Kemba Walker's Basketball Shoes: What's His Favorite Pick?

what basketball shoes does kemba walker wear

Kemba Walker is an American professional basketball player who has played for the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets, Boston Celtics, and AS Monaco. He signed with Under Armour when he was drafted in 2011 but switched to Jordan Brand in 2015. Since then, he has been seen wearing various Air Jordans on the court, including the Air Jordan 32s, retro Air Jordan 10s, and the Air Jordan 10 City of Flight.

Characteristics Values
Brand Under Armour (2011-2015)
Jordan Brand (2015-present)
Model Air Jordan 32s
Air Jordan 10s
Jordan Tatum 1
Air Jordan 11 "Space Jam"
Air Jordan 10 "City of Flight"
Air Jordan 10 "Charlotte"
Air Jordan 6-17-23 "Aqua"
Air Jordan 12 "Flu Game"

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Kemba Walker's switch from Under Armour to Jordan

Kemba Walker is a retired American guard who primarily wore Air Jordan 10 shoes during his career. He was drafted 9th overall in 2011 out of UConn and signed with Under Armour. However, in 2015, he made the switch to the Jordan brand.

As a member of the Michael Jordan-owned Hornets, Walker became one of the brand's most high-profile stars. He was known for sporting Air Jordan 32s as well as retro Air Jordan 10s, making him one of the few players to regularly choose a retro Jordan model. The move to Jordan Brand was a significant one, as it is uncommon for the brand to sign athletes away from other companies.

There may have been several reasons for Walker's decision to leave Under Armour for Jordan Brand. One factor could have been the opportunity to represent team owner Michael Jordan's brand. NBA rules prohibit Jordan from influencing who the brand signs, but acquiring the face of his franchise may have been a priority for the CEO. Additionally, Walker had spent four seasons with the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets while signed with Under Armour, but during that time, he never quite reached the signature sneaker level.

The switch to Jordan Brand provided Walker with a new opportunity to develop his own signature shoe. While the specific details of the deal are not publicly known, it is clear that Walker's decision to join Jordan Brand was a mutually beneficial one. He became a high-profile ambassador for the brand, and his association with the Jordan name added to his own reputation as a successful basketball player.

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Air Jordan 32s

The Air Jordan 32, also known as the Air Jordan XXXII, is the 32nd sneaker in the Jordan brand legacy. It pays homage to the brand's rich history while incorporating contemporary design and performance technologies. The shoe was released in 2017, drawing inspiration from the Air Jordan 2 in terms of its luxurious materials and Italian craftsmanship.

The Air Jordan 32 features a mix of Flyknit, premium leather, and Zoom Air cushioning. The Flyknit material provides a snug, sock-like fit, while the FlightSpeed cushioning system enhances responsiveness and comfort. The shoe's midsole and outsole designs offer optimal traction and stability, crucial for the quick movements in basketball games. Additionally, the high-top silhouette provides extra ankle support, reminiscent of the original Air Jordan 2.

The Air Jordan 32 combines performance with style, making it a versatile choice for athletes and sneaker enthusiasts alike. Its visual design stands out with bold colorways and intricate details that honour the Jordan brand's heritage. The shoe debuted with the "Rossa Corsa" colorway, followed by the "Bred" and "Bred" Low colorways, marking significant dates in Michael Jordan's career.

NBA player Kemba Walker, a member of the Michael Jordan-owned Hornets, was known for wearing the Air Jordan 32. He helped elevate the shoe's profile, showcasing its appeal to basketball players and collectors of the Jordan brand. Walker's association with the Air Jordan 32 contributed to its popularity and cultural significance within the world of basketball and sneaker culture.

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Retro Air Jordan 10s

Kemba Walker, a member of the Michael Jordan-owned Hornets, signed with Under Armour when he got drafted in 2011. In 2015, he switched to the Jordan brand and became one of its most high-profile stars. Walker is known for wearing the Air Jordan 32s and the retro Air Jordan 10s, making him one of the few players to regularly opt for a retro Jordan model.

The Retro Air Jordan 10 has been released in various colourways and editions over the years, with some of the most notable ones being:

  • Retro Powder (2014)
  • Retro Super Bowl LIV
  • Retro Cool Grey
  • Retro Tinker
  • Retro Venom Green
  • Retro I'm Back
  • Retro Rio
  • Retro Doernbecher
  • Retro Bulls Over Broadway (GS)
  • Retro Shanghai

The Retro Air Jordan 10s remain a popular choice for basketball players and collectors, with Kemba Walker being one of the notable athletes to showcase them on the court.

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Jordan Tatum 1

Kemba Walker, a member of the Michael Jordan-owned Hornets, signed with Jordan Brand in 2015 and is known for sporting Air Jordans.

The Jordan Tatum 1, launched in 2023, is the first signature shoe of NBA star Jayson Tatum. The shoe is designed to be lightweight, with a plastic frame wrapped in foam and a forefoot Zoom Air unit, providing comfort and responsiveness without sacrificing court feel. The shoe also features a breathable mesh knit upper and a padded collar for ankle support.

The Tatum 1 is part of a full family sizing release, with adult shoes retailing for $120, big kids' shoes for $90, and little kids' shoes for $75. The shoe is available in a variety of colorways, including Zoo and Barbershop, and is accompanied by an apparel collection featuring hoodies and tees for men, women, and kids.

The Jordan Tatum 1 shoe has received positive reviews for its lightweight nature, breathability, and court sensibility, making it ideal for guards like Jayson Tatum. However, some reviewers have noted a lack of rearfoot support and an unsteady structure that may impact performance. Overall, the Jordan Tatum 1 offers a combination of style, comfort, and performance, making it a popular choice for basketball players and fans of the sport.

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Jordan Retros and Kobes

Jordan Retros are a throwback to the original Air Jordan shoes, first released in 1985. The Retro collection combines the original style with new technology, creating a shoe that can be worn on and off the court. The Jordan Retro 4, for example, has a premium look with its split-grain leather and nubuck upper, and provides great breathability with mesh quarter panels. The rubber cupsole also provides excellent traction with its multi-directional herringbone pattern.

The Jordan Retro 13 is another popular design, based on the shoe MJ wore when he won his sixth and final championship. This design features a tumbled leather base and suede paneling, with an embroidered Jumpman on the tongue and holographic eyes on the ankle. The Retro 9 is also a notable release, being the first shoe to drop after MJ's first retirement, with a design that nods to his international fame.

As for Kobe shoes, these are basketball shoes made by Nike, named after Kobe Bryant. The Kobe VIII is one of the models available, which comes in four colours for big kids and one colour for little kids.

Kemba Walker, after signing with Under Armour in 2011, switched to the Jordan brand in 2015. He became one of the brand's most high-profile stars, often sporting Air Jordan 32s and retro Air Jordan 10s.

Frequently asked questions

Kemba Walker signed with Under Armour in 2011 but then switched to Jordan Brand in 2015. He has been seen wearing the Air Jordan 32s, retro Air Jordan 10s, and the Nike Air Jordan 10 sneakers.

Kemba Walker wore mostly Jordan Retros and Kobes during his college days as a member of the UCONN Huskies.

The last shoe Kemba Walker played in was the Jordan Tatum 1 on April 11, 2024, against Munich FC Bayern.

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