Kicks of the Week — Edition 02
Published
Edition 02 leans into versatility. These are shoes that perform in practice, hold up over a full season, and don’t look out of place off the court either. One for the younger player just outgrowing their first pair, one for the guard who needs speed and containment, and one for the forward or bigger player who needs support and cushioning without sacrificing mobility.
🥇 The Budget Pick — Under Armour Assert 10
Who it’s for: Players aged 8–13 outgrowing their first pair, parents who want proven durability without a big price jump
Price: ~$55
Under Armour doesn’t get enough credit in the youth basketball shoe conversation. The Assert 10 is a clean, well-built court shoe that holds up to the kind of punishment young players put footwear through — outdoor courts, gym floors, impromptu driveway sessions, all of it.
The UA cushioning system isn’t flashy but it’s consistent, and the rubber outsole provides solid grip on both indoor and outdoor surfaces. That versatility matters when your kid is playing wherever they can find a court.
Runs true to size. Available in enough colourways to keep kids happy. At $55 it’s genuinely hard to beat for this age group.
Buy it: UA.com · Amazon · Dick’s Sporting Goods
🥈 The Level-Up Pick — Nike Zoom Freak 5
Who it’s for: Players 12+ who are athletic, aggressive drivers, and need a shoe that keeps up with their game
Price: ~$120
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s signature shoe is built for players who attack — explosive first step, strong finishes at the rim, physical defense. The Zoom Freak 5 is wide-based and stable, which makes it unusually good for players who play bigger than their size — forwards, wings, anyone whose game involves a lot of contact and direction changes under load.
The React foam midsole gives it a responsive, cushioned ride without the height that makes some performance shoes feel unstable. Lockdown in the upper is excellent — no sliding around inside the shoe during lateral cuts.
Runs slightly wide. If your kid has a narrow foot, try before you buy or size down a half.
Buy it: Nike.com · Foot Locker · Eastbay
🥉 The All-Out Pick — New Balance TWO WXY v4
Who it’s for: Serious players 14+ who want premium performance and aren’t interested in wearing the same shoe as everyone else
Price: ~$150
New Balance has quietly become one of the best performance basketball brands on the market, and the TWO WXY v4 is the proof. It’s a legitimate elite-level shoe — FuelCell cushioning that rivals anything Nike or Adidas is putting out, a thoughtfully designed upper with excellent lockdown, and an outsole pattern that grips well on clean indoor courts.
What sets it apart for the right player: it’s not as common as the Jordans and KDs you see on every court. For the player who cares about looking different while still performing at the highest level, this is the pick.
The TWO WXY runs true to size and works well for both guards and forwards — it’s versatile enough that position doesn’t limit the recommendation.
One note: it’s an indoor performance shoe. It’ll wear faster on outdoor courts than the budget pick. Keep that in mind if your kid plays mostly outside.
Buy it: NewBalance.com · Foot Locker · Eastbay
One consistent reminder: basketball shoes are not running shoes. The lateral stress of cutting, stopping, and changing direction under load requires specific support that general athletic shoes don’t provide. Get the right tool for the job.