The most important quality you need to possess if you are into basketball is the ability to jump high. Thus, it is not surprising that many people who play basketball for fun or professionally are finding a way to improve their leap.
Luckily, by doing specific exercises, perfecting your technique, losing weight, and finding the right pair of basketball shoes, you can significantly improve your vertical leap and do those layups and dunks.
However, finding the right pair of basketball shoes is not as easy as you think it is. So, I have written this best basketball shoes for jumping high reviews to help you find the perfect pair of footwear for you. Included in this post are six of the famous and very reliable basketball shoes that you can consider buying.
Adidas Originals Pro Bounce 2019 – The Best Basketball Shoes for Jumping Higher
- Regular fit; Lace closure
- Mesh upper for breathability; Synthetic suede side...
- TPU lateral banking barrier for midfoot stability
- Bounce cushioning provides enhanced comfort and...
- Responsive, adaptive feel
The Adidas Pro Bounce is explicitly designed to provide explosive and quicks movements. What makes them the best shoes for jumping in basketball? Its lightweight feature makes it the perfect choice.
It also has a breathable upper material, which enables the user to jump higher with its exceptional ankle and Achilles support — fully padded to provide comfort and support to your feet.
Specifications and Features
- Weight: 391 g / 13.79 oz
- Technologies: Bounce, Forgefiber, Torsion Plate
- Type: Mid-top
- Colorways: 8+
- Fit: True to Size
- Cushioning: Bounce cushioning for added comfort and flexibility
- Lacing: Cable system with webbing eyelets
- Outsole: Rubber
- Shaft: 6” from arch
The Adidas Pro Bounce 2019 excels in all areas that you would expect the best basketball shoes to possess. It provides the traction you need to ensure it grips perfectly on the court and is also very flexible when facing your opponent.
These shoes are made of materials that allow your feet to breathe. The Adidas Pro Bounce 2019 pair is a good investment if you are a serious basketball player who wants more hops.
Pros
- Comfortable and does not require break-in time
- Two-inches base to add height for jumping
- Available in a wide variety of different colors and sizes
- Stylish basketball shoes
Cons
- Ankle support is not as satisfying as other options
Nike Men's Kobe Mamba Focus – The Best Low-Top Basketball Shoes
The Nike Men’s Kobe Mamba Focus symbolizes Kobe Bryant’s transition from his old skin to a deadlier one. You will find an embossed upper inspired by a snake’s metamorphosis. Its low-profile outsole keeps the wearer close to the court as your ability to step back gets better, elevate, and create space – Kobe’s deadliest moves.
Specifications and Features
- Weight: 342 g / 12.02 oz
- Technologies: Bottom-loaded zoom air
- Type: Low-top
- Colorways 3+
- Fit: True to Size
- Cushioning: Very stiff cushion for super low-profile ride and responsiveness
- Material: Breathable mesh with spherical toe
- Outsole: Black Mamba-inspired low-profile rubber outsole
- Shaft: 3.5″ shaft
Some modern jumping shoes for basketball in the market offer something to enjoy for any player. The Mamba Focus gets out of its usual design by shifting into its performance to guards or players who choose to have fast/minimal/lightweight shoes and ones who prefer to play outdoors.
Pros
- Rubber soles with decent grip
- Low-profile
- Available in 3 color combinations
- Recommended for slimmer feet
Cons
- It is narrow in the center which makes it uncomfortable to some wearers
- The insole is not very well-padded
Adidas Harden Vol. 5 Shoe – The Best for Cushioning
Adidas Harden Vol. 5 Men’s Basketball Shoe is selling out fast in the market. Its boost cushioning technique provides the comfort most players are looking for that helps improve their performance.
So, it is not surprising that Adidas Harden Vol. 5 is gaining a higher market share and is recognized as one of the most popular sneaker brands you can find on a basketball court.
Specifications and Features
- Weight: 427 g / 15.05 oz
- Technologies: Boost
- Type: Low-top
- Colorways: 2+
- Fit: True to Size
- Cushioning: Boost
- Material: Knitted mesh with nylon for added durability
- Outsole: Rubber sole
- Lacing: Asymmetrical lacing system
After reviewing the Harden Vol. 5, I considered this one of the best for improving your vertical. This model has been enhanced several times, but Vol. 5 remains as durable and reliable as ever. The comfort it provides to the users is impressive.
Pros
- Superb traction it does not matter what type of court you are playing
- Very comfortable and enjoyable to play in
- The internal heel counter and torsional support
- Superb impact protection
- Keeps your feet stable and secured as you make those dynamic moves
Cons
- Not recommended for outdoor play
Adidas Men's Crazy Explosive 2017 – The Best for Traction
The Adidas Crazy Explosive Basketball Shoe is designed to provide what players need on the court. If your main focus is the traction, this will provide the grip that you need across the court. It uses sea coral as its design inspiration. The shoes see-through rubber soles grip the floor well and help you with your fast movements stop and fast turns without missing a beat.
Specifications and Features
- Weight: 382 g / 13.5 oz
- Technologies: Boost
- Type: High-top
- Colorways: 8+
- Fit: True to Size
- Cushioning: Boost internal cushioning
- Material: Seamless Fused man-made mesh
- Outsole: Rubber sole
- Lacing: Anatomical lacing system
- Shaft: 4 ½ inches
The Adidas Crazy Explosive 2017 is designed for the better, stronger, bigger, and faster you. The synthetic upper and dual mesh provide a breathable and comfortable environment. It has lace-up construction and a high-top silhouette for optimal ankle support. The classic boost cushioning offers comfort and energy for the best performance on the court.
Pros
- Made of synthetic and textile mix materials
- Xeno upper for added comfort in case of sudden jolts
- Enhanced lacing
- Boost cushioning system for greater airtime and better padding
- Longer shaft to keep your heel protected
Cons
- The angle support is not as what people expected from a high-top design
Under Armour Men's Curry 5 – The Lightest Basketball Shoes
- Under Armour mission is to make all athletes...
- Where we started? It all started with an idea to...
- Under Armour's assortment for men, women and youth...
The Under Armour Men’s Curry 5 Basketball Shoes are available in various colors. The shoe shaft is more on stabilization with carbon fiber and is high enough to have good heel support. Its height is the same for the ankle, and the internal padding provides comfort while playing with lots of turns and twists. This model has extended mesh that allows more airflow — made of thread borne synthetic fabric that is breathable too.
Specifications and Features
- Weight: 314.1g / 11.08 oz
- Technologies: Anafoam, all-court grip system
- Type: Low-top
- Colorways: 4+
- Fit: ½ size up
- Cushioning: Eva cushioning midsole
- Material: Non-stretchy mesh overlay
- Outsole: Rubber sole
- Lacing: Full-knit construction & lockdown lacing
The Armour Men’s Curry 5 may have caused some discomfort on a few users, and that translucent rubber prevented the user from performing well on the court. However, it has better things as compared to Curry 4, such as on material, better breathability, and improved support. The Curry 5 model is not bad and not as good as others.
Pros
- Compared to the earlier version of Curry, it has better traction
- Fluid heel-to-toe transition
- Made of durable materials
- Wrap construction along with asymmetrical lacing to lock the user’s feet during the game
Cons
- The shoe is archless.
Adidas D Lillard 3 – The Outsider Budget Option
- BOUNCE provides energized comfort for all sports,...
- Breathable mesh upper with TPU-coated yarn for...
- Open collar for easy entry; Multiple lacing...
- Signature Damian Lillard details
- Rubber outsole with tread pattern showcasing...
The Adidas D Lillard 3 is not your ordinary basketball shoe. It is the right package for hooping. This is the latest signature shoe that Damian Lillard has to offer. The traction works well on clean courts, but the clear rubber is too slippery on dirty courts. Mesh versions are lighter as compared to others, but not considerably.
The shoes also feature an artificial suede rear panel. It’s animal skin synthetic leather that is an excellent job for providing consistency.
Specifications and Features
- Weight: 399 g / 14.07 oz
- Technologies: Fusedmesh, bounce
- Type: Mid/Low-top
- Colorways: 10+
- Fit: ½ size down
- Cushioning: Bounce cushioning
- Material: Breathable mesh
- Outsole: Rubber sole
- Lacing: Standard
Adidas D Lillard 3 has all you need to perform well on the court. It has comfortable fit, responsive and bouncy cushion, comfortable fit, and impressive traction and sold at a reasonable price. It was recognized as the best basketball shoe in 2017.
Pros
- Better support
- Quite affordable
- Bounce cushioning provides a balanced feel
- Comfortable for all-day use
- Easy to break in upper
Cons
- Can be a uncomfortable fit, particularly at the ankle
Best Basketball Shoes for Jumping Higher - The Only Buying Guide You’ll Ever Need
Before deciding, you need to understand your playing capability and style. Make sure that the shoes you choose will match your playing capabilities and agility. Here are some of the factors you need to consider before buying one.
1. The Upper
The upper is an essential factor that you need to look for. Basketball shoes are available in low, high, or mid heights. Most of the top basketball shoes have an upper wrap that covers your ankle to provide stability and support. These types of shoes are usually worn by aggressive players such as centers and forward – since they require more coverage and support.
For guards who love to run up and down the court, a low height upper is a good option. It is also built for speed and agility.
The mid-height shoes offer medium ankle support. It is best for wearers that are not sure what position they will be playing because it provides better flexibility.
2. Material
The next essential thing you need to consider is the material it is made of. If you prefer breathable shoes, choosing flexible soft uppers are an excellent option. They offer great comfort, speed, and mobility.
If you choose supportively, and a more durable basketball shoe, hard uppers made of synthetic materials are the best option. It is also vital to check out for basketball shoes with zippers, a hook-and-loop closure, or straps, which will provide your feet with better protection and support.
3. Midsole
If you are focusing on how much cushioning your shoes has, focus on the midsole. Most basketball shoes come with unique technology that provides added cushioning in pressure points.
Others have stiffer materials on the middle part of the foot, increasing protection against stability and inward rolling. It is best to choose moderate to thin layer cushioning.
4. Aesthetics
Of course, you should not ignore the aesthetics of your basketball shoes. But, it all depends on what you intend to make on the court. You can pick the color schemes and profiles that blend with your taste and personality. It all depends on your choice.
5. Outsole
It is the outer part of your shoe that gets in contact in the ground. Most outsoles of traction are made of rubber. If you choose to have a maximum balance as you play, choose basketball shoes with flat and broad outsoles.
For better grip, the outsoles should have herringbone or hexagonal pattern to keep your feet secured and protected against sliding in the court.
Best Basketball Shoes for Jumping Higher – Frequently Asked Questions
What basketball shoes make you jump higher?
Based on the review done on six of the best basketball shoes, I find the Adidas Originals Men’s Pro Bounce 2018 Basketball Shoe as the one that can help you jump higher.
What is the lightest basketball shoe?
The lightest basketball shoe among the six brands I reviewed the Under Armour Men’s Curry 5 Basketball Shoe is the lightest.
Do shoes make you jump higher?
The shoes alone do not make you jump higher, but it helps you a lot in achieving the leap that you want.
Do Jumpsoles really work?
Jumpsoles are simple rubber platform that is attached to the shoes. This makes touching the ground with the heels impossible, thus adding the workload of the calf muscles.
How much higher do APL shoes make you jump?
The 4th Quarter
When choosing a pair of basketball shoes, you must remember essential things to help you pick the perfect shoes. Without knowing these things, you might end up choosing the wrong shoes.
It’s a must that you decide whether you need low-top, mid-top, or high-top footwear. Players usually choose a low-top for better maneuverability, but it provides less support on the ankle and shaft. The high-top can be extended up to five inches with added padding and ankle support in case of twists and turns but is a bit heavier.
If you are a player that often jumps for the hoop, the best basketball shoes for you are the ones with more foam in the insole, which usually makes them more supportive and bouncier.
It would help if you also considered the place and condition of the playing court. Most of the time, the low-rise basketball shoes have thinner outsoles and are not as helpful in wet conditions.
The design may be important to some but not others, as some have an impressive look but do not function as you expect it to.
