On WearTesters, we have created a slew of different lists that we are constantly updating of the best overall basketball shoes, and the best budget basketball shoes, all of which are not exactly the best value basketball shoes.
Our best overall basketball shoe list compiles the best basketball shoes available with no regard to price, our best budget basketball shoe list compiles the best low-priced models out there, often shoes brands release as inexpensive performance options, and lastly, our best basketball deals page offers our picks of the best basketball shoes that are currently on sale.
But, there is one other way to organize basketball shoes taking into consideration performance and price: by their value. That was the genesis of our best-value basketball shoes list.
In this list, you’ll find the best bang-for-your-buck options currently on the market. You’ll find both expensive and inexpensive options as long as they pack a ton of value for the money you pay.
We’ll consider technology, on-court performance, and all-around versatility, so it’s no easy task to make this list even with testing hundreds of basketball shoes each year.
Whether you’re looking for that one shoe that will have you covered no matter what position you play or the surface you play on, or you’re just looking for the most advanced shoe at the best price, this is the list for you. You can also check Weartesters in Español Best Value Basketball Shoes Picks.
Last updated 08.26.2024
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Best Value Basketball Shoes 2024
adidas AE 1 Low
To keep things short and sweet, the adidas AE 1 Mid is an excellent shoe (one of the best of the year in fact) and the AE 1 Low is slightly better in almost every way. Although the AE 1 Low looks similar to the originals, this is a very different basketball shoe and a better one at that. Not only is it better, it’s cheaper. The first AE 1 retailed for $120, which was already a very reasonable price for such a high-performing signature model, and the low version will run you a mere $110. Read full review. Price $110.
adidas AE 1
adidas has been having a bit of a resurgence in the performance basketball market. The Harden Vol 7 was fantastic, the Trae Young 3 was very solid, and now we have the AE 1, Anthony Edwards’ first signature shoe with adidas, and it is a top-tier basketball shoe and one of the best first signature shoes we have ever seen. The AE 1 might end up being the best overall basketball shoe of 2024, but even if it doesn’t end up at that level, it’s an excellent shoe that offers a ton of bang for your buck. Read full review. Price $120.
Nike Air Max Impact 4
The Air Max Impact 4 is very similar to the Air Max Impact 3, and that’s a good thing. The Air Max Impact 3 was the best budget model of last year, and the Impact 4 will likely take those honors this year. One standout feature of both shoes is the cushion. The tooling (midsole/outsole) stays mostly the same, which is great news for fans of the last year’s model. It’s Phylon foam with a heel Air Max unit. One of the best-value basketball shoes out there. See the full review. Price: $90
adidas DON Issue 6
The DON Issue 6 is the brand’s light, speedy guard shoe, an excellent example of this shoe style. With the DON Issue 6 you’ll be getting top tier traction, a springy and agile cushioning system, and top-notch support features all packed into a light and breezy package. On top of that, the shoe retails for a very reasonable $120. Now, it’s not a good option for outdoor play and heavier hoopers, or those with a more powerful playing style might prefer a more substantial shoe with a more plush cushioning system. Still, the DON Issue 6 is a great, guard-orientated performance basketball shoe. Read the full review. Price $120.
adidas Dame 8 EXTPLY
The Dame 8 EXTPLY is a solid hoop shoe. There is nothing groundbreaking or flashy about it, but it’s a very well-rounded performance model that’s built tough. The fact that they can handle playing on the blacktop with no issues as well as the level of containment and support they provide make it a very versatile basketball shoe. Read the full review. Price: $130
Wade Shadow 5 V2
The Way of Wade Shadow 5 V2 is a solid all-around performance basketball shoe, especially considering that it retails for just $120. It is also one of the most well-ventilated shoes we have ever tested, making it a great option for outdoor hooping during the summer months. The traction is trustworthy and will hold up very well outdoors, the cushioning provides a well-balanced and fluid ride on the court, the support features will keep you locked in and reactive on court, and the super-lightweight material setup is elite. On top of that. Read the full review. Price: $120
Puma Stewie 3
The Puma Stewie 3 is an elevated and improved Kobe 11. It’s more flexible, wider, lower to the ground, with better torsional support and more durable cushioning…so if you like the Kobe 11 or you’re looking for an affordable Kobe substitute, the Puma Stewie 3 should be at the top of your list.
With this shoe, you’ll get top-notch traction, a smooth and reactive ride on court, and elite lockdown and containment. And you get all of that for the very reasonable price of $120. It’s more of a guard shoe, and if you need above-average cushioning, this might not the shoe for you. But all around, the Stewie 3 is a great performance model and a worthy 3rd model in Brianna Stewart’s signature line. Read the full review. Price: $130
Way of Wade All City 12
The Way of Wade All City 12 is a very solid all-around performance model with no real weak points, and several strong points. The full-length Boom cushioning is very well balanced, the multipurpose traction is excellent, and containment and support are top-notch as well. But what makes these a great pickup is the versatility factor and the all-around value. Read the full review. Price: $150
Nike LeBron NXXT Gen AMPD
The Nike LeBron NXXT Gen AMPD is a solid and well-rounded basketball shoe. For $170 you’re getting almost everything the Nike LeBron 21 has to offer, and that shoe is currently our top pick for the best overall basketball shoe of the year. It is also a basketball shoe that almost any type of player will enjoy, and a more than decent option for outdoor play. If you are looking for a more inexpensive version of the flagship LeBron, this is the shoe you are looking for, and even if you aren’t, this might be one of the safest bets out there in terms of on-court performance. Read the full review.
EQLZ 247
The EQLZ 247 is an excellent, well-rounded, high-performing basketball shoe, which is made all the more impressive since this shoe is coming to us from a practically unknown brand. The EQLZ 247’s innovative traction system, comfortable and responsive cushioning, high-quality materials, and well-designed support features collectively contribute to its impressive on-court performance. For $150, you’re getting great value for its performance and quality, making it a solid choice for serious basketball players looking for a unique and beastly on-court performance model. Read the full review. Price: $150
Puma Stewie 2
The Puma Stewie 2 is Bianna Stewarts’ second signature, and simply put it is just a great all-around performance model. The shoe boasts excellent indoor traction, a very well-balanced and bouncy cushioning system, and a very secure and natural falling build. If on top of that, you add that they retail for just $125, you can see why this is one of our top value picks. KEEP IN MIND that in the US the Stewie 2 comes in woman’s sizes, so if you want the correct men’s size you will need to go 1.5 sizes up (ie: 12M = 13.5W). Read the full review. Price: $125
Puma All Pro Nitro
The Puma All Pro Nitro is quite different from the original model, but it is a more than worthy successor to an iconic performance basketball shoe. This iteration boasts outstanding traction, a bouncy and well-balanced cushioning system, and decent materials that effectively fulfill their purpose, resulting in an exceptional all-around performance basketball shoe. Read the full review. Price: $130
Way of Wade 808 3
The Way of Wade 808 3 promises to be one of the best guard shoes for the third straight year. You’re getting a great, low profile, speedy cushioning setup, top-tier traction, and support features, and a versatile shoe that will work equally well indoors and outdoors, all for the very reasonable price of $119. Our recommendation is to go with the “normal” version instead of the Ultra version. Read the full review. Price: $119
Anta Kai 1
This is the ultimate Kyrie shoe. If you’ve enjoyed Kyrie’s shoes with Nike, you’ll love these. They are secure, agile, quick, and bouncy. This is a wonderful first signature for Kyrie with Anta, and, considering that they retail for just $125, they’re easily one of the best bang-for-your-buck performance models of the year. They take a bit to break in, and ventilation is an issue, but in general, these are great. Read the full review. Price $125.
New Balance TWO WXY V4
The New Balance TWO WXY V4 follows up, the best New Balance basketball shoe to date. There have been several important changes in tech compared to last year’s model, but the V4 didn’t disappoint with a few minor caveats regarding the Fit. Other than that, the V4 knocked it out of the park in every aspect of performance. For its price point, this shoe is an absolute gem. Considering that this shoe will be a great outdoor option, you are getting a TON of bang for your buck. Read full review. Price $120.
Puma TRC Blaze Court
The Puma TRC Blaze Court continues Puma’s resurgence into the basketball performance sneaker scene.
The shoe’s traction works great (though it can chip slightly) and the Trinomic cushion, which is now foam-based, is one of the bounciest setups on the market. The rest of the midsole is ProFoam+ which is comfortable. The Puma TRC Blaze Court is probably the best Puma basketball shoe right now and easily one of the best value basketball shoes out there. See the full review. Price: $120
Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best value basketball shoes list? Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.
