Updated: March 27, 2026
Here’s the weird thing about low top basketball shoes. The data shows that people who wear mid or high top shoes on the court are just as likely (if not more so) to injure their ankle as compared to someone wearing a low top. And yet, people have stuck to their belief that this type of shoe is just not the right shoe for the basketball court.
If you’re willing to trust the science and not your gut, you’ll find that there are a few low top shoes on the market that have everything you’re looking for in a solid on court performer. These are shoes that are durable, have the right level of cushioning, and provide killer ankle support, top notch traction and elite levels of comfort.
A low top sneaker can have some advantages over high tops from a performance standpoint, too. For one thing, less material means the shoe is lighter. That’s a plus for jumping and dunking, as well as for fast players like guards who need to zip around the court.
Low top basketball shoes also offer players more freedom of movement in the ankle. This is actually a plus from an injury prevention standpoint. When the range of movement in the ankle is restricted, this can lead to knee injuries. Ironically, there is actually evidence that high top sneakers can increase the likelihood of an ankle sprain because they delay the reaction of the muscles to a turn.
The bottom line is that injuries can happen no matter what kind of shoes you’re wearing, but a solid, supportive pair of low top sneakers is just as likely to prevent them as a pair of high top shoes. If you prefer the freedom of playing in low tops, you’re definitely not alone. There are a wide variety of high-performance low top sneakers on the market, including signature shoes from some of the top names in the game.
Our team tested and reviewed a slew of low top sneakers to find the best options for players today. The ones on the list below consistently get the highest ratings and are all strong contenders for ballers who want to play in low tops.
