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- Best Overall – LeBron 17 by Nike
- Best Wide Range Options – O.N. Issue #1 by Adidas
- Best High End – KD 13 by Nike
Being able to dunk on some hoops has been a dream for every aspiring basketball fan. You get this surge of excitement from just watching Michael Jordan from your tv screen, soar up high and slamming that ball into the hoop. I don’t know about the others but those were definitely the best moments in the history of basketball.
Anyways, when it comes to jumping really high in court, it’s not as simple as you think. It requires vertical jump training (which I would explain in a bit) and in order for you to do a good job when training, you need to have decent basketball shoes for jumping. Of course, the type of shoe you’re looking for should have cushioning, a comfortable fit, and support so that you don’t sacrifice the rest of your game limping around the court because of an injured foot.
So if you’re the type of player who wants to soar up high then you’ll want to take a close look at two important features. One, it needs to be lightweight so that it won’t weigh you down and two, it needs to be extra springy so that it can help you get back up with ease.
This is why we are gladly introducing you to our list of the best basketball shoes for jumping! You may scroll down further to see a more detailed review of each shoe.
Table of Contents
What Is The Importance Of Vertical Jump Training In Basketball
Like every basketball player, it’s an essential thing for players to jump high. It’s obvious that any healthy person has the ability to jump but for basketball players, they need to jump even higher. That pretty much explains why vertical jump training is an important thing to practice.
Those athletes who have done well in their vertical jump training tend to improve in their overall performance once they play. This type of training doesn’t solely focus on your jump but it also improves other aspects as well. Vertical jump training allows you to work on the strength of your body and it also helps coaches identify what type of sportsmen they have on their team.
By now you’re aware of this training’s importance. Whether you want to practice this with a team or do it alone, you need to take note that this training must be done from four to five times a week. Training with a team is usually done if you’re a pro, so if you’re a beginner, you need to do this training a lot, all by yourself. If for some reason your coach or trainer wasn’t able to teach you how to do this then you can freely browse the internet for any tips regarding the training. I’d say the best way to search for helpful tips would be from basketball blogs or you can join a community that shares all types of information in basketball.
Don’t overwork yourself and give your legs a break. Perfecting that high jump won’t happen overnight and obviously, you have to grind day and night just to achieve the height of the jump you’ve always dreamed of.
Factors That Determine Great Shoes For Jumping
Tight Fit
Your shoes must have the perfect fit if you want to achieve that high jump.
Nothing is more uncomfortable than having shoes that aren’t snug on your feet. This will ultimately hinder you from jumping any higher and you’ll lose all your momentum and stability. If you think that your shoes aren’t the problem, then you may opt to search and buy performance basketball socks to get a better fit out of your shoes.
You can never go wrong with this first factor. Having a snug fit on your foot is the best! You will make the most out of your jump with tight shoes. Actually, basketball players even go half a size smaller just to achieve that tight fit!
Breathability
Now I know I’ve mentioned that the fit on your shoes would be better if they are tight, but don’t go too far to the point that there’s no more airflow inside your shoe! Your shoes should have a decent amount of airflow to pass throughout your whole foot. This will make you avoid having sweaty feet and not get that hot feeling in your feet that causes so much discomfort and fatigue.
Traction
Slippery surfaces are your worst enemy if your shoes aren’t equipped with great traction.
When you’re practicing your vertical jump, you first have to run towards the basket and convert that horizontal speed into vertical speed. Just imagine what kind of catastrophe would take place if you were to slip while attempting that magnificent jump.
Friction is imperative for executing a high jump. It’s really important to have enough traction on your shoes so you can execute that gnarly jump. This is considered as the foundation of having a good jump.
Responsive Cushioning with a Stiff Sole
I’ll tell you straight away that you don’t want to have a shoe that has too much cushioning because that could ruin your vertical jump. Why? Because the cushioning on the shoes absorb the energy from your sprints and that affects your jump.
Durability
The durability of your shoes are just as important as its breathability. You should look for the type of material that offers enough air flow and doesn’t wear and tear easily. Some really nice durable materials would be fuse or mesh.
Weight
It’s common sense that the lighter your shoes are, the better. Of course, since you’re plummeting into mid-air to dunk on that hoop, more weight on your feet will obviously weigh you down. So take in mind, avoid buying chunky and heavyweight shoes that keep you planted on the ground. Just remember, lightweight shoes are the best choice for jumping.
Overview Of The Best Basketball Shoes For Jumping
1. LeBron 17 by Nike
● 4.3/5 rating
● Top: High
● Signature: LeBron James
● Lockdown: Lace-Up
● Colorways: Black, Blue, Green, Grey, Purple, Red, White
● Weight: 324g
● Released: 2019
2. Metcon 4 by Nike
● 4.5/5 rating
● Top: Low
● Use: Crossfit, Gym, Cross-training
● Colorways: Beige, Black, Blue, Green, Grey, Orange, Pink, Purple, White
● Weight: 340g
● Released: 2017
3. D.O.N. Issue #1 by Adidas
● 4.5/5 rating
● Top: Low
● Signature: Donovan Mitchell
● Lockdown: Lace-Up
● Colorways: Black, Green, Grey, Orange, Red
● Weight: 426g
● Released: 2019
4. PG 3 by Nike
● 5/5 rating
● Top: Low
● Signature: Paul George
● Lockdown: Lace-Up
● Colorways: Black, Blue, Grey, Orange, Red, Silver, White
● Released: 2018
5. KD 13 by Nike
● 5/5 rating
● Top: Mid
● Signature: Kevin Durant
● Lockdown: Lace-Up
● Colorways: Black, Beige, Pink
● Released: 2020
Soar High With The Best Basketball Shoes For Jumping
1. LeBron 17 by Nike
4.3/5 Overall Rating
Pros:
A lot of users claim these shoes are very excellent Provide extreme comfort Despite the look, it’s actually lightweight Lockdown and support are nearly perfect Cushioning is excellent. The Zoom and Max Air unit are bouncy and responsive BattleKnit upper provides excellent containment and broken-in feel Heel-to-toe transition is very good Traction on this shoe is excellent
Traction picks up dust Very priceySome have a hard time lacing up the shoes Due to the thickness of the cushioning, it doesn’t provide any court feel
What do most people think of this product?
Most aspiring basketball players aspire to be just like the famous NBA stars, and who doesn’t want to be as great as LeBron himself, right? You can actually improve your style of play with one of his signature shoes, the LeBron 17. This shoe features an updated Max Air unit and an all-new Knitposite upper. The Knitposite upper allows the player to take full control of the court with the help of excellent support and containment. The Zoom Air unit provides continuous responsiveness and the Max Air unit protects your foot from impacts.
The designer of this shoe, Jason Petrie, has stated that LeBron loved the cushioning on the previous models, with the evolution of the shoe line, the Max Air cushioning just keeps on improving and is able to provide LeBron with the support and stabilization he needs on-court. The Lebron 17 also features two Zoom Air pods at the forefoot. The pods located on the forefoot helps with responsiveness and comfort after a high jump or dunking. Basically, the player will have a secure landing. The Max and Zoom Air cushioning play an important role, the Max Air provides shock absorption while the Zoom Air responds to the player’s speed.
This shoe features a durable rubber outsole, which is perfect for outdoor use, and with it is a modified traction pattern that increases flexibility and grip. The collar on this shoe is wide and the tongue securely locks-in the foot. The lace-up closure is customizable to your preferred fit.
The use of innovative materials was used for this shoe such as the Knitposite. This material combines Flyknit threads with heat-molded yarns for that added structure and support. They combined materials from both the LeBron 15 and 16 and came up with an incredible shoe.
In terms of style, there are signature details that represent the star himself, statements like “I’m King”, “LJ”, the iconic number 23 are all located on the tongue. This shoe also has a staggering 15 colorways! So every player has the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of mixed colors that represent their team or whatever preference they have.
Overall, this shoe has superior cushioning, incredible traction, containment, support, and a semi-perfect lockdown. Almost every feature you want a shoe to have can be found on the LeBron 17. If you aspire to be just like the king himself and have the budget to afford this expensive model, then go ahead and try these out ASAP!
2. Metcon 4 by Nike
4.5/5 Overall Rating
Pros: According to a lot of experts in fitness, these shoes perform perfectly well in terms of CrossFit regimen These shoes are lightweight The traction on these are surprisingly very good. They work on any type of surface including wet floors The size and fit of the Metcon 4 are praised by many as it hugs the shape of any foot Very comfortable and provides support Numerous wearers have applauded the design of the shoe as it looks very pleasing and the set of colorways prove that as well The firm sole adds to the wearers overall stability
Cons:These may not be super durable since a lot have claimed that the sole detaches from the upper after a few weeks or months of useIt creates this squeaking sound which is unpleasant for some wearers The heel section is low and that makes your foot prone to slippage and blisters
What do most people think of this product?
At first glance, the shoe appears to be similar to its predecessor, the Metcon 3. However, there have been changes made that make it a far better shoe but it also inherited some of the key components from the Metcon 3.
The upper is improved by using a sandwich mesh that is far softer than its predecessor. This allows the wearer to feel more cushioning on the top foot area. They have enhanced the protection on the upper by incorporating a 3D-print haptic technology. These are placed in areas susceptible to wear and tear. The tongue now has more padding which adds to the cushioning as well. It also has an extra pair of eyelets, so now there are a total of six and this gives the wearer a more secure fit. The TPU heel clip has also been changed by shortening it. This gives a more minimal look without sacrificing heel stability.
To talk about the outsole in detail, it’s made out of a solid rubber that lines the underside of the shoe. As we all know, solid rubber is a durable material when it comes to outsoles. It provides durability and stability during activities. The pattern is a tread-star that delivers perfect traction so you can only expect grippiness on this shoe when used in any type of surface. The rubber outsole pokes out a bit at the back side of the shoe. This avoids the feeling of being dragged.
The insole on the Metcon 4 is removable so you have the freedom to change the insoles into something better. Usually the insoles that come in the shoes when you buy them aren’t the greatest so we recommend you change them if the insoles on your shoe are removable. Anyways, the insole that comes with this shoe provides a minimum amount of cushioning and shock absorption. It’s dense so you still have stability.
The reason why the upper was referred to as “sandwich mesh” is because it’s a soft two-layer fabric that has vertical fibers that run through it and this creates a cushioned feel for the feet. The top portion of the shoe feels more flexible and breathable thanks to this type of mesh.
Overall, wearers love this shoe because it performs really well during training. It’s a reliable shoe that offers durability, stability, and comfort. This would be perfect for vertical jump training because it’s lightweight!
3. D.O.N. Issue #1 by Adidas
4.7/5 Overall Rating
Pros: The majority of consumers claim these are a great pair of basketball shoes at an affordable price Offer great comfort
Great for outdoor use A lot has claimed that the traction performs well in clean courts Kids love the colorways of these shoes The materials give great performance and sport a really nice look The Bounce cushioning is excellent. It provides impact protection, court feel, responsiveness, and bounciness Despite being a low-top shoe, the lockdown is excellent
Some users have experienced slippage during the break-in period Heel cushioning feels chunky Midfoot is a bit tight A lot are disappointed with the traction. Wearers need to constantly clean the outsole when playing on dusty courtsDoes not really provide too much grip
What do most people think of this product?
Donovan Mitchell named these shoes the D.O.N and this is based on his positive outlook in his career. These three letters mean “Determination Over Negativity”. We believe that that has a really big impact on aspiring players, especially kids. He specifically stated that he wants D.O.N. to be a symbol on his sneakers that relay an important message to people who love to play the sport and the message is he wants people to believe that they can do anything, no matter who they are or where they came from.
This shoe features a Bounce cushioning, a herringbone pattern on the outsole, and a lateral propulsion clip. Another feature that stands out with this shoe is its price point which is arguably one of the cheapest basketball shoes in the market. Donovan specifically worked with Adidas to make the price tag on these shoes as affordable as possible. This is because he wants the majority of people to have the opportunity to purchase a basketball shoe. Goes to show how Donovan truly cares about those who can’t afford $200 dollar shoes. Accessibility of these shoes is a major thing for most consumers.
The cushioning on the D.O.N. Issue #1 is called Bounce and this is placed on the midsole of the shoe. It provides decent responsiveness, bounce, impact protection. Also, the wearer will feel comfortable once they slip their feet inside the shoe. As for the traction, the outsole has this multidirectional herringbone pattern that offers increased grip when quick movements are made on-court. However, the traction on these shoes is not all that great. Wearers have to constantly clean their outsoles because it attracts dirt easily. To lock-in the foot securely inside the shoe it makes use of a lace-up closure and a propulsion clip for lateral stability.
The fit is true to size and is a comfortable fit on most feet according to consumers. The material that makes up the shoe is textile for the upper and this is a lightweight mesh that offers breathability inside the shoe.
The interesting thing about the style of this shoe is its Spiderman-esque theme. The tongue and toe box have this spider web stitching on it which is why it sort of resembles Spiderman’s theme. There are also custom codings on the shoe that symbolizes Donovan’s journey to becoming a successful NBA star.
Overall, we love Donovan’s concern for people who can’t afford expensive basketball shoes. The accessibility of the D.O.N. Issue #1 is a pro that lots of consumers will absolutely love. We assure you that the affordability does not sacrifice the shoe’s performance. The features are decent and overall performance is great. Kids would definitely love the Spiderman-ish theme that this shoe has and without a doubt, the colorways will attract the attention of children.
4. PG 3 by Nike
4.5/5 Overall Rating
Pros: A The circular patterns on the outsole provide excellent traction
Suitable for outdoor use Shoes are comfortable to wear. Very breathable and lightweight. Lockdown and support on this shoe is very good. Feet will not slip off of the shoe easily Foam on the midsole is lighter and softer compared to its predecessor Heel provides excellent impact protection The material for the upper is really soft and provides ample support Zoom unit feels bouncier than the PG 2
Materials look and feel cheap Some complain about the shoe’s look, looks cheap Foam is prone to wear and tearSnug fit on the forefoot
What do most people think of this product?
Paul George is a veteran All-Star who wants to become a more efficient athlete. He still wants to perform at his elite level without having to waste extra energy. That’s where the shoe designer, Tony Hardman, came into the picture and designed the perfect shoe that will meet the needs of George. Tony and his team adhere to three principles in making the PG 3: Shed What Is Unnecessary, Make Every Step Matter and Remember Where You Came From.
The shoe features a ½ bootie construction, a lighter foam midsole, a ripstop collar, and a circular traction pattern that are known to have a very nice grip. The designer explains the function of each feature: the shoe being lightweight suits his style of play which means George can easily maneuver on-court and make quick movements both defensively and offensively. Then the soft foam on the midsole and the Zoom Bag will help George become faster and generate more speed.
To further talk about the cushioning and its function, the light foam midsole is paired with the Zoom Air bag which was also used in the previous PG model. According to the veteran player, he received more response from the new cushioning. Moving on to the traction, it was stated that the circular traction on the outsole was inspired by Moon craters. This has an increased multidirectional grip on any type of surface.
The fit on these shoes are true to size but some have claimed the forefoot area has a snug fit. We suggest that wide-foot wearers try these shoes in their local shoe store to get a better and more accurate fit. The ½ bootie construction helps with the lockdown of the foot. If you take a close look across the forefoot you’ll see free-floating synthetic wings that further lock in the foot.
The materials of the shoe are responsible for reducing its overall weight. A combination of mesh and synthetics were used for the shoe’s upper. The tongue is integrated into the rip-stop collar which makes room for support without jeopardizing agility.
When it comes to the style of signature shoes it’s always the most fun part to talk about since it often talks about the athlete’s past or the journey they had to go through to become who they are today. For Paul George, the several numbers seen on the outsole trace back to his past. It symbolizes his birthday, jersey numbers, number of tattoos are some of the things that represent his life and these are located on the inside of the circular traction pattern of the PG.
Overall, the shoe performs really well despite criticisms on its look and cheap build. This lightweight shoe is perfect for all types of players out there and it will definitely be great for kids to have a kick-start on basketball shoes. Some kids may be overwhelmed with the heaviness of some shoes, so PG 3 is the perfect choice for a lightweight shoe. Traction is great and cushioning is light and responsive.
5. KD 13 by Nike
4.5/5 Overall Rating
Pros: These shoes provide supreme comfort once worn The support and lockdown on the shoe is terrific The material used for the upper works well with the entire shoe. It hugs the shape of your foot and performs well Very durable outsole which is perfect for outdoor use A lot of consumers applaud the traction on these shoes because they are very grippy on any type of surface Compared to its predecessor, the cushioning on these are notably better
On the forefoot of the shoe, wearers may feel that it is too snug Some claim that the materials are cheap
What do most people think of this product?
These shoes are definitely one of the best from KD’s shoe line. It just performs really well and adapts to the playing style of the well-known basketball player. These were designed to use minimal materials to give that broken-in feel fresh from the box. You get a lot of responsiveness and comfort thanks to the Air Strobel feature. The shoe also makes use of the ever famous Zoom Air unit which also adds up to the responsiveness of the KD 13.
These shoes are great for players who love the feel they get from very responsive shoes. Also, for those players who value traction and durability, well, this would be the perfect pair for you.
Going back to the famous feature, the Zoom Air unit is used as a cushioning that increases the overall comfort and responsiveness of the KD 13. The neat thing about this particular shoe is an added Zoom Air unit at the forefoot which enhances the explosiveness and makes room for more movement. The genius behind this idea is Nike designer, Ross Klein, and he created this brilliant notion because he believes that the springiness will return twice the amount of energy the wearer puts into it. This is because the double-stacked Zoom Air unit is responsible for making all of that into a reality.
The outsole is made out of solid rubber with circular treads, very durable might I add. Rubber outsoles are known to be of great use when it comes to playing games outdoors. The durable rubber just has the best grip on any type of surface.
The KD 13 is a mid-cut type of shoe that has a lace-up front that keeps the foot securely locked in. The collar is cushioned so that your ankles sit in the shoe nice and comfy, and the tongue provides a snug fit.
As I’ve mentioned, the shoe is constructed from minimal and lightweight materials which give the player a broken-in feel fresh from the box. Thanks to the soft upper of the shoe, it gives lightweight support and enhanced durability to the wearer which I believe are just great qualities to have all together.
In terms of its style, the silhouette is uncanny since it resembles its predecessor’s look. There were minor upgrades with its appearance though and these include the visible cutouts in the midsole in order to enhance flexibility and reduce the overall weight of the shoe. You can also take a closer peek at the Zoom Air technology because of the holes. Let’s not forget the signature details of the athlete himself, Kevin Durant. His name, signature, and jersey number are present in the shoe’s design.
Overall, the changes made on the KD 13 will significantly improve the way you play your game. These are regarded as one of the best basketball shoes that have great performance cushioning and traction, especially among the KD shoe line. Thanks to the double-stacked Nike Zoom Air unit, you get more responsiveness and explosiveness out of the shoe. You get an excellent grip on any type of surface all thanks to the durable rubber outsole with circular treads. You can never go wrong with the KD 13, so I highly recommend you buy one of these!
