It was a beautiful thing in basketball to watch the passing of the baton between legends like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan to the next generation of champions, such as Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James. With the influence of these celebrity-athletes has also come a host of product endorsements, acting deals, and, of course, basketball shoes.

Nike’s collaboration, the Men’s LeBron Witness III PRM basketball shoe, is one of the top contenders of late. It is notable for its distinctive 3D texturing, which is reminiscent of reptile skin. These shoes come in four color combinations including: wolf grey and white with a white sole; white and black with a light blue sole; black and white with a bright red sole; and cream and white with a light salmon sole.

The textured look may not be preferred by everyone, but the color combinations are very well done, offering a range of desirable, stylish choices. The mesh and synthetic-made upper helps combat foot heat, sweat, and odor, and the heel offers two loops to help pull shoes onto feet with ease, making them practical, as well.

The LeBron Witness III PRM were created with Nike’s featherposite zones to help stabilize and support the ankle during active gameplay. The sole is also designed to pad and comfort the foot through impact (via Nike’s Air-Sole unit), and it features a fabric lining inside the shoe, which is gentle and comfortable. These are a great high-performance basketball shoe option, and can feasibly work for both males and females, which is great!

Does anyone else out there remember the And1 Mixtapes? Every time I found myself at a tag sale or discount bin, I was rifling for these VHS basketball compilations to watch the latest and greatest fake-outs and displays of skill. Eventually, I spotted my dream basketball shoe: an And1 beauty that was half white leather and half high-gloss blue plastic, with blue laces that were lined with a white piping. I was obsessed! And they’re all I can think about now when I see the adidas Men’s Pro Next 2019 basketball shoe.

These shoes share the iconic “split” design, separated down the middle by texture—and for some of the styles, also by color. These are sure to be eye-catching and exciting running up and down the court, but most of the color combinations are still a viable shoe for casual situations, as well.

One major thing to consider is that these shoes are the uncommon 3/4ths upper height, making them a bit taller than most of the competition. This construction may be appreciated by some, as it hugs the ankle and provides nice protection and stability but may irritate others who have learned to like a more open-ankle style.

For those who like or learn to like this style, however, these are a great basketball shoe to consider! They provide a level of visual interest and some flexibility to show personality without being too distracting or proving incapable of matching a uniform. They are also formed with textured rubber soles and Cloudfoam beneath the feet, helping manage the stress of even the most intense games.

I think one of the most impressive company glow-ups has got to be credited to Under Armour. What started in 1996 with a single, American football fullback creating a dry sports performance shirt to solve a personal problem has become a 5 billion dollar, internationally known forerunner in the sporting goods category, competing with the best and oldest companies to-date.

Although the brand began with a t-shirt, it has since expanded into all measures of gear, which has been designed specifically for feats of athleticism. Their sporting shoe collection is now incredibly expansive, and often noted for its trademark aesthetic style, its comfort and reasonable design, and its durability. The Under Armour Men’s Lockdown 4 basketball shoe is a court-contender that checks off the key qualities players want.

The upper is made from a molded synthetic blend. Beneath this, the mid-shoe line is crafted from a sleek leather, which has been perforated for better ventilation. Finally, the sole that rests at the bottom of this shoe is crafted from rubber and does a great job of blending seamlessly with the rest of the shoe, rather than sticking out and looking or feeling clunky, which better suits some personal style preferences.

This shoe does run just a little narrow and overall could be improved by adding even more airflow. The construction of the shoe may be a little less flexible than some of its competitors, which may feel stiff or uncomfortable; however, the Lockdown 4 does provide an excellent fit for the majority, and the shoe is otherwise quite comfortable and well-cushioned!

The color options are also some of the most functional on the market, including a black-on-black with white soles and a black-on-white with black soles which often do a great job of matching with team uniforms and exercise clothing. For those who want to make a louder statement or highlight a school color, the true blue, teal, and vibrant red options are all top-tier looks as well. The ash gray and harbor blue combination features a pop of bright hot salmon on the inside of the upper and makes for a great workout shoe, as well.

Is there really anything cuter than a pair of high-top toddlers’ sneakers? Seeing options like the adidas Kids’ Hoops Mid 2.0 basketball shoe is one of the few things that successfully makes me feel what it must be like to be “baby-crazy.” They’re adorable! But these cool kicks are also a great choice for bigger kids, and adidas accommodates that, offering the Hoops from a size 3 for infants all the way to a size 10 for big kids.

The two color combinations offered include a sleeker, more muted option of black and white with a punch of red detailing on the heel; and a brighter, more playful option of white and blue with a pop of magenta on the stripes and adidas logo. Both styles feature a rubber sole and supportive, high-top upper structure.

The upper is made from a synthetic nubuck and textile design, which helps contribute to the feel of how the Hoops hug the ankle. The inside sockliner is created with Nike’s OrthoLite Float, which helps provide comfort and cushion for active kids as they hop, jump, and run around.

As the Hoops Mid 2.0 is offered in infant sizes, it, of course, does not have to be worn as a basketball shoe; this is an excellent purchase for all kids to wear during most indoor and outdoor play activities. adidas has created these shoes to withstand tough play, and they are quite easy to clean in the event that tough play means a messy day! An added bonus is that the rubber soles do provide good grip, and these shoes can definitely be worn on the court, as well, which may prevent the need for multiple shoes on game and practice days for the kids.

Though a lesser-known brand, BEITA is all the more impressive for making waves with their High Upper Breathable Anti-Slip basketball and sports shoes. These kicks have truly impressed with their high-end look and inclusive practical functionality. The color options provided for this particular shoe include two combinations that could be described as minimalist looks and two combinations with a bit more flare and daring, which helps suit a range of preferences.

The upper of the shoe extends just above the ankle, is crafted from synthetic materials, and is backed by a “molded heel shield,” together providing excellent ankle support and a bit of extra injury protection for both the foot and ankle. BEITA’s High Uppers use a mixture of mesh areas and perforated holes to help support airflow and combat hot, sweaty, stinky feet.

The soles come with a beautiful, intricate pattern stamped into the rubber, which makes for great athletic traction, but also has lots of small spaces which prove very hard to clean. This is definitely something to consider if you are someone who plays on outdoor courts or plans to wear these shoes around when not on the court. For those who lace up at the gym and switch kicks after your game, practice, or workout, the anti-slip sole will do its job and likely provide no issues!

Overall, these are a great value and make for a competitive basketball shoe. BEITA uses surprisingly nice quality materials and has engineered their High Upper design to truly complement athleticism. These shoes are lightweight, waterproof, anti-skid, and offer resistance to wear, making them a great “all-around” contender.

Growing up as a basketball-loving, tomboy-type girl, I was often split down the middle when it came to the look of my clothing and shoes. I wanted to look cool and be taken seriously as player. At the store, my basketball shoe options were bright and girly, which I have since come to appreciate for their own style, but which never felt truly appropriate to me for game time. As a result, I typically purchased “boys’” shoes, which didn’t necessarily fit me perfectly, but offered styles I felt confident in.

Under Armour has created an excellent women’s remedy to this problem with their Jet 2019 basketball shoe. The Jet series from Under Armour spans across age and gender ranges, and their women’s selections maintain a chic, sleek, muted look that screams “athlete” without also screaming in neon, for those who might want that option.

Their two designs come in either a black and pitch gray combo, or a mod gray and white combo, and they look FIERCE. As an added bonus, the low-key tones often do a great job of matching workout clothes and basketball uniforms. Most importantly, they’re comfortable, extremely well ventilated for intense gameplay, and offer a well-made, smart-designed rubber sole that provides necessary traction on the court.

The upper is tall enough to provide noticeable ankle support, and the shoe has tongue and heel loops for the easiest experience putting them on, taking them off, and adjusting them for comfort. This style may not be for everyone, but I think that’s part of the beauty of them; they offer a real option for female basketball players who crave a low-key, functional, durable shoe to feel great in when they go crush it on the court.

If you grew up with siblings or have multiple kiddos of your own, you know that sibling rivalry can be a very real (and sometimes very scary) thing. If you’re looking to be overstimulated in a hurry, sometimes all you need to do is give one child an item exclusively for them—next thing you know, toys are flying, piercing shrieks are dazing everyone in the vicinity, and you’re trying to remember your “jealousy and sharing points of wisdom speech” as you gradually diffuse the tension. It’s a lot!

Cue the Under Armour Pre School Jet 2019 basketball shoe—made for boys and girls, in an array of six colors that can accommodate either a customized pick from each kiddo, or a single option that works across the board. No more need to fight about who has what! These shoes pacify the youngins and keep them protected at the same time.

The rubber sole makes for good grip throughout playtime on a variety of indoor and outdoor surfaces, and the Jet even comes designed with an additional toe cap made from TPU film to help protect tiny toes and keep the shoe bonded together for hours of tough play. The upper is made from mesh and textile, both of which are known to offer a more breathable experience. The height of the upper helps to protect our kids’ ankles, as well, and I doubt I have to tell any parent where safety ranks.

The Pre School Jet also comes with an EVA-made sockliner and midsole, both of which help provide extra support, stability, and cushioning during playtime. These shoes can be worn casually, as well as on the court, making them a superior option for families raising multiple children concurrently!

I was fortunate enough to grow up in a state with a college women’s basketball team that was undefeated and consistently dominating their league throughout my youth. As a result, I had real idols to look up to, whose legacies kept me active and challenging myself even when playing basketball was filled with grueling, long practices and higher stakes than the recreational leagues I grew up with.

I practiced a LOT to try and make up for my lack of natural athleticism, and my feet were often hurting as I trudged off the court. This was certainly not made easier by the lack of well-fitting basketball shoes that I liked. The Under Armour Girls’ Grade School Jet 2018 basketball shoe comes in a choice of three cute color combinations on a pair of legitimate, usable ball shoes that I wish I would have had access to as a kid!

The construction of the shoe offers just ample ankle support, with an upper made of a mix of leather and textile. The Girls’ Jet supports good airflow to help prevent hot and sweaty feet during games and practices, and the rubber sole is designed to provide all the court traction you could need.

The well-made shoes are lightweight but exceptionally durable. Under Armour offers the 2018 Girls’ Jet in little kid and big kid sizes, with a fit that is relatively true-to-size. The form and function of these shoes makes them a great win for the girls’ basketball shoe market and a worthwhile option to consider when narrowing your decisions.

The Nike Men’s Air Visi Pro Vi are a very interesting basketball shoe option on the market for the fact that they come in two color combinations (black and anthracite), which vary pretty drastically from each other despite being the same shoe. On the whole, this shoe performs decently well as far as basketball performance goes; they are well-made, lasting a long time through frequent and active wear, and they provide good rubber-sole traction.

As for the appearance, the black option is a tone-on-tone black design, with the darkest parts of the shoe being made up of the vamp and heel construction. The vamp is made from a soft, dark nubuck, which may prove difficult to keep clean. The heel is comprised of a high-shine plastic and some mesh around the ankle of the upper and on the tongue. The totally black design makes these shoes easy to wear casually, formally, and to complement a range of workout gear.

In contrast, the anthracite option is predominantly a bright, automotive blue with a white sole, white Nike logos, and black mesh on the upper and tongue. This style of the Air Visi Pro Vi is much more attention-grabbing, and the fabrics that make this shoe are a bit different than the black option, as the anthracite vamp is crafted of a synthetic blend, rather than of nubuck.

If one of these styles fits your aesthetic, however, this is a great shoe to fall in love with. It will withstand the test of time, comes in wide size options (although it is also pretty true to fit), and looks very nice both on and off the court.

If you’re a “slick or die” kind of shoe fiend, I’ve got to tell you right away that these will not be for you. However, for those on board with the textured look, Nike’s Mamba Rage men’s basketball shoes are next level! This Kobe Bryant-inspired shoe comes in a whopping 15 different color combinations and is fully designed for high-performance basketball play.

The rubber outsole is comprised of fine, narrow lines of rubber, which afford supreme traction and grip. The midsole is made with Nike’s Lunarlon foam, offering comfort and foot support while maintaining a lightweight feel. The upper is made with Nike’s Flyweave, and is designed to let the feet breathe but also provide some ankle and foot support for activity.

As a potential pro or con (depending on your foot shape and size), these shoes do tend to run a little bit narrow. When playing basketball, it’s important that shoes are not too large, in order to avoid unnecessary blisters and injury, so simply ordering a size up may not be a solution for everyone. On the other hand, the design of this shoe does still fit many men, while providing a viable option for females in search of a high-traction basketball shoe of their own.

For the Mamba Rage, one of the stand-out factors worth making a fuss about is that the shoe comes in such a wide range of color options. With all the different selections available, expressing personality, coordinating with workout clothes, or finding a pair that will represent school colors or match a school uniform is likely, which is a great perk for a high-end basketball shoe.