Last updated: by Thanassis Koukoutselos
Short answer: a rubber basketball has a molded rubber cover over the bladder and windings. It is the toughest and cheapest kind of ball and the right choice for asphalt and concrete. The trade-off is grip and feel: rubber is harder and gets slippery when dusty.
Several of the balls I own are rubber, like the Spalding Varsity below.
Rubber vs composite vs leather
| Rubber | Composite | Leather | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Outdoor | Indoor (some indoor/outdoor) | Indoor only |
| Durability on concrete | Best | Fair | Poor |
| Grip and feel | Basic | Soft, tacky | Premium |
| Price | Lowest | Middle | Highest |
Good rubber basketballs
| Ball | Why |
|---|---|
| Spalding Street | Classic outdoor ball, sizes 7, 6 and 5 |
| Wilson NBA DRV | Wilson’s outdoor line |
| Molten 12-panel rubber | FIBA-style 12-panel layout |
| adidas Hoopla | Sponge rubber, sizes 5 to 7 |
| AND1 Xcelerate | Budget size 7 |
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Caring for a rubber ball
- Keep it at the pressure printed near the valve; see basketball PSI.
- Wipe off dust and dirt with a damp cloth when it gets slippery.
- Small punctures in rubber can often be fixed; see our repair guide.
FAQ
Are rubber basketballs good?
For outdoor courts, yes. They last longer on concrete than composite or leather balls and cost less.
Can you use a rubber basketball indoors?
You can, but a composite ball gives better grip and feel on a wooden floor.
Why are basketballs made of rubber?
Every basketball has a rubber bladder inside; rubber balls also use rubber for the cover because it is cheap, waterproof and tough. More in what basketballs are made of.
- How to Pass a Basketball (5 effective tips) - August 25, 2022
- Learn How to Spin a Basketball on your Finger in less than 3 minutes - July 18, 2022
- Where Are Basketballs Made? Spalding, Wilson and Molten (2026) - June 10, 2022