Nike Basketball Shoes for Hoop Geek

In this age where people make “Nike contact” before making actual eye contact, selecting the right pair is necessary.

However, finding the perfect footgear is not the easiest, especially for certified basketball geeks. They say that these little bad boys could make or break a career and leisure, which is indeed a fact.

It is a no-brainer to pick checks over others in the hoops gear department. For the record, Nike controls more than 90% of the total basketball shoe market in the United States.

This says so much why 70% of NBA players wear the company’s products during their games. In the past years, it managed to close long-term endorsement deals with top ballers like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Lebron James.

Despite the brand’s ensured quality offering, there are a good number of considerations that buyers should look into.

Factors to Consider

The first is fit. Experts recommend keeping true to size measurements when selecting your perfect pair.

This means setting only half an inch space from the toe tip to the cap as the maximum allowance. Such leverage will ensure that feet could move inside comfortably while preventing potential slippage.

Another is structure and quality. It is understandable that basketball footwears are more replaceable than others. Experts recommend replacing your shoes every four months if you play two or three times a week.

Despite this short turnaround time, the best quality materials combined with the right structure will maximize benefits during their lifespan.

It is best that players identify the shoe cut which is best suitable for them from a variety of cuts to choose from.

High-tops ensure the best ankle support but come with a little more weight compared to other types. With this, it is advised best from those prone to Achilles tendon ruptures and other forms of ankle injuries.

Meanwhile, for those who prefer lightweight and flexible kicks without worrying about minimum ankle protection, low-tops are the way.

For players who are in the middle of the spectrum who does more movement while minding the shoe weight, a mid-high model will be the best.

The last checklist in the search for the best pair is suitability for your position in the game. This consideration should the top of your concern.

Are you a Power Forward that needs to take long shots? Or a Shooting Guard who needs to move with power and speed?

The list is long and changing but there are a number of Nike basketball shoes that are market favorites more than the other.

After scrambling through the internet for days, we have come up with a list of top-rated Nikes for every category.

Best Overall – Kobe Protro

Pros: ultralightweight and good style

Cons: firm forefoot cushion and currently unavailable in the market

It is a blasphemy to come up with a list of the best hoops shoes without mentioning Kobe’s line. Everyone is aware of the fact that the basketball legend’s line sells like hotcakes every launch.

However, Bryant’s five-year contract with Nike expired last year and no renewal has been made so far. A sad announcement for all of his fans and the game’s fanatics alike.

The agreement’s expiration also meant that production will be put on a stop, hopefully only for the time being.

But while Kobe 4 Protros are not available for sale on the website anymore, its popularity remains present.

According to the list of most popular shoes worn by NBA players during the 2020-2021 edition, Kobe 4 Protro topped the list. 62 ballers from last year’s selected it for a reason.

This model is a carbon copy of the original Kobe 5s, only improved by better cushioning and sponginess.

It provides the maximum among of insole support and bounces without discounting the court feel.

Users swear by its reliable grip and ankle support, despite being categorized as a low-top cut.

Moreover, its lightweight nature is what gets most of the buyers in. It is easy to move around without feeling it is actually on.

We hope that Bryant’s party would clinch a deal soon with Nike Inc soon. Kobe’s shoes will surely sell out only seconds after they are up for sale.

Best Movement – KD 14

Pros: maximum impact protection due to full-length Zoom Air midsole

Cons: does not offer best traction and grip

It is hard to pass on a shoe as good as the KD 14.

First off, Kevin’s Durant’s entire line enjoyed a great deal of popularity among patrons due to its great quality.

The pair warms to the user’s feet quickly, unlike other models that need a longer time to break in.

The NBA star is able to translate his own preferences on KD 14 – lightweight, all-around, and suitable for fast-paced movements.

The keyword is movement. Its efficient design features a very simple upper structure consisting only of a strap and collar—no-frills make it sturdy as it is.

The only downside is the considerably weaker traction compared to other designs. This makes it not ideal for the outdoors. On the other hand, reviews claim that grip gets better with time.

Currently, it is ranked among the top 6% of the most popular basketball shoes across all brands. The KD never fails to outdo itself, making spectators excited for every launch.

Best Cushion – Cosmic Unity

Pros: good for both indoor and outdoor plays, made from sustainable materials

Cons: retails at an average price of $150.00 which high price point among basketball shoes

Nobody does its cushioning better than Nike’s Cosmic Unity. Due to this, RunRepeat’s website gave it a “Superb” rating with a 92% approval score.

Its cushioning boasts the popular Zoom Air Strobel which is the same used with the KD 12 and 13. This adds spring to users’ steps without removing maximum court feels.

Another factor that makes Cosmic Unity a top-line product is its adherence to sustainability standards. Its midsole is made from recycled foam which made its “beefy” cushion reliably comfortable.

There is no doubt why LA Lakers’ Power Forward and Center Anthony Davis list this as among his go-to kicks. He is the first player to have worn the sustainable line in a game.

Despite being considered on the pricier side, it is considered a solid shoe for its quality.

Best Price – Giannis Immortality

Pros: durability and stylish

Cons: problems with stability due to phylon cushioning

Cheap does not necessarily mean poor quality. NBA rising star Giannis Antetokounmpo is known for his speed and versatility which are exactly what this pair is all about.

While this is not part of the Greek Freak’s signature line Zoom Freak, it still could fare very well with the lineage.

Immortality’s grip could be considered as among the best from both high-end and low-end varieties.

It also performs well outdoors which is rather rare among budget basketball shoes.

On the other hand, this model is not the most reliable in the stability department. It takes a rather long time to break in which could result in unsure footing at times.

Its phylon cushioning is obviously not paying off well but provides a comfortable level of cushion nevertheless.

For those looking for an alternative that is priced under $100.00, Nike Precision 5 could also make the cut.

The latter is firmer than Immortality and is more supportive due to the side-wall containment.

On the other hand, in terms of style, it is a clean sweep win for Giannis.

There is a never-ending list of basketball shoes to choose from in the market today. But Nike Inc remained on top due to its dedication to innovate, even allowing customers to customize their own shoes.

Over the years, the company invested heavily in research and development to come up with the best materials for its shoes.

So whether you are playing professionally or for leisure, a good quality pair is non-negotiable.

Always choose not only based on popularity but also on suitability, quality, and endurance.

Also read: Sporting Activities for Men: What are the Best Shoes?

Pinstripe Magazine

Pinstripe Magazine Staff
Online Men’s Lifestyle Magazine on Gear, Grooming, Girls, Gadgets