Think you are in the battleground, and you don’t even have good armour!  Seems scary, right? Same here if you don’t have adequate good shoes during a basketball match.  I’m comparing these two because, in my opinion, Shoes or sneakers like armour in the Basketball court. A good pair of shoes, going to give you better traction, comforts, protection, supports, and many more.

But it’s pretty much hard to find out good shoes balancing all formats. And finding a good pair of sneakers is harder.

In this article, I’m going to suggest some good sneakers along with some facts which you should consider while buying a pair of shoes. There we have suggested the 7 best basketball shoes under 150 dollar. Let’s start with comparison table.

Quick Summary

Image Name Rating [1-10] Dimensions Price
The 7 Best Basketball Shoes Under $150 - Expert Review Nike Men’s Kobe Mamba Focus Basketball Shoe 9.9 Black/Anthracite/Opti Yellow.
also available in different color
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The 7 Best Basketball Shoes Under $150 - Expert Review Under Armour Men’s HOVR Havoc 2  9.8 Academy Blue (401)/Lime Light.
also available in different color
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The 7 Best Basketball Shoes Under $150 - Expert Review Under Armour SC 3ZERO III Basketball Shoe 9.8 Harbor Blue (402)/Khaki Base.
also available in different color.
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The 7 Best Basketball Shoes Under $150 - Expert Review Nike Men’s Lebron Soldier XIII SFG 9.5 Midnight Navy/White-white.
also available in different color.
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The 7 Best Basketball Shoes Under $150 - Expert Review Nike PG 3 9.1 White/White/Black Check Price
The 7 Best Basketball Shoes Under $150 - Expert Review Nike Men’s Gymnastics Shoes 9.0 White
also available in different color
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The 7 Best Basketball Shoes Under $150 - Expert Review Nike Air Force 1 High ’07 8.9 Gym Red/White/Blue Void/White Check Price

Best Basketball Shoes Under 150$

1. Nike Men’s Kobe Mamba Focus Basketball Shoe

Nike Men's Kobe Mamba Focus Basketball Shoe

Do you remember? When Kobe Bryant sheds his old skin for new, he comes back deadlier than ever. The Kobe Mamba Focus represents the fact with a transition of embossed upper inspired from Snakes metamorphosis. Its low-profile outsole might not give you much ankle support, but it is great for step back, create space, and elevate—one of Kobe’s most destructive moves. The mamba-inspired tread pattern will give you the traction you expected and let you move quickly in all directions. The Zoom Air unit provides superior cushioning along with a responsive reaction. Embossed upper increases the ability of containment and stability.

Pros
  • TPU eyelets inspired by snake eyes.
  • Embossed upper material improves control and stability.
  • Molded Swoosh-shaped framework and heel cage ensure lightweight supports.
  • Air Zoom unit for exceptional cushion landings.
  • Low-profile provides superb support and rapid free movement of the ankle.
Cons
  • Can’t provide much ankle security.
  • Poor entry
  • Narrow and tight, small as size.

Takeaway

A number of people claim that It’s a little narrow and tight-fitting. If you have wide feet, consider choosing an upper size.


2. Under Armour Men’s HOVR Havoc 2 

The 7 Best Basketball Shoes Under $150 - Expert Review

Under Armour Men’s HOVR Havoc 2 built with UA HOVR™. The sneakers molded textile upper for enhanced comfort & breathability. The webbing lacing system provides a locked-in and customized fit. The mesh tongue is ready to serve proper ventilation on your foot. The half bootie lining provides a secure fit along with the traditional Tongue responsible for smooth entry. Die-cut EVA sock line ensures underfoot cushioning and superior support. Rubber outsole with herringbone traction pattern provides maximum floor control & grip.

Pros
  • Premium textile and synthetic material.
  • Mid-top Shaft from the arch for better ankle support.
  • Molded textile upper for comfort & breathability.
  • Webbed lacing system for upper security.
  • Mesh collar for proper ventilation.
  • Die-cut EVA sockliner ensures cushioning.
  • Stylish design.
Cons
  • Traction is a little sacrifice.
  • A little bit narrow.

Takeaway

It has a great stylish look with great snug, cushioning, and ventilation. This product could be a great choice of times. Some users experienced this a little bit narrow or running small issue. Consider ordering a size up if you have a large foot. If are looking for the best basketball shoe for narrow feet, this shoe is perfect for you.


3. Under Armour SC 3ZERO III Basketball Shoe

Under Armour SC 3ZERO III Basketball Shoe

The Under Armour SC 3ZERO III is one of the beautiful shoes that Under Armour ever introduced. It is synthetic, Imported, and has Rubber sole. It comes with approximately mid-top shaft measures from the arch. Full-length herringbone Rubber outsole provides supper grip and stability. The upper is synthetic leather, which perforated for better breathability, and it works fine. The Cushioning enhanced around the ankle collar for better comforts and heel stability. It has a Die-cut EVA tech, which ensures underfoot cushioning and supports.

Pros
  • Synthetic material ensures durability & easy cleaning with water.
  • Rubber sole & herringbone Pattern provides better traction.
  • Mid-top shaft for better support.
  • Breathable synthetic upper for comforts.
  • Micro G® foam midsole for better landing
Cons
  • Pretty hard to break-in
  • Cushioning isn’t so high as expected

Takeaway

This shoe is a little bit thin, and cushioning isn’t great. So, consider the fitting before purchase one pair.


4. Nike Men’s Lebron Soldier XIII SFG

Best Basketball Shoes under 150$

Nike Men’s Lebron Soldier 13 SFG comes with a high-top profile with an extended collar. The lace-free closure lets all players get in and out of the shoe effortlessly. The mesh upper is comfortable, breathable, and durable, which provides a ton of lockdown and gives you a secure feel. The closure system has two durable straps with adjustable slip-lock, which also confirms the security and well fit. The flexible inner sleeve let the collar to expand enough for trouble-free entry. Zoom Air and foam sole together create better cushioning in every step. The rubber outsole with herringbone pattern provides superior grip and performs well in every category – on hardwood and blacktop!

Pros
  • The High-top profile ensures support and durability.
  • Dual straps with Velcro and pull-tab tightening to lock your feet down.
  • Mesh upper ensures breaths and flexibility.
  • Better cushioning with Zoom air & foam sole.
  • Rubber & herringbone outsole for better grip.
Cons
  • Mesh upper can’t provide proper ventilation.
  • Inadequate Cushioning. It could have better.

Takeaway

People who hate tying their shoes with lace and love to play both inside and outside can definitely grab one pair.


5. Nike PG 3

Nike PG 3 Review

The Nike PG3 is inspired by Paul George’s Moonshot to elevate the game.  The bootie forming of the shoe makes it snug and also gives security. The padded collar with a smooth finish joins the ankle, which doesn’t affect agility. The outsole’s circular pattern sticks like glue and provides coverage in all angles. The midsole foam is lighter and softer than the previous version PG2. The Zoom air unit of the forefoot provides a springy and responsible feel. The sneakers hold the foot down to deliver a secure lockdown and support.

Pros
  • Style#: CN9512-108
  • Bootie construction for great snug
  • Smooth padded collar
  • Durable fabric with agility.
  • The circular traction pattern delivers a superior grip.
  • Zoom air unit under the forefoot to give a responsive feel.
  • Lighter and softer midsole foam.
Cons
  • The materials look cheap.
  • Soft foam might bottom-up quickly.
  • Might small in size for expanded feet.

Takeaway

According to F.A.Q and customer review, this product is a little bit thin for the expanded feet. If so, consider choosing an upper size.


6. Nike Men’s Gymnastics Shoes

Nike Men's Gymnastics Shoes

The legend strikes again. Nike has introduced a new modern version of legendary AF1 with classic style and latest details. The Nike Air Force 1 ’07, still the #1 best seller basketball Shoe in Amazon! The low design provides optimum soil adhesion and a classic look. The Un-marked Rubber sole also good for traction. The leather and fabric upper features external layers positioned at strategic points, which ensures lifetime durability and support. The perforated aspect provides proper ventilation for a fresh and dry feel.

Pros
  • Superb durability, last for years.
  • The perforations Ensure expected ventilation.
  • Comfortable
  • The non-marking rubber sole provides excellent traction
  • Roomy enough & comfortable for wide feet also.
  • Leather-and-synthetic materials.
Cons
  • According to some users, it’s a little bit weighty.
  • The arch could have been better.

Takeaway

If you’re looking for a pair of shoes keeping in mind, summer, or durability, then this could be a good selection, as many users reviewed.


7. Nike Air Force 1 High ’07

Nike Air Force 1 High

Nike Air Force 1 Originally released in 1982 &  was the first Nike model to feature “Air” technology designed by Bruce Kilgore. Air Force 1 is Nike’s one of the most popular sneaker to date. It is available in nearly 2,000 different colorways, and low, mid, and high-top models. Most of the users love the multi-purpose uses as an athletic shoe or as a lifestyle shoe. Despite outdated technology, the Air sole unit remains immensely comfortable. The ankle strap provides superior ankle and heel support. Overall considering all things, this sneaker has a separate fan base.

Pros
  • Made of leather material, which feels like good leather that is easy to wipe and clean.
  • Durable
  • Better ankle support
  • Air sole unit ensures extreme comforts.
  • Despite being outdated, still one of the most sold sneakers.
  • It has a padded high-cut collar that provides a secure fit along with comforts.
Cons
  • Could slightly heavy or uncomfortable due to pure lather.
  • Bulky compared to other sneakers.

Takeaway

Old is Gold; this is probably the most suitable term for this sneaker. This sneaker might run small. If you have wide feet & wear a 9, go for 9.5 or even a 10.

Best Basketball Shoes under 150$: what to consider?


There are a lot of things you should consider while choosing or buying basketball shoes.

The Upper portion & its Security:

If we’re talking about the upper section of shoes, the first thing we have to consider is height. There are three types of height available in the market, high, mid-top, and low.

  • High: A high-profile option provides an extra layer of support and stability by wrapping around your ankle. It often comes with an additional weight due to extra coverage .
The 7 Best Basketball Shoes Under $150 - Expert Review
  • Mid-top: Mid-top provides a happy medium ankle support. The upper material of a mid-top placed right on the ankle area to provide little coverage. Mid-tops admired for increasing flexibility.
  • Low-top: Low-height basketball shoes have a lower profile and could give little ankle supports. But it’s great for faster movement.
  • Security: For upper security, there are several closure techniques available. Laces are the most popular among them. You also find basketball shoes with zippers, straps, or hook-and-loop closures; these closures can provide more coverage & support to your ankle. But keep in mind, more coverage means more weight.

The Midsole & Cushioning:

The 7 Best Basketball Shoes Under $150 - Expert Review

Regarding performance and comforts, the midsole is an essential part of a sneaker. The midsole is consists of various foams like EVA, compressed EVA, Polyurethane, etc. EVA & compressed EVA are lighter compared to polyurethane. Polyurethane midsoles are dense and durable than others.

The Outsole & Traction:

Someone said, “don’t judge a book by its cover”; In the case of sneakers, this would be “don’t judge a shoe by its upper! “. You can’t buy a good pair of shoes, by ignoring its Out-sole. Outsoles are generally mad of Rubber or Synthetic materials. For the best grip, look for basketball shoes with better traction pattern like herringbone or hexagonal. Sneakers made of good material and with better traction help you preventing sliding up.

Indoor or Outdoor game?

Most basketball shoes designed keeping in mind Indoor games. The outdoor surfaces might harder and could make with less forgiving material such as asphalt while Indoor surfaces are hardwood. So, think about it. Where you decided to play and if it is Outdoor, then choose shoes with more durable and thicker outsole; because asphalt could eat outsole of your shoes, which might cause slippery.

Does it fit well?

The most important thing about shoes is fitting. First of all, consider that your shoes fit well or not. Not too lose or nor too tight. Well-fitted shoes will make you feel more comfortable and help you to put your best at the court. 

Style: Does it important?

A good pair of shoes doesn’t mean it has to look stylish. It won’t give you any vital benefits. But the shoes you wear could make a good impression of personality and choices about yourself to others. Would it be bad if your Shoes provide all the facilities along with making a statement?

The Final Word


It’s arduous to find a true size, comfortable, and supportive pair of sneakers. When I was doing market research for the best sneakers, I feel the hardness of choosing sneakers. Well, I’ve tried to make the best list for you. Before you select a pair, consider which types of player you are. If you are a Guardyou need quick movements on the court. Choose sneakers which give more movement facility. If you a Forward, then you need to command the pain. A High-top sneaker can ensure you additional coverage and support. And if you all-rounder, consider choosing a mid-top pair.

Author

David Harris is a former player and after many years of writing and testing hundreds of products associated with the game, created this website to share his tips, basketballs and gear.  I look forward to continuing to grow and build this site and sharing great content.

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