The Top 5 Basketball Shoes For Kids and Youth (2023)

Updated: June 16, 2023

Your kids have been watching their favorite ballers on TV for years and they’re finally ready to get on the court. If you’ve been following the sneaker scene, you know your kid has a ton of options but you want to make sure that you get the right shoe for their feet. How do you decide on what pair of basketball shoes to get for your child?

The list of kids sneakers available for your boy or girl is quite long but you need to be focusing your attention on the same factors that are important in a shoe you’d buy for yourself – traction, cushioning, comfort, support and stability. If you pay attention to these variables — and pick a style that your kid will love, too — you’ll find the perfect youth basketball shoe.

The shoes below are those that have been reviewed and rated as the best basketball shoes for your little baller.

1. Adidas D.O.N. Issue #4

  • Multidirectional pixelated traction pattern works well indoors and outdoors.
  • Cushioning may be a bit stiff for some, but softens up after a longer break-in period.
  • Wide base provides stability, with excellent support.

Fan Average

3.74
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (90 votes)

Review Average

4.1

2. Air Jordan 38

Air Jordan 38
  • Biting, dust-resistant traction is ideal for indoor courts, though lacks the durability for outdoor play.
  • Responsive midsole with a double-stacked forefront Zoom units that give them a ton of bounce and excellent jump height.
  • Great ankle support from the extended collar and neoprene ankle pillows.
Air Jordan 38

Fan Average

3.75
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (32 votes)

Review Average

4.7

3. Under Armour Curry Flow 10

  • Outstanding grippiness, especially on clean indoor courts.
  • The Flow cushioning is nice and stable, without being too heavy duty.
  • Support is decidedly improved from the Curry 9. A huge win here.

Fan Average

3.66
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (141 votes)

Review Average

4.4

4. Nike Team Hustle D10

  • Pressure-mapped rubber sole with a curved heel and flexible grooves that grips well while still allowing for natural step movements and quick cuts in any direction.
  • Comfortable soft foam midsole and heel padding feels plush and provides good impact protection.
  • An asymmetrical collar gives the ankle flexible support, with a secure feel across the foot from the lace webbing.

Fan Average

3.06
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (16 votes)

Review Average

4.5

5. Puma Clyde All-Pro

  • Perhaps the best traction of any shoe this year. Multidirectional pattern helps you grip, stop on a dime, and cut all over the court.
  • A very nice cushioning upgrade over Puma's previous basketball shoes provides good responsiveness and feedback.
  • Support is excellent for a low-cut silhouette.

Fan Average

3.51
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (251 votes)

Review Average

4.6
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