Basketball is a game that requires a lot of running, jumping, and quick lateral movements. This makes having the right pair of shoes essential for any basketball player.
High top basketball shoes are a popular choice for many players as they provide additional ankle support and stability. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at high top basketball shoes and provide a comprehensive list of the best options available on the market.
What are High Top Basketball Shoes?
High top basketball shoes are designed to provide additional ankle support and stability compared to low top basketball shoes. They typically extend above the ankle and can be laced up tightly to provide a snug fit. The extra material around the ankle can help prevent injuries by limiting excessive movement and providing support when landing from jumps.
Benefits of High Top Basketball Shoes
There are several benefits to wearing high top basketball shoes. Some of the most notable include:
1. Ankle support: The extra material around the ankle provides additional support and helps to limit excessive movement, reducing the risk of ankle injuries.
2. Stability: High top basketball shoes are generally more stable than low top shoes. This can help with balance and prevent slips and falls.
3. Comfort: Many high top basketball shoes are designed with padding and cushioning to provide additional comfort and support for the feet.
4. Style: High top basketball shoes are often seen as a fashionable choice and can help players stand out on the court.
Best high top basketball shoes
Nike Kyrie Infinity
The Nike Kyrie Infinity is one of the most popular shoes on the market right now. It features a lightweight design with superior cushioning and traction.This makes it ideal for quick cuts and fast breaks. The shoe also has an adjustable lacing system that provides a secure fit and lockdown support.
Nike Air Jordan 36
The Nike Air Jordan 36 is one of the best high top basketball shoes on the market. It features a lightweight design that provides superior comfort and support, making it perfect for long hours on the court. The shoe also has a responsive cushioning system that helps absorb impact and provide a smooth ride.
The upper is made from durable materials that are designed to last, while the outsole offers excellent traction on any surface. The overall look of the shoe is sleek and stylish, making it a great choice for any style-conscious player. All in all, the Nike Air Jordan 36 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable high top basketball shoe.
Nike Air jordan 36 – “Taco Jay”
The Air Jordan 36 ‘Taco Jay’ is one of the most popular shoes on the market, and for good reason. It offers great performance, durability, comfort, and style all in one package. The shoe features an innovative design that provides excellent cushioning and support.
It also has a unique fit that allows for quick pivots and turns. Additionally, it’s lightweight and breathable, making it perfect for outdoor play. The only downside is its price tag
Way of Wade 10
The Way of Wade 10 is another great choice if you’re looking for a durable shoe with plenty of style points. This shoe has an eye-catching upper with bold graphics, as well as an external heel counter that provides additional stability and support when making sharp cuts or jumps on the court. The midsole also features Bounce cushioning technology for maximum comfort throughout your game.
Nike Air Zoom GT Jump
Key Features
- Design: The Nike Air Zoom GT Jump boasts a sleek, modern design with a high-top collar for ankle support and a lightweight, breathable upper for comfort. Its overall aesthetic is both stylish and functional, making it an attractive option for basketball players.
- Traction: The shoe’s outsole features a unique traction pattern that delivers excellent grip on the court, allowing for quick cuts and explosive movements. This level of traction is crucial for maintaining control and stability during gameplay.
- Cushioning: The Nike Air Zoom GT Jump utilizes Zoom Air cushioning technology, providing responsive and comfortable cushioning in the forefoot. This feature ensures a smooth and comfortable ride, allowing players to stay agile and efficient on the court.
- Support: The shoe’s high-top design offers exceptional ankle support, while its reinforced heel counter ensures stability and lockdown. This combination of support features allows players to move confidently and safely, reducing the risk of injury.
- Ankle-Lock: The Nike Air Zoom GT Jump features an innovative ankle-lock system that securely wraps around the ankle, providing a snug and secure fit. This feature enhances support and stability, allowing players to focus on their game without worrying about their footwear.
Personal Experience and Comparison
When comparing the Nike Air Zoom GT Jump to other high-top basketball shoes on the market, its unique combination of design, traction, cushioning, support, and ankle-lock make it a standout option. In my experience, the shoe’s performance on the court was impressive, providing excellent grip, responsive cushioning, and reliable support.
While other high-top basketball shoes may offer similar features, the Nike Air Zoom GT Jump excels in its execution of these elements. Its sleek design, combined with its innovative ankle-lock system, sets it apart from other options, making it a top choice for players seeking both style and performance.
- Rubber sole
- Elevated Cushioning System - This cushioning system is through the roof! The full-length, Air Zoom Strobel unit (right up under your foot) is double-stacked with Zoom Air in the heel and forefoot. Add to that an external jump frame that is super-lightweight and springy and you've got yourself 1 gravity-busting sensation.
- Exceptionally Light and Strong - The leno-weave upper uses a grid of twisted strands of composite fibres, making it extra strong but incredibly light. Together with the sculpted, slightly lowered midsole and jump plate, it's designed to help you feel stable and fully connected to your power.
- Lightweight Herringbone Traction - The thin-web rubber outsole uses a zig-zag herringbone pattern that is tried and tested on the basketball court. A cut-out under the arch and perforations throughout help reduce weight and keep it flexible.
- Flywire cables up the sides loop around the laces to anchor you down when you lace up.
- Cushlon in the midsole is a hollow frame of supportive, resilient foam.
Li-Ning Wade 808 2 Ultra V2
The Li-Ning Wade 808 2 Ultra V2 is one of the best high top basketball shoes on the market. It features a unique one-piece drop-in BOOM midsole and dynamic shell for joint protection, as well as an ultra-shining carbon-fiber plate on the heel to guard your step.
The traction of the shoe excels, and its Probar Loc technology provides a secure fit. Its light color matching scheme with a breathable design makes it comfortable to wear for long periods of time. All in all, the Li-Ning Wade 808 2 Ultra V2 is an impressive performance model that will keep you protected and comfortable while playing your favorite sport.
Jordan Jumpman 2020
The Jordan Jumpman 2020 is a high-top basketball shoe that delivers on performance and style, making it a strong contender among the best in its category. With its sleek design, advanced technology, and iconic branding, this shoe has plenty to offer on and off the court.
The shoe’s upper features a lightweight, breathable material that ensures comfort and support during intense gameplay. Its high-top design provides excellent ankle support, crucial for players who prioritize stability and injury prevention.
One of the standout features of the Jordan Jumpman 2020 is its Zoom Air unit in the forefoot, which offers responsive cushioning for explosive movements and quick cuts. This technology, combined with the shoe’s solid traction pattern, allows players to maintain control and agility on the court.
Although the Jordan Jumpman 2020 may not have the same level of hype as some other high-top basketball shoes, its performance capabilities and stylish design make it a top choice for those seeking a dependable and fashionable option. Overall, the Jordan Jumpman 2020 is a worthy addition to any basketball player’s footwear collection.
Nike Kyrie 7
The Nike Kyrie 7 is one of the best high top basketball shoes available on the market. It features a lightweight mesh upper that is supported by TPU “fingers” for added stability and support. The shoe also includes a Nike Air Zoom Turbo unit that provides a speed-boosting fit to help you blow by your opponents.
The asymmetrical lacing system ensures a snug and natural fit, while the cushioning provides excellent comfort for long hours of play. Overall, the Kyrie 7 is an excellent choice for any basketball player looking for a reliable and comfortable shoe.