The Top 23 New Basketball Shoes of 2023

The 23 best basketball shoes launched in 2023 ranked.

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The week between Christmas and New Year's Day is one of the best on the calendar. Not only does the week have a relaxed feel, like wearing business casual to the office, but it serves as an excellent time for reflection. In the world of sneakers, there is much to look back on this year.

2023 was an excellent year for new basketball shoes. Not only did seven new signature lines launch between NBA and WNBA players, but several hoops legends have extended their prime on the basketball court and the sneaker industry. Below are the top 23 new basketball shoes that launched in 2023.

Top 23 Basketball Shoes of 2023

Ranking the best basketball sneakers of 2023.

23. New Balance KAWHI III

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Player: Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard.

Highlights: Leonard's third signature sneaker has largely flown under the radar. But its full-length, Energy Arc-equipped FuelCell midsole makes you feel like an elite defender on the court.

How to Buy: Athletes and fans can purchase the New Balance KAWHI III for $160 at Dick's Sporting Goods.

22. Skechers SKX Resagrip

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Player: New York Knicks forward Julius Randle and Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann.

Highlights: Skechers grabbed headlines when it entered the performance basketball market, signed major players, and released a pair of high-performing hoop shoes.

How to Buy: Online shoppers can choose between several colorways of the Skechers SKX Resagrip for $150 at Skechers.

21. Jordan Zion 3

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Player: New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson.

Highlights: Comeback season is in full effect with the third installment of Williamson's signature Jordan Brand sneaker line. Best of all, the model is releasing in several fan-favorite colorways.

How to Buy: Athletes and fans can choose between multiple colorways of the Jordan Zion 3 for $140 on the Nike website.

20. Air Jordan 38

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Player: New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram.

Highlights: Bulky basketball shoes have fallen out of favor, but every new installment of the legendary Air Jordan line is worth celebrating. The Air Jordan 38 even reprises several familiar colorways.

How to Buy: Online shoppers can choose between several colorways of the Air Jordan 38 at a discount on the Nike website.

19. Nike Book 1

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Player: Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker.

Highlights: Booker's first signature sneaker launched in extremely limited quantities this month, a head-scratching move. But we remain hopeful about this promising model.

How to Buy: Athletes and fans can expect more colorways of the Nike Book 1 to be released early next year.

18. PUMA Stewie 2

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Player: New York Liberty guard Breanna Stewart.

Highlights: Stewart's second signature sneaker was inspired by her being a force of nature on the court. However, she is becoming a force in the sneaker industry as well.

How to Buy: Online shoppers can choose between multiple colorways of the PUMA Stewie 2 on the PUMA website.

17. New Balance TWO WXY v4

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Player: Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray.

Highlights: The New Balance TWO WXY v4 is not as aesthetically pleasing as its predecessor, but it boasts performance technology that is unmatched at its price point.

How to Buy: Online shoppers can choose between multiple colorways of the New Balance TWO WXY v4 on the Foot Locker website.

16. PUMA Scoot Zeros

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Player: Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson.

Highlights: A debut signature sneaker for an NBA rookie that is fun, affordable, and lightweight? Sign us up for the PUMA Scoot Zeros.

How to Buy: Athletes and fans can purchase the PUMA Scoot Zeros for $100 on the PUMA website.

15. Rigorer AR1

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Player: Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves.

Highlights: No one expected Reaves to get a signature sneaker deal, but his partnership with Rigorer has proven to be formidable. The Rigorer AR1 is one of the best bang-for-your-buck shoes.

How to Buy: Online shoppers can choose between multiple exciting colorways of the Rigorer AR1 at KICKS CREW.

14. adidas Trae 3

John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young.

Highlights: The adidas Trae 3 is inspired by three generations of Young's family. In addition to being heartfelt, the model captures that futuristic quality that only adidas seems to understand.

How to Buy: Athletes and fans can choose between several colorways of the adidas Trae 3 on the adidas website.

13. Nike Freak 5

John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Highlights: The Nike Freak 5 can support the most powerful players like Antetokounmpo without taking itself too seriously. The model has been released in several colorways that embody Antetokounmpo's personality.

How to Buy: Online shoppers can choose between several colorways of the Nike Freak 5 at a discount on the Nike website. 

12. Nike LeBron 21

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Player: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James.

Highlights: The Nike LeBron 20 was a work of art, which isn't the case for this year's model. However, the Nike LeBron 21 outperforms its predecessor with its technology.

How to Buy: Athletes and fans can choose between multiple colorways of the Nike LeBron 21 at a discount on the Nike website.

11. Nike LeBron NXXT Gen

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Player: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James.

Highlights: James debuted the Nike LeBron NXXT Gen at the end of last season, and the model has remained popular in the sport throughout this season. Sharp, affordable, and a performance beast.

How to Buy: Online shoppers can choose between multiple colorways of the Nike LeBron NXXT Gen at a discount on the Nike website.

10. Jordan Luka 2

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Player: Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic.

Highlights: The Jordan Luka 2 feels like a natural progression for Doncic's signature sneaker line with its steady improvement in technology and changes in design.

How to Buy: Athletes and fans can choose between several colorways of the Jordan Luka 2 on the Nike website.

9. adidas AE 1

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Player: Minnesota Timberwolves Anthony Edwards.

Highlights: Adidas and Edwards declared war on the NBA with a series of provocative ads. Fortunately, the adidas AE 1 can back up the tough talk with its style and performance.

How to Buy: Athletes and fans can purchase the adidas AE 1 on the adidas website.

8. PUMA MB.03

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Player: Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball.

Highlights: Ball is not from here, and neither is his signature sneaker line with PUMA. Sure, the PUMA MB.03 has quality technology. But its colorways are from a different universe.

How to Buy: Online shoppers can shop Ball's signature collection on the PUMA website.

7. adidas Harden Vol. 7

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Player: Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden.

Highlights: Harden's signature sneaker line came roaring back this year. The adidas Harden Vol. 7 features a JET BOOST midsole with Lightstrike cushioning and a design that you won't soon forget.

How to Buy: Online shoppers can still find select colorways of the adidas Harden Vol. 7 at Dick's Sporting Goods.

6. adidas D.O.N. Issue 5

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Player: Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell.

Highlights: Designed to wear on and off the court, the adidas D.O.N. Issue 5 has kept our attention since Mitchell debuted them in the 2023 MLB Celebrity All-Star Game.

How to Buy: Athletes and fans can choose between several colorways of Mitchell's signature sneakers on the adidas website.

5. Nike Ja 1

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Player: Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant.

Highlights: The Nike Ja 1 was an instant hit thanks to its sleek design and fire colorways. The only thing capable of disrupting Morant's promising sneaker line is his off-court drama.

How to Buy: Online shoppers can choose between multiple colorways of the Nike Ja 1 on the Nike website.

4. Nike KD16

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Player: Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant.

Highlights: Kevin Durant dissed his sneakers at NBA Media Day, but we love the Nike KD16. The model pays homage to iconic models but is built for getting buckets in the modern NBA.

How to Buy: Athletes and fans can choose between several colorways of the Nike KD16 on the Nike website.

3. Curry 11

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Player: Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry.

Highlights: Curry's 11th signature sneaker accomplished many of the lofty technological goals that the previous model couldn't quite reach. Combine that with two exciting collaborations and a few fan-favorite colorways, and it becomes one of our favorite sneakers of the year.

How to Buy: Athletes and fans can shop Curry's entire sneaker collection on the Curry Brand website.

2. Nike Sabrina 1

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Player: New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu.

Highlights: Ionescu's debut sneaker stole the summer and much of the fall. Speaking of stealing, you know a hoop shoe is hot when it begins disappearing out of WNBA locker rooms.

How to Buy: Athletes and fans can choose between several colorways of the Nike Sabrina 1 on the Nike website.

1. Jordan Tatum 1

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Player: Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum.

Highlights: Of course, a Jordan Brand sneaker will top our list in '23. Tatum unveiled his first signature model during his MVP performance at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game and never let his foot off the gas.

How to Buy: Online shoppers can choose between multiple colorways of the Jordan Tatum 1 on the Nike website.

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