Best Shoes For Dunking – Shoes That Make You Jump Higher

If you’re looking for a shoe for dunking in basketball, here is the list of shoes that help you jump higher for dunking. 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.

Best shoes for dunking theshoeinfo

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, volleyball.

You need a best shoe for jumping high, that should fits good and matches with your body, your movements and caters your needs to become a good dunker. Many of today’s basketball shoes provide additional cushioning and stability.

All that allowing your feet to gain the necessary grip and support on the court. 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.

Moreover, many jump high basketball shoes come with extra lacing system to makes sure that your foot is secure when jumping higher. All this added tech ensure maximum comfort, so you can stay at your best throughout the game!

Top 8 Basketball Shoes Best For Dunking

IMAGE PRODUCT FEATURES PRICE
High Performer
Nike Men's Air Zoom BB NXT Basketball Shoes
Nike Men’s Air Zoom BB NXT Basketball Shoes
  • 1: Brand: Nike
  • 2: High-Quality Material
  • 3: Excellent Cushioning
  • 4: Comfortable Shoes
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Durable Design
Adidas Unisex-Adult Dame 6
Adidas Unisex-Adult Dame 6
  • 1: Stylish Design
  • 2: Lightweight Shoe For Dunking
  • 3: Most Stable For Lateral Moves
  • 4: Best For The Money
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Pro Choice
Nike Men's Air Max 1 Best For Jumping
Nike Men’s Air Max 1 Best For Jumping
  • 1: Attractive Design
  • 2: Bouncy Midsole
  • 3: Affordable Price
  • 4: Energy Return Mechanism
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Cheapest Shoes For Dunker’s
Nike Unisex-Adult Precision Iii
Nike Unisex-Adult Precision Iii
  • 1: Textile and Rubber Material
  • 2: Best BB shoes To Wear All-Day
  • 3: Clean & Classy
  • 4: Comfortable While Jumping
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Stylish BB Sneakers
Adidas Unisex-Adult D Rose 11
Adidas Unisex-Adult D Rose 11
  • 1: 100% Synthetic Textile
  • 2: Ultralight Light strike cushioning
  • 3: Best For Multiple Sports
  • 4: Best Dunking Shoes 2022
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Dunking G.O.A.T
Under Armour Men's Embiid 1
Under Armour Men’s Embiid 1
  • 1: Lightweight textile upper
  • 2: Die-cut EVA sockliner
  • 3: Rubber outsole with unique traction pattern
  • 4: Best NBA Sneakers 2022
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Most Comfortable Dunking Shoes
Nike Men's Lebron Witness IV
Nike Men’s Lebron Witness IV
  • 1: Extra Comfortable
  • 2: Nike’s Stabilization Module
  • 3: Most Selling Shoes
  • 4: Closure: Lace-Up
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Premium Dunking Shoe
Nike Kyrie 6 Men's Basketball Shoes
Nike Kyrie 6 Men’s Basketball Shoes
  • 1: Synthetic Material
  • 2: Best Casual Looking B-ball Shoes
  • 3: Most Comfortable Ride
  • 4: Soft & Lightweight Midsole Cushion
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High Performer
Nike Men's Air Zoom BB NXT Basketball Shoes For Jumping

Nike Men’s Air Zoom BB NXT Basketball Shoes For Dunking

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Brand: Nike
  • High-Quality Material
  • Excellent Cushioning
  • Comfortable Shoes
  • Supportive Traction Pattern
  • Affordable Price Tag

Nike men’s air zoom 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 material used in the outer area of this shoe is very soft and stretchable and long lasting. This basketball shoe is one of the best shoes for high jumping because of it’s soft, bouncy, and lightweight material.

The outsole traction pattern is multi directional which is more supportive for vertical jumps. Also it can be suitable for different positions, specially for point guard and center.

Nike introduces advanced cushioning units in the air zoom series. The midsole unit has three layers of react and two air zoom units joined together to provide extra energy in returns and ensure impact protection to the feet.

PROS
  • Durable Material
  • Great Traction Pattern
  • Excellent Cushioning
  • True Size Fit
  • Supportive While Jumping And Landing
CONS
  • Little Bit Heavy
  • Less Supportive On Outdoor Dusty Courts

Premium Dunking Shoe
Adidas Men's Harden Vol. 2 Dunking Shoes

Adidas Men’s Harden Vol. 2 Dunking Shoes

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Outer Material: Textile
  • Sole: Rubber
  • Closure: Lace-Up
  • Shoe Width: Medium
  • Sock-Like Construction
  • Responsive Boost Midsole
  • Forge Fiber Technology

Adidas men’s Harden vol. 2 basketball shoe is a signature series of James Harden and this model has done a lot of improvement in its features. Adjustable lacing system ensure the proper lockdown of the shoe around your feet.

The material is durable but not premium but its very light and comfortable provides extra protection to your feet while jumping and landing.

The outsole has a thick rubber material and engineered traction pattern that has great lateral support on indoor and outdoor hard surfaces. 

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 playing volleyball as well.

PROS
  • Most Comfortable Upper
  • Extra Protective
  • Excellent Cushioning
  • True Size Fit
  • Supportive While Jumping And Landing
  • Durable Material
CONS
  • Much Noisy
  • Traction Works Well On Clean Courts
  • Much Pricy

Most Comfortable Shoe
Nike Men's Lebron Witness IV Basketball Shoes

Nike Men’s Lebron Witness IV Shoes

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Outer Material: Synthetic
  • Sole: Rubber
  • Closure: Lace-Up
  • Heel Height: 3 Centimeters
  • Heel Type: Flat
  • Shoe Width: Normal
  • Outdoor Rb Upgraded Wear-Resistant Rubber
  • Peak Stabilization Module

The Nike’s men’s Lebron Witness IV basketball shoes 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.

Woven Textile and rubber material has been used in their upper area that make them durable and supportive while jumping. This advanced traction pattern is excellent in work, Nike’s RB technology makes them more supportive and responsive.

You’ll feel comfortable while playing with this outdoor basketball shoes on a concrete floor. Their thick rubber outsole works well on demanding conditions and if you regularly play on rough outdoor courts it can be the choice for yourself.

The Cushioning unit is very responsive and provides extra bounce that makes you jump higher and this type of cushioning unit is especially made to create more bounce through midsole.

PROS
  • Slightly Warped Shoe Toe, Prevent Toe Injury
  • Leather Heel Package
  • Using Peak Outdoor Wear-Resistant Rubber
  • Big Triangle Peak Logo
  • Excellent Traction Pattern
  • Good For Outdoor Playing
  • Affordable Jumping Shoes
  • Comfortable Dunking Shoes
CONS
  • Not So Durable

Most Comfortable Shoe
LI-NING AIT VI Wade Men BB Shoes For High Jumping

LI-NING AIT VI Wade Men BB Shoes For Dunking

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Imported
  • Eva+Rubber Outsole
  • Woven Material
  • Cloud Cushioning Technology
  • Shoe Upper: Textile+Synthetic Leather+Tpu
  • New Sleek Design

LI-NING Wade Men shock absorption basketball shoes, using CLOUD cushioning technology, full-length application of unique Li Ning polymer material formula in midsole that allows effective storage and release of energy. 

This Wide Fit basketball shoe has soft and lightweight characteristics that helps to reduce external impacts and improve sports performance.

The vamp of Lining shoes is used textile, using whole-woven technology with an external wrap structure to provide a good sports experience, makes shoes breathable and soft.

PROS
  • High Top Style
  • Affordable Dunking Shoe
  • Herringbone Traction Pattern
  • Excellent Cushioning
  • Soft Material
  • Supportive While Making Lateral Movements
  • Multi Different Colors
CONS
  • Material Durability Issue
  • Not Grippy On Dusty Floors

Overall Best
Nike Men's Lebron 19 Basketball Shoes

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 sleek 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 you 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.

PROS
  • Stylish Design
  • Herringbone Traction Pattern
  • Lace Up Closer Mechanism
  • Affordable Shoes
  • Durable Material
  • Excellent Lockdown
  • Lightweight Dunking Shoes
CONS
  • A Bit Tight For A Wide Footer

New Advanced Features
Nike Men's Shoes KD 14 For Dunkers

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.

Its 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.

PROS
  • Excellent Traction Support
  • Advanced Boost Cushioning
  • Lace Up Closer Mechanism
  • Lightweight Shoe
  • New Sleek Design
  • Supportive Lockdown
CONS
  • Much Pricy

Expert’s Choice
Nike Men's Air Max 1 Essential.

Nike Men’s Air Max 1 Essential

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Nike Air Max 1
  • Outer Material: Leather
  • Sole: Rubber
  • Closure: Lace-Up
  • Comfortable Shoes For Jumping
  • Shoe Width: Medium
  • Leather Pull Tab

Nike Air Max 1 has an attractive design, low price rate and has all the required features that make it the best basketball shoes that make you jump high. The mid top design is very comfortable and has a good court feel.

Premium engineered mesh upper material is very soft and washable and it feels nice to wear. Many wearers stated that the material of the shoe is very durable and comfortable to wear all day.

The traction pattern of this jumping shoe is good and delivers more grip power on the floor. But some users mention that the traction is less supportive on hard and dusty floors and attracts dust more firmly.

This well cushioned shoe for higher jumping contains EVA foam cushioning that creates great energy when it is pressed forcefully. The EVA cushioning helps you to increase vertical leap and support your ankles.

PROS
  • Attractive Design
  • Premium Engineered Mesh Upper
  • Affordable Dunking Shoe
  • Lightweight Shoe
  • Lace Closure Mechanism
  • Eva Foam Midsole
  • Full Sticky Rubber Outsole For Traction And Grip
CONS
  • Traction Less Supportive On Outdoor Court
  • Durability Issue

Cheap Shoes For Dunking
Nike Unisex-Adult Precision Iii Basketball Shoes

Nike Unisex-Adult Precision Iii Basketball Shoes

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Etching Athletics Trainers Basketball Shoes
  • Outer Material: Textile-Leather
  • Inner Material: Textile
  • Closure: Lace-Up
  • Sole: Synthetic
  • Heel Type: Flat
  • Shoe Width: Medium

The Nike Unisex-Adult Precision Iii constructed with high-quality textile and a rubber material to make it lightweight and supportive. Moreover, a thick rubber traction pattern feels comfortable while jumping and supportive when you landed on the ground. You feel no pain even after a continuous playing time.

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.

PROS
  • Mesh Upper With Suede/Leather Overlays
  • True Size Fit
  • High-Quality Material
  • Midfoot Stabilizer
  • Lace Closure Mechanism
  • Comfortable While Jumping
  • IMEVA Midsole
  • Thick Rubber Platform Heel
  • Cheap Dunking Shoes
CONS
  • Durability Issue
  • Less Stretchable

Things To Consider Before Buying A Dunking Shoe – Pro Guide

Hence you know the reason, why are you needed these dunking shoes. The next important part is to consider the basic elements, that will helps you to select the right shoes for yourself.

BUDGET

The main key factor for finding the best basketball shoes for dunking under your budget range. however, when you are considering what design and model of dunking shoe to go with.

It’s very important to know exactly about how much you can spend on your new basketball shoe. Moreover, after finalizing your budget, know you can compare all the available options on your budget range.

LIGHTWEIGHT

It depends on your physique. If you are a heavy person you should look for a heavy duty shoe pair that can manage your weight and your feet movement with ease.

On the other hand. if you’re a player with less weight and need shoes that helps make you jump higher, then you should consider a lightweight shoe pair. 

A lightweight shoe can easily be stuck with your feet and provides extra support to your vertical jump.  

HIGH TOP/ UPPER STYLE

There are 3 different styles of basketball shoes, 

  • Upper style/High Top End
  • Mid Top
  • Lower top End

You need a shoe that provides extra lateral plus forward motion support and protect your feet & ankles, when you are jumping the chances of foot problems and ankle injuries are increases.

So, keep it in mind, you needed the right shoe that can protect your calves, feet and ankle area too. If you have weak ankles, you should go with the podiatrist recommended orthopedic shoes with ankle support.

The upper style shoe model is very supportive for high jumping with its high top style, they provides extra protection to your ankle area.   

STRETCHABLE MATERIAL 

We have tested some basketball shoes for dunking lately and our research team found that the material must be soft, lightweight, and has great stretchability to survive those heavy landings. 

Furthermore, The Woven textile material or synthetic material can be durable in this situation. But hard material can not be durable for this job and soon it will be broken apart.

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.

Why APL Basketball Shoes Are Banned by the 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.
(1) 100% thread-based upper
(2) Full-length carbon fiber plate
(3) Dual compound sock liner 
(4) Internal midsole
(5) Classic High Top Design
(6) Hinge pin
(7) 10 coil springs
(8) High rebound foam nest
(9) APL future foam midsole
(10) Bottom plate
(11) Transparent rubber outsole
These advanced features help the player to jump higher than his actual jump.


Yes, because the shoe can easily be stuck with your feet and provides extra support to your vertical jump. These Lightweight shoes support your vertical leap and you feel no resistivity to your jumping.

There are many shoes in the market that have all advanced features which are required to make your jump higher.

Nike Men’s Air Zoom BB NXT Basketball Shoes

Adidas Unisex-Adult D Rose 11

Nike Men’s Lebron Witness IV

APL brand who have a variety of great basketball shoes. In 2010-11 They released their new basketball shoes model and this model is meant to be a game changer. because it has an ability to help the player jump higher than his actual jump.

They compressed the spring unit underneath the heel area that increases the vertical jump almost 4 inches.So, the NBA banned these performance enhancing shoes by the APL.