Basketball shoes to give as gifts for Christmas

Three bits of info to gather before choosing

A successful pair relies on three details: the shoe size, the brand he already wears, and the place he'll be playing. Firstly, the shoe size, because a basketball shoe that's too big will make his foot float in the supports. Next, the brand, since each manufacturer has a different fit, with some being narrower and others more generous. Finally, the playing surface: club hall, high school gym, or playground, the rubber wears differently.

To get the shoe size without raising suspicions, measure the insole of a pair he no longer wears. Note the length in centimeters: that's what serves as a reference in the size guides.

Basket brands, each with its own page

Five brands in the selection focus on basketball. Each page helps you compare their designs and sizes.

• The page basketball shoes adidas for Christmas features signatures from Anthony Edwards, James Harden, Damian Lillard, and Donovan Mitchell, alongside court shoes.
• The page basketball shoes Puma for Christmas includes the MB line of LaMelo Ball, the All-Pro Nitro team shoe, and indoor models.
• The page basketball shoes Rigorer for Christmas brings together the AR line of Austin Reaves in themed colours, for both adults and children.
• The page basketball shoes Peak for Christmas showcases the line of Andrew Wiggins and the Big Triangle range, featuring the brand's TAICHI foam.
• The page basketball shoes Under Armour for Christmas offers the Spawn, FUTR X, and Curry Splash, designed with Stephen Curry during his partnership with the brand.

Indoor players' choice: lightweight and grip

The selection also includes many indoor shoes designed for other indoor sports. Low, lightweight, and very grippy, they appeal to recreational basketball players who play on their supports.

• The page basketball shoes Nike for Christmas features indoor models like the Hyperace, Hyperset, or Hyperspeed Court.
• The page basketball shoes Hummel for Christmas offers several indoor pairs, including child models with Velcro.

For a club basketball player, keep these pairs as a second option: a shoe designed for basketball offers better ankle support and absorbs landings more effectively.

Who wears what: the reference brands

Six brands shape the selection, each with its own strength.

• adidas covers all indoor sports, from NBA signatures to indoor shoes like Stabil and Crazyflight.
• Nike is present with its indoor shoes, popular among basketball players for their lightness.
• Asics relies on its GEL cushioning, renowned in indoor sports, with models like the Sky Elite or Metarise.
• Puma has revamped its basketball division around Nitro foam and the MB line of LaMelo Ball.
• Mizuno produces indoor shoes recognizable for their Wave technology, a plate that stabilizes the foot upon landing.
• Hummel, the brand with chevrons, fits indoor players, from beginners to competitive players.

Size, half-size, junior: the quick guide

• Between two sizes: take the smaller one if he prefers a snug fit, the larger one if he has wider feet.
• For a child: leave about a centimeter in front of the big toe. Beyond that, the foot slips during direction changes.
• Socks: a basketball player plays with thick socks. Keep this in mind if you're unsure between two sizes.
• The sizing system: some brands cut their sizes into thirds, others into halves. Refer to the guide on each product sheet.

Ball, shorts, jersey: completing the pair

A pair alone is fine. With a ball or outfit, the gift becomes a complete kit for re-engagement. The page Christmas balls includes both indoor and outdoor balls, and the page Christmas textiles features shorts, training jerseys, and hoodies. For a fan, the page Christmas NBA adds jerseys and caps from the franchises.

A budget to stick to, an order to place quickly

To manage spending, check the pages gift ideas under €100 and gift ideas under €150, which filter the selection by tier. Small gifts that accompany the pair, like technical socks, are found in the gift ideas under €50.

Are you late to the game? The page delivered on time for Christmas only includes items in stock, dispatched within 24 hours. Order early to keep some margin.

Before the holidays, the Black Friday shoes features pairs on promo. After, the sales take over, and the clearance sells out end-of-season stock all year round. The recently arrived models are on the page new arrivals.

Frequently asked questions

How to stick to a small budget for a pair of basketball shoes at Christmas?

Aim for team models rather than the most technical signatures: they retain the essentials of grip and support. Older colourways of a line are often more affordable as well. The page gift ideas under €100 directly filters the selection for this tier.

I play volleyball or handball: are these shoes suitable for me?

Yes, the selection also includes indoor shoes designed for these sports. Volleyball players will find lightweight and responsive models on the page basketball shoes Nike for Christmas, while handball players can find match pairs on the page basketball shoes Hummel for Christmas. Then filter by sport to keep only your discipline.

What shoes to give a child who is starting at a club?

Choose a lightweight and flexible pair, with a secure heel: at this age, comfort matters more than technology. Several models are available in junior sizes, especially on the page basketball shoes adidas for Christmas. For younger kids, Velcro closure avoids laces coming undone in the middle of a match.

High-top or low-top, what to choose for a gift?

A low-top is suitable for agile players who often change pace, a mid-top reassures those who have had sprains before. If you don’t know his habits, the mid-top is the safest choice. The page basketball shoes Under Armour for Christmas offers both heights with the Spawn line.

What shoes to give to an NBA fan who doesn't play?

A signature from his favourite player will please him, even worn in the city, but its soft rubber wears quickly on the pavement. The graphic colourways of the AR line, on the page basketball shoes Rigorer for Christmas, have a true sneaker vibe. For a hardcore fan, the page Christmas NBA also offers his team's colours.