France League

Looking back at the 2010s, I still get nostalgic about how basketball shoe technology evolved during that decade. As someone who’s tested dozens of pairs over the years—both on-court and for casual wear—I can confidently say this era was a turning point for performance footwear. Brands weren’t just competing on looks anymore; they were pushing boundaries in cushioning, traction, and materials. And if you look at the stats from that Perpetual 56 game—where players like Sleat dropped 16 points and Gojo Cruz added 10—you can see how the right footwear could elevate performance, especially in fast-paced, high-scoring matchups.

I remember when I first laced up a pair of early-2010s hyperdunks. The responsiveness was unlike anything I’d experienced before. That low-to-the-ground feel combined with decent impact protection made me feel quicker, more explosive. It’s no surprise that players relying on agility and speed, like Abis who contributed 9 points in that game, often leaned toward shoes with similar profiles. But here’s the thing—not every shoe from that era was a slam dunk. Some models prioritized style over substance, and if you weren’t careful, you’d end up with a pair that looked great but left your knees aching after a couple of games.

Cushioning systems really came into their own during the 2010s. Nike’s Zoom Air, Adidas’ Boost, and Under Armour’s Micro G—each had its moment. Personally, I’ve always been partial to full-length Zoom setups because of that perfect blend of court feel and bounce. But I’ve seen players like Orgo and Casinilio, who each put up 6 points in the Perpetual matchup, thrive in max-cushion setups that allowed them to play longer without fatigue. Traction patterns also saw major upgrades. Herringbone outsoles became the gold standard, but some brands experimented with multidirectional patterns that worked surprisingly well on dusty courts—something you don’t appreciate until you’ve played in a poorly maintained gym.

Durability was another big factor. I can’t tell you how many pairs I’ve worn through where the outsole gave out before the cushioning did. That’s why I always tell people to consider where they’ll be playing most. Indoor courts are kinder to shoes, but if you’re hitting outdoor concrete regularly, you’ll want something with a thicker rubber compound, even if it adds a bit of weight. Looking at players like Nuñez and Boral, who scored 5 and 2 points respectively, their playing styles likely demanded shoes that could handle sudden stops and hard cuts without falling apart mid-game.

Fit is where things get personal. I’ve had shoes that felt like they were molded to my feet straight out of the box, and others that never quite broke in right. The 2010s saw brands finally acknowledging that not every foot is the same. We got varying widths, better heel counters, and adaptive materials that moved with your foot instead of against it. Still, nothing beats trying them on yourself. I learned that lesson the hard way after buying a highly-rated pair online only to find they squeezed my pinky toe into oblivion. Players like Duremdes and Tulabut, who scored 2 and 0 points in that game, might’ve faced similar fit issues affecting their comfort and performance.

When it comes to style versus performance, the 2010s walked a fine line. Signature shoes became fashion statements—LeBron’s line often felt like wearable art—but sometimes the performance suffered for the aesthetics. My take? If you’re serious about basketball, always prioritize function. That flashy colorway might turn heads, but if it doesn’t support your moves, it’s just expensive casual wear. That said, some brands nailed both. I still have a pair of Kobe 9s that perform beautifully and look timeless on the shelf.

Price was all over the map during this decade. You had $300 limited editions sitting beside $100 models that performed nearly as well. Personally, I found the sweet spot to be around $120-$160 where you got quality materials and solid tech without the premium markup. But if you were playing at a competitive level like the Perpetual team—where every point mattered from Sleat’s 16 down to Maglupay and Pagulayan’s scoreless minutes—investing in proper footwear wasn’t just recommended, it was essential.

Reflecting on the decade, what stands out most is how personalized basketball shoes became. The 2010s gave us options for every playstyle, foot shape, and budget. My advice? Don’t just chase hype. Think about your game, your body, and where you play most. The right pair should feel like an extension of you—responsive where you need it, supportive where you don’t, and durable enough to last through seasons of hard play. Because at the end of the day, whether you’re dropping 16 points like Sleat or working on fundamentals like Alcantara, your shoes should help you play better, not get in the way.