The Top 5 Basketball Shoes For Dunking (2023)

Updated: February 27, 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

  • 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

4.19
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (21 votes)

Review Average

4.0

2. Adidas Harden Vol. 6

Adidas Harden Vol. 6
  • The popular herringbone traction from the Vol. 3 is back, giving the Vol. 6 a great bite even on wet courts.
  • Boost foam cushioning and Achilles heel cushion pods have a responsive feel.
  • The rubber sidewall adds lateral stability, while internal ankle pods provide a secure lockdown to support agile movement.
Adidas Harden Vol. 6

Fan Average

3.77
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (166 votes)

Review Average

4.4

3. Jordan Why Not Zer0.5

Jordan Why Not Zer0.5
  • Durable traction is inspired by outdoor running shoes, but while it stands up well to all types of courts its grip is a bit inconsistent.
  • Large-volume forefront Zoom Air unit for a bouncy feel with great energy return.
  • Midfoot bands lock down the foot well, with an external heel counter for extra stability and an internal collar for improved ankle support.
Jordan Why Not Zer0.5

Fan Average

3.60
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (72 votes)

Review Average

4.5

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

3.84
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (301 votes)

Review Average

4.4

5. Nike Kyrie Infinity

  • Traction pattern similar to the Kyrie 6 gives a dependable grip, even on dusty courts.
  • Forefoot Zoom Strobel unit adds bounce and impact protection, with a Zoom Air unit in the heel and midsole tooling for a smooth, comfortable stride.
  • Strong lateral containment, ankle support, and heel support for a locked down feel across the foot.

Fan Average

3.65
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (48 votes)

Review Average

4.6
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