Best Basketball Shoes for the MONEY: 6 AWESOME Cheap Models

If you think about it, each year we keep getting better basketball sneakers at lower prices. Competition is becoming the main factor between brands and it’s awesome for us who buy the shoes. But after so many releases in 2015, 2016 and 2017 it can be challenging to choose one good performer, especially if you’re on a budget. That’s why I made this fresh, updated and optimised list of the best basketball shoes for the money.

Here are six best basketball shoes for the money that are all amazing performers, they’re comfortable and have very affordable price tags.


1) Under Armour Men’s NXT TB

Under Armour Men’s NXT TB looks like it is made from premium materials (even the insole) that you don’t think that it is a shoe with an under-$100 price tag. It has the dual density midsole which combines the Under Armour’s proprietary Micro G foam with Chaged Cushioning beneath the heel, providing the feet with energy returns as well as great comfort.

It is also a very versatile sneaker – great to wear not just on the hard court, but pretty much anywhere else.


2) ANTA Klay Thompson KT3 Playoffs Low

Released during the summer of 2018, Golden State Warrior Klay Thompson’s signature sneaker is a pleasant surprise. It has been earning plus points mainly for its incredible breathability. The upper and sides are constructed of mesh material which offers a great amount of flexibility to your foot.

But its breathable and pliable upper doesn’t mean that the shoe lacks stability. The outsole is made of rubber, EVA sole and TPU that offers durability, stability and traction – the things that you really need whenever you need to do those crucial moves on the hard court.


3) Nike Men’s Air Precision

Here is another fine example of an affordable sneaker that doesn’t sacrifice quality. The Nike Men’s Air Precision is lightweight yet stable and supportive. The upper is made of mesh material that offers ample breatheability.

The tongue and padded upper provide incredible comfort to your foot and gives you the feeling that you’re just walking on air. It makes you feel you’re capable to leap high as you attempt to make those crucial dunks or jumpshots. The traction provides you a good grip whether the hard court is squeaky clean or dusty.

Users also rave its versatility, as they can be also paired with outfits other than basketball jerseys.


4) Jordan Fly Lockdown

This is one of the highest-rating basketball sneakers to come out in 2018. The shoe is injected with the soft and plush Phylon in the midsole and heel, giving you a great feeling of stability and increased explosiveness. The shoe is made of textile mesh upper provides a premium feel, it doesn’t look like it’s a pair of budget kicks.

The Zoom Air unit at the forefoot provides responsive cushioning, while the herringbone traction allows for an excellent grip on the floor (and is less likely to pick up dust). Really, you can never go wrong with a herringbone.


5. Adidas Continental 80 Rascal

As implied on another post, the Adidas Continental Rascal’s design is not based on the recently-released Adidas Yeezy Powerhouse, although they are similar in many ways. Rather, this is a retro’ed version of the original 80s sneaker which was made in France.

So how does the Adidas Continental 80 Rascal stack up against other budget-friendly sneakers? First of all, this is incredibly cheap as its inaugural price stands at mere $80. The shoe definitely sports the old-school silhouette (not to mention Adidas’ classic Trefoil logos on the heel and tongue) that most users go nostalgic for. The upper is made of super soft premium leather. The midsole, on the other hand, is made of EVA foam which gives you a stable ride and energy returns.


6) Kendrick Lamar x Nike Cortez Basic Slip

First released in 1972, the Cortez was designed by Bill Bowerman and was one of Nike’s first running shoes. Here in this shoe you will get all the essentials for an unbeatable price. All Cortez iterations feature a clean upper, a full-length EVA unit in the midsole and a rubber outsole with a herringbone-shaped traction. They rose to popularity during the 90s when Tom Hanks’ character wore them in the film Forrest Gump.

The latest 2018 editions witness a collaboration between Nike and rapper Kendrick Lamar. Among them is the Kendrick Lamar x Nike Cortez Basic Slip. features a slip-on design which makes an easy entry. The upper is made of canvas. The shoe is also notable for its oversized and padded tongue and its drawstring which is attached to the heel. The orange-and-blue accents and the branding “HOUSE SHOES” make this a “dope”-looking shoe, something which betrays its actual price.