The Top 5 Basketball Shoes For Dunking (2023)

Updated: July 25, 2023

Let’s be honest. For many of us, dunking on a regulation 10 foot net is a pipe dream. But there are a select few who can realistically slam it down as long as they have the right basketball shoes. If you want to have a chance to dunk like your shoes have springs in them, you need to find sneakers that maximize your vertical jump. At the same time, you want those shoes to also have other key factors like fit, cushioning and support so that you don’t sacrifice the rest of your game.

So what can you put on that will let you hammer a wicked slam in your next pickup game? If dunking is your goal, you’ll want shoes with two key features – they need to be lightweight (so as not to weigh you down) and have maximum springiness (to help you get up).

The shoes below are those that have been reviewed and rated as the best basketball shoes for posterizing your next opponent.

1. Nike Giannis Immortality 2

  • 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.

Fan Average

3.27
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (11 votes)

Review Average

4.6

2. 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.

Fan Average

3.79
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1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (24 votes)

Review Average

4.8

3. Jordan Why Not Zer0.6

  • Solid herringbone traction for consistently fast lateral shifts and stops on indoor courts.
  • Low to the ground cushioning with excellent court feel and good compression and energy return from the full-length Phylon.
  • Stable ride with a pronounced forefoot outrigger, lateral foam wrap, wide base, and internal TPU heel counter.

Fan Average

3.75
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1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (8 votes)

Review Average

4.7

4. Nike KD 15

Nike KD 15
  • Very grippy multidirectional pattern, working well indoors and outdoors.
  • Similar cushioning setup to the KD 14: soft, plush, good bounce.
  • Nice all-around support, improving on the already excellent support of the KD14.
Nike KD 15

Fan Average

3.82
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (327 votes)

Review Average

4.4

5. 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

3.76
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (33 votes)

Review Average

4.7
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