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- Best Overall – Harden Vol.2
- Best Wide Range Options – Dame 4
- Best Under $500 – Zoom KD 12
There are various positions each person plays in Basketball. There’s the Point Guard, the Shooting Guard, Small Forward, Power Forward, and the Center. Each of these positions plays a major role and we’re going to be focusing on one, the Point Guard.
A Point Guard is regarded as the most specialized role among all the other positions. They’re what you call the offense of a team because they’re in charge of the ball and making sure it gets to the right player at the right time. Usually, players assigned to this position are the shortest ones in the team. They’re also often referred to as the ‘coach on the floor’; a point guard is responsible for directing plays. Point guards are also the ones who initiate offensive plays because they have to create open shots for the receivers as well as zoom down the court.
They are also excellent long-distance shooters. Compared to Shooting Guards, they’re not as crucial when it comes to shooting, but there are instances that Point Guards are on par when it comes to scoring shots like the Shooting Guards.
Some notable Point Guards would be Stephen Curry, Russel Westbrook, and Chris Paul. Curry would be the best example for this article because he uses a shoe designed for the position he specializes in. It’s imperative to know that each basketball shoe caters to different types of positions.
This is why we are gladly introducing you to our list of the best basketball shoes for point guards! You may scroll down further to see a more detailed review of each shoe.
Table of Contents
What Are The Criteria For The Perfect Point Guard Shoe?
As I’ve mentioned earlier, different basketball shoes were made for various types of players and their respective positions. As for the Point Guard, these players must adhere to these criteria when purchasing a basketball shoe:
- Traction. The shoe must have flawless traction that provides enough grip on the floor and allows the player to move swiftly in-court.
- Cushioning. The cushioning must be comfortable and responsive. It must not lag or be stiff.
- Top. The top must either be low or mid-cut so that it doesn’t hamper the player’s mobility. Mobility is very important for point guards because this enables them to move quickly.
Now that you have a gist on the criteria for purchasing point guard basketball shoes, you can now go to your local sports store and search for one. It can be hard to choose and decide which shoe is best for you, considering there are tons of brands and styles to choose from. Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour are the most common brands that manufacture basketball shoes. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you!
Overview Of The Best Basketball Shoes For Point Guards
1. Harden Vol.2 by Adidas
- 4.8/5 rating
- Top: Low
- Signature: James Harden
- Lockdown: Lace-Up
- Colorways: Beige, Black, Blue, Green, Grey, Purple, Red, White
- Weight: 524g
- Versions: Pre-school
- Released: 2018
2. Kyrie 6 by Nike
- 4.4/5 rating
- Top: Mid
- Signature: Kyrie Irving
- Lockdown: Lace-Up, Strap
- Colorways: Beige, Black, Blue, Grey, Pink, Purple, White
- Weight: 427g
- Released: 2019
3. Curry Two by Under Armour
- 4.6/5 rating
- Top: Mid
- Signature: Stephen Curry
- Lockdown: Lace-Up
- Colorways: Black, Blue, Grey, Pink, Red, White
- Weight: 369g
- Versions: 2.5, Pre-school, 2.5 Grade-school
- Released: 2015
4. Dame 4 by Adidas
- 4.4/5 rating
- Top: Mid
- Signature: Damian Lillard
- Lockdown: Lace-Up
- Colorways: Black, Blue, Gold, Green, Grey, Pink, Red, White
- Weight: 342g
- Released: 2017
5. Curry 7 by Under Armour
- 4.4/5 rating
- Top: Low
- Signature: Stephen Curry
- Lockdown: Lace-Up
- Colorways: Black, Blue, Grey
- Weight: 374g
- Released: 2019
6. Zoom KD 12 by Nike
- 4.3/5 rating
- Top: High
- Signature: Kevin Durant
- Lockdown: Lace-Up
- Colorways: Black, Blue, Grey, Red, White
- Weight: 439g
- Released: 2019
6 Best Basketball Shoes For Point Guards
1. Harden Vol.2 by Adidas
4.8/5 Overall Rating
Pros:
Cushioning is fantastic. Keeps foot and legs comfortable for a long period of time Upper is very comfortable A lot of players claimed that they did not experience any joint pains with this shoe Balance and support make scoring effortless The ForgeFiber technology on the shoe makes it very durable (did not see any wear and tear even after five months) Adjustable lacing system conforms to any type of foot be it narrow or wide Thanks to the midsole base it makes the shoe very stable The Vol.2 model is much more snug compared to its predecessors The customizable lacing system keeps the foot locked down
Wearers only reap the benefits of the shoe if used on clean courts Outsole rubber does not give any squeaky noise Some players don’t like the external heel cup’s look because it looks “alien-like” Some claim there’s a pinching sensation at the midfoot because of the elastic band
What do most people think of this product?
This shoe was designed to cater to James Harden’s main moves which are namely the Step-back, Euro-step, and Jab-step. Secure lockdown, forefoot confinement, and the plush cushioning are all present in this shoe, and we have the thick Boost, ForgeFiber mesh, and adaptive lacing system to thank for that.
The Harden Vol.2 is indeed an upgrade compared to its signature model predecessor, the Harden Vol.1. Vol.2 has a thicker Boost cushioning which provides comfort and responsiveness. The midsole is wider than the upper which makes for a stable base for the foot and enhances overall foot containment.
To many people, it would seem that they’re just random patterns clustered together. However, the shoe designer, Rashad Williams, says that the fractal patterns have a purpose. He has observed how Harden plays and the small patterns on the shoe are designed as it is based on where James puts pressure on his foot. The outsole’s traction extends to the external heel counter. The grooves on the shoe do not run deep, so it’s safe to say that these pairs of shoes won’t last long for outdoor use.
The fit on the Harden Vol.2 runs true to size, however, the midfoot area feels narrow due to the elastic band. Although, it will stretch after breaking it in. To be safe, just stick to the standard basketball Adidas basketball size. This shoe uses an adaptable lacing system. The full cleatie upper adds to the totality of the lockdown which would ensure the foot stays in place. The elastic band on the midfoot makes the shoe snug on the feet.
The upper is made out of neoprene and mesh cleatie. These materials provide flexibility to the player and keep their foot intact. Then another layer of materials covers the shoe’s internal cleatie. The forefoot is made out of a type of mesh that’s stitched alternately with threads called the ForgeFiber. These threads are coated with TPU and are stitched to the mesh which makes room for support and flexibility in targeted areas, in turn, it reduces the shoe’s weight. The tongue is made out of mesh as well which makes it breathable and offers great ventilation. The midsole has a thick cushion called the Boost.
This is a low-top shoe that has an Adidas Equipment logo on the heel. The signature three stripes that represent the Adidas brand are located on the lateral side of the forefoot. The James Harden logo is displayed proudly on the tongue.
Overall, Adidas has decent basketball shoes, especially this one. The traction on this shoe is a disappointment to some wearers, but nonetheless it’s still a pretty solid shoe.
2. Kyrie 6 by Nike
4.4/5 Overall Rating
Pros: Players have claimed that this shoe has everything you need Materials are durable Suitable to use outdoors (traction grooves are thick and deep) One of the best tractions of all time (better than its predecessor) Forefoot Zoom feels very good Exceptional lockdown Many have claimed this to be the best guard shoes available
Too snug on the foot Some have complained that the synthetic heel on the other colorways are terrible
What do most people think of this product?
This signature line is one of the most well-known lines of shoes in the market. Many have praised Kyrie Irving’s shoe line and have claimed that it is one of the best basketball shoes ever made for shifty guards. Even the iconic athlete himself has praised Nike for developing shoes that cater to his play style. This shoe mainly focuses on comfort and control. The designer of the shoe, Benjamin Nethongkome, knows exactly what Kyrie wants, and he succeeded in designing the perfect shoe.
This sixth model in the signature line boasts this feature called the Air Zoom Turbo that offers insane responsiveness. There is an adjustable strap, padded collar, and heel counter that keeps the ankles locked-in and aligned with the rest of the foot. This shoe also features an all-angle traction pattern that provides serious grip.
Like all the other previous Kyrie models, this one has a curved outsole for another added grip. This grippy material is extremely helpful when players do banking shots because said material extends up to the forefoot and sidewalls that attracts more traction. Another great thing about this shoe is it keeps the player’s ankle locked in and aligned with the hoop, and we have the heel counter and padded collar to thank for that. The midfoot strap is also adjustable and it crosses over the laces to keep the foot in place.
The materials that make up the shoe are ballistic mesh and premium leather. The purpose of the ballistic mesh is to provide a lightweight feel and a breathability.
Overall, this shoe is considered to be one of the best basketball shoes in 2019. They offer great performance on-court and are perfect for positions such as a point guard and a forward.
3. Curry Two by Under Armour
4.6/5 Overall Rating
Pros: Traction is superb Great for casual and high-performance players Has a balanced platform A lot of wearers claim that the shoe feels very light when worn Regardless of outdoor or indoor play, the grip on the shoe is consistent Very comfortable Charged cushion technology makes you jump really high Upper is thin, hence, there no heat build-up and moisture dries quickly Heel-to-toe transition is smoother compared to previous models
Some complain that the sole is not durable and it breaks down easily Not recommended for outdoor use Some say the Charged cushioning is stiff Not much impact protection Ankle support is not that strong
What do most people think of this product?
Curry Two is the second model in Stephen Curry’s signature shoe line. Manufactured by Under Armour, this shoe features a herringbone, Charged cushioning, and a great-fitting SpeedFoam upper. All these combined, it creates a solid shoe. Since the year 2019, Curry has had six Under Armour shoes made, and arguably, people claim that this model, Curry 2, has better traction than that of the newer models.
Stephen Curry loves the Charged cushioning on this. Then there’s even foam in the middle and this foam technology converts impact to push-off energy which allows the wearer to charge with explosive steps. If you’re a fan of stability then this shoe has what you want, all thanks to the slightly extended outrigger, it adds stability to your feet. Another cool thing about this shoe is its midsole is divided into three sections for a smoother heel-to-heel transition.
An organic herringbone pattern is present on the Curry Two which is positioned in the outsole. Due to the thick and multidirectional lines, it results in a better and consistent grip. This shoe can be used for both indoor and outdoor use, however, if you’re sensitive about maintaining the longevity of your shoes, then it’s best to use them indoors.
The fit on this shoe stays true to size, so if you previously owned an Under Armour basketball shoe then you can go with the size on that. You will not encounter any problems with your feet slipping out of the shoe because the one-to-one fit and external TPU heel counter will keep your foot in place. Another feature that assures the stability of your foot is the midfoot shank which locks in said stability while the wide lace holes grasp the foot completely.
The Curry Two is praised for its breathable and light constructed feel, and we have the SpeedForm material to thank for that. This has a textile-like material that covers the midfoot to the heel and it’s joined to a synthetic material on the toe box. In terms of ankle support, you won’t have to buy an ankle brace because the upper provides enough support and flexibility to accommodate an ankle brace. After a few wears, the shoe molds to the shape of the foot. The TPU heel cup and midfoot shank provide added stability and there’s the Charged cushioning in the midsole as well.
The aesthetic of this shoe heavily focuses on the textures of the SpeedForm and the synthetic material. If we take a look at the medial side of the heel, we can see that there’s a phrase written on it that says, “I can do all things..” This is a nice added touch on the shoe and gives the wearer some sort of confidence in themselves while they play the sport. Curry’s initials, “SC”, are positioned on the tongue and the lateral forefoot as well. The Under Armour logo on the other hand is seen on the lateral side of the shoe, the midfoot shank, and the tip of the toe box.
Overall, if you primarily play indoors then this shoe would really suit you. The features of the shoe are superb, except for the Charged cushion which is kind of stiff. Moreover, this shoe is perfect for fans who idolize Stephen Curry.
4. Dame 4 by Adidas
4.4/5 Overall Rating
Pros: Traction is very good Great lockdown Excellent support and containment Great performing shoe with an affordable price tag Bounce cushioning provides great impact protection Perform well on courts that are not maintained well Some have claimed this to be the best shoe in 2017 Mesh upper provides a premium feel; requires little to no break-in Dust is not an issue with this shoe Some have claimed this shoe to be the best in the series
Lace loops break easily Some have complained that the shoe is hard to put on and the laces are hard to tighten Some claim these shoes are poorly made Outsole is soft, not recommended for outdoor use
What do most people think of this product?
If you’re a fan of Adidas and Lillard, then you’re not gonna want to miss out on this shoe. The Dame 4 is considered to be the best model in Lillard’s Adidas basketball shoe line. It has amazing features to boast such as the breathable textile upper, an improved traction pattern, and a full-length Bounce midsole. So if you want to be like one of the league’s best offensive players, then we urge you to know more about what this shoe has to offer.
In terms of cushioning, the Bounce technology was used. This cushioning can also be seen from the previous model, Dame 3. The only difference this has compared to the Dame 4 is the latter has a much more enhanced cushioning, as per the request of Damien. With this, the shoe designer, Jesse Rademacher, has come up with a better upgrade for the midsole’s cushioning. He has stated that the Bounce is the best type of cushioning for Damien’s style of play. Once the Dame 4s design had been done, Damien was actually very satisfied with the results and it was exactly what he was looking for. Damien moves quickly on the court so the Bounce cushioning adheres to that by providing shock absorbability, enhanced flexibility, comfort, and excellent court feel.
For traction, the shoe has a rubber outsole and an evolved traction pattern. The designer has explained the purpose as to why the patterns are designed as they are. He stated that the outsole pattern is derived from Damien’s movements and attacking style. When Damien wants to change direction the shoe does the same as well. The lug patterns provide the grip and deflects slippage.
When it comes to the fit of the shoe we recommend wide-foot players to stick to their true size. For narrow and regular footed players, we urge them to go down half a size in order to get that snug fit. They also used an all-new lacing system on this shoe which allows players to have a customized fit that caters to their preference. In addition, this lacing system has reinforced cables that offer superior lockdown and there’s ankle support on the mid-top too.
The Dame 4 is made up of materials such as a lightweight textile upper, which is perfect for those players who love themselves a breathable, comfortable, and flexible shoe. The Neoprene compression collar helps with the overall comfort and fit. And lastly, the upper uses a cleatie construction for a snug one-to-one fit.
No doubt, this shoe will make you feel and look great on and off court. Simply because of the features it boasts, especially the breathable mesh upper that’s lined with numbers and these numbers actually mean something. For those of you who may not know, these numbers represent the significant moments in Damien Lillard’s life. If you take a closer look on the heel you’ll see a message imprinted there that says YKWTII which means “You Know What Time It Is”.
Overall, if you’re looking to buy an affordable pair of basketball shoes that don’t sacrifice quality and performance, then the Dame 4 is the best choice for you. Another good thing about this is it’s considered as one of the best basketball shoes in 2017!
5. Curry 7 by Under Armour
4.4/5 Overall Rating
Pros: This shoe is considered to be the best model in the signature shoe line since the Curry 2 Very durable pair of shoes Traction on these shoes are excellent The cushioning has been improved Lockdown and support are very good This fits better than Curry 6
Some have complained that the cushioning feels too firm Materials that make up this shoe aren’t premium
What do most people think of this product?
Another shoe from Stephen Curry’s signature line would be the Curry 7. If you loved the Curry 2 then you’ll definitely be fond of its successor. The Curry 7 is a low-top basketball shoe that features UA HOVR, Micro G, and a new flexible plate to give players stability, explosiveness, and energy return. Leon Gu, Under Armour’s designer, has combined two cushioning technologies on this shoe, the UA HOVR foam at the top and Micro G at the bottom, and these two are balanced on a flexible plate. This is also the first type of shoe to have the Micro G cushioning.
If you’ve had bad experiences with unresponsive shoes then you’ll like the features that the Curry 7 has. This is because this shoe uses a combination of both UA HOVR and Micro G which provides the player an excellent amount of energy return and responsiveness. The roles of both cushioning are as follows: Micro G is for responsiveness and the UA HOVR is for energy return. This is what Curry exactly wants on his shoes, says the designer. If you’re wondering what the flexible plate is for, it’s used for balancing the two cushioning materials and overall stability (according to Stephen’s needs).
Traction won’t be a problem for this pair of shoes because of the durable rubber outsole and decoupled heel. The heel keeps you from slipping and adds stability to your motions. In terms of lockdown, the lacing can be customized to your preferred fit. Comfort and support is to be expected from this shoe, and we have the decoupled heel to thank for that. The outsole has adaptive herringbone traction patterns that grip on the floor of the court. The lacing system can be tailored to your preferred fit. The padded heel and ankle collar are added for increased comfort and support.
The materials that make up the shoe are translucent layers of synthetic leather, mesh, and TPU skins. The combination of these materials reinforce the shoe’s zonal areas. In turn, that adds to the stability, comfort, and mobility of the player. As for Stephen, these are essential for him in order to be at his peak performance on-court. The Curry 7 is also equipped with an internal counter which provides stability and step-in comfort. Basically, this shoe is very stable since almost every material that makes up this shoe provides just that.
One interesting factor to this shoe is the pull tab. Why? Well, that’s because when Stephen was involved in the designing process of the shoe the designers added three characters that represent Stephen’s children. They were placed on the pull tab and these characters are a wolf, a unicorn, and a butterfly.
Overall, this shoe was designed specifically for point guards. Stability and impact protection are a plus on the Curry 7. Let’s not forget the combination of two cushioning, the UA HOVR and the Micro G. Expect to play at your top performance once you wear these pair of shoes on-court.
6. Zoom KD 12 by Nike
4.3/5 Overall Rating
Pros: Outsole offers excellent grip and on-court and multi-directional traction This shoe has more support compared to its predecessor Does not require any break-in time Lightweight feel on the feet Excellent containment and lockdown Fits true to size (materials are very snug on the fit) Zoom Air cushioning is super bouncy and responsive Extremely comfortable shoes
Outsole attracts dust but doesn’t affect the grip of the shoe Some stated that the materials could’ve been better Some say that the look on the KD 12 does not come up to par with the KD 11 Some players claim that the shoe runs narrow at the forefoot
What do most people think of this product?
Kevin Durant is a name that is widely known in the industry of the NBA. An explosive player who’s difficult to rival on-court. A factor that contributes to his greatness would have to be his shoes which are designed to fit his style of play. The KD 12 by Nike features a broken-in comfort, excellent lockdown, highly responsive cushioning, and lightweight flexibility.
The highlight of the KD 12 would probably be the ultra-responsive cushioning. Usually, Nike’s basketball shoes use the conventional strobel boards. For those of you who may not know what a strobel board is, it’s basically a fabric or non-woven material used to finish the bottom of a shoe upper. Now, they used a Zoom Air unit in place of the strobel boards and this has drastically improved the bounce of the shoe. This would make players soar high and reach the 10-foot hoops in courts. The full-length Zoom Air unit follows the shape of the foot and delivers better heel-to-toe transition.
In terms of the traction, this shoe features a translucent rubber outsole that comes with a fingerprint-like pattern. This rubber outsole was designed as it is to deliver sufficient traction on-court.
The shoe fits true to size, despite it looking a bit narrow on the forefoot. We suggest you order this pair with the actual size of your foot. The lockdown uses Quad Axial Flywire cables. These provide excellent lockdown and containment, so you don’t need to worry about your feet slipping off the shoe. Another thing about this shoe is it doesn’t run low, this is because Kevin Durant himself has experienced slippage with low-top shoes according to Leo Chang, the Nike Basketball Senior Creative Director. That’s why the shoe was designed to have a mid-to-high top cut.
Compared to the previous models in Durant’s shoe line that have low-tops, this model is different because he wanted to change them to have better performance on-court. The new aesthetic equates to a better performance overall. Other details that this shoe has are a large iconic Swoosh on the lateral side and KD branding on the heel and tongue tab.
Overall, this is a well-rounded shoe that is adored by its performance and comfort. It features a new-found cushioning and snug materials that boost performance. Needless to say, the KD 12 is superior to its predecessors and is regarded as one of the best basketball shoes in 2019.
