This is my review of the best basketball shoes under 50 dollars.
A good pair of basketball shoes will help you perform better on the basketball court— running, jumping, and landing all become more comfortable.
While you can spend hundreds of dollars on great basketball shoes, there are some fantastic choices in the under $50 budget area. Why break the bank when you don’t need to perform at your highest skill level?
I have spent more than 20 years playing basketball. In that time I’ve used a wide range of different basketball shoes. While there are definitely some cheaper sneakers that are not as good, or as durable as their more expensive counterparts.
In this article, we are going to provide you with detailed information that will help you in picking out the best basketball shoes under $50.
Let’s get right into it.
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Who Should Get This
If you are looking for a new pair of shoes to play in your basketball league, or just a pair to take to your local gym for some pickup games, these are for you. They may not have as high of a price tag as some other shoes out there, but their performance will rival any of them.
Best Basketball Shoes Under 50 Dollars: What to Consider in 2022
Quality
One thing to consider when buying “budget-friendly” shoes is the quality of the materials used. You can definitely find less than optimal shoes in this price range, so be careful.
Material
The material that shoes are made of determines the level of durability and comfort. Initially, many basketball shoes were made from leather, however, synthetic mesh material replaced leather. It is lightweight, durable and more breathable than leather. Nowadays, most shoes have a blend of both leather and synthetic mesh material.
Comfort
Another way many shoes that are less expensive will save money is by spending less on the comfort of the shoes. The good news is you can replace the soles of your shoes with some high-quality ones if needed.
Design
No one wants to go into the gym to hoop it up with ugly shoes. Not only will the other players be laughing at you, but it could affect your performance if you are too self-conscious.
Breathability
Examine the material to determine its breathability before purchasing a pair of shoes. Your feet should stay aerated while you are playing. The more air and circulation that your feet get, the healthier they stay and you will notice less discomfort after playing for longer periods of time. It also won’t hurt with the way your feet smell after a long day of hooping.
Aesthetics
While the performance offered by shoes is very crucial, the outer appearance should not be ignored. Choose a pair of shoes that will help you radiate your personality. This means going for a specific design and color that will compliment your style on the court.
Brand
The last thing to ask yourself is if you need to have that high-end logo on your shoes or not. If the Jordan Jumpman logo or the Nike swoosh are must-haves, then this list may not be for you.
Best Basketball Shoes Under 50 Dollars: Our Picks 2022
Here’s our list of top recommendations, along with detailed reviews of each pair of shoes so you understand their pros and cons.
While PKQIU is a well-known athletic apparel brand, many people don’t realize they make shoes as well. This basketball shoe they make is stylish high top, with an old-school Jordan look that many will like. Luckily, it doesn’t cost anything near what a pair of Jordan’s do, so you won’t break the bank on these high top sneakers.
What We Like:
Jordan-esque style.
High top ankle support is great.
Snug fit with very little slippage.
What We Don’t Like:
Not the best insole.
For a company that started out in the back of a car, AND 1 has progressed immensely in the past decades to become one of the biggest basketball fashion brands. For their price point, these shoes are stylish and offer you a great option.
What We Like:
A mesh tongue and a drilled upper surface, which provide superb breathability.
Good heel and ankle support.
Nice and attractive design.
What We don’t Like:
Hard to fit for the first few times.
BEITA is a brand focused on making the basketball shoes for 30 years. Besides comfort, they also pay attention to beauty, trends, and fashion. If you want a great look and a brand with some history, these have just what you are looking for.
What We Like:
Great shiny basketball look.
Comfortable feel on the feet.
Superb build quality.
What We Don’t Like:
Stiff, a bit tough to break in.
4.
In the mid-90s, Fila inked deals with multiple NBA players such as Grant Hill, Chris Webber, and Jamal Mashburn. They were seen on these superstars’ feet, and many kids wanted to own their own pair. If you missed your chance then, now is your chance with the Fila Big Bang 3. Great classic basketball design, with the Fila quality you expect. These are extremely high-quality basketball shoes for a bargain price.
What We Like:
Sleek black design.
Extremely comfortable to wear.
Outstanding ankle support.
What We Don’t Like:
Fila name isn’t what it used to be.
PUMA is a sneaker brand that everyone knows, and with their sudden re-emergence in the NBA, many hoopers want to wear them. The Legacy are stylish low tops, that have a great look both on and off the court. The colors may not be for everyone, but the performance will wow even the most strict basketball sneaker collector.
What We Like:
Low tops have a great look.
Soles have a ton of grip.
Great materials give a premium feel.
What We Don’t Like:
Not everyone will like the colors.
Useful Tips and Resources
Now that you know which pair of sub-$50 basketball shoes are suitable for you, getting more information on how to maintain them won’t hurt. This information might come in handy when you start wearing the shoes regularly.
Basketball shoes should be stored in the right location— any open place that has good aeration properties is suitable. They should also be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent odor from building up.
When cleaning basketball shoes, choose the right type of brush to use. Some brushes are too stiff and might tear up the upper surface of the shoe. A good thorough cleaning will not only increase the longevity of the shoes, but the traction as well.
Speaking of traction, basketball shoes need tons of it for your ankle safety, as well as to ensure you can move laterally with effectiveness.
While some shoes have more traction than others, you can help it along with some simple DIY tricks. Check out:
Final Words
A pair of good basketball shoes will help you remain comfortable during those long days on the court. At a $50 price tag, you can get good shoes that have the same properties as expensive signature shoes. While signature shoes are meant for endorsements, these other shoes have been designed for functionality and affordability.
While the build quality of more expensive shoes is generally great, that doesn’t mean these shoes for less than $50 are any worse. In fact, I would take any of the shoes on this list against the highest price Nike or Jordan shoes.
Don’t let the name brands throw you off, as any of these shoes will keep you in the game without a problem. Take care of them properly and they will last you just as long as any other shoe you could buy.
Do you think there is a big difference between signature shoes and other affordable shoes, which can be easily purchased? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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