This article will review the best Under Armour basketball shoes on the market and explain what makes them stand out from the pack.
I am an avid basketball player with more than twenty years of experience with the game. I have worn plenty of Under Armour shoes in that time. That experience, combined with in-depth research, allowed me to properly analyze the below models.
My pick for the best Under Armour shoe is the Men’s Lockdown 5 because it offers plenty of traits at an affordable price point.
Everything about the model furthers your game in one way or another. The strong heel cushion and strong sole help cushion and secure your foot while the tough materials create a long-lasting model. It also looks great and complements any style.
If you want to learn more about the Lockdown or take a deeper look at other great Under Armour footwear, I analyze the best basketball shoes throughout this article.
Quick Navigation
Who Should Get This
Anyone baller who wants reliable shoes should take a look at Under Armour. The brand creates slick, stylish pairs that offer a great combination of support, power, and comfort. They enhance your game and do so without breaking the bank, which those on a budget will love.
Something else to note is that the brand offers a range of shoes in many different styles. That makes them perfect for people who like to wear their basketball shoes around town. If you want a multi-purpose option, the following shoes are for you.
Best Under Armour Basketball Shoes 2022
Here, I’ll take an in-depth look at the top Under Armour footwear options and break down where they fit into the much larger market.
Best for: Overall
Key Features: Strong rubber sole. Reliable construction. Affordable price point. Attractive design. Ample heel cushion.
Sole: Rubber
Fit: True to Size
Weight: 2.84 pounds
When it comes to Under Armour shoes, few can match the Lockdown 5. This sneaker, while a bit basic in terms of traits, delivers everything you need in a well-rounded basketball shoe. It’s comfortable, comes with a strong sole, enhances performance, and offers good mobility.
Where many more affordable options cut corners, the Lockdown 5 complements all players no matter what position they play. It gives proper support and feels great. As an added bonus, the style looks great and there are plenty of colors to choose from.
When getting these do know they tend to run a little small. As such, the fit is a bit more narrow than some may like. If you have wider or larger feet, it’s good to size up for a little bit of extra room. Once you get the right fit you’ll have a reliable shoe perfect for all environments.
2. Spawn 3
Best for: Lightweight
Key Features: Sleek low-top design for added flexibility. Interwoven TPU layers. Exposed mesh areas for breathability. Die-cut EVA sockliner. Full-length cushioned midsole.
Sole: Rubber
Weight: 1.83 pounds
Dimensions: 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches
The Spawn 3 is a unique-looking model that’s perfect for people who need a lighter or less intrusive shoe. Not only is it easy to wear, but the exposed mesh areas offer superior breathability and give you excellent flexibility. They are then backed by the strong rubber sole.
Two other great aspects of this shoe are the TPU interwoven layers and PU coated mesh. Both add an extra layer of support to the entire design. The die-cut EVA sockliner provides extra cushion and support as well. The Micro G foam midsole also adds more cushion.
The only pressing issue with these shoes is that they do fit a bit large, which can cause your foot to slide around during the game. It’s important to make sure you get a half size down when possible. Some people may also not like the look, but I think they are quite interesting.
3. Curry 7
Best for: Support
Key Features: Easy to put on and take off. Synthetic Threadborne upper. Carbon fiber shank for increased stability. Lightweight. Various color options.
Sole: Rubber
Weight: 3 pounds
Fit: True to Size
The Curry 7 is one of the most well-rounded shoes in Under Armour’s line, but it’s an especially useful choice for guards or those who can take advantage of the excellent traction. The shoes come with amazing mobility and let you turn or shift as quickly as you need.
These also get high marks because of their excellent support. While the 7’s are lightweight, they still provide a lot of strength throughout your foot thanks to the knit construction and carbon fiber shank. Both are then backed by the fantastic charged cushioning technology.
The biggest knock against these shoes is that, while they are comfortable, they don’t come that way right out of the box. You’re going to have to spend some time breaking them in before your feet get used to them. Putting in time is worth it if you need high-quality support at a good price.
4. Valsetz RTS
Best for: Durability
Key Features: Strong synthetic sole. Fused mesh upper and soft leather ankle collar. Webbed lacing system for improved lockdown. Charged cushioning sockliner.
Sole: Synthetic
Fit: True to Size
Weight: 1.1 pounds
If you want a strong, long-lasting shoe, the Valsetz RTS is one of the toughest Under Armour models around. Made with a synthetic sole and durable fused mesh upper, the shoe is ready for anything you throw at it. The leather ankle collar and quarter panels back up that power too.
Complementing those traits is the external TPU heel counter and the webbed lacing system. Both lock your foot in place and create a secure fit that actively keeps the shoe tight on your body rather than working against it. The cushion also feels great no matter how hard you land.
Though these shoes are comfortable enough, they do run a bit small. When getting a pair know that you’ll likely need to go a size up. The sockliner, while snug, also lacks a certain amount of breathability. Be prepared to sweat a bit more when you’re wearing these.
Best Under Armour Basketball Shoes: What to Look For in 2022
These traits are all critical to consider when looking at the best Under Armour shoes
Comfort
When getting shoes, you should always pay attention to how they feel. It doesn’t matter how many traits a pair comes with, it won’t do you any good if it hurts to run. Ample cushion is important. Extra support matters as well. Find something that fits and supports your foot shape.
Durability
Basketball shoes can be quite pricey. As such, you want to ensure your pair holds up over time. Under Armour is a well-respected brand, but you still want to pay attention to material and support. Shoes with tough bases go a long way, as do ones with premium construction.
Style
While not as important as other traits, style still matters. You always want your shoes to look good. There are many different colors, shapes, and designs out there. Once you have the performance aspects nailed down, get shoes that you think will look out on the court.
Useful Tips and Resources
Under Armour makes high-quality shoes. However, like any footwear or clothing, they require a certain amount of maintenance. It’s important to take care of them so they stay in great shape. This video gives a great look at how to properly clean your shoes and give them better traction.
It’s also important to consider the actual sneaker shopping process. Always think about factors such as size and style when out looking for your next Under Armour pair. If you need help, SportsRec has a handy article on the process.
My Verdict
The Men’s Lockdown 5 gets the top spot on my list. Though all the above models have unique traits, none of them pack so much into such a performance-first model. The shoe has a good base that enables you to play to the best of your abilities and looks great as well.
There’s plenty of cushion, especially in the heel area, and the design packs a large amount of spring no matter if you’re going in for a layup or hustling back on defense. If you want a good shoe from a top brand that won’t break the bank, you’re going to be happy with the Lockdown.
Comments