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- Best Overall – Air Jordan XXXII
- Best Wide Range Options – O.N. Issue #1
For basketball enthusiasts and sneakerheads alike, they wouldn’t mind spending a little extra on sneakers. The starting price of $200 and up is just a small bill when it comes to collectors like these, but how about for those who can’t afford shoes beyond this price?
You may be worried that shoes under this price might not suit your expectations because you fear that they may not be durable, stylish, and perform great. This kind of thinking is normal but don’t worry! You’ll be more than glad to know that there are actually great basketball shoes under $200! Expect to see well-known brands in our list such as Adidas, Nike, Under Armour, and others.
I’d like to remind people who are interested and are planning to buy basketball shoes that price tags aren’t always a reliable basis. Not all expensive shoes are great!
This is why we are gladly introducing you to our list of the best basketball shoes under $200! You may scroll down further to see a more detailed review of each shoe.
Table of Contents
Overview Of The Best Basketball Shoes Under $200
1. Air Jordan XXXII by Nike
- 5/5 rating
- Top: Mid
- Signature: Michael Jordan
- Lockdown: Lace-Up
- Colorways: Black, Blue, Grey, Red, White
- Weight: 454g
- Versions: Pre-school, Grade-school
2. D.O.N. Issue #1 by Adidas
- 4.7/5 rating
- Top: Low
- Signature: Donovan Mitchell
- Lockdown: Lace-Up
- Colorways: Black, Green, Grey, Orange, Red
- Weight: 426g
- Released: 2019
3. 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
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. T-Mac Millenium by Adidas
- 4.6/5 rating
- Top: Low
- Signature: Tracy McGrady
- Lockdown: Lace-Up
- Colorways: Black, Blue,Green, Orange, Purple, Red, White
6. Dame 5 by Adidas
- 4.6/5 rating
- Top: Mid
- Signature: Damien Lillard
- Lockdown: Lace-Up
- Colorways: Black, Blue, Gold, Green, Grey, White
- Released: 2019
6 Of The Best Basketball Shoes Under $200
1. Air Jordan XXXII by Nike
5/5 Overall Rating
Pros:
Looks are amazing according to many consumers Very comfortable to wear on and off the court The balance and cushion of the shoe is superb Materials are high-end Traction is more than excellent A lot of buyers have no complaints about this shoe Flyknit material offers very good lockdown The material of the shoe allows it to mold to your foot nicely Absence of internal slippage
Sizing selection is limited In the beginning, the Flyknit material is too tight but loosens after a few runsSome claim that this shoe is too tight and not wide-feet friendly Heavy and bulky Cushioning feels stiff, requires some time to break in
What do most people think of this product?
This has got to be one of the best additions to the legendary Air Jordan line. It’s made out of premium materials that perfectly balances modern innovation and heritage-inspired style. It goes beyond the luxurious design and is a great pair of basketball shoes overall. In terms of the material, the Flyknit upper is paired with high-quality leather for enhanced support and flexibility while the mid-top collar enhances lateral stability. It’s equipped with the FlightSpeed technology which allows you to shift your weight on the hardwood floor of the court and take flight like the iconic Michael Jordan himself.
The cushion on this shoe is seen on the heel and forefoot and uses a low-profile Nike Zoom Air unit which offers protection from impacts and lightweight responsiveness. The newly improved FlightSpeed technology is placed over the Forefoot Air bag in order to maximize responsiveness. The moderator plate of the FlightSpeed distributes the compression force. This means you get to do springy moves all over the court.
The solid rubber outsole of the shoe has a fresh traction pattern to prevent slipping when you’re on the court. The blade-like shapes on the shoe that spell out the XXXII are designed that way for added grip. The fit on this Air Jordan runs true to size, and both normal and wide foot players are advised to order these pairs based on their foot’s actual size. We recommend you do the fitting in person just to be sure that you get the right fit.
For the newbies out there, the lockdown is also referred to as the lacing system of the shoe. The Flyknit upper is integrated by the lacing system which provides comfortable support and distraction-free lockdown. The materials that make up the shoe are made from premium stuff, they made sure to construct the Flyknit material in areas where support and stretch were needed the most to enhance the performance of the shoe. It gives a perfect snug to your feet, it’s lightweight and has breathable comfort. Compared to previous Air Jordan’s, this one has a much more flexible upper. The role of the said flexible upper is to reduce any stiffness on the forefoot.
Overall, this is indeed a very popular shoe and many professional players out there have proved that the Air Jordan XXXII provides the best performance any baller could ask for.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. PG 3 by Nike
5/5 Overall Rating
Pros: 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 cheapSome complain about the shoe’s look, looks cheapFoam 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 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, ripstop collar, and a circular traction pattern which 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 the PG 3 is the perfect choice for a lightweight shoe. Traction is great and cushioning is light and responsive.
5. T-Mac Millenium by Adidas
4.6/5 Overall Rating
Pros: It sports a great style The show is equipped with a Boost midsole which is present in a wide variety of Adidas’ great basketball shoe line Herringbone pattern on the outsole Very comfortable shoes
Quite pricey The lockdown on the T-Mac Millenium has mixed reviews Some have complained that the materials feel cheap What do most people think of this product?
This particular shoe from Adidas was created for the shooting guard and small forward, Tracy McGrady. Compared to its predecessors, this model has been upgraded into a much more well performing shoe. The Boost midsole has got to be the best thing they put in this shoe because that type of cushioning amplifies energy in every step a player takes. You can expect nothing but support, comfort, and stability from the T-Mac Millenium. Also, the TPU overlay adds to the overall stability as well and traction on these are pretty swell too, thanks to the herringbone pattern.
An innovative feature has been placed in the shoe’s midsole and that is the full-length Boost cushioning system. This guarantees the player to have excellent responsiveness because the Boost functions by delivering double the energy return for each step that the player makes during matches. Then in terms of traction, it performs well too. The outsole is equipped with the well-known herringbone pattern. Then the outsole itself is made out of rubber, which gives players great traction in court.
The T-Mac Millenium fits true to size, however, it’s still advisable for people to check their sizes out in person, just so you can get a more precise fit. The lockdown on the shoe makes use of the traditional lacing system which is placed on the middle part of the shoe. A lace guard is paired with this in order to reduce movement during heated matches.
Now the material may be made out of a synthetic upper but it still fits wide-foot players and they have no qualms about the shoe’s material. As a matter of fact, this shoe was made to provide a comfortable fit and supportive feel for basketball players. There arlso overlays on the TPU’s construction. This encloses the player’s foot and gives lateral support. And if you’re the type of person who has a hard time putting on their shoes, this one comes with a pull tab on the heel area so you can easily slip in your feet inside the shoes.
Overall, the T-Mac Millenium is a fan favorite when it comes to its look, performance, and comfort. A lot of shoe fanatics were extatic when they knew about this model having a full-length Boost cushioning technology. Again, I’m going to stress on its look because it just looks do darn good! And a lot of people think that too! The only downside with this particular shoe is its price point as it does belong in the pricier side. Nonetheless, this shoe is wide-foot friendly. Apart from that, wide-foot players get to enjoy the features this has along with the reliable and responsive cushioning.
6. Dame 5 by Adidas
4.6/5 Overall Rating
Pros: Dame 5 has the best Bounce cushioning out of all the other models in the shoe line Sleek design and stylish Fit of the shoe is enjoyed by many Herringbone pattern for traction works perfectly. Works well on both clean and dusty courts Does not require break-in Full tongue and knit collar allows players to wear ankle braces
Mesh upper material feels cheap Wearers don’t like the colorways Some have experiences minor slips on dusty courts
What do most people think of this product?
This shoe has been branded as the best model out of Damien’s signature line. The way the designers came up with this design is based on the combined attributes of the Dame 2, 3, and 4. For those who highly regard responsiveness, you will get the most out of this shoe, thanks to the full-length Bounce cushion. The herringbone pattern on the outsole is actually the first Dame model to have such a pattern. Traction works great, regardless of how clean or dirty the court is, and just gives a really nice grip on the floor. As for the upper, it’s made from either mesh or suede, or full-length leather.
Similar to its predecessors, the Dame 5 boasts its full-length bounce cushion. There are lots of benefits you can get from this type of cushioning such as responsiveness, energy return, and impact protection. No wonder the shoe has received a lot of praise, the way this cushioning performs are loved by both normal players and Damien himself.
The outsole depends on what colorway the shoe has, it can either be a light gum, gum, or solid rubber. Now the interesting part about its pattern is it’s the first Dame model to actually have it. The famous multidirectional herringbone pattern is one of the shoe’s highlight. The traction still performs at its best on whatever surface the player is on, be it clean or dirty, there’s no hindrance to excellent traction it provides.
The fit on these shoes come in the standard Adidas sizing, however, there are actually mixed reviews regarding the fit. Some say that it fits true to size, others claim that the shoe runs too long and wide. The best way to know about your size is to visit your local sports store and do a personat fitting there. The thermo polyurethane panel is the one responsible for keeping your foot in place.
The upper’s material will vary and depends on what colorway you’re planning to get. You have the choice to choose between mesh and suede combo or full leather. For added comfort, the tongue, ankle, collar, and inner walls of the shoe are padded. In addition, the outriggers of the shoe will help in preventing ankle rolls. The Dame 5 sports a mid-top silhouette and comes with a wide variety of nine colorways.
Overall, the features that the Dame 5 boasts lives up to its name. It performs really well when worn in-court. The only downside is the sizing of the shoe, but once you have that figured out then you’re all set!
