We’re an affiliate
We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Thank you if you use our links, we really appreciate it!
In a hurry? If you don’t have much time, use the link below to quickly find the Best Basketball Shoes for you on Amazon. You can be assured we only choose the best products…
- Best Overall – Precision III
- Best Wide Range Options – Pro Bounce Low 2019
Let’s be honest here, not everyone is willing to splurge on expensive signature basketball shoes. For some, even though they really want to purchase those tempting red and white Jordan’s, they clearly can’t because they don’t have the budget for it. Expensive shoes aren’t a requirement for playing basketball anyway so you don’t have to worry if you can’t purchase one for yourself.
There are tons of affordable basketball shoes in the market and that’s a fact, but we must lower our expectations a bit when it comes to the brands that manufacture shoes under $50. Not a lot of Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour here sadly. Nonetheless, all we need is a shoe that can get the job done. Then again, expensive isn’t really everything. This is where we come in. We searched for the best basketball shoes under $50. And yes, the shoes on our list are decent pairs.
This is also a good opportunity for buyers to explore the industry of basketball shoes! Along the way buyers like you can discover different brands that also manufacture durable, quality, and affordable shoes. The more you look into other types of shoes that various brands offer the broader your knowledge will become when it comes to basketball shoes. You won’t even notice that you’ll probably become a shoe expert and help other people pick the right shoes for them too!This is why we are gladly introducing you to our list of the best basketball shoes under $50! You may scroll down further to see a more detailed review of each shoe.
Table of Contents
Do Shoe Prices Even Matter?
The price tag is everything when it comes to buying the right pair of shoes. Inexpensive shoes are commonly thought to equate to poor quality. While that may be the case sometimes, the same concept applies to expensive shoes. Pricey shoes don’t always mean that they perform super well. The majority of these high-end shoes are priced like this because they were made by iconic people and the purpose behind the existence of these shoes is mainly for a status symbol rather than actually using it for sports, specifically basketball.
You can still find great shoes at a decent price point or you can also invest in expensive ones, just make sure they fit you well, provide enough traction, have good durability, support, and give a comfortable snug on your foot. Sometimes, starting from the bottom can actually do us some good.
There’s nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to buying cheap shoes, let alone a pair of shoes under $50. The good thing about this is, if we start purchasing cheap shoes then we’ll appreciate the expensive ones once we have the budget to afford it. Moreover, this will make us more knowledgeable on the differences between expensive and cheap shoes, well-known brands and shady brands, so on and so forth.
So, do shoe prices matter? Well, yes and no.
Overview Of The Best Basketball Shoes Under $50
1. Precision III by Nike
- 4.5/5 rating
- Top: Mid
- Lockdown: Lace-Up
- Colorways: Black, Grey, White
- Released: 2019
2. Pro Bounce Low 2019 by Adidas
- 4.3/5 rating
- Top: Low
- Lockdown: Lace-Up
- Colorways: Black, Green, Red
- Released: 2019
3. Jet Low by Under Armour
- 4.3/5 rating
- Top: Low
- Lockdown: Lace-Up
- Colorways: Black, Blue, Grey, White
- Weight: 369g
- Released: 2019
4. Harden Stepback by Adidas
- 4.4/5 rating
- Top: Mid
- Signature: James Harden
- Lockdown: Lace-Up
- Colorways: Black, Grey, White
- Released: 2019
5. Kyrie Flytrap II by Nike
- 4.5/5 rating
- Top: Low
- Signature: Kyrie Irving
- Lockdown: Lace-Up
- Colorways: Black, Grey, White
- Released: 2019
Must-Have Basketball Shoes Under $50
1. Precision III by Nike
4.5/5 Overall Rating
Pros:
Shoe breaks-in in no time Traction is really great. There’s no need for constant wiping on the outsole The majority of consumers claim that the shoe fits true to size Step-in comfort is good Design looks good and the colorways look really nice Outsole is pretty durable and can endure outdoor use Suitable for both work and play Cushioning feels very nice on this shoe. Very responsive and provides good bounce Shoe is lightweight Very affordable shoes
Cons:
Some have claimed that the shoe runs a bit tight
Materials that make up the shoe look and feel cheap. Upper does not offer enough strength and support
What do most people think of this product?
Now this shoe clearly isn’t under $50 but we still included it on the list since it only costs an additional $10. The Precision III is a very affordable shoe made by Nike and this shoe features a breathable mesh upper, durable outsole, lightweight midsole, and multidirectional traction. With all these features combined into one shoe, you’ll definitely make the most out of the shoe. Get ready to conquer the court with full support and control without breaking the bank.
The lightweight midsole features a foam with two levels of cushioning that allows the player to experience a soft and smooth ride. It also gives excellent response and the bounce you get off of this shoe is not that bad and actually exceeds some people’s expectations. The outsole of the shoe is made out of durable rubber, and that type of outsole can perform well outdoors. It also features a multidirectional traction pattern which provides excellent traction and grip on the court. You don’t need to worry about slipping when you make quick cuts.
The shoe is advertised to fit true to size, however, some have claimed the shoe to have a narrow fit. So for the wide-foot players out there, it’s best to try these shoes on in person to get a more accurate and comfortable fit. This mid-top shoe features a padded collar that offers a good amount of both containment and comfort. You get an assured feeling of secureness and a precise fit all thanks to the engineered quarter panel and additional eyelets that extend up to the shoe’s collar.
The upper of the Precision III is constructed by materials such as a performance mesh and fabric. These two materials go hand-in-hand and offer good breathability. For added comfort, a textile lining is present on the shoe. It also has a midfoot shank which adds to torsional rigidity. The style on these pair of shoes are something to be praised for. It features a sleek design, a round toe that appears to be simple yet it looks stylish. The iconic Swoosh symbol is located on the sides, heel, and tongue of the shoe.
Overall, we think that this shoe is an absolute must-have because of its affordability and excellent performance. Not a lot of reviews from consumers out there have negative things to say about the Nike Precision III. For $60 you get a stylish, comfortable, responsive, and grippy basketball shoe that works well outdoors. It can even be compared with iconic signature shoes like PG 3 and Kyrie 5! This is how good Precision III performs.
2. Pro Bounce Low 2019 by Adidas
4.3/5 Overall Rating
Pros: Traction on these shoes perform well The low-top shoe is very supportive. TPU banking barrier contains the foot very well The low cushioning is decent. Provides enough court feel, impact protection, bounce, and responsiveness Consumers are satisfied with the materials. The upper is lightweight yet it’s able to provide structure and support
Traction is inconsistent. Once the outsole gathers a bit of dust that’s enough to make players slip on the courtDesign of the shoe could be betterMinor heel slip when in gameWhat do most people think of this product?
The Pro Bounce from Adidas has two variants: Pro Bounce 2019 and Pro Bounce 2019 Low. In this review, we’ll be focusing on the latter. This shoe is designed to provide players with agility, an important skill to have when playing basketball. These pair of shoes have a Bounce cushioning on its midsole that provides a decent amount of response and bounciness. The lateral TPU overlay provides stability which helps players execute quick movements. On the outsole, a herringbone pattern can be seen and this provides excellent grip on a clean court.
The cushioning on this shoe is advertised to provide excellent response and bounciness to players, hence the name of the shoe, Pro Bounce Madness Low. The midsole is equipped with a Bounce cushioning that provides enough response and court feel. In terms of traction, the rubber outsole has a zonal herringbone pattern which enhances the grip of the shoe. However, some claimed that the traction is not consistent with this shoe. Just a little bit of dirt on the outsole and players will slip on the court.
The fit on this shoe is similar to its high-top counterpart. It fits true to size and provides a comfortable and snug fit. A lot of consumers have no complaints about the fit. The lockdown of the shoe is reinforced with a lace-up closure and an articulated collar which enhances support as well. The Adidas Pro Bounce Low is also equipped with a TPU midfoot overlay which adds to the stability of the shoe.
The shoe is made up of a lightweight textile mesh upper which is a great provider of breathability and a high-abrasion toe cap that increases durability. The design of this shoe is obviously a low-top cut which is great for added agility. The Pro Bounce Madness Low also boasts a two-tone upper for that extra style which is noticeable once you step foot on the court. However, some consumers said that the appearance of the shoe could be better so it’s actually up for the buyer to decide whether it is indeed lacking luster in terms of its overall look.
Overall, the performance of this shoe resembles the performance of its high-top counterpart. The only difference we could spot was the price tag on these shoes and the Low variant is obviously cheaper. The biggest issue the buyer is going to have to face is the inconsistent traction. But if you frequently play in clean indoor courts then you have nothing to worry about!
3. Jet Low by Under Armour
4.3/5 Overall Rating
Pros: The herringbone pattern on the outsole has successfully prevented slipping and sliding problems that players usually face A very stylish shoe The shoe is a good bargain because comfort and flexibility work really wellAside from basketball use, wearers have comfortably worn these pair for everyday use
Shoe is comfortable to play in right out of the box Break-in happens under a short amount of time and in a nice manner
Some have complained that the shoe runs narrow Visibility of white glue on the upperWhat do most people think of this product?
Under Armour is generous enough to provide the Jet series which is a shoe line that comprises affordable shoes, and the Jet Low would be a good example of that. The shoe features the same materials used on the more pricier shoes of Under Armour and the majority of which are high and mid-top shoes. The ever reliable EVA foam is used as the cushioning for the midsole which provides comfort of course. The outsole sports the famous herringbone pattern to assure that players don’t randomly slip during a game. A lot of consumers like this shoe because of its affordability, plus, it’s designed by Under Armour!
The responsiveness that players get from this shoe comes from the very famous EVA foam on the midsole. Not only does it provide response, it also gives us comfort and absorbs impact from the multidirectional footwork of the player. Another source of comfort comes from the footbed and this also helps keep the foot in place. When it comes to ankle support, you don’t have to worry. The insides of the Jet Low has paddings in it so it gives the player enough support on the ankles.
For the traction, the outsole of the shoe is made of one-piece rubber and features a herringbone pattern. Most company giants that manufacture shoes use this type of pattern on the outsole and they swear by it and claim it to be a no-fail pattern. It provides good court grip and supports the lateral and forward movements of the player.
The Jet Low runs true to size, however, some consumers claim that it runs narrow. For wide-foot players and for new buyers, we suggest you go up half a size when you decide to grab a pair of these shoes. The lacing system on this shoe is simple and it has plastic eyelets as well. If you want to achieve your preferred fit you can do so by adjusting both the tongue and the shoelaces.
The shoe is made up of a combination between engineered mesh and synthetic leather. This is a common type of combination by the way. To get rid of moisture easily, perforations are placed all throughout the shoe. For added breathability on the midfoot, the mesh tongue is in charge of that and it also keeps the foot down at the same time.
The style on this shoe is pretty simple. The Under Armour logo can be seen on the tongue, outsole, insole, and both sides of the shoe. On the heel counter we can see that the sturdy pull tab has an Under Armour callout on it.
Overall, this is a very good choice when it comes to buying an affordable shoe. To make buyers feel more assured, the Jet Low is manufactured by a reputable brand. This low-top shoe provides comfort and support which is what most players are looking for in a decent cheap shoe. If you loved this shoe from Under Armour, then you can go ahead and check out the Curry 7!
4. Harden Stepback by Adidas
4.4/5 Overall Rating
Pros:This shoe is an affordable one from Harden’s signature line Comfortable A very stylish shoe Materials feel supportive Bounce midsole is comfortable and provides very good response A great outdoor shoe
Outsole is grippy and durable
Cons: Traction needs time to break-in Bounce midsole is firm. Does not offer much impact protection Some have claimed that these shoes are uncomfortable and said they experienced having blisters due to discomfort
What do most people think of this product?
The shoe got its name from James Harden’s signature stepback which is pretty interesting. This shoe features a lightweight build that helps players elevate their play style. The Harden Stepback makes use of a flexible Bounce cushion that provides comfort on and off the hardwood floor of the court. The outsole has this Supergrip material that’s very grippy traction no matter what type of environment you play in. This mid-top basketball shoe has a textile upper and an ergonomic lacing system which allows players to feel comfort all day long.
The cushioning on this shoe is called the Bounce and it’s full in length and is located on the midsole and that enhances underfoot cushioning. Comfort is an important factor in basketball because if your shoes aren’t comfy then you can’t perform well on court. Good thing the midsole is lightweight and flexible because this adds comfort on your feet so you can play all day. Moving to the outsole, it’s made from durable Supergrip rubber that has phenomenal grip on any type of environment you play in. Then the lockdown on this shoe is also quite good. The Harden Snapback makes use of a mid-top collar and an ergonomic lacing system that contributes to the overall support and comfort of the shoe.
The materials that make up the shoe are textile for the upper and a synthetic toe cap on the forefoot. The textile upper makes way for lightweight breathability while the synthetic toe cap on the other hand provides added protection and abrasion resistance.
The overall style of the shoe sports this lightweight build to help players elevate their game. Also, the shoe is equipped with a wide forefoot and a flexible midsole that allows players to break the defense of their opponents and then perform an easy stepback afterwards. Lastly, Harden’s logo can be seen on the tongue and gives you an MVP-ish feel and look on or off-court.
Overall, the performance of this shoe is phenomenal despite its affordability. A Lot of consumers are impressed with the durability of the outsole and claim that it grips really well. The flexible Bounce midsole on the other hand keeps the feet feel fresh and responsive all the time. So if you’re in search for some great performing budget-friendly signature basketball shoes, then go and try this one out! If you have money to spare and want to buy a different signature shoe, then you can check out shoes like Zoom KD or Dame 5.
5. Kyrie Flytrap II by Nike
4.5/5 Overall Rating
Pros: The traction on these pairs are phenomenal. Grip sticks like glue and only minimal wiping is required Performs well even for outdoor use. The grooves on the outsole run deep and the rubber outsole is pretty thick These make for perfect PG shoes because they are lightweight and feel minimal The overall look of this shoe is better compared to its predecessor The materials on this shoe are better than the first Kyrie Flytrap Great support and lockdown
No break-in time Very responsive pair of shoes and offer a lot of court feel Consumers are satisfied with its overall performanceRuns true to size
Traction needs time to break-in Bounce midsole is firm. Does not offer much impact protection Some have claimed that these shoes are uncomfortable and said they experienced having blisters due to discomfort
What do most people think of this product?
This shoe was designed for the purpose of complimenting Irving’s style of play. This shoe is advertised to give players maximum control and traction. The shoe also features a curved outsole that wraps up the sides and that makes room for an all-angle traction. On the forefoot is the Nike Zoom Air unit and the purpose of this feature is to return a springy and responsive feel. The shoe is also equipped with a forefoot band that enhances the overall support and containment of the foot while the player executes quick movements while changing directions when in-game.
The provided cushioning on this shoe is the Nike Zoom and it’s neatly placed on the foam midsole of the Kyrie Flytrap II. The purpose of this cushioning is to provide a responsive and springy feel under the foot. This will make any player zoom in on the basket and reach that 10-foot hoop, all thanks to the bounciness of the cushioning. The outsole of the shoe has a curved design that keeps up with the complicated footwork of Irving, his spin moves, and crossovers. The innovative design of the outsole provides traction in every direction.
The fit on the Kyrie Flytrap II is true to size but some claim that it runs kind of narrow at the forefoot. We recommend that you order your real size if you decide to purchase these basketball shoes online. The shoe utilizes a lace-up closure with a flexible forefoot band for a really good and comfortable snug fit. The flexible band helps with the containment of your foot as you move around the court. An external heel clip and a padded collar helps keep the ankle locked in.
The materials that make up the shoe is a durable screen-printed upper. This durable mesh material is designed to give the player a breathable support as they make quick cuts on the court. In terms of its style, it features a low-top two-piece construction with an exaggerated heel piece. The “KI” logo and the number 11 can be found on the midfoot. For added aesthetic, the heel piece is textured and has a stitching around the Swoosh logo. The outsole boasts a third-eye inspired look.
Overall, a lot of wearers are satisfied with the performance of Irving’s signature shoe. The aesthetic, performance ,and quality of the shoe is superb. Every feature just blends together very well. You’ll get a pretty good deal out of this shoe, it’s affordable and provides great performance. We’d recommend you give it a try!
