The Best Basketball Shoes of the Second Half of 2026

Here we are again, as we do every six months, taking stock of what's happening on the shelves, and on the basketball courts. After more than twenty-five years spent taking basketball shoes apart, testing them, and recommending them, I have to admit that the selection for the second half of 2026 has genuinely put me in a great mood. There are a couple of truly exciting technical innovations, one shoe with a price that can only be described as outstanding value, and one model that simply speaks for itself, it deserves to be talked about.

As always, the goal isn't to choose the most expensive shoe or the one with the biggest name behind it. The real question is: which shoe actually performs best for your position and the way you play? So let's get started with the three standout models of the season.

1) Wade 12 (Way of Wade) – The Benchmark That Keeps Raising the Bar

I'll say it without hesitation: the Way of Wade 12 remains, to this day, the most innovative and most sought-after basketball shoe of the past few months. And I'm not saying that simply because I'm familiar with the brand. Every time I lace them up, I discover something that convinces me even more.

From a technical standpoint, the shoe is built around a dual-layer SUPER BOOM midsole paired with a full-length carbon fiber plate, complemented by two flexible carbon inserts surrounding the heel that help transfer force more efficiently during explosive changes of direction. The result is the lightest shoe ever produced in the Way of Wade signature line, weighing just 330 grams (US 9), featuring a GCU outsole that delivers excellent grip both indoors and outdoors, along with a TPEE toe reinforcement that provides additional support during explosive take-offs.

One of the biggest highlights this season, however, is the expanded color lineup. The collection now includes colorways such as Skyline, Lemon, Cotton Candy, Cherry Blossom, Wade Boulevard, and the limited-edition Lux Sunrise, which carries a slightly higher price tag than the standard versions. With such a wide selection, there's truly something for every player's taste.

If there's one downside, it's the price. At €189.90 (€209.90 for the Lux Sunrise), it certainly isn't inexpensive. However, it's a price that reflects the premium technologies used, particularly the carbon fiber plate and advanced cushioning system—features typically reserved for shoes in a much higher price category.

One final observation, and this is where years of retail experience matter more than marketing claims. Way of Wade promotes the shoe as suitable for every position, from point guard to center. Personally, I'd narrow that recommendation slightly. In my opinion, it's best suited for lighter players—point guards, shooting guards, and small forwards—who can fully benefit from its exceptional lightness and responsiveness. Bigger, more physical players operating in the paint will likely find more support in other models.

2) 247 NXT (EQLZ) – A Sole Inspired by Sharks

While the Way of Wade 12 represents the evolution of an already successful project, the EQLZ 247 NXT is undoubtedly the biggest technical surprise of the season.

Created by renowned footwear designer Aaron Cooper, EQLZ has built its identity around biomimicry, and the 247 NXT is perhaps the clearest example of that philosophy. Its outsole consists of 220 independent traction elements inspired by shark scales. Each element is slightly raised from the surrounding surface and individually oriented according to plantar pressure mapping. This isn't merely a visual design choice—it translates into remarkably effective multidirectional traction from the very first time you step onto the court.

Underfoot, the shoe features a Supercritical PEBAX midsole that delivers excellent energy return while keeping the weight under control at just 413 grams (US 9). A lateral TPU support structure enhances stability and securely locks the foot in place during aggressive cuts and rapid directional changes.

During the second half of 2026, EQLZ also introduced several striking new colorways, expanding what was already a well-rounded lineup. Retailing at €139.90, the 247 NXT firmly positions itself as a premium performance basketball shoe.

As for player type, the 247 NXT is an outstanding choice for guards and wings. Players looking for responsiveness, elite traction, and immediate court feel will find one of the year's most compelling performance models here.

3) AG6 (361 Degrees) – The Best Value Basketball Shoe of the Semester

Last but certainly not least comes what I honestly consider the most pleasant surprise of the past few months: Aaron Gordon's latest signature shoe, the 361° AG6.

At just €109.90, the AG6 introduces two technologies that are rarely found at this price point. The first is the brand-new C-Flow foam, specifically engineered to maximize cushioning while maintaining excellent responsiveness. The ride feels soft yet energetic without ever becoming bulky underfoot—something players dealing with tired knees or heavy training schedules will particularly appreciate. The second standout feature is the Diamond Grip outsole, made from an ultra-durable rubber compound with a multidirectional traction pattern designed to provide outstanding grip and long-lasting durability, even during the most physical style of play.

Completing the package is a three-dimensional TPU anti-torsion support system that minimizes excessive twisting during lateral movements, along with the Soaring-Area Jump Zone, a reinforced forefoot section engineered to provide a more direct and explosive propulsion during take-offs.

The result is a shoe built for physical players: classic "3-and-D" athletes, aggressive wings attacking the rim, and versatile forwards who prioritize stability and protection over ultra-lightweight construction. For this reason, I consider it particularly well suited for small forwards and power forwards.

Considering its price, it is simply the best value-for-money basketball shoe in this selection and arguably one of the finest releases 361° has produced in recent years.

Final Thoughts

Three basketball shoes, three completely different philosophies.
The Way of Wade 12 pushes the boundaries of lightweight performance and elite technology.
The EQLZ 247 NXT introduces genuine innovation with its biomimetic outsole concept.
The 361° AG6 proves that serious basketball technology doesn't have to come with a premium price tag.
As always, my advice remains exactly the same as it was twenty-five years ago: before choosing a basketball shoe, think about how you actually play, not just how good the box looks.

See you next time.

Giuseppe Bove Founder of BasketballStore.net