NBA top 10: shoes

With Nike recently teasing a logo that fans believe is Victor Wembanyama’s, there's never been a better time to discuss the top 10 NBA shoes of all time.

10. Curry 2’s

When Stephen Curry was rising in popularity in 2015, it was obvious that he was getting a signature shoe. However, fans didn’t expect it to be with Under Armor. Curry now owns an equity stake in Under Armor and has become the face of the brand.

9. Reebok Shaqnosis

As Reebok is falling out of style in the current NBA, it’s important to look back at how awesome these shoes truly were. The name “Shaqnosis” truly fits the black-and-white colorway of the shoe.

8. LeBron 15’s

While LeBron James may be the best athlete of all time, his shoes certainly do not reflect his greatness. The 15’s are the only entry of James 2 dozen shoes on this list. The added sock at the top is a cool touch, and it is arguably the most revolutionary shoe in James’ catalog.

7. KD 6’s

The KD’s took my elementary school world by storm when they came out in 2013. This is probably the most unique of Durant’s shoes, featuring the large KD logo at the back. With his MVP season coming around the time of the release date, he was on top of the world.

6. Kyrie 4’s

Irving has had some of the best shoes come out from any Nike athlete, and the 4’s are no exception. The bottom ridges gave the shoes a unique look, and they were personally my favorite shoes to hoop in around the time they were released.

5. Jordan 3’s

​​

This list could have easily been 10 Jordan shoes and it would have been accepted. The 3’s are the first of a few Jordan entries on this list. Released in 1988, the 3’s still carry plenty of value in pop culture today, and make for one of the most iconic Jordan brand shoes of all time.

4. Jordan 4’s

Jordan’s run of his first 5 shoes, (besides the hideous 2’s) are probably the best for any athlete of all time. The 4’s offered a similar look to the 3’s, but a slight change on the side of the shoes made them a slightly bit more unique and aesthetically pleasing.

3. Kobe 4’s

The Kobe 4’s were simply one of the best modern-day shoes to ever come out. While the 5’s and 6’s had similar looks, the 4’s came first. These shoes came out in 2008, and the Lakers won the finals in 2009 and 2010. There’s no coincidence that the best Kobe’s came out during his championship years.

2. Jordan 11’s

The 11’s came out in 1995, right before the Bulls' second championship three-peat. Similar to the 3’s and 4’s, these shoes carry iconic value and a place in the present-day footwear scene. These shoes can be used for fashion as well as to play basketball, and are one of the best Jordan models of all time.

1. Jordan 1’s

It just doesn’t get any better than the Jordan 1’s. The first signature shoe by Michael Jordan, and really by any player. Different colorways and collabs are still being released every year with this shoe, and it has become a fashion icon. The style of the shoe doesn’t make it the best to hoop in, but it goes with everything else. By far the best shoe to ever drop.

Will Harrison is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email wbh5205@psu.edu