The Top 5 Basketball Shoes For Playing Outdoors (2023)

Updated: July 25, 2023

Every baller knows that playing basketball outdoors requires a different type of shoe. When you’re playing on a beat up old court that is often covered with dirt and dust, you need the right type of traction to make sure that you’re not slipping and sliding all over the place. You also need a shoe that is built for rougher use.

So how do you know if a shoe is going to work well outdoors?

  • The bottom of the shoe should have deep and wide grooves for elite traction.
  • The outsole of the shoe should be made from solid rubber.
  • The body of the shoe should be be made with durable materials that can withstand the elements.

The problem that many ballers face these days is that shoe companies don’t release shoes that are specific to this market. That being said, the lack of a dedicated outdoor basketball shoe doesn’t mean you don’t have some high quality options.

The shoes below are those that have been reviewed and rated as the best basketball shoes for playing on outdoor courts.

1. New Balance Two Wxy V3

  • Grippy multi-directional traction uses a similar data-driven design to the original Two Way sneaker.
  • Solid impact protection thanks to FuelCell underfoot cushioning.
  • The upgraded mesh upper is breathable and supportive, with a midsole shank for extra support and a mid collar for more ankle stability.

Fan Average

3.82
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (76 votes)

Review Average

4.6

2. Nike Renew Elevate 3

  • Semi-radial traction design gives a reliable grip even on dusty courts, with a durable outsole that can stand up to rough outdoor courts.
  • Responsive dual-density foam cushioning provides good impact protection for most players, while the soft, breathable upper wraps the foot comfortably.
  • Plastic lateral support and an extended outsole in the midfoot prevent side-to-side shifting for a stable lockdown.

Fan Average

3.40
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (5 votes)

Review Average

4.3

3. 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

3.86
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (37 votes)

Review Average

4.0

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 (326 votes)

Review Average

4.4

5. Adidas Trae Young 2

  • Rubber outsole with multidirectional herringbone traction pattern and flex grooves for high agility and grip, though they do attract dust and will need frequent wiping.
  • Lightstrike midsole and BOOST heel cushioning give players both high impact protection and explosive bounce.
  • Adaptive semi-laceless knit upper hugs the foot, with good lateral containment and excellent heel lockdown.

Fan Average

3.62
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (79 votes)

Review Average

4.7
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