Low top shoes give your feet more freedom and make you light as a feather on the court. Finding the right low top shoe can be a challenge – especially because most players prefer high-top shoes. We’ll share some of our top shoe picks and tell you what to look for when choosing a pair.
Low top shoes offer many advantages on the court, but knowing what to look for when buying them can be a challenge. We’ll tell you what to look for when choosing your shoes and help you understand the benefits low top shoes offer.
Nike Mens Kevin Durant KD 10″ Chrome Basketball Shoes
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Ultra-light, unique look and comfortable fit.
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adidas Performance Men’s Crazylight Boost Low Basketball Shoe
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Colorful designs, good cushioning, designed for speed.
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adidas Performance Men’s Isolation 2 Low Basketball Shoe
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Classic design and style. Made with stability and support I in mind.
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Contents
The Benefits of Low Top Shoes in Basketball
High-top sneakers are the go-to option for most basketball players, but there are benefits to wearing low-top shoes on the court.
Lighter
One of the main benefits to wearing low top shoes is that they’re lightweight. According to Livestrong, low top shoes can be up to 20% lighter than their high-top counterparts.
The lighter weight will help prevent fatigue on the court, so you can play at your best for longer.
More Foot Movement
Mid- and high-top shoes restrict ankle movement, which can hinder players in some positions. Having a little more freedom in the ankle area will promote agility on the court.
Just keep in mind that your ankles will lose some protection and will be more prone to injury during play.
Promotes Speed
Freedom to move your ankles and a lighter shoe means that you can be faster on the court. Low top shoes are usually built for speed. They typically have better traction, too, for more explosive movements on the court.
What to Look for When Choosing a Low Top Basketball Shoe
When choosing a shoe for basketball, you can’t just choose the first pair you see. Some shoes are better for the sport than others. Here are some things to consider when choosing a shoe:
Size
Size is the most important thing when choosing basketball shoes. Sizes vary from one brand to another, so be sure to check the size chart of each shoe before buying. You may want to have your foot measured by a professional to make sure that you choose the right size.
If you plan to buy online (prices are usually cheaper online), you can try on a few pairs in the store to see how they fit before buying. Trying the shoes on in person will help save you from having to make a return because of sizing issues.
Arch Support
If you have flat feet or high arches, consider looking for shoes that offer optimal arch support. Over- or under-pronation can lead to injury, pain and other issues if you don’t have well-fitting shoes with the right amount of support.
Poor arch support can cause pain, according to Ankle & Foot of Edmonds.
Those with low arches will want shoes with “motion control” for better stability where the arch usually collapses. Those with high arches should consider shoes with better “cushioning,” which encourage the foot to roll inward.
Breathable Upper Material
A breathable shoe is more comfortable and helps prevent foot odor. When choosing a low-top shoe, look for a model that has a breathable upper. Your feet will stay cooler and you’ll be more comfortable playing for longer periods of time.
Most low-top shoes have a mesh material that not only improves airflow, but also provides better support and conforms to the natural shape of your feet.
If you choose shoes that don’t have a breathable upper, you may feel uncomfortable on the court after a while.
Comfortable Cushioning
Basketball shoes need to fit properly, but they also need to be comfortable. It doesn’t matter how good a shoe looks or how lightweight it is; if it isn’t comfortable, you won’t wear it.
The right amount of cushioning in the right place will provide stability and support while helping you jump higher and run faster.
If you want to improve your performance, look for a shoe that offers just the right amount of cushioning to boost your speed and jump height.
Light Weight
The weight of the shoe is another consideration. Lighter shoes tend to be more comfortable and will give you more speed on the court.
A lightweight shoe will also keep you from getting fatigued, so you can play at your best for longer.
Shoes that have mesh, breathable uppers are usually the lightest.
Color and Design
Comfort and fit are the two most important things when choosing a basketball shoe, but you also want to consider its design and color.
A shoe can be comfortable as a cloud and fit like a glove, but if you don’t like the way they look, you won’t wear them.
Make sure that you choose a pair of shoes that you actually like. Basketball shoes come in a vast range of colors and designs, so you’re sure to find something that matches your personality and style.
Reviews – The Best Low Top Basketball Shows for 2018
Nike Zoom KD 10
The Nike Zoom KD 10 is the newest show in the KD (Kevin Durant) line-up, and it’s gotten a lot of attention in the media.
The KD 10’s unorthodox lace structure is what gives this shoe its unique look, but it’s also what gives the wearer more control when on the court. The oversized laces wrap around the sides of the feet for an adaptable lockdown fit.
The KD 10 has a visible Zoom Air unit, which gives this shoe an extra-low profile, flexibility, cushioning and bounce. The fly weave upper allows for better airflow and stretch.
The outsole pattern provides a multidirectional grip for enhanced control when out on the court. The phylon midsole allows this shoe to be lightweight.
Nike’s KD 10 is available in sizes 8-14, and in the following colors:
- White/Chrome
- Black/Black-dark Grey
- Multicolor/Black-Cool Grey-White
The shoe fits as expected, and half-sizes are available.
Pros
- Fly weave upper improves airflow while offering flexibility
- Zoom Air cushioning improves stability and bounce
- Lightweight
- Wrap-around laces for improved lockdown fit
- Extended tongue and heel
Cons
- No wide sizes
If you need a wide shoe, the KD 10 may not be a good fit for you.
Nike’s KD 10 is designed to make you lighter, give you more control and provide a comfortable fit. For more serious basketball players, these shoes may be a good option.
adidas Performance Crazylight Boost
The Performance Crazylight Boost shoes from adidas have a flashy look, but there’s more than meets the eye with these shoes.
The Crazylight Boost is marketed as a “quick court shoe,” and it’s designed for players who value speed above all else.
The ultra-light upper is synthetic and textile with designs inspired by New Orleans jazz musicians. The molded heel collar gives you a better fit, while the boost feature gives you an energy boost. The outsole features a grippy surface for more traction and control on the court.
The Crazylight Boost shoe is available in sizes 8-16, and fits mostly as expected (some people find them to be somewhat large). Half sizes are available, and you can choose from seven colors: solar red, black/white/mint/red, white/white, white/scarlet/navy, grey/maroon, black/red, Chinese New Year, grey/silver, grey/maroon/white.
Pros
- Soft upper allows for better breathability and comfort
- Ultra-lightweight
- Grippy outsole for better traction
- Available in a wide range of colors and sizes
- Unique designs
Cons
- Git may be off
For most people, the Crazylight Boost fits just as expected. But some people find that the shoe is a little bigger than they expected.
Minor sizing issues aside, the Crazylight Boost helps improve speed that players need to make winning plays.
adidas Performance Isolation 2
The Isolation 2 is part of the adidas Performance line, and it features the brand’s classic black and white design.
The upper features a mix of leather and synthetic material for added durability. It also features the iconic three stripes adidas is known for.
The midsole features a bottom-loaded torsion system for stability and flexibility on the court. The interior has an EVA sockliner for better breathability and comfort while playing.
The shaft of the shoe measures about 2.7″ from the arch.
The Isolation 2 runs a little small, but this shoe is designed for durability.
Pros
- Leather and synthetic upper adds to the durability of the shoe.
- EVA sockliner makes the shoe more breathable and comfortable to wear.
- Torsion system allows for more flexibility and stability while on the court.
- Rubber outsole is non-marking.
Cons
- Runs a little small.
The Isolation 2 tends to run a little small, so make sure you know your actual shoe size before ordering these. There are no wide sizes either, so you’ll need to order a half-size up if you have wider feet.
Sizing issue aside, the Isolation 2 is a comfortable and durable shoe in the low-to-mid price range. If you’re looking for a practical shoe, this model may be a good fit.
Nike Men’s Lebron Soldier IX
The Lebron Soldier IX is a sleek, stylish shoe that will get you noticed on the court. While not a perfect shoe, the Soldier IX does offer durability and performance-enhancing features that many players will appreciate.
The Lunarlon cushioning allows for a better bounce, and the carrier foam wedge helps keep excessive pronation under control.
The Soldier IX is lightweight and features a full innersleeve that wraps around the foot. The internal sleeve feature adds to the breathability of the shoe without adding too much weight.
These basketball shoes come in more than a dozen colors, including: Grey/blue, blue/black/orange, black/silver, black/red, black/orange, desert camo, red/silver, blue/green, grey/white, black/white/Concord, and garnet/gold.
Pros
- Helps prevent excessive pronation
- Cushioning for better bounce
- Available in more than a dozen colors
- Innersleeve makes the shoe more breathable
- Lightweight and durable
Cons
- A little narrow
The Soldier IX is a little on the narrow side, which is common with basketball shoes. Make sure that you measure your feet properly before buying these shoes – or any other basketball shoe.
Sizing is a common issue with any shoe. Aside from this minor gripe, the Lebron Soldier IX is comfortable and may be a good fit for people with pronation issues.
Nike Jordan Air Jordan Future
Nike’s Air Jordan Futures feature a minimalistic, futuristic design with a comfortable feel. The mesh upper is breathable and has a reflective top coat for better visibility on the court.
The upper is one single piece for a unique look, and it features lockdown lacing for a better fit.
The compression-molded foam midsole is lightweight and the midfoot shank adds to the stability of the shoe. The heel of the shoe features an encapsulated Air-Sole for extra-light cushioning.
The durable rubber outsole features a circular pattern for better traction on the court.
The Air Jordan Future is available in more than a dozen colors, including: blue/white/black, red/black/white, navy/grey/white, grey/white, black/red/white, grey/black/white, black/red/white, green/white/black, grey/white, and more.
Pros
- One-piece upper for a unique, stand-out look
- Reflective coating makes you more visible on the court and while out and about
- Air-Sole unit in the sole for better cushioning and comfort.
- Rubber sole has circular pattern for improved traction.
- Lightweight.
- Lockdown lacing for a better fit and control on the court.
Cons
- No wide sizes
Unfortunately, there are no wide sizes for the Air Jordan Future. If you need a wide-width size, this may not be the right shoe for you.
If you’re looking for a shoe that will make you stand out on the court while giving you the comfort you want, the Air Jordan Future may be a good option for you.
Conclusion
While all of the shoes on this list are comfortable and well-made, the Nike Zoom KD 10 is our favorite pick. We like the light and comfortable feel of the upper, and the lace lockdown is an added perk.
The shoes are ultra-light, and come in a range of attractive designs and colors.
If you’re looking for a shoe with a more traditional lace style and construction, the adidas Crazylight Boost may be a good fit for you. Each shoe on our list offers a different look, style and feel, so you can find one that matches your unique personal style.
