G.T. Hustle Academy

I didn’t wear these exclusively for basketball, but they’ve quickly become one of my favorite pairs for everyday wear. I’ve worn a lot of performance shoes — Jordans, LeBrons, KDs — and these stand out as the most comfortable and stable so far. The ankle and knee support is excellent, and I’d have full confidence playing in them both indoors and outdoors depending on the surface. They’ve earned a permanent spot in my rotation, and I find myself reaching for them constantly.

Got my first pair of GT Hustle Academy basketball shoes and was intrigued by its price and stylish low top look but the cushion really disappointed me. The cushion is a foam cushion but I wish there was a Zoom air unit in the midsole. I will play for 1-2 hours and the next day, my legs are sore and my knees wish I played in a different pair of shoes. I am someone who does like to play off the ground so I am always jumping around for rebounds, layups, shots, etc. so that might be part of the reason but I do wish the cushion system was different. The GT Hustle Academy definitely won't beat out other shoes in my rotation and in my opinion, it has been okay for shooting around, but for scrimmaging, I would find myself gravitating towards my other Nike basketball shoes such as the Sabrinas because of the cushioning. I will say for positives, the shoe is very breathable with the flyknit material. Traction was solid and I don't have many problems when I play at my fairly dusty local gym. I just wish the cushioning was improved because even though it is more budget friendly price wise, I find I don't get as much use out of the shoe because I prefer my shoes to be responsive but also have decent cushioning and impact protection. Overall, I think it's a stylish low top budget basketball shoe, but if you are someone who prefers a well cushioned shoe with good impact protection, I would consider some of the other Nike basketball shoe options as there are plenty to choose from.

The GT Hustle Academy really impressed me on court. The fit is snug without being restrictive, giving me a locked-in feel that helps with quick cuts and transitions. The design is sleek yet performance-driven, with a low-to-the-ground build that makes me feel faster and more agile. The fabric and materials are lightweight but still supportive, keeping my feet cool during long runs up and down the floor. What I liked most was the cushioning—it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and responsiveness, letting me stay explosive without feeling weighed down. Honestly, I wouldn’t change much; it’s a great shoe for players who rely on speed, agility, and all-day comfort.