When people say “the best”, it’s usually just their opinion. For me, though, after months of testing, the Adidas D.O.N. Issue 7 has become my pick for The Best Basketball Shoe of 2025.
Table of Contents
This year has been filled with major releases—Jordan 40, Sabrina 3, Ja 3, Kobe 3 Protro—but out of all of them, this is the pair I keep going back to. Every time I lace them up, I feel confident on the court, and that’s why I want to share my full, honest performance review of these shoes.
Traction That Redefines Grip
The very first thing that stood out to me with the Adidas D.O.N. Issue 7 was the traction. The outsole uses a radial traction pattern, rippling outward from the center like water waves. It’s not just visually cool—it delivers consistent grip in every direction. Even when dust collected on the court, I barely had to wipe them.
What makes this setup even better are the two enlarged radial pods on the medial and lateral forefoot. They feel like traction “magnifiers,” reinforcing the grip in the exact areas I push off most. Honestly, I’d rate this traction up there with legendary setups like the Kobe 9 or Air Jordan 28. Indoors, it’s nearly flawless. Outdoors? I wouldn’t recommend it—the rubber just isn’t durable enough.
Cushioning: Balanced and Responsive
Underfoot, the shoe uses Lightstrike Pro cushioning. Now, this was also in the D.O.N. Issue 6, but the experience here is totally different. That model felt stiff and brick-like to me, while the Adidas D.O.N. Issue 7 feels springy yet controlled.
The cushion keeps me low to the ground for maximum court feel, but still adds enough bounce to absorb impact. It’s that rare “best of both worlds” balance—responsive, comfortable, and secure without being overly plush. It reminded me of the drop-in midsoles from early Kobe models, where you could feel both the court and the cushion working together.
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Materials and Build Quality
The upper is built with a microfiber base layered with Lycra and overlays. It’s soft on foot, supportive, and durable. The downside is breathability—airflow is limited. Once I zip them up, it almost feels like I’m wearing a wetsuit. That said, the comfort and lockdown outweigh this drawback for me.
I also love the subtle design touches, like the spiderweb print on the toe area and the iconic three stripes (though mine started peeling a bit). To me, that wear just shows how much I’ve been hooping in them.
Fit and Comfort
Fit was tricky at first. I went true to size, and out of the box they felt uncomfortably tight. After a few sessions, though, they broke in perfectly. Now they feel like a glove—snug, secure, and 1-to-1 with my foot.
If you try them on and they feel slightly snug, stick with your size. If they feel unbearably tight, consider going up half a size. For me, staying true to size was the right call, even with thick basketball socks.
Support and Stability
Compared to the Issue 6, the Adidas D.O.N. Issue 7 is a little stripped down. The midfoot shank plate is lighter, and there’s no spring plate in the forefoot this time. Personally, I like this change—it makes the forefoot more flexible while keeping the heel and midfoot stable.
The heel fit is excellent: you sit slightly within the footbed, there’s an internal heel counter, and sculpted padding around the heel locks you in. Once laced and zipped, these shoes simply don’t move. They become an extension of my foot, and that’s exactly what I want during a game.
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Style and On-Court Presence
One funny thing—I’ve caught myself wanting to buy extra pairs just because I know how good they perform. I saw a green/orange colorway I didn’t even like aesthetically, but part of me wanted a backup pair because of how reliable they’ve been on court. That says a lot.
Style-wise, they won’t turn every head, but when you know, you know. The design reflects Donovan Mitchell’s explosiveness and creativity, and I feel that energy when I wear them.
Pros and Cons of Adidas D.O.N. Issue 7
Pros:
- Elite traction with radial and podded design
- Balanced, responsive Lightstrike Pro cushioning
- Secure, glove-like fit once broken in
- Strong support with flexible forefoot
- Durable microfiber and overlays
Cons:
- Limited breathability
- Rubber not suited for outdoor play
- Slightly tight at first—needs break-in
- Three stripes peeling with heavy use
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Why the Adidas D.O.N. Issue 7 is The Best Basketball Shoe of 2025
At this point in 2025, I’ve played in most of the year’s major releases. Yet, no matter what else I try, I keep coming back to the Adidas D.O.N. Issue 7. It combines traction, cushioning, fit, and support in a way that simply works for my style of play.
Is it perfect? No. The breathability could be better, and I wouldn’t wear them outdoors. But indoors, they check every box I care about: they grip the floor like glue, they cushion without disconnecting me from the court, and they lock me in securely for explosive cuts and drives.
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Final Verdict
For me, the Adidas D.O.N. Issue 7 is not just a great shoe—it’s The Best Basketball Shoe of 2025 so far. It gives me confidence every time I step on the floor, and that’s the ultimate measure of a performance sneaker.
If you value traction, stability, and that perfect balance between cushion and court feel, this shoe deserves a spot in your rotation. It’s earned its place as my number one choice, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
As a dedicated footwear reviewer, I have spent years analyzing and testing athletic shoes across every category, from high-performance running sneakers to lifestyle-inspired basketball silhouettes. My work goes beyond simple first impressions; each review is built on a foundation of hands-on experience, thorough research, and attention to the details that matter most to athletes and casual wearers alike. I aim to bridge the gap between brands’ marketing claims and real-world performance, giving readers an honest, balanced perspective.
My writing style combines technical evaluation with an accessible tone, so both professionals and everyday enthusiasts can understand the strengths and weaknesses of each shoe. Whether discussing midsole cushioning technology, outsole traction, or upper material breathability, I break down complex features into practical insights. Readers trust my reviews because they know I highlight both the benefits and potential drawbacks, helping them make more confident purchasing decisions.
Over time, my work has evolved into a comprehensive resource for anyone seeking guidance on athletic footwear. I regularly compare new releases with previous models to highlight improvements or missed opportunities, while also exploring how different shoes fit specific activities—such as marathon training, weightlifting, or casual streetwear. By staying updated with industry trends and listening to community feedback, I ensure that my reviews remain relevant, informative, and genuinely useful.
Ultimately, my mission is to provide clarity in a crowded market. With countless options available, choosing the right pair of shoes can feel overwhelming. Through in-depth, unbiased, and engaging reviews, I strive to make that decision easier, equipping readers with the knowledge they need to find footwear that truly matches their performance goals and personal style.
