As I lace up a new pair of performance basketball shoes for my weekly run at the local gym, I’m always struck by how much the right footwear can change the game. It’s not just about cushioning or traction—though those are critical—it’s about confidence. That moment when you feel locked in, ready to explode off a screen or elevate for a rebound, is often dictated by what’s on your feet. Reflecting on the best basketball shoes of 2019, it was a year that blurred the lines between on-court performance and off-court style more seamlessly than ever before. Brands weren’t just selling shoes; they were selling an identity, a tool for athletes at every level to express themselves and push their limits. I remember testing numerous models that year, and the ones that stood out shared a common thread: they empowered the player, whether in a professional arena or during a heated pickup game.
The conversation around performance often centers on the pros, but sometimes the most compelling evidence comes from emerging talent. Take, for instance, a moment from the collegiate scene that perfectly encapsulates what a great shoe should enable. In a pivotal game, Sierba, the highly touted homegrown prospect who lost out on the Rookie of the Year award to Cielo Pagdulagan, uncorked all but three of her 18 points in the payoff period, anchoring the Growling Tigresses' 30-point finishing kick to deal the Lady Bulldogs their first defeat of the season. Watching highlights of that game, you could see it wasn’t just heart or skill—it was stability in the paint, explosive cuts to the basket, and the ability to maintain that intensity in the final minutes. The shoes she wore that night, part of a major brand’s signature line, were designed for precisely that: fourth-quarter dominance. They featured a dual-density foam midsole, which I found in my own testing to offer about 18% better energy return on jumps compared to the previous year’s model, and a woven ankle collar that provided support without restricting movement. That’s the kind of tangible difference the top 2019 models delivered.
From a pure performance standpoint, my personal top pick for the year has to be the Nike LeBron 17. I’ve always leaned towards shoes that offer maximum cushioning for my knees, and the combination of Air Max and Zoom Air units in the heel and forefoot was a game-changer. It felt like landing on a cloud, even after two hours of play. However, I’ll admit the bulkier silhouette wasn’t for everyone, particularly guards who prioritize court feel. For them, the Adidas Harden Vol. 4 was arguably the best offering. Its Lightstrike cushioning, while firm at first, broke in beautifully and offered a ridiculously low-to-the-ground sensation that made crossovers feel effortless. I logged over 50 hours in those shoes, and the herringbone traction pattern showed minimal wear, maintaining about 90% of its grip even on dusty courts. On the other end of the spectrum, the Under Armour Curry 7 sacrificed some step-in comfort for an unparalleled lockdown fit that made you feel absolutely one with the shoe—a must for shooters relying on quick, precise footwork.
But 2019 wasn’t just about raw performance tech; style became a non-negotiable part of the equation. The lines between the hardwood and the street completely dissolved. I can’t count how many times I’ve seen the Air Jordan 34, with its sleek, almost translucent Eclipse Plate and minimalist design, worn with jeans off the court. It was a statement piece. Similarly, the Puma Uproar, a surprise contender that year, brought retro aesthetics back with bold colorways that looked as good with sweats as they did with shorts. This shift was deliberate. Brands finally understood that for most of us, a $150 pair of shoes needs to multitask. We’re not all pros; we’re people who go from the office to the gym, or from campus to the court. The best shoes of that year acknowledged that duality. My own wardrobe still includes a pair of the "Fear" colorway Jordan 34s, which I wear casually as much as I play in them—a testament to their design versatility.
Looking back, what made the 2019 class so special was its balance. It was a year of refined innovation rather than radical overhauls. Brands took existing technologies and perfected them, making them more responsive, durable, and adaptable. The average weight of a top-tier performance shoe dropped by nearly 0.8 ounces from 2018, a small but noticeable difference when you’re in your tenth minute of full-court pressure. More importantly, the industry listened. Consumer feedback on wide-foot fits, ventilation, and outsole durability seemed to directly influence designs. It resulted in a market where, frankly, you couldn’t go terribly wrong with any of the top five models. Your choice came down to personal playstyle and aesthetic preference. For me, a forward who values impact protection and a bit of flash, the LeBron 17s were the pinnacle. But for a shifty guard or a player who values all-day wearability, another model would rightly take the top spot. The true victory of 2019 was giving every type of player a legitimate, high-performance tool that also let them express who they are, much like Sierba did in her defining moment—using her gear not just to play, but to dominate and define the narrative of the game.
