The Best Basketball Shoes Under $100 of 2024

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Sports such as basketball do not have to be expensive. A lot of people can still excel in basketball regardless of the gear and the equipment used. It still only boils down to talent and hard work when it comes to honing your craft as a basketball player. After all, a lot of popular NBA players never had the same gear and opportunities as some of their other peers and contemporaries but were still able to excel.

However, it still cannot be denied how useful it is to have reliable basketball shoes when you are playing the sport. There are a lot of expensive basketball shoes that were named after and designed by the game’s best players but that does not mean that you should try to overspend and purchase such shoes that are worth $150 or more. Truth be told, there are still affordable basketball shoes that you can get under a hundred bucks and they perform just as well or sometimes even better than the signature names.

That said, if you want to get your hands (or feet) on some really good basketball sneakers without having to break the bank just to play basketball well, here are some of the top picks we lined up for you:

If you want to get back to playing basketball, get our top pick basketball shoes under $100 here.

Our Top Favorite
Nike Mens Air Versitile Ii NBK Anthracite/Black Ankle-High Basketball Shoe - 9.5M
Our Top Value Pick
adidas Dual Threat 2017 Shoe - Men's Basketball 9 Grey
Our Top Runner Up
adidas NEO Men's Cloudfoam Ilation Mid Basketball Shoe,Black/Metallic Silver/White,7.5 M US
Basketball Shoes
Nike Air Versitile II
Adidas Cloudfoam Ilation Mid
Adidas Dual Threat Mid
Prime Eligible?
-
-
-
Our Top Favorite
Nike Mens Air Versitile Ii NBK Anthracite/Black Ankle-High Basketball Shoe - 9.5M
Basketball Shoes
Nike Air Versitile II
Prime Eligible?
-
Our Top Value Pick
adidas Dual Threat 2017 Shoe - Men's Basketball 9 Grey
Basketball Shoes
Adidas Cloudfoam Ilation Mid
Prime Eligible?
-
Our Top Runner Up
adidas NEO Men's Cloudfoam Ilation Mid Basketball Shoe,Black/Metallic Silver/White,7.5 M US
Basketball Shoes
Adidas Dual Threat Mid
Prime Eligible?
-

Our Favorites for the Best Basketball Shoes under $100Our Favorites for the Best Basketball Shoes Under $100 (the best out of the bunch)

Nike Air Versitile II

Being one of the more affordable shoes, the Air Versatile II from Nike is actually a pretty solid choice for those who are not willing to go over the budget just for a good pair of basketball shoes. These shoes not only carry the Nike brand and logo but actually does well in living up to brand’s name when you factor in design and quality in relation to the shoes’ price.

These kicks are primarily made from synthetic leather, which is an ode to the classic shoes of the 80s and the 90s. The synthetic leather feels quite durable and does not feel as stiff as some other shoes. It feels quite right and will make you feel like you are getting more than what you paid for. Meanwhile, its sole is made of rubber that does not really have a lot of standout features but still gives you the performance and comfort you need.

The upper and inner mesh materials can make you feel how light the shoes are as Nike made it a point to make the Nike Air Versitile II light enough to fit any playing style while also staying durable enough to handle the constant grind and movements that basketball players make on the court. And because of how breathable the shoes are, you probably will not feel any kind of sweating sensation while wearing them.

As far as its performance goes, the Nike Air Versitile II is indeed a versatile pair of shoes. The midsole area is made from pylon, which adds stability and comfort to your feet while you are grinding it out on the court. Meanwhile, the webbing pattern and the Air-Sole feature support your feet whenever you are making sharp cuts or are landing on your feet. We and other buyers who were satisfied with these shoes love the traction the pattern makes sure that your feet stay firm on the ground.

Overall, while the Air Versatile II is not a Kyrie or LeBron, it performs up to standards if you factor in the fact that it is priced at less than $100. It combines a lightweight build together with functionality and comfort to create a pair of shoes that truly lives up to its name as versatile sneakers. You would be hard-pressed to find affordable shoes better than the Nike Air Versitile II.

What Makes Nike Air Versatile IIs Unique:

  • The heel and sole cushion feel nice especially when you are landing on your feet after a shot.
  • Its cushioning makes it ideal for athletic players who like jumping a lot.
  • The support adds to its versatility as it allows guards and big men alike to be able to make sharp and hard cuts.

Why Choose These Basketball Shoes:

  • They are truly versatile as guards, athletic wings, and big men alike can perform well in them without having a lot of problems.
  • These shoes are great for pickup games and for hard training sessions due to their versatility and durability.
  • You will enjoy the functionality the pair comes with at a really affordable price tag.
  • The pair is extremely lightweight but still has more than what you need to perform well.

Anta KT3 Low

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The No products found., from Klay Thompson’s signature line of basketball sneakers, is a product that tends to betray its price tag because of how visually stunning and effective it is on the court. As one of the best budget shoes on the market, it offers you a good combination of materials, looks, and security whenever you are moving so much. Basketball players who cannot afford the more expensive signature shoes from other brands often go for Klay Thompson’s shoes from Anta.

In terms of the materials used, the breathable mesh that comprises the upper and the sides offer a great feeling for your feet. Air passes through the upper material so well that it won’t leave your feet sweating or feeling all too hot. The shoes are also stable enough that you would feel your feet planted firmly while offering the security you would look for in shoes that were seemingly made for guards who like to move so much on the floor.

In conclusion, the No products found. is a stable pair of basketball shoes that offer you the bang for your buck at a price that does not usually go over a hundred grand. You are going to enjoy its overall slick design that goes extremely well with its breathability, traction, and support. They were indeed designed to meet the specifications of shooters like Klay Thompson and are often the go-to shoes for shooters who do not want to spend over their budget.

What Makes the Anta KT3 Lows Unique:

  • The upper and the sides are almost entirely made of mesh, which gives your feet a cool and breathable feeling.
  • Its outsole is made off a combination of TPU and EVA to give you maximum support and stability whenever you are moving so much.
  • In terms of performance, it tends to do just as well as other well-known brands but comes at a fraction of their price.

Why Choose These Basketball Shoes:

  • Great for shooters because of how the support and traction allow them to feel comfortable and free when trying to find an open spot.
  • Because of how breathable the shoes are, they are great for hot summers or for those who live in particularly warm climates.
  • You probably won’t get signature shoes that come with the affordability and quality of the No products found..

No products found.


Our Runners-up for the Best Basketball Shoes under $100

The Runners-Up for the Best Basketball Shoes Under $100 (still good but a bit lacking)

Adidas Cloudfoam Ilation Mid

While Adidas is similar to Nike in the sense that they are not known for cheap basketball shoes, the Cloudfoamilation Mid actually performs well and should be on your list whenever you are looking for affordable sneakers you can use on the court. They retain some of the amazing details and features that some expensive Adidas basketball sneakers have but are friendly on your pocket.

The Adidas Cloudfoam Ilation Mid stands out when it comes to how durable it is to the point that you will be able to use this pair for a very long time. In that regard, it can be pone of the best value basketball shoes on the market due to its longevity. Moreover, it does not skimp out on comfort as the pair is actually breathable because of its ventilation system.

Made of the brand’s patented Cloudfoam, the shoes feel nice on your feet whenever you are looking for something with enough cushioning. It also allows you to feel the bounce in your step and will make it much easier for you to jump up and down without feeling a lot of pressure on your legs whenever you do so.

All these features make the Adidas Cloudfoam Ilation Mid a great choice for anyone looking for budget sneakers but it might not be the most versatile pair you can get if you have a more unique style of playing. Nevertheless, players still love these budget basketball shoes because they are already give more than enough when it comes to the basics.

What Makes the Adidas Cloudfoam Ilation Mids Unique:

  • Despite being made from materials that are durable, it actually feels light on your feet and does not weigh you down a lot.
  • The ventilation feels nice and allows the pair to be quite breathable while giving your feet a cool feeling.
  • This pair is expected to last quite long since it is made from pure synthetic materials.

Why Choose These Basketball Shoes:

  • The lightweight material and build make it a good choice for those who play a faster style.
  • For athletic players, you will enjoy the extra bounce and the cushioning that the Cloudfoam offers you.
  • Performs well outdoors because of its durable build and the grip that its traction system gives your feet.
adidas NEO Men's Cloudfoam Ilation Mid Basketball Shoe,Black/Metallic Silver/White,7.5 M US
  • High-top basketball sneaker featuring 3-Stripes logo at sides and perforations for ventilation
  • Air mesh tongue, collar and rear quarter
  • CLOUDFOAM sockliner and midsole for lightweight cushioning
  • Grippy rubber outsole

Adidas Dame 4

The Adidas Dame 44 might have had a price tag north of a hundred back when it was first released but it is now one of the more affordable signature shoes out there if you are looking for budget sneakers under $100. But just because it has been replaced by newer models it does not mean that time has made the Dame 4 less effective as a good pair of basketball shoes.

On top of how eye-catching the pair is, you are going to love its breathable upper construction and materials that make it seem like it should be more expensive than it actually is. Its upper is almost entirely made of mesh and offers the type of breathability you would love in a pair of basketball shoes. The shoes are also quite light due to its construction.

When it comes to its performance, the Adidas Dame 4 comes with features that guards will love. It allows you to have a good feel on the court and has the support that provides superb lockdown. The low profile makes it easy for you to make quick and explosive movements but the cushioning is more than enough to make you feel comfortable whenever you are exploding quickly. However, what we did not really love is the traction, which has a particularly long break-in period but will perform well enough once you get used to it.

The Adidas Dame 4 were once some of the most popular shoes on the market before the next generation of Damian Lillard’s sneakers came out. But, despite how these shoes may have fallen in popularity over the years, you are still going to enjoy how they have also fallen in terms of price. And the best part of it all for basketball players is that they enjoy the overall quality, construction, and lockdown that the Dame 4 provides.

What Makes the Adidas Dame 4s Unique:

  • The materials and the superb construction makes it seem more expensive than the affordable price tag it comes with.
  • Its cushioning, support, and lockdown are all amazing and have proven to be effective even though the shoes are already a few years old.

Why Choose These Basketball Shoes:

  • The Adidas Dame 4 comes with features that make it a good option for quick and explosive guards.
  • Its responsiveness is amazing and will make you feel like the shoes and your feet are one because of the great on-the-court feel it gives you.

Our Ultimate Value Pick for the Best Basketball Shoes under $100The Ultimate Value Pick for the Best Basketball Shoes Under $100

Adidas Dual Threat Mid

Arguably the most affordable yet still high-quality pair of basketball shoes you can find on the market is the Adidas Dual Threat. It comes with the kind of quality and durability you would expect from Adidas but is actually a lot more affordable than most other basketball shoes on the market. In a sense, you will be getting affordability and quality all in one neat package.

The Adidas Dual Threat Mid comes with basic support that allows your ankle and feet to feel comfortable and protected even while you are performing intensely on the court. Meanwhile, you would not expect a lot from its cushioning since this is actually a budget shoe. But you would still be surprised at how comfortable the cushioning is as it provides enough padding to soothe your feet without being too thick to the point that it will disrupt performance.

Its Dual Threat name actually comes from its dual cushioning, which is more than enough for you to feel safe and comfortable when you are playing outdoors. It even offers a fantastic grip on the court because of how fantastic its traction is. And due to its mesh build, it feels quite light and will be more than durable enough for pickup games and simple basketball training sessions outdoors.

What Makes the Adidas Dual Threat Unique:

  • The Adidas Dual Threat Mid grips on the surface of the court well and also comes with a fantastic fit that feels nice on your feet.
  • Its mesh build allows it to be very light even though it features a dual cushioning system that is thick enough to provide support and comfort.

Why Choose These Basketball Shoes:

  • You are not going to find shoes that are as affordable yet as effective as this pair.
  • A good choice for guards because of its good cushioning system and fantastic grip and traction.

FAQ on Basketball Shoes Under $100

Is it Bad to Spend Less than $100 on a Basketball Shoe?

The answer is, of course, yes. Even though the pair of basketball shoes are under $100, it does not mean that it is anything but high-quality. Factors such as brand name and whether or not it comes from a player’s signature line play a role in making a shoe expensive.

Moreover, materials and innovative technology also make the shoes more expensive even though they might not come from a signature line.

So, in that regard, you can still get a good pair of basketball shoes under $100 even though they do not come from a name brand or a popular athlete or are not as innovative as others. As long as the shoes are durable, safe, and comfortable enough for you, there is no reason why you should not buy affordable shoes.

What’s Important to Consider When Buying a Budget Basketball Shoe?

Buying the best value basketball shoes is not rocket science as long as you know what you should be looking for when choosing the one for you. It does not even need to be a complicated process. We believe that there are only two main factors you have to consider.

The first one is durability because it is important for you to have shoes that feel durable when you are playing hard on any surface. After all, nobody wants their shoes to suddenly break apart after just a few uses. This can be unsafe as you can potentially get injured when the shoes suddenly break.

Meanwhile, the second factor we would like to consider is comfort. There a lot of things that go into comfort such as materials, breathability, fit, and support. So long as your feet feel comfortable regardless of what you are doing on the court, you should be fine with your shoes. It would be bad if you actually do not feel comfortable in your shoes regardless of how expensive or affordable it may be.

How Long Do Basketball Shoes Typically Last?

There is no specific answer to this question in regards to “how long” because it usually boils down to a lot of factors. First of all, the frequency of use is quite important because shoes that are often used (maybe on a daily basis) are expected to have shorter lifespans compared to ones that are used not as frequently.

Moreover, playing style also plays a role because those who are more intense tend to wear their shoes down faster than those who play a more conservative style.

Those factors considered, we would say that the best time to replace your basketball shoes is when they begin to show signs of wear and tear. But because there are shoes that won’t show any signs of damage but would suddenly break down, you might want to consider replacing your shoes every two years if you are not someone who frequently uses them.

Can You Get Decent Basketball Shoes Under $50?

There are still decent basketball shoes that do not cost more than $50. A lot of these shoes come from brands that are not as well-known as Nike or Adidas but are still able to design basketball sneakers that provide all of the necessities a player would need from an effective pair. Perhaps you might need to look at brands such as Li-Ning, Anta, and And1 if you want decent basketball shoes that stay under $50. But you might not be able to find some if you are looking at brands such as Nike and Adidas.

What’s the Difference Between a $100 Basketball Shoe and More Expensive Shoes?

There are differences between basketball shoes that are under a hundred bucks and those that are more expensive but such differences are not necessities but mere luxuries that may help you perform better but not to the point that you would suddenly show a drastic difference had you chosen to use more affordable basketball shoes.

The first differences tend to be brand name and the name of the player carrying the signature line. Budget shoes are usually cheaper because they do not come from popular brands or are not endorsed by star players.

A second difference can be found in the materials used as shoes that are made from pure leather are more expensive than synthetic leather while shoes that come from knitted materials are more expensive than synthetic mesh. The final difference can be seen in the features as expensive shoes have additional innovative features that make them stand out compared to more affordable basketball shoes.

How to Choose the Best Basketball Shoes Under $100 for You?

When choosing the best basketball shoes under $100, you have to look at the following factors:

Brand name

Some people would say that brand name is not too important but it actually plays a role because there are certain brands that are known for designing and producing shoes using the best standards and the highest quality materials.

Materials

Materials are very important when choosing basketball shoes because these are what dictate how durable the budget sneakers are and how breathable and comfortable they are when you are out there on the court.

Cushioning

The reason why basketball players prefer basketball shoes as opposed to other types of sneakers is that these shoes were made to have the cushioning they need whenever they are quickly running up and down the court and landing on their feet after jumping. Check out our guide on the best cushioned basketball shoes.

Support

Basketball players go through a lot of different types of complex movements that require them to have shoes that actually support their feet well enough to prevent injuries.

Summary of the Best Basketball Shoes Under $100

Putting everything together, in this guide we reviewed the following:

Our Top Favorite
Nike Mens Air Versitile Ii NBK Anthracite/Black Ankle-High Basketball Shoe - 9.5M
Our Top Value Pick
adidas Dual Threat 2017 Shoe - Men's Basketball 9 Grey
Our Top Runner Up
adidas NEO Men's Cloudfoam Ilation Mid Basketball Shoe,Black/Metallic Silver/White,7.5 M US
Basketball Shoes
Nike Air Versitile II
Adidas Cloudfoam Ilation Mid
Adidas Dual Threat Mid
Prime Eligible?
-
-
-
Our Top Favorite
Nike Mens Air Versitile Ii NBK Anthracite/Black Ankle-High Basketball Shoe - 9.5M
Basketball Shoes
Nike Air Versitile II
Prime Eligible?
-
Our Top Value Pick
adidas Dual Threat 2017 Shoe - Men's Basketball 9 Grey
Basketball Shoes
Adidas Cloudfoam Ilation Mid
Prime Eligible?
-
Our Top Runner Up
adidas NEO Men's Cloudfoam Ilation Mid Basketball Shoe,Black/Metallic Silver/White,7.5 M US
Basketball Shoes
Adidas Dual Threat Mid
Prime Eligible?
-

All things considered, it is possible for you to still perform well and even outperform your competition by going for shoes that are under $100. Choosing the best basketball shoes under $100 should not be too hard for you so long as you already know what you are looking for. After all, there are plenty of basketball shoes that have their own design and features for specific uses and playing styles.

However, if you want shoes that are versatile and very useful for any kind of situation and playing style, you might want to consider using the Nike Air Versatile II because of how they were made to be durable, comfortable, and versatile for almost any kind of playing style.

The Anta KT3 Low is also good because of how it seems like it should be a more expensive shoe due to its materials and features.

Finally, if you really want affordable shoes that still perform up to standards, the Nike Dual Threat should be more than suitable for your budget.

Hope you found this post on affordable basketball shoes helpful! Check out our other basketball gear reviews here.

> The Best Basketball Shoes

> The Best Basketball Shoes for Big Men

> The Best Cushioned Basketball Shoes

> The Best Women’s Basketball Shoes

Hoops Addict
Hoops Addict

Hoops Addict was created to help basketball fans of all ages learn more about the sport and find the best basketball gear to improve their ability to hoop. He has been a huge basketball fan for decades, watching thousands of basketball games through the years to learn the ins and outs of the game.

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