So, you’re interested in basketball shoes that can make you jump higher and run faster. There are many factors that can affect your jumping and running performance, such as your technique, strength, flexibility, and body weight.
However, choosing the right pair of basketball shoes can also make a difference. Some shoes are designed to provide more bounce, cushioning, traction, and support than others, which can help you improve your vertical leap and speed on the court.
If you’re looking for the best shoes for dunking in basketball, here you’ll find the top 8 basketball shoes that are best for the job.
These shoes will make you jump higher, and they’re gathered on the basis of having all the required features that you’ll need while making jump for a slam dunk.
Top 3 Basketball Dunking Shoes in 2023
- Parabolic Air Zoom Cushioning
- Lightweight Shoe For Dunking
- Excellent Ground Support
- Nike Latest Basketball Shoes
- Best Basketball Shoes For Speed
- Lightweight Dunking Shoe
- Flexible, Durable Mesh Upper
- Best For The Money
List Of 8 Basketball Dunking Shoes – Reviews
Do Every Basketball Shoes Suitable For Dunking?
So, basically what I believe is that every shoe fits differently based on your playing style, your overall movements in anything like While you’re playing basketball or volleyball.
You need a well cushioned shoe for jumping high and that should fits properly, matches with your body type, also your movements and caters your needs to become a good dunker.
Many of today’s top basketball shoes provide additional cushioning and stability for extra comfort and support while playing.
However, some basketball shoes also feature special technology that designed to promote a more efficient form while in mid-air, which could help improve your vertical leap.
Generally, most of the specific basketball high jump shoes come with extra lacing system to makes sure that your foot is secure when jumping higher. All these advance tech ensure maximum comfort, so you can stay at your best throughout the game.
Latest Article – Why Do New Basketball Shoes Hurt Your Feet? Tips & Tricks
Things To Consider Before Buying A Dunking Shoe – Pro Guide For Buyers
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.
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.
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.
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
EXCELLENT TRACTION FOR LATERAL SUPPORT
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.
8 Bouncy Basketball Shoes That Help You Jump Higher
Nike Unisex Air Zoom G.T. Cut 2 Basketball Shoe
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Parabolic Air Zoom Cushioning with Heel Zoom Air unit
- Lightweight Shoe Best For Dunking
- Stylish Look
- Excellent Ground Support
- Nike Basketball Shoes 2023
- Best For Men & Women
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.
- Lightweight, Durable Material
- Great Traction On Court
- Air Zoom Bouncy Cushioning
- Excellent Fit For Hammer Toes
- Supportive While Jumping And Landing
- A Bit Expensive
Adidas Men’s Own The Game 2.0
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Best Basketball Shoes For Speed
- Flexible, Durable Mesh Upper
- Best Budget Dunk Shoe
- Soft Bouncy Cushioning
- Rubberized heel clip for support and stability
- Adiwear outsole offers the ultimate in high-wear durability
- Best For Plantar Support
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.
- Most Comfortable For Flat Feet
- Excellent Ankle And Arch Support
- True To Size
- Recommended For Plantar Fasciitis & Flat Feet
- Best For Indoor And Outdoor Courts
- Durability Issues
- Quickly Pick up Dust
Nike Men’s Lebron Witness 7 Basketball Shoe
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Lightweight Mesh Upper
- Best Shoes For Dunking In Basketball
- Best Basketball Shoes For Speed
- Full-length Max Air unit
- Excellent Lateral Support
- Aggressive Traction Outsole
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.
- Excellent Support To Lateral Moves
- Machine Washable
- Lightweight Soft Cushioning
- Best For Heavy Purpose
- A classic herringbone pattern
- Comfortable Dunking Shoes For Men
- Not So Durable
- A Bit Noisy
Nike Men’s Giannis Immortality
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Textile And Canvas Upper For Durability
- Molded And Padded Ankle Collar For Support
- Nike Best Basketball Sneaker 2023
- Rubber Outsole For Excellent Grip
- Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes For Dunking
- New Sleek Design
If you’re looking for a durable outdoor basketball shoe that make you jump high, this Nike’s stylish 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.
- Stylish Casual Shoe Look
- Affordable Dunking Shoe
- Excellent Grip On Dusty Courts
- Best NBA Sneaker 2023
- Suitable For Wide Footer
- Supportive While Making Lateral Movements
- Outer Material Durability Issue
Nike Men’s Lebron 19 Basketball Shoes
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Nike Basketball Dunking Shoe
- New Attractive Style
- Outer Material: Synthetic
- Inner Material: Textile
- Sole: Rubber
- Closure: Lace-Up
- Heel Type: No Heel
- Shoe Width: Normal
- Shock Absorption Nike Air
- Lightweight Mesh Upper With Reinforced Toe
Nike men’s Lebron 19 basketball shoes are loved by every wearer we ask about it. Besides its all advanced features, this high top 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.
Moreover, measure your shoe size at home with this pro guide.
- Stylish Design
- Herringbone Traction Pattern
- Lace Up Closer Mechanism
- Affordable Shoes
- Durable Material
- Excellent Lockdown
- Lightweight Dunking Shoes
- A Bit Tight For A Wide Footer
Nike Men’s Shoes KD 14 For Dunkers
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Attractive Design
- Herringbone Traction Pattern
- Low Ground Boost Cushioning
- Supportive While Jumping
- Comfortable
- Premium Shoe Material
- Leather Pull Tab
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 basketball dunking 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.
- Excellent Traction Support
- Advanced Boost Cushioning
- Lace Up Closer Mechanism
- Lightweight Shoe
- New Sleek Design
- Supportive Lockdown
- Much Pricy
Nike Zoom Freak 3 Best For Jumping
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Best Traction On All Courts
- Computer Generated Traction Pattern
- Ultra Comfy B-ball Shoes For Wide Flat Feet
- Textile Mesh Upper
- Best Basketball Shoes For Guards
- Lightweight Soft Cushioning
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.
- Best For Multiple Sports
- Premium Engineered Mesh Upper
- Affordable Dunking Shoe
- Arch Support
- Best Basketball Shoes For Volleyball
- Small Fron Looks Weird
- Narrow Fit
Under Armour Unisex-Adult Lockdown 6
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Durable leather upper
- Plush Foam Sockliner For Max Comfort
- Durable Solid Rubber Outsole
- Best NBA Sneakers 2023
- Well Cushioned Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis
- Extremely Comfortable Feel
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.
- Best Budget Basketball Shoes For Foot Pain
- True Size Fit
- Foam Padded Ankle Collar
- Midfoot Stabilizer
- Best for flat feet & bunions
- Comfortable While Jumping
- Thick Rubber Platform Heel
- A Bit Heavy Shoe
- Less Stretchable
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.
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