This is something for players who tend to throw their bodies around a lot in the game: jumping, rebounding, driving, sprinting etc. Athletic players definitely need the right shoes for the job and I present you the best basketball shoes for jumping.
I’ll show you my six personal picks that excel in bouncy cushion, proper support and mobility. Best basketball shoes for jumping, here we go!
1) Nike LeBron 16
One of the newest to come out of the Nike LeBron line is the Nike LeBron 16. It features a premium Battleknit 2.0 upper, Nike’s strongest knit ever yet. Special features inlcude the words “We Are Family” on the left heel and “The LeBron James Family Foundation” on the right heel. All proceeds from this shoe will go to LeBron James’ pet project, I Promise School, in his hometown in Akron, Ohio.
There are a lot of plus points going on with this shoe. It has a very good traction (see another post Best Traction Basketball Shoes: Grip the Floor Like Crazy, where this shoe is also included). Another thing you’ll notice is that how bouncy and cushioned the Nike LeBron 16 is, thanks to the full-length Max Zoom cushioning. A few other modifications include outriggers on the outsole for extra support “to complement the lower height” – this particular feature existed in James’ on-court LeBron 15, but not in its retail version.
This shoe is great for dynamic and explosive wingmen on the court.
2) Jordan CP3.XI
This was released just in time before an entirely different league opened – the 2018 NFL season. Chris Paul’s signature shoe has a certain design which was inspired by his favorite NFL team, the Dallas Cowboys. The shoe has a gray and silver colored upper with navy and white stripes, as a nod to the Dallas Cowboys’ uniform.
Aside from being a looker on and off the court, the Jordan CP3.XI is also a good performance basketball sneaker. The traction is quite good and consistent, and allows a wide coverage on the floor. The Zoom Air on the heel and forefoot provides a well-balanced and responsive cushioning. While the midsole feels a little thick, there’s otherwise a nice spring to it. Bigger and more nimble wingmen and forwards will find the Jordan CP3.XI suitable for their cushioning needs without compromising support, because the shoe’s overall build doesn’t feel too lightweight.
3) Under Armour HOVR Havoc Low
Under Armour”s latest basketball sneaker, the HOVR Havoc Low, features the HOVR cushioning technology which was once available only in some its running sneakers. It consists of an encapsulated HOVR foam wrapped up by Energy Web mesh, which provides a comfortable and smoother move on the court – plus, the impact that it absorbs will be returned to your foot as a form of energy.
It has a very good grip on the floor, thanks to its thick and wide-spaced grooves on the outsole. This low-top sneaker has a light and breathable upper on top of the EVA-embedded midsole, which contains the HOVR cushioning technology.
4) Nike PG 2.5
This is somewhat of an improvement from the previous PG 2 as Nike adds a forefoot strap for a more secure and snug lockdown. As for the cushioning, it remains unchanged – like the previous models, the Nike PG 2.5 has the same Zoom Air cushioning and soft Phylom foam in the midsole. The good combination of materials ensure ample support and a smooth and comfortable ride on the court. Plus, it’s relatively cheap.
5) Nike Air Versitile II
Yes, “Versitile”! This shoe is constructed with Flywire cables which provides durability, stability and lockdown on your foot. It has a cushioned insole for additional comfort and the visible Air-Sole unit in the heel for shock absorption as well as comfort. As for the outsole, it is comprised of modified herringbone pattern for superior traction.