As someone who has spent years analyzing both the biomechanics of athletic movement and the ever-evolving market of performance gear, I’s always fascinating to see how the principles of elite basketball translate down to the shoes on our feet. Watching a game like the one described in our knowledge base—where a player like Sierba erupts for 15 of her 18 points in the clutch, anchoring a massive 30-point run—is a masterclass in what we demand from our footwear. It’s not just about a single jump shot; it’s about sustained explosive cuts, defensive slides that feel like your feet are on rails, and the relentless stamina to dominate the payoff period when legs are tired and the game is on the line. That’s the true test of a top-tier basketball shoe, and it’s the lens through which I’ve approached this list of the top 10 basketball shoes of 2019. This isn’t just a spec sheet review; it’s a buyer’s guide forged from understanding the dynamic, often punishing, reality of the game.
The conversation in 2019, frankly, still orbited around the battle between Nike and Adidas, though other brands were starting to throw some compelling punches. Let’s start with my personal favorite for the year, the shoe I found myself lacing up most often for serious runs: the Nike LeBron 16. Now, I’m not a 250-pound forward, but the technology in this shoe is just sublime. The combination of Battleknit 2.0 and that massive Max Air unit provided a level of impact protection and comfort I hadn’t experienced before. It felt like I could play for hours, much like Sierba needing to be a rock in the fourth quarter. For guards, the Kyrie 5 was an absolute monster. The traction pattern, coupled with the new Zoom Turbo unit, made change-of-direction feel instantaneous. I remember testing them and feeling glued to the floor on hard stops, the kind of grip that lets you explode into a drive with total confidence. It’s the shoe for the player who needs to create separation, something any scorer dreams of.
Adidas’s answer came primarily in the form of the Harden Vol. 3 and the Dame 5. The Harden’s Lightstrike cushioning, which debuted here, was a game-changer for the brand—light, responsive, and perfect for James Harden’s (and any savvy player’s) step-back game. The containment was excellent, though I found the fit a bit narrow for my foot. The Dame 5, on the other hand, was arguably the best value proposition of the year. For around $115, you got Bounce cushioning that was perfectly tuned, fantastic traction, and a durability that could handle outdoor courts. It was the workhorse shoe, reliable and effective without the premium price tag. Speaking of value, the Under Armour Curry 6 often flies under the radar in these discussions, but its UA HOVR and Micro G dual foam setup offered a unique, low-to-the-ground yet cushioned feel that was fantastic for shooters who prioritize court feel. I’d estimate its energy return to be about 15-20% better than the previous model, a tangible upgrade for players constantly moving off the ball.
We also saw strong entries from Chinese brands like Li-Ning and Anta. The Way of Wade 7, in particular, was a masterpiece of design and performance, boasting a carbon fiber shank and Boom cushioning that rivaled the best from the West. It was a statement piece. For big men, the Air Jordan XXXIII stood out with its revolutionary FastFit system, offering a truly unique and lockdown fit, though the break-in time was significant—maybe two to three full games before it felt completely natural. Puma’s re-entry into the basketball market with the Clyde Court Disrupt brought a fresh, fashion-forward look and hybrid cushioning, though its on-court performance was good, not great, in my experience. The New Balance OMN1S, Kawhi Leonard’s first signature model with the brand, was a surprise hit, offering phenomenal stability and a no-nonsense, performance-first build that reflected its wearer’s ethos.
So, how do you choose? It comes down to your role and your physical demands. Are you a guard making 50 cuts a game like the elusive Sierba in our example? Prioritize traction and court feel—look at the Kyrie 5 or the Curry 6. Are you a powerhouse who absorbs contact and needs to stay fresh for that game-ending 30-point kick? Cushioning and impact protection are key—the LeBron 16 or even the Jordan XXXIII could be your allies. And never underestimate the importance of fit; a shoe that slips even a millimeter can be the difference between a clean finish and a turnover. My final piece of advice is to remember that the best shoe is the one that disappears on your foot, allowing you to focus solely on the game. In 2019, we were spoiled for choice with models that did exactly that, each engineering its own solution to the beautiful, brutal physics of basketball. Try them on, move in them, and find the one that makes you feel ready to anchor your own fourth-quarter run.