The 10 Best Basketball Shoes of 2023 (So Far)

Highlighting the top ten basketball shoes released throughout 2023.

We are quickly approaching the halfway point of 2023. On July 2, the year will be half over, which serves as a good time to take inventory of all the sneakers that have been released. Luckily for hoopers, it has already been a banner year for basketball shoes.

Throughout the last few months of the NBA season, all of the major sneaker brands released new (or updated) models to compete for the spotlight on basketball's biggest stage. Below are the ten best new basketball shoes of 2023 (so far).

Nike KD 16

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Before the Phoenix Suns were unceremoniously bounced out of the Western Conference Playoffs, Kevin Durant debuted his 16th signature sneaker. While we do not know much about the Nike KD 16, it still squeaks onto our list.

What we do know is that Durant debuted three colorways of the Nike KD 16, and the model will launch no later than this August for $150 in adult sizes. In the meantime, fans can purchase Durant's previous model at a discounted price on the Nike website.

Jordan Luka 2

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Surprisingly, the Dallas Mavericks failed to even make the NBA postseason. With the regular season running out, Luka Doncic had to debut his second signature shoe with Jordan Brand during a losing effort in April.

The Jordan Luka 2 is expected to launch in the 'Space Hunter' colorway on July 11 for $130 in adult sizes. While we gear up for Doncic's second signature shoe to release, fans can purchase the Jordan Luka 1 in multiple colorways on the Nike website.

PUMA Stewie 2

Puma

New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart capped off an exciting offseason with the introduction of her second signature shoe. The PUMA Stewie 2 was released in the bright red 'Ruby' colorway on May 19.

Stewart's second signature shoe lives up to its hype thanks to its impressive technology and exciting colorways. Athletes and fans can purchase the PUMA Stewie 2 for $125 on the PUMA website.

Jordan Why Not .6

© Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Much like Russell Westbrook's game, his signature sneaker line with Jordan Brand is vastly underrated. Westbrook debuted the Jordan Why Not .6 on Christmas Day 2022 before the shoes hit shelves in February for $140 in adult sizes.

Westbrook's shoes always feature technology capable of supporting one of the most athletic players in the NBA while remaining true to Westbrook's bold fashion choices. Online shoppers can purchase the Jordan Why Not .6 for as low as $85 (39% off) on the Nike website.

Air Jordan 37 Low

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The newest installment of the legendary Air Jordan sneaker line is always an important date to hoopers. While the Air Jordan 37 debuted last summer, its low-top counterpart hit shelves in January for $175 in adult sizes.

The Air Jordan 37 Low kept the leno-weave upper and double-stacked Air cushioning setup while offering a lower profile to athletes. Online shoppers can purchase the Air Jordan 37 Low for as low as $122 (29% off) on the Nike website.

adidas Harden Vol. 7

© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

After a few forgettable years, James Harden came roaring back on the court and in the sneaker market. Harden debuted his seventh signature sneaker last summer, but the adidas Harden Vol. 7 did not release until this past March.

Sure, Harden's new kicks can compete with any other model on the market. But its futuristic design harkens back to the golden era of adidas basketball. Fans can choose between several colorways of the adidas Harden Vol. 7 on the adidas website.

Nike Ja 1

© Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

No shoe has received more attention than the Nike Ja 1. Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has not helped the launch of his signature sneaker line with all of his off-court drama. However, Nike is standing by Morant's side and moving forward with his signature sneaker line.

Since hitting the shelves in April, the Nike Ja 1 has sold out in every colorway that has been released. Online shoppers can monitor Morant's section of the Nike website for upcoming releases and re-stocks.

Curry 2 FloTro

© Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry has had the laugh against his detractors. Once roasted for his "dad shoes," Curry is now enjoying a sneaker renaissance. Curry wore new and retro models throughout the season, which gained traction among sneakerheads online.

The Curry FloTro 2 was released on April 1 for $150 in adult sizes. The performance model was redesigned to incorporate UA Flow technology and reimagine fan-favorite colorways. Fans can shop Curry's new and retro kicks on the Curry Brand website.

Jordan Tatum 1

© Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The launch of Jayson Tatum's signature sneaker line could not have been smoother. Tatum took home the 2023 NBA All-Star Game MVP Award in the Jordan Tatum 1 before going on a deep playoff run in the model.

The ultra-light shoes contain almost no rubber to shave off unnecessary weight on the hardwood. Even better, the shoes are versatile enough to wear off the court. The Jordan Tatum 1 hit shelves in March for $120 in adult sizes. Fans can monitor Tatum's section of the Nike website for upcoming releases and re-stocks.

Nike LeBron NXXT Gen

© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Until LeBron James retires, he will remain the face of the NBA and the basketball sneaker market. James wore new and retro models throughout his historic season before settling on the Nike LeBron NXXT Gen for the Lakers' playoff run.

The Nike LeBron NXXT Gen was released in February for $160 in adult sizes. Considered the counterpart to the Nike LeBron 20, the NXXT Gen contains much of the same technology but at a more affordable price. Fans can shop James' new and retro sneakers on the Nike website.

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