From core classics to one-of-a-kind pairs, these are our favorite NBA shoes of the 2024-25 season so far.
When it comes to the NBA, shoes have become an integral part of the conversation. Social media accounts exist for the sole purpose of highlighting who’s wearing what shoe, a major brand granting a young player his own signature line has become a metric for stardom in the league, and new designs are released left and right.
So as we head into the thick of the NBA 2024-25 season, we’re outlining what we think are some of the best sneakers in the game right now, based on style, personal touches, and popularity among the players in the league, as well as the fans.
Jordan Tatum 3
Not too eccentric yet not exactly your basic basketball shoe, the Jordan Tatum 3s are, in our opinion, a step up from the Tatum 2s. The new design, highlighted by distinctive wavy lines meant to represent Jayson Tatum’s family tree and his fluid approach to the game, makes the Tatum 3s unmistakably his.
With a look unique to the reigning NBA champ’s signature collection, these shoes demand attention on the court all without looking too outlandish. And JT’s personal touch is in every element in every colorway — his son Deuce has his name printed inside the shoe’s tongue, and the “Welcome to the Garden” color scheme is a nod to TD Garden, the home of the Boston Celtics, as well as his own ‘personal garden’ made up of his loved ones.
Nike Book 1
Sleek, straightforward, and as Devin Booker himself intended, timeless. When the Phoenix Suns star was in the process of designing his first signature shoe with Nike, he had the phrase “future classic” in mind, and that is exactly what the Book 1s are.
With an effortless design, the Book 1s are reminiscent of Nike’s Air Force 1s and Blazers, allowing players to seamlessly transition from court wear to lifestyle wear. But even with its classic design, its function does not lag behind by any means, as it still offers advanced support and comfort that players need to feel confident with every step.
adidas Harden Vol. 8
You either love it or you hate it. There seems to be no in-between when it comes to James Harden’s signature adidas Hardens, and Vol. 8 still has people divided.
With their one-of-a-kind and futuristic design, they sometimes don’t even look like sneakers, sometimes they look more like spaceships — but maybe that’s the point? Some fans and players have bought into its loud composition, while others repulse at the sight of them. But one thing is for sure: these shoes have people talking, and regardless of what they’re saying, the debates make the Hardens one of the most recognizable shoes in the game.
Nike Sabrina 2
While the Nike Sabrina 2s aren’t technically an NBA sneaker — the Nike Sabrina is the signature line of WNBA superstar Sabrina Ionescu — many NBA players, including Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Ace Bailey, and Dylan Harper, have put their trust in her kicks. Even the Sabrina 1s became one of the most popular shoes in the league, and the second edition has held on to its popularity.
The Sabrina 2s maintains the simple look of its predecessor, embodying Ionescu’s vision for her signature line. Subtly embossed on the backheel are the words, “Anyone” and “Anything”, highlighting that these kicks aren’t just for the players on the court, they’re made for anyone who loves the game.
ANTA KAI 1
Kyrie Irving’s signature sneaker collection was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year. Given the Dallas Maverick’s habit of getting himself into controversy, his next moves following his release from Nike were of major interest to NBA fans, and the ANTA KAI 1s, launched in March, lived up to the hype.
Ever since its release, the KAI 1s have been one of the most talked about shoes in the NBA, one of the main reasons being the fact that each design is laced with meaning. For instance, the “Chief Hela” model, which paid homage to Kyrie’s Native American heritage, caught so much attention that it is still sold out online. And as the 2024-25 season goes on, more models are set to be released, among them is the “Young at Heart” colorway, an homage to his father’s wisdom.
adidas AE 1
Leaning into the futuristic look that adidas basketball shoes have become known for, thanks to the fame of the Hardens, Anthony Edwards’ signature sneaker takes after him: they demand attention.
With its bold, loud look that features a prominent honeycomb-like design, meant to represent Edwards’ ability to move around in fluid motion, this collection mirrors the Minnesota Timberwolves star’s personality — confident, self-assured, and assertive. Perhaps this is why these shoes, as avant-garde as they are, easily became one of the most sought-after shoes among hoopers around the world (even UAAP players have been spotted in AE1s).
Nike Kobe V
Classics never die, and Kobe Bryant’s vast collection of basketball shoes with Nike are still among the top-used shoes by NBA players, even amidst all the new signature collections dropping in the 2024-25 season.
This year, one of the special editions of the NBA legend’s signature collection was the Kobe V Halloween edition, which is a tribute to the iconic X-ray shirt he wore in 2010. This particular model caught the attention of fans everywhere, as it was yet another way to commemorate one of the league’s most influential players. Yet, even without the meaningful and nostalgic designs released every so often, the Kobes would arguably remain one of the most widely used shoes in the game.
Banner image from Nike.