6 Best Low Top Nike Basketball Shoes in 2025
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The Nike brand is the undisputed king of basketball shoes. In fact, more than 80% of the professional players playing in the NBA today are wearing Nike shoes, with legendary names like Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Kyrie Irving, Paul George, and Kevin Durant, just to name a few, endorsing the brand.
If you need a little help in choosing the right Nike low-top basketball shoes, you’re definitely in for a treat. We procured low-top basketball shoes from Nike and we took our sweet time in creating these in-depth reviews. We tested them all, employing not just our expertise but also our equipment and tools in our lab. We also chose the ones that totally impressed us and put them in different categories for your easy navigation.
Here, you have plenty of great choices depending on your personal preference and playing style.
How we test low top Nike basketball shoes
To make our shortlist of the ultimate best selections, we put each pair of shoes through the stringiest testing process. That means meticulous scrutiny and examination of the shoes inside our RunRepeat shoe testing lab, as well as working with a team of wear-testers to determine their on-court performance.
We strictly follow these protocols:
- We purchase all the low-top basketball shoes from Nike from our own pockets.
- We perform various mechanical tests at the lab, which involve cutting the shoes into pieces and analyzing their parts from the outsole grip on wood or concrete to the softness of the midsole, cushioning, and bounce, among others.
- We play a lot of basketball games both indoors and outdoors in the park. We report back with our feedback. We further test each model by doing other sports activities.
Best low-top Nike basketball shoes overall
Nike LeBron 23
89
Great!
What makes it the best?
As one of Nike's most elite signature shoes, the LeBron 23 keeps hitting all the high marks in our lab tests. But this time around, it takes energy return to another level, becoming one of the bounciest options on our list thanks to the winning combination of ZoomX foam and a carbon fiber plate. But is that enough to justify such a steep price hike? Especially given that the Zoom Air is gone and that it is still one of the most heavy-set shoes? It's a mixed bag, but we can't deny the fact that the Nike LeBron 23 is still one of the top performers in the basketball shoe realm.
Pros
- Outstanding energy return
- Excellent shock absorption in the heel
- Fantastic outsole traction
- Top-tier stability and ankle support
- Highly secure foot lockdown
- Exceptional durability
- Decent flexibility given the design
- True to size and width
Cons
- Still one of the heaviest
- Not for outdoor courts
- Extremely low toebox height
- Not breathable
- Rapid price increase
Low-top Nike basketball shoes with the best traction
Nike KD 18
90
Great!
What makes it the best?
Nike introduced minimal updates in the KD 18, making it feel like a slightly improved version of the old KD rather than a brand-new shoe. That's great news for hoopers who enjoyed the well-rounded performance of the KD 17, as the new edition scored high in nearly all our lab tests. But on the downside, we found that the KD 18 somehow gained a whole ounce of extra weight!
Pros
- Excellent shock absorption
- Propulsive energy return in the forefoot
- Superb outsole traction
- Solid ankle support and lateral stability
- Secure lockdown and containment
- Comfortable step-in feel
- Good breathability for warm temperatures
- Decent forefoot flexibility
- Promising durability (okay for outdoor courts)
Cons
- Heavier than average
- Not for wide feet
- No major updates from KD 17
Low-top Nike basketball shoes with the best energy return
Nike G.T. Cut 3 Turbo
83
Good!
What makes it the best?
Our lab tests confirmed that the Nike G.T. Cut 3 Turbo introduced some significant upgrades to the regular G.T. Cut 3. Namely, the incredible energy return that grants an explosive ride thanks to Nike's most advanced ZoomX foam and the Turbo Plate. We also appreciated the improvements in lateral support and traction that made us feel even more surefooted in the Turbo version. However, its eye-watering price point and lack of impact protection would make us think twice before ordering this Nike shoe at full price.
Pros
- Record-breaking energy return with ZoomX
- Significant improvement in lateral support
- Soft and comfortable step-in feel
- Excellent heel and midfoot containment
- Feels highly agile and nimble
- Fantastic outsole grip
- Lighter than average
Cons
- Below-average shock absorption
- Disappointing durability for the price
- Lacks breathability
Best lightweight low-top Nike basketball shoes
Nike Sabrina 3
90
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Nike Sabrina 3 retains that light, nimble, and low-to-the-court profile that agile hoopers have grown to love so much. Our lab tests confirmed yet again that the shoe clearly prioritizes court feel and maneuverability over cushioning. And this time around, the Sabrina shoe granted us an even more secure and supportive experience for the sharpest cuts and surefooted side-to-side moves.
Pros
- Stellar court feel from a grounded platform
- Highly responsive with a propulsive forefoot
- Excellent side-to-side stability
- Amazing lockdown and containment
- Reliable outsole traction
- Super flexible and maneuverable
- Much lighter than average
- True to size and width
Cons
- Low shock absorption
- Not for outdoor courts
- Not for wide feet
- Lacks toebox durability
Best Nike basketball shoes for outdoor courts
Nike LeBron Witness 9
N/A
Not enough reviews yet
What makes it the best?
It's not just a boring $100 shoe; it's an affordable option from The King LeBron's signature series that ticks all the crucial boxes to help beginner and recreational players feel confident. Of course, it lacks premium materials and technologies for the price, but the shoe still impressed us with the value it offers. We were particularly excited about the upgrades to the Witness 9's stability and durability over the previous version.
Pros
- Responsive ReactX midsole
- Excellent stability and ankle support
- Fantastic outsole grip
- Soft comfortable step-in feel
- Accommodating fit
- Great for outdoor courts
- Amazing durability for money
Cons
- Heavier than average
- Not breathable
- Cheap-feeling materials
Best budget Nike basketball shoes
Nike G.T. Cut Academy
87
Good!
What makes it the best?
The G.T. Cut Academy is the takedown model of the Nike G.T. Cut 3, but its affordable price tag comes full of advantages! This Nike pair features a tough upper and extra eyelets at the top that offer a customized fit. We enjoyed the containment and lockdown feel of this shoe in every step, as our cuts were propelled by its Zoom Air unit on the forefoot. Even though we could fly up and down the court thanks to its lightweight structure, this shoe's materials are not the most durable out there. If you're looking for a pair of hoopers that stay by your side for a longer time, investing in a more expensive model might be worth it!
Pros
- Extra eyelets that offer a customized fit
- Fantastic lockdown feel and containment
- Feels light and nimble on foot
- Reliable grip on clean courts
- Excellent impact protection
- Air Zoom adds bounce in the forefoot
- Affordable
Cons
- Not the most durable
- Lacks breathability
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