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The 10 Best Basketball Shoes for Big Men 2020

Today the big boys of basketball take on a whole new persona. No longer are we expected to bash with our backs against the basket and using our size and bulk. Nowadays we see power forwards and even centres stretching the floor out the the 3-pt line to get buckets and beating their man 1on1 to the basket. When it comes to choosing the best basketball shoes for the upcoming season, or if you’re just looking to expand the collection, there are certainly a lot of factors that come into play.

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The fact you’re reading this already suggests height and size, and when looking at these points perhaps you want solid impact protection as well as adequate support. You also need to look at how you play, are you an Andre Drummond or are you more of a Kevin Durant? When factoring in this as well as how a shoe performs and price, here is a list of the top ten basketball sneakers for big men on the market.

 

Nike Lebron “17” XVII – Premium Basketball Sneakers for Big Men

The best players in the world craft signature snickers that fit their personality and, most importantly, style of play. The latest Lebron kicks – Lebron XVII – is built for style, support, and cushion.  An accurate design that protects the King on his power drives and in a befitting stylish appearance.

Key Features

  • Innovative Knitposite material
  • Record-breaking Max Air unit in heel
  • Visible Zoom Air unit in forefoot area
  • Available in over 5 colors
  • Wide collar
  • Available up to size 17

What I Like About This Sneakers

This new Lebron 17 features a new KnitPosite material – a blend of the knit in the 15 and 16 version – that’s very supportive and resists stretching. This unique material adds a touch of finesse and functionality to your game. Its sock-like fit is soft in some areas for comfort while also been hard in key areas for effective support during power drives.

The cushioning of the Lebron 17 is on another level. A huge Max Air unit – Largest in any Lebron sneakers – at the heel provides insane shock absorption for explosive big guys. Plus, a layer of foam underlying the Max Air unit reinforces cushioning, giving you that necessary feeling of safety on-court.

Now, the combination of the Max Air unit and two independent Air Zoom pods takes cushioning to a beast level. This way, you can ball hard, knowing that you’re secure on your way down.

What I Don’t Like About This Product

The inclusion of Max Air and Zoom Air is quite fantastic, but it’s not at all suitable for outdoor use. This, coupled with the price (one of the most expensive), makes its use too limited in my opinion.

Without a doubt, the plastic clips around the provide support, but they can get uncomfortable after a while. This is more pronounced for folks who have wide feet.

 

Pros

  • Standout design
  • Next-level impact absorption
  • Futuristic upper material for added comfort
  • Wide collar for easy on/off

 

Cons

  • Doesn’t have the best lateral support
  • Pricy
  • Plastic clips may cause discomfort for ballers with wide feet

Takeaway

If cushioning is all you need to keep you safe while you swat balls and pull off dunks, you almost can’t go wrong with the Lebron 17 sneakers.


 

Adidas Crazy Explosive Primeknit – Inexpensive Big Man Sneakers for Cushion

Only something special can make a review list for three straight years, and the Adidas Crazy Explosive Primeknit is just that. Thanks to its innovative design by the guys at Adidas, the Crazy Explosive Primeknit is a performance beast for any big guy who doesn’t mind its not so attractive aesthetics.

Key Features

Mesh frame

Rubber outsole with Boost

Available colors: black, red, grey, green

What I Like About This Sneakers

The Crazy Explosive Primeknit has a sweet lightweight design that somehow still provides maximum ankle support and impact absorption.

The PrimeKnit design is unlike any other. It is sufficiently padded to protect ankle movement, yet remains flexible and snug – If you’ve ever worn sneakers with PrimeKnit, the ankle protection of the Crazy Explosive will blow your mind.

The traction is awesome. It has a unique herringbone design that’ll support your movements (whether you’re a Giannis or Drummond kind of big guy) on any court surface. However, it isn’t built to last on any surface other than the hardwood.

Oh! The Boost! One thing you can’t help but cherish in sneakers from the Three Stripes brand is their trademark Boost soles. It’s not just great at taking the impact of cleaning boards or protecting the rim, it also feels like you’re walking on air.

What I Don’t Like About This Sneakers

A general issue with the Crazy Explosive Primeknit is that they aren’t breathable. So, you will more likely than not get boiled feet after some hours into a balling session.

The last drawback is more of a production issue from Adidas and not limited to these sneakers. The sizing can get a wee bit inconsistent, so you may have to order one size up.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Comfy and responsive impact protection with Boost
  • Superior traction provides stability on any surface
  • Adapts well for big guys with any style of play

Cons

  • Poor Breathability
  • Built only for indoor use
  • Sizing issues

Takeaway

The Crazy Explosive Primeknit works for a big man with literally any style of play. Stay close to the paint? Check. Stretch the floor a lot? Check.


#3 Nike Zoom Rize – Best Big Man Snickers for Bounce

If you’re thinking bounce, think Nike Zoom Rize (Rise). If there’s anything these sneakers can’t do, it’s not going to bounce or a pillow-like cushion.  If you’re familiar with the Nike Alphadunk, you’ll love these kicks.

Key Features

  • Engineered mesh material
  • Foam midsole
  • Rubber outsole
  • Nike Zoom airbag in forefoot
  • Available in multiple color combos
  • Available up to size 20

What I Like About This Sneakers

Like I said earlier, this baby is built with bounce in mind. There’s a large Nike Zoom cushioning unit (airbag) in the forefoot area that leaves you feeling like you can fly. Asides, the obvious increase in vertical mobility, it’s impact absorption is so good that you barely feel any impact on the knees and back on your way down.

The Zoom unit, coupled with a textured heel overlay, makes Rize a powerhouse in impact absorption and court feel. So, if you’re more of a rim buster, you’ll no doubt fall in love with these kicks.

For ankle support, it strikes a mid-top height collar that has inner foam padding. This not only locks your feet in place but does it with extra comfort.

The large Nike swoosh stretching from the toebox all the way to its asymmetrical lacing system is an eye-pleaser, especially if you’re a Nike fanboy. Even the fast forward graphics on one of the eyestays paints the idea of wearing a vert machine on your mind.

Not to forget that its traction is superb on the hardwood, and even for occasional use on outdoor courts.

 

What I Don’t Like About This Product

The sole seems too high to maintain stability during quick movement changes, like sharp crossovers, or hesi moves. Although it won’t be much of a problem if you’re a traditional big guy just looking for cushioning and ankle support.

On a milder spectrum, its material may take a couple of games to break in. Not a big deal for a new pair of sneakers though.

Pros

  • True to size
  • Bouncy and soft impact cushioning
  • Fits snugly on the feet
  • Good bang for the buck

Cons

  • Active big guys may have slight lateral support issues

Takeaway

I’ll recommend the Nike Zoom Rize to block maestros or rim wrecking big guys. Its Zoom gives you that extra bounce with the right mix of impact absorption to support your landing.


 

Check out our TOP basketball shoes for previous years (2019, 2018, 2017) below…

 

10. Anta KT2

Best Feature: Material/Price

Sneakerheads are typically wary of Chinese brands mostly because the market has been dominated by western shoe giants like Nike and Adidas. Anta KT2 changes that landscape by being a shoe that performs across multiple categories while giving you a bang for your buck.

What sets the second line of Klay Thompson’s signature kicks apart are the improved materials, cushion and support compared to the previous KT1. The amazing TPU support in the midfoot allows painless torsion while the TPU at the heel gives you a way to prevent sliding. Though there are minor issues with the lengthwise fit of the shoes being super snug to a T, their fit is something you’ll fall in love with and the superior lockdown is nothing short of great.

The Fuse material is crazy strong – enough to last multiple thrashings on-court and still come out looking fresh out of the box. Anta’s EVE cushioning that uses EVA midsoles and two different density foams that, though not a breakthrough, works like clockwork. Anta KT2 are workhorse sneakers and are made to be utilized by one of the most hardworking on-court players in Klay Thompson.

9. Nike Lebron 14

Best Feature: Cushion/Fit

The best player in the world needs the best shoes in the world and these are one of the hyper performance shoes that you would love to have. The 14’s are built for maximum cushion and fit in mind to make sure that they don’t die every time LeBron does a power move inside. Armed with three Hex Zooms, it allows you to have your weight distributed evenly across all Zooms, which remind me of the cushion level of Jordan Melo M8. You’ll be able to move quickly under your feet with little impact from falls.

Though the entire pair is made of foam and mesh material that does not justify the price tag, this combination is for maximum flexibility and movement without experiencing extensive restrictions. The Lebron 14 may feel too soft or flimsy for your tastes, but don’t let that fool you: they’re performers. The Flywires make sure you are secured laterally and the straps fit your heels well.

These shoes are designed for fast movement with their lightweight, mobile design. Smaller players who want speed and mobility will fall in love with these shoes and anybody bigger would still enjoy the improved mobility at the cost of minor traction loss against the other models. The price can still go lower and you’ll definitely love having this on your collection.

8. Nike Air Shake Ndestrukt

Best Feature: Traction

Dennis Rodman’s game is not something that you would want to adapt. Though the master of rebounds made sure that every board was his during the three-peat with the Bulls, his Ndestrukt shoes are back with a vengeance and are must buys for any baller who wants top level performer kicks each time, every time.

These OG shoes are nothing to scoff at. These shoes are the evidence of Nike’s crazy 90’s leather technology. The “leather upper with high top collar” makes sure that the fit is secure while the combination of synthetic rands and toe boxes with ballistic mesh overlay base gives the wearer stability and flexibility. What makes the Ndestrukt unbelievably good even with its dated design is the traction. These shoes work in any surface, in any place at any time – rough and smooth outdoor concrete, hardwood courts, dusty gym courts or rubber surfaces; you name it, these shoes will stick and will not wear out.

Though its cushion is much to be desired because of the 90s polyurethane that makes shock absorption nonexistent, the support is unbelievable. Lateral stability can be attributed to the original design that wraps up perfectly and preventing you from rolling up your foot. The Nike Air Shake Ndestrukt are the OG sneakers of 2017 and can outperform many newer shoes of the modern generation.

7. Nike KD 9

Best Feature: Cushion

Kevin Durant’s play revolves around jump shooting from virtually every area of the court and killing the opposing players’ chances around the rim with his high precision blocking and elite rim protection. The KD 9 shoes revolve around making sure that The Slim Reaper gets his lion’s share of killing on the court with the best impact protection and responsiveness from his kicks.

The KD 9 gets its ultimate cushion from the Zoom technology laid out in full, with the stretched fibers providing smooth transition with every step while providing unparalleled mobility. Unlike other shoes with the full Zoom, these newer iterations are neither inflexible nor too firm, letting any player of any height, position or play style enjoy playing ball wearing them. The Flyknit material in the KD 9 is among the best presents Nike has given us in recent memory, with textile mesh and foam making up the rear of the shoe that works. It simply works.

Fit for these shoes have much to be improved upon, so make sure to fit them immediately when you get them, otherwise these shoes will provide unbelievable support with the best mobility you can ever have for mid-priced shoes. Each dollar you spend on the KD 9 is a dollar well spent, and you’ll be very happy because these shoes are 100% fly in the court.

6. Adidas Harden Vol. 1

Best Feature: Cushion/Material/Support

Adidas has been killing it the past couple of years and you really can’t blame them: their shoes’ performance has gone above and beyond what was needed from them. The Adidas Harden Vol. 1 are designed specifically for James Harden, who plays physical, hard nose game with quick lateral movements and explosive momentum to pressure opponents into trying to contest his shots. Adidas had this in mind and made sure The Beard has shoes that are super strong all around.

What makes the Harden Vol. 1 unbelievable is the overall protection that it gives from cushion to materials construction to actual support. These shoes are a beautiful combination of all things people love about basketball shoes – low Boost cushion that gives superb impact protection well and above many things around in the market, toe caps constructed out of prime leather for an extreme range of motion that gives superior laterals similar to Nike Soldiers and support that gives you top of the line protection like an internal heel counter and a TPU cage and plate for high level torsion support and stability similar to the Kobe 8 or CrazyLight 2016.

Even with the traction of the Adidas Harden Vol. 1, which is considered one of the weaker points of these kicks, the shoe is still hands down good. If you’re looking for shoes you’ll enjoy moving in, Harden’s signature kicks are the well-balanced type that you would love to play in with mobility in mind.

5. Under Armour Curry 3

Best Feature: Traction/Support

If there’s one thing that Under Armour has been doing very well, that’s making sure that their superstar signature endorser Steph Curry gets the best shoe technology that UA can offer; and that is very obvious with how they have constructed the Curry 3.

Curry 3’s are one of the best, if not the best, out there when it comes to traction. Under Armour is using the full herringbone pattern traction combined with the sticky rubber compound that just works on any indoor surface and is very decent outdoors. These shoes are perfect for anyone who likes to do feints, crossovers and advanced dribbling moves as they are extremely responsive to user movements and lightweight enough to let you play for hours on end. The support is unparalleled with external heel cups and carbon fiber shanks that give the utmost protection without killing your midfoot as you move.

It’s not a secret that the two-time MVP had ankle injuries early in his career and the technology around his signature shoes revolves around the best torsion support and a smooth way to move without impeding the speed and mobility needed when he performs his acrobatic crossovers and top level traction to prevent slippage that may cause injuries. The Curry 3 are the guard shoes that will guard you every step that you take, and you’ll be glad to wear them for that important game so you can perform at your peak with every step you take.

4. Adidas Dame 3

Best Feature: Materials/Traction/Cushion/Price

For someone as explosive as Damian Lillard on the offense, his signature Dame 3 shoes are everything that a baller would want to be able to beast and feast on-court. These kicks have big checks across all categories and many other sneaker testers put this at the pedestal and you can’t blame them: these shoes are easy to wear without having to break-in, will support any type of playstyle and feet shape and size and are ultimate in value for their price.

What makes the Dame 3 beast is the combination of traction, cushion and materials seamlessly working together to create a shoe that everyone will enjoy wearing. The blade traction provides multidirectional coverage and is very tacky on hardwood, requiring only minimal wiping when dust accumulates but nothing that needs constant attention. Bounce covers the cushion for that beautiful protection that gives you the extra oompf you need for your jumps. The Fuse and TPU coating gives the Dame 3 a significant weight and layer reduction without giving up any structural integrity and ensuring a lockdown with any feet type.

It sounds too good to be true but for one of the cheaper signature shoes that Adidas has, this is one that takes the cake with the performance. You’ll be missing out if you don’t have this in your collection. It might even become your favorite once you wear it. Dame 3 is performance in shoe form.

3. Adidas D Rose 7

Best Feature: Traction/Cushion/Support

One of the biggest what-ifs in the modern NBA is Derrick Rose, who easily was the most explosive player in his prime. His signature shoes though? They’re straight up fire. The D Rose 7 are a sneakerhead’s wet dream rolled into a pair of performance shoes. The traction and cushion are GOAT-worthy and there’s barely anything wrong about these kicks. Barely.

The herringbone pattern traction is topnotch and do not need any wiping. It works. Inside, outside, wood, concrete, rubber. Wear it, forget about it. They’re the best. The full-length Boost gives you top marks in impact protection. They’re still the best. Engineered mesh with padded collar material? Good enough. The fit is 100% true and lockdown is tight. The support is nothing short of mindblowing – from the stable base, a springplate for torsion, wings for strong lockdown and the 1:1 fit? Go crazy.

Forget about anything else. There’s only two other shoes in this list that we believe can best this monstrous pair of signature shoes. The D Rose 7 are everything that you want and the reason why Adidas has been killing it the past year.

2. Adidas Crazylight Boost 2016

Best Feature: Traction/Cushion/Lockdown/Support/Price

The top two in this list are the ultimates in their own respect – the ultimate low top and the ultimate high top shoes, and ironically enough they’re not signature shoes but both from the king of the last couple of years in basketball shoes – Adidas. The first of the two is the Crazylight Boost 2016 – the best low top we’ve seen.

The Crazylight’s traction works on everything because of the dual density rubber, where one of the colorway is dense, durable and works even with dust while the majority area of the outsole is made with soft, pliable rubber that’s tacky on any surface. It grips like a gorilla and durable enough to be used in any condition. A full-length Boost eats impact like nothing in this world and movement is smooth and seamless. It allows your feet to always be stable while the materials, either Primeknit or Jacquard, are monsters in the lockdown and fit department without much break-in. The support works with the Boost’s impact protection while allowing your heel and midfoot to stay on the footbed whenever, wherever.

The Adidas Crazylight Boost 2016 are prime examples of what low tops should be. Adidas claims that these are the best low tops? They’re damn right. Three Stripes has been dominating and it isn’t close.

1. Adidas Crazy Explosive Primeknit

Best Feature: Traction/Cushion/Materials/Fit

Monsters aren’t the best-looking things in the world but they are a powerhouse – these are the exact words that I use for the Crazy Explosive Primeknit. They aren’t the best-looking shoes in the world but I’ll be damned if they aren’t performance monsters. Be it the unbelievable traction, the ultimate cushions put in shoes or the best use of Primeknit in baller shoes, Three Stripes kills it with this pair.

The traction is flat out bonkers. The unique design similar to fingerprints or friction ridges works literally on any surface. These shoes are the definition of wear and forget. All you need is mad skills to ball and these shoes will take care of the rest on-court. The Boost though? Give me this Boost or give me death by ball. They’re comfortable, responsive and have the best impact protection you’ll ever have in your life. The soft TPU works and the Primeknit allows for comfort and lockdown on every major area of the foot with strategic positioning. Everything works together and stays together.

The Crazy Explosive Primeknit works and there’s no word that can define these shoes other than effing amazing. Quick, explosive, large, slow, high motor… nothing will be better. It works with any playstyle, with any fitness level in any place you think of playing. These shoes are monsters and they don’t need to apologize for being the best of the best.

 

 

 

Check out last years top 10 basketball shoes for big men 2016 below…

 

 

10. Jordan Melo M11

jordan-melo-m11-all-star-pearl

Best Feature: CushionBlack Red White Colourway

The Melo M11 can be compared to the Jordan XX9, with the differences being in the materials, weight and of course price. Like the previous few Melo’s we see the significant features that are the unlocked zoom as well as the flight plate system. Together they provide a bouncy cushioning system that gives a propelling sensation when playing on your toes. There is no cushion setup in the heel but there is a cored out centre which helps with compression, giving you adequate impact protection. Support is great on the M11 with a variety of features in play including a built in heel-counter, lateral outrigger and Flight Web system all keeping you upright. This Melo model is such lighter than it’s predecessors and we also see an improved traction pattern. Priced reasonably as well Carmelo’s 11th signature is one big men will love.

9. Nike Zoom Hyperrev 2014

Nike Zoom Hyperrev 2014

Best Feature: CushionHyperrev Purple

The Hyperrev is a great option for a big man who is looking for something light that is still adequately cushioned and supportive. The shoe features Full length Zoom wrapped in a soft phylon midsole, giving you a responsive ride where the Zoom can be definitely felt. The soft materials in the Hyperrev give it a great heel to toe transition and this would be great for a bigger player who likes to still stay light on his feet. Security and lockdown is solid on the shoe although it isn’t great. It wont let you down with the lacing with added Flywire keeping you locked in. As a high cut shoe the Hyperrev does have a collar that is effective in also keeping you locked down. The shoe’s out rigger also does a solid job of keeping you from teetering over, so support overall is solid. The 2014 Hyperrev is still a shoe that can be found in abundance today, with prices that are rather gentle as well. If comfort and cushioning is what you value in your choice of weapon then there can be no going wrong here. 

 

8. Ektio Alexio

Ektio Alexio

Best Feature: Support/LockdownOrange Grey

Ektio’s Alexio model is guaranteed to look after you in one area: support. The shoes unique design features an intricate yet effective strapping system that keeps your feet/ankles secured, reducing the any chance of ankle sprains or injuries. Cushion on the Alexio is solid but simple with an ortholite insole in play that sits over a foam midsole. Although cushioning isn’t amazing it does the job when protecting against impact. A soft yet strong fuse is featured on the upper keeps it comfortable and supportive, working well with the lockdown system. Ektio didn’t muck around with the traction on this model and we see full length herringbone giving you great grip whilst making any moves and cuts. If you want to stand out a little bit and wear something different that still delivers quality the Ektio models are definitely worth a shot. Also keep in mind that this is hands down the best support you can get on a basketball shoe, so great for players who are prone to sprains. 

7. Nike KD 7

Nike KD 7

Best Feature: Traction/MaterialsGreen and Orange Court

Kevin Durant’s 7th signature presents a great compromise for taller players. Durant himself is 6’9 but the way he plays is more like a guard. The shoes materials provide you with the best of both worlds as we see mesh implemented in the front and Hyperposite from the mid-foot down. This enables your heel to be adequately contained whilst still allowing a comfortable and form fitting material to do its job up front. In the cushioning department we see an EVA midsole and encapsulated Zoom unit in the forefoot, plus a 180 degree visible Zoom unit in the heel. The shoes traction certainly doesn’t disappoint and is perhaps even the standout feature. A mid-foot strap provides added lockdown which is great in keeping your foot extra secure in the footbed. Although not a current model the KD7 is a great shoe for a bigger player who is considering a low top shoe that still provides great cushioning and support.

6. Nike Lebron Soldier 9

Nike Lebron Soldier 9

Best Feature: Support/LockdownBlack and Orange

Lockdown and support is perhaps this shoes best feature as we see a brace-like strapping system locking you in. One strap is seen over the mid-foot whilst another connects the ankle to the heel, keeping you locked in at all times. Like the Ektio Alexio a system like this reduces the chance of sprains and ankle/foot injuries. A hexagonal traction pattern with multi directional cuts provides solid traction that will keep you locked to most surfaces. A mesh, booty upper is comfortable and also lightweight giving you a pleasant yet supportive ride. This shoe was built with sturdiness and dependability in mind. If you’re a power type player who excerpts a lot of force in jumping and landing, this would be a great shoe for you.

5. Nike Kobe X Elite

Nike Kobe X Elite

Best Feature: SupportElite X Hightops

As Kobe has aged his signatures have began becoming more and more supportive for his ageing (breaking) body. This is there making his shoes a more and more viable option for larger players. The cushioning may not be as plush as the other shoes on this list as a TPU cage on the mid-foot stiffens the  ride up somewhat.  Zoom is found in the heel and does solid job on impact protection, there is also Lunarlon that gives responsive cushioning for those players who are staying light on their feet. The Kobe Ten’s innovative traction plays well on clean courts, but outside or in dust it can sometimes struggle. Support is where the elite version steps up from the regular 10. There is still a clip in the forefoot and the outriggers as well as TPU cage provide for a stable ride underfoot. The collar goes to serve a purpose as it adds extra lockdown and also works in the way of a placebo effect giving you the feeling of being secure. A great shoe for a driving, cutting big man the Kobe X is one of the top models on the market. 

4. Nike Lebron 13

Nike Lebron 13

Best Feature: Fit/SupportAnkle Support System

5 separate zoom units in the forefoot act in tandem to give responsive ride when playing on your toes. A 13mm zoom bag in the heel can certainly be felt when making heel strike upon impact. The upper itself is primarily a bootie that features Hyperposite in areas to provide support and stability. The 13 is by no means revolutionary and in fact steps away from being a big man shoe as it becomes less bulky and more streamline. The translucent outsole does a solid job of keeping you on the court, although they can’t be taken on outdoor courts. Support is aided by the lockdown and solid implementation of the flawier system as well as the strategically placed Posite overlays and where they sit to add more support.

3. Adidas D Rose 6

Adidas D Rose 6

Best Feature: CushionRed and White Colourway

Although designed with a guard like Rose in mind, his sixth signature still delivers for the big man. With Boost in play you already know the impact protection will be more than good, and this definitely is the case with the Boost providing a plush yet responsive ride. The seat belt looking extension on the heel of the shoes does a great job of securing your foot and locking it in place. Combing this with an almost too-wide sole wrapped in herringbone traction, the shoe feels secure for anyone, of any size. A thing to be careful with in the D Rose 6 is what materials you have, with each shoe having a different material on the upper. If you can pick up one with a mesh upper you know you’ll be ready to go and it definitely will bring out the best in the shoes other features. A great performer the D Rose 6 and its game changing Boost cushioning offer plenty for a larger player.

2. Jordan XX9

Jordan XX9

Best Feature: Fit/CushionGreen and Blue

The best performance shoe on the market, but is it the best for bigger players? The Jordan XX9 is perhaps the most technically advanced basketball shoe to date with its Unlocked Zoom, Flightplate system and Performance Woven upper which are all game changers. With the upper being woven you’d expect support to take a hit, but this isn’t the case. Woven strategically in places to provide targeted support where you need it most, the upper doesn’t bring the shoe down at all in the area of support. A TPU plate, outrigger and heel counter all do their job and contribute to a supportive ride also. The unlocked zoom is great and gives you the best of both worlds: responsive and bouncy cushioning when making moves on the perimeter and great impact protection when banging under the basket. Nothing fancy is seen in the heel which is a shame, especially for big men, but overall cushioning is still great. The XX9’s traction is great with large grooves gripping the court well in most conditions, dust though is a problem for this shoe. The 29 is all round the best performance shoe on the market and you can’t go wrong copping a pair. If you are a big man who is after perhaps a softer cushioning setup though, look towards the number one spot. 

1. Nike Hyperposite 2

Nike Hyperposite 2

Best feature: CushionHyperposite Orange Black

The Nike Hyperposite was made with one thing in mind, big men. The shoe is specifically built to accommodate the game of a player who requires support and plush cushioning for a large frame. 

The Hyperposite offers maximum impact protection with a Full length 360 Zoom setup in play. This really is as much cushioning as you can get on a shoe, so for big guys it’s great. When looking at what’s below the cushioning the traction is solid, not groundbreaking, but it will get the job done certainly. The shoe is constructed with a mesh upper paired with Posite overlays. This setup offers great support whilst the mesh bootie keeps the shoe comfortable. The lacing system on the shoe as well as the caging gives it great lockdown that adds to stability, where also a wide base and outrigger keep you stable. Perhaps too much support for a smaller player but for 4&5 men it really is great.The Hyperposite is the ideal set up for larger player, think Anthony Davis, a player who is up and down getting after rebounds, dunking and chasing blocks. 

Have some different thoughts on what the best basketball shoes for power forwards and centres are? Let us know in the comments section below. Also if you’re a tall person yourself – be sure to check out our range of longer length clothing that’s specifically made with the vertically gifted in mind. We’ve also recently put together a list of our top 15 forgotten or rare basketball shoes that you might be interested in checking out or running shoes for taller guys.


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