Need to make a quick decision? My personal choice for the best basketball shoes for running is Adidas Dame 8.
Basketball is by far one of the most popular sports in the world. If you want to play basketball at a high level, you should have shoes built for running.
Playing basketball means going up and down the court and running is crucial in order to excel in the game.
When your shoes aren’t built for running, it can pose lots of problems that may affect your on-court performance.
In this article, I’ve picked and have chosen the following basketball shoes that are great for running:
- Adidas Dame 8
- Nike Kyrie Flytrap IV
- Nike Giannis Immortality
- Nike Zoom Freak 3
- Nike Kyrie Low 5
- Under Armour Curry 8
- Nike KD Trey 5 VIII
- Nike PG 6
- Nike Cosmic Unity 1
- Nike Zoom Freak 2
My Top 10 Choices
Here are my personal top picks for the 10 best running basketball shoes this year.
1. Adidas Dame 8 – Best Overall
The Adidas Dame 8 is one of the best signature basketball shoes today, and it doesn’t get any better than it’s patterned to the game of Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard.
Despite being a mid-top model, it’s tailor-fit for point guards who love to run up and down the court while going for sudden stops and accelerations.
The cushioning in this shoe is impressive. It also has great lockdown and impact protection, which makes it a great shoe for running.
Overall, I am blown away by its impressive features, making this model one of the best running basketball shoes I’ve tried.
Features
- Lightweight Bounce Pro Midsole
- Soft and Firm Mesh Uppers
- Thunderbolt Traction Pattern
Pros
- Amazing foot support
- Durable upper materials
- Versatile shoe
- Comfortable and bouncy
- Mid-top shoe design prevents ankle injuries
Cons
- Not great for outdoor games
- It needs more time to be broken in
2. Nike Kyrie Flytrap IV – Best Value
The Nike Kyrie Flytrap IV is specially designed for the budget category. While the traction leaves something to be desired, you’ll have nothing to worry about as long as you’re playing indoors.
Also, the materials used for this shoe feel nice and breathable, with a little ankle protection due to its mid-top design.
I didn’t experience any discomfort with the fit. There are no issues with support, and it’s a great addition for basketball players looking for the best value for their money.
Our only recommendation is not to play outdoors with this shoe as it’s a dust magnet. It’s better if you only play it indoors.
Features
- Phylon Foam Midsole
- Textile Uppers
- Bigger Zoom Air Unit
Pros
- Proper support around the heel area
- Great ankle support
- Good for players with wide feet
- Durable outer sole
- Lightweight and affordable
Cons
- Not the best materials
- Inconsistent grip
3. Nike Giannis Immortality – Best Budget
Giannis’ budget lines never fail to impress us. The Nike Giannis Immortality is very responsive with a low-to-ground feel.
While this is catered around the budget category, the materials don’t feel cheap and offer decent impact protection.
Its herringbone pattern bites on indoor courts, and it almost feels like this shoe is a running shoe.
When played outdoors, it’s more than enough to avoid any slippage if you constantly wipe the outsole.
Overall, this budget sneaker is pretty solid for its price and offers many features with plenty of comfort, shock absorption, and proper support around the ankle area.
Features
- Multidirectional Traction
- Internal Midfoot strap wraps
- Phylon Midsole
Pros
- Good traction
- Balanced cushioning
- Stylish design
- Lightweight and affordable
- Breathable materials
Cons
- Not the best basketball sneakers for outdoors
4. Nike Zoom Freak 3
Giannis’ third signature shoe, the Freak 3, features upper textile materials that are premium and durable.
The mesh around the forefoot design provides enough comfort and lateral containment when running up and down the floor. It also has great protection due to the materials used for these shoes.
While there were some inconsistencies when I tried it on different courts, the breathability and comfort it brings are more than enough to provide you with an amazing experience.
Overall, basketball and running go hand in hand, which puts too much stress on your feet. But with its materials, it may take some time before your feet can feel fatigued and discomfort when playing for long hours.
Features
- Zoom Air Pods
- Molded Midfoot Strap
- Multidirectional Traction
- Air Zoom Cushioning
- Two Air Zoom Units
Pros
- Lateral containment is impressive
- Great on-court feel
- Low to the ground
- Snug and comfortable fit
- Great shoes for power forwards
Cons
- Not the best traction
- It takes longer for the cushioning to get used to
5. Nike Kyrie Low 5
The Nike Kyrie Low 5 might go down as one of the best running shoes on my list with amazing traction. I tried it on different courts, and I’m amazed at how it performed regardless of surface.
Despite playing on dusty courts, it still provided me with plenty of traction and foot support.
The full-length Phylon and forefoot Zoom Unit provides a balanced cushioning great for that extra ankle support and shock absorption.
The Kyrie Low 5 might be one of the best low-top basketball shoes to come out of the Kyrie lines in 2022.
Features
- Full-length Phylon Midsole
- Nike Air Zoom Unit
- Forefoot Zoom Air Unit
Pros
- Stellar traction
- Balanced cushioning
- Amazing foot support
- It provides enough comfort when running
- Well-ventilated
Cons
- Materials used for these basketball shoes don’t feel premium
- Narrow fit
6. Under Armour Curry 8
Steph Curry’s 8th signature shoe, the Under Armour Curry 8, is a running shoe built in a prototype of basketball shoes.
If you’ve watched how Curry plays, he always runs most of the time, which is why this model is built like a torpedo. It has amazing foot lockdown, and the comfort when running is impressive.
It has great lateral containment that makes your feet responsive and works like a single unit with your foot. The materials feel pretty premium and offer breathability at their finest.
Overall, it’s one of the best basketball shoes from Curry’s signature line. It’s close to the green feel, and the cushioning system is icing on top.
Features
- All-foam Outsole
- Upper Knit with Synthetic Overlays
- Flow Cushion Technology
Pros
- Amazing bite
- Fantastic ankle support
- It offers ankle stability when running
- True to size
- Stable and balanced cushioning
Cons
- Inconsistent fit
- Longer break-in period
- Flimsy upper
7. Nike KD Trey 5 VIII
Another budget line from Kevin Durant’s lineup is the Nike KD Trey VIII. It’s one of the best-value running shoes on the market today, providing amazing stability and traction.
In terms of traction, the only shoe that can rival this running shoe is the Kyrie Low 5; it simply bites no matter the surface you’re playing ball at.
The Nike Renew Foam cushioning offers a more responsive feel and impact protection, a rarity amongst budget-oriented basketball and running shoes.
Overall, I am impressed the most about this shoe: it feels pretty premium despite being below $100. It’s a great budget shoe that performs well over its price.
Features
- Nike Renew Foam
- Full-length Nike Zoom Air Unit
- Multidirectional Pattern
Pros
- High-top design reduces the risk of an ankle injury
- Impressive cushioning
- Lightweight and minimal
- Insane traction
- Out-of-the-box comfort
Cons
- Narrow fit
- Inconsistent midsole
8. Nike PG 6
The Nike PG 6 is one of Paul George’s latest signature sneakers. While it’s basically in the mold of a basketball shoe, it feels like its features mimic the performance of most running shoes.
It feels very light, close to the ground, and responsive. The low-top design allows for better ankle containment without being too heavy.
What makes this one of the best running shoes in the mold of a basketball sneaker is its number of colorways that suits your wants.
The traction is decent, the materials are good, and it doesn’t break the bank like most signature lines. Furthermore, this is an amazing shoe regardless of what position you play.
Features
- Full-length Nike React Foam Midsole
- Forefoot Straps
- Mesh Upper
- Padded Tongue
Pros
- Great for indoors and outdoors
- Good for players that are wide-footed
- Insane traction and comfort
- Stylish and elegant design
- Impressive stability features
Cons
- Longer break-in period
- Not ventilated enough
9. Nike Cosmic Unity 1
If you have the means and ways to get the Nike Cosmic Unity, I recommend getting this one.
Although it might not be a running shoe, it’s built like one of the finest running shoes on the market today. It’s close to the ground and has an impressive lateral lockdown, reminiscent of most running shoes.
Playing and running with these is what you need; it’s very comfortable and a very responsive shoe. The materials used for this product are quite remarkable as to how they felt; they feel very premium.
Its elegant and stylish design is its crowning jewel, and when combined with amazing features, it doesn’t get any better than that. The Nike Cosmic Unity is one of the best basketball shoes today!
Features
- Full-length Zoom Air Strobel
- 20% Made of Recycled Materials
- Herringbone Pattern
- Thick Knit and Textile Uppers
Pros
- Decent ankle support
- Lateral containment is good
- Very responsive and stable
- Cushioning provides enough comfort
- Stylish and elegant design
Cons
- Not the cheapest option available
10. Nike Zoom Freak 2
The second signature shoe of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Nike Zoom Freak 2, is also built like a running shoe. It’s one of the best basketball sneakers in terms of breathability and lateral lockdown.
It’s one of the reasons why Giannis can razzle and dazzle up and down the court without his feet wearing out. The shoes feature breathable materials and multidirectional patterns that are great for his game style
The Nike Zoom Freak 2 is true-to-size, and its traction easily bites any surface. It might go down as one of the best basketball shoes of Giannis, if only not for its cushioning.
While the cushioning leaves something to be desired, its other features are great enough to serve as more of a running sneaker with its lightweight and compact design.
Features
- Full-length Phylon
- Small Forefoot Zoom Unit
- Multidirectional Traction
Pros
- True to size
- Fits nicely
- Secure lockdown
- Great on-court feel
- Very responsive
Cons
- Minimal cushioning
- Poor ventilation
- No midfoot shank
Why You Should Consider Getting Basketball Shoes Good for Running
As we’ve mentioned, basketball involves a lot of running, which is why I feel that basketball shoes with running shoe attributes can provide many positive experiences to the user.
However, if you put it the other way around, not many running shoes are great for basketball. There are certain aspects of running shoes that aren’t built for basketball.
One good example is that running shoes are incredibly lightweight and sit very low to the ground. While some players prefer it this way, the intense running and bodying up might pose a risk for players.
On the other hand, basketball shoes are relatively heavier than running shoes. They offer less mobility around the ankle areas and frequently sit higher on the ground.
Of course, this does not mean that running shoes aren’t great for playing basketball and basketball shoes are not great for running. Remember, there are always exceptions to the rule.
If you look closely at my list, you will find that some of these basketball shoes have similar aspects to those running shoes.
In this day and age, technological advancements and innovations are ever-evolving, which is why some running shoes have become a great option for players who can’t afford basketball shoes.
Regardless, it often boils down to personal preference.
Although you can rarely find NBA and professional players using running shoes as their playing shoes, if you are only using them for pickup games, then I see no problems with them.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is don’t sacrifice performance and safety just because you find this particular sneaker used by famous NBA stars, such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant.
Things To Consider Before Buying Any Good Basketball Shoes For Running
Before you head out to your local store and buy the best basketball shoe available, you must consider some important things to get the right shoes for you. Below are some of the things you need to look out for.
1) Budget
Live within your means. It might be easy to splurge on some premium basketball sneakers, but sometimes it’s not the best way to go.
There are always the right basketball shoes for you; it’s just a matter of maximizing all your necessary resources to find the right one.
It doesn’t mean one particular shoe is priced significantly higher than others, it will give you the hops like what Michael Jordan has.
There are always exceptions to the rule, so I’d recommend setting your budget and taking it from there.
2) Traction
A shoe that grips any surface is great, especially if you love playing outdoors.
For me, traction is everything. If your basketball or running shoes have amazing traction, you reduce the risk of slippage, which means you also reduce the risk of injuries.
There are two factors running shoes rely on; the material used for the outsole and the traction pattern.
It’s one of the reasons why reading customer reviews and testimonials goes a long way to know if a particular product has great traction. Always check before buying one!
3) Cushion
The heavier you are, the more important cushioning is when choosing the best basketball and running shoes.
When running shoes have plenty of cushioning, shock absorption is more effective and limits the stress put on your joints and feet when you land after your coral rebounds and block shots.
There are countless technologies infused in these shoes by sports brands, such as a Nike Zoom Air Unit from Nike or Bounce Pro from Adidas.
Often, cushioning boils down to personal preference.
Some players prefer cushioning to be bouncier as it protects them from impact when landing, whereas others prefer minimal cushioning as it feels closer to the ground.
4) Support
You want something that can support any part of your foot and your weight while allowing your feet to function at a high level and without restrictions.
You don’t have to think about moving your feet when shoes have great support. You will only think of moving your feet when you’re playing defense.
5) Fit
Fit and comfort always go hand in hand. Some basketball shoes are for wide-footers, while some are for narrow-footers, so I highly recommend testing them out if possible.
This way, you get a good idea of whether it conforms to your foot type. A great fit means you are also comfortable running down the court without hiccups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you have further questions regarding basketball and running shoes, you might find them below.
Are Basketball Shoes Good for Running and Walking?
Of course! However, some basketball shoes aren’t specially made for running and walking, and vice versa.
Remember, basketball shoes are meant to be played for the sport; while they offer some stability and support while you run and walk, they always weigh significantly heavier than shoes made for running.
In addition, basketball shoes are bulkier in size, and some users might experience difficulties running, walking, and other activities.
But if you want a shoe designed for both, you can always find one, as there have been quite a few brands focusing on this department, especially Nike, Adidas, and other brands like New Balance and Puma.
Are Basketball Shoes Superior to Running Shoes?
One type of shoe isn’t superior to the other because they are built differently. Running shoes are built for running and walking, thus making them lightweight and close to the ground.
Furthermore, basketball shoes involve a lot of sudden stops and changes in directions, which is why they are built for these types of scenarios.
Running while wearing basketball shoes might make it harder for you to run for long distances because of how they are designed and built.
On the other hand, playing with running shoes might not be the best idea as they don’t have the best traction, which may lead to ankle and foot injuries.
The Awesome Choices
Here’s the summary of my top picks on the best running shoes for basketball.
Best Budget: Nike Giannis Immortality
The Nike Giannis Immortality is quite a surprise. I wasn’t expecting this to outperform some of the pricier shoes on the market today.
While it’s dedicated to budget-oriented people, these shoes can be the bang-for-the-buck sneaker you can get at a very affordable price.
New shoes that are affordable like these aren’t supposed to perform this way, but here I am, left speechless.
Best Value: Nike Kyrie Flytrap IV
For a reasonably low price tag, you are getting the best value for money from my point of view. Everything about this shoe screams potential.
It might not be a signature sneaker, but it can rival some premium models in terms of performance. Its amazing traction and impressive lockdown make this my best value pick.
Best Overall: Adidas Dame 8
The best overall basketball shoes from my list is the Adidas Dame 8. I am personally impressed the most with its traction and responsiveness. It’s hard to top this one up.
It’s not only a sneaker for playing ball, but it can also serve as your running shoe when training for different sports. Overall, this is a pretty solid running shoe.
Conclusion
Basketball shoes that can also serve as running shoes aren’t rare anymore.
For years, plenty of innovations worldwide have been infusing technologies into these shoes to make them lighter and more responsive without compromising comfort and protection.
With my list, whichever you choose will give you a good experience running up and down the floor with no problems.