2026 Basketball Shoe Buying Guide The experienced player
Once the Rookie season is over, you start to know where you want to be and which position you'd prefer to play. Even if sometimes you don't really have a choice (tall players know what we're talking about). If some players have a particular disposition to play one position rather than another, it's exactly the same for shoes. Some sneakers are better suited to certain positions on the pitch than others.
- The point guard
The fullbacks and point guards form the team's back line, commonly referred to as the "backcourt". These two players are generally faster, more technical and more mobile than the average, multiplying their runs during games, whether to dribble towards the basket and fix the defense, or to make the opposing defense move.
The ideal sneaker for this player profile is lightweight, preferably with a low upper, for greater freedom of movement and a more natural rolling of the foot. In terms of cushioning, a configuration that is closer to the sol will provide a better Court-Feel, for more incisive movements and quicker changes of direction.
Basket4Ballers selection:
1/Jordan Luka 5
€130.00 Total control for creative point guards
The Jordan Luka 5 is a formidable weapon for the experienced player, particularly for point guards and shooting guards. Perimeter players put a lot of strain on their feet to create space using crossovers, step-backs, and sudden stops. This model delivers perfectly thanks to the IsoPlate system, which absorbs extreme lateral impacts and returns energy for explosive acceleration. Combined with full-length Cushlon 3.0 foam, it offers the perfect balance between comfort and responsiveness, providing 360-degree control to dictate the pace of the game.
2/Nike A'Two
€150.00 Dynamism and responsiveness for explosive drives
The Nike A'Two is the ultimate weapon for the experienced player, specifically for point guards and shooting guards. Perimeter players need instant responsiveness to blow past their defenders. Thanks to the Air Zoom unit in the forefoot and Cushlon 3.0 foam, this shoe maximizes the power of your first step and sprints. The herringbone pattern enables sharp stops and unpredictable changes of speed. Finally, the midfoot plate and heel counter lock the foot in place, providing the stability essential for crossover dribbles and intense defensive retreats.
3/Puma All-Pro Nitro 2
€140.00 Maximum agility and absolute lateral stability
Designed for experienced point guards and shooting guards, the Puma All-Pro Nitro 2 excels at providing stability during rapid multidirectional movements. Its NITRO™ SQD foam delivers exceptional energy return and dynamic support in all directions, making it ideal for step-backs and changes of pace. The slim PWR Print upper, combined with the extended lacing system at the forefoot, ensures maximum lateral stability without adding bulk to the shoe. It’s the perfect model for technical guards who bring a quick and aggressive style to the court.
- The winger
Certainly the most versatile player on the court, the winger is capable of playing both outside and inside the basket, of playing aggressively towards the basket and of taking advantage of his shooting skills! Lightness and dynamism are the watchwords for these Swiss Army knives.
Basket4Ballers selection:
1/Jordan Tatum 4
€140.00 The perfect balance between support and responsiveness
The Jordan Tatum 4 is perfectly tailored for the seasoned wing player. This demanding role requires versatility: players must be able to drive with power while remaining agile enough to shoot. The reinforced textile upper and the shoe’s firm frame perfectly support the heavy lateral movements typical of small forwards. Additionally, the combination of Cushlon foam and the Air Zoom unit in the forefoot provides the cushioning and responsiveness needed to absorb impact during rebounds and explode during drives to the basket.
2/Anta Kai 3
$135.00 Power and control for versatile forwards
For the experienced wing player, the Anta Kai 3 stands out as an excellent choice. Modern wing players need a shoe that can withstand aggressive drives while maintaining great agility. The N2 injected cushioning provides ultra-responsive bounce that propels every jump while reducing fatigue. Strategic reinforcements in the mesh upper and an outsole with optimized flex zones ensure exceptional traction and stability. It efficiently transfers energy during sudden changes of direction to dominate the game.
3/Nike KD 18
€160.00 Cushioning and stability for endurance-oriented wing players
The Nike KD 18 is perfect for the experienced wing player. This position demands immense versatility to make quick cuts up and down the court and attack the basket. Thanks to the combination of a large Air Zoom unit in the forefoot and Nike Air in the heel, this shoe offers ultra-responsive cushioning that propels jumps while protecting the joints of physical players. Plus, its plastic plate and durable side cage lock the foot in place, ensuring the balance and stability essential for aggressive cuts and intense battles in the paint.
- The interior
As close as possible to the circle, whether on defense or offense, the inside player uses his physical strength to gain the upper hand. More corpulent than a point guard, pivots' joints and knees are put under extreme strain, given their role in the game (locking up the racket, taking rebounds and countering players who venture too close to the circle). A "mid" or high upper with shock-absorbing cushioning is an excellent choice, slowing down and limiting muscle and joint fatigue!
Basket4Ballers selection:
1/ Air Jordan 40
200.00€ A must-have for interiors!
There's only one way to celebrate 40 years of Air Jordans. It has to be never-before-seen. For the first time, a Zoom Strobel unit has been layered over the full length of ZoomX foam for responsive cushioning, designed to go the distance. Internal straps and premium leather ensure optimum support. Underfoot, the unique herringbone grip pattern will cast doubt on the defense. And of course, you can't forget the style. Black and white create a timeless color scheme.
2/ Nike LeBron NXXT GEN.IS.US
150.00€ A fast and powerful first step!
The Nike LeBron NXXT GEN.IS.US is designed for powerful indoor players who want to make contact in the racquet. Its full-length Zoom Air cushioning provides excellent energy return and shock protection. Its reinforced upper and ultra-grippy outsole provide stability and traction for intense under-the-basket action.
3/Adidas Harden Volume 10
€160.00 Comfort and energy return under the basket
The Adidas Harden Volume 10 is ideal for the experienced player who dominates as his team's center. Playing in the paint requires maximum protection against repeated impacts and a solid foundation for grabbing rebounds. The BOOST midsole perfectly meets this need by providing flexible cushioning and excellent energy return during dunks or defensive blocks. Its sturdy synthetic upper ensures a snug fit to withstand heavy physical contact, while its highly grippy outsole provides stability for pivots and powerful moves near the basket.