For those wanting to ball on a budget, there are some pretty affordable basketball shoes out there that perform at a high-level. It is essential for players to have plenty of support on their feet, even if they have a limited budget. These are the nine best basketball shoes out there right now that will not break the bank.
1. Nike PG 3
The Paul George line from Nike is the most affordable option for those people who want to have a signature shoe to play in. They are relatively basic as far as technology is concerned, but there are a lot of fun colors and designs for people to choose from if they want.
What a lot of people are realizing is that there are plenty of Paul George 3s still available at stores and online. As long as the inventory is fairly plentiful, those looking for a cheap basketball shoe will not find anything better. They can sometimes be significantly discounted, which makes the sport that much more fun to play.
The shoe works for all types of players, providing great lockdown and ankle support. Nike has been putting in more effort to make sure that they are pretty unique as far as different colorways are concerned as well. It is something that feels pretty lightweight, and the design is not too crazy that it takes getting used to. A lot of people have transitioned to the Paul George line and never looked back.
Pros
- Very versatile shoe for all positions
- Retails at an affordable price
- Many different colors and designs
Cons
- Lacks top-end technology found in many other Nike shoes
- Can feel slightly heavy on the foot
2. Adidas Dame 5
A lot of people like to compare the Dame shoes from Adidas to the Paul George shoes from Nike. They do have a decent amount of similarities, and getting the previous version can be very affordable for players out there.
The Adidas Dame 5 plays well as a basketball shoe indoors or outdoors. Players can make precise cuts and keep up with younger players with a pretty lightweight shoe. Adidas puts a bit more technology into the Lillards than Nike does with Paul George, so that is nothing to consider.
Pros
- A welcomed improvement over previous Dame shoes
- Responsive cushioning
- Built specifically for perimeter players
Cons
- Not the best shoe for post players
- Mid-cut shoe feels weird to some
3. Nike Zoom Rize
This is one of the more dependable shoes out there for those who do not want to go down the signature shoe line. Instead of having to pay that extra premium because it is endorsed by a signature athlete, the Zoom Rize just gets to the basics. It is a mid-top that has outstanding support throughout the ankle, which is excellent for those who have had sprained ankles or injuries in the past.
Cushioning with the Zoom Rize is outstanding, and one of the best in any basketball shoe for Nike right now. It helps to make sure that these shoes never feel too restrictive. That can be a quick way for people to not feel happy at all with a new pair. These are not going to be the flashiest shoes a person can buy, but they get the job done.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Basic look and colors some are looking for
- Readily available online and in stores
Cons
- Lacks some of the technology found in the AlphaDunk
- Slightly clunky for perimeter players
4. Nike Lebron Soldier 13
The typical LeBron James shoe is a little on the expensive side, and that is because they put top-end technology inside each version. However, for those who are looking to save a little bit of money and still have the LeBron name attached to the shoe, that is where the Soldier line comes into play. It does not have quite the same level of technology inside the shoe, but it is still a very viable option for those who want to play at a high-level.
One of the huge calling cards for this shoe is that it provides outstanding support from top to bottom. Players will know that they always have excellent ankle support and a very snug fit the entire time. Yes, it makes the shoe a little bulkier than some of the other options out there, but it is still worth it for a lot of people.
Occasionally, the main LeBron James line of shoes will go on sale at some point. However, the vast majority of people are going to have to settle for something like this. It is not that big of a deal, especially with all the improvements that come with the Soldier 13. They have even released more colors with this version than any other in the past.
Pros
- Outstanding traction
- Locked in feel
- Affordably priced LeBron shoe
Cons
- Feels a little heavy on the foot
- High tops are not preferred by some
5. Under Armour HOVR Havoc 2
Under Armour does not have as strong of a reputation as a basketball company as others out there, but they have still found a way to have success by marketing to certain customers. Even their top-end shoes are usually cheaper than the other brands, but that leads to some pretty good deals on discounted ones as well.
The one that is most consistently on discount these days is the Under Armour HOVR Havoc 2. It is not only a high-end shoe with a lot of their top technology in it, but they made it in a lot of different colors so that it is turning into a trendy option for teams.
Known as a great all-around shoe, it is nice to have something that takes very little to break in when first starting now. The design and colors might not be the best of the best out there, but the majority of people are looking for function when investing in this shoe. It will work for a lot of different players wanting to try something new.
Pros
- Priced very affordably
- Fits all types of players
- Built to last indoors and outdoors
Cons
- Color choices are limited
- Inventory is starting to run low
6. Adidas D.O.N. Issue #1
Now that they have Donovan Mitchell with a signature shoe at Adidas, it is now another affordable option for people to consider when shopping for a new pair of basketball shoes. He has a new version out now, but the first one is still readily available and on sale on a lot of different websites.
It might not be as well-received as the Dame shoes so far, but they are another well-rounded option. They are a little bit sturdier and bulkier, which some people might like if they want additional support.
The original version was a little rough around the edges, but they are a solid shoe that makes for a great option indoor or outdoors. In fact, a lot of people are starting to buy these Issue #1s up to wear outdoors. They are durable enough to last on concrete, and cheap enough that people do not care about running through them.
Pros
- Original release for Donovan Mitchell
- Built for indoor or outdoor use
- Rugged, yet still lightweight
Cons
- Improvements with the Issue #2 are significant
- Fits a little differently compared to other Adidas shoes
7. Adidas Harden 3
James Harden has some pretty affordable shoes out of the market, as long as the person does not need the latest model. It seems like Adidas is always running sales on the previous versions, and they have dropped to a pretty affordable price.
What stands out with this Adidas shoe over the others is that it has the best cushioning, as well as traction. Harden relies heavily on his footwork, and Adidas treats him like the top player in their lineup right now. He gets the best looks for his shoes, the best technology, and more.
Some people prefer the third version of the James Harden shoe over the fourth, so a person is not making too much of a sacrifice. There are some improvements in the Volume 4 version, and specifically, it is excellent for those who want something low to the ground. The 3 should do just fine as well. It is a tremendous low top basketball shoe that can perform well for players at any position.
Pros
- Close to perfect cushioning
- Excellent traction
- Many different color choices
Cons
- Might not be supportive enough for bigger players
- Becoming harder and harder to find
8. Nike Air Precision 3
For players who just want to have a simple, practical shoe that is very affordable even at full price, this is the way to go. The Nike Air Precision 3 is not a flashy shoe by any means, but it comes in a lot of colors and is a favorite for certain levels of basketball teams.
Players who just want a shoe that they can throw on and not worry about will likely gravitate towards the Air Precision 2. They come in sizes for kids as well, making them a great starter shoe for those who are just starting to get into the sport.
Pros
- Perfect entry-level basketball shoe
- Cushioning is surprisingly very good
- Locked in feel on the foot
Cons
- Lacks any top-end technology found in other shoes
- Basic, boring color choices
9. Nike Kyrie Flytrap 3
This is a takedown version of the standard Kyrie Irving shoes, and ones that a lot of people like to wear for a more affordable option. They are pretty lightweight and can work on just about any surface out there, which is suitable for people who do not want to pay a lot of money for outdoor shoes.
Every shoe design for Kyrie Irving is all about having the ability to make precision cuts and have overall excellent footwork. There are a lot of players out there who do not always feel like they have complete control when they are moving around, but the low to the ground feel of the Flytrap 3 should help with that.
Pros
- Soft, comfortable cushioning for a takedown shoe
- Outstanding traction
- Great ankle support
Cons
- Fit is a little wide
- Price is not too different from sale Kyrie options
Making The Final Decision
All the shoes mentioned above are great options, but if you have a hard time picking one, I would recommend going with the Nike Zoom Rise. It’s hard to find a better basketball shoe for the same price and it’s convenable available on Amazon. You can check the current price here.
Here is the full list of the best cheap basketball shoes