10 Best Running Shoes for Basketball: Ultimate Guide 2023

Basketball players require specialized running shoes to optimize their performance on the court and during training. In this definitive 2023 guide, we go above and beyond to provide you with the most detailed information on the 10 best running shoes for basketball.

Discover the top picks in various categories and the key features that make them stand out from the competition.

Why is it essential to have the right running shoes for basketball?

Basketball involves high-impact movements, quick stops, and frequent high jumps. Specialized running shoes for basketball offer the necessary arch support, cushioning, and stability to accommodate these demands, improve performance, and reduce the risk of injuries or worsening foot conditions (such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis) during training sessions.

How do running shoes for basketball differ from regular running shoes?

Running shoes designed for basketball have specific features such as enhanced support, cushioning, and stability. These shoes are engineered to accommodate the unique movement patterns of basketball players, making them different from regular running shoes.

Some of our picks are not exactly designed for both because there are rarely any brands that do that.

What key features should I consider when choosing running shoes for basketball?

Key features to consider when choosing running shoes for basketball include support, cushioning, stability, durability, and traction.

10 best running shoes for basketball

Selecting the best running shoes for basketball involves considering factors like support, cushioning, and stability.

1. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 is a versatile running shoe that can also be used for basketball due to its responsive cushioning, lightweight design, and durable outsole.

You should consider this shoe if you’re seeking a balance between performance and comfort for both running and playing basketball. The Pegasus 38 features a full-length React foam midsole that provides excellent energy return and a comfortable feel during both activities.

The Air Zoom Pegasus 38 also boasts a breathable mesh upper that keeps your feet cool and dry during intense exercise. The shoe’s durable rubber outsole provides reliable traction on various surfaces, ensuring you maintain your grip on the court or the pavement. With its combination of performance, comfort, and style, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 is an excellent choice for those who enjoy running and basketball.

2. Adidas Ultraboost 22

The Adidas Ultraboost 22 is known for its exceptional cushioning, energy return, and comfort, making it suitable for both running and basketball.

You should consider this shoe if you want a high-performance shoe that provides a comfortable and responsive feel during both activities. The Ultraboost 22 features a full-length Boost midsole that offers outstanding energy return and impact protection, making it an ideal choice for running and playing basketball.

The shoe’s Primeknit upper provides a lightweight, breathable, and supportive fit, ensuring your feet remain comfortable during high-intensity workouts. The Adidas Ultraboost 22 also features a durable Continental rubber outsole that provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor basketball games. Overall, the Adidas Ultraboost 22 is a top choice for those who want a versatile shoe for running and basketball.

3. ASICS Gel-Kayano 28

The ASICS Gel-Kayano 28 is a popular running shoe that can be used for playing basketball, thanks to its combination of cushioning, support, and stability.

You should consider this shoe if you require a well-rounded shoe that performs well in both running and basketball scenarios. The Gel-Kayano 28 features ASICS’ FlyteFoam midsole technology, which offers lightweight and responsive cushioning, while the GEL cushioning system provides excellent shock absorption.

The shoe’s Dynamic DuoMax Support System enhances stability and support, making it a suitable choice for basketball players who need a shoe that can handle sudden changes in direction and quick movements. The ASICS Gel-Kayano 28 also boasts a breathable and supportive mesh upper, ensuring your feet stay comfortable throughout your workout or game. With its combination of performance, support, and stability, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 28 is an excellent option for those who enjoy both running and basketball.

4. Brooks Ghost 14

The Brooks Ghost 14 is a highly-rated running shoe that can also be used for playing basketball due to its cushioning, support, and durability.

You should consider this shoe if you’re seeking a comfortable and reliable shoe for both running and basketball. The Ghost 14 features a full-length DNA Loft midsole, which provides a soft and responsive cushioning system that adapts to your stride and absorbs impact during both activities.

The shoe’s engineered mesh upper offers a breathable and supportive fit, ensuring your feet remain comfortable during intense exercise. The Brooks Ghost 14 also features a durable rubber outsole that provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor basketball games.

5. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11

The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11 is a versatile running shoe that can also be used for playing basketball, thanks to its plush cushioning, stability, and durable outsole.

You should consider this shoe if you’re looking for a well-rounded shoe that offers comfort and performance in both activities. The 1080v11 features a full-length Fresh Foam midsole, which provides a soft and responsive cushioning system that adapts to your movements during running and basketball.

The shoe’s Hypoknit upper offers a breathable and supportive fit, ensuring your feet remain comfortable throughout your workout or game. The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11 also features a durable rubber outsole that provides excellent traction on various surfaces, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor basketball games. With its combination of comfort, support, and performance, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11 is a solid choice for those who enjoy both running and basketball.

6. Saucony Ride 14

The Saucony Ride 14 is a popular running shoe that can be used for playing basketball due to its combination of cushioning, support, and durability.

You should consider this shoe if you want a reliable and comfortable shoe for both running and basketball. The Ride 14 features a PWRRUN midsole, which offers a responsive and cushioned feel during both activities, providing an excellent balance between impact protection and energy return.

The shoe’s engineered mesh upper provides a lightweight, breathable, and supportive fit, ensuring your feet stay comfortable during high-intensity workouts. The Saucony Ride 14 also features a durable Tri-Flex rubber outsole that provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor basketball games. Overall, the Saucony Ride 14 is a top choice for those who want a versatile shoe for running and basketball.

7. Hoka One One Clifton 8

The Hoka One One Clifton 8 is known for its exceptional cushioning and comfort, making it suitable for both running and basketball.

You should consider this shoe if you want a high-performance shoe that provides a comfortable and responsive feel during both activities. The Clifton 8 features Hoka’s signature EVA midsole, which offers outstanding cushioning and impact protection, making it an ideal choice for running and playing basketball.

The shoe’s engineered mesh upper provides a lightweight, breathable, and supportive fit, ensuring your feet remain comfortable during high-intensity workouts. The Hoka One One Clifton 8 also features a durable rubber outsole that provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor basketball games. With its combination of performance, comfort, and style, the Hoka One One Clifton 8 is an excellent choice for those who enjoy running and basketball.

8. Mizuno Wave Rider 25

The Mizuno Wave Rider 25 is a versatile running shoe that can also be used for playing basketball due to its responsive cushioning, lightweight design, and durable outsole.

You should consider this shoe if you’re seeking a balance between performance and comfort for both running and playing basketball. The Wave Rider 25 features Mizuno’s Wave Plate technology, which provides excellent energy return and a comfortable feel during both activities.

The shoe’s breathable mesh upper keeps your feet cool and dry during intense exercise, while its supportive fit ensures stability during high-intensity workouts. The Mizuno Wave Rider 25 also features a durable X10 rubber outsole that provides reliable traction on various surfaces, ensuring you maintain your grip on the court or the pavement. With its combination of performance, comfort, and style, the Mizuno Wave Rider 25 is an excellent choice for those who enjoy running and basketball.

9. Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2

The Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 is a highly-rated running shoe that can also be used for playing basketball, thanks to its cushioning, support, and durable outsole.

You should consider this shoe if you’re seeking a comfortable and reliable shoe for both running and basketball. The React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 features a full-length React foam midsole, which provides a soft and responsive cushioning system that adapts to your stride and absorbs impact during both activities.

The shoe’s Flyknit upper offers a breathable and supportive fit, ensuring your feet remain comfortable during intense exercise. The Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 also features a durable rubber outsole that provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor basketball games. With its combination of performance, support, and stability, the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 is an excellent option for those who enjoy both running and basketball.

10. ASICS GT-2000 10

The ASICS GT-2000 10 is a popular running shoe that can be used for playing basketball, thanks to its combination of cushioning, support, and stability.

You should consider this shoe if you require a well-rounded shoe that performs well in both running and basketball scenarios. The GT-2000 10 features ASICS’ FlyteFoam midsole technology, which offers lightweight and responsive cushioning, while the GEL cushioning system provides excellent shock absorption.

The shoe’s Dynamic DuoMax Support System enhances stability and support, making it a suitable choice for basketball players who need a shoe that can handle sudden changes in direction and quick movements. The ASICS GT-2000 10 also boasts a breathable and supportive mesh upper, ensuring your feet stay comfortable throughout your workout or game. With its combination of performance, support, and stability, the ASICS GT-2000 10 is an excellent choice for those who enjoy both running and basketball.

Conclusion

In this definitive 2023 guide, we’ve delved deeper into the best running shoes for basketball, providing detailed information on the top picks in various categories and highlighting the key features.