The Best Basketball Shoes for Kids – Avoid Damaging Their Feet and Knees
The risk for injury is higher in sports with more jumping and quick direction changes such as basketball. With so many options on the market, how do you know which pair will support your child’s feet and help enhance their performance on the court? As a passionate shoe fitter specializing in children’s footwear, I understand the importance of selecting the right basketball shoes.
The best basketball shoes for kids in 2025 focus on key features such as traction, support, and fit, and you will notice that the styles I recommend can accommodate different foot shapes (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide). The correct fit can significantly impact foot health, performance, and even injury prevention.
Why Choose Basketball Shoes Over Sneakers?
Basketball shoes and sneakers might look similar, but they serve different purposes. In children, most toe, foot, or ankle injuries occur during sports, play, or falls. Sport-specific shoes are engineered to provide the support, motion control, and cushioning that minimize foot injuries associated with a particular activity. Wearing the correct pair of basketball shoes will minimize the chance of injuries on the field.
Key Features of Basketball Shoes for Kids
Sprained ankles are one of the most common basketball injuries. To prevent injuries parents should provide their children with shoes that are specifically made for basketball. These types of shoes are designed to provide maximum ankle support and excellent traction when playing. Buying basketball-specific shoes will be a much cheaper investment in the long run as a form of preventative medicine.
1. Firm Heel Counters: This feature helps cushion, support, and protect your kids’ heels every time they come in contact with the ground. A basketball shoe that provides a firm heel counter will also reduce the chances of sprained ankles.
2. Stable Base of Support: The shoe should have a broad and stable base that helps distribute weight evenly. This stability is essential for quick lateral movements, jumps, and landings on the court. A wide base not only supports balance but also reduces the likelihood of slips and falls, which can lead to injuries.
3. Breathability: Children are often active for extended periods, and breathable materials help keep their feet dry and comfortable. This feature prevents blisters and other discomforts that can arise from moisture accumulation.
4. Traction: Good traction is crucial for quick movements and changes in direction. To avoid common pitfalls, basketball shoes must provide excellent thread at the bottom of the shoe. Proper and adequate traction will allow your child to adjust to quick direction changes and sudden stops, which are common in basketball. As a matter of fact, in most instances, the speed a player can make a direction change or a sudden stop will be determined by the level of thread in the shoe.
The Importance of Ordering the Correct Shoe Size
One of the most common mistakes parents make is ordering the wrong shoe size. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to a range of issues, including discomfort, reduced performance, and even long-term foot health problems. I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size and foot shape from home. If you follow the instructions correctly I will be able to retrieve your child’s exact foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet). I also will be able to tell you whether your child has a high instep or not.
Here are some of the best basketball shoe options that combine functionality, comfort, and affordability. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.
Top Picks for Kids Basketball Shoes in 2025
Take a look at the description below each shoe to find out if that style is capable of fitting your child’s foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide).
1. Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoe by Under Armour
These good basketball shoes for kids are a fantastic choice for young basketball players. Known for its excellent traction and lightweight design, this shoe allows for quick and agile movements on the court.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Lockdown by Under Armour on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits children with narrow and medium feet
- Padded collar to increase comfort and prevent blisters
- Firm heel counter
- Lace-up closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Cross Em Up by Adidas
These big kids basketball shoes provide solid support. They feature a Cloudfoam midsole, providing superior cushioning and shock absorption.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Cross Em Up by Adidas on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits children with medium or wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Supportive outsoles and firm heel counter
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Postmove Mid by Adidas
These kids’ basketball shoes combine style and functionality, making them a popular choice among young athletes. The shoes provide excellent ankle support, essential for preventing injuries during play.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Postmove Mid by Adidas on Amazon
- Fits children with narrow and medium feet
- Padded collar to increase comfort and prevent blisters
- Firm heel counter
- Lace-up closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. TWO WXY v5 by New Balance
These New Balance kid’s basketball shoes provide supportive outsoles and firm heel counters. The lightweight build and secure fit make it an ideal choice for kids who take their game seriously.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Coco Unity by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- NDurance rubber outsole technology provides superior durability in high-wear areas to help get more out of the shoes
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Jet ’21 by Under Armour
These Under Armour kids basketball shoes provide rubber outsoles with unique traction patterns that ensure optimal grip, while the padded collar adds comfort during long games.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Jet ’21 by Under Armour on Amazon
- Fits children with narrow and medium feet
- Padded collar to increase comfort and prevent blisters
- Firm heel counter
- Lace-up closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Lockdown 6 by Under Armour
These kids’ Under Armour basketball shoes provide extra cushion and padding below the heels. These kids’ basketball shoes with ankle support will protect and support your child’s heels and ankles.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Lockdown 6 by Under Armour on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- NDurance rubber outsole technology provides superior durability in high-wear areas to help get more out of the shoes
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Contact Me for Personalized Shoe Recommendations
I understand that each child is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. By discussing your child’s specific needs, I can provide tailored advice and suggestions that take into account their foot structure, activity level, and personal preferences.
As a passionate shoe fitter, I’m here to help families find the perfect pair of basketball shoes for their children. If you have specific questions or need personalized recommendations based on your child’s foot shape and condition, please feel free to contact me.
Additional Resource: Basketball Shoes for Kids with Wide Feet
If your child has a “complicated” foot shape such as wide or extra wide feet, finding the right basketball shoes can be even more challenging. Fortunately, some brands offer models specifically designed for wider feet. New Balance, for example, is known for producing shoes that cater to different foot widths.
The Importance of Properly Tying Shoes
A well-tied shoe can make a significant difference in performance and safety. Improperly laced shoes can lead to slips, trips, and even injuries. Ensuring your child’s shoes are tied correctly can enhance their comfort and focus during games. It’s a simple yet crucial aspect of preparation that can influence their overall performance.
Shoelaces are the main players that provide your child with stability, and they also keep their ankles locked, protecting them from injuries. Make sure you use all the eyelets (holes) of the shoes for maximum support and stability. I suggest that you apply this specific shoe lacing technique so your child can get the full support and stability that the basketball shoes have to offer.
If your children don’t know how to tie their shoelaces yet, make sure you double-knot them before they start playing.
Basketball Socks for Kids for Extra Cushion and Support
The right pair of basketball socks can help keep your child’s feet supported and protected each time they land on the hard floor. They also come with benefits such as preventing the feet from sweating excessively and reducing friction between the feet and the shoes. Basketball socks with moisture-wicking properties and extra padding in the heel and toe areas provide added cushioning and help absorb impact, contributing to overall foot comfort during intense play.
Is Your Child Experiencing Foot or Leg Pain During Basketball?
Children’s foot and leg pain might occur as they engage in high-impact activities and sports. I am going to start this section by explaining how your child’s foot and leg pain can be simply due to your child not stretching enough before and after the game or practice. If your child does stretch regularly and the pain persists, then it may be a sign that your child needs extra support inside their shoes.
Start by assessing their footwear. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to discomfort and even injuries over time. It’s essential to consider shoes that offer adequate support and cushioning. Persistent pain should not be ignored, as it could indicate an underlying issue that needs attention.
For children experiencing persistent discomfort, sports insoles can be a game-changer. They provide additional arch support and help in distributing pressure evenly across the foot. Insoles can be particularly beneficial for children with flat feet or high arches.
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world for all ages and a way of life for millions of American children. It is a great form of exercise for them and they have fun playing it, but it is also a contact sport, and injuries occur frequently.
I’m refering this to my friends and family.
I can’t make much use of this as of now more than they can other than knowing what to buy their kids.
Its awesome to know the differences about fitting shoes. I’m sure they’ll take a lot from your reviews.
Thanks and good luck!
Fleyva,
I hope they will find the website helpful. I try to cover everything that relates to children shoes and the importance of wearing the right pair. I also explain the importance of wearing socks, sport shoes, and orthotics.
There sure are many choices in shoes and there are so many different activities that demand a specialized shoe. I always debate when it is good to buy the best shoes for kids since they outgrow shoes so quickly and they often change interests quickly as well. Indeed basketball requires good shoes as the sport is demanding on feet. thanks for the info and now I will pay more attention to the right shoes for the right activity.
Jason,
The best shoes for kids don’t have to be expensive. They surely need their shoes replaced often, and that is why we must be price conscious. I do believe shoes have to be well made and have good support, since your children will benefit greatly from them now, and in the future.
Liked reading your content and enjoyed learning about how you can prevent your child from getting hurt. I have two children so the information is very relevant.
I love the basketball shoes from Amazon. I love how you provide a review of the best basketball shoes, since that makes it really easy.. I would be getting them a pair from your top recommendations. Thank you!
Jenny,
I write the reviews so parents can see the difference between each shoes and choose the one that fits the need of what they are looking for. Every single shoes that I review I have previously fitted and I am familiar with the quality and the way the fit.
This was a very interesting post considering that I understand the importance of well fitted shoes and the impact these can have if not fitted properly.
I really like the way you specified the different designs available. At least a parent can be able to identify their child’s preference and focus on the appropriate shoe for their child.
I am trying to help the parent make the most informative decision. I have seen the negative impact of wearing shoes that are not supportive or that are not fitted properly. It will lead to back and leg pain, and it won’t allow children t perform at their best when playing a particular sport.
Hi Juan,
I really enjoyed your post. My son is going to start playing basketball and now I know what shoes to get him. Where I live there is not a shoe store where I can take him. Is Amazon the cheapest place to buy them? What type of socks will you recommend for him? Thank you!
Charma
Charma,
Amazon is the cheapest place you can buy the shoes I describe. Socks are extremely important and they will make the whole difference of the shoe being comfortable or uncomfortable. I will be creating a review of the best basketball socks shortly.
Dicks Sporting Goods also has a wide online selection of sports shoes.