal play and is looking to have the same effect on the shoe game as well. A nice first pair of basketball shoes and a collaboration with Air Jordan.
Key Benefits
- The first pair of basketball shoes with Formula 23 foam allows for deep cuts and good explosions out of them.
- Flight Wire cables keep you from jumping out of your shoes.
- High-quality traction on both indoor and outdoor courts.
- Lots of colorways and designs
- True to size
My Take
Some of the best basketball shoes that provide ankle support to your child’s feet who run around the court like a panda without its bamboo. Hard cuts, coming off screens, and sliding back and forth defensively were what these basketball sneakers were made for.
Preschool UA Lockdown 6 (Best for Little Kids: 10.5C/K – 3Y)
The Pre-School UA Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoes are a great pair of little kids’ basketball shoes designed for young athletes, providing durability, comfort, and support whether they’re playing inside or outside. These high-top shoes feature a breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays, engineered perforations for ventilation, a TPU film toe cap, an air mesh tongue, and a plush sockliner. The EVA midsole ensures a lightweight, responsive ride, while the solid rubber outsole with a herringbone traction pattern offers excellent on-court movement and control for a basketball shoe.
Key Benefits
- Breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays: Provides durable materials and support during lateral movement
- Engineered perforations: Enhances ventilation for added comfort
- TPU film toe cap: Offers protection and increased durability
- Air mesh tongue: Ensures breathability and a comfortable fit
- Plush sockliner: Maintains shape for all-day comfort
- EVA midsole: Delivers a lightweight, responsive ride
- Durable solid rubber outsole with herringbone traction pattern: Provides ankle support and allows for ultimate on-court movement and control
My Take
The Pre-School UA Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoes for kids offer young athletes lightweight comfort and durability for both indoor and outdoor courts. However, the standard tie-lacing system may not be suitable for all users.
Nike Air Max 270 (Best for Infants & Toddlers: 2C/K – 10C/K)
Get your little kids on the court with the Nike Air Max 270, a sleek and stylish basketball shoe that combines cutting-edge design with unparalleled comfort. Featuring a breathable mesh upper, the iconic 270-degree Air Max unit for superior cushioning, and a durable rubber outsole for exceptional traction and ankle support. This shoe is perfect for both casual wear and athletic performance. Experience the perfect blend of style, support, and comfort with the Nike Air Max 270.
Key Benefits
- 270-degree Air Max unit: Provides ultimate cushioning and support
- Breathable material mesh upper: Offers ventilation and lightweight comfort
- Durable rubber outsole: Ensures exceptional traction and longevity
- Sleek, modern design: Combines style and functionality
- Versatile: Perfect for casual wear and athletic performance
- Responsive ride: Delivers a smooth and comfortable experience
My Take
The Nike Air Max 270 is a popular choice among kids’ basketball shoes for its stylish design and impressive durability, making it perfect for active kids. However, some customers have noted that the shoe might not be adequate cushioning for those with wide feet, potentially causing discomfort.
Nike Freak 4 (For Big Kids: 3.5Y – 7Y)
Discover the Nike Freak 4, a high-performance basketball shoe designed to elevate your game. Engineered with a lightweight textile upper, responsive Zoom Air cushioning, and a multidirectional traction pattern, these basketball shoes for kids offer exceptional support, comfort, and on-court agility. Embrace your inner “Freak” and dominate the court with the unmatched style and performance of the Nike Freak 4.
Key Benefits
- Lightweight textile upper: Enhances breathability and comfort
- Responsive Zoom Air cushioning: Provides superior impact protection and energy return
- Multidirectional traction pattern: Ensures excellent grip and on-court agility
- Supportive fit: Offers optimal stability during quick movements
- Stylish design: Showcases unique aesthetics inspired by Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Versatile performance: Suitable for various positions and playstyles
My Take
The Nike Freak 4 is a popular basketball shoe offering excellent comfort and support for young athletes, especially those with slightly wider feet. However, some customers have experienced issues with the shoe’s durability over time.
Grade School UA Zone BB (For Big Kids: 3.5Y – 7Y)
Introducing the Grade School UA Zone BB, a versatile basketball shoe designed to help young athletes excel on the court. Featuring a lightweight synthetic upper for breathability and support, responsive cushioning for ultimate comfort, and a multidirectional traction pattern for superior grip, this shoe is perfect for enhancing performance during practice and games. Elevate your child’s game with the impressive style and functionality of the Grade School UA Zone BB.
Key Benefits
- Lightweight synthetic upper: Offers breathability and support
- Responsive cushioning: Enhances comfort and impact protection
- Multidirectional traction pattern: Provides superior grip and on-court agility
- Supportive fit: Ensures stability during quick movements
- Stylish design: Appeals to young athletes’ taste
- Versatile performance: Suitable for various positions and playstyles
My Take
The Grade School UA Zone BB is one of the more comfortable and stylish kids’ basketball shoes that young athletes love. However, some customers have concerns about the durability of the Velcro strap over time.
What Are Basketball Shoes for Kids?
Basketball shoes for kids are simply basketball shoes that high-level players wear but in kid’s sizes.
It’s that simple!
The best basketball shoes for kids this year offer a perfect blend of comfort, support, and style(as long as they stay clean!).
By choosing the right pair, you can help your young athlete reach their full potential on the court.
Help your little kids or big kids get on the court this season, and don’t miss out on these top picks to elevate their game!
(Hint: These are a go-to gift for basketball lovers in your family!)
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best basketball shoes for kids – whether they’re little kids or big kids – there are plenty of options on the market.
In my experience, the first pair of basketball shoes you buy your kids can play a big factor in whether they feel comfortable on the court and want to pursue basketball past grade school.
I’m hoping this list of best basketball shoes for kids can encourage your little kids to pursue this sport I believe to be the best sport out there.
By focusing on shoes that offer support, flexibility, and traction, you can narrow down your choices and choose the right pair for your child’s needs.
There’s a shoe out there for every young basketball player. So lace up those shoes and hit the court with confidence!
FAQ
What Type of Shoes Do Kids Need for Basketball?
Kids need a pair of shoes that have good traction, support, materials, and comfort for basketball.
Luckily, there are plenty of shoes out there for choose from.
Unluckily, there are so many shoes it can be frustrating poring through all of those websites to find the right pair, which is why I made this post to make your life easier!
What Should Kids Wear for Basketball?
Kids need a good pair of basketball shoes, a pair of basketball shorts, and a comfortable t-shirt if they are looking to get into playing basketball.
I always like wearing higher socks so my ankles don’t rub against the basketball shoe material as well.
That’s basically it! Pretty easy, right?
Does it Matter What Shoes You Wear for Basketball?
Short answer: YES!
If your kids are playing basketball, they need basketball shoes. Tennis shoes don’t offer the same traction, support, and comfort as basketball shoes.
Feel free to look at the article above for my top picks!
