
There are several new basketball shoes set to be released in 2025, with brands such as Nike and Reebok announcing new models. In 2024, nine sneaker brands made it to the list of the top 24 basketball shoes of the year, including Nike, Adidas, Jordan, and Skechers. Nike's Book 1, which had a limited release in 2023, gained popularity in 2024 with several new player-exclusive colorways. Adidas's Adizero Select 2.0 also gained traction for its lightweight, comfortable, and sharp design.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Nike, Reebok, New Balance, Adidas |
| Model | Nike Ja 2, Nike LeBron 22, Nike KD 18, New Balance 2010, Adidas Harden Volume 9 |
| Color | Coral Pink/Gold Chrome, White/Black, Black/Hyper Pink, Psychic Blue/Black, etc. |
| Style Code | HJ9351-101, 100228938, HQ6828-100, U2010AGY, etc. |
| Release Date | May 1, 2025, May 7, 2025, May 23, 2025, etc. |
| Price | $110, $160, $180, $230, etc. |
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What You'll Learn

Best lightweight basketball shoes
Basketball is a significant driver in the footwear industry, with every major brand launching a dedicated basketball imprint. Nike, Jordan, Adidas, New Balance, Under Armour, ANTA, and Li-Ning all have signature athletes in the NBA, bringing endorsements to their performance products. Every year, a host of new signature shoes are unveiled, with brands also consistently releasing non-signature offerings.
Nike Basketball, for example, has been collaborating with NBA athletes since the 1970s, evolving with technology, materials, and construction.
When it comes to lightweight basketball shoes, here are some of the best options currently on the market:
Li Ning Ultralight 2025
The Li Ning Ultralight 2025s are said to be significantly lighter than anything else on the market by about 40g, and they don't compromise on performance either.
Nike G.T. Cut 3
The Nike G.T. Cut 3 is another extremely lightweight option, even lighter than the popular Sabrina's.
Nike Kobe 8
The Kobe 8 is also a very lightweight option, along with the Freak 5 and the Nike G.T. Hustle 2.
Jordan 34-36 and KD 12-15
These shoes are also recommended for their lightweight characteristics.
Budget-Friendly Options
If you're looking for something more affordable, it's worth considering budget shoes as they tend to be extremely light. The GT Cut Academy, for instance, is a good option in this category.
So, whether you're looking for the latest technology from a top brand or a budget-friendly option, there are a variety of lightweight basketball shoes to choose from.
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Best basketball shoes for outdoors
Basketball is a significant driver in the footwear industry, with most major brands having a dedicated basketball imprint. Nike, Jordan, Adidas, New Balance, Under Armour, ANTA, and Li-Ning all have signature athletes in the NBA, bringing endorsements to their performance products. Every year, a host of new signature shoes are unveiled, with brands also consistently releasing non-signature offerings.
When it comes to choosing the best basketball shoes for outdoor use, there are several options to consider. If you're looking for shoes that offer outdoor durability, the Adidas Harden 6, Adidas Dame 8, and Jordan Zoom Separate are all excellent choices. The Adidas Dame 8, in particular, is praised for its traction and durability, and it can also perform well on indoor courts. It is available on the Adidas website for $36, but do note that it may be worth going down half a size for a perfect fit, especially if you have narrow feet.
Another highly recommended option for outdoor basketball shoes is the Wade Fission 8. This shoe is specifically designed for outdoor use and is widely recommended by the basketball community. Additionally, the Wade Son of Flash is also worth considering for its amazing traction, looks, and durability. It can be purchased for around $135, or you may find it for a lower price on PandaBuy.
If you're looking for shoes within a certain price range, there are options available. For example, if your budget is around $100, the Nike KD15 and Lebron 19 Low are options to consider, although reviews suggest they may not be ideal for outdoor use. The Lebron Witness 6 is another choice, but it may be slightly higher cut than preferred.
Upcoming releases in 2025 include the Nike Ja 2 "Scratch" in May, retailing for $120, and the Nike LeBron 22 "Dunkman," releasing on May 1 via Nike.com and select stockists for $180. The Nike KD 18 "Chain Reaction," carrying tones of "Soft Pearl" and "Pure Platinum," will also be available in May for $150. Keep an eye out for these releases if you're interested in the latest offerings from Nike.
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Best basketball shoes for traction
Basketball players need shoes that can withstand the complex footwork that the sport entails, including quick stops, jumping, and lateral actions. Therefore, a good basketball shoe should offer strong multi-directional traction, a responsive midsole, solid side support, and be lightweight.
The Nike Cosmic Unity 3 is a top choice for outdoor playability, with an outsole that offers impressive hardness and consistent bite. The rubber sole is firm and long-lasting, and the shoe is resistant to dust, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor courts.
The Adidas Dame 9 is another excellent option, offering a great balance between comfort, support, and style. Its traction pattern provides a reliable grip for indoor play, and its Lightstrike cushioning system delivers a plush, responsive feel. The synthetic leather materials offer durability and a structured feel, making it a good choice for the court.
If you're looking for a versatile shoe that can accommodate different playing styles, the Joker 1 is a great choice. It is suitable for both power-based players and speedy guards, offering versatility and performance at a reasonable price of $130.
For players who value cushioning, the Li-Ning Wade 808 5 Ultra is an excellent option, featuring one of the best cushioning setups on the market. The Anta Kai 2 is another impressive shoe, offering premium materials, elite traction, and solid cushioning for guards and shifty players.
Other notable mentions include the 361's One Motion, which offers superb traction, and the Kyrie 3, which is known for its ability to bite through dust, making it ideal for dusty indoor courts.
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Best cushioned basketball shoes
There are a variety of basketball shoes with excellent cushioning available on the market. The right basketball shoes should be able to handle running, jumping, quick stops, and abrupt direction changes. Here are some of the best-cushioned basketball shoes:
Nike Sabrina 2
The Nike Sabrina 2 is a lightweight basketball shoe that features advanced technologies and a solid build. It has a responsive and poppy ride, thanks to its Zoom Air unit at the ball of the foot and thick shank in the midfoot. The shoe also features a firmer carrier Cushlon foam and a plusher Cushlon 3.0 foam, which is Nike's newest compound.
New Balance Fresh Foam BB V2
The New Balance Fresh Foam BB V2 is praised for its top-tier cushioning and is available in wide sizes. It offers elite traction that can handle outdoor play, a thick plush cushioning system, excellent materials, and a stylish design.
Nike GT Jump 2
The Nike GT Jump 2 is an excellent choice for players seeking superior cushioning. While it takes some time to get used to the minimal court feel, it offers excellent lateral and backward movement. The GT Jump 2 provides a higher jump and a softer landing, making it ideal for defence and rebounding.
Li-Ning Wade 808 5 Ultra
The Li-Ning Wade 808 5 Ultra is a top-tier indoor performer, featuring one of the most unique feeling cushioning systems. It offers elite traction, well-balanced cushioning, and solid containment at a reasonable price point.
Nike GT Cut 3
The Nike GT Cut 3 is a low-top basketball shoe known for its comfort and agility. It features the Zoom X technology, making it soft and squishy while maintaining stability and speed on the court.
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Most durable basketball shoes
There are a variety of basketball shoes available in the market, with new shoes being released almost every month. For instance, the Nike Ja 2 "Scratch" and the Nike LeBron 22 "Dunkman" were released on May 1, 2025. While the Nike KD 18 "Chain Reaction" was also released on the same day, it retailed for $150.
When it comes to the most durable basketball shoes, there are a few options that stand out. Firstly, the Nike Cosmic Unity 3 is highly regarded for its durable outsole, low-to-the-ground profile, and excellent foot containment capacities, making it ideal for outdoor use. Another option to consider is the New Balance TWO WXY V5, which offers superior cushioning. It features dual-density cushioning with Fresh Foam X at the rearfoot for impact protection and Fuel Cell foam at the forefoot for responsiveness. The rubber outsole on this shoe is also quite durable, providing protection from abrasive courts.
The Puma All Pro Nitro is another durable option, known for its excellent traction, making it suitable for streetball. If you're looking for a durable option for kids, the Jordan Kids' Grade School basketball shoes from DICK's Sporting Goods are designed to last and provide excellent performance on the court. Lastly, the Li-Ning brand is mentioned as a possible durable option by a user on Reddit, although there are no further details provided.
It's important to note that the durability of basketball shoes can depend on various factors, including the playing surface and frequency of use. Outdoor courts, for example, tend to be harsher on shoes due to rough and abrasive surfaces. Therefore, when choosing durable basketball shoes, it's essential to consider the specific playing conditions and your personal preferences for comfort, performance, and style.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the new basketball shoes coming out in May 2025 are the Nike A’One “Blue Fury”, the Nike KD 18 “Air Bakin”, and the New Balance 1906L “Grey Days”.
Some of the new basketball shoes coming out in the first half of 2025 are the Nike SB P-Rod 1 OG, the Nike Air Force 1 Low “Escape”, and the Nike Air DT Max 96 “Love Letter to Connie”.
Some of the new basketball shoes coming out on May 1st, 2025, are the Angel Reese x Reebok Shaqnosis, the Nike Total 90, and the Nike Air Trainer SC High “Auburn”.
New Balance is coming out with the New Balance ABZORB 2010 on May 7, 2025, and the New Balance 1906L “Grey Days” on May 14, 2025.
Nike is coming out with numerous basketball shoes in 2025, including the Nike A’One “Laser Pink/Multi-Color/Pink Foam” on May 6, 2025, the Nike A’One “Pearl” on May 15, 2025, and the Nike Book 1 “Valley” on May 15, 2025.











































