Best Comfortable Basketball Shoes in 2025

From tip-off to buzzer, basketball sneakers that elevate every stride are designed for all-day comfort, soft support, and seamless performance.

Running, jumping, quick stops, and explosive direction changes are all fundamental to basketball. While some of these movements can be handled by general athletic sneakers, only the right comfortable basketball shoes can provide the full support and cushioning needed for intense play.

Some basketball shoes prioritize specific features like plush cushioning or soft landings, while others offer a balanced blend of comfort, support, and performance—ideal for a variety of playing styles and positions. With so many models available, we’re here to help you find the most comfortable basketball shoes that match your personal preferences and needs.

We carefully selected our top picks in each comfort category after thoroughly testing basketball sneakers on and off the court.

To compile our list of the most comfortable basketball shoes:

• We purchase the shoes ourselves to ensure unbiased reviews.
• We test them by playing on both indoor and outdoor courts.
• We run over 20 lab tests to break down each shoe’s performance in comfort, impact protection, materials, and more.

The result? A ranking built from hands-on experience and deep technical analysis—helping you find the perfect pair for all-day comfort and confident play.

Best comfortable basketball shoes overall: Harden vol 8
Comfortable basketball shoes with the best traction: Air Jordan 36
Basketball shoes with the best cushioning: air jordan 38
Comfortable Basketball shoes with the best support: harden vol 9
Best Comfortable basketball shoes for outdoor courts: Nike KD 17

Best comfortable basketball shoes overall

Harden vol 8

Performance and style can coexist, as seen by James Harden’s most recent signature sneaker, the Harden Vol. 8. Following extensive laboratory testing and on-court wear, we can state with confidence that it is among the best basketball sneakers on the market right now.

The most notable aspect? Its energy-returning, incredibly smooth ride. The Harden Vol. 8 offers astonishing responsiveness while remaining low to the ground because of a redesigned full-length Jet Boost configuration encased in a supportive EVA frame. With a midsole hardness of 28.4 HA, our durometer reading was both firm enough for a quick recovery and soft enough to defend against impacts.

The Harden Vol. 8 is comparable in terms of support. Even when we made forceful lateral motions, our feet were firmly locked in thanks to the inbuilt heel counter and specially shaped upper. It was obviously designed for control because it achieved an amazing 4.8/5 in our torsional stiffness test and required 42.7N of force to bend to 90 degrees.

Another feature was traction. The grippy rubber outsole remained stable whether we were accelerating on somewhat dirty courts or cutting hard on parquet. Reliable multidirectional control was provided by the circular traction pattern.

The sole compromise? Some structure is sacrificed in the minimalist upper. Even though it feels quite contemporary and comfy, heavier players or those who want the most ankle support might want something more sturdy.

Nevertheless, the Harden Vol. 8 is a great choice if you’re seeking for a lightweight, powerful shoe with a sleek appearance, excellent energy return, and consistent traction.

Comfortable basketball shoes with the best traction

Air Jordan 36

Like its namesake, the Air Jordan 36 is a declaration of superior performance and creativity. The 36th version, which is now far along in its pedigree, offers one of the most dynamic playing experiences we’ve evaluated on the court and in the lab. It’s no surprise that it’s our favorite basketball footwear overall.

Its incredibly sensitive feel and explosive energy return were its most notable features. Every stride, run, and leap felt spring-loaded because of a full-length Zoom Air Strobel unit sewn straight to the upper and an extra forefoot Zoom Air unit. Together with a sturdy yet lightweight Phylon midsole, the cushioning was soft and flexible.

The Air Jordan 36 is an excellent choice for lockdown and support. The external heel counter and midfoot shank held our feet in place without limiting our range of motion, while the upper’s Jacquard Leno-Weave offers a snug but breathable fit. Its strong stability was demonstrated by its 5/5 score in our torsional rigidity test, which required 41.6N to bend to 90 degrees.

Another significant victory was traction. We were able to move aggressively without fear thanks to the translucent outsole’s radial pattern, which gripped both filthy and clean courts.

If there is a trade-off, it is that players that value speed and agility above physical power are more likely to benefit from the simplified setup. A more cushioned variant can be a good option for larger players who want a denser cushion.

However, the Air Jordan 36 is hard to top for people who desire lockdown, explosive energy, court feel, and an ultra-premium look.

Basketball shoes with the best cushioning

air jordan 38

The most recent development in Jordan Brand’s on-court heritage is the Air Jordan 38, and it delivers. It’s evident that this shoe is among the top-performing basketball sneakers of the year after a great deal of testing in the lab and on hardwood floors.

The most notable aspect is responsiveness. The Zoom Strobel unit and full-length Cushlon 3.0 cushioning in the Air Jordan 38 provide a really dynamic sensation underfoot. This configuration offers a low-to-the-ground, bouncy ride that is excellent for abrupt changes and forceful motions.

Both containment and support are outstanding. Excellent lockdown is provided by the upper’s combination of robust woven fabrics and high-tenacity embroidery. The shoe stood up well in our torsional stiffness test, receiving top marks when 42.7N of force was required to twist it 90 degrees. Your foot remains locked in whether you’re fighting through screens or cutting to the basket.

Another highlight is traction. On both dusty and clean courts, the radial herringbone outsole confidently grips the ground. Without hesitation, you can plant, rotate, and burst in any direction.

The Air Jordan 38 isn’t the lightest shoe available, though. Its substantial build results in some additional weight, which may be problematic for guards who depend on quick bursts of speed. However, the benefits of lockdown, court feel, and cushioning make it well worth the investment for the majority of players.

All things considered, the Air Jordan 38 is a responsive, safe, and combat-ready basketball sneaker with top-tier technology and high-quality materials.

Comfortable Basketball shoes with the best support

Harden vol 9

James Harden is a household name in basketball, and his ninth signature sneaker is a remarkable continuation of that tradition. The Harden Vol. 9 demonstrated exceptional performance in both our lab and on-court wear tests. It immediately won our selection as one of the top basketball sneakers available.

The responsiveness and rapid energy return were what caught my attention right away. With Lightstrike in the forefoot and Boost foam beneath the heel, this shoe provides a dynamic ride that keeps you bouncing through every step-back and sprint. A solid 30.1 HA on our durometer indicated outstanding stability and impact protection throughout gameplay.

Lockdown and support? Outstanding. For a close-to-foot feel, the upper mixes sturdy textile wrapping with a snug internal bootie. It received a perfect score of 5/5 on our torsional rigidity test, requiring 43.7N of force to rotate to 90 degrees. This means that when you make aggressive cuts or defensive slides, your foot remains planted with no give.

Another significant victory was traction. Whether we were playing on a spotless hardwood floor or a dusty recreation court, the radial outsole design provided reliable bite and self-assured grip. These allow you to truly push yourself.

However, there is a trade-off, much like with other sneakers that are designed for performance. Weight is added by all that technology and structure. Therefore, you might want to look into lighter options if you’re a shifty guard or someone who lives above the rim and loves ultralight kicks.

Nevertheless, the Harden Vol. 9 is an excellent option that’s difficult to surpass if you’re looking for next-level responsiveness, superior cushioning, and rock-solid confinement that can withstand a beating night after night.

Best Comfortable basketball shoes for outdoor courts

Nike KD 17

The Nike KD 17 is a basketball sneaker that stands out in the market, and Kevin Durant’s signature line continues to excite. The KD 17 earned our selection as the finest all-around basketball sneaker after undergoing rigorous lab analysis and wear testing, which demonstrated that it was among the most well-rounded, high-performing alternatives on the market today.

What caught my attention the most? It feels quite responsive. Zoom Air and Cushlon foam, which provide explosive energy return and seamless transitions, are used in the construction of the KD 17. The midsole scored a solid 30.5 HA in our durometer test, which translates to superior shock absorption and dependable support whether you’re absorbing contact in the paint or raising for a slam.

Support and containment are also dialed in. The upper design hugs the foot securely without creating pressure points. In our torsional rigidity test, it held strong with a 5/5 score, needing 44.1N of force to twist to 90 degrees—proof of its structural integrity. Lateral movements felt confident and stable, with no slippage or instability during hard cuts.

Traction? Exceptional. The sole grips tightly to both clean and dusty court surfaces, giving players the confidence to push their limits regardless of conditions. That said, the KD 17 isn’t the lightest shoe on the market. Players who rely heavily on speed and agility might prefer a more minimalist option.

However, the Nike KD 17 is difficult to top if cushioning, bounce, and high-quality manufacturing are key components of your game. It is designed for playmakers who want protection and performance in every game.