Last Updated April 15, 2024 Last Updated February 21, 2024 by Brian Aquino
Searching for shoes that increase vertical jump and are good for dunking? Here we have explained the features of the best basketball shoes for jumping that will make you jump higher. These shoes are lightweight, have maximum springiness to bounce high, and have strong cushioning to absorb landing impacts and prevent injuries.
We tested these shoes on indoor and outdoor basketball courts for optimum results. These are ideal for comfortable jumping and landing after throwing the shot. We also performed a couple of skipping drills to observe long jumping. Indeed, these pairs of shoes are great to maximize vertical jump and dunk the basketball. Hence, if you want to stay active in the court for long and jump as high as the rim, you won’t regret choosing any of the following shoes.
Best Basketball Shoes for Jumping – Shoes to Jump Higher
Here is the list of the best basketball shoes for jumping in 2024 that make you jump higher for dunking. Purchase any of these dunking shoes and slam the rim;
Adidas Dame 8 basketball shoes are designed to provide superior comfort and durability on the court. The upper is constructed of durable textile material that will hold up under constant use. The bounce pro midsole offers lightweight cushioning, while the rubber outsole ensures excellent grip. Adidas Dame 8 basketball shoes are perfect for anyone who wants an exceptional one.
Key Features:
It has a dual-density midsole provides the perfect energy return ratio, cushioning, and support
Crafted from durable yet comfortable textiles, the upper of the shoe is designed to withstand even the most harrowing gameplay
Max out your performance with Bounce Pro cushioning in this Adidas basketball shoe
The rubber outsole delivers great grip, making it easier to make quick cuts and sharp turns during practice or a game of basketball
Constructed using recycled content generated from production and post-consumer household waste
Featuring a stylish and modern design, this shoe brings a touch of Damian Lillard’s unique swagger to the court
“Nice Non-Slip Basketball Shoes for Men and Women”
Looking for a versatile and stylish basketball shoe that can handle any activity? Look no further than the Men's Cross-Trainer Performance Basketball Shoes. These shoes feature a bold color-block design with grid detailing, making you stand out on the court. The hybrid rubber outsole provides superior durability and grip, while the fly-weaving technology ensures maximum breathability and comfort. The ergonomic design offers perfect fit and ankle support, ensuring a safe and comfortable workout. You'll love the crunching sound of the non-slip rubber soles against the floor as you work hard to achieve your goals. So don't wait any longer; order your Men's Cross-Trainer Performance Basketball Shoes today!
Key Features:
With a bold color clash design with gradient and grid, these multiple sports sneakers will make you look like a prominent superstar on the court
Its hybrid rubber outsole is durable, and its specially designed grip bottom pattern increases friction while making your stride more stable
Incorporating high rebound TPU material that helps inject vitality into your blocking, pick-and-roll, and jumping maneuvers
Utilizing Flyweaving technology, the upper of these shoes are soft and breathable with a comfortable lining that provides an almost cloud-like sensation when walking or running
Perfectly fitting and strong ankle supports help avoid injuries associated with exercise while simultaneously maximizing the release of impact to reduce damage caused by the shock of impact
These versatile unisex basketball shoes can be used for various activities such as prolonged standing works, multi-sports, casual walking, running, athletic sports classes, aerobics, frisbee, and much more!
One of the most powerful and lightweight Nike shoes if you want to jump above the rim to dunk. These shoes have the largest stacked Zoom Air unit under the forefoot to release explosive energy during takeoff. The padded high ankle locks the foot in and protects ankles from injuries while landing.
Key Features:
The extended large visible Zoom Air bouncy cushion under the forefoot, foam-midsole beneath the heel provides impact protection
Durable Flyknit flexible material reduces the weight while providing maximum support
Perforated top increases breathability
Soft mesh tongue and padded high top collar offers great comfort
Durable rubber outsole with fingerprint style traction patterns for court grip
The Nike Men's Lebron 19 Basketball Shoes are designed for athletes who need a lightweight, breathable shoe that can handle intense play. The shoes have Flywire cables that wrap around the foot for support, and the fabric is breathable and adjusts to your foot. The outsoles are made of rubber and are durable. These shoes are comfortable and provide good traction on the court.
Key Features:
The shoes are designed to be lightweight, making them easy to move in
The fabric used in the shoes is breathable, ensuring your feet stay cool and comfortable
The materials used in the construction of the shoes are durable, ensuring they’ll last for multiple uses
The fit of the shoes is adjustable and secure so they won’t slip off during use
The shoes are stylish and modern, perfect for athletes or anyone who wants a fashionable look
The shoes can be used for various activities, from basketball to everyday wear
The full-length Zoom Air cushioning is back again with an additional forefoot Zoom unit to provide extra bounciness to Kevin Durant model 13. These shoes are super smooth and comfortable. If you want to perform great on the basketball court, these shoes are the best choice sneakers. Minimal upper keeps the weight low that helps to jump high for dunking.
Key Features:
A full feet length Zoom Air responsive cushioning stitched directly to the upper for close feel
Super bouncy and release explosive energy to jump high due to double stacked Zoom Air units under the forefoot
Manufactured with lightweight broken-in soft material, very flexible
Hard rubber outsole with circular traction bites, grippy on any surface
Snug-in fit, soft tongue and padded collar provides comfortable containment and keeps the foot stable
Engineered to make you jump higher, this non-signature Nike shoes are perfect for dunking. The forefoot zoom cushioning makes them bouncy and heel cushioning protects from hard landings. Lightweight textile material keeps the weight low for high flights.
Key Feature:
Responsive ride in the court due to forefoot and heel Zoom Air units
The adidas Dame 7 Basketball shoes are stylish with a shiny finish. This minimal graphics design pair offers the best protection and support to jump higher and play longer without feeling any pain at your feet. It has thick cushioning on the heel area for absorbing shock from landing impacts. Hence, you’ll be able to continue playing basketball even after having dunked 20 times within one period.
You can jump more aggressively, run faster with quicker starts and stop, defend your position effectively on the court without worrying about the durability of shoes.
Key Features:
Ultra-lightweight cushioning offers great impact protection from jumping and delivers explosive responsive energy for high jumps
Durable rubber outsole to last longer even on outdoor courts and provide excellent traction
The pair fits well and feels great due to its soft leather material that also prevents blisters during long jumping sessions while playing basketball
The upper part is designed with lightweight breathable mesh and textile to keep the weight as low as possible
Durable materials to accommodate fast runs, quick moves and aggressive jumping
Soft ankle padding to prevent ankles from injuries while landing
It requires some break-in time for the shoes to perform as promised
Main Features of Dunking Shoes
There are multiple basketball shoe models that perform excellently on the court. But there are certain shoes that are designed for high vertical jumps and dunking. Such shoes a slightly high priced because of the manufacturing nature, but they worth every penny. So, if you are looking to buy shoes that will make you jump higher and slam the basketball, you should consider the following features;
Cushioning must be responsive and bouncy
Lightweight materials to keep the shoe light
Proper fitting and containment
Supportive to keep the feet aligned
Solid court grip to prevent from slipping while landing
Bounciest Basketball Shoes for Dunking - Top Picks
What Shoes are Banned from the NBA?
APL concept series shoes designed by Athletic Propulsion Labs are banned from the NBA. The shoes are said to give players an unfair advantage of jumping higher due to their spring-like technology. The shoes are prohibited from being worn by NBA players, coaches, and referees.
There are several other types of shoes that are banned from the NBA. The most common banned shoes are that have spring-link technology to increase players' vertical. Other types of shoes that are banned include shoes with metal spikes, shoes with built-in wheels, and shoes with blades.
There are several reasons why the NBA bans these types of shoes. The most common reason is that these types of shoes can give players an unfair advantage. For example, the metal spikes can give players more traction, which can help them make better shots and move around the court more easily. The wheels can help players move more quickly and easily around the court. And the blades can help players make sharper and faster cuts on the court.
Final Verdict
Every basketball player’s dream is to slam the rim, but we must have a high vertical jump. It takes a lot of effort to increase vertical jump. However, there are shoes that are specially engineered to make you jump higher. And, we have mentioned the features of the best basketball shoes for jumping which are highest rated in 2024.
After several tests, we found the Nike Alphadunk Shoes extremely safe while landing due to high ankle. This pair is one of the shoes with the largest Zoom Air unit.
If you love to have a solid court grip along with the ability to jump high, Nike Men's Lebron 19 Basketball Shoes is a perfect choice. These shoes have springy cushioning and lightweight woven material, good for the high hop.
Read and calculate how high do you need to jump to Dunk a Basketball.
Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs)
What is the best basketball shoe for jumping?
Nike Lebron XVI is the best basketball shoe for jumping. A list of the best basketball shoes for jumping in 2024 is below;
Nike Lebron XVI – Best Shoes for Dunking
Air Jordan XXXV Bred – Best for High Vertical Jump
Nike Alphadunk Shoes – High Ankle Lightweight Dunking Shoes
Under Armour Curry Flow 8 – Best for Jumping High
Nike KD 13 Bred – Best Shoes that Increase Vertical Jump
Hyperdunk X Team – Make You Jump Higher
Are there shoes that make you jump higher?
Yes, there are shoes that make you jump higher – especially the basketball shoes with extra springiness and bounce. Nike Hyperdunk X Team makes you jump higher due to Zoom Air units under the forefoot and heel counter. These shoes are extra bouncy and provide impact protection for hard landings.
What shoes increase vertical jump?
Nike KD 13 Bred are good shoes to increase vertical jump. We tested them on different weight athletes and found them pretty good in enhancing the jump. Certainly, it is due to the double stacked Zoom Air units under the forefoot. Super bouncy and lightweight to fly high.
Are basketball shoes good for skipping?
No, basketball shoes are a bit bulkier than normal running shoes or skipping shoes. Therefore, they are not good for skipping even though they are bouncier than normal sneakers.
There are multiple basketball shoe models that perform excellently on the court. But there are certain shoes that are designed for high vertical jumps and dunking. Such shoes a slightly high priced because of the manufacturing nature, but they worth every penny. So, if you are looking to buy shoes that will make you jump higher and slam the basketball, you should consider the following features;
APL concept series shoes designed by Athletic Propulsion Labs are banned from the NBA. The shoes are said to give players an unfair advantage of jumping higher due to their spring-like technology. The shoes are prohibited from being worn by NBA players, coaches, and referees.
