Best basketball shoes

Top pick: adidas Anthony Edwards 3 — a modern guard's shoe with Hyperboost cushioning, a midfoot plate for stability on hard cuts, and a mesh-and-TPU upper that holds up to regular play. It's the best all-round balance of cushioning, support and durability here.

Who the others suit:

• ANTA KAI 2 "Triple Black" / KAI 2 Speed — herringbone traction and a low, quick feel; great for shifty guards who play indoors.
• ANTA KAI 3 "432HZ" — the most premium build of the KAI line, with carbon-fiber in the outsole; pick it if you want max support and don't mind a stiffer ride.
• Nike A'One — a solid, widely reviewed all-court option for players who want a familiar Nike fit.
• Puma Scoot Zeros — light and fast for smaller, quicker guards.
• Nike G.T. Hustle 3 — a budget-friendly way into Nike's performance line for casual runs.
• AND1 Streetball high-tops — cheap, durable outdoor beaters for driveway games.

If you play mostly outdoors, favor the AND1 or the Anthony Edwards 3 for outsole durability.