Outdoor court or indoor: pick the right outsole

Some shoes here are built for outdoor courts. Nike designed the Street Flare specifically for street and outdoor courts, and the Jordan Luka 77 is made for relentless outdoor play. Puma built the Dagger for outdoor courts too, with an upper made from at least 20% recycled materials. On the Curry Splash 24, Under Armour adds a durable rubber outsole and abrasion-resistant overlays, so you can play from hardwood to blacktop.

Other pairs are all-rounders: Nike built the G.T. Cut Academy 2 for indoors and outdoors, on the perimeter or in the post.

Cushioning and grip: what is under your foot

Each brand names its cushioning. Nike's LeBron 21 uses Zoom Air, the KD16 pairs Nike Air with Zoom Air, and the G.T. Jump Academy stacks two soft foams over a curved heel to help you land. adidas puts BOOST in the Dame X, Lightstrike in the Anthony Edwards 2, and Dreamstrike in the Initiation for soft, stable cushioning. Under Armour uses a Micro G midsole in the Jet '23.

For grip, look at the outsole pattern. The UA Lockdown 7 has a herringbone pattern for on-court control, and the Giannis Immortality 4 gets an upgraded traction pattern.

Signature shoe or beginner pair: what the name tells you

A player's name on the shoe means a signature model. The names here include Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Edwards, Damian Lillard on the Dame X, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the Converse SHAI 001, Russell Westbrook on the Jordan One Take 5, and Klay Thompson, who inspired the Anta KTX.

Starting out? adidas calls the Gamechaser an entry-level basketball shoe, and Anta made the Splash 7.0 Team for shooting guards and beginner players. More adidas pairs are in adidas basketball.

Kids' basketball shoes: straps and elastic laces

For young players, an easy fit matters. The Nike Team Hustle D 12 closes with a strap so kids can secure the fit fast, and the Team Hustle D 11 uses elastic laces for a wide opening. Kids' sizes here run from 28 to 40, and older kids can wear signature pairs like the Anthony Edwards 2 Kids. Browse more in kids' footwear.

If you are new to the game, start with the adidas Gamechaser or the Anta Splash 7.0 Team. If you play outside, go for the Nike Street Flare or the Puma Dagger.