Every seasoned basketball player will say you should have a fresh pair of basketball shoes under 50 dollars stashed away in your trunk – ready and waiting for spontaneous 1v1 challenges.
In a sport where corner 3’s are dominating the game and Steph Curry sells $200 shoes, it can be challenging to find kicks that turn heads and break ankles without busting the bank.
In basketball, quality is king. You need a shoe that is supportive, has a very good grip and doesn’t look terrible – but you don’t need to buy expensive, trending shoes to find support and style.
Our basketball experts have put together a list of the 7 best basketball shoes under 50 dollars so that you can enjoy the game without breaking the bank.
Quick Summary
- Looking for the perfect blend of style, quality and functionality for shooting guards or point guards? The Adidas Pro Bounce has everything you need to cut, slash and shoot like a pro.
- Economic pricing your number one priority? A basketball shoe under 50 dollars can still be functional and reliable. Checkout the AND 1 3.0 for a cost-effective shoe
- Banging around in the post, rebounding and shot-blocking? Big’s should look for shoes that offer optimal ankle support. Checkout the PEAK High Top Basketball Shoe for a great all-round indoor and outdoor basketball shoe built for support.
Buyers Guide
Before we break down our top picks for cheap basketball shoes, it is important you understand why we are choosing these specific products.
In our eyes – basketball is a fast-paced, powerful, dynamic sport.
In the span of a 24-second possession you will move multiple directions, jump, stop, twist, make contact – and all of this goes through your shoes.
Finding a cost-effective shoe is important – but it is also important you have something to support your movement and allow you to play your game.
We’ve broken down the four most important elements of any good basketball shoe – regardless of the budget you have.
Durability
A basketball season is one of the longest seasons in sports. Most high school teams will play about 25-30 games (if not more) and have 3-4x that many practices. That’s a lot of volume.
If you’re looking for a shoe that you can trust you need something that is durable and uses quality materials.
Support
Don’t confuse support with comfort – sometimes supportive shoes are not comfortable. Through all the movements that you make, all the jumping and landing – you need a shoe that is going to support your feet and ankle.
Plantar fasciitis and ankle sprains are very common in basketball and can largely be avoided by using shoes with optimal support (especially mid-sole) and great lateral stability.
Comfort
All shoes will need to be worn in before they feel “comfortable” but your foot size and shape will determine if a shoe will be comfortable. While some people may find Kyries to be comfortable, others may find that narrow toe-box in the Lebrons much better.
We’ll include some tips on our list to help you find the shoe that’s best for your foot size and shape.
Style
The last item our experts discussed was style. Depending on the athlete this carries more or less importance. Basketball is a sport with swag – but you should also factor in the overall effectiveness of the shoe before judging it based on how it looks, or if it matches your team colors.
Now that you have a good grasp on what specific elements you should be looking for in a great basketball shoe, and how our experts made the list – let’s crossover into the best basketball shoes under 50 dollars.
Best Basketball Shoes Under 50 Dollars
1. Adidas Pro Bounce 2019 Low Shoe
Adidas is a household name in all sports and if you haven’t given their basketball shoes a try you should. The Adidas Pro Bounce features a lightweight design, breathable mesh, a strong midsole and very good ankle support for a low shoe.
This shoe is perfect for a guard player who needs to make quick cuts off down-screens and loves a jab-step series.
What We Like:
- Breathable mesh is very durable
- Comfortable shoe on and off the court
- Narrow toe-box is great for long feet or those that like the LeBron fit
What We Don’t Like:
- Only two color options
- Higher lacing threads could create a tighter fit
2. Under Armour Men’s Jet Low Sneaker
Steph Curry’s without the price tag? Sounds good to us. The Under Armour Men’s Jet Low Sneaker features great color combinations, amazing on-court grip and great ankle support for lateral movements.
While many low sneakers are built for speed, this shoe uses a Die-cut EVA midsole for cushioning and support around the sole of the foot – essential for coming off screens and cutting to the net.
What We Like:
- The synthetic sole with rubber bottom has great grip and durability
- Protective tip helps to maintain shoe form all season
- Very light and dynamic – great for guards
What We Don’t Like:
- Not very many color options
3. PEAK High Top Men’s Basketball Shoe
Although not a household name, the PEAK High Top shoe is a great basketball shoe under 50 dollars. With plenty of color options, high-top design for optimal support and a rubber sole for reliable grip – this could be your new favourite training shoe.
What We Like:
- Stabilization module helps to reduce ankle sprains
- Comfortable wrapping and support for all skill levels
- Upgraded outdoor rubber is great for pavement or other outdoor courts surfaces
What We Don’t Like:
- Stiff for the first 2-3 basketball sessions
4. Nike Hyperdunk 2016
An oldie – but a goodie. The Nike Hyperdunk is a classic basketball shoe for anyone training their vertical leap. These lightweight shoes were the lightest basketball shoe on the market and offered great support, unparalleled court grip and comfortable design.
The Nike Hyperdunk 2016 is the perfect formula for a great basketball shoe under 50 dollars.
What We Like:
- High-top design is great for vertical training
- Household Nike branding always has great quality
- Lightweight shoe for optimal speed and functionality
What We Don’t Like
- Shoe tip tends to wear down faster than other top models
5. LI-NING Speed V Series
LI-NING shoes go under the radar for many basketball players but they have a grip on the NBA Portland Trailblazers best players – CJ McCollum and Evan Turner.
A brand trying to break into the shoe market offers better pricing with high-quality shoes in dozens of color options. The LI-NING Speed 5 Series is a great basketball shoe for under 50 dollars.
What We Like:
- Great ankle support
- Cloud cushioning technology is comfortable and functional
- Rubber-Bonded EVA outer sole has great grip
What We Don’t Like:
- The outdated design uses dull colors
6. Beita High Upper Basketball Shoes
With over 700+ reviews the Beita High Upper basketball shoe features a classic shoe design with great grip, high-top ankle support and high lacing options for all basketball players. This shoe is great for indoor and outdoor play but thrives on the outdoor court.
What We Like:
- Durable and wear-resistant sole is great for outdoor courts
- High-top design affords great ankle stability for all positions (especially big’s)
- Classic styling brings back old-school moves
What We Don’t Like:
- Long basketball sessions can lead to sweaty feet from poor ventilation
7. AND 1 Men’s Rocket 3.0 Mid Basketball Shoe
Shout AND1 every time you score a bucket with the Rocket 3.0 basketball shoe from AND 1 – the original street-ball shoemaker. With over 600 reviews, this is the perfect outdoor basketball shoe for long streetball sessions or driveway hoops with your friends.
What We Like:
- Cost-effective pricing
- Mid-top offers great support without the added weight
- Padded tongue adds great comfort
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited color options
Summary and Key Basketball Shoe Advice
Everyone plays a game that is slightly different – and these differences make finding the right shoe (for the right price) a tricky process.
Try to find a shoe that speaks to your game.
Rebounders should look for shoes that offer high-top designs like the Beita Basketball Shoes or PEAK Basketball Shoes for optimal ankle stability.
Shooters can find a low-top shoe like the Adidas Pro Bounce as it will help them to cut faster off screens to get open.
Those looking for a well-balanced shoe for the best price will find great value in the LI-NING shoes. LI-NING may not be a household name – but if they’re good enough for CJ McCullum, they’re good enough to develop your game.
The modern basketball game is ever-changing.
Stay ahead of the game by finding a shoe that can help develop and support your basketball skills while offering economic pricing, great support, court grip and functionality.
#ThisIsBasketball