Top 11 Best Basketball Shoes for Guards [Guide & Review 2024]

If you’re a basketball player, you know just how important it is to have the right shoes on your feet while playing.

As a guard, you have to be light on your feet, quick, and agile.

You need shoes that offer comfort, support, and reliability to help you keep up with the pace of the game.

With so many options out there, it can be challenging to choose the best basketball shoes for guards.

But, worry not!

In this blog post, I’ll be sharing the top picks for basketball shoes that will transform your game and help you bring your A-game to the court! 

List of Comfortable Best Basketball Shoes for Guards

1. Adidas Dame 7 – Best for Shooting Guards Positions
2. Nike PG 5 Best PG Basketball Shoes for Point Guards
3. Under Armour Curry 8 – Best for Guards Trainers
4. Puma Clyde All-Pro – Best for Traction and Grip
5. Nike KD 14 – Best Basketball Shoes for Point Guards
6. Nike Men’s Kyrie 7 – Overall Best for Small Forwards
7. Adidas Men’s Ownthegame 2.0 Basketball Shoe
8. Nike Men’s Air Zoom BB NXT Basketball Shoes
9. PUMA Men’s Uproar Hybrid Court
10. Nike Zoom KD 12 – Supper Responsive Shoes
11. Adidas Exhibit A – Best for Any Type of Guards

1. Adidas Dame 7 – best basketball shoes for shooting guards

As a basketball player who plays the shooting guard position, I recently purchased the Adidas Dame 7 basketball shoes and I must say that I am impressed with their performance.

The shoes have a reasonable price point making them a sensible choice for many players.

In terms of traction, I had no issues with it, even when playing on outdoor courts, which is a tribute to the quality of the design.

The Lightstrike cushioning system used in the shoe provided great comfort in the heel area but was slightly less impressive in the forefoot.

Regardless, the overall experience was pleasant and satisfying.

The build quality of the shoe is reliable despite its fairly basic mesh upper, which is easy to break in and cling to one’s feet.

The shoes’ security was top-notch with no feeling of causing any restrictions or slowing me down.

Sizing and fit can be somewhat complicated with Adidas basketball shoes, but I followed recommendations and went half a size down.

In doing so, I achieved a one-to-one ultra-secure fit, which enhances the overall experience of the shoes. 

The Adidas Dame 7 may be a great choice for players with standard foot measurements, but for those with wide feet, it may present difficulties.

I suggest going true to size for excellent width fit, even though it may lead to slight over-tightness.

Comfort-wise, the Dame 7 is nothing out of the ordinary, just a typical experience as shared by many previous Dame shoe owners. 

In summary, the Adidas Dame 7 is a great purchase if you’re looking for a reasonably priced, reliable, and stable basketball shoe.

It is perfect for shooting guards who need excellent traction and a comfortable fit without sacrificing freedom of movement and driving on the court.

It’s a shoe that can withstand the different challenges that one might encounter when playing basketball, making it a solid choice for any basketball player.

2. Nike PG 5 Best Basketball Shoes For Point Guards

As a basketball player and avid sneaker collector, I was excited to try out the Nike PG 5, the latest addition to the PG line.

The shoe did not disappoint, providing a solid performance on the court and a stylish look of it.

The Nike PG 5 is an upgrade from the previous signature shoe in most areas, making it highly anticipated among sneakerheads.

The traction pattern of the PG 5 is similar to the Kobe 9 pattern and provides top-tier traction indoors.

However, the outsole is not durable enough for outdoor use.

The cushion tech is similar to the last year’s model but feels different.

The PG 5 isn’t as plush but provides a better court feel and more responsiveness, making it great for indoor play. 

The materials are what you’ve come to expect from the PG line: they feel cheap but perform well and are comfortable on foot.

The shoe fits as most PG models, slightly narrow and snug, true to size works well.

The support and lockdown are excellent, thanks to a wide base and large outrigger. 

Overall, the Nike PG 5 is a great all-around performer.

They have a good amount of tech, really nice cushioning, and perform well in all aspects.

However, there is some room for improvement when it comes to the quality of the materials.

The PG 5 is a very solid performer, perfect for players who prefer a minimal lightweight, and responsive shoe no matter what position they play. 

In conclusion, the Nike PG 5 is a fantastic basketball shoe for point guards and other players who require speed and agility on the court.

With its top-tier traction, good cushioning, great fit, and excellent support and lockdown features, it sets the bar high for other basketball shoes in its price range.

Despite its lack of durability, its performance in other areas makes it a must-have for any basketball enthusiast.

I highly recommend giving the Nike PG 5 a try, especially for indoor play

See Related: Best cross-training shoes with arch support

3. Under Armour Curry 8- Best for Guards Trainers

As a basketball player who considers themselves a guard, I recently had the pleasure of trying out the Under Armour Curry 8 shoes.

And let me tell you, these shoes are a game-changer.

The standout feature of the shoes has to be the traction.

It is the best I have ever experienced in a basketball shoe, even on semi-dusty courts.

The micro-teeth and different depths on the outsole ensure that I always have clean contact with the floor, giving me a strong grip without any sliding.

Apart from the traction, the cushioning system is phenomenal.

The Flow technology is best described as a thicker version of Dame 4 with a little more bounce yet a denser feel.

It provides the perfect blend of comfort and court feel, allowing me to jump and move without any issues.

Additionally, the support and lockdown are top-notch, as expected from a Curry shoe.

The materials used in the shoes are flexible knit uppers with synthetic overlays.

They are very light and breathable, making them comfortable to wear.

The only downside I noticed is that the upper is too stretchy and does not hold the foot and ankle back, which could lead to bruising on the toes.

My advice would be to go up at least half a size or even a full size for comfort.

In summary, the Under Armour Curry 8 shoes are excellent for guards and wings.

They have a durable build quality, are incredibly comfortable, and provide essential support for a basketball player.

The combination of excellent traction and a blended cushioning system makes these shoes ideal for quick movements and responsiveness on the court.

Despite the upper being too stretchy, these shoes are an excellent investment for any basketball player looking to up their game. 

See Related: Do basketball shoes need to be broken in?

4. Puma Clyde All-Pro – best basketball shoes for each position

As an avid basketball player, I have tested out my fair share of basketball shoes over the years.

However, one shoe that truly stood out to me is the Puma Clyde All-Pro.

These shoes are not only stylish but also incredibly functional and suitable for playing in any position on the court. 

First and foremost, the traction on these shoes is phenomenal.

I had no issues with slipping or sliding on the court, and the multidirectional coverage really allowed me to move around with ease and agility.

Even during some of my most intense games, the traction held up exceptionally well, making me feel confident and in control.

Another standout feature of these shoes is the improved cushioning.

The ProFoam+ technology gives the shoes a great balance of court feel, cushion, and responsiveness.

Even during outdoor games, the cushion holds up well against the impact and wear and tear.

This improved cushioning is especially crucial for those playing in high-impact positions like the center or power forward.

When it comes to the upper material, these shoes do not disappoint either.

A seamless, lightweight, woven upper with multi-zoned materials offers targeted support and breathability.

While the materials may feel a bit stiff initially, once they are broken in, they feel amazing.

They also remain durable despite constant outdoor use, which is a huge plus for any basketball player.

In terms of fit, these shoes go above and beyond.

The snug, form-fitting feel is perfect for any player looking to be speedy and agile on the court.

They wrap comfortably around my feet, giving me all the support I need without feeling suffocating.

Overall, the Puma Clyde All-Pro is a well-balanced basketball shoe that caters to all positions on the court.

It is a fantastic all-around performer that anyone can enjoy playing in.

While the lock-down with the shoe laces is a bit weak, there are methods to fix them.

All in all, I highly recommend this shoe to anyone looking for comfort, traction, and responsive performance

Also Read: Best Basketball Shoes for Grip

5. Nike KD 14 – Best Shoes for Point Guards

As a point guard, finding the right shoe is crucial to my performance on the court.

After trying out the Nike KD 14, I can confidently say that this is one of the best shoes out there for point guards.

The traction on these shoes is exceptional, providing great grip on both indoor and outdoor courts.

I never once felt like my footing was unsure while wearing them.

In fact, the grip was so reliable that the KD 14 quickly became my go-to shoe.

Aside from the impressive traction, the cushioning on these shoes was superb.

Featuring a full-length Zoom Air strobel and a Cushlon midsole, I found the cushioning to be soft, bouncy, and fairly responsive.

The Zoom Air unit keeps the shoe feeling snappy underfoot, providing an energizing spring-like effect with every stride.

Additionally, the midsole is not too thick, providing a plush ride without sacrificing agility.

In terms of materials, while they might not be my usual cup of tea, they were effective and worked really well.

The build is more supportive than the previous year’s KD 13 while still maintaining a lightweight feel.

There is minimal break-in time required, as the shoe adjusts to fit your foot perfectly after just a short period of time.

The fit of the KD 14 is a bit tricky, and I recommend trying them in-store before purchasing.

I found the sizing to run slightly small, and I ended up going with a half-size larger than my usual shoe size.

However, once I found the right size, the lockdown was fantastic.

The build doesn’t stretch at all, giving me a secure fit from the ankle to the forefoot.

The TPU sidewall helps keep me on the footbed, which in turn reinforces the soft cushion.

Overall, I highly recommend the Nike KD 14 to any point guard looking for a versatile shoe that performs well in all aspects of the game.

The support and lockdown are great, the cushioning is top-notch, and the traction is unbeatable.

While the materials may not be the highest quality, they are effective and don’t negatively impact the overall performance of the shoe.

If you’re in the market for a new basketball shoe, give the KD 14 a try – you won’t be disappointed.

6. Nike Men’s Kyrie 7 – best basketball shoes for small forwards

As a small forward on my basketball team, I have tried and tested many basketball shoes over the years.

However, I was excited to get my hands on the Nike Men’s Kyrie 7 and see how they performed on the court.

First off, the aesthetics of this shoe are stunning.

With multiple colorways to choose from, the Kyrie 7 is an upgrade over its predecessor, the Kyrie 6.

The shoe is incredibly lightweight, which provides a sense of quickness and agility on the court. 

The traction is impressive, as the shoe offers a good bite on clean courts.

On dusty courts, however, wiping the sole is necessary to maintain its consistency.

The Zoom Turbo unit in the forefoot is bouncy and responsive, providing a nice court feel.

I even noticed that the cushioning in the heel feels much better than in the Kyrie 5 and 6, offering a good level of impact protection.

Moreover, the materials used in this shoe are minimal yet sturdy, proving to be very durable over time.

The support is commendable, offering excellent lateral containment and stability.

The shoe also provides decent ankle support, which is a bonus.

Although I did notice that the torsional support was nearly zero, which could be a potential issue for some players.

Overall, the Nike Men’s Kyrie 7 is the best basketball shoe in his line to date, and it delivers excellent performance on the court.

The shoe feels like an upgraded version of the Kyrie 6, with just okay traction.

The fit is perfect, but the shoe may cause foot discomfort after a long play.

However, this wasn’t an issue for me.

The uppers of the shoe did start to rip, but that did not impact its playability.

The Nike Men’s Kyrie 7 is an efficient shoe for efficient players.

As a small forward, I appreciate the lightweight nature of the shoe, which feels quick and close to the ground.

The shoe offers excellent traction, making it perfect for indoor games.

Although the shoe has minor drawbacks, overall, it’s an excellent investment for any basketball player looking for a reliable and effective basketball shoe for small forwards.

7. Adidas Men’s Ownthegame 2.0 best shoes for point guards

As a point guard on my basketball team, I am always on the lookout for the best shoes to help me perform at my best on the court.

That’s why I decided to try out the Adidas Men’s Ownthegame 2.0 basketball shoes and I was not disappointed.

These shoes offer great ankle support and have a wide toe box, allowing for enough room for orthotic inserts.

The cushioning in the heel and balls of the foot provide much-needed comfort during games and practices.

The shoes are also durable enough for outdoor play and practice jump shots.

The style of the shoes is sleek and attractive, with a black and white color combination that goes with any basketball uniform.

The band around the front of the shoes does not resemble “old man shoes” as some reviewers have suggested, but rather adds to the overall support and design.

One of the best things about these shoes is their lightweight, which allows for quick movements and easy cuts on the court.

The traction is also excellent, providing a solid grip on the court while preventing slips and falls.

Overall, I am extremely happy with my purchase of the Adidas Men’s Ownthegame 2.0 basketball shoes.

They offer everything I need in a basketball shoe as a point guard and have exceeded my expectations.

I highly recommend these shoes to any athlete looking for great support, comfort, and style on the court. 

8. Nike Men’s Air Zoom BB NXT Basketball Shoes

I recently had the opportunity to test out the Nike Men’s Air Zoom BB NXT Basketball Shoes and was pleasantly surprised with my overall experience.

The shoe is packed with features that make it a great option for those seeking high performance on the court.

One of the standout features of this shoe is the traction.

The pattern and rubber compound on the outsole are solid and provide a beastly level of grip, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Even after playing on a variety of outdoor surfaces, the outsole showed barely any signs of wear, which was quite impressive.

Another great aspect of the Air Zoom BB NXT is the cushioning.

A triple-layered React midsole and two large-volume forefeet Zoom Air pods make up the cushion, which provides a ton of cushioning from heel to toe.

It is bouncy, responsive, and provides excellent impact protection.

However, I did experience some instability on certain angles due to the overcompression of the Zoom pod on the lateral side.

The upper is comfortable and quick to break in, but there is nothing special about it.

It is made of lightweight textiles that provide adequate support and additional overlays to help prevent wear and tear.

In terms of fit, the shoe runs true to size.

Wide footers may experience some trouble with the lace cables digging into their pinky toes, but going up a full size would cause containment and general security issues.

Overall, the Nike Men’s Air Zoom BB NXT Basketball Shoes are a great option for those seeking high-performing shoes on the court.

While there are some drawbacks to consider, such as the lateral Zoom collapsing and potential comfort issues for wide footers, the shoe’s traction, and cushioning make up for it.

I personally enjoyed playing in these shoes and would recommend them to others. 

9. PUMA Men’s Uproar Hybrid Court

I recently purchased the PUMA Men’s Uproar Hybrid Court shoes, and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed.

From the moment I slipped them on, I could tell that they were crafted with quality and precision.

They fit like a glove, with just the right amount of snugness without feeling tight or restrictive.

The padding throughout the shoe is exceptional, providing a comfortable and supportive fit throughout the day. 

One feature that stood out to me was the hybrid foam technology used in the sole, which provides excellent shock absorption and stability.

This was particularly noticeable during activities such as playing basketball or taking long walks on uneven terrain.

The grip on the sole is also outstanding, providing a reliable grip on both indoor and outdoor surfaces.

Another aspect of these shoes that I appreciate is the attention to detail in the design.

The sleek, modern look is sure to turn heads, and I have received numerous compliments while wearing them out and about.

The color options also allow for a lot of versatility when it comes to pairing them with different outfits.

As for durability, I have only had these shoes for a short time, but I can already tell that they are built to last.

The materials used in the construction appear to be high-quality and resilient, able to withstand daily wear and tear with ease.

Overall, I highly recommend the PUMA Men’s Uproar Hybrid Court shoes to anyone in need of a reliable, stylish, and comfortable athletic shoe.

They are truly a testament to PUMA’s commitment to innovation and excellence in footwear.

10. Nike Zoom KD 13 – Supper Responsive Shoes

I recently had the pleasure of trying out the Nike Zoom KD 13 basketball shoes, and I have to say, I was quite impressed.

The shoes are incredibly responsive and offer excellent traction, making them a solid choice for both indoor and outdoor play.

The traction pattern isn’t herringbone, but it still manages to maximize grip in all directions, making it easier to move and stop on the court. 

The shoes also come packed with Full-length Zoom Air technology for enhanced cushioning and comfort.

The Zoom unit feels amazing underfoot, springy but smooth at the same time.

The shoes also feature an additional forefoot Zoom unit placed directly under the Zoom Strobel, providing even more comfort and cushioning than last year’s KD 12.

The insole is also noteworthy, as it feels like a custom orthotic insert that molds to your foot perfectly.

The textile and ripstop style material used for the upper is not that impressive, but it does offer a broken-in feeling right out of the box.

The main issue with the upper is its strength for containment, particularly in the forefoot area.

The shoes focus more on heel containment, leaving the forefoot a bit vulnerable.

Those with wider feet may also need to go up a 1/2 size for a more comfortable fit.

Overall, the Nike Zoom KD 13s are a great choice for those seeking a responsive and supportive basketball shoe.

While there are some issues with the upper’s containment and narrow fit, the traction and cushioning technology more than makeup for it, providing a solid option for those looking to improve their game on the court.

11. Adidas Exhibit A – Best for Any Type of Guards

Adidas Exhibit A shoes are one of the most advanced products in the market.

As a basketball player, I was looking for a shoe that could improve my game and provide the necessary support and comfort during a match.

And, I am happy to say that the Adidas Exhibit A shoes are a great choice for players of any type of guard. 

Firstly, the fit of the shoe is exceptional.

The shoe is designed to fit snugly to the foot, providing great support and stability, especially when making cuts and quick movements.

The shoe has a unique wraparound lacing system that ensures the foot stays in place and prevents any slippage within the shoe.

Secondly, the shoe has a lightweight design which allows for quick movements on the court.

The shoe’s outsole provides good traction and grip on the court, and the cushioning in the midsole gives an extra layer of comfort when landing from jumps.

The breathability of the upper material ensures that the feet stay cool and dry during intensive play.

Thirdly, the Adidas Exhibit A has an eye-catching design that sets it apart from other basketball shoes.

The shoe incorporates a mix of colors and textures to give it a sleek and stylish look.

The Adidas logo is prominently displayed on the side of the shoe, making it clear to others the brand that you are wearing.

Overall, Adidas Exhibit A is a great choice for any basketball player looking for high-quality footwear.

The shoe excels in terms of fit, comfort, support, and design.

Furthermore, the brand itself has a reputation for producing high-quality products appreciated by many.

I highly recommend this shoe to any basketball player wanting to improve and take their game to the next level.

Related: Are basketball shoes non-slip?

Guide to Choosing Basketball Shoes for Point Guards or Shooting Guards

Traction

The basketball shoes for point guards should have excellent traction to ensure they can keep up with their opponents and pull off great defensive moves.

The grip should not only be excellent but consistent.

Cushioning

A basketball player needs a shoe that is comfortable and will absorb impact.

This ensures that their feet will not feel tired after playing a few games.

This is especially important when playing on a court with bad floors, as they can cause injuries to ankles and knees if you do not have good cushioning.

Ankle Support

You want to ensure that your basketball shoes for point guards provide excellent ankle support.

This will keep your ankles from being injured while playing in the middle of the game.

This is especially important for point guards as they need to be able to move quickly and jump over their opponents.

Lockdown

You want to ensure that your basketball shoes for point guards provide excellent ankle support.

This will keep your ankles from being injured while playing in the middle of the game.

This is especially important for point guards as they need to be able to move quickly and jump over their opponents.

Stability

The basketball shoes for shooting guards should have excellent stability.

This will ensure that they are not tipping over when trying to make a move.

This will help them avoid getting injured, make quick cuts, and keep their feet from slipping.

Fitting

You want to ensure that your basketball shoes for shooting guards fit you properly.

This will ensure that you can make moves and perform your best on the court.

This is especially important for guards as they need to be able to move quickly and jump over their opponents.

High-Cut 

You want to ensure that your basketball shoes for shooting guards have a high-cut shoe.

This will ensure that they can move quickly and jump over their opponents.

This is especially important for shooting guards as they need to be able to move quickly and jump over their opponents.

See Related: Can you wear basketball shoes outside?

Who is a Basketball Guard?

A basketball guard is a team member who plays a position on a professional basketball team.

They play behind each forward line, known as forwards or wings, and also directly in front of their backcourt players, usually consisting of a point guard and shooting guard.

Point guard

A point guard (PG), also called a one, is one of two players on a basketball team stationed on or near the opponents’ basket (and thus is farthest from their basket).

The point guard’s primary role is to facilitate scoring opportunities for their team or sometimes for themselves.

They typically manage the team’s offense by controlling ball distribution and ensuring it gets to the right player at appropriate times.

Shooting guard 

A shooting guard (SG), also known as a two-guard, is one of three main basketball positions.

A shooting guard is usually taller than a point guard and shorter than a small forward.

Since shooting guards are generally the best shooters and ball handlers, they often score most of their team’s points.

Some shooting guards have excellent passing skills; others depend on their height and strength to score points while backing down their opponents.

Small forward 

Point guards are often tasked with defending a good portion of their team’s opponents.

With that in mind, you want to ensure they have a shoe that offers exceptional lateral support, which is where small forward shoes come in.

See Related: Best Shoes for Centers and power forwards

As opposed to a standard basketball shoe, small forward sneakers are crafted with more stability—the material beneath and around your ankle will be reinforced to provide enhanced lockdown as you dart side-to-side on defense.

FAQs

As a basketball enthusiast, one thing that I always want to make sure is having the right pair of basketball shoes to improve my game.

Here are some frequently asked questions related to basketball shoes for guards, point guards, and power forwards:

Conclusion:

I have reviewed some of the best basketball shoes on today’s market, and we believe they can help you become a better player.

However, if you’re looking to find out which basketball shoe is best for you, it really comes down to your personal preference.

No matter what shoe you choose, make sure that it fits well and has good arch support.

With these two factors in mind, you will be able to play your best game in no time!