The upper combines leather and synthetic materials for durability. The outsole is rubber and non-marking without losing traction on the court. The outsole and midsole are fused for style points. They come in 17 sizes and 41 colors.

Cons

Some noted the laces these come with come undone easily.

Under Armour

Unisex Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoes

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Bargain Pick

Bottom Line

These durable, affordable shoes are perfect for people who love the occasional pickup game.

Pros

Mesh panels on the side increase breathability, and the leather material of the upper means strong durability. The EVA foam midsole is light and soft. The rubber outsole uses a herringbone pattern for traction. They come in 33 sizes and 13 colors.

Cons

Some found them too stiff, and others noted a lack of arch support.

Adidas

Women’s Hoops 3.0 Mid Basketball Shoes

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Simple Yet Solid

Bottom Line

These no-fuss basketball shoes are as good for walking around as they are for sport.

Pros

Synthetic leather in the upper keeps the cost down without sacrificing durability. The rubber outsole has a “cupsole” underneath the balls of the feet for extra traction. They come in 13 sizes and 11 colors.

Cons

Some found these shoes a little too heavy for comfort.

Adidas

Women’s Exhibit B Mid Basketball Shoes

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Environmentally Friendly

Bottom Line

A chunk of these shoes use recycled materials to lessen their environmental impact.

Pros

A quarter of the materials in the upper of this shoe are made with at least 50% recycled materials. The outsole uses a unique, elevated pattern to increase traction on hardwood. They come in 21 sizes and 14 colors.

Cons

Some had issues with the fit being too tight, especially in the toe box.

Under Armour

Unisex Jet ‘23 Basketball Shoes

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Reach New Heights

Bottom Line

These shoes use a special “Micro G” midsole to cushion footfalls and boost takeoffs.

Pros

The outsole uses an anatomical traction pattern plus rubber material for a strong grip. A foam sock liner helps underfoot comfort. The upper uses a mix of materials to balance durability, breathability, and support. They come in 42 sizes and 14 colors.

Cons

Some wished there were more cushioning throughout the shoe.

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First Reviewed

January 13, 2022

Models
considered

Hours
researched

Written by Melinda Harris

Updated June 2024

Nike, Under Armour, and Adidas lead the way in women’s basketball shoes, offering a variety of low-, mid-, and high-top styles. Basketball shoes need to be able to accommodate fast bursts of speed, sudden stops and changes in direction, and jumps. Your position and style of play (shooting from a distance or aggressive defense) may influence your shoe choice. Most basketball shoes are designed for inside courts, and while they are fine for outside play, this wears them out faster. Tread is important for grip, and flat outsoles help with balance. Cushioning is nice for comfort, but experts suggest not having too much cushioning in order to retain stability.

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