The Best Basketball Shoes of the 2026-27 Season

The 2026-2027 NBA season is well underway and it already feels like a momentous one. The Knicks are the reigning champions, the Spurs and Thunder are shaping up as a rivalry for the West, and a wild offseason has sent stars including LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo to new teams. LeBron, now 41, is in his record-setting 24th season and playing for his fourth franchise, the Sixers. It all adds up to a league in transition, where a new generation of stars is taking over from an old guard that refuses to fade. While a shake-up like this doesn’t happen every year, there’s one thing you can be sure will always keep evolving: basketball shoes.There is seemingly no end to the turnover in colorways or new technology that the big footwear brands can bake into their designs, and an ever-growing list of players worthy of their own signature shoe. This makes for a perennially exciting landscape when it comes to the best basketball shoes of the year. It's a constantly evolving world that features some seriously top-ticket pairs. So, in order that you can place all your attention on the developing action on court, we’ve scoured the net, read hundreds of reviews, and rounded up the best basketball shoes that you’re likely to see in the NBA 2026-2027 season. Rather than our usual style-first approach, for this selection we’ve looked at fit, technology, traction, quality, (and a bit of style) to offer up the definitive best basketball shoes of the season.Keep scrolling to see a list of the best basketball shoes of 2026-2027.Nike KD19 "Slim Reaper"Kevin Durant’s 19th signature shoe doesn’t look like anything else in his line. The KD19 leans hard into the “Slim Reaper” nickname, with a dagger-inspired TPU element that wraps the midfoot and heel. It’s one of the loudest shoes on this list, but don't be fooled, there’s real tech behind it.The headline is a full-length Air Zoom Strobel unit, stitched directly to the upper for a quick burst off the dribble. It’s paired with a Cushlon 3.0 foam midsole, plus a midfoot shank for stability on sudden moves. Underfoot, the aggressive traction pattern hides a nod to KD: the 35s and 7s are his career jersey numbers. The low-cut collar and snug fit make this a grounded, quick-reacting shoe for guards and wings who want to attack off the bounce.Nike LeBron XXIVThe LeBron XXIV is one of the lightest shoes in the series, and this “Stars” colorway nods to his early years honing his craft alongside his teammates. The Glacier Blue and Black palette is clean and a little nostalgic, and the crown logo details on the outsole and sides are a fun touch.In terms of performance, the three-layer KingKnit upper is where the weight savings come from, pairing a strong, durable base with layered support to keep you locked in. Underfoot, a full-length React drop-in midsole teams up with embedded Air Zoom units in the forefoot and heel for bouncy, responsive cushioning, which makes it a good pick for players who play above the rim. A midfoot shank keeps things stable on hard cuts, and the low-profile outsole’s honeycomb traction pattern grips for quick stops and changes of direction. It weighs roughly 388g (13.7 oz) in a men’s US 9 and fits standard.Nike KD18 "Warning Label"KD's signature line is so good that the KD18 is still in our top picks even now the KD19 is available. So many pairs of basketball trainers prioritize substantial protection over breathability and lightness. We get it: the demands of the modern game are so tough on the ankles and knees, so every bit of added stability helps. But the Nike KD18 poses the option to have both stability and a light touch. This pair features a nearly fully perforated upper which lightens the weight considerably as well as adding supreme breathability. But this isn't in exchange for balance. The sole unit boasts both Air Zoom and Nike Air cushioning for flexibility; even when your foot lands at an angle, the cushioning will even the load, providing traction on court and minimizing injuries.Nike Book 2 The Book 2 is a quiet, confident shoe that’s lighter and more responsive than the original. Style-wise, it’s clean and easy to wear whether you’re hooping or just out and about, which is probably why it's one of thee most popular ball shoes right now.The big change from the first generation is the Air Zoom unit, which has moved from the heel to the forefoot to give you a low-profile burst on your first step. It’s paired with Nike’s newest Cushlon foam through the midsole for a plush ride, plus an upgraded sockliner that gives a soft, bouncy feel. A midfoot webbing system keeps the fit snug and secure for quick cuts and sharp pivots, and the light synthetic upper keeps weight down. The traction pattern is a modernized herringbone that nods to the pivot circles on classic hardwood, inspired by Book’s love of the Air Force 1.Adidas Harden Volume 10 ShoesJames Harden's game can have a hypnotic effect on opposition players. His smooth step backs don't need extreme pace to be effective, just perfect timing that lulls a defender to their demise. The adidas Harden Volume 10 has a whirling silhouette that emphasizes this kind of fluid movement. It's reminiscent of the polarizing Foamposite, actually.Beyond the head-turning exterior, it's loaded with specs to improve your game, too. Namely, adidas Boost in the most important spots of the sole unit to maximize spring, flex, and energy return while a hardy rubber outsole sticks to the court. Converse SHAI 001Believe it or not, young ballers, there was a time when athletes legitimately wore Converse Chuck Taylors for basketball. Now, luckily, the Converse basketball line up is much more advanced. Led by SGA, Converse is regaining much of its basketball pedigree. The Converse SHAI 001 in its Flare colorway might be one of the best drops so far. Combining futuristic construction with an understated, industrial palette, its quiet demeanor is what really stands out on court.Air Jordan 40 "Infrared"Believe it or not, the Jordan franchise has been around for 40 years. That's four decades of groundbreaking design on and off the basketball court. In celebration of this huge milestone, the Nike Air Jordan 40 "Infrared" goes somewhere we've never been before. This sole unit features a full-length Zoom Strobel unit on top of full-length ZoomX foam. To put that in normal language: that's a huge amount of responsive cushioning. We also love the herringbone tracks to the outsole which cling to the ground.New Balance P400Don't get us wrong, we love the world of modern basketball footwear, but we'd be lying if we said that the retro styles don't make our heart beat a bit faster. New Balance's basketball pedigree has been growing exponentially in recent years as it counts names like Kawhi, Tyrese Maxey, and Cooper Flagg in its roster. The New Balance P400 is the brand's latest basketball shoe and it's a throwback to the early 2000s. Think D Rose, AI, Shaq. But don't be fooled. Nothing about the tech in this shoe is retro. With a dual-cushioned EVA foam and Fresh Foam X combination, it's one of the most reactive designs on the market.Adidas Anthony Edwards 3 ShoesWhen picking a pair of basketball shoes, it can be really helpful to match your play style with that of a player. The likelihood is that their signature shoe is designed perfectly for you. For those who prefer life around the backboard to life beyond the three-point line, the adidas Anthony Edwards 3 is a great place to start.Fitted with a Hyperboost midsole, they're super cushioned and geared towards a game based around pure athleticism and explosiveness.Adidas D.O.N. ISSUE 8 ShoesDonovan Mitchell’s game is built on explosive bursts, and the D.O.N. line works around that. Issue 8 is a sharp, understated pair that works as well on the way to the gym as it does on the court. In this clean Cloud White and Core Black colorway, it’s also one of the easiest shoes on this list to wear off the court.Under the hood, LightstrikePro cushioning keeps the ride light without feeling flimsy, while the textile upper and lining keep your foot cool. A rubber outsole gives dependable grip for the sudden stops and sharp cuts that Spida’s game is known for. It fits true to size, so just order your usual. At $120, it’s also one of the best-value picks of the season.Puma HALI 1 SmokeThe name Salehe Bembury holds some serious weight when it comes to sneaker design. The name Tyrese Haliburton holds equal weight in the world of basketball. Combine the two and you've got a solid foundation for a shoe worth taking seriously. Salehe Bembury's signature flowing aesthetics meet a full-length NITROFOAM™ midsole to balance visual beauty with legitimate performance.Anta Kai 3 'Chinese New Year'Kyrie Irving's move from Nike to Anta definitely turned some heads. Nike is the gold standard for athlete co-signs, so sacrificing that for a relatively unknown alternative understandably confused many. But since July 2023, the duo have made a strong case. Hailing from China, Anta is at the forefront of a huge market and has the technical possibilities to prove it. They're baked into the the Anta Kai 3. Take the mid-foot carbon plate, incredible heel protection, or full-length nitrogen technology in the sole unit for energy return.Nike Ja 3 "Warning Label"“ZoomX is crazy responsive, I call it that jet fuel," says Ja Morant, whose Nike Ja 3 is up there with the most responsive shoes available. This is the most lightweight release in the Ja family so far, built on a full-length Hybrid ZoomX foam midsole. The low-top construction helps to reduce weight, too, blending a foam sockliner with a padded collar for a barely-there feel.Under Armor D. Fox 3 Team ShoesDe’Aaron Fox is one of the quickest players in the league, and his third signature shoe is engineered for it. The Fox 3 is designed for hard cuts and sudden stops, so it’s a natural fit for guards who live in the open floor. If you play off the dribble and change direction often, this is a good place to start.The second-skin upper is lightweight and breathable, and it keeps you locked in through lateral moves. An external heel counter adds stability without bulk. Underfoot, Charged Cushioning provides the spring for your first step and your vertical leap, backed by a TPE-blend sockliner for energy return and comfort. The decoupled UA Flow outsole gives you flexibility for sprints and grip for a dead stop. It’s rated for indoor and outdoor courts, comes in at 12.9 oz per shoe, and fits regular width.Nike Sabrina 3 "Warning Label"We're loving the fact that we can include women's signature basketball shoes in this roundup now. The Nike Sabrina 3 comes from the mind of the New York Liberty's Sabrina Ionescu and, like the woman herself, is a serious danger from behind the three-point line. One of our favorite details about this shoe are the cables that lock the lacing system in place. These provide stability for every jump shot, as well as step backs and explosive first steps.Nike A'One "Warning Label"The Nike A'One "Warning Label" is the epitome of an all-round performer. If you're on the hunt for a basketball shoe that's as effective on the defensive side as it is putting up numbers on the offensive side, then look no further. Look to the Cushlon 3.0 foam midsole, light mesh upper, stable foam and generative traction print to the outsole, and a midfoot band—here, you'll find all the answers as to why this pair offers stability, traction, and reactivity for lock-down defending as well as quick steps and jumping.Li-Ning Way Of Wade 808 5 Ultra V2Founded in 1990 by gymnast Li Ning, Li-Ning has earned its stripes in the sportswear arena. Although regular readers of Highsnobiety might be more familiar with the name in a lifestyle sense — offering bold, futuristic designs, it's a regular component of our sneaker roundups — the brand's work with Dwayne Wade is making some serious noise now.The Way of Wade 808 5 Ultra V2 is fittingly futuristic, like all of Li-Ning's designs, with an undulating upper that features a cage-like structure to provide evenly distributed support.Adidas D.O.N. ISSUE 7 ShoesDonovan Mitchell left his mark on the basketball shoes market about as quickly as he did the NBA as a whole. The star gets stronger every season and his D.O.N. line follows suit. Issue 7 is the latest of the range and is set to be the most popular thanks to Lightstrike cushioning working in tandem with abrasion-resistant TPU to the outsole, which provide the support and grip needed to rack up big numbers.Li Ning Jimmy Butler JB4It's been very interesting to see the increasing numbers of athletes tempted away from the major American sports brands to the Chinese market. Jimmy Butler's ongoing relationship with Li Ning has been one of the pioneering partnerships in this realm and the JB4 is a warning sign if ever we saw one. What's particularly outstanding about this shoe is the substantial midsole which appears to extend all the way to the lacing column. It's a fresh perspective on stability, offering solid walls to either side of the foot rather than the standard elasticated bands within the shoe.Anta Kai 1 'Chief Hélà - Crown Jewel'One of the best things about the Anta Kai range is the freedom on the colorways. While we're always here for a revived OG Nike colorway, it's refreshing to see new palettes being thrown out each and every time from Anta. This pair features a tassled detail around the heel cup which definitely adds some flair to your game. The translucent orange outsole complements the spiritual bent of the design.Nike Tatum 4 "First Ring"Inspired by the pair that Jayson Tatum wore to win his first ring back in 2024, the Nike Tatum 4 "First Ring" is a meaningful pair, especially for any Celtics fans out there. Not only is it imbued with significance adn emotion, but it looks the part, too. The camo upper blends seamlessly with khaki layers while our favorite feature—the Jordan logo outlined in striking red—stands out on the midfoot.Nike Luka 5Such an all-round talent like Luka needs a shoe to match. That's where the Nike Luka 5 comes into play. Cushlon 3.0 foam throughout the midsole offers advanced cushioning, while a responsive IsoPlate system helps absorb force on any stutter steps and step backs. The understated silhouette is part and parcel of this holistic approach: It's neither too lightweight nor too bulky.Reebok Angel Reese 1Few basketball shoes are as ready for the lifestyle arena as the Reebok Angel Reese 1. With a chunky sole unit, it's a seriously substantial pair to wear on court, but it's not all as it seems. Featuring Energy Return System (ERS™) technology and a lightweight, molded upper design to save on the weight, it's still a highly functional pair to ball in.Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase. Want to shop the products our editors actually love? Visit HS Shopping for recs on all things fashion, footwear, and beauty.