2022 saw some of the best performance basketball shoes produced in some time. Although the Kobe 6 did release in 2022, being that it was almost impossible to get, it wasn’t mentioned in this list. Everything else are all attainable shoes and can be found at your local malls, outlets, or online with plenty stock available. With recent innovation and new young signature talent, there’s more competition, as you can’t go wrong with many of the shoes currently on the market. There hasn’t been a better time for performance basketball shoes in at least a decade, so here is a list of the best ones you should try.
Li-Ning Way of Wade 10 – BUY HERE
If you have been sleeping on Li-Ning, this is your wake-up call. The Li-Ning Way of Wade 10 does it all and is commonly referred to as the “best hoop shoe of 2022.” Featuring Li-Ning’s signature BOOM cushion setup combined with a full-length carbon-fiber plate which helps to propel you forward with each step while also providing a bouncy feeling on foot, phenomenal multidirectional traction pattern that works on any type of court surface and enough support and lockdown to cater towards all types of players, the WoW 10 is the ultimate all-around shoe for performance basketball.
One of the most talked about, and sought-after hoop shoes released in 2022 was the LeBron 20. Nike and LeBron decided to switch things up and go for a Kobe-esque shoe. The LeBron 20 was engineered to the exact specifications of the next generation. It took inspiration from his kids, Bronny and Bryce, which is why the shoe was heavily inspired by the Kobe line, as the youth in the basketball community prefer to play in Kobes. As far as design, tech, and performance go, they definitely lived up to the Mamba’s sneaker reputation. Featuring a top-loaded zoom turbo unit in the forefoot, a huge zoom unit in the heel, all encased within a comfy Cushlon midsole, a comfortable knit upper, and some of the best traction Nike has to offer; the LeBron 20 is an absolute beast of a shoe.
The Nike PG 6 is rumored to be the last shoe to release for the all-star forward’s line, and if so, they are going out with a bang. This shoe is a fan-favorite amongst all hoopers due to its excellent performance and low price point. You get your money’s worth, as they provide amazing traction, a comfy ride with Nike’s react technology, a lightweight and breathable upper, and solid containment.
“Luka Magic” and Jordan Brand did their thing and released a very solid performer in the Jordan Luka 1. The first signature shoe for the man taking the league by storm is also taking the performance basketball shoe world by storm with how well they play on the court. For the first time, Jordan Brand implemented their new formula 23 foam which feels great and responsive on foot. This shoe was designed to help you step back with confidence like Luka with the Isoplate system and grippy traction.
New Balance Two Wxy V3 – BUY HERE
It’s time to stop sleeping on New Balance Hoops. The Two Wxy line has been solid since the first iteration and continues to improve, as the v3 is no joke when it comes to on-court performance. This shoe features a comfortable molded textile upper, a radial traction pattern that grips just about any court surface, and amazing lockdown and support—definitely a shoe deserving of more attention from any type of player.
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