The 2 Best Low Top Basketball Shoes of 2025, Reviewed and Compare

Basketball shoes are often praised for their high-top design, which is believed to offer enhanced stability on the court. However, recent studies and expert analyses reveal that low-top basketball shoes can perform just as effectively as mid-tops and high-tops. In this guide, we will spotlight the 2 Best Low Top Basketball Shoes that combine performance and comfort, catering to both casual players and serious athletes alike.

Our comprehensive evaluation process involved rigorous lab testing and real-world performance assessments. We analyzed over 20 data points across various models to identify the best options available. From budget-friendly to premium selections, our tests focused on critical attributes such as grip, cushioning, and overall support. You can trust our findings, as each shoe was scrutinized both inside and outside the lab to provide an unbiased and thorough review.

Nike KD 18

Pros

  • Excellent shock absorption
  • Propulsive energy return in the forefoot
  • Superb outsole traction
  • Solid ankle support and lateral stability
  • Secure lockdown and containment
  • Comfortable step-in feel
  • Good breathability for warm temperatures
  • Decent forefoot flexibility
  • Promising durability (okay for outdoor courts)

Cons

  • Heavier than average
  • Not for wide feet
  • No major updates from KD 17

Key Features

  • Men to Women Sizing: Easily convert your size; for instance, 7 Men equals 8.5 Women.
  • Limited Edition: A special release celebrating Kevin Durant's legacy in basketball.
  • High-Performance Materials: Designed with a combination of mesh material for breathability and rubber sole for traction.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole Material: Rubber
  • Outer Material: Mesh Material
  • Inner Material: Cotton

The Nike KD 18 is best suited for basketball players seeking a balance of performance and comfort. This iteration features minimal updates, making it feel like an enhanced version of the KD 17, which previously offered well-rounded performance. In our lab tests, the KD 18 achieved high scores across nearly all categories.

One significant aspect of the KD 18 is its overall stability and cushioning, which contribute to a reliable on-court experience. However, a notable drawback is that this model has increased in weight by **1 ounce**, which may affect agility during play. Overall, the KD 18 remains a strong option for those who appreciated the previous model's capabilities.

Nike Sabrina 3

Pros

  • Stellar court feel from a grounded platform
  • Highly responsive with a propulsive forefoot
  • Excellent side-to-side stability
  • Amazing lockdown and containment
  • Reliable outsole traction
  • Super flexible and maneuverable
  • Much lighter than average
  • True to size and width

Cons

  • Low shock absorption
  • Not for outdoor courts
  • Not for wide feet
  • Lacks toebox durability

Key Features

  • Colorway: A bright mix of soft yellow and black, designed to stand out.
  • Responsive Zoom Air cushioning: Provides excellent energy return and comfort during play.
  • Durable multi-directional sole: Ensures stability and quick cuts, ideal for dynamic movements on the court.
  • Lace-up closure: Offers a secure fit that can be easily adjusted to your preference.
  • Women's sizing: Available in sizes ranging from 5w to 16.5w, accommodating a variety of foot sizes.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship.
  • Sole material: Rubber, providing good traction and durability.
  • Outer material: Mesh, promoting breathability and lightweight feel.
  • Closure type: Lace-Up, allowing for customizable fit and support.

The Nike Sabrina 3 is designed for agile basketball players seeking a lightweight and low-to-the-court profile. This model emphasizes court feel and maneuverability over cushioning, as verified by our lab tests. The latest iteration offers enhanced security and support, facilitating sharp cuts and stable side-to-side movements.

2 Best Low Top Basketball Shoes – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Nike LeBron 23 Nike KD 18 Nike G.T. Cut 3 Turbo Jordan Zion 4 Nike Sabrina 3 Jordan Luka .77 Nike Giannis Freak 7
Best Overall Traction Energy return Shock absorption Lightweight Outdoor Budget
Price $210 $155 $210 $145 $135 $105 $115
Signature LeBron James Kevin Durant - Zion Williamson Sabrina Ionescu Luka Doncic Giannis Antetokounmpo
Top Low Low - Low Low Low Low
Ankle support
Weight lab 15.5 oz / 439g 14.9 oz / 422g 12.6 oz / 357g 14.4 oz / 408g 12.4 oz / 352g 12.3 oz / 349g 13.8 oz / 391g
Lightweight
Breathability Warm Breathable Warm Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Outsole durability Good Decent Bad Good Good Good Good
Drop lab 7.7 mm 4.8 mm 5.8 mm 6.5 mm 5.5 mm 6.3 mm 5.3 mm
Heel stack lab 31.1 mm 26.7 mm 27.2 mm 25.2 mm 26.1 mm 26.6 mm 27.2 mm
Forefoot 23.4 mm 21.9 mm 21.4 mm 18.7 mm 20.6 mm 20.3 mm 21.9 mm
Size True to size True to size True to size - Slightly small - Slightly small
Midsole softness Soft Balanced Soft Balanced Soft Firm Soft
Stiffness Moderate Moderate Stiff Flexible Flexible Stiff Stiff
Torsional rigidity Stiff Moderate Stiff Stiff Moderate Stiff Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Stiff Moderate Moderate Moderate Stiff Moderate Stiff
Width / fit Wide Medium Narrow Medium Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Medium Medium Narrow Medium Wide Medium
Midsole width - forefoot Average Average Average Average Average Average Average
Midsole width - heel Average Average Narrow Very narrow Average Narrow Average
Heel padding durability Good Good Decent Decent Good Good Good
Toebox durability Good Decent Decent Decent Decent Decent Decent
Insole thickness Very thick Average Average Average Average Average Average
Outsole thickness Average Average Average Average Average Average Average
Heel tab None None None None None None None
Ranking Top 27% Top 17% Bottom 26% Bottom 7% Top 21% Bottom 7% Bottom 3%
Popularity Top 23% Top 17% Top 33% Bottom 49% Top 29% Top 43% Bottom 39%