2026 Basketball Shoe Buying Guide The beginner player
Many of us forget it, but we've all started out one day, and we've all fantasized about a particular pair (in the Basket4Ballers team, we're talking about the Air Jordan XII, the Nike Penny 2 and the Air Jordan XI). As we mentioned earlier, having the right pair is important for our sport. But with all the technologies and models available, what should you choose when you're just starting out?
- The prejudices of a basketball shoe
I wear a high shaft to avoid twisting my ankle: FALSE!
Many players mistakenly believe that a high-top pair prevents them from twisting their ankle or suffering a sprain. This is a prejudice, since it's not the upper that causes this kind of injury, but the stability of the pair. This stability is the result of several criteria, such as the height and width of the sole, and the overall weight of the sneaker. There are three different types of upper: low, mid and high. For more information on uppers, please refer to the Glossary.
The material of the shoe makes no difference: FALSE!
The upper, also known as the vamp, can be composed of one or more materials, modifying the sensation experienced once the pair has been put on. These coverings are grouped into three main "families": fabrics (Mesh, Flyknit, Primeknit, Flyweave), which offer a sensation of great lightness and comfort, plastics (Fuse, Fusemesh), which offer the best support but less comfort, and finally leather, which is the perfect compromise between the two! If you'd like to find out more about these technologies, they're waiting for you in the Lexicon section.
The more cushioning, the better: FALSE!
Cushioning is certainly one of the most important elements of a basketball shoe, modifying its behavior. When you're just starting out, you think that the more cushioning you have, the better. This is not entirely true, as it all depends on what you're looking for in terms of feel and style of play.
The main purpose of cushioning is to absorb the shock of running, shooting, rebounding, lay-ups and dunks. However, depending on the technology used, its thickness and positioning in the shoe, certain aspects can be modified, such as stability, responsiveness, dynamism and weight.
A "soft" cushioning system, for example, will absorb shocks better but provide less stability and reactivity. A firmer configuration will give you a more stable, responsive sneaker, but your muscles and joints will feel the fatigue of effort more quickly.
Thethickness of the cushioning will also have an impact on the pair's stability. Thicker cushioning provides greater comfort, but less stability, as you are further from the sol. On the other hand, thinner cushioning will bring you closer to the sol , for greater stability and court-feel (feel of your foot in relation to the sol, for more precise movements). Note that some cushions offer what's known as energy feedback. During impact, the cushioning compresses and decompresses much more rapidly, providing the shoe with dynamism and rebound!
For those of you who've missed out and want to know more about basketball cushioning, you can find our full report on the subject on our blog or in the Lexicon below.
Choosing good value for money is a good idea: TRUE!
Opting for a good-value pair of shoes is a wise choice when you're just starting out in basketball (and indeed in most sports). By doing so, you'll be in excellent conditions to practice your new sport with a shoe adapted to basketball, and you'll be able to better determine your position and style of play on the court. You'll then be able to move on to a more specific pair, in line with your new needs and skills!
- The right shoes for a good start in basketball
After reviewing the basics of a good basketball shoe, discover our selection of sneakers suitable for beginners in the world of Orange ball.
1/Nike Giannis Immortality
€90.00 Ultra-reliable cushioning and traction
The Nike Giannis Immortality is a highly recommended option for beginner players. When starting out in basketball, foot placement is often uncertain, and the joints need to adjust to new impacts. Thanks to its dual-density foam, this pair offers protective cushioning in the heel and good responsiveness in the forefoot, preventing early fatigue. Plus, its “Euro-step” traction pattern and flexible upper ensure optimal control and reassuring stability. It’s the ideal choice for learning the basics of the game with confidence and without the risk of slipping.
2/b4b Origins
€100.00 A versatile game with total freedom!
With the choice of a low upper, Origins is a lightweight, versatile basketball shoe that will suit a wide range of players. Its lateral reinforcements ensure stability and support, while its mesh upper is highly breathable, for a feeling of permanent comfort, from the start to the end of your game. The padded tongue enhances this feeling and provides firm support without compression points.
3/Adidas Believe That
€100.00 Breathable comfort and support for a smooth start
For the beginner, the Adidas Believe That is an excellent first investment. Getting started in basketball calls for a shoe that feels like a second skin: its breathable upper effectively wicks away sweat, while Dreamstrike technology provides cushioning that’s both flexible and stable—perfect for supporting those still-unsteady steps. The non-marking rubber outsole ensures reliable traction on indoor courts. Easy to adjust thanks to its classic laces, it provides the confidence needed to develop technical skills without fear of injury.