The 12 Best Basketball Shoes For Guards [Review 2022]

best basketball shoes for guards

As you may not know, sentinel basketball shoes are usually low-to midsole shoes that come with padding. Unlike many center and power forward basketball shoes, many sentry basketball shoes don’t have a lot of cushioning. Instead, these sneakers often come with plenty of traction and moderate cushioning that ensures that the shoe is lightweight. So what are the best basketball shoes for guards? What are the factors to keep in mind when buying basketball shoes for guards? Find out in the following article.

Best basketball shoes for guards

Harden Vol 4- $115.84~$157.95

While it’s not the most recent release in James Harden’s signature shoe line, the Harden Vol 4 is arguably the best basketball shoe for guards. That could be largely due to its comfort and padding. These shoes won’t cause any joint pain for the wearer and they deliver high performance. One thing to keep in mind is that these shoes can be a bit heavy, but offer a great fit, saving the wearer time. It’s important to note that while these basketball sneakers may work well outdoors, I don’t recommend using them outdoors continuously as they will most likely fail. Overall, the Harden Volume 4 is still the perfect basketball shoe for guards mainly thanks to its premium cushioning, comfort.

Pros

  • Provides plenty of cushioning and stability.
  • Comes with Forgefiber technology for increased durability

Cons

  • Ideal for indoor use only
  • Requires regular cleaning

Harden Vol 4

Nike KD Trey 5- $99.54

Kevin Durant’s signature Nike KD Trey 5 features a uniquely designed mesh upper. It’s both flexible and breathable, making it the perfect fit for agile defenders while playing sports. Nike’s revolutionary Renew foam is incorporated in the sole. This responsive foam has maximum impact absorption and can reduce the impact on hard soils. Besides, the outsole of the shoe is made of rubber with a moderate level of shoe making it can be used both outdoors or indoors.

The translucent finish of the outsole gives a cool look too flashy defenders. The lacing system is easily adjustable and fits most widths. The shoe is quite affordable and has many colors to choose from with White/Black/Silver all very striking and stylish. Shoes are not easily soiled, so cleaning does not need to be done too often. The breathable mesh upper helps control odors, but it’s a good idea to let the shoe air dry before storing them in the box.

Pros

  • Durable outsole with excellent traction
  • Unique and trendy shoe design
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • The mesh upper can get dirty easily

Nike KD Trey 5

Adidas D Lillard 2

One of the best basketball shoes for guards is the Adidas D Lillard 2. Built with Adidas Bounce technology, the Adidas D Lillard 2 provides comfort while protecting you from bumps. The Adidas D Lillard 2 outsole comes with T continental rubber, providing maximum traction. You will not only enjoy the game but also perform at the highest level.

Not only that, because it is made of continental rubber, these shoes are quite sturdy but have a relatively low price. This on-pair heel counter does a solid job at ensuring that your heel is in the correct position to protect your foot from injury. With premium technology and excellent traction, it’s clear why the Adidas D Lillard 2 is one of the best basketball shoes for guards.

Pros

  • Designed with Adidas Bounce technology for a comfortable feel.
  • Made of high-quality materials

Cons

  • The traction model is quite worthy

Adidas D Lillard 2

Nike LeBron Witness III- $165.95-$199.99

This Nike signature shoe is made with tight-knit mesh on the upper. Wide mesh midfoot for more flexibility, comfort, and fit. The upper is embossed with TPU aka thermoplastic polyurethane which gives the shoe a more luxurious look. Overall, the overall shoe is quite sturdy and light. The midsole has a full-length cushion that covers from the toe to the heel. This feature enhances shock absorption.

What’s special about this shoe is the rubber outsole that has a delicately marked herringbone pattern on it. shoes have a lot of surface area in contact with the floor. Comfort is evident when the shoe is supplemented with a collar with Achilles tendon support. Because the outsole is made of solid rubber, the shoe is quite durable. Tires in traction models are complex but will not wear out easily. Overall, this is one of the top shoe models for guards. It is available in mainly classic colors like black, red, and gray.

Pros

  • Quality mesh knit upper
  • The air outsole is covered from toe to heel

Cons

  • Difficult to clean knitting nets

Nike LeBron Witness III

Air Jordan 35-$170

Referring to the best basketball shoes for guards, this name cannot be ignored. Due to its impressive sole and solid construction, the Air Jordan 35 offers quite a high level of stability. Furthermore, the Air Jordan 35 is tailored to the size and thus provides a seamless fit for all foot types.

The Air Jordan 35 also comes with an unlocked zoom air in the front, similar to the Air Jordan 34’s. In the heel, a larger zoom is used for traction and excellent cushioning on the shoe. Even so, these shoes may not be the right choice for people with wide feet. The shoe can be a bit bulky in the front and you may have some difficulty getting into the shoe for the first 1-2 weeks.

Pros

  • Provides great traction and proper cushioning.

Cons

  • More suitable for people with wide feet
  • Not very suitable for outdoor activities

Air Jordan 35

Under Armour Lockdown 4- $38.97

The Under Armor’s Lockdown 4 basketball shoe is made with a soft-molded synthetic leather upper. The perforated finish makes it breathable and comfortable. It also has a padded collar and tongue pad for added comfort. The midsole of the shoe is made of EVS material that improves shock absorption and offers a lighter weight compared to rubber. This design increases the durability of the outsole. The design of the shoe is simple but looks quite classic with a variety of colors such as black, white, and gray for you to choose from. The shoes are quite affordable and also very easy to clean. With just a quick brush, you can easily clean it with just a few simple steps.

Pros

  • Fresh air
  • Affordable price
  • Multi-level traction

Cons

  • Haven’t discovered the disadvantages of shoes yet

Under Armour Lockdown 4

Nike Kobe Mamba Focus- $85

This name cannot be missed in the list of best basketball shoes for guards. Overall, the shoe is quite light at 12.2 Oz, and also Kobe Bryant’s signature basketball shoe collection is affordable. It is true to the low-heel basketball shoe size. Its upper is made of full-length knitted mesh, providing a cooling effect. Nearly all of the blades are also made of mesh, and it is padded for greater comfort and breathability. The midsole of the shoe is integrated with phylon technology for great comfort.

As the best basketball shoe for guards, the Nike Mamba Focus’s traction is reliable and durable. The rubber is quite soft. It features a unique reversible C-style traction, where one side is opened to provide a perfect traction experience. In addition, it has a lace wrap for comfortable customization. It also has a plastic heel counter on the back of the shoe for support and stability. Not only that, but the shoe also has more space in the toe area to help you stay comfortable when in the front stop position.

Pros

  • Soft breathable material
  • Integrated Phylon technology

Cons

  • Needs regular cleaning
  • Not for people with too wide feet

Nike Kobe Mamba Focus

Nike PG 3- $209.85

The Nike PG 3 is a versatile basketball shoe that works well for any position on the court. The PG3 boasts excellent traction on all types of surfaces. Whether you’re playing on a dirt court or an indoor field, the Nike PG3’s traction is pretty consistent. In addition, the Nike PG3 also comes with Nike Zoom Air Cushioning which makes the shoe quite responsive and provides a comfortable feel. On the other hand, the Phylon on the heel provides excellent impact protection. Everything about this shoe is described as pretty great and the shoe is also quite durable for long-term use.

Pros

  • Suitable for all types of the playing surface
  • Provides strong impact resistance

Cons

  • The breakout time for the Nike PG3 is quite long

Nike PG 3

Adidas Harden Stepback- $56.08~$115

One of the best basketball shoes for guards is the Adidas Harden Stepback. These are James Harden’s signature shoes made in a textile upper with a synthetic toe cap. The ergonomic lacing system provides a snug and secure fit without compromising your comfort. The shoe is lightweight and breathable. This makes it possible for the guards to make fancy moves without being restricted by their shoes. Be it a running or jogging sneaker, this Adidas shoe features a super-durable and super-grip outsole that supports your every move.

Additionally, these low-top shoes feature a wide forefoot and flexible midsole. You can rock this swing all day and still feel comfortable. The heel has a unique pattern, which has a strong grip. The design of the shoe is simple but quite elegant. The James Harden logo is subtle and adds a distinctive touch to its classic design.

Pros

  • Light and breathable
  • Affordable price
  • With Bouncy padding

Cons

  • Difficult to clean and maintain

Adidas Harden Stepback

Under Armour Curry 6- $41.49~$120

While the Under Armor Curry 6 is still relatively new to the market, it has proven to be one of the most consistent and high-performing shoes in recent years. As the signature line of Steph Curry, Under Armor Curry 6 has been optimized to suit players who love to play in a variety of positions. In addition, Armor Curry 6 provides players with a great ballpark feel, which makes them ideal for sudden steering shots and fast crossings. Shoes are created with the aim of keeping protection and impact to a minimum.

Pros

  • Great comfort
  • Provides great traction

Cons

  • Impact protection kept to a minimum

Under Armour Curry 6

Nike Air Zoom BB NXT- $96~$315

The Nike Air Zoom BB NXT is a low-top basketball shoe with an average weight of around 14.84 Oz. It was launched on the market in July 2020 in China and the United States. Like other high-end models, these shoes are also made from textiles with 3 main benefits. The first benefit is breathability, the second is comfort, and the last is cost savings.

Not only that, but the shoe also features a three-layer midsole to give you a super cushioning effect. With its lace wrap system, the shoe is true to size and also features nylon straps for perfect locking. It is available in a variety of color options to suit your needs. These deserve to be the best basketball shoes for guards.

Pros

  • True to size
  • The midsole has three layers

Cons

  • Feet a bit high above the ground

Nike Air Zoom BB NXT

Adidas Dame 5- $77.38~$169

This is the last shoe on our best basketball shoes for guards list for today. The material of the shoe depends on the color you choose. Some colors have a fully woven mesh upper, some are full leather, and some may have a mesh suede combo. In our opinion, you should choose shoes with a combination material because the upper will provide breathability and the suede layer will provide stability. shoes with a traditional herringbone pull, especially for indoor patios. The front fuselages have a double-layered herringbone pattern. One specimen is at a 90-degree angle to the other. Multiple layers help you move in different directions without any risk of injury.

Pros

  • Breathable shoes
    Herringbone traction

Cons

  • The outsole must be cleaned regularly

best basketball shoes for guards

Conclusion

This is a collection of the 12 best basketball shoes for guards that we have introduced to you in this article. We’ve also detailed each type’s specific features as well as the price, advantages, and disadvantages of each. Hopefully, through this article, you can choose the right shoes for your needs and financial ability. If you found this article useful, please leave us a comment.

Video: Source from The Sole Brothers (Youtube)

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