Latest Basketball Shoes: What's Dropping Now?

what basketball shoes are coming out

There are a variety of basketball shoes coming out in 2025, with brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Reebok releasing new shoes. For example, Nike is releasing the Air Trainer SC High “Auburn” for $130, and Adidas is releasing the D.O.N. Issue #6, which is known for its traction. In addition, Reebok is releasing the Angel Reese x Reebok Shaqnosis for $150.

Some of the best basketball shoes from 2023 include the Nike Sabrina 1 and 2, the Adidas Harden Vol. 7, and the New Balance KAWHI III.

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Upcoming Nike A'ja Wilson A'One signature shoe

The Nike A'One is the first signature shoe of basketball star A'ja Wilson, one of the greatest players in the world. The shoe is designed to deliver the comfort and versatility required by elite athletes like Wilson, offering an optimal combination of cushioning, traction, fit and support.

The Nike A'One signature shoe is the product of a collaboration between Wilson and Nike that began in 2022. Wilson, a longtime Nike athlete, has been part of Nike's Athlete Think Tank, helping to inform the brand's creation of innovative products and experiences for women and girls. The A'One is designed to support Wilson's game and push her performance to new heights, while also providing a tool for young athletes to improve their skills.

The shoe's design includes personalized details that reflect Wilson's family history and style. The pearl motifs and finishes, for example, are a nod to the necklace Wilson's grandmother gifted her as a child, which provides her with a symbol of strength. The "star" of the silhouette is Wilson's signature logo, inspired by the star she always drew in the "A" of her first name. The logo is also a reference to her role as a star athlete who inspires girls to pursue their dreams.

The Nike A'One signature shoe and apparel collection will be available for purchase in May 2025 at SNKRS, nike.com, and select retail locations. The collection includes clothing for women, men, and kids, blending high fashion with a classic sports style, reflecting Wilson's bold fashion choices on and off the court.

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Nike Ja 2 Scratch

The Nike Ja 2 Scratch is a basketball shoe that was released on May 1, 2025, via nike.com and Nike Basketball retailers. The shoe is named after NBA player Ja Morant, known for his gravity-defying moves that combine skill, precision, and style. The Nike Ja 2 Scratch is designed to be lighter than ever, mirroring Ja's aggressive yet detailed play style.

The shoe's design includes a multidirectional traction pattern that pays homage to the oversized tractor tires that Ja uses for training in his backyard. The upper of the shoe features lightweight mesh for comfort and breathability, while the big-toe side has engineered mesh for even greater breathability. The raised foam collar adds extra cushioning around the Achilles, and the extra ankle padding provides comfort during landing and takeoff.

The Nike Ja 2 Scratch also features a forefoot Air Zoom unit, which provides increased responsiveness and vertical acceleration. The midsole moulds to the foot for a secure fit during quick movements. The shoe is finished with Ja's iconic subtle scratch detail, inspired by his favourite dunk, and Swarovski crystals for added bling.

The Nike Ja 2 Scratch is available in adult sizes for a standard price of $120. With its combination of performance and style, the Nike Ja 2 Scratch is the perfect choice for basketball players who want to soar, score, and succeed on the court.

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Nike LeBron 22 Dunkman

The Nike LeBron line of basketball shoes is an iconic one, with LeBron James having released over twenty different sneakers with Nike. The Nike LeBron 22 "Dunkman" is a powerful addition to this line, bringing back a classic colourway. The shoe features a refined grey upper, with a brushed silky finish, and a vibrant neon green outsole, Swoosh logo, and tomahawk dunk logo, reminiscent of the Dunkman theme that first appeared on the LeBron 2. This colourway is symbolic of LeBron James' explosive style, with the neon green pops of colour adding a bold touch to the sneaker.

The Nike LeBron 22 "Dunkman" was released on May 1st, 2025, through Nike.com and select retailers, including Dick's Sporting Goods. The shoe retailed for $180 USD and was available in men's sizing. This release brought back a significant piece of Nike Basketball history, with the Dunkman colourway being a fan favourite. The latest model blends this classic inspiration with modern design, creating a sleek and refined sneaker.

The Nike LeBron 22 "Dunkman" features a light silver-grey steel colour scheme on the upper, with a marbled effect on the panelling. The medial midsole shank is in vapor green, with metallic gold eyelets and tonal laces. The sneaker also includes Nike's XDR (extra durable rubber) for outdoor traction and durability. Even the tongue features a unique design, with a triangle patch and iridescent detailing.

The "Dunkman" colourway is one of LeBron James' most notorious and iconic, with the grey and neon green combination being elevated by the rarely-used logo of James cocking back a tomahawk dunk. This colourway has been revisited and reinterpreted multiple times in LeBron James' sneaker line, and its return in the LeBron 22 is a highly anticipated release for fans and collectors alike.

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Nike KD 18 Chain Reaction

The Nike KD 18 Chain Reaction is an upcoming addition to the Kevin Durant signature shoe line, showcasing a blend of cutting-edge style and on-court functionality. Expected to retail for $150, these basketball sneakers are slated for release on May 1, 2025, and are highly anticipated by sneaker enthusiasts and collectors.

The KD 18 Chain Reaction model exemplifies Nike's commitment to merging style and performance. The shoe is constructed with lightweight materials, ensuring comfort and agility for dynamic players like Kevin Durant. The innovative design incorporates a responsive cushioning system, featuring a combination of Air Zoom and Nike Air technology for enhanced impact absorption and energy return. This advanced cushioning setup empowers athletes to sustain peak performance during high-intensity game situations.

The upper of the KD 18 Chain Reaction is carefully crafted with a perforated design, reducing the overall weight of the shoe while enhancing breathability. This design feature allows players to stay comfortable and fresh during extended periods of play. Additionally, the shoe's aesthetic is a modern interpretation of the KD line's evolution, reflecting broader trends in athletic footwear design.

The Nike KD 18 Chain Reaction is more than just a performance shoe; it embodies the collaborative spirit between Kevin Durant and Nike. This dynamic partnership has consistently pushed the boundaries of basketball sneakers, seamlessly integrating Durant's on-court requirements with Nike's innovative sportswear expertise. The KD 18 Chain Reaction is a testament to their shared vision of delivering cutting-edge style and practical performance to both amateur and professional players.

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Nike G.T. Jump 2

The Nike G.T. Jump 2 is designed to help athletes achieve more bounce and explosiveness in their jumps. The shoe's cushioning setup is geared towards maximising jump height, with a tall heel stack height of 35.6 mm—over 5 mm taller than average. The Nike React foam in the heel provides exceptional impact protection and a soft, comfortable landing. This is combined with a full-length Zoom Air strobel under the insole for added responsiveness.

The shoe's forefoot is also impressive, featuring two massive Air bubbles and a Zoom Air strobel on top, resulting in a thick forefoot stack. The dynamic cushioning setup delivers superior bounce and energy return, enhancing your vertical jump potential. The shoe's heel-to-toe drop measures 6.4 mm, slightly lower than average, but the cushioning minimises the impact of this lower drop.

The Nike G.T. Jump 2 shines when it comes to jump-intensive playing styles. It is ideal for bigger players who frequently employ jumping blocks, dunks, and jump shots. The shoe's impact-absorbing qualities make it a perfect choice for heavier players seeking exceptional cushioning and shock absorption. However, it may not be the best option for quick, nimble guards or shorter players due to its bulk and height.

While the Nike G.T. Jump 2 excels in jump performance, its versatility is limited. Some users find it challenging to run and change directions quickly in these shoes, making them less suitable for certain positions like guards or front courters. Despite this, the shoe's durability is commendable, performing well on various court surfaces, including indoor, outdoor rubber, and concrete.

Frequently asked questions

The Nike A'ja Wilson A'One, the first signature shoe of the WNBA star, is set to be released soon. The shoe will be available in adults' and kids' sizes. The Nike Ja 2 "Scratch", the Nike LeBron 22 "Dunkman", and the Nike KD 18 "Chain Reaction" are also set to be released on May 1, 2025.

The Nike A'One is the first signature shoe of WNBA star A'ja Wilson. It features Wilson's signature logo, inspired by her signature of a star in the "A" of her first name. The shoe also includes personal touches, such as a favourite saying of her late grandmother on the outsole.

The shoes will be available on nike.com and from Nike Basketball retailers. The Nike LeBron 22 "Dunkman" will also be available from Nike's partnering stockists, including Dick's Sporting Goods.

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