Look at the best basketball shoes if you want to jump higher and dunk.

[Last Updated on March – 9 -2023]

Jumping higher and dunking may remain a desire for many players, especially short players. If you are under 6 feet, the task becomes more challenging. It can give an edge to tall players, but it’s not a time to criticize God’s plan.

Having the best shoes for dunking and special exercises for a vertical jump can help in jumping higher.

How are Basketball Shoes Helpful in Dunking?

It’s a myth that some basketball shoes have bouncy springs that can give a bounce to dunk 10 feet net. Players are not flying everywhere.

However, some shoes can help increase the 1 to 2 inches of bounce but not more than that. Having the best basketball shoes for dunking can protect your ankles in landing. Other than that, these shoes are light in weight and have more impact-protect cushioning.

They are light in weight, so you’ll be able to jump higher with less weight on the feet. And impact protection cushioning for absorbing shocks that you get from landing on hardwood courts.

8 Best Basketball Shoes for Jumping Higher and Dunking

Till now, we’ve list of the 8 best basketball shoes for jumping higher and dunking. And, we keep researching and will update the list if we find more.

1. Nike Air Zoom BB NXT  – Best for big guys

Shoe Specification

Nike Air Zoom BB NXT Review:

Nike Air Zoom BB NXT is a NEXT LEVEL basketball shoe that receives a round of applause from many players. The price is pocket shaky but delivers what you are paying for.

Best for

Utmost comfortable shoes that deliver superior level traction on clean and dusty courts can be utilized at any position.

However, the outsole rubber can reduce its life if played too much on outdoor courts. Overall, a good choice for heavyweight players, with knee pain, for comfortable landings after jumping and dunking.

Cushioning

Responsive cushioning is the mainstream of Nike Air Zoom BB NXT. Three layers of React midsole and two forefoot zoom units provide reliable energy returns and impact protection.

• Zoom air pods are slightly unstable on bad landing but super comfortable and bouncy in sprints and jumping.
• A great court feels even after 3.5cm off the ground.
• React Midsole is SUPER responsive but very cozy and soft.

Traction

The outsole offers reliable traction that can grip clean and dust courts easily. No wiping is required. A multi-directional (like a fingerprint) traction pattern squeaks beautifully.

Overall

Nike Air Zoom BB NXT is above average shoe that is designed like wearing casual sneakers. A higher-end shoe that reflects on its built quality and material.

Size and fit

All of the features don’t seem to work if you don’t get the right size. It went true to size for most of the wearers, but if you have a narrow or flat foot, order a half size up then.

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• Premium cushioning.
• Soften landings.
• Impact protection

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• Not stable for side cuts

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2. Adidas Pro Bounce 2019  – Best Stable.

Shoe Specification

Adidas Pro Bounce 2019 Review

Adidas Pro Bounce 2019 is an affordable basketball shoe worn by many NBA players. It offers a combination of Bounce, court feel, impact protection, and excellent ankle support.

They are basketball shoes on the court and casual sneakers for day-to-day activities.

Best for

These minimalist-looking basketball sneakers offer an excellent court feel and grip on indoor, and outdoor courts well.

Experts suggest that playing consistently outdoors can damage outsole rubber quality and advise primarily utilizing them indoors.

The midsole offers a bounce and keeps the shoe stable which is perfect for forwards. But, Pro bounce 19 can utilize it perfectly for players from the 1 to 5 spots.

A padded collar offers a secure fit and delivers needed support for ankles. players with a bad ankle can benefit from this model as well

Cushioning

Adidas Pro bounce has utilized full-length Bounce in replace of Boost cushioning. This flexible Bounce adds responsiveness, helps in cutting and jumping, and gives the court a feel better than foam.

Adidas has utilized two layers of cushioning this time. The first layer offers superior level cushioning, and the second one is a lower end to make the shoe affordable.

Traction

These high-tops under 100 basketball shoes offer identical traction as harden vol.1. Zonal traction pattern bites most of the courts well. They are handling outdoor courts in this budget is a great plus.

It offers reliable traction throughout the game. If you are looking for consistent traction, look no further.

Overall

The Adidas pro bounce is a well-recommended shoe. The feature offers work in real. Count them when purchasing a new pair if you want to feel how a premium shoe feels with spending a premium price.

Size and fit

They run true to size. However, if you like a snug fit, order a half size down or need more space, order a half size up. If you have a wide foot, order half to a full-size up.

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• Value for money is amazing
• Excellent ankle support.
• Flexible bounce

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• Tight toe box

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3. Adidas Crazy explosive 2017 – Best Multi-Use

Adidas crazy explosive 2017 review

Adidas Crazy Explosives 2017 is a solid traction basketball shoe that excels in most categories. It is a shoe that solves 99% of basketball player need.

Best for

A lightweight and premium cushioning making them ideal to use anywhere you want? Looking for Impact protection for knee pain or shin splints? Want to support ankles? Soften landing after jumping higher and dunking?

It is ready for that too. It is prepared for everywhere you want your feet to take you.

A mid-top design increases flexibility and makes them versatile for all 1-5 spots. If you are unsure about your position and want to do a little bit of everything, grab them!

Above all, It sticks like glue on hardwood, clean, dusty, and even plastic courts–a bit slippery on tile courts if the dust is present there, but don’t worry, minimal wiping is required to clean them.

Cushioning

There is no change to see in the cushioning. It is the same as the previous model.

The full-length Boost cushioning full-length Boost with soft TPU
stability and medial responsiveness.

The stepping experience is a balance between support and comfort. It’s a bit firmer, Not like stepping on a banana or walking on a concrete road.

Traction

A maze-design traction pattern works like a champ on nearly all courts. As we said earlier, traction works like glue on hardwood, clean, dusty, and even plastic courts.

The brain-coral pattern pushed the dust to the sides while playing on dusty courts, so dust is not an issue.

Size and Fit

For size and perfect fit, order natural size unless you have a really wide foot. For wide footers, order a half to a full size up for more space in the shoes.

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• Great impact protection.
• Soften landings.
• Premium cushioning

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• Stiff upper

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4. Adidas Dame 5 – Best bounce

Shoe specification

Adidas dame 5 Review

Adidas dame 5 is a signature of Damian Lillard, and ready to perform all Damian Lillard’s skills. It was the best basketball shoe of 2019.

Previously, Dame 4 had the title of best dame Lillard basketball shoes, but now dame 5 has this title. It has combined features of dame 2,3 and 4.

It is in the list of best basketball shoes for jumping higher and dunking as it has the best bounce system so far.

Best for

Dame 5 is an entire package for hoopers. It has a little bit of everything they look for.

The traction pattern and outsole remain solid and ready to bite indoor-outdoor courts. The traction patterns are deep so that the dust won’t be a problem.

Dust can clog into the grooves and be a reason for slipping on the court, but that is not happening with dame 5.

Cushioning

Dame 5 has launched with full-length bounce cushioning but is a bit firmer than dame 4.

The benefit of a bounce-over boost is you’ll have a court feel even with a thicker midsole. Also, There’s plenty of shock absorption without causing any instability or loss of court feel.

Traction

Same as other Adidas basketball shoes, Dame 5 has come with a multidirectional herringbone traction pattern. The outsole has three versions: light gum, gum, or solid rubber, depending on the color you choose.

Herringbone traction throughout the shoe with deep grooves makes it hard for the dust to catch. It may see after a few games, but a wipe is all needed to blow it away.

Overall

The dame 5 is an average-range basketball shoe that can easily compete with higher-end models. The material may seem like a budget model, but it won’t affect your performance.

Size and fit

Dame 5 has a bit long from the toe side, which is a plus point for wide footers but not natural feet. For the wide footer, order the actual size. And, players with a natural foot like I order a half size down to get a 1:1 fit.

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• Amazing traction and makes you feel secure on the court.
• The complete webbing covering the inside of the shoe makes it feel premium.
• Perfect who needs much ankle support

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• A bit slippery in indoor courts ( A few said)

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5. Adidas Harden Vol. 4 – Best Lightweight

Shoe Specification

Adidas Harden vol.4 review:

Adidas harden vol.4 is a signature shoe of James Harden that is designed to play until the final buzzer.

If you are looking for a controlled, quick, and low-top basketball shoe, then the Harden Vol. 4 is one you can go with!

Best for

Adidas harden vol.4 is not an ordinary shoe, but they are ready to perform all of James Harden’s skills.

The traction is the mainstream of this shoe and is ready to grip indoors and outdoors- Dust is no problem for them. A light wipe is all needed to clean them. But, some players find the outsole rubber hard for outdoor courts.

They are accurate for guard positions who need a quick shoe to run up and down the court.

Cushioning

The cushioning is entirely changed from all James harden signatures. Vol.1-3 come with Boost cushioning, but vol.4 has launched Lightstrike cushioning. It doesn’t count as a bad move.

Lightstrike doesn’t offer the same level of impact protection as the Boost but keeps the shoe lighter and more comfortable to play with.

If you are a heavyweight guy or experience knee pain often, this change might not suit you.

Traction

It offers the same traction pattern as previously hardened vols and doesn’t require a break-in period like vol 3.

They bite clean courts well, and with dusty courts, minimal wiping is required.

The herringbone sticks to the ground and squeaks beautifully (not very loud).

Overall

Adidas harden vol.4 has everything to love except Lightstrike cushioning, which might not work for players looking for ample impact protection.

Other than then, lockdown, stability, and traction stand out in this shoe. If you have experience, with any other James Harden shoes, this one you’ll also like this one.

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• No break-in period is required.
• The great court feels impact protection.
• Great Support and lockdown.

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• Impact protection is not the same as in previous versions.

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6. Adidas Performance Crazylight 2016  – Best for hoopers

Adidas Performance Crazylight Boost review

Adidas crazy light boost is a shoe from 2016, but it’s still in demand! And, players are searching for its name. Let’s see why hoopers don’t want to forget them even after five years.

Best for

Under 150 basketball shoes for dunking, it is a durable model ready to play in-out and on dusty courts. The traction pattern is quite deep, so dust is not a problem—just a wipe after a few games.

It is an entire package for hoopers and has a little bit of everything they look for in the shoe.

Cushioning

The full-length Boost cushioning is second to none. It’s slightly firmer on the forefoot (for quicker response) and softer on the heel (for more impact protection). The transition from Toe to Heel is seamless.

The cushioning it has perfect when playing with knees and shin splints. It stays easier on the knees and shin bone.

Traction

Make as many cuts or stop as you want without fear of slip-and-slide.

The outsole offers continental rubber (for non-transparent outsoles), which makes it slightly more durable.

The rubber outsole is perfect for indoors but might lose its life playing too much outdoors.

Material

Materials used for the upper feels premium; they could use just a tad bit more ventilation. I reckon this shoe is one of the best low tops currently out with Harden Vol. 1s.

Ankle Stability

If you are looking for stability around your ankles, it has utilized TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) to provide extra support around heels and a plate to provide support ankles.

Size and fit

The shoe’s lockdown is excellent but a little snug fit for a regular-width foot. It’s a good kind of snug without any toe jamming.

It went true to size for most of the wearers, but if you have a narrow or flat foot, order a half size up then.

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• Quality traction
• Good arch support
• overall fit

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• Not for outdoors

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7. Adidas Harden Vol 3 – Best for quick response

Adidas harden Vol 3 is a signature of James harden. It may look like a casual sneaker but perform like NASA and its rockets on indoor courts.

There is nothing much special about Vol 3, but it does everything perfectly, making them special for many players.

Best for

Adidas harden vol 3 is suitable for indoor clean courts. If you plan to play on dusty courts, you may require wiping routines often.

Full-length Boost offers minimal impact protection, which not be suitable for heavyweight players. If you are looking lightweight basketball shoe to jump higher, this is a good option for you.

Cushioning

The full-length Boost in its midsole offers great impact protection and court feel. It offers a balanced ride, neither bouncy and not too firm, just ideal!

Traction.

Adidas harden vol.3 offers either solid or translucent rubber outsole, depending on the color you prefer.

Herringbone traction pattern is displays throughout the shoes.

Size and fit

Harden vol.3 went true to size. It may be snug at first, but don’t worry, the material is stretched and offers a 1:1 fit.

After a short break-in period, you’ll experience custom fit.

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• Great stopping power
• Great response time
• Ride feel balanced

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• Not for big guys

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8. Adidas T-Mac Millennium – best impact protection

Adidas T-Mac- Millennium is another great shoe for dunking, a signature mode of Tracy McGrady.

It ready fill juice in your game and lets you each round without fear of falling.

Best For

T mac millennium offers aesthetic looks for fashion freakouts. Undoubtedly! They are suitable for any position, but they perform ideal for shooting guards and small forwards.

However, It’s a more indoor court shoe rather than an outdoor one.

Some players think that they are expensive, but if you are looking responsive cushioning system, this one is for you

Cushioning

Do you experience a crazy Explosive 2017? Adidas T-mac millennium offers an identical cushioning system. A full-length Boost cushioning system makes the shoe responsive and returns energy at its peak.

The best part is they are quick, not like another squishy boost that responds slower.

More boost in the heel makes them ideal to use for knee or with shin splints, they offer exceptional shock absorptions.

Traction

Like other famous Adidas shoes, it offers the same herringbone traction pattern, which grips indoor courts well.

The traction patterns are deep, so dust is no issue; minimal wiping is required.

Size and fit

They are biased towards wide footers; if you are one of them, order the original size.

If you like more space in the toe box, order the original size, or if looking for a snug fit, go down a half size.

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• Great lockdown on your feet.
• Great impact protection
• Stylish enough to be utilized as casual shoes.

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• A bit bulky

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How To Find The Best Basketball Shoes For Jumping Higher And Dunking (Buying guide)

Below are some points that you must keep in your mind while buying the best basketball shoes for jumping higher and dunking.

Traction

At first, you need to look for traction. better traction gives a superior grasp. Elastic traction gives a higher ricochet. According to Nike News, The outsole traction and a grip of the shoes can make or break performance on the courts.

When considering shoes for bouncing An elastic traction can be cleared out effectively when contrasted with different materials.

The lines of the traction design give a solid grasp to your feet to the open-air courts. It will be better in the event that you pick the best basketball shoes for bouncing that having elastic traction.

Support

Ordinarily, basketball shoes have a binding lockdown. The binding lockdown framework gives a full lock to the feet additional tough support.

Particularly, when you have a craving for high hopping you must be centered appropriately around the shoes.

The base of the shoe ought to be wide on the grounds that it gives security. To forestall sneaking off, the TPU heel counter shields you from any sort of slipping occurrence.

Material

A basketball tennis shoe that is comprised of manufactured material will be tougher when contrasted with others.

Engineered material Basketball shoes have been exceptionally produced for outside courts since they are water-safe.

Additionally, they are likewise stained safe so that if the roads or courts may have dampness there manufactured calfskin helps in dampness wicking.

Weight

Bouncing shoes should be light in weight since when you dunk higher it likewise needs to give you support.

Less weight will help you hop higher. The size of the basketball shoes may change from feet to feet. On the off chance that you have wide feet, you need to buy as indicated by your wide forefoot.

Cushion

The material at the lower part of the feet is known as a cushion. Numerous producers are presenting their new advances for cushion support.

Nike’s new cushion innovation came into the market first now Adidas is additionally presenting it. The central matter is to realize that the cushion is the area where the ricochet is found.

A superior cushion gives opposition from the beginning bouncing.

FAQs

Are basketball shoes good for dunking?

In short, some shoes can work in both sports but not all of them. Only a few running shoes have qualities that can be used in a basketball game.  In general, basketball shoes can be used for running but It’s not recommended to use running shoes for basketball.

Basketball shoes are designed for jumping higher ( proper ankle support ). Manufacturers give proper attention to traction so the player won’t fall on the court. Also, they have a good amount of traction. And, A great level of shock absorbers.

Meanwhile, running shoes are not ready for basketball activities like dodging, rapid cuts, a sudden bursts of speed. jumping higher.

Running shoes are designed for long-distance running. the manufacturers focus on making them as light as possible.