The Top 5 Basketball Shoes For Quick/Speedy Guards (2024)

Alex Morata

Updated: January 26, 2024

Whether you’re running the point, making a quick cut to the net or trying to create some open space for a jump shot, as a quick guard, you need the right basketball shoes for the job. Any guard who wants to crossing over his opponent and get to the rim or hit an open jumper over the guy who was just a step too slow to recover will require nothing less than the perfect sneaker.

So what should you be looking for?

  • Traction – The right shoe will allow you to grip the court while still allowing you to change directions without any problems.
  • Low or mid cut – The low or mid cut shoe allows you to have the right range of motion to go where you want to go in an instant
  • Shoes designed for guards – If you’re looking at signature shoes, the ones designed for NBA guards will typically work the best.

The shoes below are those that have been reviewed and rated as the best basketball shoes for quick guards that want to get even faster.

1. Jordan Luka 2

  • Radial traction pattern gives similar multidirection coverage and grip to the Luka 1.
  • Dense full-length foam slab is reactive but lacks much impact protection.
  • Improved lockdown over the Luka 1 with a similar forefoot spring plate for torsional support.
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(Nike) Check Price
(Foot Locker)

Fan Average

3.40
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (15 votes)

Review Average

4.7

2. Puma Stewie 2

  • 3-pattern traction for excellent multidirectional coverage, though it lacks the durability for outdoor play.
  • Comfortable and bouncy cushioning thanks to the compressed EVA foam.
  • Secure upper and wide forefoot with an outrigger keep the foot stable with great forefoot containment.
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(Puma) Check Price
(Foot Locker)

Fan Average

2.50
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (4 votes)

Review Average

4.9

3. 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

3.42
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (38 votes)

Review Average

4.6

4. 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

5. New Balance Two Wxy V4

  • Solid traction that resists dust and has the durability to play on any style of court
  • The FuelCell technology and Fresh Foam gives explosive energy return for an ideal combination of comfort and rebound power
  • ABZORB pillars in the forefoot and heel absorb impact, with a molded heel counter for excellent foot lockdown
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(New Balance)

Fan Average

3.43
Rate the shoe
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (23 votes)

Review Average

4.7
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