Our expert names his top 5 best basketball sneakers of 2023
There are over 25 signature shoes in the NBA – but what are the best basketball sneakers on the market right now?
As the new season begins, tension is at an all-time high for several reasons. One of them is that the best players in the league can wear the latest releases in the sneaker sector.
Greek freak Giannis Antetokounmpo is back with a fifth iteration of his signature shoes, LeBron James has released his 21st sneaker, and even Steph Curry has hit double figures in this department.
But are their latest releases the best basketball sneakers available?
I’ve put together a short list of the five best basketball sneakers currently on the market – in My Opinion based primarily on design and performance.
From the return of familiar faces to the emergence of new signature shoes, here are our five best basketball sneakers of 2023.
The best basketball sneakers for the 2023/24 NBA season
Jordan Tatum 1
With another season ahead of us, Jayson Tatum is once again one of the leading contenders for league MVP. But what’s different this time is the fact that he has his own signature shoe to help him achieve great things.
Debuting at the 2023 All-Star Game, the Jordan Tatum 1s are enjoying massive popularity and are available in a variety of colorways – even… Australia.
Built with durability in mind, the Tatum 1 is one of the lightest performance basketball shoes in the game, with stress-tested foam midsoles and the Nike Zoom Air unit for explosive jumps.
Trae Young 3
One of the best basketball sneakers for the 2023-24 season is the third edition of Trae Young’s signature shoes.
Designed to celebrate his unique look, expressiveness and futuristic style, this new silhouette is designed for optimized movement and stability.
In addition, thanks to the outsole and 3D look, it is one of the most beautiful shoes this season and will definitely be a hit.
Jordan “Why not?” Zer0.6
One of the best basketball sneakers in the game right now, especially when it comes to design, is the Jordan “Why Not?” Zer0.6s – Russell Westbrook’s signature shoe.
Although this shoe was worn for most of the 2022-23 season, there is no way we can leave it off this list as there is no next release in sight.
Since it’s Westbrook’s shoe, it’s all about speed. The foot protection comes from the inner body, but the outer layer – highlighted by the zipper – provides the fashionable look and asks his signature question: “Why not?”
KD 16
There have been many best basketball sneaker lists in the past that have featured Kevin Durant shoes, and this time ours is no different.
The KD 16 returns with its 16th signature sneaker and features a low-cut finish with great stability, as well as being lighter than its previous iterations.
Each colorway looks just as interesting as the last, with an unnecessary but unique glow-in-the-dark stripe around the shoe.
Jordan Zion 3
Could this third iteration of Zion Williamson’s signature shoe be the one that shows the world just how incredible he is?
Because of its power game and explosiveness around the basket, the Zion 3 is all about cushioning at impact, making it an incredibly comfortable shoe.
The eye-catching mud splatters on each colorway represent Zion’s emotional journey to “make it out of the mud” (his hometown of Marion, South Carolina).
Did our expert get it right? Or did you like something else? Leave us a comment!