Best Basketball Shoes for Kids (2022)

The best basketball shoes for kids are stylish, casual shoes that are suitable for sports and day-to-day use. Most models are light and have thickly padded designs that cushion the feet. In addition, their impact-absorbing soles dissipate stress from the feet to help prevent injuries.

In this article, we have reviewed some of the best basketball shoes for boys and girls, which will compliment the best mini basketball hoops perfectly! These shoes are not only comfortable but also designed to style with all clothing. They come in many sizes and have low maintenance designs that you can clean easily when dirty.

Our Recommended Basketball Shoes for Kids | 2022 Reviews

10. Jordan Kids’ Air 12 Retro BG French Black/Red

The Jordan Kids’ Air 12 Retro is one of the bestselling basketball shoes to date due to its style and comfort. If you need a heavy duty shoe that will hold up for years, this is a top choice due to the quality of the materials used. This authentic kid’s version has everything found in the expensive adult versions. Its iconic black and white look, for instance, can compliment any outfit. Children can easily wear these with jeans, khaki pants, or shorts. Not only do these basketball shoes look stylish, but the combination of leather and fabric allow the shoe to be durable and breathable. This shoe stays cool and comfortable year round.

The panther-inspired design of the Jordan Kids’ Air 12 Retro basketball shoe features a durable rubber sole with a non-slip outsole. This lets it be one of the safest shoes to use on most court types, including laminate and concrete. The sole also has shock-absorbing properties and a weather-resistant design that is less prone to cracking or ripping over the years.

What We Like

• Shock absorbing properties
• Durable rubber sole
• Non-slip outsole
• Sleek leather upper
• Panther-inspired design

Highlights

Jordan Air 12 Retro is a cool looking, retro themed basketball shoe for kids with leather upper and rubber sole. It comes in many sizes for little kids and big kids, plus different colors for preference. The padded interior is comfortable, while its non-slip outsole works well on most surfaces.

9. Nike Kid’s Lebron XVI (GS) Basketball Shoes

The LeBron XVI shoe for kids is one of the best for those hot summer days due to its style and breathability. Color options are diverse, while its feature-rich design is perfect for playing. The rubber sole has a durable and non-slip structure that holds traction on gravel, tarmac, concrete, and wood. Due to its flexibility, kids can make intricate moves in it without slipping or twisting feet or ankles. The ringbone pattern found on the bottom boosts traction even further.

In terms of comfort, only a few basketball shoes for kids can rival Nike Kid’s Lebron XVI. Its fabric upper, for instance, is breathable, making sure your child’s feet don’t sweat. It also has a flexible, lace up design with a sock-like sleeve that hugs the feet comfortably all day. Finally, a padded midsole adds a nice touch to this basketball shoe. It not only cushions impact but also positions feet naturally to help prevent injury.

What We Like

• Breathable fabric upper
• Cushioned foam midsole
• Herringbone pattern outsole
• Sock-like internal lining
• Durable rubber sole

Highlights

As far as comfort goes, Nike Kid’s Lebron XVI are the best shoes for kids to buy in 2022. The fabric upper is light, breathable, and comfortable. It has a non-slip outsole and a lace up design that fits snug on the feet.

8. Jordan Big Kids Spizike Basketball Shoes

The best Jordan basketball shoes retain their value over time. They are also durable and come in stylish designs for adults and kids (both female and male) of all ages. A Jordan Spizike, for instance, is a top choice for older kids for several reasons. First, its leather upper is not only stylish but also durable. It is leak proof and has a stylish finish that does not fade after months of use or washing. The sole is a long lasting rubber, while its padded high top design is supportive and comfortable. While playing, it does not rub the ankle, as some low top ones do.

Jordan Big Kids Spizike comes in many sizes for little kids (4-8 years) and big kids (8-12 years). It also has a lace up design that kids can adjust to fit snug on their feet while playing, running, or walking to school.

What We Like

• Durable leather upper
• Sturdy lace up design
• Comfortable high top
• Many accurate sizes

Highlights

Jordan Big Kids Spizike is a good pick for both little kids and big kids as it is stylish and comfortable. Its materials are durable, while the outsole (herringbone) is not only long lasting but grips most surfaces well.

7. Jordan Nike Kids Air 10 Retro Shoe

Jordan and Nike have collaborated to produce premium sneakers for athletes and kids alike. The Nike Kids Air 10 Retro, for instance, is a cool looking (black on black) shoe for kids made from 100% leather. Leather has a thick structure that holds up to heavy use for years. It is also weatherproof and has a low maintenance design that you can clean and polish in a few minutes.

If your child enjoys basketball, look for shoes that will not slip and compromise his/her safety. The Jordan Nike Kids Air 10 Retro is such a product. Its rubber sole is durable and nonslip on most surfaces. It also has a flexible structure that helps enhance speed and agility, while stabilizing the ankle. Jordan Nike also has a sweat-wicking sock liner that adds to the comfort of the shoe.

What We Like

• Full grain leather upper
• Nonslip rubber sole
• Full length air sole
• Gore reinforced eye stays

Highlights

Jordan Nike Kids Air 10 Retro is a durable leather shoe with a soft midsole (phylon) and a supportive high top design. It has a nonslip rubber sole and a polyurethane sock liner that keeps feet dry and comfortable.

6. Nike Lebron Soldier XIII (GS) Big Kids Basketball Shoes

Nike Lebron Soldier XIII (GS) is one of the best gifts for children to use on a driveway basketball court or an outdoor swing set due to its high functionality. Its black, white, and red design is appealing to both girls and boys. It is fade proof and has a durable wrap on design with many outstanding attributes. You will love the soft and breathable fabric upper of this shoe for two reasons: during warm summer months, it stays cool to enable children to play without getting sweaty, stinky feet. The material is also flexible so as not to hinder the movement of children as they play, walk, or run in the shoes.

The Nike Lebron Soldier XIII shoes lack eye stays, as brands such as the Jordan Nike Kids Air 10 Retro do. Instead, you get adjustable loop and hook straps that deliver the correct fit on small or large feet. The foam on the underfoot (Phylon) elevates comfort, while its rubber outsole is nonslip, durable, and adds to the charm of this shoe.

What We Like

• Nonslip rubber outsole
• Hook and loop straps
• Soft Phylon foam padding
• Cool looking design

Highlights

Nike Lebron Soldier XIII (GS) is a stylish basketball shoe with soft foam padding and a breathable upper. Its sole grips and creates traction on most surfaces, while its hook and loop straps are secure and very easy to use.

5. Jordan Nike Kids Air 2 Retro BG Basketball Shoe

Jordan sneakers are among the most refined shoes for adults and kids that you will find online. Plus, because the shoes retain their value for long, they are also collectable regardless of size. The Air 2 Retro for kids, for example, has a neutral theme (black and white) that works well with most outfits. It has a round toe box that fits wide feet and a durable and breathable upper made from leather and synthetic fabrics.

The smooth flowing lines of the Jordan Nike Kids Air 2 Retro not only add to its style but also stability. The air sole helps prevent injuries, while its lace up design makes them secure on smaller feet. These Jordan Nike basketball shoes rarely, if ever, slip while in use.

What We Like

• Lace up design
• Stylish retro theme
• Nonslip rubber sole
• Full length air sole
• Leather/synthetic upper

Highlights

With Jordan Nike Kids Air 2 Retro, expect a stylish basketball shoe with a comfortable round toe box. It has a clean look (white and black) and a thick, rubber sole that promotes grip on all terrains. The lace up system is sturdy.

4. Nike Lebron XIII Boy’s Basketball Shoes

The best light-up shoes make fun gifts or kids of all ages. The best Nike shoes for kids are equally beneficial as they are charming and durable. However, to get a product that your child will enjoy playing basketball in, check out the Nike Lebron XIII Boys’ basketball shoes. Its high top structure is comfortable, stable, and has a cool looking design synonymous with Nike shoes. In addition, its synthetic materials are not only light but also durable and breathable. Your child’s feet will stay aerated and cool for hours in this pair of shoes.

Nike Flywire technology in the Lebron XIII shoes for kids elevate support without weighing down users. So, apart from looking good, the shoes can help improve the agility of children and their performance in sports. They also have carbon fiber inserts for added strength and Armorposite Technology from Nike, which allows for longer use and function of the shoe.

What We Like

• Flywire technology
• Armorposite technology
• Translucent outsole (nonslip)
• Breathable synthetic upper
• Appealing design

Highlights

Nike Lebron XIII is a lightweight, cool looking, and stable basketball shoe with a lace up design. It complements most outfits and has breathable technology which makes it comfortable to walk, run, or play during hot summer months.

3. Nike Kid’s KD Trey VII (GS) AT5685 400

The Nike KD Trey VII for kids has won the hearts of many parents due to the value they offer. If your child loves sneakers, here are a few reasons why buying this pair is a good decision. First, the Nike KD Trey VII offers you more than just a standard basketball shoe. These are also suitable for daily use on the playground or backyard, as they are light and can blend well with most casual outfits. They come in stunning colors and have a comfortable construction including a breathable upper, lightly padded interior, and soft inner liner.

While playing basketball, the ankle is the most susceptible to injuries due to inefficient padding and support. Nike Kid’s KD Trey VII takes care of this issue. The shoe has padding on the ankle, which elevates not only comfort but also support. You also get foam pods and a reinforced toe for protection.

What We Like

• Reinforced toe area
• Breathable upper
• Lightly padded interior
• Light and comfortable

Highlights

Nike Kid’s KD Trey VII is a light and breathable shoe with a nonslip sole and reinforced ankle area. During rigorous sports activities, it not only provides support but also lowers the risk of injuries.

2. Nike Lebron Xvii (GS) Big Kids Shoe

The Nike Lebron Xvii is a premium shoe made from a Knit Posite fabric. This is one of the lightest and most breathable materials in the shoe niche. It cradles the delicate feet of children gently and keeps them cool by letting air in and out. The fabric also wicks away sweat and heat efficiently and comes reinforced with plastic yarns that add to its strength. These basketball shoes do not rip or tear easily.

The rubber sole of Nike Lebron Xvii has a flexible and nonslip design that enhances its performance. Users can cut, pivot, and run on smooth or rugged terrain like a professional. They also has a large pull tab for easier wearing and removal and a secure lace up design that helps mold the shoe to the foot.

What We Like

• Lace up design
• Breathable upper (Posite)
• Durable rubber sole
• Light/springy forefoot

Highlights

The Nike Lebron Xvii pair of shoes stands out in terms of comfort, style, and performance on the court. Its rubber sole provides traction, while its springy forefoot enables users to jump higher, safely. It is durable too.

1. Adidas Kids’ D.O.N. Issue #1 Basketball Shoe

The Adidas Kids’ D.O.N. is a regular fit shoe made from a light synthetic fabric. It is breathable, making it comfortable to wear all day. Its low top design does not irritate feet, while its lace up closer guarantees a “lock down” fit whenever kids are playing, running, or walking to school. The web details (spider inspired) on the upper of this shoe enhance its stability. Its midsole has responsive cushioning that optimizes comfort.

What We Like

• Responsive cushioning
• Lightweight basketball shoe
• Secure lace closure
• Rubber outsole for grip

Highlights

Adidas Kids’ D.O.N. has a durable, stylish, and child-safe design in many stylish colors. It has a flexible low top upper with a nonslip, game grade outsole.