Basketball

Heat Check: The Best Sneakers In The 2024 NBA Playoffs So Far

By RJ Ballecer - April 30, 2024
From new releases to updated versions, here are some eye-catching sneakers in the 2024 NBA Playoffs so far. 

For every NBA Playoffs, part of the hype will always be the sneakers. Historically, the postseason has been a platform for players to debut updated versions of their shoes, or break out the wildest colorways from their rotation. 

As the 2024 NBA Playoffs continue, here’s our small list of the best postseason sneakers we’ve seen so far. See any favorites? 

Anthony Edwards’ low-tops
(Photo Credit: Anthony Edwards on Instagram)

Likely building on the AE1’s momentum, Adidas unveiled a low-top version of Anthony Edwards’  first signature sneakers for the 2024 NBA Playoffs. The original AE1 is already one of Adidas’ best designs in recent memory, and this low-top cut just turns a great-looking pair into an even greater-looking one.

For now, Ant-Man has only worn the “Mural” colorway of the low-top, which is essentially the shoe in a salmon pink color. As the NBA Playoffs continue, we can expect the Timberwolves star to show more on-feet looks of his AE1 Lows.

Kevin Durant’s latest chapter
NBA Playoffs sneakers: KD17
(Photo Credit: NBA Kicks on Instagram)

Kevin Durant continues his return to low-top sneakers with the KD 17. Based on official images, Durant’s latest sneaker seemingly shares similarities with Nike’s Air Max Plus, a running shoe that has been used for casual wear in recent times. 

The KD 17 also brings back the “Producer Series”, which pays homage to Kevin Durant’s favorite music producers. During the NBA Playoffs, Durant debuted the earth-toned colorway that pays homage to Bink–a producer who has collaborated with Jay-Z and Drake among others.

Luka Doncic’s tribute to late-night drives
NBA Playoffs sneakers: Luka 3
(Photo Credit: NBA Kicks on X [formerly Twitter])

In a win against the LA Clippers, Luka Doncic revealed his “Midnight Racer” Luka 3 in style. Ahead of the matchup, Doncic arrived at the American Airlines in a Camaro wrapped in the trippy purple and pink pattern, which is also the colorway’s key detail. 

According to Jordan Brand, the Midnight Racer is inspired by Luka’s late-night drive after home games. If the design is meant to symbolize the Dallas night sky, then we think Jordan Brand did pretty well.

Another LeBron James-Deion Sanders mashup
NBA Playoffs sneakers: LeBron 21
(Photo Credit: NBA Kicks on Instagram)

Despite losing to the Denver Nuggets, we could not overlook LeBron James’ Game 3 sneakers. At home in Los Angeles, LeBron debuted a red-and-white colorway of his LeBron 21s mashed up with Deion Sanders’ Diamond Turf 96 sneakers.

The colorway is also similar to the Nike Air Zoom Generation he wore in his NBA home game debut. Who knows, maybe those classic sneakers did inspire this contemporary pair. 

Kyrie Irving’s mother’s day design
NBA Playoffs sneakers: Kai 1
(Photo Credit: Dallas Mavericks on X [formerly Twitter])

Last but not least is Kyrie Irving’s Kai 1 sneakers with Anta. It’s one of the newer signature sneakers on the market, but we’ve spotted an early favorite: the Kai 1 “Mother’s Day” colorway. 

Kyrie debuted the colorway in their Game 4 loss against the Clippers. Based on in-game photos, the colorway features a white base, which is complemented by red and blue accents, a gum sole, and multicolor patterns by the collar and presumably inner lining. 

And as Kyrie went to work against LA, social media also took notice of the clean colorway. Unsurprising for someone like Kyrie, who has always given us memorable colorways over the years.

Banner Image from NBA Kicks on Instagram


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