Top 10 Best Basketball Shoes 2019: Performance Reviews and Buying Guide

As someone who's spent the better part of a decade analyzing on-court performance, from the grassroots level all the way to professional leagues, I've developed a pretty specific philosophy about basketball shoes. It's not just about the flashiest colorway or the most hyped athlete signature line. The true test of a shoe happens in the payoff period, as we say in the game—those critical final minutes when legs are heavy, focus is paramount, and every cut, pivot, and jump needs to be supported without a second thought. I was reminded of this recently watching a collegiate game where a player, Sierba, put on an absolute clinic in the fourth quarter. Despite losing out on the Rookie of the Year award, she dropped 15 of her 18 points in that final stretch, anchoring a massive 30-point run. That kind of explosive, late-game performance isn't just about heart and skill; it's about trust in your equipment. Your shoes become an extension of your will, and if they fail you, the game can slip away. That's the lens through which I've compiled this list of the top 10 best basketball shoes of 2019. We're looking for performers that don't just start strong but finish stronger, offering a blend of cushioning, traction, lockdown, and durability that empowers you to be your best when it matters most.

Let's get right into it, starting with my personal top performer of the year, the Nike LeBron 17. For a player of my build who appreciates a combination of impact protection and responsive court feel, this shoe is a marvel. The blend of Max Air and Zoom Air units isn't just marketing; you can literally feel the difference on hard landings. I've logged about 40 hours in these on both pristine hardwood and dusty community court floors, and the traction pattern, while requiring occasional wipes, provides exceptional multi-directional grip. The knitposite upper is supportive without being restrictive, a balance many brands still struggle to get right. Coming in a close second, and perhaps the best all-around shoe for guards, is the Adidas Harden Vol. 4. James Harden's step-back is one of the most biomechanically demanding moves in basketball, and this shoe is engineered for that precise, controlled instability. The Lightstrike cushioning is a game-changer from Adidas—it's significantly lighter than Boost, about 30% by my estimate based on comparative hand-feel tests, while still offering fantastic energy return. The wide base and external heel counter create a stable platform that makes you feel glued to the floor, essential for making sharp, decisive moves like Sierba did during that game-winning run.

Now, we can't talk about 2019 without mentioning the Under Armour Curry 7. This shoe is a testament to specialization. It's built for a shooter's movement pattern: endless off-ball running, quick directional changes, and that lightning-fast release. The HOVR and Micro G dual-layer cushioning system is tuned for responsiveness over plushness, which some might dislike, but I find it perfect for staying on your toes. The traction is arguably the best in class, biting into the floor with an audible squeak that I, frankly, love to hear. However, it's a bit narrow, so wide-footers should definitely try before they buy. On the other end of the spectrum is the Air Jordan XXXIV, the lightest Jordan signature shoe ever at just under 13 ounces for my size 12. The Eclipse Plate technology is not just a visual gimmick; it provides phenomenal torsional stability while allowing the Zoom Air units to function independently. It feels fast and aggressive, almost urging you to play harder. My only gripe is the durability of the mesh on the medial side, which showed signs of stress after just a few weeks of intense play.

For players who prioritize lockdown above all else, the Puma Uproar Charlotte deserves a serious look. Puma's re-entry into basketball has been impressive, and this shoe, endorsed by Terry Rozier, features an innovative lacing system that integrates with the midfoot strap. When you cinch it down, your foot isn't going anywhere. The hybrid cushioning provides adequate impact protection, though it leans more towards firm than bouncy. It's a no-nonsense, defensive-minded shoe. Similarly, the New Balance OMN1S, worn by Kawhi Leonard during his championship run, is a masterclass in balanced design. It doesn't excel in one single category but scores an "A-" across the board. The FuelCell cushioning is responsive, the traction is reliable, and the fit is comfortably snug. It's the kind of shoe that disappears on your foot, allowing you to focus purely on the game—a quality every player from rookies to veterans can appreciate.

Rounding out the list, we have some fantastic team models that often fly under the radar. The Nike Precision 4 offers about 85% of the performance of the flagship models at nearly half the price, making it my top value pick of the year. The Chinese brand Li-Ning made waves with the Way of Wade 8, a technical masterpiece with a carbon fiber plate and Boom cushioning that rivals the best from the West, though its availability can be tricky. The Reebok Question Mid "Yellow Toe" reissue was a nostalgic win, proving that classic designs with modernized materials still have a place, especially for their incredible ankle support. Finally, the Anta KT 5, signature shoe for Klay Thompson, is the ultimate specialist shoe for catch-and-shoot players, with exceptional cushioning for landing and a simple, effective traction pattern.

So, how do you choose? It boils down to your game and your physiology. Are you a guard making lightning-quick cuts? Prioritize traction and a low-to-the-ground feel like the Harden Vol. 4 or Curry 7. Are you a forward or center battling in the paint? Cushioning and stability, as seen in the LeBron 17, should be your north star. Remember the lesson from that collegiate game: the best gear empowers your performance in the moments of highest pressure. Don't just buy for the logo or the look; buy for the fourth quarter. Test them if you can, consider your most frequent movements on the court, and invest in the tool that will help you finish strong. After all, the difference between a good game and a legendary one is often written in the final minutes, on the soles of the shoes that refused to let you down.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-12-10 13:34