Brand matters to a lot of people when they buy basketball shoes. People will often say things like “I only rock J’s” or “I’m a Nike person” when they talk about athletic shoes. Some people will stick with their brand even if there are better options out there.
This is one way that people still really care about their favourite brand of basketball shoes. If you’ve had good luck with a particular brand in the past, you’ll stick with that brand when you buy sneakers to play in. Some players will only play if their socks are the same brand as their shoes.
And it makes sense. Different brands have their unique qualities that make them similar to each other but never the same. Bounce (Adidas) and React (Nike) are sometimes the same, but if Bounce is your best padding system, you can only find it at adidas.
There are also problems with size. No one brand fits like all the others because each brand uses a different brand to make its shoes. If you discover a brand that fits your foot perfectly, you won’t switch to another one. Having flat or big feet makes this problem even worse.
Brand Name Shoes of basketball players wear
This season, Kobe Bryant’s shoe lines continued to rule the league, thanks mainly to the Protro 5 and 6. Even though the Bryant family only renewed their Nike contract very recently, no other signature lines have been able to match their success. Kobe’s shoes are still worn by more players than Kyrie Irving’s and more than Irving and Kevin Durant’s combined.
Kyrie Irving’s Kyrie 7 and Kyrie Low 4 shoes have been popular for a while, but they are less prevalent than Kobe’s. This is because they offer speed, support, and control, making them a good choice for all positions. Kevin Durant moved up to third place this year, primarily because of the KD 14 shoe that Nike released last year. However, many players still like the KD 13 shoe.
This season, too, some shoe lines that were popular in the past lost their appeal, especially among players who work with Adidas. The Dame 7 that Damian Lillard wears is still the most popular Adidas shoe on the court, but the Dame 8 that Lillard just got has yet to gain as much popularity. The Adidas Harden Vol. 6 came out in February 2022 to less praise than the Vol. 5 in 2021. Some players are wearing the Harden Vol. 6 for James Harden’s first entire season with the Brooklyn Nets (and now the 76ers), but only a few others are.
Most Popular Brands basketball players wear
About two-thirds of NBA players wear Nike shoes, so the brand has stayed on top of the league this season. That’s even more clear when you add in the Air Jordan brand; together, they make up almost 75% of all shoes worn on the court. However, Adidas has stayed the same. About 10% of the league’s players wear it, which is a little more than last year.#1: Nike Kobe 6 Protro
No..1: Kobe 6
When Kobe Bryant first wore the Nike Kobe 6 on Christmas Day 2010, they were in a “Grinch” green colourway. The shoe’s scaled design and low-top style quickly caught the attention of sneaker fans and basketball fans alike.
Following in the footsteps of previous Eric Avar designs, the soccer-inspired shape took on a whole Black Mamba vibe with a snake-like pattern all over the upper. As an original, Bryant stepped it up in the Kobe 6, which players of all sizes and types copied.
Ten years later, in 2020, the famous shoe got the Protro treatment, with retail sales and colourways that were only available to the best basketball players. People like PJ Tucker, Devin Booker, Malik Monk, Ja Morant, and others agreed to wear color codes that were never meant to be sold in shops.
Kobe 6 Protro pairs have only been sold on the aftermarket since the “All-Star” style came out in 2021, and the “Mambacita Sweet 16” version came out in 2022. The new Kobe 6 Protro production came back in February 2023 with a “Black History Month” makeover. Sadly, that style won’t be available in stores.
No.2:Nike PG 6
Since Paul George became a signature player in 2017, sales of his own Nike shoes have been through the roof in the NBA, the NCAA, and stores.
Even though the Nike PG 6 seems to be the last pair of sneakers he makes available to the public, and his professional peers still love the low-top look. Full-length React foam is used in this shoe, which is known for being very durable. George is known to wear his sixth shoe when he plays for the Los Angeles Clippers. He also wears older shoes from his line and his favourite Kobe shoes.
This season, big guys like Marcus Morris and Jock Landale have played in the Nike PG 6, even though it’s designed to go below the ankle. Guards like Terrence Ross and Pat Beverly have also played in it.
No. 3: Nike LeBron 20
After starting in sneakers that looked like Hummers and then moving on to big Air Max models, LeBron James has now switched to shoes that are lighter and have a lower profile.
People like the Nike LeBron 20 in shops and NBA games. In the NBA, everyone from annoying point guards to ball-threat centres chooses the LeBron 20 when it’s time to play. It’s more flexible than the King James models from previous seasons.
Now that the FaZe Clan-led Nike LeBron NXXT Gen, an alternative form of the shoe, is out, the lightest LeBron shoe ever will continue to float on feet all through the NBA Playoffs.
No. 4: adidas Kobe 5 Protro
Since 2021, the Nike Kobe 5 Protro has yet to be sold in stores.
Even so, the re-released retro from Kobe’s collection is still trendy among NBA stars. Devin Booker hoops in Protro PEs, and Malik Monk digs out his “Ink” OGs from 2010, the fifth instalment in the Black Mamba series from the Swoosh is known for its star-studded performance and name.
Home fans who can’t wait for more Kobe kicks will soon get them. This year, the Nike Kobe 8 Protro and Kobe’s famous Flight Huarache PE will be available. The second model should be one of the best in the league next season.
No.5: Nike KD 15
In his 16th season, Kevin Durant not only scores almost 30 points every night, but he also makes one of the most famous shoes in the game.
From its first game in the 2022 NBA Playoffs until the end of the 2022–23 NBA season, the Nike KD 15 was a massive hit with players.
Like the “Aunt Pearl” tribute and the famous “Producer Pack,” Durant’s latest model has fun color stories that fans and All-Stars alike love. Current trends in the game make the low and light style popular, especially among up-and-coming players like Jalen Duren and strong wings like Jaden McDaniels.
The Nike KD 15 has been a big hit in the NBA, especially Durant’s 1-of-1 “Off White Presto” pair. However, Devin Vassell of the San Antonio Spurs has also been seen wearing his newly retrograded Nike KD 3.
Small brands name that basketball players wear
This year, American brand And1 is back on the brand ranking list after being absent during the 2020-21 season. With Kevin Garnett as their Creative Director, it’s no wonder that they’re becoming more famous. Clippers guard Norman Powell wears the 2020 And1 Attack 2.0 the most. Peak has also been stable. Since signing a shoe deal with the brand before the 2020-21 season, Andrew Wiggins of the Warriors has been their leading spokesman.
Since big brands are giving out few unique shoe deals, some players have taken things into their own hands. In the 2021 NBA Finals, Langston Galloway revealed his Ethics LG One signature, which marked the start of his own shoe business. This new brand has yet to catch on with other players, but it’s one to keep an eye on in the coming seasons. He’s the most recent player to leave the Q4 Sports brand. Steph Curry has inspired Dwyane Wade to use his long-term relationship with Li-Ning to start his brand, Way of Wade. In 2021, Way of Wade launched five new sneakers, including the All-City 9 and the Fission 7.
FAQs
Which brands of basketball shoes are most popular with professional players?
Professional basketball players frequently wear sneakers from Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and Puma. These companies provide a large selection of basketball shoe models made to fit various playing philosophies and styles.
What distinguishes basketball shoes from other types of sporting shoes?
The support, stability, and cushioning required for the rapid motions, hops, and direction changes involved in basketball are specially built into basketball shoes. They frequently contain features like customised outsoles for improved traction on the court and ankle support.
Do NBA players have a favoured model of shoe?
NBA players’ tastes differ since they frequently have sponsorship agreements with particular shoe companies. Nonetheless, many NBA players are fans of trademark shoe lines like Under Armour Curry, Adidas Harden, and Nike LeBron.
What aspects of comfort and performance should I take into account while selecting basketball shoes?
Fit, cushioning, support, traction, and ankle support are a few things to think about. Your decision should be based on your particular tastes and playing style.
Do players of basketball wear different shoes between practice and competition?
It varies from player to player, although some may wear different shoes throughout practice and competition. As practice shoes are subjected to higher levels of wear and tear, players tend to choose older or less costly versions.
Are there any shoes that are required for a specific position when playing basketball?
Shoe selection may be influenced by playing positions. For speed, guards could choose lighter shoes, whereas big guys would want shoes with more excellent support and cushioning for post-play and rebounds.
I do different sports or hobbies, may I wear my basketball shoes?
Basketball shoes are made for certain motions used in basketball, but they may also be used for other activities like strolling or mild exercise. They might not, however, deliver the most outstanding results for sports with varied requirements.
What are some of the most recent technical developments in the design of basketball shoes?
New developments include improved ankle support systems, lighter materials, better traction patterns, and cushioning technologies (like Adidas Boost and Nike Air).
Are there any models or brands that are suggested for aspiring basketball players?
The ideal shoe for you will rely on your requirements and tastes. It’s a good idea to try on several models and brands to discover what fits your playing style and feels comfortable.
How can I increase the life of my basketball sneakers with regular maintenance and care?
Your basketball sneakers will last longer if you keep them clean, don’t wear them off the court, and store them somewhere dry and cool. To keep your insoles and laces functioning and provide support, regularly check for wear and tear and replace any broken or worn-out parts.
Can I wear basketball shoes every day?
Indeed, you can wear your basketball shoes every day. It’s common to wear basketball shoes on the street without making any changes. As a result, basketball shoes are very durable, supportive, stable, comfortable, and good at absorbing shock. There is no problem if you are happy with it.
Are the basketball players supposed to clean the bottoms of their shoes?
You’ve probably seen basketball players wipe the bottoms of their shoes with the back of their hands. For those who have never played the game on a gym floor, you might not know why they do it so often.
Within a game, indoor courts often become dusty, even if they were just cleaned. This will make the dust on the bottom of your shoes stickier.
Wiping the bottom of your shoes with your palm can help get rid of some dust. It can help players be more agile and move quickly across the floor without falling.
How Should I Comfortably Break in My New Basketball Shoes?
To get your basketball shoes broken in correctly, you should do some light workouts while wearing them. Start by doing light exercises in the shoes for a few days.
Wearing them for 10-15 minutes at a time for about three days. Try adding ten minutes each day. There should be no problem wearing it for 30 minutes by the third day. That time should be extended by about an hour at this point, so you’ll be wearing them every day for about an hour or two.
To help break them in fully, you can start to add more motion and active movement. Wait to play basketball for a few weeks before breaking into your new shoes. If you don’t, you could get severe blisters.
Pick out the Suitable Basketball Shoes
The shoes may be even more popular than the sport of basketball. Several sneakerheads collect basketball shoes but have never played the game. Although, people who like to play the game know how important it is to have the right shoes that fit well in order to take their game to the next level. Getting the best shoes for your wants and style is suggested.
Conclusion
For those who are passionate about basketball, selecting the appropriate sneakers is a crucial choice. These shoes are instruments that may significantly improve your performance and general comfort on the court, not merely a fashion statement. You may enter the court with confidence, knowing that your shoes are tailored to your style and needs if you know what variables to consider while choosing the ideal pair. The correct basketball shoes may improve your game and enable you to achieve new heights on the court, regardless of your level of expertise as an athlete or weekend warrior. So grab a pair of sneakers, get on the court, and let your passion for the sport show in every pass, dribble, and clincher.