What Are the Most Popular Basketball Shoes Worn by NBA Players?
Are you looking to raise your basketball game?
After all the practice and hard work, you need to make sure that you’re wearing high-performance shoes.
Although Adidas and Nike continue to dominate the basketball shoe market, there are some up-and-coming brands that are making good headway on the court.
If you’re wondering which pair of shoes would work best for you, take a look at this article.
We’ll take you through some of the most popular basketball shoes and check out which new basketball shoe brands are trending.
1. Nike Kobe AD
Last year, the Nike Kobe AD was the most popular shoe on the court. 48 NBA players swear by them for their sleek profile and their high-performance capabilities.
Make sure you’re getting a solid color, though. Some testers reported that the see-through rubber bottoms didn’t offer a lot of traction.
The shoe has a Lunarlon foam midsole and offers deep cushioning with Zoom Air technology. It’s designed to maximize comfort and on-the-court responsiveness.
NBA players who swear by the Kobe AD include DeMar DeRozan and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
If you know what kind of basketball player you are, it’s easier to pick the right shoes. Are you smooth and fast? Or do you need a lot of grip in the soles?
Nike dominates the basketball shoe market for a reason. They offer advanced technology and a comfort fit.
2. Nike Hyperdunk X
The Nike Hyperdunk X comes close to the Nike Kobe AD, with 47 NBA players wearing them during games.
It comes in both hightop and lowtop and follows in the footsteps of the Hyperdunk 2021, a wildly popular basketball shoe.
The Hyperdunk is designed for comfort and motion. It has a “React cushioning platform” that is designed to raise anyone’s game.
It seems to work well for smaller players like Bradley Beal and Eric Bledsoe. There are some taller players who love Hyperdunks, including Marc Gasol and Karl-Anthony Towns.
If you’re not sure which shoe would work for you, look at which players you admire and see what they’re wearing.
All of these sneakers are designed to enhance your performance – and make you look good while you do it.
3. Nike PG1
The Nike PG1 has seen explosive growth in the past few years. Originally, it was only worn by Paul George.
This year, however, 29 NBA players wear the Nike PG1 shoe. It’s a dramatic increase and consistently rates high for performance.
The shoe has a low profile and a “forefoot” velcro strap for strong, dynamic players.
It’s considered to be a versatile shoe that works well for both offensive and defensive players.
Nike, of course, is one of the most popular basketball shoe brands, and the PG1 should continue to increase in popularity.
Nike dominates the basketball shoe market by making attractive shoes that feature advanced technology.
They have done such extensive testing that they can design shoes that really make a big difference on the court.
4. Nike Kyrie 4
The Kyrie 3 went from 15 to 27 players in a single season, so we should expect that growth to continue in the next several years.
Its responsive traction is designed for players who have a smooth playing style. The shoes were made for Kyrie Irving, who is known to shift directions on the court in an instant.
The Kyrie 4 is flexible and is designed for comfort. They come in children’s sizes and are available online. They feature a limited edition all-black version.
You may be tempted to get a lesser brand, but good basketball shoes are worth the investment.
You’ll still have to practice, of course, but having good traction is vital during a game.
If you’re looking to raise your game, take some time to try on these different shoes. You’ll know which is right for you when you feel how they fit.
More of the Most Popular Basketball Shoes
While Nike racks up the top spots, there are a few up-and-coming basketball shoe companies that are starting to make waves.
Adidas’s Crazy Explosive line has an internal “sock” collar and has been receiving a lot of attention from fans. Andrew Wiggins and Kristaps Porzingis are both repping these shoes and fans are picking up on the buzz.
Adidas also has Dame 4s, which are worn by Donovan Mitchell and Damian Lillard. Dame 4s are a good looking pair of shoes and feature light, “breathable” uppers for comfort and balance.
You might expect to find more Jordans on the court, but they only have a 10% share of the NBA basketball shoe market.
Michael Jordan still has a shoe deal that is worth more than $100 million, though.
Nike has 60% of NBA players wearing their shoes, while Adidas has to settle for 17%
Under Armour used to have 12 players wearing their shoes, but this year they increased that number to 18. That’s astounding for a company that only started making basketball shoes in 2015.
How Can I Step Up My Game?
When we look at NBA players, we wonder how they got so good. Having the right shoes is a big help, but these players got to the top by focusing on fundamentals.
They practice free throws for hours, every day. Their goal is to be able to make a basket from anywhere on the court.
During the off-season, NBA players still train. They work out, practice shooting, and keep their work ethic strong.
Improving your balance and flexibility should always be a top priority. Stretching thoroughly before you play may seem like a waste of time, but it’s incredibly important for preventing injuries.
Learning good defense skills is also key to improving as a player. When you’re studying players like Michael Jordan, you become aware that he’s a top defensive player as well as a great scorer.
If you’re passionate about basketball, take the time to practice every day. Don’t worry if you feel like you’re not improving fast enough.
It’s more important to keep playing and learn from more experienced players.
We love talking to people who have a love for the sport. Drop us a line and let us know the most popular basketball shoes at your high school or college.