The Top 5 Basketball Shoes For Centers + Big Men (2023)

Updated: April 13, 2023

Being a big man can be a blessing and a curse. You’re always wanted in a pickup game to play center and you can guard the middle like nobody else. At the same time, the strain on your knees and back can lead to debilitating pain and may even keep you off the court. If you’re tall and you want to stay in the game, you need to figure out how to avoid the pain of the center.

The key for big men is to find a shoe with high levels of cushioning. When you’re tall, you often weigh more than average (even if you’re skinny), leading to excessive forces being placed on your knees and back. To minimize the damage, you want to wear shoes that soften the impact you are placing every time you plant your feet.

The shoes below are those that have been reviewed and rated as the best basketball shoes for centers who need to protect their body.

1. Nike Air Zoom GT Cut 2

  • Advanced traction with deep tread grooves that wraps around the forefoot for extra grip during fast stops and direction changes.
  • React midsole cushioning with a full-length Zoom strobel and embedded Zoom air pod combine for high impact protection and bounce.
  • Snug fit with good support and foot lockdown, though its torsional stability and ankle support are a bit lacking.
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(Nike)

Fan Average

3.77
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (13 votes)

Review Average

4.6

2. Nike LeBron 20

  • Traction is absolutely outstanding.
  • Cushion is bouncy with amazing court feel. Big upgrade over last year's LeBron.
  • Despite the lower profile of the shoe, stability remains rock solid.
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(Nike)

Fan Average

3.82
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (72 votes)

Review Average

4.6

3. Adidas Harden Vol. 7

  • Combination of herringbone and radial traction patterns give consistent, multidirectional grip.
  • Dual-density foam, with Lightstrike forefoot cushioning and a BOOST midsole that balance firm support with a bouncy feel.
  • Wide base with a full-length bottom-loaded shank plate for excellent stability and foot containment.
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(Adidas)

Fan Average

4.07
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (15 votes)

Review Average

4.8

4. Nike Giannis Immortality

  • Nice herringbone traction keeps you gripping the floor throughout your game.
  • Some nice phylon cushioning that can take time to wear in.
  • The shoe provides good support, but again requires a break-in period and getting used to.
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(Nike)

Fan Average

4.13
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (30 votes)

Review Average

4.0

5. Air Jordan 37

  • 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.
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(Nike)

Fan Average

3.47
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (111 votes)

Review Average

4.7
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