This article analyzes the best basketball shoes from Adidas and explains why they’re so useful on the court and blacktop.
I have worn tons and tons of shoes in my twenty-five years of playing basketball. It is that firsthand experience, combined with extensive research and in-depth reviews, that gave me the knowledge to properly analyze the items outlined below.
The Coll3ctiv3 is my favorite Adidas sneaker because of how well it mixes comfort with a durable build.
The shoe is tough on multiple levels thanks to the strong sole and high-end construction. It looks great, is easy to wear, and breaks in right away. A great choice for those who need a stable platform that they can use in different environments.
If you want to learn more, or look at similar excellent Adidas basketball sneakers, I cover the top ones throughout the following sections.
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Who Should Get This
It doesn’t matter if you play at the highest possible level in front of tons of screaming fans or you’re just getting ready to shoot around with your friends, all basketball players need good footwear. The shoes in this guide give you great support and help up your performance.
The models are incredibly versatile and well-rounded. As such, they’re excellent for guards and big men alike. Their durability and strong construction also make them great for those who like to play outside, in the street, or on the driveway.
Top Adidas Basketball Shoes: Our Picks 2022
This section covers the top Adidas shoes and explains the traits/uses that help them stand out.
1. Coll3ctiv3
Best for: Overall
Key Features: Sturdy build with a powerful outsole. Comfortable feel. Strong base. Easy to break in. Clean, classic look.
Sole: Rubber
Fit: True to Size
Weight: 3 pounds
The Coll3ctiv3 is a fantastic shoe from Adidas. It comes with a soft feel that will keep your feet protected as you play as well as an incredibly durable, long-lasting build. It then wraps both of those stellar aspects inside one of the cleanest designs on today’s market.
The shoe looks and feels great. Not only does the toughness work perfectly both inside a gym and out on the blacktop, but the synthetic construction gives you a powerful base for cuts or power moves. Every player at every position can make use of the premium design.
You should note, however, that the shoe doesn’t quite have the same cushioning as similar models. It’s undoubtedly comfortable, but it does lack a bit in the impact protection department. Expect to feel particularly hard or tough landings.
Best for: Comfort
Key Features: Extremely soft. Synthetic construction and sock-like design. Good lockdown and superior fit. Unique look. Laceless.
Sole: Synthetic
Construction: Knit-synthetic
Weight: 12.8 ounces
Few shoes, Adidas or otherwise, put an emphasis on comfort like the N3xt L3v3l. This shoe may have an unconventional look, but the synthetic, sock-like construction works with soft materials to provide one of the most complete and best-feeling fits on the market.
The sole is incredibly responsive and the entire shoe gives you a lot of mobility. That’s mainly due to the laceless design, which offers plenty of lockdown for when you really need to push up the court. There are a few fun, bright colors and the Primeknit upper is quite reliable.
Just know that you’re going to need to break in the N3xt L3v3l before you can take full advantage of its comfort. When you first get it out of the box you’ll want to walk around or use it in practice before taking it out into a game. That should properly break it in.
3. D Rose 11
Best for: High Top
Key Features: Bright, colorful look. Excellent ankle support. Powerful rubber sole. Good stability and traction.
Weight: 3.52 pounds
Fit: True to Size
Sole: Rubber
The D Rose 11 is a high-top shoe that has the power to be used on the court, as well as the look and feel to be worn around town. The stellar appearance adds an extra layer to the entire shoe, while the high top design works with the internal padding to give you more protection.
The shoe does a great job at reducing injuries. In addition, it has solid traction that works well regardless if you’re sprinting inside a gym or going for a dunk on asphalt. The soles are responsive and you’ll have no problem making a quick change of direction.
That being said, this shoe doesn’t have the best lockdown. The fit is plenty snug, but it won’t hold your foot inside as well as other premium options. You’re definitely going to see some slippage over time. Make sure to always tie it tight and get the proper size.
Best for: Performance
Key Features: Merged design. Extremely responsive. Lightstrike technology. Powerful outsole and unique external design.
Sole: Rubber
Fit: True to size
Weight: 2.31 pounds
If you’re looking for a well-designed sneaker that will take your game to the next level, the Harden Volume 5 is a good choice. This shoe utilizes one of the springiest soles on the market and mixes it with Lightstrike technology to create a sleek model with a focus on performance.
The entire shoe is lightweight, which makes it easy and fun to wear during a game, and it has one of the craziest looks on the market. That makes it one of the best options for players who want to make a statement when stepping onto the court.
As reliable as the Volume 5 is, it’s not the most durable basketball sneaker out there. You can really push yourself when wearing the shoe, but you’re going to have to replace it more quickly than other footwear. Those who play outside a lot may want to turn to other shoes.
Best for: Ventilation
Key Features: Strong grip. Breathable mesh upper. Midsole pods for extra boost. Crazy look and unique color choices. Snug fit.
Upper: Mesh
Fit: Regular
Weight: 3 pounds
If you run hot or need a more breathable shoe, the Crazy BYW 2.0 is an Adidas shoe with a large focus on ventilation. The mesh upper is incredibly useful towards that end, providing you with a soft and comfortable feel that also ensures you never get too sweaty during play.
Beyond that, the shoe gets high marks for the excellent lockdown created by the strong lace closure. The special boost zones in the midsole are great too.
That being said, the crazy look is a bit out there and might put some people off. If you don’t like extremely flashy shoes, these probably aren’t the ones for you. They are also a bit on the heavy side, which is something to consider if you’re someone who prefers lightweight gear.
How to Choose The Best Adidas Basketball Shoes in 2022
These traits are all key parts of a strong, well-rounded basketball shoe.
Comfort
First and foremost, your shoes need to be comfortable. Playing basketball puts a lot of stress on your feet, and that can take a toll over time. Rather than worrying about blisters, get models with a lot of internal padding or cushion. Soft materials are also important.
Support
When getting a basketball shoe it’s easy to get caught up in the various features, but you need to get proper support. A solid base and sole both help cushion you as you land. Ankle support, such as a padded collar or high top design, are great at preventing injuries as well.
Ventilation
Your shoes should also let your feet breathe. Many models with snug fits or good lockdown tend to be too smothering. Look for mesh uppers or shoes with special cut outs that promote air flow and actively reduce sweat build up.
FAQs
If you have any more questions about Adidas basketball shoes, this section aims to answer a few of the most common.
Is Adidas Boost Good for Basketball?
Yes. The shoes have a lot of comfort and responsiveness, both of which help you in a game.
What NBA Players Have Adidas Shoes?
Derrick Rose, Damien Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, and James Harden all have their own Adidas lines.
Is Adidas AlphaBounce a Basketball Shoe?
Though it can be used for basketball, the AlphaBounce is more of a running shoe than anything else.
Useful Tips and Resources
Nobody wants to buy new shoes every month. To prevent that, invest in high-quality sneakers and take care of them as well as you can.
Amateurs often play on courts that are not as big, or as well-maintained, as professional gyms. That can lead to your shoes getting stepped on or scuffed up quite easily. If you want to learn how to properly deal with those issues, watch this short video on proper footwear care.
My Verdict
In my opinion, no Adidas basketball shoe can match the Coll3ctiv3. The shoe hits all the marks of a good basketball sneaker, including a strong base, powerful sole, and comfortable interior. It’s incredibly easy to break in and actively enhances your overall game.
While it doesn’t have one specific area where it truly goes above and beyond, the shoe is reliable on all different courts and surfaces. It’s affordable, looks great, and is the best basketball footwear option Adidas has to offer.
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