Basketball is a high-energy sport that demands footwear providing exceptional support, cushioning, and performance on the court. With numerous brands vying for attention in the competitive shoe market, only a few stand out for their innovation, style, and reliability. From established giants like Nike and Adidas to rising stars like Under Armour and Puma, each brand offers distinct features to enhance a player's game. Whether you're seeking the latest technology or the most durable materials, explore the acclaimed brands that excel in crafting top-tier basketball shoes below.
Illustration of basketball shoes
Best brands of basketball shoes in 2025
Nike
Nike is undoubtedly one of the leading producers of basketball shoes, dominating the market with a significant share. In the 2022-23 NBA season, Nike was the top basketball shoe brand, with 65.1% of players wearing its shoes, and it held a substantial market share of 59.5% for high-top basketball shoes globally. The company's innovative technology and premium quality have solidified its position as a market leader, with a global market presence and a strong brand value. Nike's marketing strategies, including its "Just Do It" slogan and associations with prominent athletes, have further enhanced its brand image. The company's commitment to comfort and performance has made it the first choice for many athletes and sports enthusiasts. For more information on Nike's basketball shoes, visit their official basketball page.
Adidas
Adidas is a leading producer of basketball shoes, boasting a significant market presence with 9.9% of NBA players wearing Adidas shoes during the 2021-22 season, and an average of 11.5% over the past four seasons. In the global athletic footwear market, Adidas holds a 15.4% share as of 2022. The company produced approximately 420 million pairs of shoes in 2022, with a strong focus on innovative designs like those by Jeremy Scott and technology such as Ultra Boost. Adidas's footwear segment accounts for 57% of its total sales, highlighting its dominance in the athletic footwear industry. The brand's global net sales reached $22.511 billion in 2022, underscoring its financial strength and market influence. For more detailed Adidas shoes statistics, click here.
Under Armour
Under Armour has emerged as a significant player in the basketball shoe market, with 2.8% of NBA players choosing to wear their shoes, indicating a growing presence in the athletic footwear sector. In 2022, the global basketball shoe market, where Under Armour participates, was valued at $5.29 billion, with high-top shoes dominating the market at 59.5%. Under Armour's apparel and footwear sales have seen a 20% increase this year, outpacing Adidas and gaining market share. The company's focus on women's sports apparel and footwear, along with strategic partnerships and expansions, has contributed to its impressive growth. Under Armour aims to become the world's biggest sports brand, with nearly $3 billion in anticipated sales for the year. For more statistical insights, visit basketball shoe statistics.
Puma
PUMA is a prominent player in the basketball shoe market, ranked as the fourth most popular basketball shoe brand in the NBA, averaging a 3.4% share over the past five seasons. In 2022, PUMA's basketball shoe sales accounted for about 27% of the brand's entire footwear sales, with a notable 4.3% share in the 2021 NBA season. The brand has seen a significant increase in its NBA presence, with a 57.1% growth from the 2018-19 season to the current performance. PUMA's commitment to innovation and speed is highlighted in its global brand campaign "FOREVER. FASTER.," which features top athletes like Breanna Stewart and LaMelo Ball. With a strong revenue growth, PUMA's footwear segment generated $4.6 billion in 2022, reflecting the brand's continuous upward trajectory. For more details, explore their basketball shoe statistics.
Air Jordan
The Air Jordan brand, a subsidiary of Nike, has cemented its position as one of the leading producers of basketball shoes, capturing an impressive 11% market share of the global sneaker market as of 2017. In 2022, Air Jordan generated $5.2 billion in revenue, highlighting its continuous growth and popularity. The brand's success is also reflected in its dominance in the NBA, with 7.5% of NBA players wearing Jordan shoes, contributing to Nike and Jordan's combined 75% share among NBA players. Air Jordan's innovative designs and collaborations have made it a cultural icon, with Michael Jordan earning significant royalties, reaching $260 million in 2022. The brand's impact extends globally, with strong awareness and loyalty among sneaker enthusiasts. For more detailed insights, visit the Air Jordan statistics page.
New Balance
New Balance has emerged as a significant player in the basketball shoe market, particularly notable for its strong presence in the NBA. In the 2022-23 season, New Balance held a 2.3% share, making it the 6th most popular brand in the league, a significant increase from its 0.2% share in the 2018-19 season. The brand's revenue from footwear soared by 214.1% from $1.35 billion in 2008 to $4.24 billion in 2022, with 80% of the company's total revenue coming from its footwear segment. New Balance produces an average of 16 million pairs of shoes annually and has seen a 1050% increase in its NBA presence over the past six seasons. Its market share in the US athletic shoe sector stands at 3.8%, with 12.7% of the running shoes in the US being from New Balance. For more detailed insights, visit their shoe statistics page.
Reebok
Reebok, although not as dominant as it once was, remains a significant player in the basketball shoe market, known for its quality and performance-driven products. In 2022, Reebok held a market share of about 0.8% among NBA players, indicating its niche but dedicated following. The brand's shoes, such as the Reebok Question Mid and Shaq Attaq, are praised for their durability, stability, and breathability. For instance, the Reebok Question Mid scored highly in lab tests for its durable build and comfortable fit. Despite its smaller market share, Reebok continues to offer top-notch basketball shoes that cater to specific needs and preferences. For a detailed guide on their best models, explore the best Reebok basketball shoes.
Converse
Converse, a renowned brand owned by Nike Incorporated, has been a staple in the footwear sector since 1908, particularly famous for its iconic "All Star" canvas basketball sneaker. As of the year ended May 31, 2024, Converse generated approximately $2 billion in global revenue, despite a slight decline from previous years. The brand maintains a significant presence, with around 80 Converse stores in the United States. In the NBA, Converse shoes are worn by 1.59% of players, reflecting their enduring popularity. Converse continues to be a popular choice among consumers, with 29% of individuals in the US using their shoes. For more insights on Converse's financial performance over the years, visit this Statista report.
Li-Ning
Li-Ning is a leading brand in the basketball shoe market, particularly in China, where it held a 28.6% market share on Tmall in 2023, surpassing Nike and ANTA. The brand has seen significant growth, with a 42% increase in footwear revenue to 13.5 billion in 2022, and its basketball and running categories increasing by 25% and 13%, respectively. Li-Ning's innovative designs, such as the ultra-light 19 running shoes, have set historical sales records, with over 3 million pairs sold. The brand has also made a strong impact in the US market, with a 560% increase in Li-Ning/Way Of Wade US market share over the past year. Li-Ning's strategic partnerships and endorsements with NBA stars have further solidified its position.
Anta
ANTA has emerged as a significant player in the basketball shoe market, particularly with the signing of Kyrie Irving, which led to a 600% increase in ANTA's monthly market share of US basketball sneakers on KICKS CREW. In 2024, ANTA's global market share increased from 2.92% in 2022 to 3.38%, while its revenue grew by 13.8% to USD 4.7 billion in the first half of the year. The brand's Shock Wave 5 Pro, endorsed by Kyrie Irving, has been highly successful, and ANTA's products are known for their affordability and performance, with some models available for less than USD 100. ANTA's expansion into Southeast Asia has also been fruitful, capitalizing on the region's growing demand for sports shoes. The brand's local market dominance in China, where local brands hold a combined 60% market share, further solidifies its position. For more insight into ANTA's collaboration with Kyrie Irving, visit their ANTA Kai 1 Artist on Court page.
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