NBA kicks: every signature shoe for the 2023-24 season | Lebron, Curry, Durant, Giannis...

As the NBA approaches and anticipation builds for the season openers, so does the buzz around what shoes each player will wear on the court. Over the years, signature shoes have become an essential part of an athlete’s persona and have also transformed into iconic symbols within the sneaker community.

The history of NBA signature shoes can be traced back to the iconic Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars, which were widely popular among mid-20th-century NBA players. These sneakers gained immense recognition when the American team wore them at the 1936 Summer Olympic basketball championship, securing the gold medal and boosting Converse’s reputation. With the NBA’s inception in 1949, Converse became the favored choice among players, with Chucks becoming the top basketball shoe in the country by 1955.

Walt “Clyde” Frazier, an iconic figure in NBA history, made history as the first NBA player to have his signature shoe. Introduced in the 1970s, Frazier’s signature PUMA Clyde set a groundbreaking precedent for player-branded footwear in the league. Known for his exceptional skills and distinctive style, Frazier’s influence extended from the court to the fashion world, making him a trendsetter and a symbol of individuality. His signature PUMA Clyde sneakers remain a classic among sneakerheads.

One of the most pivotal moments in the history of NBA signature shoes came in the 1980s when Michael Jordan partnered with Nike to create the Air Jordan line. This line, which began in 1985 with the Air Jordan 1, revolutionized basketball footwear and transformed the court into a cultural phenomenon. The line’s combination of cutting-edge technology and style set the standard for future signature shoe lines.

Lebron James - Nike Lebron 21

LeBron James, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, will be wearing the Nike LeBron 21 during the 2023-2024 NBA season. The LeBron 21 was first introduced in September and is specifically designed to offer the perfect balance of support, cushioning, and comfort in a low-top style.

Stephen Curry - Under Armour Curry 11

Stephen Curry, considered one of the greatest shooters in basketball history, will be presenting the Under Armour Curry 11. The shoe was launched this month and boasts Under Armour’s most recent Warp technology. This innovative feature allows the wearer to have better control and move more freely on the court, just like Curry.

Damian Lillard - Adidas Dame 8 EXTPLY

Damian Lillard’s love for music has inspired the design of the DAME 8 “EXTPLY” (Extended Play), an enhanced version of the previous Dame 8 model. The Dame 8 EXTPLY boasts several upgrades, including a dynamic Bounce Pro midsole, a supportive internal sock construction, and a TPU propulsion plate. Every feature of this shoe has been improved to provide the wearer with an unparalleled experience.

Kyrie Irving - Anta Shock Wave Pro 5

Kyrie Irving hasn’t released his official signature shoe yet, so until then, he’ll be wearing the Shock Wave 5 Pro by ANTA. This latest release from ANTA features the brand’s newest Nitroedge cushioning and Dynamic Line upper, making it a top choice for basketball players.

Giannis Antetokounmpo - Nike Freak 5

Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is back with another installment of his signature basketball sneaker line. Over the past few weeks, Antetokounmpo has toured China, promoting his fifth signature sneaker with Nike. After months of anticipation, the Nike Freak 5 was finally launched on July 21, 2023.