The Top 5 Basketball Shoes For Kids and Youth (2024)

Alex Morata

Updated: January 26, 2024

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 #5

  • Elevated traction pattern on rubber outsole sticks to hardwood courts during quick cuts.
  • Lightstrike Strobel provides huge explosive power, with a sculpted midsole for speed.
  • TPU heel clip and medial zone stabilizer combine for solid support.
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(Adidas)

Fan Average

3.74
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (54 votes)

Review Average

4.8

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.
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(Nike)
Air Jordan 38

Fan Average

3.44
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (86 votes)

Review Average

4.7

3. Under Armour Curry 11

  • Flow technology foam compound sole is super grippy, though it lacks the durability of rubber, making it less suitable for outdoor use.
  • Bouncy full-length Flow cushioning with midsole cut-outs that give it room to expand, enhancing its compression and comfort.
  • Combination of shank plate, external heel counter, and a Pebax plate in the forefoot give great support, with a 1-to-1 fit and lateral lace cables for a firm lockdown.
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(Under Armour) Check Price
(Foot Locker)

Fan Average

3.92
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (50 votes)

Review Average

4.9

4. Nike Team Hustle D11

  • Durable full-length rubber outsole grips indoor and outdoor courts, with extra skin around the toes.
  • Plush midsole foam underfoot, with extra tongue and collar padding for more support.
  • Fit is snug but small, with most players needing to wear a half-size larger than usual.
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(Nike) Check Price
(Foot Locker)

Fan Average

3.53
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (15 votes)

Review Average

4.5

5. Puma All-Pro Nitro

  • Cross-hatched traction pattern similar to the original All-Pro, with a grippy and durable translucent outsole.
  • Well-balanced ride with a full-length Nitro foam slab and supercritical foam for more stability while playing.
  • TPU shank plate for extra stability and a springy underfoot feel, with forefront lace cables for better containment.
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(Puma) Check Price
(Foot Locker)

Fan Average

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

Review Average

4.8
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