Whether you play basketball for fun or you’re on a team, wearing the right sneakers will make or break your game. The best Nike shoes for basketball can help you move quickly, support your ankles, pad your heels, and improve your game.
But figuring out which Nike basketball sneakers are the best for you can be difficult because there are so many options to choose from. From low-top sneakers to high-top basketball shoes, you might find yourself searching for days looking for the best basketball footwear.
Don’t worry, this article has you covered. In it, we’ll discuss the best Nike shoes:
- Outdoor players
- Wide feet
- Ankle support
- All-around basketball players
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For outdoor players
In 2021, the best Nike basketball shoes for outdoor players are the Nike Men’s Air Versitile Iii. These sneakers work great for outdoor players because they are versatile on pavement. You won’t lose a step when playing in these lightweight sneakers.
This sneaker isn’t quite a low-top or high-top sneaker. But that’s not a drawback because it provides ankle support without constricting too much in any general direction.
There’s also a Nike Air unit in the midsole of these sneakers. It’s Nike’s patented technology that’s been around for decades. It can be seen on a range of sneakers, from Sean Wotherspoon Air Max 97s to different Nike basketball sneakers. Air units help to absorb the shock from running and jumping during a basketball game. Basketball is a fast-paced sport filled with a lot of running, jumping, and quick movements. The legs and feet can take a beating during the process of playing the sport. That’s where the Air unit comes in to help absorb the impact between your feet and the ground.
Even though the Nike Men’s Air Versitile Iii don’t have a lot of hype surrounding them, they are a difficult pair of sneakers to track down in stores. A lot of basketball players know how great they are for playing outdoors and buy them when they can.
Also, the retail price of these sneakers won’t break the bank compared to some of the other sneakers on this list. You might be able to find a coupon if you follow information posted by some of the best sneaker blogs online.
For wide feet
The Nike LeBron 18 is the best Nike basketball sneaker for players with wide feet. These sneakers are molded to be bigger than most average basketball sneakers because the basketball player they were designed for, LeBron James, is a massive man in terms of size.
Looking at the Nike LeBron 18, it looks like Back to the Future shoes, but really they encapsulate a ton of comfort features for players with wide feet and have a unique design. It allows room on the sides of the foot so it’s comfortable to run and jump in them while still being breathable on your feet.
Also, since the sneaker is designed for one of the world’s greatest basketball players, it’s built to take a beating. You can rest assured that no matter how hard you play in these sneakers, they will hold up under the pressure. Even if you do have a bigger foot moving around inside of the Nike LeBron 18, you won’t have to worry about any part of the sneaker giving out on you.
The only downside to Nike LeBron 18 sneakers is they’re hard to find. It’s because of how popular they are and how they’re released. These sneakers are released on the Nike SNKRS app. Many people attempt to purchase them each time a new colorway is released. If you aren’t able to buy the sneakers on the Nike SNKRS app, you can always turn to aftermarket platforms like StockX. But you’ll be paying a premium price from sellers who invest in sneakers and resell them at a hefty price.
For ankle support
Ankle support is one of the most important factors for basketball sneakers and the Nike Kyrie 6 provides just that for every player. This sneaker is the sixth iteration of Kyrie Irving’s signature Nike basketball line. His sneakers always sell well because of how well received they are by basketball players.
They are a mid-top sneaker that covers the ankle region and add padding on both sides of the ankle for support. These sneakers also provide padding underneath the heels and around the toes to help with the impact of jumping and running.
Another great feature about the Nike Kyrie 6–and most of Kyrie Irving’s signature sneakers–is they have a strap across the top of the sneaker. This strap is large in width and helps to lock the foot and ankle into place after the sneaker is tied. The better you can keep your feet from moving, the more you won’t have to worry about your ankle shifting. Especially while you come down from a jump or while you’re running.
The Nike Kyrie 6 is a sneaker you can get at a great price if you shop it around and the colorways come in a variety of different styles.
For all kinds of basketball players
The best Nike basketball sneaker for all kinds of wear in 2021 is the Nike KD 14. It’s the safest bet any basketball can decide to wear, whether they’re playing indoors or outdoors.
It also provides a vast amount of ankle support to the wearer because it comes with a strap and is a high-top sneaker. This combination keeps the foot in place while also locking in the ankle. It’s a dual-threat that will bolster ankle support without cutting off any range of motion.
The Nike KD 14 retails at $150 and you’ll often find them below retail price at online retailers.
Rundown of the best Nike basketball sneakers in 2021
Anyone who needs to find the best Nike basketball sneakers for outdoor use needs to get the Nike Men’s Air Versitile Iii. It’s a versatile sneaker both on and off the hardwood.
The best basketball sneaker for flat or wide feet is the Nike LeBron 18. The main feature is how much room is available on the inside of the sneaker. It’s comfortable, yet still provides ankle and foot support.
If you’re looking for a sneaker with ankle support, the Nike Kyrie 6 utilizes a strap and a mid-top design. It will lock your foot into place. It also has padding in the ankle area to soften the impact in that area while preventing ankle twisting.
For all-around basketball players, the best Nike basketball sneaker is the Nike KD 14. It provides ankle support, is lightweight, has a strap to lock feet into place, and includes a lot of padding. All of this comes at an affordable retail price and the sneaker is often on sale.
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