These days, $80 may not seem like much when it comes to buying a good pair of basketball shoes.
Sure you’re probably not going to be able to buy a new pair of Air Jordans or other top-of-the-line shoes that your favorite NBA player wears, but for just under $80 you have quality options to select from.
I have spent more than 20 years playing basketball. In that time I’ve used a wide range of different basketball shoes.
If you play a lot of basketball, the shoes you wear can be very important. Finding a shoe that performs well is key but you also may not want to break the bank on a pair of shoes that are going to take a beating out on the court.
No need to worry. We have put together a list of great shoes that will work well for most budgets and allow you to perform at the top of your game. Let’s take a look at some best basketball shoes under $80.
Quick Navigation
Who Should Get These
All basketball players need to have shoes and if you are going to invest your hard-earned money in them you want to get a shoe that has good value. These particular shoes will have certain features and qualities that you are seeking without the hefty price tag.
The shoes that NBA players wear and have deals with are often very expensive and while they may look and feel great on the court, they do not always provide you with good value.
Remember that even though an NBA player has lots of money and wears those shoes, the shoe company provides the shoes to them and they are actually paid to wear them. I’m not saying that they are bad shoes, just that they are not a good value for the price that they are normally sold for. If you can find them on sale then you can probably stretch them further on the court.
Most of us don’t really need the hyped up, overpriced shoes that the NBA stars wear. If you want and can afford those types of shoes, that is great and there is nothing wrong with that, but if you are just looking for a great quality shoe at a decent price, you can certainly find some and we have listed a few here to help you out.
Top Picks of Best Basketball Shoes Under $80 in 2022
These are some very stylish shoes. I love the look of them and they provide great breathability and support as well. It’s hard to believe you can get them for just under $80.
What we like:
The combination of perforated leather and mesh provides breathability and style.
An internal heel counter provides great support.
The internal bootie and underfoot cushioning make this shoe very comfortable.
The rubber outsole provides great traction and grip on any surface.
What we don’t like:
Thin shoe sidewalls which may hurt durability.
A popular brand name at a great price. These truly are a great value. They are the classic quality shoes that Adidas is known for and they provide all the basic features.
What we like:
The outsole and bottom sole provide a very good grip on any surface.
Leather and mesh make the shoe breathable and lightweight.
A Cloudfaom midsole provides cushion and comfort.
They provide good ankle support.
What we don’t like:
The mesh material may not be as durable as some of the other shoes out there.
These modern-looking shoes are from a lesser-known brand name but they provide all the qualities and features of the big brands. They also have a cool modern style and you will be pleased with their performance.
What we like:
Made from very breathable materials.
The EVA rubber-bonded outsole is durable and also provides great traction.
Cushioning technology makes them comfortable.
The ergonomic design provides great support for all areas of the foot.
What we don’t like:
Sizes run a little larger than other shoes.
Best Basketball Shoes: What to Consider in 2022
Comfort You should look for shoes that are comfortable. Comfort is important because it is hard to play basketball if it is difficult to move your feet. Your shoes should be lightweight, have soft comfortable soles and be made from breathable material to keep your feet cool. If you want to perform well on the court you need to have comfortable shoes.
Support Your shoes should have good support to help prevent injuries. There are many shoes out there that do not provide the level of support most players need. Try to find a shoe that has a decent arch and ankle support. You also want a shoe that has good all-around support to keep your feet from slipping around inside the shoe.
Durability If you want shoes that are a good value, they should be durable enough to last for a while and they should hold up to intense play on the court. If you will be wearing them on outdoor courts they also need to hold up to the elements and rough surfaces.
Traction It is important to find a shoe that has good traction. You don’t want to be out on the court slipping and sliding all over the place. Shoes that slip and slide can cause injuries and you also want to make sure you can make quick cuts and moves.
Style While it does not really affect the shoe’s performance, style can be important to the player. You don’t want a shoe that is embarrassing to wear. I might hurt your confidence and you may not perform well out on the court.
Also Read:
Useful Tips and Resources
After a period of use, all basketball shoes will begin to lose their grip or traction. This really has nothing to do with the quality or price of the shoes. It just happens over time due to use on different surfaces and the dirt that they collect. No need to worry, there are ways to bring the grip back to the soles of your shoes.
Check out this video on how to clean and grip the bottom of your favorite pair of shoes.
Final Words
Finding the best basketball shoes for under $80 is a great choice for many basketball players who are not concerned about having the same shoes that their favorite NBA player wears. If you’re really just concerned about the quality and performance of the shoes, you can get really good value by choosing some of these shoes that are available for just under $80.
What is your opinion of the high-end shoes worn by NBA players? Give us some feedback and let us know what you think.
Comments