Kicks of the Week — First Edition
Published
Three shoes worth your money right now. No hype. Just the picks.
Every week, we cut through the noise and pick three pairs worth looking at — one for the player on a budget, one for the player who’s ready to level up, and one for the player who wants to go all out. All three will perform on the court. The rest is personal.
🥇 The Budget Pick: Nike Team Hustle D 11
Who it’s for: New players, younger kids, parents who want to see commitment before spending big
Price: ~$65
The Hustle D has been Nike’s go-to entry-level basketball shoe for a reason. It’s not the flashiest thing on the court, but it checks every box it needs to — ankle support, non-marking rubber outsole, durable upper that holds up to outdoor and indoor play.
For a kid just getting started, this is exactly the right shoe. It fits true to size, the velcro version (available in smaller sizes) is a lifesaver for younger players, and it won’t blow out after a month of use.
If your kid decides basketball isn’t for them after one season, you’re not out $150. If they stick with it, they’ll have built their early fundamentals in a shoe that actually supports the right movement.
Buy it: Nike.com · Eastbay · Dick’s Sporting Goods
🥈 The Level-Up Pick: Adidas Trae Young 3
Who it’s for: Players 10+ who are training consistently and ready for a performance shoe
Price: ~$110
Trae Young is one of the most skilled guards in the NBA, and his signature shoe is built for the same kind of player — quick, shifty, handles-first. The Trae 3 sits low to the ground for better court feel, has excellent lateral containment for cuts and crossovers, and the Lightstrike cushioning makes it comfortable for long training sessions.
It runs slightly narrow, so if your kid has a wider foot, try before you buy or size up a half. Colourways rotate often — check Adidas and Eastbay for current availability.
This is the shoe for the player who’s past the beginner phase and wants equipment that matches their effort level.
Buy it: Adidas.com · Eastbay · Foot Locker
🥉 The All-Out Pick: Nike LeBron NXXT Gen
Who it’s for: Serious players 13+ who train multiple times a week and compete at a club level
Price: ~$160
If you’re going to spend real money on a basketball shoe, it should feel like it the moment you lace up. The LeBron NXXT Gen does. Nike’s Zoom Air cushioning in the forefoot gives you that locked-in, responsive feel that cheaper shoes just can’t replicate. The upper wraps the foot well, containment on lateral cuts is excellent, and it’s one of the more versatile performance shoes Nike makes — works on both indoor and outdoor courts without destroying the outsole.
At this price point, you’re buying performance and longevity. A player who trains 3–4 times a week will feel the difference. A kid who plays on weekends probably won’t — and that’s fine. Match the shoe to the commitment level.
Buy it: Nike.com · Eastbay · Foot Locker
A Note on Fit
No shoe on this list matters if it doesn’t fit right. Basketball puts serious lateral stress on footwear. A shoe that’s even slightly too big is a rolled ankle waiting to happen. When in doubt, try on in store — or if buying online, go with retailers that have a clean return policy.
Size guide reminder:
- Players under 12 → youth sizing, check brand-specific charts
- Players 12+ → start transitioning to adult sizing, measure both feet