5 Best Low Top Basketball Shoes 2023 Updated Reviews

I hope that I am on the right track when I say that,

Basketball shoes are available in tons of different designs and styles; however, the general norm nowadays is definitely the low-top.

Previously, when people shopped for shoes, especially basketballs, they tended to rely on high-top ones. The primary reason for this decision is that they thought these shoes were safer for the ankles, providing greater stability and fewer chances for injuries. However, according to recent studies, low-tops are not less beneficial than high-tops when it comes to ankle support.

Finding the best low-top basketball shoes and knowing their benefits is an exciting quest for your sports knowledge. So when you decide to purchase new basketball shoes, you must consider low tops learning their benefits.

In the below paragraphs, I pointed out recent research studies about ankle kinetics during basketball-specific movements.

Are low-Tops Good for Basketball?

That’s why today, we present reviews on some of the best low-top basketball shoes that you can get for your money in 2023. So, without wasting further time, let’s review them!

5 Best Low Top Basketball Shoes : Expert Reviews & Buying Guide

Basketball Shoes	Rating	Price
Overall No 1 : Nike Kobe 5 Protro	★★★★★	Check Price
white low top: Puma Clyde All-Pro	★★★★★	Check Price
Low cut : Adidas Harden Vol. 2	★★★★★	Check Price
The lightest: Nike Men's Kobe XI Elite	★★★★★	Check Price
Top Mid-Cut : Nike Men's PG 5	★★★★★	Check Price

It’s worth mentioning that selecting the premium basketball shoes, especially in the low-top category, was no easy job. To provide you industry-leading results, we went through dozens of blogs, professional opinions across multiple online platforms, first-hand consumer reviews, and much more.

1. Overall Best Black Low Top Shoes; Nike Kobe 5 Protro

Nike basketball shoes low tops have always been preferred by any basketball enthusiast, and their Kobe Line-up is definitely on the chart. Nike Kobe 5 Protro is among the new  coming shoes in this category that were widely anticipated by fans.

Upper

Aesthetically, the Nike Kobe 5 Petro are top of their game. The black and yellow colour scheme that these good low-top basketball shoes incorporate is highly visual on the court. The upper itself is made from next-gen fly wire plastic, just like the original model, which will protect it from wear and tear.

Midsole

In contrast to that, the versatile midsole will provide you snug fit even if you’re a comprehensive feet user. It’s also worth mentioning that the lockdown that this shoe offers won’t be pleasing in the forefoot section than in the midfoot, which is a great perk you get for the price tag.

Outer sole

Unlike the previous model, Nike, this time, added a tread pattern at the sole outer section. This traction pattern will provide you with extra stability whenever you perform manoeuvres on the court. But make sure to clean the sole regularly, as they catch dirt quite quickly.

Verdict

In the end, is spending $300 plus on these Nike shoes is worth it? Well, absolutely! Being a Kobe sneaker, they have a superior feel to it that you won’t find anywhere else.

2. White Low Basketball Shoes: Puma Clyde All-Pro

The second product on our list is Clyde All-pro by Puma, another top of the league’s low profile basketball shoes. Puma has already been killing in the footwear market, and this shoe is an upgraded version of Clyde Hardwood, which is another renowned shoe in the market. Let’s see what kind of features it provide.

Upper

One of the light low-top basketball shoes constructed with a full matrix engineered knit upper and the materials on manufacturing these shoes are highly efficient for the price tag. While in some regions of this shoe, you will find carbon fibre weave, which is again a nice touch to have.

Midsole

Being a top low-top basketball shoe, it boasts a full-length pro foam plus midsole with a back puck in the heel section. It gives you a nice balance or blends between core feet responsiveness and advanced impact protection.

Outer sole

Speaking about the traction, Puma Clyde All-pro features a couple of different traction patterns to give the user added versatility. Up in the forefoot area, you will get a radial pattern where the pivot is located, while in the heel section of these cheap low tops, there is a soft waffle-like pattern to provide comfort.

Verdict

So, all in all, these light low top basketball shoes won’t let you down in the long run. It has a cool low top and is available for just under $200.

3. Best low cut basketball shoes: Adidas Harden Vol. 2

If you were a die-hard fan of Vol.1 original basketball shoes, then you will definitely love these low-top sneakers. They got the style, ergonomics and are entirely meant for high performers on the court. You can’t go wrong getting one of these in 2023.

Upper

In this shoe, you will experience some dead spaces in the forefoot area, as these sneakers’ length is just a bit long. So, you won’t get the close one-one fit in the forefoot area. But the lockdown that it provides will compensate for the issue. The lacing system that it incorporates in the upper does a great in locking in your foot and preventing it from sliding back and forth.

Midsole

Moving along the midsole region, the induced cushioning is top-notch. You will get a full-length boost foam midsole, which gives one of the good boost experiences that you can get for your money.

Outer sole

The outer sole of Adidas Harden Vol. 2 features a data-driven pattern like its predecessor, which looks very compelling and does allow the coverage of the foot in multiple directions. Besides, it gives the shoe a pretty flat design that ultimately gives solid regulation on various core conditions.

Verdict

These low-cut basketball shoes are pretty durable and performance-driven. With the aid of prime features, they could be used for other sports as well.

4. Our pick for the lightest basketball shoes : Nike Men’s Kobe XI Elite

In 2023, with decent functionality, that is hard to find these days. On top of that, they are low-top to give you down an earth feel.

Upper

To start things up, at the top-end of the shoe, you will get a highly regulated white and purple fly knit upper, which is stronger than its competitors because it is constructed with quality thermoplastic polyurethane woven. This feature separates it from competitors.

Midsole

On to the midsole section, the low cut in this shoe helps enhance the support and control whenever you’re in the middle of a tense game. What’s between you and the ground is a thin midsole, which can be expected in any quality low top basketball shoe.

Outer sole

Something new to the Kobe shoes is the spine traction in XI Elite Low running down the outsole. The exciting thing about it as you lean on the top-end of your foot, the area around it compresses, giving you maximum support.

Verdict

In conclusion, if you’re in the market for affordable basketball shoes with decent grip and signature, then the Nike Men’s Kobe XI Elite Low won’t let you down.

5. Best Mid-Cut Basketball Shoes: Nike Men’s PG 5

Finally, we have our top-rated mid-cut basketball shoes, i.e., the Nike Men’s Shoes PG 5 at the 5th spot. It is the newest edition to the PG’s and this time, Nike came up with their big guns, no question asked!

Upper

The materials used in the manufacturing of Nike Men’s Shoes PG 5 is mainly featured mesh. The upper has a decent outlook which will outshine any other low-top footwear.

Midsole

Nike’s PG 5 is equipped with a full-length phylon midsole, which will help you out in any intense basketball game. You will personally like the cushion setup that is quite durable.

Outer sole

If you ask me the single most reason why it can be easily found in the top 10 Nike shoes of all time, then my answer will be the traction pattern. It’s almost similar, if not identical, to the Kobe 9, which is still renowned in the market.

Verdict

Overall, it’s an absolute bang for the buck basketball shoe known for its longevity, lightweight, and exceptional traction.

Buying Guide

1- Overall materials

Make sure to go for high-end brands if you have the budget, as they incorporate premium materials like Flyknit, synthetic mesh, or nubuck leather for extra durability.

2- Weight

Low-top shoes are usually down to the ground, which in terms provide you increased agility. So, make sure to go for the lightweight model.

3- Support

It is ideal to find a low-top shoe with an intuitive outrigger for enhanced support.

Conclusion

So, this was our review on the  6 Best low top basketball shoes to select in 2023. Although, one thing is for sure that you will get a more puffed collar with high-tops, which accounts for extra weight. But keep in mind that this excess weight will result in reduced mobility, especially if you’re not a heavier player.

Additionally, each of these low-top shoes is budget-friendly alternatives, made from supreme materials, and of course, boasts dozens of positive feedback across multiple platforms. So, no matter which one you select from the above reviews, you won’t be disappointed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1 What can we say about low-top vs high-top basketball shoes?

Scientifically speaking, there isn’t much difference between low and high-top shoes besides the fact that high-tops tend to be heavy.

Q.2 Are low-top shoes good for basketball?

Wearing low tops provides freedom of ankle movement, allowing any basketball player to perform its move without any complication.

Q.3 Do most NBA players wear low-tops?

According to Dr.Howard Osterman ( past president of American academy of Podiatric sports medicine) , low-tops are popular among NBA players, too; approximately half of them wear low-tops basketball shoes.