Top 8 Best Basketball Shoes That Make You Jump Higher 2024

If you’re on the hunt for the absolute best shoes for dunking in basketball, look no further. We’re about to dive into the world of basketball shoes that will not only make you jump higher but also run faster.

I’ve gathered the top 8 basketball shoes that are specifically tailored for this job. These bouncy basketball shoes are the real deal. They possess all the necessary features you need to soar through the air and slam dunk like a pro.

We all know that technique, strength, flexibility, and body weight play a crucial role in dunking. But guess what? Choosing the perfect pair of basketball shoes can also make a world of difference. These 8 Best basketball dunking shoes are specifically designed to provide you with the ultimate bounce, cushioning, traction, and support that will skyrocket your vertical leap and speed on the court.

Top 3 Basketball Dunking Shoes For 2024

List Of 8 Basketball Dunking Shoes – (Skip to Reviews)

---

Do Every Basketball Shoe Is Helpful For Dunking?

Not every basketball shoe is helpful for dunking. Some shoes are better for jumping high and dunking, while others are not as good. It’s like when you want to run really fast, you wear running shoes because they help you go faster.

Similarly, there are special basketball shoes that can make it easier for you to jump high and dunk. They have special features like extra cushioning, good grip on the floor, and support for your feet.

So, if you want to dunk like a basketball superstar, you need to wear the right basketball shoes that can help you jump higher!

Latest Article – Why Do New Basketball Shoes Hurt Your Feet? Tips & Tricks

---

Factors To Consider While Buying Shoes For Dunking In Basketball

Dunking is the most electrifying and expressive thing in basketball. You just need to jump about 10 Ft’ higher and get your slam dunk. But that’s not an easy thing to do for everybody, its highly depend on your body, your movements, and lastly your footwear.

Midsole Cushioning

The midsole cushion is the most important part in dunking shoes. So, look for shoes that have a responsive cushioning system to provide the support and impact protection needed for dunking.

Fit

Always look for shoes that fit your feet well and provide a snug and secure lockdown. You don’t want your feet to move around or slide inside the shoes when you are dunking. However, you can adjust the fit by using different lacing techniques or choosing shoes with a customizable lacing system

Support

You want shoes that can provide you with enough stability and balance when you are dunking. You should look for shoes that have a supportive midsole. Consider a speed plate or a torsion system and a supportive ankle collar, such as a high-top or a mid-top. You should also avoid shoes that are too loose or too tight

STRETCHABLE MATERIAL 

You want shoes that can bend and flex with your feet when you are dunking. You should look for shoes that have a flexible upper material. Such as mesh or knit, and a segmented or articulated outsole. Furthermore, you should also avoid shoes that are too stiff or rigid

Outsole Traction pattern

A best traction basketball shoe for jumping high is very important either you’re playing outdoor or indoor. The traction pattern must be responsive and capable of providing more comfort to your feet while landing on a hard surface or polished hardwood floor.

Best For the Budget

You may want to consider your budget and preferences when buying basketball dunking shoes. Some shoes are more expensive than others because of their quality, features, design, or exclusivity. However, price does not always reflect performance or value. You should look for shoes that suit your needs and expectations without breaking the bank.

---

8 Bouncy Basketball Shoes That Can Help You Jump Higher

Nike air zoom G.T Cut 2 basketball shoe is the most comfortable jumping shoe from Nike Air Zoom series. Especially made for the players who want to jump higher for a slam dunk. The upper is inspired by a butterfly with an inner cage that’s built into the lining underneath. It helps reduce the weight of the shoe to help you take off in an instant.

The Midsole has Nike React technology paired with parabolic Air Zoom Strobel cushioning stacked with a Zoom Air unit in the heel helps provide the responsiveness you need to create space and opportunity off the dribble.

The outsole with smear traction that helps you briefly stick to the ground while the other directional traction helps you dig your toe in and toe out of it. The hollow herringbone pattern helps you stop quicker.

Last But Not Least, the molded tongue extends to the toe area and expands for comfort. Plush interior makes it ideal for players who want to feel quick without sacrificing comfort or control.

This is Own The Game 2.0 best budget basketball shoe from Adidas 2023. This great bouncy basketball shoe from Adidas features a mid top design It can protect your feet. We’ve got a great blend of synthetic uppers It’s gonna be long lasting, it’s easy to clean and maintain and also protect your feet as well.

Moreover, a traditional lace of design goes all the way up for secure fit around the foot, Padding on the tongue and collar for additional comfort. Also, it has a pull tab at the heel help for an easy on and off. Moreover, you’ve got a well cushioned cloud foam footbed that’s gonna help absorb shock and It’s got ortholite properties so it’s gonna keep your feet fresh.

My Favorite

You’ve even got cloud foam on the midsole. It has a lightweight design that helps absorb shock out on the court. Its got a slight bit of flex, love the extended rubber and key areas for quick movements and of course a durable Adiwear rubber outsole.

Lastly, an advanced thicker boost cushioning unit of this shoe works excellently and produces more bounciness when absorbing the given energy. If you need a multiple purpose shoe, this is surely the best basketball shoe for dunking and also suitable to play volleyball as well.

The Nike’s men’s Lebron Witness 7 basketball shoe is a special edition for high jumping and dunking in basketball. Nike has a large variety in basketball shoes and some of the best editions were already discussed in our other shoes articles.

Nike Witness 7 is a best basketball shoe, its lightweight material and low top style makes it the shoe for dunking. Furthermore, it has a full-length Max Air unit in a low-profile midsole is combined with a foam wrap-up for support when you’re moving in lateral directions.

The Air is specifically placed in the forefoot to help reduce weight & increase responsiveness. It helps with impact absorption while supporting the smooth transition from heel to toe. Also, it provides side-to-side stability & helps harness & direct your force.

Overall Feel

Its reinforced Breathable mesh material provides a lightweight, conforming fit in the upper, from the webbing that harnesses your forefoot to the external molded pieces that help lock in your heel. overall water resistant material make it easy to clean and it can be machine washable if needed.

The rubber outsole is split & partially cut out under the arch to help it bend & flex while helping reduce its overall weight. A classic herringbone pattern adds durable traction. You’ll feel comfortable while playing with this outdoor basketball shoes on a concrete floor.

Moreover, its thick rubber outsole works well on demanding conditions and if you regularly play on rough outdoor courts, it can be the best choice for yourself.

If you’re looking for a durable outdoor basketball shoe that make you jump high, this Nike’s stylish basketball Sneaker could be the best choice for you. The Nike Giannis Immorality is excellent shoe constructed with flexible plus breathable upper, excellent cushion unit, comfortable fit, and a great traction outsole for lateral stability.

Wide Fit Design

This Wide Fit basketball shoe has soft and lightweight characteristics that helps to reduce external impacts and improve sports performance. Because of the durable phylon outsole rubber and its herringbone traction pattern provides extra grip on any hard and dusty floor. Even if you are playing on an indoor courtroom, this Nike basketball shoe is a beast on any surface.

When we talk about its design, personally I feel it’s kind of a boring style or you can say that they have old school shoe look but it’s my personal opinion. Dozens of pro basketball players have worn this Nike’s wide fit sneaker for professional level.

Nike men’s Lebron 19 basketball shoes are loved by every wearer we ask about it. Besides its all advanced features, this high top style shoe has a beautiful Retro design that looks cool. It’s high-quality textile upper material is more durable and make the shoe lightweight.

Many wearers stated that the shoe weight is very light and helps them for improving their vertical jump.

The Lebron 19 has a herringbone traction that is more supportive on the basketball court. Also the shoe has an excellent floor grip and a lightweight well cushioned midsole for easy dunking. You’ll feel no fear while jumping high for dunk.

Moreover, the lace-up mechanism and strap combination creates excellent lockdown. It feels like your feet are stuck into the shoe because there is no space between your feet and shoe.

Nike KD 14 has all the advanced features that will help you jump higher and provide maximum support while landing. The shoe can be used for multiple sports. The price is much expensive but these advanced features will create a lot of improvement in your game and make you feel glad about your spending money.

The textile upper material and rubber outsole makes it comfortable and responsive. The Herringbone traction pattern is very supportive on every court floor and creates extra stopping power. It’s rubber outsole attracts less dust and works excellent on outdoor hard and dusty courts.

The midsole unit of this well cushioned basketball shoe has thick boosted air-cushioning that makes it perfect for high jumping.

Many users claim that the soft insole feels comfortable and it’s lateral stability is excellent on every court. They used these as a multiple sports court shoe and ready to buy another pair.

The Nike Zoom Freak 3 is Giannis Signature series shoe. It has a lightweight textile upper that is very durable and also breathable to keep your feet dry and fresh.

The midsole of the shoe has soft phylon cushioning that is very responsive while playing with them. It supports your jumping and protects your feet during hard landings. If you’re a flat footer, it would be the best choice for you.

If you’re looking for a court shoe for multiple sports, specially for basketball and volleyball, this is the right shoe for you.

It has a thick rubber outsole with herringbone traction pattern that provides maximum ground grip on outdoor as well as on indoor hardwood courts. It provides great lateral motion support on every surface.

The under Armour Lockdown 6 is the most comfortable shoe for plantar fasciitis. It uses the herringbone traction pattern that’s actually very nice.

The stopping power is very smooth, it wasn’t tripping anything. Thick rubber outsole is very durable and overall its ground grip is excellent.

Overall material of this outdoor athletic shoe is very soft and comfy. Moreover, maxprene is used on the outer part which is less rugged than synthetic and less stretchy than neoprene.

The flexibility and support of this basketball shoe is very friendly, fit, and comfy. It works well and provides extra banding support while you try to jump. So, that’s what make it the best basketball dunk shoe suitable for volleyball hitters as well.

What Are APL Basketball Shoes? Why They’re Banned In NBA?

APL is a fashion brand and known for their superior athletic accessories and footwear. They introduced their first basketball shoes in 2010 and they were specially designed for high jumping. But they have did not last for long.

The reason behind it is, they introduced an advanced technology that has a springy midsole that works as a load and launch mechanism. They literally designed a spring in midsole under its cushioning.

So, the NBA banned that bouncy basketball shoe at highest level and stated that, these dunking shoes have very advanced features that give the player an unfair edge of high jumping. And it’s unfair with other players.
Even the shoe only increased almost 4” of your vertical jump but it seems a bit of a competitive advantage with other players.

That’s why the NBA banned them for professional play.
Specifications of APL basketball shoes.

• 100% thread-based upper
• Full-length carbon fiber plate
• Dual compound sock liner 
• Internal midsole
• Classic High Top Design
• Hinge pin
• 10 coil springs
• High rebound foam nest
• APL future foam midsole
• Bottom plate
• Transparent rubber outsole

These advanced features help the player to jump higher than his actual jump.

---

Other Posts