A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Basketball Shoes for Kids And Youth

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So, kids grow up and decide to go outside to play on the real court. As a parent it’s your responsibility to protect their initial hoop experience with choosing the best basketball shoes for them. 

Basketball shoes play a crucial role in enhancing performance and preventing injuries for young athletes. Selecting the right pair of basketball shoes for kids involves considering factors like fit, support, traction, and durability.

Top 7 Basketball Shoes For Kids And Youth In A Look

IMAGE PRODUCT FEATURES PRICE
Best Of 2023
Nike Kids Lebron 19 (GS) Basketball Shoe
Nike Kids Lebron 19 (GS) Basketball Shoe
  • 1: Best Selling B-ball Shoe 2024
  • 2: Synthetic & Rubber Material
  • 3: Great Ankle Plus Feet Protection
  • 4: Best Basketball Shoes For Outdoor
Check on Amazon >Foot Locker
Best Overall
Adidas Own the game 2.0 Basketball Shoe
Adidas Own the game 2.0 Basketball Shoe
  • 1: Most Comfortable For Flat Feet
  • 2: Lightweight And Breathable
  • 3: Excellent Ankle And Arch Support
  • 4: Super Comfortable Shoe For Kids
Check on Amazon >Check on Adidas
Expert’s Choice
Under Armour Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoe
Under Armour Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoe
  • 1: Durable leather & Rubber Sole
  • 2: Plush Foam Sockliner For Max Comfort
  • 3: Well Cushioned Shoe For Dunking
  • 4: Extremely Comfortable Feel
Check on Amazon >Under Armour
Best Budget Kids Shoes
AND1 Showout Boys Basketball Shoes
AND1 Showout Boys Basketball Shoes
  • 1: Breathable, Lightweight
  • 2: Best Basketball Shoes For Boys
  • 3: Full-length Rubber Outsole & Multi-directional Tread
  • 4: EVA Midsole & Durable Construction
Check on Amazon >Check on eBay
Best For Speed
Nike Boys' Grade School Jordan Why Not Zer0.4
Nike Boys’ Grade School Jordan Why Not Zer0.4
  • 1: Lightweight Shoe Best For Max Speed
  • 2: Great Lateral Support
  • 3: Premium Quality Material
  • 4: Can Be Used For Multiple Sports
Check on Amazon >Foot Locker
Most Comfortable
Nike Big Kid's Kyrie 8
Nike Big Kid’s Kyrie 8
  • 1: Extremely Comfortable Kids Shoes
  • 2: Durable & Fashionable Style
  • 3: Great Fit To Every Foot Type
  • 4: Clean Stylish Look
Check on Amazon >Sports Direct
Premium Child Shoes
Reebok Child Solution Mid Basketball Shoe
Reebok Child Solution Mid Basketball Shoe
  • 1: Versatile Basketball shoe Design
  • 2: Comfortable Underfoot Feel
  • 3: Best Youth Basketball Shoes For Speed
  • 4: Best For The Money
Check on Amazon >Check on Reebok

Choosing The Best Basketball Shoes For Youth – Buying Guide

the Perfect Basketball Shoes for Kids And Youth

In this article, we’ve picked the top 7 basketball shoes for kids and youth. If you’re looking for the best youth basketball shoe, this list you must check. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into each of these aspects to help you make an informed decision when purchasing basketball shoes for your child.

Fit

Proper fit is paramount when it comes to basketball shoes. Ill-fitting shoes can cause discomfort, affect performance, and potentially lead to injuries. Here are some tips for achieving the right fit:

  • Measure your child’s feet regularly and consider their growth rate.
  • Allow around a thumb’s width of space between the toes and the front of the shoe.
  • Check the width of the shoe to ensure it accommodates your child’s foot shape.

Support

Basketball involves intense movements, quick cuts, and jumps, so adequate support is crucial. Look for the following features:

  • Ankle support: Consider mid-top or high-top shoes to provide stability and protect against ankle sprains.
  • Cushioning: Look for shoes with ample cushioning in the midsole to absorb shock and reduce the impact on joints.

Traction

Traction is vital for maintaining grip on the court and preventing slips and falls. Look for the following traction features:

  • Outsole pattern: Shoes with a multi directional or herringbone pattern offer excellent grip and allow for quick changes in direction.
  • Rubber compound: Opt for shoes with durable and high-quality rubber outsoles for better traction and longevity.

Durability

Basketball can be tough on shoes, especially for active kids. Look for durable materials and construction to ensure the shoes can withstand the demands of the game. Consider the following factors:

  • Upper material: Shoes with synthetic leather or mesh uppers tend to be more durable and provide better ventilation.
  • Reinforcements: Look for reinforced toe caps and overlays on high-wear areas to enhance durability.
  • Stitching and gluing: Check for strong stitching and securely glued components to ensure longevity.

Brand and Models

There are several trusted brands offering basketball shoes for kids. Here are a few popular options to consider:

    1. Nike
    2. Adidas
    3. Under Armour
    4. Jordan
    5. Reebok
    6. AND1

Basketball Shoe Collection

basketball shoes for running and walking

Also Read: How to Clean Basketball Shoes – Complete Guide

Read Full Reviews

Best Basketball Shoes For Kids You Can Get In 2024

Most Popular
Nike Big Kids Kyrie 8 - Designed for quick movements and agility

Nike Big Kids Kyrie 8 – Designed for quick movements and agility

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Beautiful Sleek Design
  • Lightweight Mesh Upper
  • Computer Generated Traction Design
  • Nike Air Zoom Stable Technology
  • Soft Padded Insoles
  • Impact Absorption Features
  • Well Cushioned Basketball Shoes For Kids
  • Extremely Comfortable Feel

The Nike Big Kids Kyrie 8 is an outstanding basketball shoe specifically designed to cater to the needs of young athletes aiming to excel on the court.

Nike, a renowned sportswear brand, manufactures these shoes, combining style, performance, and support to enhance the basketball experience for children.

One of the standout features of the Nike kids Kyrie 8 is its exceptional traction. Engineers have designed the outsole with a multi directional pattern, enabling quick changes in direction without compromising grip. As a result, young athletes can confidently execute swift moves, cuts, and stops during games and practice sessions.

Ankle support and stability are vital aspects for young players in preventing injuries. The Kyrie Flytrap incorporates a mid-top design that strikes a balance between ankle support and freedom of movement. This feature assists young players in maintaining stability and reduces the risk of ankle sprains or twists while actively participating in the sport.

PROS

  • Excellent traction for quick movements
  • Mid-top design provides ankle support
  • Responsive cushioning for impact protection
  • Stylish design

CONS

  • May require a break-in period for comfort
  • Higher price point compared to some alternatives
Overall Best
Under Armour Lockdown 6 - Excellent traction and cushioning for impact protection

Under Armour Lockdown 6 – Excellent traction and cushioning for impact protection

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Lightweight Breathable Leather Upper
  • Best Budget Basketball Shoes For Kids
  • Recommended For Foot Pain
  • Foam Padded Ankle Collar
  • Great Lateral Support for young players
  • Most Comfortable Basketball Shoes For Outdoor
  • Flexible & Durable Material

The Under Armour lockdown 6 is a phenomenal basketball shoe specifically designed for young athletes looking to elevate their game on the court. Created by the renowned sportswear brand Under Armour, these well cushioned shoes combine performance, style, and support to enhance a child’s basketball experience.

One of the standout features of the Under Armour lockdown 6 is its excellent traction. The outsole is engineered with a specialized pattern that offers superior grip, allowing young athletes to make quick cuts, changes in direction, and stops with confidence and control.

Furthermore, this Under Armour kids basketball shoe features a responsive cushioning system in the midsole. This excellent orthotic cushioning not only provides excellent impact protection but also enhances comfort, allowing young players to perform at their peak without sacrificing support or performance.

PROS

  • Great Lateral Motion Support
  • Supportive design for stability
  • Responsive cushioning for impact protection
  • Superior Plantar Support

CONS

  • Upper Is Less Stretchable
  • A Bit Heavy Shoe
  • Need Cleaning Shortly
Expert’s Choice
Adidas Own the game 2.0 - Lightweight with stability for lateral movements

Adidas Own the game 2.0 Kids Basketball Shoe – Lightweight with stability for lateral movements

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Extremely Comfortable and Flexible
  • Youth Basketball Shoes For All-Game Comfort
  • Dual-Material Breathable Mesh Upper
  • Kids Cheap Outdoor Basketball Shoes 2024
  • Light Motion Cushioning Enhances Dynamic Movements
  • Best Multiple sports Indoor Court Sneaker

The Adidas Own The Game 2.0 is a remarkable basketball shoe for kids and designed specifically for young athletes who aspire to dominate the court. Manufactured by the renowned sportswear brand Adidas.

These shoes combine style, performance, and support to elevate a child’s basketball experience. One of the standout features of the Adidas youth basketball shoe is its lightweight design, enabling young athletes to move swiftly and effortlessly across the court.

This lightweight construction enhances speed and agility, allowing for quick cuts and explosive movements during games and practice sessions.

Ankle support and stability are crucial for young players to prevent injuries and maintain performance. This basketball dunking shoe incorporates a design that offers stability during lateral movements, reducing the risk of ankle sprains or twists.

This feature provides young athletes with the confidence to execute sharp cuts and changes in direction without compromising balance or stability.

PROS

  • Lightweight design for enhanced agility
  • Provides stability during lateral movements
  • Responsive cushioning for impact protection
  • Can Be Used For Volleyball

CONS

  • Limited color options
  • May require a break-in period for comfort
Best For Speed
Jordan Why Not Zer0.4 - Provides excellent support for explosive players

Jordan Why Not Zer0.4 – Provides excellent support for explosive players

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Textile + Synthetic Upper Material
  • Russell Westbrook Signature Series
  • Thick Rubber Sole & Aggressive Traction
  • High Top Kids Basketball Shoes With Ankle Support
  • Full Length Phylon Midsole
  • Jordan Basketball Shoes For Kids And Youth
  • Lightweight Shoes For Speed

The Jordan Why Not Zer0.4 is an exceptional basketball shoe for kids and youth designed specifically for young athletes who aim to make a statement on the court.

Created under the renowned Jordan shoe brand and these kids basketball shoes combine style, performance, and support to enhance a child’s basketball experience.

One of the iconic features of the Jordan kids Why Not Zer0.4 is its excellent support and stability. The shoe incorporates a high-top design that provides ankle support, reducing the risk of ankle injuries and offering added stability during intense movements.

Traction is vital for maintaining grip on the court and preventing slips and falls. This high cut style youth basketball sneaker from Nike features a specialized outsole pattern that offers excellent traction, allowing young athletes to make quick cuts and changes in direction with confidence.

PROS

  • High-top design provides ankle support
  • Excellent Traction On Every Court
  • Inspired by Russell Westbrook’s playing style
  • Best Lightweight Sneaker For Speed

CONS

  • May require a break-in period for comfort
  • Higher price point compared to some alternatives
Premium Pick
Reebok Question Mid - Versatile basketball Shoes For Kids and Youth

Reebok Question Mid – Versatile basketball Shoes For Kids and Youth

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Great shoe for youth basketball
  • legend Allen Iverson Inspired Shoes
  • Best For Max Speed
  • Great Lateral Motion Support
  • Lightweight Responsive Midsole
  • Best Traction Basketball Shoes For Kids And Youth
  • Comfortable Bouncy Cushioning

The Reebok Question Mid is a fantastic basketball shoe designed specifically for young athletes who want to elevate their game on the court. Manufactured by the renowned sportswear brand Reebok.

These kids basketball shoes combine style, performance, and support to enhance a child’s basketball experience.

Support and stability are crucial for young players to prevent injuries and maintain optimal performance. The Question Mid incorporates a mid-top design that provides ankle support while still allowing freedom of movement. This feature ensures stability during lateral movements and reduces the risk of ankle sprains or twists.

Furthermore, the Reebok Question Mid features responsive cushioning in the midsole, providing excellent impact protection and shock absorption during high-intensity movements. This cushioning not only enhances comfort but also contributes to the overall performance and longevity of the shoe.

PROS

  • Excellent traction for quick movements
  • Responsive cushioning for impact protection
  • Inspired by Allen Iverson’s playing style
  • Ankle supportive Design

CONS

  • Sizing may run small for some individuals
  • Limited color options
Best Budget Pick
AND1 Showout - Best Budget Basketball Shoes For Kids and Youth

AND1 Showout – Best Budget Basketball Shoes For Kids and Youth

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Best Basketball Shoes For Boys
  • Lightweight & Breathable Mesh
  • Full-length Rubber Outsole
  • Anti Slip Traction
  • Thick Padded Responsive Midsole
  • Iconic High Top Basketball Shoes For Kids And Youth

The AND1 Showout is a great basketball shoe for youth. This shoe is just about as good as it gets for kids. The shoes come in various colors allowing kids to express their personal style both on and off the court.

The high end design complements the sleek aesthetics, making them a fashionable choice for young athletes. Furthermore, this AND1 kids basketball shoe is extremely Lightweight with enhancing comfort, so that your child can maximize his or her enjoyment of the game of basketball.

The lightweight nature created by the EVA midsole enables their ability to move around the floor easily and doesn’t lose out on stability, like many other similar shoes despite weighing next to nothing.

This junior basketball shoe will still provide great support for your child’s young feet and ankles. Reducing the risk of suffering an injury which is always a little higher with children who are still getting used to their growing bodies.

Cheapest Basketball Shoes For Youth

On top of all that, it comes in extremely Cheap something that is even more important for children given the pesky tendency of their feet to rapidly outgrow their new shoes.
Overall these are the best performing kids shoes with cheapest price and might be the best performance basketball shoes of all time for kids.

PROS

  • Best Budget Basketball Shoes For Kids And Youth
  • Aggressive Traction Pattern
  • Great Ankle & Lateral Support
  • Durable & Comfortable Construction

CONS

  • Boring Design
  • Rubber Durability Issue
Best Of 2024
Nike Kids Lebron 19 - Most Durable Basketball Shoe For Kids And Youth

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Nike Basketball Dunking Shoes For Kids
  • Textile & Synthetic Material
  • Great Traction On Every Court
  • Shock Absorption Feature
  • New Attractive High Top Style
  • Well Cushioned Basketball Shoes For Jumping High

When your active kid is making big plays on the court, they need a pair of shoes that can keep up with them that’s where the Big Kids’ Nike LeBron 19 Basketball Shoes come in.

Designed to provide support and comfort where kids need it most, they’ll be able to elevate their game to MVP (MOST VALUABLE PLAYER) status.

PROS

  • Lightweight Jumping Shoes For Kids
  • Excellent Cushioning Setup
  • High Cut Stylish Look
  • Breathable & Durable Material

CONS

  • A Bit Heavy Shoe
  • Not for all activities

Conclusion

Choosing the right basketball shoes for kids involves considering factors like fit, support, traction, and durability. Prioritize finding shoes that fit properly and offer adequate ankle support, cushioning, and traction. Remember to consider your child’s playing style and preferences as well. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that your child has the right footwear to enhance their performance and protect them from potential injuries on the basketball court.

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