Top 10 Black Basketball Shoes for 2025: Style Meets Performance

"At 40 years old, 220 lbs, and 6'0" tall, I primarily play the 3 and 4 positions. I used to be a versatile frontcourt player who could run, jump, and break through. The first time I wore these shoes, they felt really comfortable. The shoe shape is slim and suitable for low arches. The overall fit is very cohesive, making them more suitable for narrower feet. The design is also very stylish and durable. I played my first indoor basketball session for 40 minutes. The shoes performed well in terms of braking, torsional resistance, and grip. However, due to the sole design, I felt the bounce was lacking compared to the Air Jordan 38. The support for the body felt a bit tight, and the feedback from the ground was very direct. These shoes are probably best suited for low-profile, fast guards. For players like me, who are heavier and require more responsive shoes for the 4 and 5 positions, these might not be the most ideal choice. I'll continue to observe how they perform over time. Overall, it's a good pair of shoes, and I hope I can adapt to them quickly to improve my performance on the court."lg...More

"As soon as I got the shoes, I couldn't wait to try them on. Let me share my experience with this pair from a few different aspects. First, the design: The black colorway isn't exactly low-key. The purple Li-Ning logo on the side pairs well with the overall black background, giving it a cool look. A colleague even mistook it for Kobe 8. It works fine for everyday wear; nothing too out of place. For actual play, I'm 5'8" and weigh 163 pounds, playing as a guard with a style that's 60% drives and 40% shots. Traction: The outsole is said to be GCU. I played on both half-court wooden floors and full-court rubber surfaces. On dusty wooden floors, the grip wasn't as great as I expected—it felt a bit slippery. However, on the rubber court, the stopping power was solid. Maybe I was comparing it too much to the V14, which I'd give a perfect score. For these, I'd rate the traction an 8 out of 10. Support: The upper provides plenty of support, and there's no pressure on the top of my foot. After one game, it felt good without needing much break-in time. No toe-squeezing issues either, and the sizing seems normal. Cushioning: The midsole is on the thinner side, but it's sufficient for smaller guards like me. The cushioning is way better than what I've experienced with Asics. Overall, it's a solid performer that doesn't disappoint. The shoes are responsive, and cuts and turns feel stable. With more colorways coming out, I expect the price to drop a bit."lg...More