Our 2021 Basketball Season Sneaker Picks – Styles to Shop

NBA basketball is in full swing and March Madness is nearly here! If you’re planning to play summer hoops or want an edge on the fall season, now’s the time to upgrade your basketball sneakers. Whether you’re looking to soar above the rim like the Greek Freak or slice and dice defenders like King James, Hibbett | City Gear is your go-to source for basketball footwear. Check out our picks for the best basketball shoes of 2021 below:

adidas D.O.N. Issue 2

The second iteration of Utah Jazz player Donovan Mitchell’s signature adidas basketball shoe like, the D.O.N. Issue 2 is built for making sharp cuts, power dunks and reaching unstoppable speeds. A mesh upper, flexible BOOST midsole and cable lacing system combine for a sneaker that’s as dynamic as the pro-baller it’s are named for. Bearing Mitchell’s mantra “Determination Over Negativity,” the adidas D.O.N. Issue 2 is a must-have sneaker if you dream of dominating in the coming season.

Nike LeBron 18

A king deserves footwear fit for royalty, and that’s exactly what you get with the Nike LeBron 18. The LeBron James sneaker collection embodies the indomitable spirit and unrelenting nature of the L-Train himself. Updated materials like a Knitposite 2.0 material dress the upper, while the tongue features pressurized air pockets. Max Air amps up the heel as it rides high atop a Zoom Air unit, making this King James signature shoe a worthy court contender.  

Nike Air Zoom Freak 2

Giannis Antetokounmpo earned his moniker, the Greek Freak, through his sheer power and speed. His second signature shoe, the Nike Zoom Freak 2 helps wearers channel “The Alphabet’s” explosiveness with a locked-down fit, responsive cushioning and multidirectional traction. The Nike basketball shoe features a big, bold Swoosh as its centerpiece, with strategically placed overlays and molded TPU pieces composing the upper. A midfoot shank plate bisects the decoupled outsole, and the “scribbled on” traction pattern at the heel allows any player to stick, or at least attempt to stick, Antetokounmpo’s expert Euro signature move. 

New Balance OMN1S

New Balance has recently found its footing in the basketball shoe market, thanks to a certain Los Angeles Clippers planner. The brand’s successful OMN1S, inspired by Kawhi Leonard, features a FitWeave, boot-like upper for strategic stability and breathability. A midfoot strap provides ultimate lockdown, while the sneaker’s FuelCell foam midsole delivers a propulsive feel that helps you complete explosive plays. New Balance’s 3D Ultra Heel design keeps the foot in place throughout gameplay. 

Under Armour Curry 8 Flow

Not only does Steph Curry stand out on the court and in the press, Under Armour recently announced that his signature sneaker line would get standalone branding. The Curry 8 Flow is the first model to incorporate new Curry branding, and they’re also the first completely rubberless basketball shoe to hit the hardcourt. Rather than a standard rubber outsole, these ridiculously grippy sneakers rely on a generative traction pattern carved completely out of the UA Flow foam. 

When it’s time to get game-ready, there’s only one place to turn for the hottest basketball kicks of the season. Shop in-store or online at Hibbett Sports for these picks and others like Jordan Brand’s Russell Westbrook “Why Not” kicks, UA’s Embiid 1s, Nike Kyrie and more.