50 Best Basketball Shoes of All Time

The best players have worn the best shoes.

Best Basketball Shoes of All Time

Air Jordans reached new heights after Michael Jordan's performance in the 1988 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

Some of the best basketball players have worn some of the best shoes. But just as there are debates about the greatest players of all time, picking the greatest basketball shoes of all time is even more difficult.

So guess what? We’re going to stick our necks out and name the greatest shoes. (Critics, get ready.) The debate began as the list was being made. Is the definition of greatness the way shoes look, the way they feel, or are they the signature kicks of our favorite players? It could be all of that and more.

Who in their right mind would do such an evaluation? (We would.) The rating of these shoes comes from many areas: how they perform, what made them popular, what some experts said about these shoes, along with some of the criteria already mentioned. These are the best basketball shoes of all time.

50. Under Armour Curry 2.5

Release year: 2016

Who wore them: Stephen Curry

What made the shoes iconic: Maybe it’s not the shoes but the player who is wearing them. Curry has become one of the most well-liked athletes in sports. If these shoes work for him, they might work for you, too.

Bottom Line: Under Armour Curry 2.5

Stephen Curry, left, became the league's most unguardable player.

When Steph Curry and Nike failed to reach an agreement, the Golden State Warriors star aligned himself with Under Armour.

He now is the basketball face of that company and has visions of changing the sneaker game.

Career Highlights: Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry with the Golden State Warriors

Three-time NBA champion (2015, 2017, 2018)
Two-time NBA MVP (2015, 2016)
Eight-time NBA All-Star (2014-19, 2021, 2022)
Seven-time All-NBA Team (2014-19, 2021)
NBA 3-Point Contest champion (2015)
NBA Sportsmanship Award (2011)
NBA All-Rookie Team (2010)

49. Nike Air Alonzo

Release year: 1997

Who wore them: Alonzo Mourning

What made the shoes iconic: Alonzo Mourning made his shoes iconic. After signing a sweet deal with the Miami Heat, he joined the elite of the NBA, and his popularity was soaring.

Bottom Line: Nike Air Alonzo

Nike’s parade of signature shoes landed on Alonzo Mourning’s doorstep, as noted by complex.com, with a high-cut, boot-like design.

Also, if you look real close, you’ll see 33 etched in the two highest lace-loops.

Career Highlights: Alonzo Mourning

NBA champion (2006)
Seven-time NBA All-Star (1994-97, 2000-02)
Two-time All-NBA Team (1999, 2000)
Two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1999, 2000)
Two-time NBA All-Defensive Team (1999, 2000)
NBA All-Rookie Team (1993)

48. Starbury

Release year: 2006

Who wore them: Stephon Marbury

What made the shoes iconic: The name of the sneakers was a good attraction, but you also received a quality sneaker that performed indoors and outdoors at a low price. Consumers like that combination.

Bottom Line: Starbury

Stephon Marbury's signature sneaker was a good shoe for its $15 price.

Starbury proved he had moves off the court.

By selling these shoes for $15, the kid from Coney Island gave others a shot to achieve their dreams.

Over a decade later, his company is still doing business in a positive way.

Career Highlights: Stephon Marbury

Two-time NBA All-Star (2001, 2003)
Two-time All-NBA Team (2000, 2003)
NBA All-Rookie Team (1997)

47. Jordan Melo M10

Release year: 2014

Who wore them: Carmelo Anthony

What made the shoes iconic: One fan tries to calm another fan down in the commercial for the M10 as they are stuck in a subway heading to a Knicks game. They begin to imagine Anthony having the game-winning drive with the premise "Stay Melo." And all is calm.

Bottom Line: Jordan Melo M10

Air Jordan designer Tinker Hatfield had a hand in crafting the M10, and to have Michael Jordan’s top guy in your corner is not too bad.

Career Highlights: Carmelo Anthony

Six-time All-NBA Team (2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013)
10-time NBA All-Star (2007, 2008, 2010-17)
NBA All-Rookie Team (2004)

46. Nike Durant V

Release year: 2012

Who wore them: Kevin Durant

What made the shoes iconic: The commercial deserves credit. In the video ad, authorities are looking into another "vicious dunking," while Durant plays a police investigator with glasses. Evidence? A KD 5 shoe. Durant is missing a shoe. But his colleagues say he’s too nice to be a suspect.

Bottom Line: Nike Durant V

According to kicksologist.com, designer Leo Chang decided to use Hyperfuse for the upper part of the shoe to go along with a heel Max Air unit and a forefoot Zoom Air.

This made Kevin Durant's shoe comfortable, durable and reliable.

Career Highlights: Kevin Durant

Two-time NBA champion (2017, 2018)
Two-time NBA Finals MVP (2017, 2018)
NBA MVP (2014), 10-time NBA All-Star (2010-19)
Two-time NBA All-Star Game MVP (2012, 2019)
Nine-time All-NBA Team (2010-14, 2016-19)
NBA Rookie of the Year (2008)

45. adidas Harden 2

Release year: 2018

Who wore them: James Harden

What made the shoes iconic: Harden’s second signature shoe is his best — so far — as he shows in his commercial all the while with him saying, "So you’ve got me figured out?"

Bottom Line: adidas Harden 2

James Harden — Are you ready for the Hardens?

These sneakers are one of the few on this list where you can wear them for a pickup basketball game in the park or a night out with friends.

They have game with style.

Career Highlights: James Harden

James Harden playing with the Philadelphia 76ers

NBA MVP (2018)
10-time NBA All-Star (2013-22)
Seven-time All-NBA Team (2013-15, 2017-20)
NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2012)
NBA All-Rookie Team (2010)

44. Nike Shox BB4

Release year: 2000

Who wore them: Vince Carter

What made the shoes iconic: OK, if you’ve seen Vince Carter’s mind-boggling dunks, and you’re a basketball player who can jump, this is the shoe for you.

Bottom Line: Nike Shox BB4

Vince Carter dunking — Jump like Vince Carter? Yeah, right. But at least you can look like him.

This is where Nike’s innovative technology went to work, particularly with one of the first sneakers where the Shox were added to the heel.

Career Highlights: Vince Carter

Eight-time NBA All-Star (2000-07)
Two-time All-NBA Team (2000, 2001)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1999)
NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (2000)
NBA Sportsmanship Award (2020)
NBA Teammate of the Year (2016)

43. adidas Crazy 8 University Red

Release year: 2013

Who wore them: Damian Lillard, Jimmy Butler

What made the shoes iconic: Lillard’s rise to stardom in the NBA has developed a nice following that has fans buying his shoes, and they look pretty cool, too.

Bottom Line: adidas Crazy 8 University Red

When these sneakers first came out, they flew off the counters in Portland, Oregon, where Damian Lillard plays for the Trail Blazers, and the shoes sold out in some outlets in just a few hours.

That was good news for adidas at the time when its star player, Derrick Rose, was struggling with injuries, and a new face had to emerge.

Enter "Big Game Dame."

Career Highlights: Damian Lillard

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian LIllard

Six-time NBA All-Star (2014, 2015, 2018-21)
Five-time All-NBA Team (2014, 2015, 2018-20)
NBA Rookie of the Year (2013)
NBA Citizenship Award (2019)

42. adidas J Wall

Release year: 2014

Who wore them: John Wall

What made the shoes iconic: Here’s where success pays off. Adidas rewards Wall with his first signature shoe line after a run to the NBA playoffs and a slam dunk championship.

Bottom Line: adidas J Wall

John Wall has made over $100 million in his NBA career, not including the shoe money.

His commercial features one of his friends saying how his shoe contract will lead to great things, and then events will lead to a huge downfall.

It’s pretty funny and worth checking out.

Career Highlights: John Wall

Five-time NBA All-STar (2014-18)
All-NBA Team (2017)
NBA All-Defensive Team (2015)
NBA All-Rookie Team (2011)
NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (2014)

41. adidas adiZero Rose 2

Release year: 2010

Who wore them: Derrick Rose

What made the shoes iconic: Beside Rose taking the NBA by storm, it had to be the commercial where he takes on bullfighters in a ring and glides past them with a variety of moves, finishing with a soaring two-hand jam.

Bottom Line: adidas adiZero Rose 2

Derrick Rose was destined for superstardom with his first MVP and bringing the Bulls back to the NBA playoffs.

Then, a variety of injuries derailed what could’ve been a Hall of Fame-type career.

But he is now making a comeback, and we’ll see where the future takes him.

Career Highlights: Derrick Rose

NBA MVP (2011)
Three-time NBA All-Star (2010-12)
All-NBA Team (2011)
NBA Rookie of the Year (2009)

40. Ewing Athletics 33 HI

Release year: 1993

Who wore them: Patrick Ewing

What made the shoes iconic: The sneaker came out after Ewing’s finest season in the NBA, and it turned out to be his best signature shoe.

Bottom Line: Ewing Athletics 33 HI

Patrick Ewing and Michael Jordan — Patrick Ewing couldn't beat Michael Jordan in the shoe wars, either.

Patrick Ewing started his own shoe company, but it had lukewarm results with previous signature shoes until the Athletics 33 HI arrived.

Career Highlights: Patrick Ewing

Eleven-time NBA All-Star (1986, 1988-97)
Seven-time All-NBA Team (1988-93, 1997)
Three-time NBA All-Defensive Team (1988, 1989, 1992)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1986)
NBA 75th Anniversary Team

39. Nike Air Zoom Flight V

Release year: 1997

Who wore them: Jason Kidd

What made the shoes iconic: This was Kidd’s first signature sneaker, and fans who admired the flashy point guard and his brilliant moves in open court couldn’t wait.

Bottom Line: Nike Air Zoom Flight V

The funny part was Jason Kidd’s Nike commercial focused more on his strange-looking eyes and court vision than the Nike Air Zoom Flight V.

Kidd still didn't lead a basketball revolution, but he had a basketball revolution.

Career Highlights: Jason Kidd

NBA champion (2011)
10-time NBA All-Star (1996, 1998, 2000-04, 2007, 2008, 2010)
Six-time All-NBA Team (1999-2004)
Nine-time NBA All-Defensive Team (1999-2007)
NBA Co-Rookie of the Year (1995)

38. Li-Ning Way of Wade

Release year: 2014

Who wore them: Dwyane Wade

What made the shoes iconic: This line of sneakers kicked off Wade’s "Make Your Own Way" campaign, illustrated in a commercial that shows the birth of these sneakers and Wade taking the final steps to stardom.

Bottom Line: Li-Ning Way of Wade

Wade was one of the first athletes to jump from a U.S. brand and land with an Asian brand, which pretty much put Li-Ning on the map for American sneaker consumers.

Career Highlights: Dwyane Wade

Three-time NBA champion (2006, 2012, 2013)
NBA Finals MVP (2006)
13-time NBA All-Star (2005-16, 2019)
Eight-time All-NBA (2005-07, 2009-13)
Three-time NBA All-Defensive Team (2005, 2009, 2010)

37. Reebok Answer 1

Release year: 1997

Who wore them: Allen Iverson

What made the shoes iconic: Fans who loved the Question series got a glimpse of Iverson in his Reebok commercial demonstrating his spin moves wearing the Answer 1, and that was the only answer they needed.

Bottom Line: Reebok Answer 1

According to kicksologist.com, the Answer series is the second-longest-running signature shoe of all time behind the Air Jordan.

Career Highlights: Allen Iverson

NBA MVP (2001)
11-time NBA All-Star (2000-10)
Two-time NBA All-Star Game MVP (2001, 2005)
Seven-time All-NBA Team (1999-2003, 2005)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1997)

36. Nike Air More Uptempo

Release year: 1996

Who wore them: Scottie Pippen

What made the shoes iconic: The shoes were featured by actor Brendan Fraser in a key part of the movie "George of the Jungle." He's delivered in a crate, drops a shoebox on the ground, pulls out the Air More Uptempo shoes, straps them on and runs into the African plains. Now that’s what we call marketing.

Bottom Line: Nike Air More Uptempo

Scottie Pippen wore these shoes as part of the Chicago Bulls' NBA title run in 1996 and when he played for the U.S. Olympics gold medal team in that same year.

Career Highlights: Scottie Pippen

Six-time NBA champion (1991-93, 1996-98)
Seven-time NBA All-Star (1990, 1992-97)
NBA All-Star Game MVP (1994)
Seven-time All-NBA (1992-98)
10-time NBA All-Defensive Team (1991-2000)
NBA 75th Anniversary Team

35. adidas T-Mac 2

Release year: 2002

Who wore them: Tracy McGrady

What made the shoes iconic: McGrady’s second venture with his signature shoes was one of the first low-cut shoes embraced by his followers.

Bottom Line: adidas T-Mac 2

Tracy McGrady was an underrated marketer.

At the end of his commercial for the T-Mac 2, McGrady beats three opponents to the hoop for a one-hand jam. When he lands on the floor, all you can see are the shoes.

Pretty powerful stuff.

Career Highlights: Tracy McGrady

Seven-time NBA All-Star (2001-07)
Seven-time All-NBA Team (2001-05, 2007, 2008)
NBA Most Improved Player (2001)

34. Reebok Shaq Attaq

Release year: 1993

Who wore them: Shaquille O’Neal

What made the shoes iconic: Shaq was set to make a huge debut in the NBA, and Reebok was right there, making the rookie center its first signature sneaker for an NBA player.

Bottom Line: Reebok Shaq Attaq

Shaquille O'Neal — This is a Shaq attack.

Talk about expectations. Shaq’s first commercial for Reebok featured Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell and Bill Walton with a question — is he ready to join the greats of the game?

In retrospect, the answer was pretty obvious.

Career Highlights: Shaquille O'Neal

Shaquille O'Neal dunking with the Los Angeles Lakers

Four-time NBA champion (2000-02, 2006)
Three-time NBA Finals MVP (2000-02)
NBA Most Valuable Player (2000)
15-time NBA All-Star (1993-98, 2000-07, 2009)
Three-time NBA All-Star Game MVP (2000, 2004, 2009)
14-time All-NBA (1994-2006, 2009)
Three-time All-NBA Defensive Team (2000, 2001, 2003)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1993)
NBA 75th Anniversary Team

33. Nike Air Pippen I

Release year: 1997

Who wore them: Scottie Pippen

What made the shoes iconic: One of the first basketball sneakers to have the Air Max bag.

Bottom Line: Nike Air Pippen I

Scottie Pippen finally gets out from under the Michael Jordan (Air Jordan) shadow to receive his own signature shoes.

32. adidas Mutombo

Release year: 1992

Who wore them: Dikembe Mutombo

What made the shoes iconic: Kicksologist.com admired how adidas managed to incorporate Mutombo’s beliefs and personality with his passion to help his native African culture, calling this sneaker "one of the most unique signature sneakers ever."

Bottom Line: adidas Mutombo

His sneaker commercial, "Man does not fly in the house of Mutombo," mixes in a little African culture with his imposing skills as a shot blocker.

And as a friendly public service reminder, you couldn't have Dikembe Mutombo's game or his house.

But you could get his shoes in your size.

Career Highlights: Dikembe Mutombo

Dikembe Mutombo with the Houston Rockets

Eight-time NBA All-Star (1992, 1995-98, 2000-02)
Three-time All-NBA (1998, 2001, 2002)
Four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001)
Six-time NBA All-Defensive Team (1995, 1997-2002)
NBA All-Rookie Team (1992)

31. Nike Zoom Kobe V

Release year: 2010

Who wore them: Kobe Bryant

What made the shoes iconic: It’s not too often that a low-top shoe can outperform a high-top on the basketball court, but this one did.

Bottom Line: Nike Zoom Kobe V

Kobe Bryant — Ready or not, here comes Kobe.

Sometimes, less is more.

The Kobe V shoe weighs a mere 10.6 ounces, which means from the immortal words of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, you "float like a butterfly and sting like a bee."

It also means it was Nike's lightest basketball shoe.

Career Highlights: Kobe Bryant

Five-time NBA champion (2000-02, 2009, 2010)
Two-time NBA Finals MVP 2009, 2010), NBA MVP (2008)
18-time NBA All-Star (1998, 2000-16)
Four-time NBA All-Star Game MVP (2002, 2007, 2009, 2011)
15-time All-NBA (1999-2013)
12-time NBA All-Defensive Team (2000-04, 2006-12)

30. Converse Aero Jam

Release year: 1993

Who wore them: Larry Johnson

What made the shoes iconic: Any basketball fan from the early 1990s could not forget the "Grandmama" commercials portraying Johnson and an elderly lady. Wonder if the ads gave Tyler Perry the idea behind Madea? In Grandmama’s case, it sure helped sell some Aero Jams.

Bottom Line: Converse Aero Jam

The Aero Jam campaign was one of the finest for Converse basketball sneakers, and it made a smooth transition from the previously successful Larry Bird-Magic Johnson commercials.

Larry Johnson and Converse also reminded us that "it's what's inside that counts."

Career Highlights: Larry Johnson

Two-time NBA All-Star (1993, 1995)
All-NBA Team (1993)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1992)

29. Puma Clyde

Release year: 1973

Who wore them: Walt "Clyde" Frazier

What made the shoes iconic: These shoes were cool among all basketball fans from the beginning. And they have mass crossover appeal. Wikipedia describes them as popular "within the old school hip-hop and skate punk subcultures."

Bottom Line: Puma Clyde

Walt Frazier was the first basketball player to get his own signature shoe, and what a shoe it was.

The Puma Clyde is one of Puma’s most popular ever. The company brought it back in 2018 with a rebranding effort.

The updated shoe is called the Clyde Court Disrupt, and some promising NBA rookies on Puma's roster wore them.

Career Highlights: Clyde Frazier

Walt Frazier playing with the New York Knicks

Two-time NBA champion (1970, 1973)
Seven-time NBA All-Star (1970-76)
NBA All-Star Game MVP (1975)
Six-time All-NBA Team (1970-75)
Seven-time NBA All-Defensive Team (1969-75)
NBA All-Rookie Team (1968)
NBA 75th Anniversary Team

28. Nike Zoom Flight The Glove

Release year: 1998

Who wore them: Gary Payton

What made the shoes iconic: Of course, these sneakers need to be called "The Glove." That was Payton’s nickname for his outstanding defense.

Bottom Line: Nike Zoom Flight The Glove

Gary Payton and his shoes were featured in a Nike commercial with Payton against Evander Holyfield, and "The Glove" was so quick with the basketball, Holyfield never laid a glove on him.

At the end of the fight, Payton puts a bounce pass on an exhausted Holyfield’s chest and down went the champ.

That's just one reason why the Air Zoom GPs were a knockout.

Career Highlights: Gary Payton

Gary Payton with the Seattle SuperSonics

NBA champion (2006)
Nine-time NBA All-Star (1994-98, 2000-03)
Nine-time All-NBA Team (1994-2002)
NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1996)
Nine-time NBA All-Defensive Team (1994-2002)
NBA All-Rookie Team (1991)

27. Nike Air Penny I

Release year: 1995

Who wore them: Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway

What made the shoes iconic: Sometimes you have to give credit to a marketing campaign, and the ones featuring Lil' Penny, voiced by Chris Rock, put these shoes on the front line in the mid-to-late 1990s, particularly when more commercials were being released.

Bottom Line: Nike Air Penny I

This was the beginning of two successful runs for Anfernee Hardaway’s signature sneakers.

Career Highlights: Penny Hardaway

Four-time NBA All-Star (1995-98)
Three-time All-NBA Team (1995-97)
NBA All-Rookie Team (1994)

26. Nike Air Garnett III

Release year: 1999

Who wore them: Kevin Garnett

What made the shoes iconic: Nike’s Camp Flight commercial with Garnett and Shareef Abdur-Rahim. The NBA rim-rattlers taught campers some hysterical ways to make the air their friend. Watch it if you haven’t seen it.

Bottom Line: Nike Air Garnett III

When Kevin Garnett came to the NBA straight from high school, Nike was there waiting with a sweet shoe deal.

Although the first two runs for Air Garnett were subpar, the third installment clearly performed better than the rest.

And they've aged like fine wine.

Career Highlights: Kevin Garnett

NBA champion (2008)
NBA MVP (2004)
15-time NBA All-Star (1997, 1998, 2000-11, 2013)
NBA All-Star Game MVP (2003)
Nine-time All-NBA Team (1999-2005, 2007, 2008)
NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2008)
12-time NBA All-Defensive Team (2000-09, 2011, 2012)
NBA All-Rookie Team (1996)

25. Air Jordan IV

Release year: 1989

Who wore them: Michael Jordan

What made the shoes iconic: Nike can thank Spike Lee for making these sneakers famous after characters in his movie "Do The Right Thing" wear them.

Bottom Line: Air Jordan IV

One scene in particular in Lee's movie, when Buggin' Out got his brand-new Air Jordan IV’s scuffed by someone wearing a Larry Bird Celtics shirt, sealed the deal for legend status.

The close-up of the shoe was better marketing than any commercial could have accomplished.

Having Michael Jordan being a brand ambassador didn't hurt either.

Career Highlights: Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan celebrating with the Chicago Bulls

Six-time NBA champion (1991-93, 1996-98)
Six-time NBA Finals MVP (1991-93, 1996-98)
Five-time NBA MVP (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998)
14-time NBA All-Star (1985-93, 1996-98, 2002, 2003)
Three-time NBA All-Star Game MVP (1988, 1996, 1998)
11-time All-NBA (1985, 1987-93, 1996-98)
NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988)
Nine-time All-NBA Defensive Team (1988-93, 1996-98)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1985)

24. Nike Kyrie 4

Release year: 2018

Who wore them: Kyrie Irving

What made the shoes iconic: Has to be Kyrie’s dribbling drill as the Boston Philharmonic followed along in perfect symphony. It is the best of Irving’s commercials.

Bottom Line: Nike Kyrie 4

Nike’s website talks about how the shoes evolved: "Together with Nike Basketball Design Director Leo Chang, Nike designer Ben Nethongkome built a shoe that could harness the power of Kyrie's lightning-fast footwork on the court, and speak to his unique style off the court."

Yeah, we would say Kyrie Irving found his groove.

Career Highlights: Kyrie Irving

NBA champion (2016)
Six-time NBA All-Star (2013-15, 2017-19)
NBA All-Star Game MVP (2014)
Two-time All-NBA Team (2015, 2019)
NBA Rookie of the Year (2012)
NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2013)

23. Nike LeBron Soldier XII

Release year: 2018

Who wore them: LeBron James

What made the shoes iconic: Perhaps the "Chosen One" commercial featuring James as a youngster in a Las Vegas tattoo parlor inspired a new generation of potential LeBrons.

Bottom Line: Nike LeBron Soldier XII

LeBron James — These aren't the Soldier XIIs, but The King has a lot of shoes.

The unique shoe features four lightweight straps that buckle you in for those crossover drives to the hoop or the step-back 3-point bomb.

It also has the comfort of Zoom Air cushioning.

Career Highlights: LeBron James

LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers

Four-time NBA champion (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020)
Four-time NBA MVP (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020)
Four-time NBA Finals MVP (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020)
18-time NBA All-Star (2005-2022)
Three-time NBA All-Star Game MVP (2006, 2008, 2018)
16-time All-NBA Team (2005-2020)
Six-time NBA All-Defensive Team (2009-14)
NBA Rookie of the Year (2004)

22. Reebok Shaqnosis

Release year: 1995

Who wore them: Shaquille O’Neal

What made the shoes iconic: Obviously, having Shaq’s blessing for a shoe makes it iconic as it is, but this shoe has a look like no other shoe of its time.

Bottom Line: Reebok Shaqnosis

Shaquille O'Neal dunking — Forget getting sleepy. You're getting banged up.

One of Shaq’s earliest commercials for the Shaqnosis shoes features a team of Shaqs playing another team of Shaqs.

The endless game goes to seven overtimes, when an announcer concludes that "it looks like this game will come down to free throws," followed by a nervous look from one of the Shaqs.

Nobody's perfect. But Shaq's marketing sense is pretty close.

21. adidas KB8

Release year: 1997

Who wore them: Kobe Bryant

What made the shoes iconic: The shoes came out following Kobe’s rookie season. They were his first signature shoes, and his fans flocked to the stores.

Bottom Line: adidas KB8

At the time of its release, the KB8 was one of the most functional shoes with its "Feet Your Wear" technology.

The sneaker tech helped Kobe with his signature moves that we have grown to admire.

The retro release later was named the Crazy 8.

20. Air Jordan VI

Release year: 1991

Who wore them: Michael Jordan, Kanye West, Diddy, Carmelo Anthony, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown, Jerry Seinfeld, Drake, Wiz Khalifa and many others

What made the shoes iconic: Jordan wore these shoes during his first run to an NBA championship.

Bottom Line: Air Jordan VI

Michael Jordan playing against the New York Knicks — Who wanted to be like Mike?

According to Nike, the Air Jordan VI’s "design of the silhouette was famously inspired by MJ’s German sportscar."

These shoes also were a primary feature behind the famous "Like Mike" campaign.

Good thinking.

19. Nike Air Max LeBron VII

Release year: 2009

Who wore them: LeBron James

What made the shoes iconic: What better endorsement than James himself. "The new LeBron VII takes my signature line to a new level of innovation," he said.

Bottom Line: Nike Air Max LeBron VII

LeBron James with the Cleveland Cavaliers — Welcome to the next level.

From a technological standpoint, these shoes were revolutionary with Flywire engineering and innovation for Air Max cushioning.

It’s a great-looking shoe, too.

18. Reebok Kamikaze II

Release year: 1996

Who wore them: Shawn Kemp

What made the shoes iconic: Kemp’s shoes got noticed, big time, when he had the best season of his career while wearing them.

Bottom Line: Reebok Kamikaze II

Shawn Kemp with the Seattle Sonics — Reign Man.

A nice rap commercial for the Reebok Kamikaze II shoes pushed Shawn Kemp even further into the limelight as one of the top players in the NBA during the Seattle SuperSonics run to the 1996 NBA Finals.

But the Reign Man's reign didn't last as long as most thought it would.

Career Highlights: Shawn Kemp

Six-time NBA All-Star (1993-98)
Three-time All-NBA Team (1994-96)

17. Nike Air Max Uptempo

Release year: 1995

Who wore them: Scottie Pippen, David Robinson

What made the shoes iconic: The Foot Locker commercials featuring Pippen brought their own version of cool to his shoe.

Bottom Line: Nike Air Max Uptempo

Scottie Pippen playing defense — Underrated.

An ESPN panel of experts called these shoes the most underrated kicks of all time.

Adam Reisinger of ESPN also noted that with half of the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls roster wearing them, the team won 73 games and the NBA title.

That success didn't hurt their popularity.

Career Highlights: David Robinson

Two-time NBA champion (1999, 2003)
NBA MVP (1995)
10-time NBA All-Star (1990-96, 1998, 2000, 2001)
10-time All-NBA Team (1990-96, 1998, 2000, 2001)
NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1992)
Eight-time NBA All-Defensive Team (1990-96, 1998)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1990), NBA Sportsmanship Award (2001)
NBA 75th Anniversary Team

16. Nike Kobe IV

Release year: 2009

Who wore them: Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, Trevor Ariza, among others

What made the shoes iconic: In a sea of high-top shoes, many asked if these shoes were the start of a low-top revolution.

Bottom Line: Nike Kobe IV

Kobe Bryant playing defense — Innovator.

ESPN ranked this shoe as the best in the Kobe line.

Bryant told ESPN, "We kind of developed a theme for my shoes. We always want to push the boundaries of lightness and speed."

Mission accomplished.

15. Reebok Pump

Release year: 1989

Who wore them: Dee Brown

What made the shoes iconic: Seeing Brown pump up his shoes in the 1991 NBA Slam Dunk Contest and then go on to win the competition caught the imagination of hoop fans everywhere.

Bottom Line: Reebok Pump

Dee Brown — Now you see the basket, now you don't.

The Pump technology customized the fit of the shoe to the feet of the shoe wearer and was something never seen on the basketball court.

Unfortunately, it had a short shelf life in stores, but the Pump left a legacy unlike any shoe.

Just like Dee Brown's no-look dunk. Which is still money.

Career Highlights: Dee Brown

NBA All-Rookie Team (1991)
NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion (1991)

14. Nike Air Zoom Generation

Release year: 2003

Who wore them: LeBron James

What made the shoes iconic: James played his rookie season in the NBA with these shoes, and it didn’t take long for fans to hit the stores to buy a pair.

Bottom Line: Nike Air Zoom Generation

Nike signed LeBron James to a huge contract when he made his pro debut and immediately went to work, starting with his first commercial as a "scared" rookie in his first game.

The King's popularity has soared ever since.

13. Nike Zoom KD 4

Release year: 2011

Who wore them: Kevin Durant

What made the shoes iconic: Durant’s Nike commercial on these shoes played off his "Thunderstruck" movie, where he lost all of his talents to a kid. People loved the movie and the shoes.

Bottom Line: Nike Zoom KD 4

Kevin Durant headed to the basket — Catch him if you can.

Durant partnered with Nike shoe designer Leo Chang to make one of the best fitting and supportive shoes out there.

There also are symbols on the shoes that pay tribute to events and people in his life.

However, the real seller was the price: under $100.

12. Air Jordan I

Release year: 1985

Who wore them: Michael Jordan

What made the shoes iconic: The first of the Air Jordans hit the shelves, and a new revolution of basketball sneakers was upon us with comfort, durability and remarkable lightweight. I owned a pair and wish I still had them.

Bottom Line: Air Jordan I

Michael Jordan in his early playing days — The Jordans that started it all.

MJ had some memorable games in these shoes and won NBA Rookie of the Year honors.

The irony was the league deemed the shoes illegal, and NBA commissioner David Stern fined Jordan $5,000 for each game he wore them. All that did was make the shoes even more popular.

Thank you, Mr. Stern, for putting Nike on the basketball map.

11. Converse Weapon

Release year: 1986

Who wore them: Larry Bird, Magic Johnson

What made the shoes iconic: The Bird-Magic era brought out the classic black for Larry Bird and the Lakers colors version for Magic Johnson. Their status alone put these shoes on the national stage as the popularity of the NBA began to soar.

Bottom Line: Converse Weapon

Magic Johnson with the Los Angeles Lakers — It's showtime.

Shall we say another good marketing plan sells a whole lot of shoes?

Who can forget the "Choose Your Weapon" commercial with Larry Bird and Magic Johnson in Bird’s hometown of French Lick, Ind.?

I also owned a pair of the Magic sneakers and loved them. (I think I still have them somewhere.)

Career Highlights: Larry Bird

Larry Bird dunking with the Boston Celtics

Three-time NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986)
Two-time NBA Finals MVP (1984, 1986)
Three-time NBA MVP (1984-86)
12-time NBA All-Star (1980-88, 1990-92)
NBA All-Star Game MVP (1982), 10-time All-NBA (1980-88, 1990)
Three-time NBA All-Defensive Team (1982-84)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1980)
Three-time NBA Three-Point Contest champion (1986-88)
NBA 75th Anniversary Team

10. Nike Air Penny II

Release year: 1996

Who wore them: Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway

What made the shoes iconic: Many believe that the second installment of the Air Penny was one of the best sneakers of all time. The player wasn’t too bad, either.

Bottom Line: Nike Air Penny II

Penny Hardaway — Sneakerheads loves these Air Penny shoes.

As kickologists.com points out, "Air Max in the heel and Zoom Air in the forefoot made the shoe extremely comfortable, and many sneaker addicts took an instant liking to the wavy foam midsole."

9. Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars

Release year: 1920

Who wore them: Chuck Taylor and almost anyone who played basketball until the 1970s. Mickey Johnson was the last NBA player to wear them during the 1985-86 season with the Nets.

What made the shoes iconic: When Taylor, a semi-professional basketball player, joined Converse as a salesman in 1921, he helped redesign the shoe, and All Stars became the first celebrity-endorsed athletic shoes. They have been a part of culture for decades without much redesign.

Bottom Line: Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars

Bill Russell with the Boston Celtics — Everyone loves Chuck Taylors.

The height of their popularity was in the 1960s when Converse owned an astounding 80 percent of the basketball shoe market.

Converse eventually faltered and was bought by Nike. But the All Stars regained popularity when Nike brought them back in the 1980s and 1990s as classic retro footwear.

Some things never get old.

8. Air Jordan V

Release year: 1990

Who wore them: Michael Jordan, Will Smith, Jay-Z, Chris Rock, Spike Lee, John Goodman, Ludacris

What made the shoes iconic: Just the fighter-jet inspired look was awesome, with mesh side panels and the red iconic Jordan logo on the soles.

Bottom Line: Air Jordan V

Michael Jordan dribbling — Watch and learn.

Russ Bengtson of Complex calls this the greatest Air Jordan of them all: "The V was something different — an evolution of the IV, to a degree, but at the same time a giant leap forward."

Also, did the extra-long tongue on the shoe reflect MJ’s famous look on the court?

You be the judge.

7. Nike Kobe VIII

Release year: 2013

Who wore them: Kobe Bryant, DeMar DeRozan

What made the shoes iconic: They are perhaps the lightest shoes among all sneakers, which transitioned from players wearing them to sneakerheads.

Bottom Line: Nike Kobe VIII

Kobe Bryant with the Lakers — Mamba forever.

The shoes were described by kixify.com like this: "The Nike Kobe 8 has a distinctive character about it, unlike many other basketball sneakers that have debuted before it."

The inspiration for the shoes came from the Chinese Year of the Snake, hence the "Black Mamba" mantra.

6. Fila Grant Hill

Release year: 1995

Who wore them: Grant Hill

What made the shoes iconic: Hill had a clean-cut reputation that made his shoe line popular to the masses, and he shared 1995 Rookie of the Year honors with Jason Kidd.

Bottom Line: Fila Grant Hill

Fila was not known for basketball sneakers before Grant Hill came along.

Thanks to Hill’s first shoe bringing in more than $100 million annually, Fila got its stride back until Hill's injury issues damaged his popularity.

But we'll always have this Grant Hill-Guru-Fila collaboration.

Career Highlights: Grant Hill

Seven-time NBA All-Star (1995-98, 2000, 2001, 2005)
Five-time All-NBA Team (1996-2000)
NBA Co-Rookie of the Year (1995)
NBA All-Rookie Team (1995)

5. Reebok Question

Release year: 1996

Who wore them: Allen Iverson

What made the shoes iconic: Kicksologists.com calls these the greatest Reebok sneakers ever made and, arguably, the best non-Air Jordan shoes in history.

Bottom Line: Reebok Question

Allen Iverson driving to the basket — A man among trees.

Allen Iverson was one of the few rookies in history to carry his own sneaker brand, and it caught on quickly.

Derek Curry, owner of Sneaker Politics, says the shoe represented what Iverson was as a player.

"He was a raw guy. He wasn’t a typical basketball player. He was edgy and had almost a rapper’s style. When it first came out, the Question just looked cool — the blue toecap was awesome, and the Hexalite thing on the midsole."

4. Nike LeBron VIII

Release year: 2010

Who wore them: LeBron James, Eric Bledsoe, Pharrell, Nate Robinson, Mike Miller

What made the shoes iconic: This shoe came out the year James bailed on Cleveland and signed with the Miami Heat.

Bottom Line: Nike LeBron VIII

LeBron James with the Cavaliers — A journey starts with a single step.

The shoes have a lion’s face on the tongue, sparking a campaign that shows a lion trying to break through the tongue of the shoe.

Adam Reisinger from ESPN said, "When LeBron James took his talents to South Beach, he also brought his best sneaker with him. While the South Beach colorway didn't always translate to other sneakers, it looked glorious on this one."

3. Air Jordan XI

Release year: 1995

Who wore them: Michael Jordan, Lil Wayne, Damon Wayans, Jay-Z, Will Smith, LeBron James, C.C. Sabathia, Notorious B.I.G., Manny Pacquiao and others

What made the shoes iconic: These shoes ushered in Jordan’s return to the NBA after a not-so-great stint in professional baseball, and hoop fans responded at the shoe stores.

Bottom Line: Air Jordan XI

Michael Jordan with the Bulls — The unstoppable force.

When Jordan came to his senses and returned to the Bulls in the spring of 1995, he wore these shoes.

The next season, he had one of the greatest seasons of all time. He was only the second player ever to win MVP awards in the regular season, All-Star Game and NBA Finals.

How about that?

2. Nike Air Foamposite I

Release year: 1997

Who wore them: Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway

What made the shoes iconic: The cool design and what many called the futuristic Foamposite technology.

Bottom Line: Nike Air Foamposite I

Penny Hardaway driving to the basket — An amazing shoe story.

The sneakers were originally intended for Scottie Pippen, but they caught Hardaway’s attention during a meeting with Nike sneaker designer Eric Avar, who had showed Hardaway other shoes.

Avar said in an interview with Nike, "So we’re just finishing up, and Penny looks over and says, 'What’s that in the bag?' I almost hesitated to take it out, but I did, and he grabbed it, and just goes, 'What is this?!' I said it’s this concept we’re working on. He just stopped me right there, and said 'That’s it. I want that to be my next shoe.'"

The rest is history.

1. Air Jordan III

Release year: 1988

Who wore them: Michael Jordan

What made the shoes iconic: Jordan’s legendary dunk from the free-throw line in the 1988 NBA All-Star Game Slam Dunk Contest in front of his home crowd in Chicago. It also was the year he won his first league MVP.

Bottom Line: Air Jordan III

Michael Jordan dunking in the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest — The GOAT.

Michael Jordan was set to leave Nike, but he changed his mind once he saw the Air Jordan III, which was designed by the great Tinker Hatfield, who designed every Air Jordan since 3 through 15.

Coincidentally, the Air Jordan III debuted the Jordan "Jumpman" logo that forever would show his image on future Nike products.

And it was kicked off by the Mars Blackmon commercials, perhaps the greatest basketball shoe campaign. Ever.

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