Best Basketball Shoes For 2016: My FINAL List

So the year is finally coming to a close and we can now look back to see how STRONG it was for us hoopers. I mean, there were so many awesome shoes released and that’s what we’re gonna talk about today. After two best of 2016 lists, here’s my final list of the best basketball shoes for 2016!

Six models that are comfortable, have top-tier tech, all-around performance and premium materials. Best basketball shoes for 2016, here we go!


 

MY #1 RECOMMENDATION

ADIDAS CRAZYLIGHT BOOST 2016

One of the most versatile shoes I’ve ever played in. Comfort. Confidence. Newest tech. An awesome upper. Affordable. Great for outdoors. That’s all you need to know.

My Rating: 10/10 Weight: 13.06 oz | Type: Low Top | Outdoor Ready: YES

The CLB 2016 has full-length BOOST cushion, SPRINTPLATE for torsional support, a NON-MARKING outsole and Continental Rubber that’s durable and ready for outdoor play. The upper comes in mesh or Primeknit.

I mean seriously. Traction is there, both indoors and outdoors. Cushion is quite firm but ideal for most guards. Support is killer in every area for a low top. The upper is (both mesh and Primeknit) comfortable, breathable and allows your to freely move.

And it doesn’t break the bank. What more could you want?


 

MY #2 RECOMMENDATION 

ADIDAS D LILLARD 2.0

Another crazy versatile package that has killer all-around performance at a SUPER affordable price.

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

The D Lillard 2.0 has BOUNCE cushion, SprintFrame for midfoot support, TORSION SYSTEM plate and a Continental Rubber outsole. The upper comes in many different options, so check THIS out for explanations.

Very similar sense to this one. They’re comfortable, great traction no matter the court condition, BOUNCE is the next best thing to BOOST, support is killer (just like most adidas’s shoes) and there are many upper variantas to choose from. And everything at $105. CRAZY.


 

ADIDAS D ROSE 6 BOOST PRIMEKNIT

Such and awesome branch off the regular D Rose 6. BOOST has never been better along with that crazy comfortable Primeknit upper.

My Rating: 9/10 | Weight: 16.3 oz | Type: Mid Top | Outdoor Ready: YES

The Rose 6 Primeknit has full-length BOOST cushion, StableFrame for midfoot support,a NON-MARKING outsole and the upper is of course Primeknit.

After a massive success the Rose 6 was, the Primeknit upper just made it even better. BOOST cushion is seriously addictive to play in here, traction is great both indoors and outdoors, support is killer and of course there isn’t much else to say about that fiiiiiiire Primeknit upper.


 

ADIDAS HARDEN VOL. 1

One of my biggest personal surprises of the year. Such a beastly low top that has great performance and an upper structure way more shoes could utilise.

My Rating: 9.5/10 | Weight: 15.05 oz | Type: Low Top | Outdoor Ready: NO

The Harden Vol. 1 has full-length BOOST cushion and the upper is mesh & nylon with a separated toe cap that’s made from synthetic leather.

BOOST is pretty firm here, so expect a super responsive ride with massive amounts of court feel. Support is once again killer, traction is great for indoor play and that upper is sweeeeeet. Separated toe cap setups should be used way more often because of their sheer comfort.


 

ADIDAS CRAZY EXPLOSIVE PRIMEKNIT

If you’re looking to experience the most BOOST a shoe has ever offered, this is it. Explosive players, this is your candy right here.

My Rating: 9/10 | Weight: 15.04 oz | Type: Mid-High Top | Outdoor Ready: NO

The Crazy Explosive has full-length BOOST cushion and the upper is, you guessed it, Primeknit.

Yep, the main reason to get this shoe is for the cushion. It’s literally pillows on your foot. For someone who’s really athletic/explosive/heavy, this an ideal option. And on top of that, you get great comfort, traction, support and a premium upper.


 

NIKE KD 9

A super solid package with awesome articulated ZOOM AIR cushioning, unbeatable traction and just great all-around performance at a reasonable price.

My Rating: 9.5/10 | Weight: 12.04 oz | Type: Low Top | Outdoor Ready: NO

The KD 9 has an articulated ZOOM AIR cushion setup and the upper is Flyknit.

One of the sickest tractions I’ve ever experienced. Cushion is really plush and soft, support is there for mobile players and the upper is as Premium as it can get.


 

All right, as you can see, adidas killed it this year. And I mean KILLED IT.