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The 20 Best Adidas Basketball Shoes To Take On and Off the Court

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adidas

Having been around for nearly 100 years, adidas has been a staple of our growing sneaker collections and closets for many decades. Having boasted collaborations with superstars among the likes of Beyoncé, Pharrell, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Kanye West, and more, the popularity of adidas only continues to grow as time goes on. Known for their flair, versatility, and comfort, adidas has shoes for just about every setting you can think of, including some of the best adidas basketball shoes meant specifically for hooping.

With summer about to be in full effect and those 5-on-5 match ups calling our names, you may have your sights set on updating your basketball sneaker collection. We've rounded the best adidas basketball shoes to take with you both on and off the court. Here's to kicking some butt and looking fresh while doing so.

RELATED: The 21 Best Basketball Shoes To Take to the Court in 2023

What to Look for in Basketball Shoes:

Not all shoes labeled as basketball shoes are actually meant for you to wear on the court. In our opinion, the most important factors in basketball shoe shopping are comfort and ankle support. It's crucial for basketball sneakers to have an accurate fit as the shoes being too large is not only uncomfortable but also dangerous as far as injuries/slipping, and the shoes being too snug are also obviously a source of discomfort. It's recommended that there should be a half of an inch of space between your toes and the front part of your shoe for maximum comfort. The basketball sneakers should also have a solid heel and heel cup to ensure your ankle is protected.

While the stylistic element is important, preventing injuries is viewed as more important in our eyes.

The Best adidas Basketball Shoes to Take on the Court:

1. adidas Harden Vol. 6

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adidas

Best Overall

  • Best For: Traction
  • Style: Mid Top
  • A Promising Review: "Shoes are comfortable and lightweight. Good grip. Colors are interesting but love them." - adidas Reviewer

Considered by many to be one of the best basketball shoes on the market, the adidas Harden Vol. 6 is something comparable to a holy grail when it comes to basketball sneaker. The shoes are designed to give you lightweight cushioned support and balance while shooting, stopping on a dime, defending, etc. The Harden Vol. 6 also gives you a comfortable fit and that little bit of wiggle room necessary for maximum comfort that we mentioned earlier.

SHOP NOW AT ADIDAS, $75

2. adidas Harden Vol 7

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adidas

Runner-Up

  • Best For: Traction and Support
  • Style: Mid Top
  • A Promising Review: "I personally got the opportunity to test these out at All Star Weekend this year courtesy of adidas, and I can attest to them being a very good basketball shoe. While I didn't actually play basketball in them, I was literally running/on the run the entire weekend, so I can definitely see how they would be great for hoopers." -Jael Rucker, ONE37pm Staff

Since joining the adidas family in 2015, the ‘Hardens’ have been an integral part of the boost in adidas basketball shoe popularity. The ‘Vol 7s’ are built with hybrid BOOST and a Lightstrike midsole that gives you the the traction pattern for jumping, cutting, and changing directions, which is all that is needed for a successful hooping session. If the neutral cloud white color isn't for you, then there's five other colorways to choose from.

SHOP NOW AT ADIDAS, $160

3. adidas Trae Young Vol 1

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Champs Sports

Best for Point Guards

  • Best For: Cushioning and Speed
  • Style: Mid Top
  • A Promising Review: "My first ever basketball shoe with boost tech. I could casually wear these day to day, so comfortable & secure." - Champs Sports Reviewer

Since 2021, the Trae Youngs are slowly rising to become known as one of Adidas’ signature basketball sneakers. The sneakers are renowned for their agility, style, and comfort with many of adidas' top technological features that includes Lightstrike cushioning and the renowned BOOST midsole. There's plenty of colors to choose from as well that will suit your personality and style if that is something that's important to you.

SHOP NOW AT CHAMPS SPORTS, $104.99

4. adidas D.O.N. Issue #4

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adidas

Best for Traction

  • Best For: Cushioning and Speed
  • Style: Mid Top
  • A Promising Review: "My son loves them. He plays hoop daily. He said they were comfortable and gave him the support he needed" - adidas Reviewer

The adidas D.O.N.'s are another signature athlete sneaker, and we'd have to say that Donovan Mitchell has done a heck of job with his releases—especially from a technical component. Like all adidas shoes, the D.O.N.s are complete with adequate Ultralight Lightstrike cushioning along with a LIGHTLOCK upper that has a snug fit propulsion system that gives you power, but at the same time doesn't restrict your movements.

SHOP NOW AT ADIDAS, $60

5. adidas Dame Certified

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adidas

Best Cushioning

  • Best For: Elevation and Traction
  • Style: Mid Top
  • A Promising Review: "It's a budget shoe but it performs like a more expensive performance model, has great lateral support and exceptional traction on outdoor and indoor courts." - adidas Reviewer

You can always count on Dame Dolla to give you a great-quality basketball shoe. If you've ever owned a pair of Dames, then you you already know that the shoes are very comfortable, and that's something you can always count on when it comes to a player's signature shoe—they exactly know what works and what doesn't. The Dame Certified sneakers are a shoe that works.

SHOP NOW AT ADIDAS, $72

6. adidas Son of Chi 2

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adidas

Best Midsole

  • Best For: Running, Jumping, Stopping Quickly
  • Style: Mid Top
  • A Promising Review: "My son was pleased with this purchase. These were the only shoes he would agree for me to buy so I’m glad I was able to find them." - StockX Reviewer

Son of Chi is all Derrick Rose, and his approach to his signature sneakers are quiet in much of the same way he is off the court. You aren't really going to see Derrick Rose doing heavy promo or advertisements because he knows the product speaks for itself, and it is a very good product we might add—one of the best out there when it comes to basketball shoes for sure.

SHOP NOW AT GOAT, $102

7. adidas Trae Young 2.0

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adidas

Also Great

  • Best For: Traction and Agility
  • Style: Mid Top
  • A Promising Review: "The knit upper material is something you got to get used to and need some break in time. Traction is great and like I mentioned that stability is there where you could plant your foot without having your foot move around the shoe. Catered more to shooters hence Trae Young." - adidas Reviewer

The Trae Young 2.0 takes all the concepts and successful elements of the first iteration, and expands upon them to improve the model. The two major elements at play with the 2.0 are agility and speed, which are the very same things that make Trae Young virtually unguardable at times. BOOST and Lightstrike are once again a part of the shoe's makeup, along with an adaptive SCK360, which is a semi-laceless upper designed for enhanced comfort and game-changing support.

SHOP NOW AT ADIDAS, $84

8. adidas T-Mac 1 Basketball Shoe

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adidas

Best Retro Shoe

  • Best For: Landing and Jumping
  • Style: Mid Top
  • A Promising Review: "I love these shoes they're so comfortable and they look stunning I get tons of compliments on them and they make a bold statement I love them I love all the TMac shoes on that line they all look awesome I've got about four pairs of them but I have about over 50 pairs of Adidas and I love them thank you Adidas" - adidas Reviewer

Real basketball fans know that T-Mac is not new to this but true to it, as he has been a part of the adidas basketball family since his playing days. The T-Mac 1s are a throwback to that time period featuring Adiprene+ cushioning that help with soft landings, and a Torsion System underfoot that supports each and every step. Additionally, the shoes are sustainable as they are made with recycled content generated from production waste. A good basketball shoe that's also sustainable? Sign us up!

SHOP NOW AT ADIDAS, $84

9. Adidas Adizero Select Shoes

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adidas

  • Best For: Speed
  • Style: Mid Top
  • A Promising Review: "I loved the Addidas adizero Select Basketball Shoe as it's a great colour combination and it's very comfortable. The Quality of the shoe is too good. I feel comfortable and secure while walking in these pair of shoes. When I walk outside somewhere it's a eye catcher for everyone. While walking I felt amazing suspension feeling which makes the walk comfortable." - adidas Reviewer

Equipped with a Lightstrike midsole, the ‘Adizero Selects are a classic shoe that's great for the basketball court as they are very lightweight and well cushioned. The shoes do have a snug but not tight fit that allows for good ankle support (especially when running and jumping), and there's a total of six different colorways to select from if you want to add a pop of color to your basketball wardrobe.

SHOP NOW AT ADIDAS, $66

10. adidas Harden Stepback 3 Basketball Shoes

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StockX

  • Best For: Shooting, Quick Stops
  • Style: Mid Top
  • A Promising Review: "Great shoe for people who are new to basketball especially like the orange and white ones black and hold ones are nice too and are very comfortable would recommend" - Shoe Carnival Reviewer

Expanding upon their continued partnership, adidas and James Harden dropped the Stepback 3s a couple of seasons ago, which still remains a community favorite. The sneakers have all of the elements that Adidas fans know and love with Harden models, but these ones have a slightly more subdued look compared to other iterations. Looks aside, this is an awesome basketball shoe that's sure to get the job done on the court.

SHOP NOW AT SHOE CARNIVAL, $94.99

The Best adidas Basketball Shoes to Take Off the Court:

Now we're going to get into several adidas basketball shoes that you can take with you off the court. These sneakers are the ones that make for an adequate hooping shoe, but the main purpose in purchasing for your off the court style. Let's get into it.

11. adidas Own The Game

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DSW

  • Best For: Shooting, Traction
  • Style: Mid Top
  • A Promising Review: "Bought this as basketball shoes but have used it as regular sneakers and holds up well! At first, the shape was a bit weird but got used to it. Nothing amazing, but good, versatile shoes at an affordable price!" - DSW Reviewer

As reflected in the review above, if you want to use the adidas OwnTheGame sneakers on the court, then you'll be well set as the shoes provide proper cushioning, traction, and a stable rubber outsole that will keep you comfortable and safe while playing. If, however, you want to wear the sneakers casually, it indeed works well as a casual shoe. Gotta love a sneaker that can do both.

SHOP NOW AT DSW, $64.29

12. adidas Rivalry Low 86

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adidas

  • Best For: Running and Walking
  • Style: Low Top
  • A Promising Review: "Found these at a local Adidas store and couldn’t resist since it was so cheap! The quality, on the hand, is the exact opposite of cheap as the shoe feels quite premium with the nice leather. Would recommend going down 1/2 a size as these do run large."

The adidas Rivalry Low 86s are a classic sneaker bound to get some stares in your direction and start some conversations amongst serious basketball and sneakers enthusiasts. The 86s are inspired by the hardwood, but have the tailoring to work well with your everyday wardrobe as they have a monochrome look that leaves you with an assortment of styling and pairing options.

SHOP NOW AT ADIDAS, $88

13. adidas Forum Mid Shoes

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adidas

  • Best For: Shooting and Traction
  • Style: Mid Top
  • A Promising Review: "I really love thes shoes. The build quality is great on them and they are really well made. They are super comfortable and look great as well. The only thing with this colour way I would like to change is the white strip on the top of the toe. I wish that was black. They still look great though" - adidas Reviewer

Well made with a traditional 1990s basketball gym look, you really can't go wrong with the adidas Forum Mid Shoes, which have long been regarded as among the brand's best when it comes to their basketball shoe offering. Boosted by multiple colorways including Cloud White, Royal Blue, and Better Scarlet, the mids will never fail you.

SHOP NOW AT ADIDAS, $110

14. adidas Forum Exhibit Low 2.0

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adidas

  • Best For: Running and Walking
  • Style: Low Top
  • A Promising Review: "The shoes have a great look, quality, and comfort. I like the distinct style that you don't see every day." - adidas Reviewer

One of adidas' most iconic basketball silhouettes continues to be the Forum Exhibit Low 2.0 as it has a bold and beautiful colorway that instantly separates it from the pack. This iteration of the 2.0s is actually a revamped take on a classic model as adidas decided to build the construction of the shoe from an outside looking in perspective. The result is this very unique color red, blue, and green color scheme loaded with details, depth, and texture with its university-themed design.

SHOP NOW AT ADIDAS, $110

15. adidas Agent Gil Restomond Shoes

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adidas

  • Best For: Running, Walking, Traction, Agility
  • Style: Low Top
  • A Promising Review: "Had this in the early days when I was younger. It was my favorite shoe. Had to look it up. Can’t believe they released all these pairs. I have purchased 5 colorways so far - they fit true to size, perfect for wide feet and a little bulky for someone with narrow feet. Perfect for style and performance. Great with pants , joggers or shorts. I can’t say enough about them." - adidas Reviewer

Once again, anybody who is a longtime basketball and sneaker historian knows about the history of adidas Basketball and Gilbert Arenas as one of their signings. The Agent Gil take on the Restomod brings back the OG 2006 style in the form of an unreleased colorway worn by Agent Zero himself. The sneakers are a vibrant mixture old school 06 and new school, as they have a vintage contemporary feel and a unique color mix to them. The comfort is there as well in case you decide you want to play in them as the midsole features a combination of FORMOTION and BOOST elements that provide you with plenty of energy and support.

SHOP NOW AT ADIDAS, $75

16. adidas Rivalry High Shoes

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adidas

  • Best For: Jumping, Traction, and Running
  • Style: High Top
  • A Promising Review: "Stumbled upon these in store when looking for something completely different. Insanely comfortable shoes! Love the gold details as well." - adidas Reviewer

Speaking of a performance basketball shoe that gives you modern, vintage, and the ability to wear them off the court if you so wish, we present the adidas Rivalry High Shoes, which come in a stand out university-themed colorway that celebrates classic basketball asesthetic. In addition to its Chenille 3-Stripes and a tumbled leather upper that screams "college life," the Rivalry Highs are also a tribute to the grit and determination of college basketball players as they battle through the season. The perfect shoe to pick up before the college season starts back.

SHOP NOW AT ADIDAS, $61

17. adidas Top Ten RB Shoes

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adidas

  • Best For: Jumping, Traction, and Running
  • Style: High Top
  • A Promising Review: "Top Tens are exactly the shoe you should be wearing if you want durability plus comfort mixed in with awesomeness" - adidas Reviewer

The adidas Top Ten RB Shoes are another one of our favorites to switch from the court to the sidewalk as the colors and accents on the shoes are beautiful. There's five other colorways available in addition to the blue model we're highlighting above, with each representing the OG hardwood style reminiscent of 1980s and 1990s basketball culture. The uppers are a mixed material that includes a premium suede base, and of course, there's the iconic 3-Stripes in contrasting coated leather sprinkled in there for the finish. What's there not to love about these sneakers?

SHOP NOW AT ADIDAS, $50

18. adidas Postmove Mid Shoes

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adidas

  • Best For: Jumping, Traction, and Running
  • Style: Mid Top
  • A Promising Review: "Was not sure of what I was getting at first until the time I tried it on. Turned out to be a very comfortable sure that goes on incredible outfits. I love ‘em!" - adidas Reviewer

With a 1970s retro theme, the adidas Postmove Mid Shoes are the very definition of a laid back chill old school look. Built for all-day comfort and style, the Postmove Mids draw inspiration from the adidas Basketball archives as they are an intersection of sports and style. The dark blue overlays are a defining feature as they provide the ultimate contrast to the silky smooth white base, and adidas made sure to prioritize the comfort and ankle support part of the shoes as they built a Cloudfoam insert for maximum comfort, and a Geofit collar to protect your ankles from broken (literally and figuratively). A great basketball shoe by our estimation.

SHOP NOW AT ADIDAS, $45

19. adidas Top 10 2000 Shoes

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adidas

  • Best For: Jumping, Traction, and Running
  • Style: Low Top
  • A Promising Review: "I was at the adidas flagship store in NY and bought the navy white colorway which is not available on adidas. They were on my wishlist and I figured it couldn’t hurt to try them on. because of the price tag I bought them a size big the nicest shoes I own. I have only worn them 10 times and intend to keep them pristine. Focusing on the shoe; very good cushioning system, that is easily felt wearing them. complex lacing system and straps make for good cosmetics." - adidas Reviewer

If you really want to take it back to the old school, then the adidas Top 10 2000 shoes are right up your alley as they literally look like they were plucked from the year 2000 and brought into the 2020s despite being a newly reissued edition. Nostalgia alone is the top reason why people are buying these, but its also because of the bulky design and EVA Midsole. The ankle strap built into the shoe was what used to give basketball players the support needed to drive to the basket back in the day, which means if you do decide to play in them, you will be well protected.

SHOP NOW AT ADIDAS, $98

20. adidas BYW Select Shoes

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adidas

  • Best For: Traction, Running, and Walking
  • Style: Low Top
  • A Promising Review: "Great shoe! A little bit on the heavy side. Good for post players that like low cuts. Picks up dust pretty fast but it’s an easy wipe. 8.5/10! Good shoe!" - adidas Reviewer

And since we're already on the topic of retro sneakers that have a vintage look and feel, let's throw in the adidas BYW Select Shoes which are an energy-returning shoe inspired by both Anthony Edwards and Ant-Man (the shoes do kind of look like the Quantumverse now that we think about it). Since Anthony Edwards' nickname is Ant-Man, this shoe was the perfect colorway for the adidas and Ant to release, and they come equipped with Lightstrike cushioning and a BOOST midsole for agility, timely responses, and the ability to shrink yourself when needed (kidding).

SHOP NOW AT ADIDAS, $83

While there are certainly plenty more all-time great sneakers in the Adidas lineup, these are the ones that we felt were the classics. However, any Adidas sneaker you choose is sure to take your drip to the next level. Be sure to treat yourself to a new pair this summer season, and always remember to never crease the kicks.

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