Best Basketball Shoes for the 2023-2024 Season

Let’s be honest. A huge part of what makes basketball great is the sneakers. 

Yes, there are some epic shots and sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat moments. But when you look at a picture of your favorite players in action, what stands out? The sneakers. 

Basketball has directly impacted streetwear and sneaker culture, so it’s no wonder that people talk just as much about sneakers as they do about the gameplay. So, let’s talk about the latest and greatest basketball shoes for the 2023-2024 season.

Key Features to Look for in Basketball Shoes

Before we dig into trending styles and designs, it’s important to talk about performance — especially if you plan on buying basketball shoes to wear on the court, not just for your everyday style. Here are the top three things to look for when choosing the right basketball shoes:

• Comfort — This should always be a priority when buying a new pair of kicks. You don’t want a shoe that hurts your feet after just a half hour of use, especially if you’re running hard on the court. Look for sneakers that offer extra support in the midsole, whether that’s with pressurized air or lightweight foam pieces. 
• Support — Some of the most common basketball injuries affect the foot and ankle, so you want a shoe that provides sufficient support. That doesn’t necessarily mean a high top, but the shoe should be sturdy enough to keep your foot from slipping or twisting. 
• Traction — Speaking of slipping, excellent traction is also important in basketball shoes. You need to be able to grip the court while quickly pivoting and shooting, so make sure the outsole has a top-notch grid. 

Another non-performance factor is style. While it won’t necessarily affect your gameplay, having the perfect basketball shoe lets you walk onto that court with confidence. So consider what colorways and cuts you like before buying a pair.

Emerging Trends in Shoe Design

The hottest basketball shoes of the 2023-2024 season are really quite diverse. From the futuristic-looking Harden Vol. 7 Stormtrooper to the Jordan Luka 2 inspired by the Parisian Quai 54 outdoor tournament, there are shoes for everyone’s style. 

The colorways are always varied, with some leading toward more neutral colors like the New Balance Two WXY V3 and others taking a bolder approach (looking at you, Nike LeBron 21 Violet Dust). 

Despite this great variety, two prominent trends have impacted the 2023-2024 season’s top sneakers. Let’s take a look.

The Rise of the Low-top Basketball Shoe

When most people think of basketball shoes, they might imagine a high-cut sneaker — something like the Nike Jordan 1 Retro. And for many years, high-top basketball shoes have reigned, with most people believing that the extra material provides necessary ankle support. 

However, times are changing. 

According to a 2020 article in the Physical Activity and Health Journal, there is no real benefit of high-top basketball shoes. The report collected and analyzed several studies, and the findings were the same: There was no real difference in safety or ankle inversion between a high- and low-top basketball shoe. 

This information has impacted basketball shoe design — that, and the fact that players typically wrap their ankles anyways and often don’t feel the need for additional material around the ankle. 

So, understandably, the 2023-2024 season has been marked by low-top basketball shoes. NBA Media Day gave us a glimpse into each player’s sneakers, and the vast majority had a low-top design. While classics like the high-top Jordan 1 Retro will always have a place in our hearts, low-tops are the new “it” shoe.

Redesigned Basketball Shoes for Her

Basketball shoes for women haven’t always been optimized for the unique features of the female foot. 

Women need basketball shoes that provide higher arches, different pressure loading, and a narrower toe box. Up until recently, women basketball players have dealt with wearing uncomfortable basketball shoes for men. However, the adidas Exhibit Select aims to completely redefine what women’s basketball shoes are.

Already in 2023, Candace Parker has released a special edition series of adidas Exhibit Select, which included the Champagne drop on October 1. 

Top Basketball Shoes of the Season

Ready to get your hands on some of the best basketball shoes around? Finish Line is your one-stop shop for all your sneaker needs, no matter who you’re shopping for. 

For the best men’s basketball shoes, check out the Reebok collection or the Under Armour Curry shoes. And we can’t forget to mention the Nike Giannis basketball shoes for men, with some futuristic, eye-catching colorways and designs. 

In line with the emerging trend of basketball shoes just for her, you can also find WNBA player’s shoes at Finish Line. Check out some of the best women’s basketball shoes available, such as the adidas D.O.N. Issue #4 and the Air Jordan Retro low-tops. 

Basketball Shoes for Kids and High Schoolers

Got some kids on the school basketball team? Or maybe some kids that just love basketball shoes? Then, you don’t want to miss out on the mini versions of the best basketball shoes of 2023 and 2024. 

For the boys, try a pair of little kids’ Nike Giannis Immortality 2 basketball shoes or the adidas Trae Young 3 basketball shoes. And girls might want the colorful Nike LeBron Witness 7 or the Air Zoom Crossover. 

Get Your 2023-2024 Basketball Shoes Now

The 2023-2024 basketball season is already underway — but is your fan footwear ready? Get a pair of the best basketball shoes for the 2023-2024 season at Finish Line — either for you or the young, up-and-coming basketball players in your life. 

Check out our whole basketball shoe selection and start the new basketball season on the right foot — literally.