We’ve got style, we’ve got function — here’s what shoes the Gilas Pilipinas men are wearing at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Fashion is a huge part of sports, especially in the world of basketball. After all, we’ve seen how NBA players dress to impress before every game. But one of the biggest ways that players express themselves on the court is through their shoes.
Whether an athlete prioritizes style or function in their kicks, fans are always on the lookout to see what their favorite players are wearing. And now that it’s FIBA World Cup season, the kicks are all around us, especially in Manila.
So, what are the Gilas men wearing as they conquer the world stage on their home courts?
Scottie Thompson
Playing on the world stage, of course Scottie Thompson had to be comfortable and confident to perform. How much more comfortable could it get than by wearing shoes that you helped design? At the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Thompson sported the World Balance ST1 Reign, which was designed based on how The Rebound King himself plays best on the court.
Dwight Ramos
Known equally for both his life on the court and off the court, we weren’t surprised to see Dwight Ramos reppin’ Gilas Pilipinas at the 2023 FIBA World Cup wearing a pair of shoes just released a few months ago.
Competing in their first game of the tournament, the bright colors of Dwight’s kicks caught eyes, as he sported the new Ja 1 “EYBL” edition in Melon Tint, a special release by Nike for their Elite Youth Basketball League.
Japeth Aguilar
Dwight wasn’t the only one sporting the Ja 1s while playing for Gilas; Japeth Aguilar put on a pair of Ja 1 shoes as well, but went for a more understated colorway.
The Nike Ja 1 in Light Smoke Grey a very simple and clean basketball shoe, perfect for a national athlete who many fans know as humble and very down to earth, even as one of the most talented players in the country.
Jordan Clarkson
In case you haven’t heard, Gilas Pilipinas’ NBA star Jordan Clarkson just recently inked a shoe deal with ANTA ahead of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Following this new deal, ANTA was excited to announce that Clarkson would be sporting their kicks throughout the entire tournament.
Now on a fresh sneaker deal, Jordan Clarkson was spotted wearing the ANTA Gordon Hayward GH4 in Jet Black — a clean and slick design for a shoe that allows effortless movement all around the court.
Kiefer Ravena
The World Cup is the biggest international basketball tournament, and for the Philippines to be one of the co-hosts of the 2023 edition is historic for the country, and Kiefer Ravena’s shoes are a reminder of that.
Sporting the Air Jordan 38 “FIBA”, these kicks pay tribute to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the group that organizes the World Cup, through the most iconic shoe in the game. Plus, Kiefer even had his teammates sign his pair — we love the personal touch.
Jamie Malonzo
As Gilas Pilipinas played on their home courts at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Jamie Malonzo’s shoes paid tribute to this memorable tournament for the home team. The TITAN x Nike LeBron NXXT Gen Collab is an ode to Manila.
This show is TITAN’s fourth collaboration with Nike and LeBron James. It’s design puts together elements of both past, present, and future of basketball in the country, featuring details such as the holographic medial swooshes and the outsole that represent the streets of Manila.
Which Gilas kicks are your favorite?
Images by Vyn Radovan.
Related Stories:
On the World Stage: Gilas Pilipinas and the Philippines’ Historic Hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup
The Philippines at the FIBA World Cup: Recalling Every Qualification