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Let's face it, basketball shoes are expensive. While we all wish we can suit up in the latest LeBron 11 Elites, the harsh reality is that we probably can't afford to do so (without skipping a few meals at least). Luckily for us, though, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives that rival the top of line signature shoes that we hear so much about.
We've rounded up our favorite basketball shoes under $100. What these shoes may lack in price, they certainly don't lack in quality, as they can be found on the court throughout the NBA on some of the league's brightest stars. Click through the slides to see which shoes we think give you the best bang for your buck.
Stephen Fiorentine is a freelance writer from Long Island. He loves his New York Giants and Yankees, as well as Cool Ranch Doritos. Follow him on Twitter
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adidas Crazy Shadow 2
Worn by: Robin Lopez, Steven Adams and Patrick Beverly
Key Technology: adidas SprintWeb
Originally priced at $100, the Crazy Shadow 2 are now available for thirty dollars less. Don't let the reduced price sway you though, these shoes are still making noise in the NBA Playoffs. Equipped with adidas' SprintWeb and SprintFrame, the shoe offers both lightweight and stability.
Jordan CP3.VII
Worn by: Chris Paul
Key Technology: Flywire
Due to the fact that most Jordan shoes fly north of the $200 mark, the CP3.VIIs were already an incredible value at their original $125 price. Now that they are marked down below $100, they are a must have for any baller on a budget. Designed with Chris Paul's incredibly quick style of play in mind, the shoes provide a locked down fit with responsive cushioning.
$99
AND1 Tai Chi
Worn by: Lance Stephenson
Key Technology: EVA Midsole
AND1 continues to try and get back into the game. At just $90, the Tai Chis are great buy for ballers looking for a great shoe for both indoor and outdoor use. The high abrasion performance outsole with herringbone pads supplies superior traction on any basketball surface.
adidas No Mercy 2014
Worn by: Avery Bradley
Key Technology: SprintFrame
These shoes come in at just under $100 but play like a pair worth a lot more. With the lightweight durability of SprintWeb and SprintFrame technology, these shoes get an extra dose of breathability thanks to a perforated overlay and air mesh underlay.
$99
Nike Hyperdunk 2013 (Team)
Worn by: Paul George, Terrence Jones and Marcin Gortat
Key Technology: Lunarlon Cushioning
Even though the 2014 edition of the Nike Hyperdunk is on its way, the 2013 model is still worth picking up. Once the most popular shoe in the NBA, the Hyperdunk 2013 is equipped with Lunarlon cushioning for responsive shock absorption upon every landing.
$90
adidas Crazy 97
Worn by: Iman Shumpert
Key Technology: Molded EVA insole
Knicks guard Iman Shumpert brought these shoes back en vogue and now you can get them at half the price. Originally debuted at 1997 Slam Dunk contest, these shoes still fly high with its lenticular adidas brand mark.
$55
Zoom Kobe Venomenon 4
Worn by:
Key Technology: Nike Zoom
Engineered for the outdoors, the Zoom Kobe Venomenon 4 uses Nike Blade Traction to enhance durability and traction on outdoor surfaces. A Nike Zoom unit supplies low-profile cushioning for balling on the blacktop.
$99
Nike Air Max Body U
Worn by: Vince Carter, Jermaine O'Neal and Greg Oden
Key Technology: Max Air
If longtime NBA veterans such as Vince Carter and Jermaine O'Neal are wearing them, you know they have to be high-quality. While they may be high in quality, the Nike Air Max Body U aren't high in price, coming in at $70. An injected Phylon midsole featuring an Air Max unit in the heel alleviates stress on the foot by providing cushioning and shock absorption.
adidas D Howard 4
Worn by: Dwight Howard
Key Technology: CrazyQuick
Dwight Howard now has a full season under his belt with the Houston Rockets and so do his signature shoes. After seeing a release last summer, the shoes are now available for $75. The shoe's seamlessly bonded SprintWeb construction allows for quick post moves.
$75
Under Armour Micro G Torch 2
Worn by: Brandon Jennings, Kemba Walker and Quincy Miller
Key Technology: Micro G foam cushions
As Under Armour's presence in the NBA increases, the price of its Micro G Torch decreases. Built-in bilateral support wings bend your feet for greater mid-foot stabilization as external Micro G foam softens impact for protection and cushion.
$70
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