The Top 5 Basketball Shoes with Great Grip/Traction (2023)

Updated: April 13, 2023

A lot of factors come into play when you’re looking for the basketball shoe with the best traction. The tread and materials of the sneaker are important, and even the rubber used for specific colorways can make a difference in how they handle on the court. Where and how you play make a difference here, too, so there’s no one sneaker that provides the best traction for everyone.

Generally speaking, signature sneakers made for guards and fast players will have grippy traction perfect for quick stops and direction changes. Shoes designed for outdoor play tend to have the most durable traction, another factor to consider when you’re shopping for your new favorite sneakers.

The shoes below are consistently reviewed and rated as having the best traction for guards, small forwards, and any player who needs their shoes to grip the court.

1. Under Armour Curry Flow 10

  • Outstanding grippiness, especially on clean indoor courts.
  • The Flow cushioning is nice and stable, without being too heavy duty.
  • Support is decidedly improved from the Curry 9. A huge win here.
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(Under Armour) Check Price
(Foot Locker)

Fan Average

3.66
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Review Average

4.4

2. Adidas Harden Vol. 7

  • Combination of herringbone and radial traction patterns give consistent, multidirectional grip.
  • Dual-density foam, with Lightstrike forefoot cushioning and a BOOST midsole that balance firm support with a bouncy feel.
  • Wide base with a full-length bottom-loaded shank plate for excellent stability and foot containment.
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(Adidas)

Fan Average

4.07
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1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (15 votes)

Review Average

4.8

3. 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.
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(Nike)
Nike KD 15

Fan Average

3.84
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1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (316 votes)

Review Average

4.4

4. Jordan Luka 1

  • Translucent outsole performs well once it’s broken in, with a linear heel and midfoot pattern and multi-directional traction on the forefoot.
  • Midsole Formula 23 foam is highly responsive, though not as bouncy as other shoes.
  • IsoPlate system provides exceptional stability and torsional support, enhanced by the wide base and secure lateral containment.
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(Nike)

Fan Average

4.86
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1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (14 votes)

Review Average

4.7

5. 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.
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(New Balance)

Fan Average

3.82
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1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (60 votes)

Review Average

4.6
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