Helena Frye
New Balance does indeed have basketball shoes, and they are worn by pro basketball players. The company was founded in 1906 as the New Balance Arch Support Company and is now one of the world's major sports footwear and apparel manufacturers. New Balance basketball shoes are known for their comfort, durability, and style, and the brand offers a range of models to suit different preferences and skill levels. Some of the most popular New Balance basketball shoes include the NB 550, the NB Hesi Low, the New Balance Two WXY series, and the New Balance OMN1S. These shoes are favoured by players for their technical features, such as blended gel inserts, heel counters, and a wide range of sizes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | New Balance |
| Types of Shoes | 550, Hesi Low, Two WXY 3, Two WXY, Two WXY 5, Two WXY 2, The Kawhi, Hesi Low V2, Fresh Foam BB v2, Kawhi 4, Kawhi 3, OMN1S Low, Two WXY Low, Kawhi 2, Fresh Foam BB, OMN1S |
| Features | Comfort, Durability, Style, Lightness, Stability, Grip, Cushioning, Ground Feel, Impact Protection, Torsional Rigidity, Heel Counter Stiffness |
| Materials | Real Leather |
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What You'll Learn
Best New Balance basketball shoes
New Balance does indeed have basketball shoes, and they are worn by pro basketball players. The brand has been around since 1906, and it manufactures some of its most popular models in the United States and the United Kingdom. This sets them apart from their competitors, who often manufacture outside of the United States and Europe.
Fresh Foam BB V2
The Fresh Foam BB V2 has been praised for offering the best cushioning among New Balance basketball shoes. It has a high stack of 34.9/25.6 mm on the heel and forefoot, respectively, and provides excellent impact protection. The shoe features Fresh Foam X, which focuses on impact protection, and the responsive and bouncy Fuel Cell on the forefoot, providing an explosive experience for layups.
NB Hesi Low
The NB Hesi Low is an excellent choice for beginners. It is light, stable, grippy, and durable (as long as it's not used for outdoor play). The shoe offers a good balance between ground feel and cushioning, with a stack height of 26.1/21.4 mm at the heel and forefoot, providing some impact protection. Its closeness to the court and firm carrier foam make it a stable option for those new to the game.
New Balance 550
The New Balance 550 is a great basketball-inspired sneaker. Made of real leather, it provides softness and a unique next-to-skin feel. The leather upper and heel padding are durable and will last long even with frequent use. The shoe also does a great job of locking the foot down, providing a secure fit.
Two WXY Series
The Two WXY series is a popular choice among basketball players, with the Two WXY 4 being the most played shoe in this series. The series offers excellent traction and lockdown, although some users have noted that the Two WXY V3 has a narrow toe box and lacks cushioning.
OMN1S
The OMN1S is another great option, with some users claiming that they are the best basketball shoe they have ever played in. They offer the best traction, cushioning, and lockdown they have experienced.
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New Balance 550 review
The New Balance 550 is a basketball-inspired sneaker that was first introduced in 1989. After its initial run, it was brought back in limited-edition releases in 2020 and returned to the full-time lineup in 2021, quickly becoming a global fashion favourite. The 550 has a low-top, streamlined silhouette that offers a modern take on the heavy-duty designs of the late '80s. The shoe is made with real leather, providing a unique next-to-skin feel and softness. The suede and mesh upper construction is a classic look that adds to the overall durability of the shoe.
In terms of performance, the New Balance 550 delivers in key areas such as durability, torsional rigidity, and heel counter stiffness. The shoe received a score of 4 out of 5 for durability, with the leather upper and heel padding standing up to frequent use and Dremel tests. The 4 out of 5 score for torsional rigidity and heel counter stiffness means that the shoe provides stability and prevents foot twists and heel slips.
When it comes to comfort, opinions are mixed. Some users find the 550s comfortable, while others have experienced issues with their heels slipping, even when trying different sizes. The shoe has a retro vibe and is versatile enough to be dressed up or down, making it a popular choice for smart-casual wear. The 550s are also available in a wide range of colours, although some feel that the brand is releasing too many colour options too quickly.
Overall, the New Balance 550 is a well-rounded sneaker that offers a combination of performance, durability, and style. While it may not be the most comfortable shoe for everyone, it has gained a following for its versatility and retro aesthetic. With its reintroduction, the 550 has become a global fashion favourite, showcasing its lasting appeal and impact on both basketball courts and the streets.
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NB Hesi Low review
New Balance's latest budget basketball shoe, the NB Hesi Low, is a great option for beginners and players who are quick on their feet. It is a lightweight shoe, weighing only 12.9 oz (336g), which is more than an ounce lighter than the average hoop shoe. This makes it perfect for players who want to feel agile and light around the court.
The shoe is light, stable, grippy, and durable (as long as you don't play outside). It offers a good mix between ground feel and cushioning. The FuelCell foam in the midfoot and the thick rubber outsole provide a good deal of rigidity and impact protection. The shoe's traction is consistent, and its lightweight construction is comfortable. The materials are of lower quality, but this does not affect the shoe's performance.
While the shoe does provide some support and stability, it is important to note that it is not designed for maximum impact protection or aggressive playing styles. The shoe also has very little ventilation capacity, despite the use of mesh in the upper.
Overall, the NB Hesi Low is a solid performer and a formidable option in the budget market. It is a great choice for players who want freedom of movement and comfort without breaking the bank.
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New Balance shoes for beginners
New Balance has a limited but high-quality lineup of basketball shoes, designed for players who can do it all. The brand releases premium quality models that are well-crafted and designed for elite performance.
The NB Hesi Low is a great option for beginners. It is light, stable, grippy, and durable (if you don't play outside). The shoe offers a good mix between ground feel and cushioning, with a stack height of 26.1/21.4 mm at the heel/forefoot, which provides some impact protection. Its lightness (12.9oz/366g) allows for quick movement up and down the court, and its responsiveness enables players to perform basic dribbles, cuts, shots, and layups with ease.
The New Balance 550 is another excellent choice for beginners. Made of real leather, it provides a soft and unique next-to-skin feel. The shoe is highly durable, with a leather upper and heel padding that scored 4 out of 5 in durability tests. It also scored 4 out of 5 for torsional rigidity and heel counter stiffness, which means you don't have to worry about foot twists and heel slips.
The Fresh Foam BB V2 offers the best cushioning among New Balance basketball shoes, with a high stack of 34.9/25.6 mm on the heel and forefoot, providing a wonderful underfoot experience. However, the drawback is that it doesn't offer any court feel.
Overall, the NB Hesi Low and the New Balance 550 are excellent choices for beginners, offering a combination of lightness, stability, durability, and cushioning, which are ideal characteristics for those starting their basketball journey.
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Are New Balance shoes worth the price?
New Balance is a brand that prides itself on manufacturing sneakers in the US and the UK, which is rare among athletic brands. The brand has a stellar reputation for comfort, with many of its current lifestyle silhouettes inheriting features and technologies from its dedicated running shoes. This makes them ideal for all-day wear.
The price of these NB models ranges from $200 to $260, which is considered justified given the quality and background of the shoes. New Balance sneakers also offer better durability results compared to other brands, with some models displaying immense resistance to abrasion. For example, the New Balance 550, which is made of real leather, offers a unique next-to-skin feel and is highly durable, making it a great choice for basketball enthusiasts. The NB Hesi Low is another excellent basketball shoe, offering a good mix of ground feel and cushioning, while also being light and stable.
While the price range of New Balance sneakers may be higher than average, the brand's commitment to quality, comfort, and durability justifies the cost. The shoes' long-lasting nature ensures that you get your money's worth, and their domestic manufacturing provides additional value for those who prioritize supporting local industries.
Overall, if you're looking for a stylish, comfortable, and durable pair of sneakers, New Balance is definitely worth considering. Their extensive range of models caters to various preferences, ensuring that you can find the perfect pair for your needs, whether it's for basketball, running, or everyday wear.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, New Balance has basketball shoes.
Some of the best New Balance basketball shoes are the NB Hesi Low, the NB 550, the New Balance OMN1S, and the New Balance Fresh Foam BB.
New Balance basketball shoes are known for their comfort, durability, and style. They also offer technical features such as blended gel inserts and heel counters.
Yes, New Balance basketball shoes are popular among pro basketball players. The New Balance Two WXY 4 shoes are the most played basketball shoes, with 24% of players choosing them.
