There is a wide range of excellent basketball shoes on the market, and many of them are endorsed by NBA players. Some of the best and most famous models money can buy come from the top of the basketball world.
However, choosing just one is not easy. There are several options, and they can all blend if you don’t know the difference. To help with that, this guide breaks down the Best NBA Signature Shoes to help you choose the one for you.
Current NBA players with signature shoes
This section covers the best signature shoe of every current player in the NBA and breaks down the characteristics that set them apart.
1. Stephen Curry- curry 8
Steph Curry is one of the most celebrated and iconic players in NBA history. Not only does he have three rings with the Golden State Warriors, but he is also second all-time in three-pointers made despite only being in the league for 12 years. He is a true shooter who changed the game.
The Curry 8 is his signature shoe, and one worthy of his name. The model comes with excellent traction as well as a lightweight feel that allows you to run or cut. This, mixed with the extra ankle protection, makes it a perfect choice for guards who like to make quick moves.
2. Kevin Durant- KD 15
Durant is one of the biggest names in basketball. Being drafted high by the Seattle Supersonics (now Thunder), he won two rings with the Warriors. Additionally, he is an excellent shooter, a 2-time NBA Finals MVP, and an 11-time all-star.
The KD 15, his signature shoe, is a roomy, comfortable model perfect for both guards and big men. They are lightweight but still have a durable base that helps you jump and run. This, mixed with the Zoom air unit, improves your performance no matter where you play.
3. Lebron James – Witness V
No basketball player is more famous than Lebron James. The kid from Akron, known as The King, has four NBA championships, and four MVPs, and has been to the Finals a staggering 10 times. His 13 All-NBA first team is perhaps even more impressive than that.
To match that reputation, the Witness V is a lightweight yet strong shoe packed with ample features. Anyone looking for extra ankle protection or a high top will love what they have to offer. It includes forefoot closure, a resilient foam midsole, and breathable mesh construction.
4. Kyrie Irving – Kyrie 7
Kyrie has been one of the top guards since being drafted first overall in 2011. He has played with multiple teams and won a championship with the Cavaliers in 2016. He backed up that incredible season with 7 All-Star appearances as well as the ‘ A Rookie of the Year Award.
The Kyrie 7 is an incredibly well-built, resilient shoe with a 360-degree traction pattern and responsive Zoom Turbo unit. There is a lot of comfort throughout the sole and there is extra protection around the collar. A perfect choice for guards who like to make quick cuts.
5. James Harden- Harden’s Stepback
The 2018 MVP, James Harden is a light out of three shooters who has three scoring titles to his name. Additionally, he was a six-time All-Star, a seven-time All-NBA selection, and earned Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2012.
His shoe, the Stepback, is a well-rounded option for players who tend to run hot. It comes with some of the best ventilation on the market. The lightweight design also makes it comfortable to carry. It is fully cushioned and has a tight, secure fit without being too tight, stuffy, or uncomfortable.
6. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Freak 2
Giannis is one of the premier big men in the league. Despite only being there for eight years, the 7-foot point guard has 2 MVPs, 5 All-Star appearances, and 3 All-NBA first teams to his name. He even earned a Defensive Player of the Year award during his impressive 2020 season.
Those looking to match Giannis’ power will love the Freak 2. It’s a wide, powerful shoe with a stable base and outsole. That combination makes it ideal for big men or wings who want a better response. They also have a unique look that is perfect for those who care about style.
7. Klay Thompson – Anta KT6
Top 20 all-time in both three percent and threes made, Klay Thompson is one of the best shooters to ever play the game. He is a lockdown defender and long-range threat. His skill and athleticism were both vital to the Golden State Warriors’ three-ring run during the 2010s.
The Anta KT6 is his most recent shoe. It uses special 3D HUG and Smart SAM technology to create a blend of support, stability, and cushioning. That mix makes them great for hardcore gamers who want to push themselves without worrying about long-term discomfort.
8. Damian Lillard – Dame 7
Despite hailing from the lesser-known Weber State, Damian Lillard has turned into one of the best three shooters in the NBA. He is a 6-time all-star and won Rookie of the Year in 2013. He also has one of the league’s best clutch shooting percentages.
The Dame 7 is a great shoe for guards and wings. It has an excellent track feel and uses its special traction to allow you to stop or turn on a dime. There is a strong balance and the energy yield is top-notch. They also have a unique, eye-catching exterior design.
9. Paul George- PG 5
Even though he has never won it all, Paul George is a true star. Not only has he been to seven All-Star games, but he made the All-NBA First Team in 2019 and the All-Third Team five times. Additionally, his tenacity earned him the Most Improved Player award in 2013.
His latest shoe is the PG 5. It’s breathable, thanks to the mesh upper, and comes with one of the most supportive bases on the market. The multi-directional traction is also grippy and responsive. This is a fantastic choice for players who spend a lot of time playing indoors.
10. Chris Paul- CP 3
Chris Paul, known as CP3, is one of the best point guards to ever play in the NBA. He is an 11-time All-Star, six-time assists leader, and 11-time steals leader. He is also on the all-time three-point list and made the All-NBA First Team four times in his impressive 16-year career.
His CP 3 is a solid shoe. Equipped with a tough sole and flight web fit system, it’s an incredible blend of stability, power, and style. This is then backed by Lunarlon foam, which creates a soft, responsive feel no matter how hard you play.
11. Kawhi Leonard – Kawi 1
Kawhi Leonard has done great things since being drafted by the Spurs in 2011. Not only did he have two championships with two different teams, but he won MVP in both series. He is a great shooter who also excels defensively, as shown by his two Defensive Player of the Year awards.
His Kawhi 1 is a unique, stylish shoe that places a high emphasis on comfort. The extra cushioning throughout the midsole and heel creates a stable base that helps you jump and run. It also has a major lockdown.
12. Joel Embiid- Embiid 1
Joel Embiid is a 7-foot superstar center who can score from anywhere. Despite only being in the league for six years, the big man has 3 All-NBA Second Teams and 4 All-Star games under his belt. He is also an excellent rebounder and one of the best shot blockers in the league.
Those points are why players who need a strong base will love the Embiid 1. The star’s signature shoe is a durable, stable, and powerful model with comfort in mind. There is a lot of lockdown and it has excellent midsole flex. You can buckle up and get ready to bump around.
13. Donovan Mitchell- DON Issue 2
The face of an extremely talented Jazz team, Donovan Mitchell is a pure scorer and insane athlete. He’s new to the league, but the 26-year-old already has three All-Star games to his name, as well as an All-Rookie First Team and a Slam Dunk Contest trophy.
His signature DON Issue 2 is a comfortable, stylish model complete with a synthetic sole and mobile design. This, backed by the resilient outsole, creates a shoe that is perfect for players who value flexibility in their game. This is great for anyone who emphasizes footwork.
14. Russell Westbrook – Why not Zer0.4
No one embodies a workhorse like 2017 MVP Russell Westbrook. He’s a pure point guard, he’s great offensively (2-time scoring champion), and led the league in assists three times. That, mixed with his tenacious defense, also sent him to the All-Star Game a staggering 9 times.
If you value that skill, Westbrook’s Why Not Zer0.4 is for you. The shoe emphasizes blending speed with performance, and it does so with woven laces atop 2 Air Zoom units. There is plenty of lockdown and the sole is durable enough for indoor and outdoor use.
15. Derrick Rose- D Rose 11
Derrick Rose is a strong, well-rounded point guard who has been consistent throughout his impressive career. He has been in the NBA for over a decade. In that time, he won Rookie of the Year, MVP, and All-NBA First Team honors. He also has three All-Star appearances.
His latest shoe is the D Rose 11. It is a larger model that places a high emphasis on comfort. Guards will love the breathable mesh, while tall men will love the strong sole and extra heel support. It has a great look and the laces tighten to create a tight but comfortable fit.
16. LaMelo Ball – Clyde All Pro
Although he has only been in the NBA for one season, LaMelo Ball has the makings of a star. Taken third overall by the Hornets, the 6-foot-6-inch point guard quickly took on the challenges of the NBA. He earned Rookie of the Year in his first season and has a bright, bright future ahead of him.
That promise is reflected in the Clyde All-Pro. Coming from Puma, this model is stylish, sleek, and incredibly lightweight. It stays out of the way and is easy to wear for long periods due to its ventilation.
Former NBA players with signature shoes
These shoes, while not worn by current players, are two of the best to ever step onto the hardwood.
17. Michael Jordan- Air Jordan XXXV
With six rings, five MVPs, and six Finals MVPs, many believe Michael Jordan is the greatest to ever play the game. He was a complete player who dominated on both ends of the court. This pursuit of greatness even allowed him to create one of the most famous shoe brands on earth.
The Jordan XXXV is a powerful model that, in keeping with the Jordan brand, looks and feels great. It has a lighter build that manages to stay strong due to the rubber outsole. The cables provide a tight fit and the high design provides ankle protection. A good choice for players who need sturdy shoes.
18. Kobe Bryant- Mamba Focus
Before his untimely death, Kobe was on top of the basketball world. The superstar, a Laker legend, won five NBA championships and two Finals MVPs during his illustrious 20-year career. He also ended up in the All-Star game an incredible 18 different times.
Following that incredible trend, the Mamba Focus is a great sneaker for players who want a smooth, reliable low-top. It’s lightweight and unobtrusive but still has a great fit. The molded frame, tread pattern, and heel counter improve performance and keep your feet safe.
Conclusion
There are many good basketball players, and many of them have fantastic shoes. No matter what player you like or what style of the ball you play, if you do your research and break down different options, you’ll find shoes that look good and improve your game.
