Our Picks for the Best Basketball Shoes for Kids in 2021

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

In this article, we have reviewed some of the best basketball shoes for boys and girls, which make excellent gifts. They not only are comfortable but also designed to complement all clothing. They also come in many sizes and have low maintenance designs that you can clean easily when dirty.

List of the Best Basketball Shoes for Kids in 2021

1. 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 serve you for years, it is also a top choice due to the quality of the materials used to make it. This authentic kid’s version has everything found in the expensive adult versions. Its iconic black and white look, for instance, is stunning. Children can wear with jeans, khaki pants, or shorts and look good. The combination of leather and breathable fabric used to make its top also stand out in numerous ways. Both are durable and breathable. The shoe stays cool and comfortable all year.

The panther-inspired design of the Jordan Kids’ Air 12 Retro basketball shoe features a durable rubber sole with a non-slip outsole. Thus, it is one of the safest to use on most court types, including laminate and or 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

Our Verdict

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

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

The LeBron XVI shoe for kids is one of the best for summer 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 works seamlessly on gravel, tarmac, concrete, and wood. Due to its flexibility, kids can make intricate moves in it without slipping of irritating feet or ankles. The ringbone pattern boosts traction 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 the shoe comfortable to wear during the summer. It also has a flexible, lace-up design with a sock-like sleeve that hugs the feet comfortable all day. Finally, a padded midsole adds a nice touch to the basketball shoe. It not only cushions impact but also positions feet naturally to prevent injury.

What We Like

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

Our Verdict

As far as comfort goes, a Nike Kid’s Lebron XVI is the best shoes for kids to buy in 2021. Its fabric upper is light, breathable, and comfortable. It has a non-slip outsole and a lace-up design that fits snug on the feet.

3. Jordan Big Kids Spizike Basketball Shoe

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 big kids, mostly males, for these reasons. First, its leather upper is not only stylish but also durable. It is leak-proof and has a stunning finish that does not fade after weeks/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 the feet while playing, running, or walking to school or work.

What We Like

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

Our Verdict

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 also grips most surfaces well.

4. Jordan Nike Kids Air 10 Retro Shoe

Jordan and Nike have collaborated to product 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 of leather (100%). Leather has a thick structure that lasts for long. 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 or her safety. The Jordan Nike Kids Air 10 Retro is such a product. Its rubber sole is durable and non-slip on most surfaces. It also has a flexible structure that boosts speed/agility, while stabilizing the ankle as well. Jordan Nike has a sweat-wicking sockliner that boosts comfort.

What We Like

• Full-grain leather upper
• Non-slip rubber sole
• Full-length air-sole
• Gore-reinforced eye stays

Our Verdict

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

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

Nike Lebron Soldier XIII (GS) is one of the best gifts for children due to its charming look and functionality. Its black, white, and university-red is appealing to both women and men. 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, enabling children to play with friends or siblings for long. The material is also flexible and therefore, does not 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 an adjustable loop and hook straps that deliver the correct fit on small and large feet. The foam on the underfoot (Phylon), on the other hand, boosts comfort, while its rubber outsole is non-slip, durable, and adds to the charm of this shoe.

What We Like

• Non-slip rubber outsole
• Hook and loop straps
• Soft Phylon foam padding
• Cool-looking design

Our Verdict

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

6. 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. Moreover, because the shoes retain their value for long, they are also collectable irrespective of size. The Air 2 Retro for kids, for instance, has a neutral theme (black and white) that goes well with most clothing. 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 prevents injuries, while its lace-up design is secure on the feet. Jordan Nike rarely slips while in use.

What We Like

• Lace-up system
• Stylish retro theme
• Non-slip rubber sole
• Full-length air sole
• Leather/synthetic upper

Our Verdict

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 boosts grip on all terrains. The lace-up system is sturdy.

7. 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 in as well, check out the Nike Lebron XIII Boys’ basketball shoes. Its high top design is comfortable, stable, and has a cool-looking design synonymous with Nike shoes. Moreover, its synthetic materials are not only light but also durable and breathable. The feet stay cool for hours in this pair of shoes.

Nike Flywire technology in the Lebron XIII shoes for kids boost support without weighing down users. Thus, apart from looking good, the shoes can improve the agility of children and their performance in sports. It also has carbon fiber inserts for added strength and Armorposite Technology from Nike, which boosts the longevity and function of the shoe further.

What We Like

• Flywire technology
• Armorposite technology
• Translucent outsole (non-slip)
• Breathable synthetic upper
• Cool-looking design

Our Verdict

Nike Lebron XIII is a light, cool-looking, and stable basketball shoe for boys with a lace-up design. It complements most clothes and has a “cool,” which makes it fun to walk, run, or play in during hot summer months.

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

The Nike KD Trey VII for kids has won the hearts of many parents and kids due to the value on offer. If your child loves sneakers, here are a few reasons why buying one is a good decision. First, with the KD Trey VII, Nike offers you more than a standard basketball shoe. It is suitable for daily commute as well, as it is light and complements most casual wear for kids. It comes in stunning colors and has a comfortable design entailing a breathable upper, lightly padded interior, and a soft inner liner.

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

What We Like

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

Our Verdict

Nike Kid’s KD Trey VII is a light and breathable shoe with a non-slip sole and reinforced ankle area. Therefore, during rigorous sports activities, it not only boosts support but also lowers the risk of injuries. It is stylish too.

9. Nike Lebron Xvii (GS) Big Kids Shoe

The Nike Lebron Xvii is a premium shoe made from a Knit Posite fabric with the following desirable attributes. This is one of the lightest and most breathable materials in the shoe niche. It cradles the delicate feet of kids gently and keeps them cool by letting air in and out. The fabric also wicks sweat and heat efficiently and comes reinforced with plastic yarns that add to its strength. The shoe does not rip nor tears quickly.

The rubber sole of Nike Lebron Xvii has a flexible and non-slip design that boosts its performance. Users can cut, pivot, and run on smooth or rugged terrain like a professional. It also has a large pull-tab for easier wearing and removal and a secure lace-up system that boosts its stability.

What We Like

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

Our Verdict

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

10. 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 and therefore 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
• Light basketball shoe
• Secure lace closure
• Rubber outsole for grip

Our Verdict

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