BASKETBALL

PUMA Basketball has always been about creating firsts. We've been pushing the envelope and changing the game ever since we got into it. It all started in 1973 when we did something that had never been done. We created basketball's first-ever signature shoe, the Clyde.

Made for Walter "Clyde" Frazier, worn by millions. Now, with almost 50 years since Frazier hit the court wearing PUMA basketball sneakers, we're taking the same mentality of crafting kicks with cutting-edge technology that make a bold statement.

Our current line of lightweight Men's Basketball shoes is designed to do just that. With LaMelo Ball’s collections taking us out of this world and more pops of colour with The Dagger’s new colourways, you’re definitely going to be turning some heads on the court.

Make your moves in style from our collection of high-top basketball shoes for men. Engineered to keep the comfort going long after the game is over. Enjoy tight turnarounds on the court powered by our anti-slip traction outsole on the Court Pro’s or the comfort of the innovative NITRO™ SQD midsole, which combines best-in-class cushioning and rebound with all the support you'll ever need. Make explosive moves and run circles around your opponents with no sweat with PUMA basketball court shoes.

So whether you're looking to make a statement on the court, or to rock the pavement off the court, check out our selection of men's basketball shoes today. You won't be disappointed.

FAQ

What Makes PUMA’s Basketball Shoes Ideal for High-Performance Gameplay?

PUMA basketball shoes are engineered to make you feel agile while feeling supported. Thanks to a combination of lightweight materials and rubber outsoles that give you immense traction on the court, you’ll be able to control your movements with the ball with ease. Our shoes support smooth footwork movement every time you’re facing your opponents or having a friendly game. But don’t take our word for it, you can try one of our sneakers and experience it for yourself. PUMA also makes high-performance shoes for sports like football. Explore the full collection online today.

How Do PUMA’s 2025 Basketball Shoes Reflect the Latest in Sports Technology?

PUMA basketball shoes are all about redefining performance through innovation. The 2025 range, like all others, brings next-level tech to the court, engineered to help you move faster, jump higher and land smoother. With our trademarked NITROFOAM™ drop-in midsole delivering explosive energy return and plush cushioning, every step feels spring-loaded.

Add to that a multi-zoned mesh upper for targeted support and breathability where you need it most, and you’ve got a shoe that adapts to your game in real time. From quick cuts to high-flying dunks, PUMA basketball shoes are built for players who want to make every movement count. They don’t just look futuristic — they play like it.

What Is the Difference Between Low-Top and High-Top Basketball Shoes for Men?

When it comes to choosing between low-top and high-top basketball shoes, it all comes down to how you play and what your body needs on the court. High-tops offer added ankle support, making them a go-to for power players who do a lot of jumping, rebounding or physical play in the paint. They’re built to stabilise and protect, especially during lateral movements and landings.

Low-tops, on the other hand, are designed for speed and agility. They’re lighter, give you more freedom to move, and are ideal for guards or quick players who rely on sharp cuts, fast breaks and explosive direction changes.

At PUMA, we design both with performance tech in mind — from responsive NITROFOAM™ midsoles to lightweight uppers and grippy outsoles — so whatever your position, you can move with confidence and control.

How Does PUMA’s Nitro Foam Enhance Comfort and Bounce on the Court?

PUMA’s NITROFOAM™ is a game-changer when it comes to cushioning and responsiveness. Infused with nitrogen gas through an advanced foaming process, it’s designed to be ultra-lightweight while still packing serious energy return. On the court, that translates to more bounce in your step — helping you launch into jumps, explode off the dribble, and land softly, time after time.

Which PUMA Basketball Collections Are Currently Trending in Australia?

PUMA's 2025 basketball lineup is making waves across Australia, blending cutting-edge performance tech with bold, expressive design. The MB series continues to dominate, thanks to LaMelo Ball’s standout style and on-court flair. The latest MB.04 and MB.03 Lo models continue to surprise with vibrant colourways and collaborations with our favourite brands.

For those seeking versatility, the Court Rider collection offers performance-ready footwear with a stylish edge. Models like the Court Rider I are designed for both on-court performance and off-court style, making them a popular choice among players.

There’s plenty to find in our collection, and there’s definitely a shoe for everyone with PUMA. ​Explore the full range today. You can also head into one of our stores to try on the shoes.

How Should Basketball Players Choose Between Grip Types and Outsole Styles?

Different surfaces demand different traction, and picking the right outsole can give you that extra edge — whether you’re playing indoors, outdoors, or switching between both.

For indoor courts, look for shoes with herringbone or radial traction patterns. These offer excellent multidirectional grip, helping you stay quick on cuts and agile during pivots. A slightly softer rubber compound is common here, giving you that tacky feel that grips hardwood without slipping.

If you’re mostly playing outdoors, you’ll want a durable, thicker rubber outsole with deeper tread patterns. Outdoor courts can wear down softer soles quickly, so go for something rugged like PUMAGRIP ATR — it’s built to handle the rougher textures of concrete and asphalt while still delivering solid traction.

Hybrid players — those who train both in and out — should look for versatile outsoles that balance grip with durability. PUMA’s court shoes, like the All-Pro NITRO or MB.03, are designed to provide both, with grippy patterns and tough rubber compounds that won’t wear out fast.

Can I Play Basketball In Running Shoes?

Can you? Sure you can, but we wouldn't recommend it. At PUMA we know a thing or two about running shoes. We've been supplying Olympic runners for decades. But there's a reason we don't fit LaMelo Ball with a pair of evoSPEED sprinters cleats. Basketball shoes have a particular set of attributes that make them perfect for the task they were made for. Running shoes might be comfortable and lightweight, but they don't have the same kind of support or durability that basketball players need. Running shoes focus on getting the wearer moving straightforwardly as quickly as possible. But basketball has so many more aspects to it than just running. You need the side stability to support your ankles as you sidestep as well the cushioning for your foot when you land.

Does The Weight Of Basketball Shoes Affect Speed And Jumping Performance?

There has been plenty of research done on this topic, with varying results. Lighter does generally mean faster, but there's a lot more to a shoe than just its weight. Jumping and speed performance are also affected by the cushioning and midsole of the shoe. Having cushioning with enough rebound and a midsole that is springy does a huge amount to improve speed and jumping.

PUMA Hoops is committed to building lightweight basketball shoes that provide the speed and responsiveness that our athletes require to perform at their best. But beyond that, we focus on durability, support, and comfort as well. So while our shoes are some of the lightest on the market, we're confident that they measure up in every other way as well.

When Should I Replace My Basketball Shoes?

We all wish that our favourite basketball shoes could last forever. But unfortunately, the rigours of the game and the amount of use a basketball shoe gets means that eventually, they do have to be retired. The good news is that with PUMA men's basketball shoes, you'll get a lot of use out of them before they need to be replaced. But when the time does come, there are a few things you can look for.

If you're starting to feel uncomfortable in your feet or joints after wearing your shoes, it might be time for a new pair. If the cushioning isn't feeling as springy as it used to, or if the outsole is showing signs of wear, those are both indicators that it's time for a new pair of shoes. You should also take a close look at the overall condition of the shoe.

Are Basketball Shoes Good for Everyday Use?

There are so many reasons we love basketball shoes. So of course it would make sense that you'd want to wear them out and about. PUMA basketball shoes are designed to make a statement. They're comfortable and they're reliable. And besides, if they're good enough to stand up to the demands of a game like basketball, we'd say they can handle everyday use just fine.

Can Basketball Shoes Be Used For Style?

Absolutely. Basketball is all about style. From the way you carry yourself on the court to the signature shoes you wear, style is an important part of the game. And PUMA men's basketball shoes are designed with this purpose in mind. With their bold designs and bright colours, they're sure to turn heads when you're out and about.

Can You Use Basketball Shoes For Fashion?

The ties between basketball and the world of fashion have been growing stronger every year. Basketball gear and the streetwear trend are often mentioned in the same sentence and it's easy to see why. The bold and contrasting effects of a streetwear fit are perfectly sewn together with an eye-catching piece from the PUMA men's basketball shoe range. Find your voice and speak it loud with PUMA.

How Should Basketball Shoes Fit?

How a basketball shoe should fit is one of those things that is going to vary depending on taste. But one thing is for certain and we apply it to everything we do, don't ever settle for average. There are a few key aspects of the shoe fit to look out for.

The toe box

This is the easiest part of the fit to figure out. Is your shoe the correct length for your foot? Leave roughly a finger's width at the end to make sure your toes won't be hitting the end too hard when coming to a quick stop. When you pull up for that jump shot, you want full focus on your technique, not on a pain in your toes.

Ankle support

Ankle support is not about the height of the basketball shoe – as was previously thought. After considerable research into the subject, it's been found that the support for your ankles comes predominantly from the cushioning and insole support of the shoe. As such, the fit you’re looking for is one where your ankle is held snugly by the sides of the shoe. Your shoe should feel like it has enough stiffness around the ankle to avoid sprains, but still allow you the necessary freedom of movement to play your game freely.

Heel Stability

This refers to the slip of your heel inside the basketball shoe. If you stomp your foot down at an angle, do you feel the base of your heel moving around, or is it locked in place? A little bit of movement can be fine and potentially even a good thing for comfort, but this is largely down to taste.

The bend of the shoe

You'll want to make sure the shoe is bending at the right spot under your foot. The sweet spot for this is pretty much right under the ball of the foot. Further towards the midsole is a sign of a poor fit.

How To Get Better Grip On Basketball Shoes?

One of the most important aspects of a good basketball shoe is the level of grip that it provides. This can be the difference between making or missing that all-important layup or dribble.

The first thing is to focus on keeping your shoes clean and especially free of dirt.

The second is to wipe your shoes with a damp rag in-game, the water against the polyurethane coating of most indoor basketball courts causes more friction, which means more grip. The third option is to look at external grip-enhancing options like grip lotions and sprays.

Do Any NBA Players Wear PUMA Shoes?

PUMA is forever faster. Our shoes are a staple on NBA courts all over, as well as in all the rest of the world's professional leagues. There are several players in the NBA who have chosen to embrace the advanced technologies of PUMA men's basketball shoes. The most notable of these players is the 2021 Rookie of the Year, LaMelo Ball. His signature collection is spreading like wildfire across the globe as players lace up in shoes that embody the same confidence and flair as the star they were made for.

What PUMA Shoes Does Lamelo Ball Wear?

LaMelo Ball is one of the most gifted and exciting point guards to step onto the professional stage in recent memory. How did he get to where he is today? The same way PUMA did. With a dedication to his craft, an unrivalled work ethic, and a style all his own. That's why we're proud to have him as the face of our brand. As for what shoes he wears, it's always a pair from his signature collection. The LaMelo Ball basketball shoes are designed for speed and creativity on the court, just like LaMelo. They’re some of our lightest and most responsive basketball shoes ever. So if you're looking for a shoe that can keep up with the game's fastest players, you've found it.

What Is Nitro Foam Technology In PUMA Basketball Shoes?

PUMA's NITRO FOAM technology is a game-changing innovation that provides basketball players with unrivalled energy return, cushioning, and comfort. It's designed to help you stay quick on your feet and provide you with the energy you need to make explosive plays. NITRO FOAM is also incredibly lightweight, so you won't feel weighed down when you're making your move. It comes from the injection of nitrogen gases into the foam of the shoe during the manufacturing process.

PUMA is changing the game with its range of men's basketball shoes. If you want to play like the best, you need to wear the best. Shop our range today and keep striving to be forever faster.