Basketball Shoes

20 Basketball Shoes With The Best Traction

By Abhay Acharya / 29 January 2024 10:44 AM

Source : basketballside

Achieving maximum performance on the basketball court demands the right footwear, and a crucial aspect is exceptional grip.

Shoes with top-notch grip provide the stability and grip necessary for quick cuts, explosive moves, and precise maneuvers.

In this guide, we delve into the world of basketball kicks renowned for their outstanding grip.

From renowned brands to signature athlete releases, these shoes are celebrated for their ability to keep players grounded, ensuring confidence and control on the hardwood.

Whether you are a seasoned player or a budding enthusiast, the right grip can make a definitive impact on your game.

1. Nike KD16

Source : basketballside

  • Price: $160 (Nike)
  • Features: Outsole with watch gears like traction pattern, Ridges and grooves in the sole

Whether you are a quick guard weaving through defenders or a powerful forward, the KD16 will have you sticking to the floor like glue.

With strategically placed gears like traction patten, these shoes dig into the court for multi-directional grip.

The KD16 features a stiff plate under the forefoot for additional stability and control.

2. Under Armour Unisex Curry 11

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  • Price: $160 (Under Armour)
  • Features: UA Flow outsole, 3D-molded TPU heel counter support

The UA Unisex Curry 11, named after the NBA sharpshooter Steph Curry, is designed to provide exceptional grip and control.

With dual-density UA Flow cushioning, these kicks deliver superior grip on both clean and dusty courts.

The 3D molded TPU heel counter provides additional stability and support in the forefoot.

3. Li-Ning Wade All City 11 V2

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  • Price: $149 (Way of Wade)
  • Features: Breathable TPEE yarn-woven upper, Full-length BOOM midsole

Dwyane Wade's signature Li-Ning Wade All City 11 V2 is for ballers demanding unyielding grip and luxurious comfort.

The star of the show is the full-length TUFF RB outsole, featuring a unique, wave-like tread design that digs into the court.

It cradles your feet in full-length Boom cushioning, delivering explosive energy return with every step.

4. Under Armour Unisex Curry Spawn FloTro

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  • Price: $130 (Under Armour)
  • Features: TPU films and mesh combo upper, Plush foam sock liner

Crafted for explosive speed and agility, the Under Armour Unisex Curry Spawn FloTro shoes reign supreme.

Unlike traditional rubber outsoles, UA Flow provides a grippy surface that adapts to your movements.

Its features targeted grip that ensures optimal control and stability for explosive cuts.

5. Nike Giannis Immortality 3

Source : basketballside

  • Price: $90 (Nike)
  • Features: Flexible grooved outsole, Secure midfoot strap

The Nike Giannis Immortality 3 is a game-changer designed for the explosive, multi-directional play of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Immortality 3 features a unique wavy herringbone pattern that adapts to your every move.

Furthermore, its outsole is crafted from a thick slab of tough rubber, ensuring consistent grip even on dusty outdoor courts.

6. Under Armour Unisex Curry 2 Low FloTro

Source : basketballside

  • Price: $150 (Under Armour)
  • Features: UA Flow cushioning, Molded heel for stability

The Under Armour Unisex Curry 2 Low FloTro shoes are designed to help you dominate the court.

It combines the legendary fit and feel of the Curry 2 upper with the revolutionary UA Flow cushioning and outsole technology.

The low-cut upper is crafted from a seamless, one-piece knit that provides a sock-like fit.

7. Adidas Harden Vol. 7

Source : basketballside

  • Price: $160 (Adidas)
  • Features: BOOST midsole, TPU propulsion plate

Enter the Adidas Harden Vol. 7, a shoe lauded for its exceptional grip, making it a top contender for the title of grippiest basketball shoe out there.

The shoes boast a potent combination of solid and translucent rubber, along with a hybrid traction pattern.

The pattern features both classic herringbone and radial cuts, providing phenomenal grip on any surface.

8. New Balance Fresh Foam BB

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  • Price: $129.99 (Dick's)
  • Features: Unique hexagonal spiral outsole pattern, Fresh Foam X midsole

New on the court, the New Balance Fresh Foam BB has quickly grabbed attention for its phenomenal traction.

The outsole boasts a deep, unique hexagonal spiral pattern, providing outstanding grip.

The Fresh Foam midsole extends to the outsole, creating a seamless transition between cushioning and traction.

9. Nike Sabrina 1 (Team)

Source : basketballside

  • Price: $130 (Nike)
  • Features: Versatile cloud-like React foam and Zoom AIr cushioning, Midfoot band in the collar

Crafted for players who embrace the full spectrum of the court, the Nike Sabrina 1 (Team) reigns supreme in the traction department.

The gold standard for basketball traction, the full-length herringbone aggressive pattern digs into the court.

Interwoven with the herringbone are strategically placed grooves that enhance flexibility and grip on lateral movements.

10. Under Armour Curry Flow 10

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  • Price: $160 (Under Armour)
  • Features: Half-bootie design, UA WARP technology

The Curry Flow 10 is a finely tuned weapon for players who demand the best grip on the court.

The Curry Flow 10 ditches traditional rubber outsoles for UA Flow, a revolutionary one-piece cushioning and traction system.

UA Flow maintains its grippy performance even after heavy wear and tear.

11. Adidas Trae Young 3

Source : basketballside

  • Price: $140 (Adidas)
  • Features: Breathable upper mesh, Ligthstrike midsole cushioning

For point guards who like to weave through defenders and pull up for threes from impossible angles, the Adidas Trae Young 3 is a dream come true.

Its solid rubber with a wavy nubbed pattern bites into the court for explosive changes of direction and stutter-step crossovers.

12. Under Armour Unisex Lockdown 6

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  • Price: $70 (Under Armour)
  • Features: EVA foam midsole, Herringbone pattern rubber outsole

For ballers seeking uncompromising grip and court control, the Under Armour Lockdown 6 reigns supreme.

The outsole boasts a classic herringbone pattern with deep and angular grooves that dig into the court, providing exceptional grip.

Made from high-quality rubber, the outsole is built to withstand the rigors of even the most aggressive play.

13. Nike G.T. Jump 2

Source : basketballside

  • Price: $180 (Nike)
  • Features: Data-informed outsole patten design, Breathable engineered mesh upper

The Nike G.T. Jump 2 is a launchpad for your game, designed to elevate your explosiveness and agility.

A data-driven traction pattern features aggressive, multi-directional treads that dig deep into the court.

The curved outsole design enhances grip during lateral movements, ensuring you stay in control.

14. Adidas Dame 8 Extply

Source : basketballside

  • Price: $130 (Adidas)
  • Features: Midfoot strap alongside lace closure, Bounce Pro midsole cushioning

Damian Lillard's signature shoe, the Adidas Dame 8 Extply, is about dominating the court with confidence.

Its strategic herringbone sections offer added bite on clean and dusty courts.

The Dame 8 Extply packs a punch with its Bounce midsole, providing cushioned responsiveness.

15. Jordan One Take 4

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  • Price: $100 (Nike)
  • Features: Top-loaded Zoom Air unit in the forefoot, Ample traction with herringbone outsole

The Jordan One Take 4 packs a punch when it comes to gripping the hardwood, making it a steal for its price point.

The outsole boasts a classic herringbone pattern, the gold standard for basketball traction.

A sturdy midfoot plate runs through the shoe, enhancing overall stability and preventing unwanted flex.

16. Nike LeBron XXI

Source : basketballside

  • Price: $200 (Nike)
  • Features: 360-degree zonal cabling system, Top-loaded plastic plate for stability

The Nike LeBron XXI embodies LeBron's dominance with a grip system built for explosive cuts and seamless changes of direction.

The LeBron XXI's traction pattern is meticulously crafted using data-informed insights.

Its full-length Zoom Air unit combined with the grippy outsole, ensures you will launch off the court with confidence and land with precision.

17. Under Armour Unisex Jet '23

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  • Price: $80 (Under Armour)
  • Features: Full-length Micro G midsole, Anatomial pattern rubber outsole

The Under Armour Unisex Jet '23 boast a powerful combination of superior traction, cushioned comfort, and supportive stability.

The star of the show is the full-length Micro G midsole paired with a durable rubber outsole.

This dynamic duo features an anatomical traction pattern with strategically placed grooves, providing exceptional grip.

18. Nike G.T. Hustle 2

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  • Price: $170 (Nike)
  • Features: Foam tongue, Unique waffle herringbone pattern outsole

For ballers who crave lockdown defense and lightning-fast cuts, the Nike G.T. Hustle 2 delivers grippy greatness.

The G.T. Hustle 2 boasts a unique waffle herringbone traction system

These raised rubber pods, resembling mini spikes, dig deep into the court, providing exceptional bite on all cuts and changes of direction.

19. Under Armour Unisex Flow FUTR X 3

Source : basketballside

  • Price: $125 (Under Armour)
  • Features: UA IntelliKnit breathable upper, Perf X-open cell sock liner

The Under Armour Unisex Flow FUTR X 3 stands out in the realm of basketball kicks.

Engineered with a unique sole pattern and advanced rubber compound, these shoes provide an impressive grip on the court.

Beyond its traction prowess, the shoes boast UA's signature comfort and support features.

20. Puma Scoot Zeros Georgia Peach

Source : basketballside

  • Price: $100 (Puma)
  • Features: High-abrasion thread pattern rubber outsole, Formstrip lockdown support

Step onto the court in style and confidence with the Puma Scoot Zeros Georgia Peach shoes.

The midsole and upper work together to stabilize your foot, preventing unwanted slips and slides.

With High-abrasion thread patten rubber outsole, these kicks provide excellent grip on various court surfaces.