Updated: April 13, 2023

If you’re the parent of a budding baller, you might be wondering why your kid can’t play in his regular sneakers—especially if you’re budget-conscious and feel a bit of sticker shock browsing kids’ basketball shoes. The truth is, there’s more to basketball shoes than style. Getting sneakers with the right fit, traction, and support can prevent injuries and damage to your child’s developing bones and muscles, safeguarding their long-term health. Viewed that way, basketball shoes are an investment in their future.

The same factors you’d look for in a quality adult basketball shoe apply for the kids’ version, too. Look for a sneaker with consistent traction, good stability, and enough cushioning to support the jumping and running your kid will do on the court.

While there are a lot of options out there, the shoes below meet those standards, and have been rated among the best basketball shoes for boys.