If you thought women didn’t play basketball as hard as the men, you would be completely mistaken.  Every day women in the WNBA show us that they can be just as good, if not better than the men. For that reason, they must have equipment that will not only support them but pusher their power over the edge. 

Are you looking for the best lightweight basketball shoes for women?  Are you looking for shoes that will not only support your quick movement but be lightweight as well?  If either of these questions holds, you have come to the right place. This list will provide you with this information and so much more. 

Outside of finding the best options for women’s basketball shoes, we will also provide you with some much-needed information on how to choose your own.  We will also provide you with some of the features you should look out for when picking shoes as well as the significant differences between male and female basketball shoes. 

Keep reading to find an array of excellent options for you to look into and learn from. 

If you want to get back to playing basketball, get our top choice for the best women's basketball shoes here.

Our Favorites for the Best Women’s Basketball Shoes

Nike Precision III

Nike Precision III is a mid-top shoe that comes highly recommended for female basketball shoes. The shoes offer several benefits to athletes that many others do not. They are lightweight and provide multidirectional traction.  

What Makes it Unique:

• This shoe offers a padded collar for extra support of the athlete’s ankle.  
• Several changes have been made for this shoe to enhance the fit.  This includes eyelets and quarter panels. 
• The shoes have a rubber sole and lace closure. The shoe is extremely durable and lasts longer compared to other models. 

Why Choose this Best Women’s Basketball Shoe:

• Players love these shoes because they offer excellent grip and quality. 
• This is a lightweight shoe that allows players to get up and down the court quickly. 
• Though these may come in a little over the Nike Air precision 2 price, they are well worth it. 

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Nike Women’s Son of the Force Shoe

The Nike Women’s Son of the Force Shoe can be significantly defined by its name.  It takes much of its design and inspiration from the original Air Force 1. The shoe is extremely versatile and can be worn on and off the court.

What Makes it Unique:

• The Nike Women’s Son of the Force is an excellent shoe for the colder season as it keeps your feet insulated and dry.  They are also water-resistant.
• The shoe uses traditional laces for closure for a snug fit. 
• This midsole shoe provides comfort and a tough outer shell. 

Why Choose this Best Women’s Basketball Shoe:

• This is an extremely affordable shoe that is perfect for beginners who aren’t necessarily looking to spend a considerable amount of money. 

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The Runner-Ups for the Best Women’s Basketball Shoes

Adidas Pro Bounce 2019 Low Shoes

If you are looking for a low top shoe to give you the boosts that you need, this just might be it.  This shoe has a style that is not for all. This shoe has a perfect price point and is excellent for beginners.  Many athletes have used these shoes daily or consistently with no issues with durability. 

What Makes it Unique:

• The Adidas Pro Bounce 2019 Low Shoes offer a lightweight design and instant comfort.  
• The outer soles flex with your foot to ensure you are getting a full range of mobility. 
• Adidas gives females a highly responsive and stable shoe with the Pro Bounce.  
• The sole of the shoe provides excellent traction, in conjunction with the outer sole’s flex grooves, with its herringbone design. 

Why Choose this Best Women’s Basketball Shoe:

• These shoes were designed for the player who needs to get up and down the court quickly. 
• Though this is a low top shoe, several athletes say their ankles still felt supported despite not having the higher sides around the ankles. 
• Many purchasers also found the bounce cushions to be extremely comfortable. However, they did require a small amount of breaking in first.  
• The shoe has a broader outsole and a narrow back, which allows for quick movements and cuts.

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Adult UA Curry 7 Basketball Shoes

The Curry 7s are a leading alternative for women looking for great basketball shoes.    

What Makes it Unique:

• The shoe has foam padding in the heel as well as the collar for needed comfort.
• Under Armour provides a herringbone traction design to gain maximum grip and give the athlete control over their movements. 
• For added comfort on step in, Under Armour has given the Curry 7s an internal counter liner.  
• The UA HOVR aims at 

Why Choose this Best Women’s Basketball Shoe:

• If you are a woman with large feet, you can still find a shoe that is functional and made just for you.  Sizing for this shoe ranges from a 5 in Women to a 17.5. 
• Some purchasers found this to be one of the best Curry shoes yet, especially after having so many issues in the previous Curry shoe versions. There were significant improvements seen in this version, including increased durability, a wider toe box, and additional heel cushions.

The Value Picks for the Best Women’s Basketball Shoes

Under Armour Women's Jet 2019 Basketball Shoe

This mid-top shoe is another insanely affordable option brought about by Under Armour. Initially introduced in mid-2019, this is one of many excellent lightweight basketball shoes for women.  They are durable, comfortable, and offer superior arch support. 

What Makes it Unique:

• This shoe is heavily breathable and offers a bootie-like design. This design aids in providing a snug fit for wearers. 
• The shoe is made up of perforated leather, and a heel counter to lock shoes in place. 
• A sock liner has also been added to the Under Armour Jet for support.  

Why Choose this Best Women’s Basketball Shoe:

• Several purchasers rave about the level of comfort and durability received with this show.  This shoe has a narrower fit and would work great for an athlete with narrow feet.
• These seem to be a favorite among middle school, female basketball players. 

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Why You Should Invest in Quality Women’s Basketball Shoes

Having quality basketball shoes is essential to playing basketball successfully.   It ensures a long career in basketball free of injuries and accidents. You should invest in quality women’s shoes for not only comfort and the sake of the game but your health.  

You may be wondering what would happen if you didn’t invest in an excellent pair of shoes, we will shed some light on the adverse effects that having low-quality shoes would have.  These adverse effects include the following:

Health Issues:  

Several health risks come with playing basketball in the wrong style of shoes.  It can lead to injuries on the court like ankle sprains, broken ankles, or swelling, and pain.  It can also lead to much more severe injuries to the hips, knees, back, and even thighs. 

Performance Impairment:

Playing in the wrong shoes can also seriously affect your performance on the court.  Without the proper cushioning in your shoes or without the padding for takeoff, you will not be able to get the push or the jump that you need to take off properly. 

Feet Protection:

As an athlete, your feet are your most significant assets; without them, there would be no basketball.  Without quality shoes, you will have achy swollen feet, and the pain would cause you to not perform at your highest quality. Poor quality shoes can lead to flat feet, blisters, and other minor foot injuries.  

FAQ on Women’s Basketball Shoes

What Are Some Popular Good Basketball Shoes for Girls?

If you are looking for basketball shoes for the little lady in your life, there are several popular options for girls’ basketball shoes.  These shoes include the following:

Nike Kids' Kyrie Flytrap II Basketball Shoes – These shoes are top-rated for the shoe’s mid-rise design and breathability.  Outside of these benefits, the shoes offer the Nike Zoom technology within the shoe’s heel and lightweight design. 

Adidas Kids' Dame 6 Basketball Shoes – The Dame 6 is another excellent option for basketball shoes for girls.  They have a webbed lace system, there will be no slippage in this shoe, and they offer excellent support for the foot.  

Under Armour Kids’ Curry 7 Basketball Shoes – The Under Armour Curry 7’s has a medium shoe width and utilizes Under Armour’s HOVR cushioning.  The shoe offers a herringbone traction pattern for control and grip on the basketball court. They also provide foam padding for collar support and stability.  

Adidas Harden B/E 3 Basketball Shoes – These Adidas shoes offer a sock-like design and offer a herringbone pattern for traction control.  They also provide bounce cushions for takeoff and support. Purchasers love the Velcro closure and the comfort the shoes provide.

What Materials Make for a Good Basketball Shoe?

Several things go into creating a good basketball shoe.  These materials generally include leather or mesh. Leather is exceptionally durable, flexible, and sturdy.  Much like mesh, it is also a breathable material. Other materials can also include foam and textiles. These textiles can consist of materials like cotton, nylon, or polyester.  Another one of the most common materials in a successful shoe is rubber. Rubber is used to make the soles and outsoles of the shoe.  

Is there a Difference Between Men’s and Women’s Basketball Shoes?

One significant difference between male and female basketball shoes is, of course, sizing.  Generally, male and female shoes will have a one to one and a half size difference. However, this may also change when you look at different brands.  Nike basketball shoes for women may also run differently than something like Asics women’s basketball shoes. Another significant difference is that a man’s foot will be longer and wider than a female’s foot.  

Although sizing and design may be different, many women can simply wear men’s shoes.  However, this is dependent on your foot sizing, as every person’s feet are different. Often, you will find basketball shoe sizes listed with the male size and its female equivalent.  This can be extremely helpful when purchasing online.

What Features Should You Look for When Buying Basketball Shoes for Girls?

Affordable pricing is one thing that you must take into account when purchasing shoes for girls.  Most children’s feet will grow and change rapidly. Spending large amounts of money on shoes is not feasible for everyone. Therefore, price must be taken into consideration.  

The cushion is another feature that must be assessed when looking to purchase shoes for girls.  Before purchasing, you must make sure that the shoes have responsive cushioning. It’s essential that they feel comfortable on and off the court. Cushions can vary between being foam and air. 

Style is another essential feature to consider.  How the shoes are closed is another factor in having a good fit.  Some shoes may have traditional laces, whereas others will have a webbed lace system.  The outer sole will aid in determining the type of traction the shoe offers.

How to Choose the Best Women’s Basketball Shoes For You

Choosing the best basketball shoes for you can be a hard task.  If you are attempting to find the best pair of shoes and you are unfamiliar with how to do so, never fear, we will help you do just that.  All you need to begin choosing the best sneakers for you is a list of information on what to look for and characteristics to take into consideration.  

Affordability

Price can play a large part in what you can purchase. You want to make sure that before you go any further in your search that you set a price point, which is a comfortable maximum for you.  If you aren’t comfortable setting a maximum price, it may be helpful to give yourself a range to stay within. If you’re looking for budget-friendly shoes in the market, make sure to read our post on the best basketball shoes under $100. 

Weight

The weight of your shoe is another major factor in determining if it is right for you or not.  Your shoes should be lightweight and provide you with the flexibility to move and be agile. You should not feel weighed down when you run or move on the court.

Shoe Height 

Another major determining factor in deciding if a shoe is perfect for you is shoe height.  This height is referred to as high, mid, and low. High top shoes allow for upper wraps around your ankles, and with these wraps comes extra weight.  Mid-top shoes are generally a good in-between for players who are on the fence about what type of shoes to choose. They allow for increased ankle support and flexibility.   Low top shoes are built for speed. Though they provide little ankle support, they allow for increased agility.

Game Position

The position you play on the court can also have a bearing on the shoes which you will purchase. For positions like guards, you will need shoes that allow you to have rapid movements.  They often wear low top shoes.

Forwards need to have power and be more aggressive when they play.  This means that they will need shoes which have a little more weight as well as proper support.  Forwards generally lean towards high top shoes.  

Lastly, players who can pivot on the court will most like be in the middle ground for shoes.  This means that they will operate best in mid-top shoes. This means you will not only have speed but power as well.

Design & Style 

Style is available in abundance with basketball shoes.  You can likely find a shoe that fits your personality and style easily.  There is no longer one style or color of shoes. Athletes are given a wide variety of options when choosing aesthetically pleasing shoes.

Playing Style

Playing style is another determining factor in what shoes you should purchase.  If you are someone who spends a long time in the paint and likes to play aggressively or someone who runs up and down the court, your shoe needs would likely be different.

Wrapping Things Up: The Best Women’s Basketball Shoes

To sum up, here are the best women’s basketball shoes we looked at today:

There are several options to choose from when looking into the best women’s basketball shoes.  Your shoes should be able to complement your skills and abilities on the court. Having the proper footwear is essential to performing at peak performance and for staying physically in shape.  

Nike Women’s Son of the Force Shoe is a notable Nike women’s basketball shoe. Much like the name suggests, it takes its design from the traditional Air Force One.  It provides extreme comfort and provides ankle support and stability. Another excellent option is the Adult UA Curry 7 Basketball Shoes. The Curry Basketball shoes offer padding within the heel and collar for comfort. It also has a flexible plate which allows for quick-paced movements.

Outside of providing a list of excellent options for women’s basketball shoes and providing the best women’s basketball shoes for ankle support, we have also given you tips on how to choose the best shoes for you. This list also contains pertinent information surrounding what materials make a good shoe and what features you should look for when purchasing. You can consider this as a guide for how to choose the perfect shoe; rather, it is on this list or not. 

If you found this post helpful, check out our other basketball gear reviews here.

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