Here are basketball shoes with the highest soles to increase your height and improve your game. Gaining a few inches in height can offer advantages in basketball.
Top 12 Tallest Basketball Shoes (Ranked By Height)
Basketball shoes vary in design. Some are taller than others.
Below is a list of basketball shoes, ranked by their height.
Air Jordan 36
Brand new out of the box, the Air Jordan 36 adds about 0.55 inches (1.4 cm) of height.
The Air Jordan 36 has unique features. At first glance, you might think it’s one of the tallest basketball shoes. However, its height increase is just 0.55 inches.
In terms of traction, the Air Jordan 36 is phenomenal. It performs well on both clean and dusty courts. The Air Jordan 36 has strong upper and outsole materials that wrap upward. This provides solid support for basketball games.
NBA superstars like Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, Blake Griffin, and Carmelo Anthony wear the Air Jordan 36. It’s a great basketball shoe for your collection.
Most basketball fans love the Air Jordan 36’s cushioning. However, many find the protruding Air unit on the outsole unnecessary. It seems like the shoe adds much height, but it only adds slightly over half an inch.
Nike KD 11
Brand new out of the box, the Nike KD 11 adds about 1.03 inches (2.6 cm) of height.
Kevin Durant’s eleventh signature shoe is sleek and adds height. However, not everyone is a big fan of the Nike KD 11.
The React and Zoom Air cushioning adds 1.03 inches of height and is highly rated.
However, the praise ends there.
Shoe reviewers find the Flyknit upper comfortable and stylish. However, it’s too stretchy for a performance basketball shoe. Basketball players doing crossovers and side movements might slide a lot in the Nike KD 11.
Traction is another area of complaint. It performs well on clean courts but struggles on dusty ones. In our opinion, the Nike KD 11 is best for casual wear or friendly pickup games.
Adidas Dame 5
Brand new out of the box, the Adidas Dame 5 adds about 1.06 inches (2.7 cm) of height.
The ‘Dame’ shoe line is NBA superstar Damian Lillard’s signature basketball series. He’s famed for clutch plays, especially in the playoffs. His 5th shoe launched in February 2019.
Fun fact: During the 2019 NBA playoffs, Damian Lillard wore the Adidas Dame 5. He hit a famous buzzer-beater near the logo, eliminating the OKC Thunder. After this, over 6,000 pairs of Dame 5 shoes sold online the next day.
The Adidas Dame 5 suits quick guards seeking responsive cushioning.
The Dame 5 is comfortable and adds significant height, making it one of the best basketball shoes. Only the Dame 5 made the list of Adidas’ tallest shoes.
Nike LeBron Soldier VI
Brand new out of the box, the Nike LeBron Soldier VI adds about 1.18 inches (3 cm) of height.
The LeBron Soldier shoe line is successful.
Compared to the LeBron signature series, most Soldier shoes give better value on the court.
Combining great traction and cushioning, the LeBron Soldier VI might be the top Soldier model. The sole is 1 inch high, and the heel is 1.18 inches. The Zoom Air feature adds height and ensures quick reactions.
The LeBron Soldier VI offers great ventilation, making it one of the best basketball shoes. Though not often mentioned, the shoes excel in ventilation.
Versatile small forwards like LeBron James might benefit from these shoes to enhance their game. The shoe is responsive and well-ventilated, helping players enjoy their game.
Nike LeBron 17
Brand new out of the box, the Nike LeBron 17 adds about 1.19 inches (3 cm) of height.
The Nike LeBron 17 focuses on impact protection.
With its 1.19-inch thick sole, many people love the cushioning. The shoe combines a large Max Air unit in the heel with Zoom in the forefoot. Both features offer excellent impact protection and bounce.
The new Knitposite upper material is thick and comfy. However, it can get hot after playing for an hour or two. Overall, the LeBron 17 is a great basketball shoe.
Air Jordan Future
Brand new out of the box, the Air Jordan Future adds about 1.2 inches (3 cm) of height.
The shoe’s design is avant-garde. The mid-top Air Jordan Future feels light, almost like wearing nothing.
Many reviewers find the Air Jordan Future extremely comfortable with ample cushioning. It offers a notable height increase of 1.2 inches. The Nike Air Jordan Future is on the list of Nike’s tallest shoes.
Overall, the Jordan Future is simple yet stylish and versatile.
The Jordan Future’s design pairs well with shorts, jeans, and joggers. For a relaxed summer look, wear it with or without socks.
Nike LeBron 10
Brand new out of the box, the Nike LeBron 10 adds about 1.22 inches (3.1 cm) of height.
The LeBron signature shoe is again on the list of basketball shoes that add height. Specifically, the Nike LeBron 10 increases height by 1.22 inches.
In terms of cushioning, the LeBron 10 is top-notch.
The heel resembles a typical Nike Air Max 360 unit. However, when you run and jump, the combination of Zoom Air and Air Max becomes evident. The cushioning in the forefoot feels propelling and is impressive.
The Nike LeBron 10 is durable due to its thick yet flexible upper. It’s built to withstand the intense demands of the basketball court.
Nike LeBron 16
Brand new out of the box, the Nike LeBron 16 adds about 1.22 inches (3.1 cm) of height.
The Nike LeBron 16, another signature LeBron shoe on the list, stands as one of the tallest basketball shoes available. It increases the wearer’s height by 1.22 inches.
The shoe offers reliable traction on clean courts but performs less well on dusty ones.
However, its cushioning is the standout feature. Nearly all reviewers agree: the cushioning is exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a balanced feel.
For shoe support, Battleknit 2.0 performs impressively. Battleknit 2.0 is an improved version of its predecessor, embodying the ideal qualities of Flyknit: softness, flexibility, strength, and support.
The Nike LeBron 16 excels as a basketball shoe.
It’s ideal for explosive and powerful wing players, much like LeBron James.
Nike LeBron 15
Brand new out of the box, the Nike LeBron 15 adds about 1.27 inches (3.22 cm) of height.
The Nike LeBron 15 is popular among basketball enthusiasts. Most renowned shoe reviewers consider the Nike LeBron 15 the best of LeBron’s signature shoes.
The standout feature of the Nike LeBron 15 is its cushioning. The shoe is not only tall but also offers incredible bounce and feedback from the Zoom units. It’s almost perfect in terms of cushioning.
The combination of Air Max and Zoom results in cushioning that adds 1.27 inches of height and is highly comfortable. This design is especially beneficial for larger players who require significant impact protection.
The shoe’s new premium Battleknit upper ensures comfort and excellent containment.
However, one drawback of the shoe is that its midsole and outsole don’t have a wide enough base. This can affect a basketball player’s lateral stability and overall support.
Nike Air More Uptempo ‘96
Brand new out of the box, the Nike Air More Uptempo adds about 1.7 inches (4.3 cm) of height.
The Air More Uptempo, made famous by Scottie Pippen, is one of Nike Basketball’s most iconic shoes. First released in 1996, it returned in a 2020 retro edition.
Many basketball enthusiasts appreciate the Nike Air More Uptempo for its style suitable for daily wear and durability for both indoor and street basketball.
The shoe offers excellent ankle support.
With its 1-inch sole and 1.77-inch heel, the Nike Air More Uptempo provides significant height. Its upper material resists creasing, making it ideal for daily wear and looking taller, even during intense activities.
Many reviewers praise the Nike Air More Uptempo’s Herringbone tread pattern for its excellent court grip and support during fast movements.
Whether for basketball or casual wear, the Nike Air More Uptempo not only adds height but also enhances performance.
Nike Foamposite
Brand new out of the box, the Nike Foamposite adds about 1.8 inches (4.57 cm) of height.
Despite its appearance, the Nike Foamposite significantly increases height. As soon as you wear the shoes, you’ll immediately feel taller. This height boost is due to the full-length Zoom with a double stack in the heel.
The foam offers impressive sturdiness and protection.
However, the shoes’ comfort isn’t immediate; they need to be broken in first. Once they soften, you’ll realize how comfortable the Nike Foamposite truly is, though the break-in period might be longer than expected.
Over the years, the Nike Foamposite’s height boost diminished compared to its brand-new state.
Still, it remains one of the most durable basketball sneakers available.
The shoe’s materials are likely to outlast the glue that binds them.
Air Jordan 11
Brand new out of the box, the Air Jordan 11 adds about 2.4 inches (6 cm) of height.
The tallest basketball shoe is the Nike Air Jordan 11. Boasting a sole height of 2 inches and a heel height of 2.4 inches, the Nike Air Jordan 11 can give you more than 2 inches of height.
It’s rare to find a pair of basketball shoes that add more than 2 inches of height, and the Air Jordan 11 is one of them. While the heel of the Air Jordan 11 is 2.4 inches high, it depresses slightly when you step on it.
At most, the Air Jordan 11 will give you 2 inches of height. That’s a lot!
The Air Jordan 11 is not only cool to wear off the court but also performs great on the court. The shoes look good, feel good, and they allow you to play your best basketball.
FAQ on Basketball Shoe Height
Below, we have listed questions often asked about basketball shoes and their height. We keep updating with new answers, so you might want to bookmark this page.
Do basketball shoes make you taller?
Basketball shoes have supportive cushioning, which adds at least 0.5 inches to your height. On average, basketball shoes make you taller by 0.5 to 2 inches.
How much height do basketball shoes add?
Basketball shoes usually add between 0.5 and 2 inches of height. For example, the Air Jordan 36 adds about 0.55 inches of height while the Air Jordan 11 adds about 2 inches of height.
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