The 7 Best Cheap Basketball Shoes of 2023 That Don’t Break the Bank!
Looking to enhance your basketball game without breaking the bank?
Do you want to have the same level of comfort and stability along with the stylish look of your basketball shoes without having to spend a fortune?
Sometimes basketball gear can feel way too expensive. Trust me, I’ve worn down my fair share of basketball shoes before being ready to shell out the hard-earned cash for another pair.
I’ve compared and contrasted dozens, if not hundreds, of basketball shoes to find the best ones that won’t cause a heart attack. Let’s take a look at the best cheap basketball shoes right now.
Best Overall
Nike Air Max Impact 4
Great comfort, little break in time, and quality stability make the Nike Air Max Impact 4 the best overall shoes for those on a budget.
Best for Outdoors
Nike LeBron Witness 7
Lightweight mesh is combined with deep grooves that are great for outdoor courts for this pair of the best outdoor shoes for around $100!
Best for Wide Feet
Wade Shadow 4
Here’s a cheap option for all those wide-footers out there. A wide toe box with superior traction, could it get any better?
I’ll be sharing some of the best cheap basketball shoes available in the market this year.
If you’ve been itching to get out onto the court and fly above the rim but have shallow pockets at the moment, take a look at the best affordable basketball this year and pick out the pair that is right for you!
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What Are The Best Cheap Basketball Shoes This Year?
Here are my picks for the best cheap basketball shoes this year.
Nike Air Max Impact 4
Nike is great at combining quality with affordability. You will see a few Nikes come up on this list of budget shoes, but this budget shoe trumps them all. In a thread full of cheap basketball shoes, this is the best cheap basketball shoe of the year. This is also one of the best non-signature basketball shoes I’ve seen in a while.
Key Benefits
- High-quality comfort so you can be on the court for longer without your feet wearing down.
- Very low break-in time due to the ultra-soft upper that lets your feet breathe.
- Two outriggers to stabilize your foot and offer extra support.
- The outsole provides great traction, so you don’t slip when the game is in the balance.
- Wide-foot friendly.
My Take
With a lot of things, you get what you pay for. However, Nike really gives the customer value with this pair of one of the best affordable basketball shoes in the last few years that are under $100. The fact that they can provide the main staples a basketball shoe needs at high-quality standards is great for the game because now anyone can play it. Good for any playing style. Nice job, Nike.
Nike Zoom Freak 4
The Nike Zoom Freak 4 is built for explosive performance on the court. With a lightweight design and responsive cushioning, it offers optimal agility and comfort. The shoe features a durable upper for enhanced support and lockdown, while the traction pattern ensures superb grip. Take your game to the next level with the Nike Freak 4.
Key Benefits
- Lightweight design for enhanced agility and speed on the court
- Responsive cushioning for optimal comfort and impact protection
- Durable upper provides excellent support and lockdown during quick movements
- Traction pattern on the outsole ensures superior grip on various surfaces
- Innovative lacing system for a secure and customizable fit
- Breathable materials to keep your feet cool and dry during intense gameplay
- Dynamic midsole offers energy return for explosive takeoffs and quick cuts
- Signature design inspired by the style and athleticism of NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Perfect choice for basketball players looking for performance, style, and reliability in their footwear.
My Take
The Nike Zoom Freak 4 is a forward-thinking signature shoe designed for speed and agility on the court. Its lightweight construction allows for quick changes in direction, but some users may find the fit slightly narrow.
Adidas Dame Certified
Here is another one of the best cheap basketball shoes of the year. A signature shoe courtesy of one of the best scorers in the NBA. Adidas and Damian Lillard have been collaborating for a few years now with an emphasis on creating the best basketball shoes. The Adidas Dame Certified does not disappoint. Check out our Adidas Dame Certified performance review.
Key Benefits
- Material mix upper for a combination of durability and breathability. An extremely supportive shoe.
- Lace closure for a snug fit.
- Cushioned feel that allows for more games to be played in the gym or at the park.
- Bounce midsole that lets you fly higher than the competition.
- Different colors to help you match your team.
My Take
These aren’t just one of the best budget basketball shoes, but some of the best basketball shoes overall this year. A nice look to add to Damian Lillard’s collection of Adidas collaborations. High praise in regards to the cushion that allows for a bit more pep in the step and heads above rims. If you’re looking for a pair of quality high-top basketball sneakers that help prevent ankle injuries, these are well worth the below $100 price point.
Nike Giannis Immortality 2
Giannis “The Greek Freak” Antetokounmpo is a behemoth at 7 feet, 280 pounds. His shoes have to hold up to euro steps that use more force than a Daniel Larusso kick to the face. His shoes are the most durable on the market, and somehow Nike has swung it to where they are extremely affordable as well.
Key Benefits
- Curved cushioning setup for smooth strides.
- Lightweight mesh upper for breathability.
- Outsole grooves allow for flex, high-quality euro steps, outstanding court feel, and great traction.
- Plush heel for comfortability.
My Take
Believe it or not, these shoes actually run a bit narrow and I would not recommend them to players with wide feet. Other than that I think it’s a great shoe that can hold it’s own against its more expensive counterparts.
Nike Precision 6
The Nike Precision 6 is a versatile basketball shoe that offers exceptional performance on the court. With a lightweight design and responsive cushioning, it provides optimal comfort and agility. The shoe features a durable upper for enhanced support and lockdown, while the multidirectional traction pattern ensures excellent grip.
Key Benefits
- Guard-friendly – designed to enable quick players to shift speeds and change directions while staying in control.
- Plush collar and tongue for comfortability.
- Modified herringbone traction that allows you to explode and cut on the hardwood.
- Agile low-top lets you make the most of your skills while pushing the tempo of the game.
My Take
These run a bit small and actually take a little longer to break in than other shoes I’ve had the pleasure of wearing. It would not be the worst idea to try a half a size bigger than normal. The material is a bit cheaper so they may wear a bit faster than other shoes as well. I see these as secondary shoes to give your main pair a break here and there. Don’t get me wrong, you can sport these as your main pair and have solid on court performance, but they may be done not too long after Christmas.
Nike LeBron Witness 7 – Best for Outdoors
Just so you’re not surprised, the Nike LeBron Witness 7 is just over $100($105 at the time of this writing). So you can technically consider these the most expensive cheap shoes on the list. Having said that, these shoes could retail for much more, and people would STILL scoop them up in a hurry. Check out our Nike LeBron Witness 7 performance review.
Key Benefits
- Lightweight mesh so you aren’t weighed down on the court.
- Full-length Max Air cushioning for explosive jumps, plush lands, and overall solid court feel.
- Containment cables combined with mesh helps keep feet locked in and stable.
- Lots of colorways.
My Take
The Nike LeBron Witness 7 is one of the best budget basketball shoes this year and a great shoe for the price point. While the upper is mesh there is still a little to be desired as far as breathability. You may not be able to wear this shoe for extended periods of time but it does the job well enough.
If you’re looking for some shoes you can play outdoor hoops in, feel free to check out our post on the best outdoor basketball shoes this year!
Wade Shadow 4 – Best for Wide Feet
Introducing the Wade Shadow 4, a cutting-edge basketball shoe designed for outdoor play, performance, and style. Featuring a sleek and breathable upper, it offers enhanced comfort and support during intense gameplay. The responsive cushioning and multidirectional traction pattern ensure superior agility and grip on the court.
Key Benefits
- Sleek and breathable upper for enhanced comfort and support
- Responsive cushioning to provide optimal shock absorption and energy return
- Multidirectional traction pattern for superior grip and agility on the court
- Lightweight construction for unrestricted movement and quick transitions
- Stylish design that combines performance and fashion
- Durable materials ensure long-lasting durability
- Lace-up closure for a secure and customizable fit
- Padded collar and tongue for added comfort and support
- Signature branding of Wade Shadow 4 for a touch of exclusivity
- Suitable for basketball players of all levels seeking top-notch performance and style. (Source: Brand’s website)
My Take
The Wade Shadow 4 is a high-performance pair of affordable basketball shoes featuring full-length CLOUD and forefoot BOOM cushioning for powerful bounce and comfort, along with TPU support and PROBAR LOC stabilizer, which make them great for outdoor play. One pro is its lightweight construction, allowing for quick movements on the court. One con could be the limited availability of certain colorways or designs.
What Are Cheap Basketball Shoes?
Cheap basketball shoes can be a great option for players who don’t want to break the bank but still want quality footwear.
Whether you’re a casual player or aspiring pro, there are plenty of affordable options available that deliver on comfort, traction, and durability.
Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour offer budget-friendly models like the Nike Precision 6 and Adidas Dame Certified.
These shoes may not come with all the bells and whistles of their higher-end counterparts, but they still provide decent cushioning, traction, and support to enhance your game.
So, lace up your kicks without emptying your wallet and dominate the court without compromising on style or functionality!
Conclusion
There have been times in my life when money has been tight.
Even just recently, I was giddy to get back onto the court but didn’t want to throw down $150 because I didn’t have the money to do so.
I’ve also looked for cheap basketball shoes when simply wanting to save money for other things.
You shouldn’t have to sacrifice the ability to play basketball because basketball shoes are too expensive.
This is why I am so glad there are cheap basketball shoes out there that allow anybody who wants to play a chance to do so.
Go ahead and pick out your favorite pair and get onto the court!
FAQ
What are the Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes?
The best basketball shoe for those who spend a lot of time outdoors is the Nike KD 15. I go in depth on the Nike KD 15 in my Nike KD 15 performance review.
You can also check out more of my outdoor basketball shoe picks in my article on the best outdoor basketball shoes of the year.
What are Good Basketball Shoes for Wide Feet?
The best wide foot basketball shoe of the year is undoubtedly the Way of Wade Son of Flash. Feel free to check out my Way of Wade Son of Flash performance review.
Check out my article on the best basketball shoes for wide feet for my pick for you wide footers.
Where to Buy Basketball Shoes?
You can buy basketball shoes directly from the brands that make them like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour.
Basketball shoes are also available on third-party sites like Dick’s, Foot Locker, Finish Line, and Zappos.
