Ranking the 25 greatest NBA signature sneaker lines of all time由卡哇伊爱小西瓜 发表在ClipsNation https://bbs.hupu.com/672
What makes a great signature sneaker line?
Is it longevity? Evolution and innovation? Introducing new design and technology? It is the colorways? The name? The brand?
The answer, depending on your perspective, is some combination of all of the above.
Every sneakerhead has his or her own pie chart with his or her own values and proclivities that are unique to them. But to garner some type of consensus, The Athletic formed a sneaker committee — including Travonne Edwards, Wosny Lambre, Matt Hevia, Jared Weiss, Nick Kosmider, Jason Jones and myself — to determine the greatest NBA signature sneaker lines of all time.
After listing over 50 signature lines and prominent shoe models, we whittled down the list to 25 options. (A special shout-out to Tray, who was instrumental in narrowing down our initial list to 25 sneakers, including consulting with some of the sneaker industry’s heavy-hitter writers and personalities.) Internally, we ranked the sneakers one through 25. Publically, we had readers and subscribers vote on a Google survey through The Athletic and Twitter, rating each of the 25 sneakers on a 1-10 scale.
Here is a breakdown of the ranking process:
50 percent reader voting (1 through 10 rating of each signature sneaker line). The tiebreaker is determined by which player received more 10 ratings.
50 percent sneaker committee (1 through 25 ranking of each signature sneaker line). The tiebreaker is determined by which sneaker received the highest rating from a panel member.
The tiebreaker between the two lists is determined by the signature line that was rated higher by the sneaker committee.
Sneaker committee ranking (rank 1-25)
1
Michael Jordan (1.0)
2
LeBron James (4.0)
3
Kobe Bryant — Nike (4.57)
4
Penny Hardaway (6.14)
5
Kyrie Irving (7.57)
6
Allen Iverson (8.14)
7
Scottie Pippen (9.14)
8
Kevin Durant (9.71)
9
Charles Barkley (10.57)
10
Kobe Bryant — Adidas (10.83)
11
Shaquille O'Neal (11.57)
12
Tracy McGrady (13.14)
13
Gary Payton (13.86)
14
Vince Carter (14)
15
Damian Lillard (14.71)
16
Paul George (15.43)
17
Grant Hill (15.86)
18
Shawn Kemp (16.14)
19
Jason Kidd (17.29)
20
Derrick Rose (17.57)
21
Patrick Ewing (18.14*)
22
Kevin Garnett (18.14)
23
Stephen Curry (21.0)
24
Chris Webber (21.86)
25
Stephon Marbury (22.14)
* Won the tiebreaker
Reader voting (score 1-10)
1
Michael Jordan (9.08)
2
Kobe Bryant — Nike (7.44)
3
Penny Hardaway (6.76)
4
Kevin Durant (6.65)
5
Kyrie Irving (6.62)
6
LeBron James (6.54)
7
Allen Iverson (6.37)
8
Damian Lillard (6.06)
9
Paul George (5.91)
10
Scottie Pippen (5.82)
11
Vince Carter (5.79)
12
Tracy McGrady (5.69)
13
Derrick Rose (5.67)
14
Charles Barkley (5.53)
15
Kobe Bryant — Adidas (5.30)
16
Stephen Curry (5.18*)
17
Gary Payton (5.18)
18
Kevin Garnett (5.07)
19
Shaquille O'Neal (5.02)
20
Shawn Kemp (4.93)
21
Stephon Marbury (4.81)
22
Jason Kidd (4.74)
23
Grant Hill (4.50)
24
Chris Webber (3.98)
25
Patrick Ewing (3.83)
* Won the tiebreaker
We combined the two rankings into one comprehensive list. To be clear: This is not a ranking of the best sneakers of all time. That list has been done before and we wanted to attack our sneaker analysis from a different angle.
Who did we miss? What did we get wrong? Let us know in the comments below.
Honorable mentions: Hakeem Olajuwon (Spalding), James Harden (Adidas), Russell Westbrook (Jordan Brand), Carmelo Anthony (Jordan Brand), Chris Paul (Jordan Brand), Dennis Rodman (Nike), Gilbert Arenas (Adidas), Dwyane Wade (Li-Ning)
1. Michael Jordan (Jordan Brand)
Debut year: 1984
Notable models: Air Jordan 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13
The Jumpman logo. Red and black. Elephant print. Saturday releases. Patent leather. Dozens of colorways and models you can identify with one name. Jordan’s sneaker brand is untouchable. Pick any category and he’s at the top: longevity, cultural impact, aesthetics, technology and innovation. Jordan’s have transcended basketball, sports and even Nike (even though it remains under the umbrella technically). They’re a pop-culture staple.
The first 14 models are as close to perfect as possible. The retro releases are as coveted as they were decades ago, if not more so with Instagram and the secondary sneaker market.
2. Kobe Bryant (Nike)
Debut year: 2005
Notable models: Nike Kobe 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 High, 11 Elite
Other models: Nike Nike Hyperdunk, Nike Zoom Huarache 2K4
Other signature lines: Adidas
This is where things get interesting. Any of the next three signature sneaker lines had a case for the No. 2 spot. But Bryant at No. 2 feels right. Bryant has compared his arrival at Nike to Harry Potter’s arrival at Hogwarts. Indeed, the pairing was magical — and innovative. The Black Mamba experimented with low tops, high tops and everything in between. The Kobe 4 and 5 helped shift basketball footwear toward the lower-cut models we see today. After retirement, Bryant created his own twist on retro releases, coining the term “Protro,” which featured previous versions of his line updated with new Nike technology.
The Kobe 4 Protro was the most-worn shoe across the league this season. He’s the only player with two separate signature lines on this list.
3. Penny Hardaway (Nike)
Debut year: 1995
Notable models: Nike Foamposite One, Nike Penny 1, 2, 4, Nike Air Flight 1
The top 10 of this list is chock-full of first-ballot Hall of Famers and multi-time champions. Hardaway doesn’t boast that caliber of resume, but at the height of his fame, his sneakers were as popular as anyone not named Michael Jordan. Jordan even wore Hardaway’s Air Flight 1s against Hardaway in the 1995 NBA playoffs due to his Concord Jordan 11s not matching the Bulls’ road black sneaker colorway.
The Foamposite One is one of the greatest basketball sneakers ever, still looking futuristic in 2020 despite releasing over 20 years ago. Hardaway’s “1 Cent” logo is iconic, and the Nike Penny 1 and 2 hold up decades later. The Lil’ Penny commercials, featuring a young Chris Rock, are among the best endorsement commercials ever: “That was Tyra Banks, fool!”
4. LeBron James (Nike)
Debut year: 2003
Notable models: Nike Air Zoom Generation, Nike LeBron 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, Nike Zoom Soldier 10, 12
From the moment he stepped foot in the NBA, all eyes have been on LeBron James and, in turn, his sneakers. He’s withstood the pressure on the floor, entering the GOAT discussion, and off of it, carving out his own chunk of the sneaker world. James’ Air Zoom Generation was one of the best sneaker debuts, and his South Beach LeBron 8s are one of the most hyped and coveted sneaker colorways ever. His sneakers have trended on the bulkier side, making them less appealing to his counterparts, but he’s ranked atop sneaker sales lists for much of the decade.
Much like the red wine he loves to drink, his sneaker line has improved with age. James’ $90 million rookie shoe deal and lifetime deal with Nike, reportedly worth over $1 billion, demonstrate his immense value to the brand.
5. Kyrie Irving (Nike)
Debut year: 2014
Notable models: Nike Kyrie 1, 2, 3, 4
Irving has been the breakout sneaker star of this decade, with a stellar debut and significant partnerships and collaborations, from SpongeBob to Lucky Charms, garnering buzz. It’s impressive that his line ranked this high this early into his signature sneaker career. Storytelling is at the center of Irving’s line, though style and sales aren’t far behind. Irving’s sneakers are the most worn among current NBA players with signature sneaker lines, and perennially rank near the top of basketball sneaker sales.
His sneakers are fun. It’s clear his brand resonates with younger generations.
6. Kevin Durant (Nike)
Debut year: 2008
Notable models: Nike KD 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 12
Durant marks the sixth Nike signature player on this list. His sneaker line has rotated between mids and lows, with some of the more notable models featuring a mid- or upper-strap. His move to the Warriors, temporarily turning him into a villain on the game’s most notable team in one of its biggest markets, reinvigorated his sneaker line after several ho-hum models.
KD’s best designs have often been colorful, with pops of neon green and orange and pink — his Nerf, Weatherman, Creamsicle and Aunt Pearl colorways are all classics. Since debuting his line in 2008, only James has had a more successful series among active players. The KD 12s were the third-most worn sneaker by NBA players this season.
7. Allen Iverson (Reebok)
Debut year: 1996
Notable models: Reebok Question, Reebok Answer 1, 4, 5
When Iverson faked left and shook right, crossing up MJ, it cemented his status as the rising heir to Jordan’s sneaker throne and ensured the Questions would be Reebok’s most beloved shoe. The sneaker is in the conversation for the best non-Jordan basketball shoe ever, with its colored toecap and oversize Hexalite windows aging gracefully.
Iverson has developed a cult-like following for being one of sports’ most authentic icons, and he backed that up by never fleeing Reebok or selling out and designing a sneaker that wasn’t congruent with his brand. He might have never enjoyed success on the level of Jordan, James or Bryant, but he resonated as much, if not more, culturally. He was an influencer before the term went mainstream.
8. Scottie Pippen (Nike)
Debut year: 1997
Notable models: Nike Air Pippen 1, 2, 4
Other models: Nike Air More Uptempo, Nike Air Max Uptempo 1995, Nike Flight Huarache, Nike Air Swift
MJ wasn’t the only Bull with a cold sneaker game. His teammate, Pippen, wore some of the most notable Nike sneakers of the ’90s, including the Air More Uptempo, which featured the classic A-I-R lettering along the sides of the sneaker, and his Air Pippen series. Given the visibility that came with playing for the Bulls, Nike wisely laced Pippen up with some of its best non-signature releases.
Pippen may have been understated in his game, especially compared with Jordan, but his signature sneaker line was anything but that.
9. Damian Lillard (Adidas)
Debut year: 2015
Notable models: D Lillard 1, 2, Dame 4
Lillard has become the co-face of Adidas over the past half-decade (along with James Harden), with his D Lillard and Dame sneakers registering as Adidas’ most popular models since their debut.
One of the hallmarks of the Dame line has been the comfort and performance, as his shoes often earn rave reviews. Dames, like their endorser, can sometimes fly under the radar. But Lillard’s cold-blooded branding — from his rap career, to his underdog persona, to his clutch shot-making (“Dame Time!”) — make him the top-ranked Adidas athlete on this list.
10. Charles Barkley (Nike)
Debut year: 1994
Notable models: Nike Air Max2 CB 94, Nike Air Force Max CB, Nike Air Max CB 34, Nike Air CB 34, Nike Air CB4 2
Barkley might not have considered himself a role model, but his sneaker game was exemplary. He’s the first big man on this list and the only big within the top 14. The former face of Nike’s Force line helped carry Nike during Jordan’s first retirement in 1993 as he earned his own signature line after winning MVP and making the Finals.
Barkley’s sneakers mirrored his game: brash, powerful and durable. They were designed to withstand the pounding he took corralling so many rebounds. They’re a time capsule of the ’90s that still fit in with today’s aesthetics.
11. Tracy McGrady (Adidas)
Debut year: 2002
Notable models: Adidas T-Mac 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
When Bryant left Adidas in the summer of 2002, McGrady stepped in as the brand’s next superstar. He became something of a sneaker trendsetter, introducing hits of silver, full-blown patent leather, and even wearing mismatching red and blue T-Mac 3 sneakers in the 2004 All-Star game — all things we still see from athletes and brands in 2020. An underrated boost to McGrady’s sneaker line: playing alongside Yao Ming in Houston, which elevated McGrady’s brand in Asia, where he remains one of the region’s most beloved athletes.
Scoring sells, and McGrady’s silky smooth game was amazingly marketable. The T-Mac 1 remains one of Adidas’ iconic sneakers.
12. Paul George (Nike)
Debut year: 2017
Notable models: Nike PG1, 2
It’s always difficult to launch a successful sneaker line, but it’s been even more challenging recently, as basketball sneakers sales have declined amid greater footwear competition. But George defied the odds in 2017 with his PG series. The line has quickly become of basketball’s best-selling sneakers, given its collaborations (PlayStation and NASA), “flavors” — George’s preferred term for colorways — relatively affordable price tag ($110) and comfortability.
George’s sneakers are popular among his counterparts, consistently ranking near the top of the league in NBA players wearing them.
13. Kobe Bryant (Adidas)
Debut year: 1997
Notable models: Adidas The Kobe, Adidas KB8, Adidas KB8 2
Other models: Adidas EQT Elevation
Other signature lines: Nike
Before he became one of the faces of Nike, Bryant was the budding face of Adidas. His KB8 — now dubbed the Crazy 8 — is a classic that remains one of Adidas’ most recognizable and best-selling basketball sneakers. The Kobes, inspired by Audi’s TT Roadster, were Bryant’s official signature sneaker. He wore them during all three playoff runs of the Lakers’ 2000-02 three-peat. The Kobe 2 took the bulkiness to another level and was one of the more polarizing basketball shoe designs, often ranking near the top of ugliest basketball sneaker lists.
In 2002, Bryant, upset with the concept for the Kobe 3s, paid $8 million to get out of his Adidas contract, making him a sneaker free agent for the entire 2002-03 season and setting him up to join later Nike.
14. Vince Carter (Nike)
Debut year: 2000
Notable models: Nike Shox BB4
Other models: AND1 Tai Chi
Other signature lines: Puma
Carter offered Nike the perfect platform to debut its Shox technology once he joined the Swoosh after a stint with Puma. Shortly after, Carter leaped over 7-foot-2 French center Frederic Weis in the 2000 Olympics, providing one of the most impressive in-game posterizations ever — with the Shox BB4 on his feet. Half-Man, Half-Amazing would go on to lead Nike’s Shox line — he recently brought the sneakers back during the 2018-19 season.
Bonus points from the sneaker committee for Carter’s role in popularizing the AND1 Tai Chi, the shoe he wore during his iconic performance in the 2000 dunk contest earlier.
15. Shaquille O’Neal (Reebok)
Debut year: 1992
Notable models: Reebok Shaqnosis, Reebok Shaq Attaq 1
The adage “Big men don’t sell sneakers” was put to the test in the early-to-mid 90s, when O’Neal was a rising star with the Magic as the Next Great Big Man (just look at the cast Reebok rounded up in support of O’Neal in the commercial below).
O’Neal was Reebook’s attempt to counter to the other-worldly stardom of Jordan. The Diesel was a larger-than-life figure with the charisma to match and a physical dominance that hadn’t been seen in decades. His first sneaker, the Shaq Attaq, featured the Pump technology that Reebok was known for at the time (made famous by Dominique Wilkins and Dee Brown) and cushioning fit for the game’s most dominant center. The Shaqnosis, his most popular release, was a hypnotizing and bold sneaker that is considered a classic. O’Neal left Reebok in 1998, creating his own brand, Dunkman, which he sold for affordable prices at Payless.
16. Gary Payton (Nike)
Debut year: 1998
Notable models: Nike Zoom Flight The Glove, Nike Air Zoom GP, Air Zoom GP 2
Payton, whose nickname was The Glove, had his likeness translate to his first signature sneaker — the Nike Zoom Flight The Glove — in the form of a synthetic sleeve with a zipper. The trend continued to Payton’s signature line, with the Air Zoom GP and Zoom GP 2 both featuring a variation of a glove-like contraption to embody Payton’s lockdown defense.
Despite being an All-Star and one of the best players ever, Payton’s brand was more about his nasty trash-talking and his suffocating defensive ability. The 1995-96 Defensive Player of the Year was a trailblazer in making defense cool and marketable.
17. Derrick Rose (Adidas)
Debut year: 2010
Notable models: Adidas adiZero Rose 1, Adidas adiZero Rose 2, Adidas D Rose 3
Other models: Adidas Crazy Light
In 2010, Rose became the new face of Adidas while also establishing himself as the youngest MVP in league history. Rose’s blazing speed and athleticism translated well to lighter sneakers, including the Crazy Light’s during the 2011 postseason. One of the notable features of Rose’s line has been the higher cuts to shoes, which is intended to provide ankle support for his explosive cutting, running and jumping.
Rose’s meteoric rose was derailed by a series of knee injuries, but he remains popular and his line is still going, even if it’s not what it once was. He has the longest-running Adidas basketball sneaker line currently.
18. Shawn Kemp (Reebok)
Debut year: 1995
Notable models: Reebok Kamikaze 1, 2
Other models: Reebok Shroud
Similar to the Shaqnosis, the Kamikaze 2 featured a high-contrast black-and-white design that was extremely visible on TV — and representative of the Reignman’s loud style of play. The peaks along the side panels of the sneaker appeared to resemble Kemp’s explosive jumping and dunking. The shoes coincided with the 1995-96 season, when the Supersonics won 64 games and made the Finals, giving them an air of nostalgia.
The Kemp signature sneaker line didn’t last long, but it was memorable.
19. Stephen Curry (Under Armour)
Debut year: 2014
Notable models: Under Armour Curry 1, 2, 4, 7, Under Armour SC 3ZER0 II
One of the trends on this list is young stars turning lesser-known brands — at least in the basketball space — into powerhouses. Perhaps no one personifies that example more than Curry, whose incredible ascent during the 2014-15 season led to Under Armour’s historic growth as a basketball brand that season.
Curry’s popularity and marketability have translated over to his sneaker sales, as he regularly ranks in the top five despite not repping Nike, Adidas or Jordan. The hype surrounding Curry’s line has faded in recent years — and there have been some clunkers, like the Chef Currys, which actually sold well — but with Durant in Brooklyn, Curry is due for a resurgence as Golden State’s leading man.
20. Grant Hill (Fila)
Debut year: 1995
Notable models: Fila Grant Hill 1, 2, 3
Hill put Fila on the basketball map, as the triple-double threat emerged as one of the faces of the league during Jordan’s hiatus in the mid-’90s. The sneaker’s white, navy and red colorway was clean and went with just about any outfit. The sneakers got the ultimate co-sign from Tupac Shakur, who wore them on the inside cover of “All Eyez On Me.”
At a time when the basketball sneaker marketplace was monopolized by Nike and Reebok, Hill provided clout for a company that was best known for its tennis sportswear.
21. Kevin Garnett (Nike)
Debut year: 1998
Notable models: Nike Garnett 3
Other models: Nike Flightposite 1, 2
Other signature lines: Adidas, AND1, Anta
Long before he was with Adidas or Anta, Garnett was an up-and-coming Swoosh signee right out of high school. Following the success of the Foamposite, Garnett was part of the Flightposite launch, a shoe that featured zippers alongside a similar yet modified shell. His first two signature releases were so-so, but his third, the Nike Air Garnett 3, was memorable for its gradient design that faded from blue to white.
Garnett went to AND1 in 2001 before signing with Adidas — “Anything is posssssibleeeeee!” — and closing his career with Anta.
22. Jason Kidd (Nike)
Debut year: 1997
Notable models: Nike Air Zoom Flight 5
Other models: Nike Zoom Flight 95
Other signature lines: Peak
Kidd isn’t one of the first names younger sneakerheads think when they picture the game’s premier salesmen, but he helped debut one of Nike’s most iconic sneakers of the ’90s: the Nike Zoom Flight 95.
Both of Kidd’s most notable sneakers, the Nike Zoom Flight 95 and the Air Zoom Flight 5, featured spheres on the midsole that almost resembled eyes, a seemingly subtle nod to Kidd’s court vision (the Air Zoom Flight 5 indeed had a bug-eye). Kidd eventually switched back to Nike PEs and Jordans PEs before signing with Peak before the end of his career.
23. Patrick Ewing (Ewing Athletics)
Debut year: 1989
Notable models: Ewing 33 HI, Ewing Rebound
After beginning his career with Adidas during the heyday of Run DMC, Ewing pivoted and launched his own sneaker company, Ewing Athletics, in 1989. The move proved prescient as the center’s sneakers sold remarkably well, especially for a big man.
The 33 HI was a proper alternative for Knicks that despised Jordan and didn’t want to rep their rival. Ewing relaunched the brand in 2012 and it’s still popular in New York today.
24. Stephon Marbury (Starbury)
Debut year: 2006
Notable models: Starbury 1
Other signature lines: AND1
Marbury’s signature sneaker garnered attention for its accessibility because of its $15 price point. His ambition was to make a sneaker that was attainable for younger consumers and lower-income families. Though the design of the Starbury 1 was relatively clean and simple, it made an impact.
25. Chris Webber (Dada)
Debut year: 2002
Notable models: Dada CDubbz, Dada C4
Other models: Nike Air Max Sensation
Other signature lines: Nike
Dada is best known for the spinner sneaker that Latrell Sprewell famously wore, but Webber was the brand’s most notable star at the beginning of the millennium.
Webber debuted the chrome-colored CDubbz sneakers at the 2002 All-Star Game, setting the tone for a multi-year partnership. The shoes weren’t for everyone, but they perfectly encapsulated the garish nature of the early 2000s, when the flashier and shinier the better.
What makes a great signature sneaker line?
Is it longevity? Evolution and innovation? Introducing new design and technology? It is the colorways? The name? The brand?
The answer, depending on your perspective, is some combination of all of the above.
Every sneakerhead has his or her own pie chart with his or her own values and proclivities that are unique to them. But to garner some type of consensus, The Athletic formed a sneaker committee — including Travonne Edwards, Wosny Lambre, Matt Hevia, Jared Weiss, Nick Kosmider, Jason Jones and myself — to determine the greatest NBA signature sneaker lines of all time.
After listing over 50 signature lines and prominent shoe models, we whittled down the list to 25 options. (A special shout-out to Tray, who was instrumental in narrowing down our initial list to 25 sneakers, including consulting with some of the sneaker industry’s heavy-hitter writers and personalities.) Internally, we ranked the sneakers one through 25. Publically, we had readers and subscribers vote on a Google survey through The Athletic and Twitter, rating each of the 25 sneakers on a 1-10 scale.
Here is a breakdown of the ranking process:
50 percent reader voting (1 through 10 rating of each signature sneaker line). The tiebreaker is determined by which player received more 10 ratings.
50 percent sneaker committee (1 through 25 ranking of each signature sneaker line). The tiebreaker is determined by which sneaker received the highest rating from a panel member.
The tiebreaker between the two lists is determined by the signature line that was rated higher by the sneaker committee.
Sneaker committee ranking (rank 1-25)
1
Michael Jordan (1.0)
2
LeBron James (4.0)
3
Kobe Bryant — Nike (4.57)
4
Penny Hardaway (6.14)
5
Kyrie Irving (7.57)
6
Allen Iverson (8.14)
7
Scottie Pippen (9.14)
8
Kevin Durant (9.71)
9
Charles Barkley (10.57)
10
Kobe Bryant — Adidas (10.83)
11
Shaquille O'Neal (11.57)
12
Tracy McGrady (13.14)
13
Gary Payton (13.86)
14
Vince Carter (14)
15
Damian Lillard (14.71)
16
Paul George (15.43)
17
Grant Hill (15.86)
18
Shawn Kemp (16.14)
19
Jason Kidd (17.29)
20
Derrick Rose (17.57)
21
Patrick Ewing (18.14*)
22
Kevin Garnett (18.14)
23
Stephen Curry (21.0)
24
Chris Webber (21.86)
25
Stephon Marbury (22.14)
* Won the tiebreaker
Reader voting (score 1-10)
1
Michael Jordan (9.08)
2
Kobe Bryant — Nike (7.44)
3
Penny Hardaway (6.76)
4
Kevin Durant (6.65)
5
Kyrie Irving (6.62)
6
LeBron James (6.54)
7
Allen Iverson (6.37)
8
Damian Lillard (6.06)
9
Paul George (5.91)
10
Scottie Pippen (5.82)
11
Vince Carter (5.79)
12
Tracy McGrady (5.69)
13
Derrick Rose (5.67)
14
Charles Barkley (5.53)
15
Kobe Bryant — Adidas (5.30)
16
Stephen Curry (5.18*)
17
Gary Payton (5.18)
18
Kevin Garnett (5.07)
19
Shaquille O'Neal (5.02)
20
Shawn Kemp (4.93)
21
Stephon Marbury (4.81)
22
Jason Kidd (4.74)
23
Grant Hill (4.50)
24
Chris Webber (3.98)
25
Patrick Ewing (3.83)
* Won the tiebreaker
We combined the two rankings into one comprehensive list. To be clear: This is not a ranking of the best sneakers of all time. That list has been done before and we wanted to attack our sneaker analysis from a different angle.
Who did we miss? What did we get wrong? Let us know in the comments below.
Honorable mentions: Hakeem Olajuwon (Spalding), James Harden (Adidas), Russell Westbrook (Jordan Brand), Carmelo Anthony (Jordan Brand), Chris Paul (Jordan Brand), Dennis Rodman (Nike), Gilbert Arenas (Adidas), Dwyane Wade (Li-Ning)
1. Michael Jordan (Jordan Brand)
Debut year: 1984
Notable models: Air Jordan 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13
The Jumpman logo. Red and black. Elephant print. Saturday releases. Patent leather. Dozens of colorways and models you can identify with one name. Jordan’s sneaker brand is untouchable. Pick any category and he’s at the top: longevity, cultural impact, aesthetics, technology and innovation. Jordan’s have transcended basketball, sports and even Nike (even though it remains under the umbrella technically). They’re a pop-culture staple.
The first 14 models are as close to perfect as possible. The retro releases are as coveted as they were decades ago, if not more so with Instagram and the secondary sneaker market.
2. Kobe Bryant (Nike)
Debut year: 2005
Notable models: Nike Kobe 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 High, 11 Elite
Other models: Nike Nike Hyperdunk, Nike Zoom Huarache 2K4
Other signature lines: Adidas
This is where things get interesting. Any of the next three signature sneaker lines had a case for the No. 2 spot. But Bryant at No. 2 feels right. Bryant has compared his arrival at Nike to Harry Potter’s arrival at Hogwarts. Indeed, the pairing was magical — and innovative. The Black Mamba experimented with low tops, high tops and everything in between. The Kobe 4 and 5 helped shift basketball footwear toward the lower-cut models we see today. After retirement, Bryant created his own twist on retro releases, coining the term “Protro,” which featured previous versions of his line updated with new Nike technology.
The Kobe 4 Protro was the most-worn shoe across the league this season. He’s the only player with two separate signature lines on this list.
3. Penny Hardaway (Nike)
Debut year: 1995
Notable models: Nike Foamposite One, Nike Penny 1, 2, 4, Nike Air Flight 1
The top 10 of this list is chock-full of first-ballot Hall of Famers and multi-time champions. Hardaway doesn’t boast that caliber of resume, but at the height of his fame, his sneakers were as popular as anyone not named Michael Jordan. Jordan even wore Hardaway’s Air Flight 1s against Hardaway in the 1995 NBA playoffs due to his Concord Jordan 11s not matching the Bulls’ road black sneaker colorway.
The Foamposite One is one of the greatest basketball sneakers ever, still looking futuristic in 2020 despite releasing over 20 years ago. Hardaway’s “1 Cent” logo is iconic, and the Nike Penny 1 and 2 hold up decades later. The Lil’ Penny commercials, featuring a young Chris Rock, are among the best endorsement commercials ever: “That was Tyra Banks, fool!”
4. LeBron James (Nike)
Debut year: 2003
Notable models: Nike Air Zoom Generation, Nike LeBron 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, Nike Zoom Soldier 10, 12
From the moment he stepped foot in the NBA, all eyes have been on LeBron James and, in turn, his sneakers. He’s withstood the pressure on the floor, entering the GOAT discussion, and off of it, carving out his own chunk of the sneaker world. James’ Air Zoom Generation was one of the best sneaker debuts, and his South Beach LeBron 8s are one of the most hyped and coveted sneaker colorways ever. His sneakers have trended on the bulkier side, making them less appealing to his counterparts, but he’s ranked atop sneaker sales lists for much of the decade.
Much like the red wine he loves to drink, his sneaker line has improved with age. James’ $90 million rookie shoe deal and lifetime deal with Nike, reportedly worth over $1 billion, demonstrate his immense value to the brand.
5. Kyrie Irving (Nike)
Debut year: 2014
Notable models: Nike Kyrie 1, 2, 3, 4
Irving has been the breakout sneaker star of this decade, with a stellar debut and significant partnerships and collaborations, from SpongeBob to Lucky Charms, garnering buzz. It’s impressive that his line ranked this high this early into his signature sneaker career. Storytelling is at the center of Irving’s line, though style and sales aren’t far behind. Irving’s sneakers are the most worn among current NBA players with signature sneaker lines, and perennially rank near the top of basketball sneaker sales.
His sneakers are fun. It’s clear his brand resonates with younger generations.
6. Kevin Durant (Nike)
Debut year: 2008
Notable models: Nike KD 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 12
Durant marks the sixth Nike signature player on this list. His sneaker line has rotated between mids and lows, with some of the more notable models featuring a mid- or upper-strap. His move to the Warriors, temporarily turning him into a villain on the game’s most notable team in one of its biggest markets, reinvigorated his sneaker line after several ho-hum models.
KD’s best designs have often been colorful, with pops of neon green and orange and pink — his Nerf, Weatherman, Creamsicle and Aunt Pearl colorways are all classics. Since debuting his line in 2008, only James has had a more successful series among active players. The KD 12s were the third-most worn sneaker by NBA players this season.
7. Allen Iverson (Reebok)
Debut year: 1996
Notable models: Reebok Question, Reebok Answer 1, 4, 5
When Iverson faked left and shook right, crossing up MJ, it cemented his status as the rising heir to Jordan’s sneaker throne and ensured the Questions would be Reebok’s most beloved shoe. The sneaker is in the conversation for the best non-Jordan basketball shoe ever, with its colored toecap and oversize Hexalite windows aging gracefully.
Iverson has developed a cult-like following for being one of sports’ most authentic icons, and he backed that up by never fleeing Reebok or selling out and designing a sneaker that wasn’t congruent with his brand. He might have never enjoyed success on the level of Jordan, James or Bryant, but he resonated as much, if not more, culturally. He was an influencer before the term went mainstream.
8. Scottie Pippen (Nike)
Debut year: 1997
Notable models: Nike Air Pippen 1, 2, 4
Other models: Nike Air More Uptempo, Nike Air Max Uptempo 1995, Nike Flight Huarache, Nike Air Swift
MJ wasn’t the only Bull with a cold sneaker game. His teammate, Pippen, wore some of the most notable Nike sneakers of the ’90s, including the Air More Uptempo, which featured the classic A-I-R lettering along the sides of the sneaker, and his Air Pippen series. Given the visibility that came with playing for the Bulls, Nike wisely laced Pippen up with some of its best non-signature releases.
Pippen may have been understated in his game, especially compared with Jordan, but his signature sneaker line was anything but that.
9. Damian Lillard (Adidas)
Debut year: 2015
Notable models: D Lillard 1, 2, Dame 4
Lillard has become the co-face of Adidas over the past half-decade (along with James Harden), with his D Lillard and Dame sneakers registering as Adidas’ most popular models since their debut.
One of the hallmarks of the Dame line has been the comfort and performance, as his shoes often earn rave reviews. Dames, like their endorser, can sometimes fly under the radar. But Lillard’s cold-blooded branding — from his rap career, to his underdog persona, to his clutch shot-making (“Dame Time!”) — make him the top-ranked Adidas athlete on this list.
10. Charles Barkley (Nike)
Debut year: 1994
Notable models: Nike Air Max2 CB 94, Nike Air Force Max CB, Nike Air Max CB 34, Nike Air CB 34, Nike Air CB4 2
Barkley might not have considered himself a role model, but his sneaker game was exemplary. He’s the first big man on this list and the only big within the top 14. The former face of Nike’s Force line helped carry Nike during Jordan’s first retirement in 1993 as he earned his own signature line after winning MVP and making the Finals.
Barkley’s sneakers mirrored his game: brash, powerful and durable. They were designed to withstand the pounding he took corralling so many rebounds. They’re a time capsule of the ’90s that still fit in with today’s aesthetics.
11. Tracy McGrady (Adidas)
Debut year: 2002
Notable models: Adidas T-Mac 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
When Bryant left Adidas in the summer of 2002, McGrady stepped in as the brand’s next superstar. He became something of a sneaker trendsetter, introducing hits of silver, full-blown patent leather, and even wearing mismatching red and blue T-Mac 3 sneakers in the 2004 All-Star game — all things we still see from athletes and brands in 2020. An underrated boost to McGrady’s sneaker line: playing alongside Yao Ming in Houston, which elevated McGrady’s brand in Asia, where he remains one of the region’s most beloved athletes.
Scoring sells, and McGrady’s silky smooth game was amazingly marketable. The T-Mac 1 remains one of Adidas’ iconic sneakers.
12. Paul George (Nike)
Debut year: 2017
Notable models: Nike PG1, 2
It’s always difficult to launch a successful sneaker line, but it’s been even more challenging recently, as basketball sneakers sales have declined amid greater footwear competition. But George defied the odds in 2017 with his PG series. The line has quickly become of basketball’s best-selling sneakers, given its collaborations (PlayStation and NASA), “flavors” — George’s preferred term for colorways — relatively affordable price tag ($110) and comfortability.
George’s sneakers are popular among his counterparts, consistently ranking near the top of the league in NBA players wearing them.
13. Kobe Bryant (Adidas)
Debut year: 1997
Notable models: Adidas The Kobe, Adidas KB8, Adidas KB8 2
Other models: Adidas EQT Elevation
Other signature lines: Nike
Before he became one of the faces of Nike, Bryant was the budding face of Adidas. His KB8 — now dubbed the Crazy 8 — is a classic that remains one of Adidas’ most recognizable and best-selling basketball sneakers. The Kobes, inspired by Audi’s TT Roadster, were Bryant’s official signature sneaker. He wore them during all three playoff runs of the Lakers’ 2000-02 three-peat. The Kobe 2 took the bulkiness to another level and was one of the more polarizing basketball shoe designs, often ranking near the top of ugliest basketball sneaker lists.
In 2002, Bryant, upset with the concept for the Kobe 3s, paid $8 million to get out of his Adidas contract, making him a sneaker free agent for the entire 2002-03 season and setting him up to join later Nike.
14. Vince Carter (Nike)
Debut year: 2000
Notable models: Nike Shox BB4
Other models: AND1 Tai Chi
Other signature lines: Puma
Carter offered Nike the perfect platform to debut its Shox technology once he joined the Swoosh after a stint with Puma. Shortly after, Carter leaped over 7-foot-2 French center Frederic Weis in the 2000 Olympics, providing one of the most impressive in-game posterizations ever — with the Shox BB4 on his feet. Half-Man, Half-Amazing would go on to lead Nike’s Shox line — he recently brought the sneakers back during the 2018-19 season.
Bonus points from the sneaker committee for Carter’s role in popularizing the AND1 Tai Chi, the shoe he wore during his iconic performance in the 2000 dunk contest earlier.
15. Shaquille O’Neal (Reebok)
Debut year: 1992
Notable models: Reebok Shaqnosis, Reebok Shaq Attaq 1
The adage “Big men don’t sell sneakers” was put to the test in the early-to-mid 90s, when O’Neal was a rising star with the Magic as the Next Great Big Man (just look at the cast Reebok rounded up in support of O’Neal in the commercial below).
O’Neal was Reebook’s attempt to counter to the other-worldly stardom of Jordan. The Diesel was a larger-than-life figure with the charisma to match and a physical dominance that hadn’t been seen in decades. His first sneaker, the Shaq Attaq, featured the Pump technology that Reebok was known for at the time (made famous by Dominique Wilkins and Dee Brown) and cushioning fit for the game’s most dominant center. The Shaqnosis, his most popular release, was a hypnotizing and bold sneaker that is considered a classic. O’Neal left Reebok in 1998, creating his own brand, Dunkman, which he sold for affordable prices at Payless.
16. Gary Payton (Nike)
Debut year: 1998
Notable models: Nike Zoom Flight The Glove, Nike Air Zoom GP, Air Zoom GP 2
Payton, whose nickname was The Glove, had his likeness translate to his first signature sneaker — the Nike Zoom Flight The Glove — in the form of a synthetic sleeve with a zipper. The trend continued to Payton’s signature line, with the Air Zoom GP and Zoom GP 2 both featuring a variation of a glove-like contraption to embody Payton’s lockdown defense.
Despite being an All-Star and one of the best players ever, Payton’s brand was more about his nasty trash-talking and his suffocating defensive ability. The 1995-96 Defensive Player of the Year was a trailblazer in making defense cool and marketable.
17. Derrick Rose (Adidas)
Debut year: 2010
Notable models: Adidas adiZero Rose 1, Adidas adiZero Rose 2, Adidas D Rose 3
Other models: Adidas Crazy Light
In 2010, Rose became the new face of Adidas while also establishing himself as the youngest MVP in league history. Rose’s blazing speed and athleticism translated well to lighter sneakers, including the Crazy Light’s during the 2011 postseason. One of the notable features of Rose’s line has been the higher cuts to shoes, which is intended to provide ankle support for his explosive cutting, running and jumping.
Rose’s meteoric rose was derailed by a series of knee injuries, but he remains popular and his line is still going, even if it’s not what it once was. He has the longest-running Adidas basketball sneaker line currently.
18. Shawn Kemp (Reebok)
Debut year: 1995
Notable models: Reebok Kamikaze 1, 2
Other models: Reebok Shroud
Similar to the Shaqnosis, the Kamikaze 2 featured a high-contrast black-and-white design that was extremely visible on TV — and representative of the Reignman’s loud style of play. The peaks along the side panels of the sneaker appeared to resemble Kemp’s explosive jumping and dunking. The shoes coincided with the 1995-96 season, when the Supersonics won 64 games and made the Finals, giving them an air of nostalgia.
The Kemp signature sneaker line didn’t last long, but it was memorable.
19. Stephen Curry (Under Armour)
Debut year: 2014
Notable models: Under Armour Curry 1, 2, 4, 7, Under Armour SC 3ZER0 II
One of the trends on this list is young stars turning lesser-known brands — at least in the basketball space — into powerhouses. Perhaps no one personifies that example more than Curry, whose incredible ascent during the 2014-15 season led to Under Armour’s historic growth as a basketball brand that season.
Curry’s popularity and marketability have translated over to his sneaker sales, as he regularly ranks in the top five despite not repping Nike, Adidas or Jordan. The hype surrounding Curry’s line has faded in recent years — and there have been some clunkers, like the Chef Currys, which actually sold well — but with Durant in Brooklyn, Curry is due for a resurgence as Golden State’s leading man.
20. Grant Hill (Fila)
Debut year: 1995
Notable models: Fila Grant Hill 1, 2, 3
Hill put Fila on the basketball map, as the triple-double threat emerged as one of the faces of the league during Jordan’s hiatus in the mid-’90s. The sneaker’s white, navy and red colorway was clean and went with just about any outfit. The sneakers got the ultimate co-sign from Tupac Shakur, who wore them on the inside cover of “All Eyez On Me.”
At a time when the basketball sneaker marketplace was monopolized by Nike and Reebok, Hill provided clout for a company that was best known for its tennis sportswear.
21. Kevin Garnett (Nike)
Debut year: 1998
Notable models: Nike Garnett 3
Other models: Nike Flightposite 1, 2
Other signature lines: Adidas, AND1, Anta
Long before he was with Adidas or Anta, Garnett was an up-and-coming Swoosh signee right out of high school. Following the success of the Foamposite, Garnett was part of the Flightposite launch, a shoe that featured zippers alongside a similar yet modified shell. His first two signature releases were so-so, but his third, the Nike Air Garnett 3, was memorable for its gradient design that faded from blue to white.
Garnett went to AND1 in 2001 before signing with Adidas — “Anything is posssssibleeeeee!” — and closing his career with Anta.
22. Jason Kidd (Nike)
Debut year: 1997
Notable models: Nike Air Zoom Flight 5
Other models: Nike Zoom Flight 95
Other signature lines: Peak
Kidd isn’t one of the first names younger sneakerheads think when they picture the game’s premier salesmen, but he helped debut one of Nike’s most iconic sneakers of the ’90s: the Nike Zoom Flight 95.
Both of Kidd’s most notable sneakers, the Nike Zoom Flight 95 and the Air Zoom Flight 5, featured spheres on the midsole that almost resembled eyes, a seemingly subtle nod to Kidd’s court vision (the Air Zoom Flight 5 indeed had a bug-eye). Kidd eventually switched back to Nike PEs and Jordans PEs before signing with Peak before the end of his career.
23. Patrick Ewing (Ewing Athletics)
Debut year: 1989
Notable models: Ewing 33 HI, Ewing Rebound
After beginning his career with Adidas during the heyday of Run DMC, Ewing pivoted and launched his own sneaker company, Ewing Athletics, in 1989. The move proved prescient as the center’s sneakers sold remarkably well, especially for a big man.
The 33 HI was a proper alternative for Knicks that despised Jordan and didn’t want to rep their rival. Ewing relaunched the brand in 2012 and it’s still popular in New York today.
24. Stephon Marbury (Starbury)
Debut year: 2006
Notable models: Starbury 1
Other signature lines: AND1
Marbury’s signature sneaker garnered attention for its accessibility because of its $15 price point. His ambition was to make a sneaker that was attainable for younger consumers and lower-income families. Though the design of the Starbury 1 was relatively clean and simple, it made an impact.
25. Chris Webber (Dada)
Debut year: 2002
Notable models: Dada CDubbz, Dada C4
Other models: Nike Air Max Sensation
Other signature lines: Nike
Dada is best known for the spinner sneaker that Latrell Sprewell famously wore, but Webber was the brand’s most notable star at the beginning of the millennium.
Webber debuted the chrome-colored CDubbz sneakers at the 2002 All-Star Game, setting the tone for a multi-year partnership. The shoes weren’t for everyone, but they perfectly encapsulated the garish nature of the early 2000s, when the flashier and shinier the better.
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