Guards are fast, light, explosive and quick on their feet. Because of that, they need the right shoes to fit their playstyle. This is without a doubt the biggest category of shoes since LOTS of today’s releases are focused for guards. It can be difficult to pick the right ones, so I’m bringing you the best basketball shoes for guards right now.
You’ll see six shoes that each have different strong points.
MY #1 RECOMMENDATION
ADIDAS D ROSE 6 BOOST
My Rating: 9/10 | Weight: 17 oz | Type: Mid Top | Outdoor Ready: YES
There are many great guard shoes, but this is the complete package of 2015. All of its performance aspects are great and well balanced, which is what any type of player wants.
The highlight of the D Rose 6 is BOOST cushioning. It is THE best cushioning setup for a basketball shoe to date, personally. It has amazing impact protection, powers your movements and feels super comfy. The #1 shoe for most guards, and especially for heavier, more explosive ones.
NIKE KYRIE 2
My Rating: 9/10 | Weight: 13.5 oz | Type: Mid Top | Outdoor Ready: YES
If you’re looking for top-notch traction, court feel and stability – this is a no-brainer. Nike Kyrie 2 has the best traction I’ve seen so far. Any, harsh or soft, movement will be gripped tightly thanks to its killer traction pattern.
This is the shoe for grounded guards. That means the Kyrie 2 doesn’t have good cushioning. You can barely feel it. So for guards that are always low to the ground, pick these up. They’re very responsive, but not soft at all.
The shoe is also very durable and suitable for playing outdoors.
BEST MOBILITY & SPEED
ADIDAS CRAZYLIGHT BOOST 2015
My Rating: 8.5/10 | Weight: 11.9 oz | Type: Low Top | Outdoor Ready: NO
No wonder part of the shoe’s name is Crazylight. The adidas Crazylight shoe series is always doing a great job of making a shoe light, comfortable and responsive.
It has great traction, superb support for low-tops and a cushioning setup that gets the job done.
They feel extremely mobile thanks to the soft upper, so no movement will be restricted, yet it will still be supportive thanks to tech.
BEST SUPPORT
AIR JORDAN XX9 LOW
My Rating: 9.5/10 | Weight: 13 oz | Type: Low Top | Outdoor Ready: NO
These shoes are low tops – but they got crazy support. Thanks to the FlightWeb system, the TPU heel counter and a supportive fit, you won’t roll your ankle in these shoes.
For being so compact and light, this THE shoe for a guard who is explosive, athletic and performs quick moves often.
The upper is Performance Woven, which is one of the best materials ever. It stretches where it needs to and supports where it needs to. Extremely soft and comfortable.
UNDER ARMOUR CURRY TWO
My Rating: 8.5/10 | Weight: 14 oz | Type: Mid Top | Outdoor Ready: NO
The Curry Two features Under Armour’s newest cushioning – Charged. The upper is SpeedForm. It’s extremely soft, breathable and comfortable to wear during long matches. The shoe is really flexible with a smooth step transition. All those things make for an awesome experience.
Apart from that, they do have solid all-around performance, so it’s definitely a premium product.
BEST ON A BUDGET
ADIDAS D LILLARD 2
My Rating: 10/10 | Weight: 15 oz | Type: Mid Top | Outdoor Ready: YES
Just like the D Rose 6, this shoe shines on all-around performance. BUT, it’s much cheaper.
The adidas D Lillard 2 has the latest BOUNCE cushion, which is really really good. It also has great outdoor-friendly traction, support and comfort. If you can’t make up your mind with all the different options, just go with this one. You don’t see such an awesome deal too often these days.
This shoe was actually released in 2016, it had a limited realese in 2015. That’s why it’s not my #1 recommendation, it wouldn’t be fair, so I just thought I needed to mention it. Believe me, this is one of the best shoes EVER, check my full review out, you’ll be surprised.
That’s it for the best basketball shoes for guards. I hope you found any of those six shoes fit your needs.
I actually made a list for the best shoes for point guards not long ago. It’s specifically dedicated to point guards and it has some new releases, check it out HERE.