Andrew Pace
Signature basketball shoes have become a significant part of the sport's culture, with brands and players collaborating to create unique designs that showcase the player's style and personality. While Converse and Adidas dominated the market in the early days, Nike now leads the way, with the likes of Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant all having signature shoes with the brand. Other brands, such as Adidas, Under Armour, and New Balance, have also signed deals with NBA stars, contributing to the growing culture of signature basketball shoes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players with signature shoes | 26 |
| Number of brands that have provided signature shoes | 10 |
| Percentage of NBA players wearing signature-branded shoes | Over 65% |
| Number of players with the most shoe changes | 1. Malaki Branham (21 shoes); 2. Blake Wesley (17 shoes); 3. Jeremy Sochan (15 shoes) |
| Most popular shoe by players' choice | Nike Kobe 6 |
| Most popular shoe by minutes played | 1. Nike Kobe 6; 2. Nike PG 6; 3. Nike LeBron XX |
| Most popular shoe by points scored | Nike Kobe 6 |
| Number of players with Chinese brand signature shoes | At least 3 |
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What You'll Learn
Signature shoes of NBA players
Signature shoes are a dream come-true endorsement deal for NBA players. In 2023, over 25 athletes in the NBA had their own signature sneakers, with 26 players lacing up their own signature shoes during the 2023-24 campaign. This number rose to a record 32 in 2025.
Some players have signed deals with big brands like Nike, Adidas, and Jordan Brand. Devin Booker, for example, debuted his signature Nike shoe, the Nike Book 1, in 2023. The shoe retailed for $150 and took inspiration from classic Nike silhouettes like the Air Force 1 and Blazer. Similarly, Luka Dončić, who was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers, was endorsed by Jordan Brand, releasing the Jordan Luka 4 and the Jordan Luka .77, the latter featuring his signature IsoPlate.
Other players have chosen to start their own brands and sign deals with lesser-known labels. Spencer Dinwiddie, who started his own brand K8IROS in 2018, signed a signature sneaker deal with 361 Degrees. Aaron Gordon, of the Denver Nuggets, also signed with the Chinese brand 361 Degrees, becoming the face of their basketball division. Langston Galloway, who owns the brand ETHICS, released the lgONE in 2025, with a focus on creating a meaningful product with top-tier comfort and traction for the court.
Some players have even turned down lucrative endorsement deals to launch shoes under their own brands. Jaylen Brown, for instance, launched his own performance brand and debuted his first signature shoe after winning the NBA Finals and the Finals MVP award.
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Popular basketball shoes by choice
The choice of basketball shoes is a very personal preference, with players increasingly moving away from fixed positions and their corresponding shoe designs. Agile players tend to prefer low-top shoes, which allow for greater freedom of ankle movement and quicker direction changes.
Nike is the most popular basketball shoe brand, with 65.1% of NBA players wearing their shoes during the 2022-23 season. The Nike Kobe 6 Protro was the most popular shoe model that season, worn by 29 players, followed by the Nike PG 6, worn by 28 players. The Nike Cosmic Unity 3 has been praised for its outdoor playability, outsole hardness, and dust resistance, making it a top choice for outdoor courts. The Nike Sabrina 2 is another popular option, priced at $130, known for its versatility and performance features, making it ideal for shooting guards.
Adidas is the second most popular brand, with 10.8% of players using their shoes. Kyrie Irving and Paul George have the second and third most popular signature basketball shoes in the NBA, with 45 and 36 players choosing their respective brands. Chinese sportswear brands are also gaining traction, with players like Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets signing with 361 Degrees, and Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers signing with Rigorer.
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Popular basketball shoes by position
Basketball has become a position-less game in recent years, with players moving away from fixed positions. However, size and playing style are still important factors when choosing the right basketball shoe for your position. Here is a list of popular basketball shoes by position:
Point Guards
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Point guards require quickness and agility, so they often prefer lightweight and low-top shoes that offer excellent traction and allow for agile movements and quick direction changes. The Nike Sabrina 1 and 2 are popular choices for point guards, with the latter being an improved version of the former. The Anta KT 10 is another excellent option for point guards, offering elite traction and bouncy cushioning at a reasonable price of $130.
Shooting Guards
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Shooting guards often prioritize stability and support in their shoes to execute powerful moves and jumps. The Nike LeBron 22, retailing at $179, is ideal for heavier and more powerful players like LeBron James, who require robust support, responsive cushioning, and stability. The Li-Ning Gamma 1 Blue Tears, worn by Fred VanVleet of the Houston Rockets, is another popular choice for shooting guards, offering both style and performance.
Small Forwards
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Small forwards require a versatile shoe that can support their all-around game. The 361 BIG3 5.0 Quick Pro is a great option for small forwards, offering a blend of speed and power. Aaron Gordon's AG 5 is one of the most tech-heavy and well-performing basketball shoes on the market, catering to both big, power-based players and light, speedy guards.
Power Forwards
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Power forwards need shoes that provide excellent support and stability to match their physical playing style. The Nike Kobe 4 Protro Gold Medal, worn by Nate Williams of the Houston Rockets, is a popular choice among power forwards. The Nike LeBron XXI, seen on Omer Yurtseven of Athens Panathinaikos, is another option that provides stability and support for powerful players.
Centers
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Centers typically require shoes with excellent cushioning and traction to support their defensive and offensive moves. The Joker 1 is a versatile signature shoe that provides excellent value for $129, catering to both big, power-based players and speedy guards. The Nike Zoom LeBron NXXT Gen Blue Tint, worn by Alperen Sengun of the Houston Rockets, is another option that provides the necessary cushioning and traction for centers.
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Popular basketball shoes by points scored
Basketball players are often seen as trendsetters, with their signature shoes and apparel lines becoming highly sought-after items for fans. During the 2022-23 NBA season, 29 players wore the Nike Kobe 6 Protro, making it the most popular basketball shoe of the season in terms of both minutes played (40,844/40,884) and points scored (18,772). The Nike Kobe 6 also led the 2021-22 season with 43,696 minutes and 20,022 points.
The second most popular shoe model in the 2022-23 season was the Nike PG 6, worn by 28 players, followed by the Nike Kobe 5 Protro with 21 players. The fourth and fifth spots were taken by the Nike Air Zoom G.T. Cut (16 players) and a tie between the Nike Kyrie 7 and Nike KD 15 (15 players each).
Nike's dominance in the basketball shoe market continued in the 2022-23 season, with 65.1% of players choosing their brand. This equates to 370,212 minutes played on the court. Adidas was a distant second, with 10.8% of players and 69,909 minutes.
While Nike's Kobe line has been a consistent favourite, other players have signature shoes with the brand that are gaining traction. Devin Booker's Nike Book 1, inspired by his hometown and current city, debuted during the holidays in 2023 and retailed for $150. Cedi Osman from Athens Panathinaikos scored 22 points while wearing the Nike Book 1 Python basketball shoes.
Other players are choosing to partner with lesser-known brands. Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets signed with Chinese brand 361 Degrees, releasing the AG4 in 2023. Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers signed with another Chinese company, Rigorer, releasing the Rigorer AR1 in 2023.
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Popular basketball shoes by blocks
Basketball players often dream of landing endorsement deals with shoe brands. During the 2023-24 NBA season, 26 players will wear their own signature shoes, a record across league history. These deals are not limited to the major brands, with 10 companies from around the world offering deals.
The most popular basketball shoe by blocks appears to be the Nike Kobe 6, which was the most popular shoe model in the 2022-23 season, with 29 players wearing them and 40,884 minutes logged. The shoe also had remarkable stats of 7,707 rebounds, 4,480 assists, 1,316 steals, and 624 blocks. The Nike Kobe 6 was also the leading shoe model in the 2021-22 season, with 43,696 minutes and 20,022 points. The Nike Kobe 6 Protro was the most popular shoe model in the 2022-23 season, worn by 29 players, followed by the Nike PG 6, worn by 28 players.
The Nike Kobe 6 was also the most popular shoe by points scored, with players scoring 25,857 points on the court. The Nike KD 16 was second with 14,452 points, and the Nike Kobe 4 Protro was third with 9,896 points.
The Nike Cosmic Unity 3 has been rated as the best basketball shoe for outdoor playability. The shoe has an impressively durable upper and an outsole hardness that makes it suitable for outdoor use. Its rubber sole has an unrelenting firmness, and it is resistant to dust.
Other popular basketball shoes include the Nike KD 15 and 16, the LeBron 20, the Harden 7, and the LaMelo Ball.
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Frequently asked questions
During the 2023-24 campaign, a record-breaking 26 players will wear their own signature shoes, spanning 10 different brands.
Some basketball players with signature shoes include LeBron James, Kevin Durant (KD), Luka, James Harden, and Stephen Curry. Other players with signature shoes include Austin Reaves, Ja Morant, Kyrie Irving, Devin Booker, and Aaron Gordon.
Some brands that have released signature basketball shoes include Nike, Adidas, Puma, and Chinese sportswear brands like Rigorer and 361 Degrees.
Some popular signature basketball shoes include the Nike Kobe 6, the Nike PG 6, and the Nike LeBron XX model.
