The Top 10 Basketball Shoes for Holiday Gifts

Highlighting the ten best basketball shoes for the 2023 holiday season.

Sports Illustrated aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

It is officially crunch time for holiday shoppers. However, there is no need to worry as all of the major sports apparel companies have rolled out their best sneakers, many of which are being sold at a discounted price online.

Instead of giving the same old gifts this holiday season, you can be the cool friend or family member by surprising a loved one with a new pair of basketball shoes worn by NBA and WNBA stars. Below is a list of ten hoop shoes that make the best holiday gifts based on style, performance, and affordability. 

10 Best Basketball Sneakers for Holiday Gifts

The top ten basketball sneakers for the holiday season.

Nike LeBron 21

© Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James.

Why You Need It: The Nike LeBron 21 is a lightweight, low-cut sneaker built for a king. The dimensional mesh upper helps with ventilation, while the Zoom Air Units provide ample cushioning.

How To Buy It: Online shoppers can buy the Nike LeBron 21 at a discounted price in select colorways on the Nike website.

Nike KD16

© Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant.

Why You Need It: The Nike KD16 is all about comfort. Hoopers are treated to a combination of Nike Air and Zoom Air units while they get buckets on the court.

How To Buy It: Athletes and fans can choose between several colorways of the Nike KD16, many of which are available at a discounted price, on the Nike website.

Nike Sabrina 1

© Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

Player: New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu.

Why You Need It: The Nike Sabrina 1 has both an Air Zoom unit and React foam. But hoopers love its aggressive traction pattern and midfoot support.

How To Buy It: Online shoppers can choose between countless colorways of the Nike Sabrina 1 at or below the retail price on the Nike website.

Jordan Tatum 1

© Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum.

Why You Need It: The Jordan Tatum 1 is ultra-lightweight because the design team removed all excess rubber. Meanwhile, the foam cage adds extra stability for changing directions.

How To Buy It: Athletes and fans can choose between several colorways of the Jordan Tatum 1 in full-family sizing on the Nike website.

Jordan Luka 2

© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic.

Why You Need It: The Jordan Luka 2 is designed to support the craftiest players on the court. Best of all, the model is made with at least 20% recycled content as a nod to Doncic's native Slovenia's sustainability efforts.

How To Buy It: Online shoppers can shop the Jordan Luka 2 in full-family sizing on the Nike website.

adidas D.ON. Issue 5

© David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell.

Why You Need It: The adidas D.ON. Issue 5 was designed to look good on and off the court. The model features Lightstrike cushioning, an elevated traction pattern, and an upper made of at least 50% recycled content. 

How To Buy It: Online shoppers can shop Mitchell's fifth signature sneaker in full-family sizing on the adidas website.

adidas Harden Vol. 7

© Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden.

Why You Need It: In addition to being fashion-forward, the adidas Harden Vol. 7 features a JET BOOST midsole combined with Lightstrike cushioning for a responsive ride. 

How To Buy It: Athletes and fans can choose between several colorways of Harden's signature sneakers at a discounted price on the adidas website.

Curry 11

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry.

Why You Need It: The Curry 11 features the cutting-edge UA FLow technology, which doubles as a midsole and outsole. It's like wearing a supportive running shoe on the hardwood.

How To Buy It: Online shoppers can choose between several fire colorways of Curry's newest signature sneaker on the Under Armour website.

PUMA MB.03

© John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball.

Why You Need It: The PUMA MB.03 is just as exciting as Ball's game. It is eye-catching on the court and performs well thanks to its NITROFOAM cushioning and non-slip outsole.

How To Buy It: Athletes and fans can choose between several wild colorways of Ball's signature sneakers in full-family sizing on the PUMA website.

PUMA STEWIE 2

© Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Player: New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart.

Why You Need It: The PUMA STEWIE 2 is inspired by Stewart's force on the court. The lightweight and supportive hoop shoe comes in several stylish colorways.

How To Buy It: Online shoppers can choose between a plethora of colorways of Stewart's second signature sneaker at a discounted price on the PUMA website.

10 Old-School Basketball Sneakers to Buy This Holiday Season