Almost five months in and we already have some truly kick-ass performance releases. Some of these are already in my main rotation. So what’s waiting for us later in the year could be CRAZY. I present you my personal picks of the best basketball shoes of 2018 so far.
This time, I’ll show you eight shoes that are all killer in terms of comfort, performance, materials and a reasonable price. The best basketball shoes , here we go!
1) Jordan Why Not Zer0.1
One of the most talked-about shoes is the Jordan Why Not Zer0.1. It gains plus points for its translucent rubber outsole with an extremely tight traction (the shoe is not recommended for the outdoors, however). The upper is constructed with a blend of mesh and fuse, which provides durability as well as flexibility. The full-length Zoom Air (embedded underneath the bulky Phylon foam in the midsole) is responsible for the shoe’s responsive cushioning.
It has a true-to-size fit and provides a great lockdown, which means that your foot will be comfortably wrapped inside, provided that your it has the correct size.
2) Nike Kyrie 4
The Nike Kyrie has gained popularity for being consistent in terms of performance as well as its appearance. Since it debuted in late 2017, the bulk of Nike Kyrie 4’s releases obviously came the following year.
The upper of this mid-top sneaker is constructed with a combination of nubuck and breathable mesh, while stable support is provided by Flywire cables. It has a Zoom Air unit for a responsive and dynamic cushioning.
We mention about consistency, right? If there’s something recurring about the Nike Kyrie 4, it’s the extended shark teeth-like outriggers that pay homage to the iconic Sydney Opera House in Kyrie’s birth country, Australia. Among the most popular Nike Kyrie 4 colorways in 2018 is the “March Madness,” “CNY,” “Be True” and “BHM.”
3. Nike PG 2.5
The traditional tongue construction is one of the prominent features of Paul George’s signature sneaker. Most users love the shoe’s streamlined appearance, as well as its improved cushioning thanks to the 11 mm-thick Zoom Air unit. Protection from impact is provided by the shoe’s cored-out heel.
Other updates and improved features of the PG 2.5 from its predecessor PG 2 include the newer mid-foot strap, which gives you the option to adjust the shoe to your own fit. Plus, it’s relatively cheap, costing $110 (inaugural price).
4. Adidas Harden Vol. 2
The Adidas Harden Vol. 2 was first released in March 2018, and so far this year it has lauched five colorways. James Harden’s second signature sneaker was initially reported to have a full PrimeKnit upper. But instead, the upper is actually constructed with Adidas’ new FORGEFIBER technology, which provides excellent durability and flexibility as well as improved lockdown and stability.
The unusual lacing system is also one of the shoe’s special elements; it is highly customizable and allows the wearer to adjust it for desired lockdown.
Looking down further, the Harden Vol 2 features a full-length Boost cushioning, and a wide base at the heel for balance. As of the traction – it extends upwards the heel, as Adidas based it on Harden’s signature euro-step maneuvers on the court, and this particular feature gives the shoe some extra stability.
5) Nike LeBron XVI
The 16th iteration of the Nike LeBron series is considered one of the best basketball performance shoes of 2018. The upper is constructed with the revamped version of the Flyknit material, the Battleknit 2.0, which is structured for improved tensile strength and also gives the shoe an elegant finish.
Undefoot, the shoe features a slightly improved version of the Max Air cushioning (which exists in the previous LeBron 15), allowing the wearer to execute more fluid moves on the court.