I remember the exact moment I realized how much a great pair of basketball shoes could change everything. It was a sweltering Tuesday evening last year, and I was glued to my screen, watching a UAAP women’s basketball replay that a friend insisted would be legendary. The game was a nail-biter, but what stuck with me wasn't just the score—it was a player named Sierba. Now, here was this phenomenal homegrown prospect who had, admittedly, lost out on the Rookie of the Year award to the brilliant Cielo Pagdulagan. You could sense that quiet hunger. And then, the fourth quarter happened. It was like someone flipped a switch. Sierba uncorked all but three of her 18 points in that payoff period, anchoring the Growling Tigresses' unbelievable 30-point finishing kick to deal the undefeated Lady Bulldogs their first loss of the season. Every drive, every pivot, every explosive stop-and-pop jumper looked effortless, yet powerful. And I found myself, a guy sitting on his couch, not just analyzing plays, but staring at her feet. What was she wearing that gave her that kind of confidence, that stability to absolutely take over when it mattered most? It got me thinking about the unsung hero of any great performance: the shoes. That game was a perfect case study in why you can't just grab any sneaker off the rack. You need the right tool for the job, something that becomes an extension of your will on the court. It’s what led me down a rabbit hole of testing, researching, and talking to players, all to answer one burning question: what are the absolute best options out there? So, let’s talk about how to discover the top 10 best basketball shoes 2019 for ultimate performance and style.
Now, I’ll be honest, my own game is nowhere near that level—I’m more of a weekend warrior at the local community center, trying to recapture some high school glory and avoid rolling an ankle. But that means I’ve put a lot of different models through the paces on hard concrete, dusty indoor courts, and everything in between. Performance is king, no doubt. You need a shoe that can handle the kind of lateral movements Sierba was making, slicing through the defense. A shoe with poor containment would have had her sliding right out of bounds on those sharp cuts. The traction has to bite the floor like it has teeth, allowing for those instant stops and explosive first steps. And cushioning? That’s non-negotiable. Think about the punishment from jumping and landing, game after game. A great cushioning system isn’t just about comfort; it’s about impact protection that lets you play harder for longer. I made the mistake once of playing a full-press game in a pair of shoes with minimal cushion, and my knees were singing the blues for a week. Never again.
But here’s my personal take: while pure performance is 70% of the decision for me, the other 30% is undeniably about style. Basketball culture and sneaker culture are inextricably linked. Walking into the gym with a fresh pair that looks as good as it plays? That’s a mental boost. It’s a statement. You feel locked in, you feel ready. It’s that same aura of confidence we see in the pros. I doubt Sierba was thinking about her colorway during that 30-point run, but stepping onto the court knowing you look the part? That’s a real thing. The best shoes of 2019, for me, are the ones that bridge that gap seamlessly. They aren’t clunky performance monsters that you’re embarrassed to wear off the court, nor are they sleek lifestyle kicks that offer zero support. They’re the hybrids. For instance, I’ve been absolutely loving the Nike LeBron 17 for its incredible combination of Max Air cushioning for my aging joints and its bold, often stunning aesthetics. The lockdown is insane, making me feel secure on every move. On the other end of the weight spectrum, the Adidas Harden Vol. 4, with its Lightstrike cushioning, is like a sports car for your feet—low to the ground, responsive, and with a sleek, modern look that turns heads. It’s perfect for guards who rely on speed and change of direction, much like the guards setting up Sierba for those clutch shots.
Of course, we can’t ignore value. Not everyone has a pro contract to fund their sneaker habit. That’s where models like the Under Armour Curry 7 or even some fantastic offerings from Chinese brands like Li-Ning come in. The Curry 7, in particular, offers a locked-down fit and fantastic traction pattern for a relatively accessible price point, proving you don’t always have to break the bank for elite performance. I’ve recommended them to several younger players at my gym, and the feedback is always about how quickly they feel in control. And durability is a huge factor for us real-world players. The $150+ you drop on a pair needs to last more than a couple of months. I look for solid rubber outsoles, reinforced stitching in the toe box (a common blow-out point), and materials that can take a scrape. A shoe might feel amazing in a 20-minute store try-on, but you need to know it can survive the grind.
So, circling back to that epic UAAP game, it was more than just a highlight reel. It was a masterclass in having the right equipment to execute your talent. Sierba’s performance was a symphony of skill, conditioning, and mental fortitude, but I’d bet my own favorite pair of kicks that her shoes played a crucial supporting role. They provided the foundation for that historic comeback. That’s what we’re all chasing, isn’t it? Whether you’re a college star anchoring a 30-point swing or a weekend player trying to win your pickup game, the goal is the same: to play your best, look good doing it, and walk off the court (or your couch) feeling like you conquered something. Finding that perfect pair is a journey, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of the game. Start by looking at what the pros who match your style are wearing, understand what your own game demands, and don’t be afraid to prioritize how a shoe makes you feel—both physically and mentally. The right pair is out there waiting to unlock your next level.
