The Best Basketball Shoes of 2016: My Updated List

So half a year has passed and now it’s a good checkpoint to talk about the best basketball shoes of 2016 so far. I’ve already talked about my picks three months ago, so check that out HERE. Some new releases arrived, so here’s my update six shoe list.

I will create another one at the end of the year, there are some exciting releases ahead. Alright, here are the best outdoor basketball shoes of 2016 so far!


MY #1 RECOMMENDATION

adidas D Lillard 2.0

My Rating: 10/10 | Weight: 15 oz | Type: Mid Top | Outdoor Ready: YES

My #1 pick still stands the same. The Lillard 2 is simply an amazing shoe in all ways. And now that there are multiple upper versions to choose, it’s seriously a shoe for everyone.

The D Lillard 2.0 has BOUNCE cushioning which is adidas’s budget cushion setup, but it doesn’t feel like that in this shoe. It’s amazing. Plain responsiveness, some impact protection and even slight bounce.

Traction is superb thanks to the Continental Rubber outsole. So in result, you’re getting awesome performance and durability outdoors. Support is plenty with StableFrame and TORSION SYSTEM.

Lastly, the shoe comes in 4 upper variants: jacquard, leather, Primeknit and woven. Check THIS article out and find out which suits you best.


MY #2 RECOMMENDATION

adidas D Rose 6 Boost Primeknit

My Rating: 9/10 | Weight: 16 oz | Type: Mid Top | Outdoor Ready: YES

This is easily the best D Rose 6 option in my opinion. It’s not for everyone, especially not for the ones who prefer sturdy uppers (leather, Fuse…).

The Rose 6 Primeknit has the beloved BOOST cushioning, which is simply the best implementation of BOOST on a basketball shoe right know. Super responsive and super bouncy. For the ones who slightly prefer bounce over court feel, this is for you.

Traction is great both indoors and outdoors, though you will need to wipe constantly because of the dense pattern. It’s not as durable as the Lillard 2, but it performs just as well. Support is plenty in every way thanks to the snug fit, StableFrame, a TPU heel counter and a midfoot shank.

Just like the Lillard’s, these have multiple upper variants to choose from, so pick based on your preference. Inside the review, I explain the main differences.


3. Nike HyperLive

My Rating: 9/10 | Weight: 12.2 oz | Type: Low Top | Outdoor Ready: YES

This was a sleeper for me, I seriously didn’t expect such well-balanced performance from a budget shoe like this. The HyperLive is an awesome all-around choice.

It has a removable Phylon midsole for cushioning, so it’s pretty basic setup, but it works well for low-profile guards. This is probably the weakest part of the shoe, but again, it’s made for a specific type of player.

Traction is excellent, both indoors and outdoors. No slipping or wiping issues because the pattern is not dense and those rubber knobs are pretty strong. Support is very solid, it doesn’t have any premium tech into it, but it gets the job done.

Lastly, the upper is Fuse with Breathe Tech. It’s an awesome budget material setup. Durable thanks to Fuse and very light, breathable and relatively comfortable thanks to Breathe Tech. It should last outdoors.


4. Under Armour Curry Two Low

My Rating: 8/10 | Weight: 13 oz | Type: Low Top | Outdoor Ready: NO

If know the Curry Two Mid, then you know the low top is just as good. An excellent choice for most guards. Also comes with some tweaks off the mid version.

The Curry Two Low has Charged cushioning, which is very responsive but quite firm, so bigger explosive-orientated players won’t like these. Other than that, it’s a great setup that doesn’t compromise mobility and speed.

Traction is great, though not the best choice for outdoors – the rubber compound on these is pretty weak. Support isn’t their best feature – they do feel slightly wobbly, but nothing to worry about. I would suggest going with the Mid version if you want better support.

The upper is made mostly from Under Armour’s SpeedForm and some Fuse for durability. And it’s awesome – one of the most comfortable, lightest and pleasant to play uppers ever.


5. Nike LeBron 13 Elite

My Rating: 8.5/10 | Weight: 13 oz | Type: Mid-High Top | Outdoor Ready: YES

The original LeBron 13 was a solid shoe for bigger players and the Elite version did some pretty cool tweaks to make it a lot more friendly with other player types.

It has ZOOM AIR units for cushioning, which do offer good impact protection and softness. Definitely not the most responsive setup, guards might want to look elsewhere. But it’s comfortable and stable.

Traction is fine both indoors and outdoors, with no annoying issues. Support is superb with features like a carbon fiber shank, a heel counter and a sturdy upper. Locks your ankle well and doesn’t comprise mobility as much as the original LeBron 13 did.

The upper is made from Kurim with mesh under it. It’s an awesome combination, so good durability, breathability and it doesn’t feel annoying or bulky.


6. Nike HyperRev 2016

My Rating: 9.5/10 | Weight: 13 oz | Type: Mid Top | Outdoor Ready: YES

Last on the list is a very good budget option for guards.

The HyperRev 2016 has unlocked ZOOM AIR units for cushioning, which feel AMAZING. Super soft, bouncy, but not over the top. You do get court feel, but low-profile guards might need to look somewhere else. It’s an awesome setup for those who like “springy” shoes.

Traction is extremely good as well. It grips the floor well, no sliding issues, it isn’t sensitive to dust. I wouldn’t get these solely for outdoors, but they could handle some games. Support is pretty minimal, but that’s because it’s made for quick guards. They do offer good stability and containment, but the upper is very loose and flexible.

The upper is Fuse with mesh. A classic trustworthy setup – durable and fairly comfortable. They do offer good mobility and don’t restrict your foot too much.


Alright, that’s done for know! I hope I helped you pick a shoe to your preferences!