Basketball is a game of sudden changes. A player might sprint, plant, change direction, jump and land in the space of two seconds, then do it again on the next possession. That makes the shoe a piece of safety equipment as much as a piece of style. Good basketball shoes grip the hardwood, hold the foot steady during cuts and cushion every landing, whether you play in a league, at the local gym or in the driveway on weekends.
Low Cut or Standard Cut
Collar height is the first decision. A lower cut frees up the ankle for quicker moves and suits guards and players who rely on speed. A standard cut sits a little higher around the ankle and gives a more locked-in feel, which many forwards and bigger players prefer. Neither replaces good ankle strength, but the right height simply feels better for how you play.
Cushioning and Stability
Look for two things in the midsole. First, cushioning that softens landings after rebounds and jump shots. Second, a firmer section on the outside edge of the foot, which keeps the shoe stable when you plant hard to change direction. All four shoes below use some version of that firmer lateral support, and they differ mainly in feel: dual-density foam for a cushioned ride, or a more propulsive foam for a quicker one.
The Four Models
There are four distinct shoes in this indoor basketball shoe range, and each suits a slightly different player.
P400
Built to make a full game of sprints, take-offs and landings more comfortable. Dual cushioning combines EVA foam with a Fresh Foam X core, a visible stiffer foam inlay on the lateral midsole adds stability, and a molded synthetic upper uses flexible TPU for structure and lockdown. A fine-tuned height keeps a natural feel on the court.
P400 Low
The same idea with a lowered collar for mobility. A full-length dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole, N-Lock technology for added lockdown and a lateral midsole inlay for stability make it the pick for quick guards who want freedom around the ankle.
P350
The more responsive choice. A FuelCell midsole gives a propulsive feel, denser FuelCell foam on the lateral side provides stability, and an updated outsole design supports smoother transitions. A mesh upper backed by a skeletal synthetic and TPU structure keeps it light but supportive.
Maxey V1
The signature shoe of Tyrese Maxey. FuelCell foam provides a propulsive feel, a molded outsole reinforcement adds durability, and an inset lacing structure helps the fit. Custom signature details on the tongue and insole make it the pick for fans who want a shoe tied to a player.
Fit and Court Care
- Try shoes on later in the day, when feet are at their largest, and with the socks you play in.
- Leave about a thumb’s width at the toe; less, and toes jam on hard stops.
- Wipe the outsole before games. Dust on the court is the main reason a grippy shoe starts to slide.
- Keep a pair just for indoor courts. Outdoor asphalt wears the outsole down quickly.
Younger players are covered too, since two of these models also come in big-kids sizes.
Why Basketball Shoes Wear Out
Most basketball shoes do not fail all at once. The outsole slowly loses its pattern under the ball of the foot, where players pivot, and the midsole foam compresses after months of jumping and landing. The first sign is usually a shoe that feels flatter and less springy, followed by more sliding on hard stops. Regular league players often replace their shoes every season. Checking the outsole every few weeks, and retiring the pair when the grip pattern starts to fade, keeps the feel and the safety you bought them for.
Wrapping Up
Choose the cut first, then the feel. Speed-first guards will enjoy the P400 Low or P350, while players who want more structure will like the standard P400. Whichever you choose, a dedicated pair of low top basketball shoes or standard cuts will grip better and last longer than any trainer pressed into court duty.
These basketball shoes are all part of the range from New Balance. More quick, useful reads on sport and gear are on 2minuteread.