Choosing the right basketball shoe tailored to your position can significantly impact your performance on the court. Whether you’re a swift point guard or a dominant center, the right footwear provides the support, traction, and comfort needed for your role. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top basketball shoes for each position in 2025, based on expert reviews and performance metrics.
Position | Top Pick | Key Features |
Point Guards | Nike GT Cut 3 | Low-top design, responsive cushioning, excellent traction |
Shooting Guards | Anta KT 10 | Balanced cushioning, durable build, versatile performance |
Small Forwards | Nike LeBron 21 | High-top support, plush cushioning, superior traction |
Power Forwards | 361° AG 5 | Robust build, responsive cushioning, stability for aggressive play |
Centers | 361° Joker 1 | High-top design, excellent support, cushioning for impact protection |
Designed for agility and speed, the Nike GT Cut 3 offers point guards a lightweight, low-top shoe that doesn’t compromise on support. Its responsive cushioning ensures quick take-offs, while the traction pattern provides grip for sharp cuts and directional changes.
Klay Thompson’s signature shoe, the Anta KT 10, delivers a balanced performance suitable for shooting guards. It features a durable build, responsive cushioning, and a design that supports both offensive drives and defensive stands.
The Nike LeBron 21 caters to the versatile role of small forwards. Its high-top design offers ankle support, while the plush cushioning absorbs impact during aggressive plays. The shoe’s traction ensures stability during quick transitions.
Aaron Gordon’s AG 5 by 361° is tailored for power forwards who require a blend of strength and agility. The shoe’s robust construction provides stability, and its cushioning system supports explosive movements and landings.
Nikola Jokić’s first signature shoe, the 361° Joker 1, is ideal for centers. It offers a high-top design for maximum ankle support, cushioning to handle the physicality of the paint, and a durable outsole for consistent traction.
Feature | Nike GT Cut 3 | Anta KT 10 | Nike LeBron 21 | 361° AG 5 | 361° Joker 1 |
Traction | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
Cushioning | Responsive | Balanced | Plush | Responsive | Supportive |
Support | Moderate | Moderate | High | High | High |
Durability | High | High | High | High | High |
Position Fit | Point Guards | Shooting Guards | Small Forwards | Power Forwards | Centers |
While these shoes are primarily designed for indoor play, some models like the Anta KT 10 and 361° Joker 1 have durable outsoles suitable for outdoor courts.
The 361° AG 5 and Anta KT 10 are known to accommodate wider feet comfortably. However, it’s always best to try them on or check the brand’s sizing guide.
Regularly clean the outsoles with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris. Avoid wearing them off-court to preserve the traction pattern.
Most of these shoes have minimal break-in time. However, the Anta KT 10 may require a few sessions to mold perfectly to your feet
Yes, brands like 361° offer performance shoes like the Joker 1 at a more affordable price point without compromising on quality.
Depending on usage, it’s recommended to replace basketball shoes every 6-12 months or when you notice a decline in cushioning and traction.
