So you want to elevate your game and soar through the air like the pros? You need the right footwear to take flight.
But with so many basketball shoes on the market, it can be tough to know which ones will help you reach new heights. We have scoured the web to bring you the ultimate list of the best dunking shoes in the market.
Whether you are a seasoned dunker looking for the perfect blend of explosiveness and support, or a rising star just starting to defy gravity, this list has something for everyone.
1. Nike KD 16
- Price - $150.00
- Available Colors - Field Purple, Mint Foam, Black, University Red, Vivid Purple, Deep Royal
Built for KD's explosive game, the latest sneaker, KD 16 boasts a comfortable Nike Air base, a forefoot Zoom unit for snappy speed bursts, and multidirectional traction grooves for optimal court feel.
A responsive foam layer keeps every stride smooth, while a stiff arch plate ensures stability and a broken-in feel upper locks your foot in place.
2. Nike Giannis Immortality 2
- Price - $85.00
- Available Colors - Coconut Milk/University Blue, Sail/Rattan
The inclusion of a luxurious foam package in Giannis Immortality 2, along with a refined fit in the midfoot within an exceptionally lightweight design, enables you to sustain a heightened level of intensity and concentration when the outcome teeters on victory, much like Giannis does in crucial moments.
The sole of the shoe is shaped in a curve from the heel to the toe, ensuring a seamless and comfortable walking experience. Openings in the foam contribute to weight reduction and enhance responsiveness.
3. Puma Rise NITRO
- Price - $82.99 on Puma Store
- Available Colors - Royal Sapphire/Ravish, Yellow/Orange
Upon donning the Puma Rise NITRO, one promptly experiences a sense of stability and assistance, courtesy of the PWRTape construction enveloping the upper.
Additionally, the Nitro Foam midsole imparts a well-balanced combination of court feel and comfort to every step, jump, and pivot, despite the snugger fit. While the outsole provides effective traction, it may accumulate dust on less pristine surfaces.
4. Nike Air Zoom GT Cut 2
- Price - $170.00
- Available Colors - Black/Anthracite, Pure Platinum/Summit White, Mixed
The G.T. Cut 2 enables swift stops and quick accelerations, allowing you to seamlessly transition into the open lane. Its low-to-the-ground design reduces court contact when changing direction.
It boasts a powerful combo of Nike React and Zoom Air for explosive responsiveness on the court. The React insole and soft midsole foam keep you comfy and stable, while the butterfly-inspired upper sheds weight for quick takeoffs.
5. Athletic Propulsion Labs Concept X
- Price - $400.00 on APL
- Available Colors - Black/White/Green, Laser Red/Navy, Beach/Ivory, Coastal Blue
The APL Concept X athletic shoes feature a full-length carbon plate with 10 coil springs beneath it.
Furthermore, the TechLoom bootie upper and APL Exolock overlays offer robust support without significantly increasing the weight of the substantial 17.28-ounce design.
6. Under Armour Curry 11
- Price - $160.00
- Available Colors - White/Black, Maroon Red, Black/Red, White/Blue
The foam compound sole of Flow technology in Under Armour Curry 11 provides excellent grip but falls short in terms of durability compared to rubber, making it less ideal for outdoor applications.
The full-length Flow cushioning is buoyant and features midsole cut-outs that allow for expansion, ultimately improving compression and comfort.
7. Adidas Trae Young 2.0
- Price - $140.00
- Available Colors - Core Black/Team Solar Green, Pink/Black, Black/Green/Blue
The lace-free construction in Adidas Trae Young 2.0 easily envelops your feet, providing a secure sensation.
The BOOST technology in the heel, coupled with a Lightstrike midsole, cushions your powerful initial stride without adding excessive weight. In addition, the SCK360 knit upper offers a secure fit, although it is less breathable compared to other tested uppers.
8. Li-Ning Wade 808 2
- Price - $179.99
- Available Colors - White, Purple, Black
The Li-Ning Wade 808 2s are surprising gems for outdoor and indoor hoops. Their grippy rubber outsole squeaks with every burst, adding a touch of nostalgia.
They boast drop-in Cloud Plus midsoles for surprising, yet clunky, cushioning that is great for budget-minded ballers. Similarly, Li Ning has introduced an advanced Replaceable Midsole Probar Loc technology to enhance stability.
9. Air Jordan XXXVIII
- Price - $200.00
- Available Colors - White/Siren Red, University Red, Light Marine, Black/Bright Concord
Launched in August 2023, the latest Air Jordan performance basketball shoe, "XXXVII" features new plate technology in the sole.
The embroidered designs on the upper of the XXXVIII showcase MJ's achievements during the 1993 championship series. This shoe represents a milestone in Jordan Brand history as the most environmentally friendly Air Jordan signature shoe, incorporating at least 20 percent recycled material by weight.
10. Nike LeBron XX
- Price - $170.00
- Available Colors - Night Maroon, Green/White, Orange/Pink
Despite the plush comfort of the LeBron XXs, akin to max-cushioned running shoes, thanks to their snug fit, Sphere liner collar, and multiple Zoom Air units, court feel may be slightly compromised.
The thick cushioning acts like a barrier to the hardwood, requiring some adjustment compared to less cushioned shoes. It's still secure and grippy with its multi-directional tread, but finding that close-to-the-court feel might take a few practice sessions.
11. Puma MB.03
- Price - $125.00
- Available Colors - Fluro Green, Purple Glimmer/Green Gecko, Feather Gray
Built for aggressive play, Puma x Lamelo Ball MB.03 shoes boast a grippy wraparound sole pattern and firm, stable cushioning thanks to a combo of EVA and responsive Nitro foam.
TPU and a shank plate ensure a locked-down fit and control during quick cuts and pivots, all without sacrificing stability.
12. Adidas Dame 8
- Price - $130.00
- Available Colors - Grey Thre/Red/Core Black, Silver Metallic
The stylish appearance of the Adidas Dame 8 is noteworthy, but its performance is a combination of positives and negatives. The Bounce Pro cushioning provides seamless transitions, and the outsole proves durable for outdoor usage.
However, traction becomes a concern on dusty courts. Additionally, the spacious toe box may necessitate players with narrow feet to consider sizing down.
13. Nike Dunk High “Dark Curry”
- Price - $140.00
- Available Colors - Grey Fog, Black/White, Triple Pink
The Nike Dunk High Premium 'Dark Curry' highlights rich, fall-inspired colors on a shoe that originally served as a performance basketball sneaker in 1985.
The high-top design includes a Velvet Brown suede upper complemented by a burnt orange Swoosh and textured suede overlays in Dark Russet. Built on a sturdy rubber sole, the sneaker features a traction pattern designed for smooth pivoting on the basketball court.
14. Paul Rodriguez x Nike SB Dunk Low
- Price - $229.00
- Available Colors - Yellow/Red/Neon
The Paul Rodriguez x Nike SB Dunk Low, aptly nicknamed the "What The Paul," is a unique celebration of the skater's legendary shoe lineage.
It is not just one shoe, but a mismatched masterpiece. Each shoe features a distinct design, blending iconic elements from P-Rod's 10 signature shoes.
The "What The Paul" is a love letter to P-Rod's legacy, a head-turning conversation starter, and a comfortable, durable skate shoe to boot.
15. Nike SB Dunk Low Pro Gum
- Price - $130.00
- Available Colors - White/Black/Golden, Core Black
The Nike SB Dunk Low Pro White Gum is made with high-quality tumbled leather on the upper part, accompanied by black nubuck swooshes.
These shoes rest on a sole with a gum color, and they showcase black Nike branding on the heel, tongue, and insoles. The Nike Gum Pack includes the Nike SB Dunk Low Pro available in White Gum and Black Gum variations.
