The Art Of The Nike Shoe: NBA Edition
Nike is by far the most popular shoe brand in the NBA ever since Michael Jordan signed with the shoe brand in 1984. Ever since then, the brand has arguably the best signature shoe lineup sporting Lebron James, Kevin Durant, the late Kobe Bryant, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Nike is well known for designing it’s shoe based on the players performance. It shows on the court as each shoe serves for a different purpose. Whether its using more footwork like Kobe Bryant or making up ground for Lebron and Giannis, Nike and Jordan do a good job with their shoe technology. Many NBA players do not get the chance to sport their own signature Nike shoe, but most start with Nike just because it feels the best for them. Many players like Demar Derozan and Devin Booker have their own Player Edition Kobe’s to remember the late and great legend. Many examples can be seen below as I break down which shoe benefits each player
Lebron’s: Built for Power and Speed coming down the lane
When Lebron James signed with Nike in 2003, he was an uber-athletic build coming in at 6’6 ft and 240 lbs that was very explosive and lacked strength. As the Nike company was growing, so was he as he clocked in at 6’8 and 265 lbs in 2009 and his shoe needed a change. He now relied more on his strength and speed and Nike Zoom technology helped James feel comfort while playing. Most of Lebron’s shoes favor bigger hoopers that rely on their speed and burst, which is why Lebron usually wears high tops so his ankles are covered giving him more flexibility. Before signing with Jordan, Zion Williamson wore many Lebron’s throught high school and college due to his size and style of play. His above the rim athleticism and strength looked similar to a prime Lebron and a Charles Barkley.
Giannis’s: Built for Athleticism and Quickness That Helps for Takeoff
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a literal freak of nature. Coming in at a near 7 feet and 242 lbs, he is as athletic as anyone has ever seen. With the figure of a Greek god that can dunk from the free throw line, his shoes is designed for him to push his already freakish athleticism to higher limits. He only has three shoes out but he focuses on more of a low cut shoe that helps him move faster and make longer strides without harm to the body. The shoe is very versatile as it can be used by mobile big men or wing players. Think of players like Kristaps Porzingis, who are mobile big men that are quick as a guard. Not many players wear Giannis shoes due to him being the newest Nike athlete but he has the most underrated shoe created by Nike.
KD’s: Built for Constant Movement and Space Creating That Helps for Scoring
Like Kobe, Kevin Durant’s game involves around creating space and scoring. He is arguably the best scorer in the history of the game as we have never seen a 7 footer that can move and score like a guard. His shoes have been versatile for high and low cut users as he has sported shoes that helped him after his foot surgery in 2015. Kevin Durant’s injury history has made Nike change its design on his shoes as every year it seems as his shoes have a different look. Mainly though, his shoe is designed for wingmen scorers that love to create space and for people with bigger feet. An example would be a player like Jayson Tatum. Tatum is a player that creates space and can score at a high rate.
PG13’s: Built for Smooth Space Creating and Quick First Step for Agile Hoopers
Prior to his leg injury in 2014, Paul George was looking like the future top dog in the NBA after battling the Lebron led Heat in the ECF in back to back years. At only 23 years old, he had a unique combination of skill and raw burst only seen by the likes of Lebron and Tracy Mcgrady. Much of his athleticism was taken away after his injury, but he still has that quick first step and has now developed more of a skill first mentality. He is now known for his smooth scoring and space creating so it is only right he gets a high top. His shoe is so versatile in the fact that it is perfect for a two-way player. Nike made the shoe with Zoom technology giving the shoe more flexibility when moving at quick speeds. Players like Jaylen Brown, who who are agile and quick to the attack at the rim, benefit from using this shoe on both sides of the ball. Like KD, the shoe also helps for smooth pace players like the like of this next player.
Kyrie’s: Built for Quick Movement and Hardwood Traction In Order To Shift By Defenders
Arguably the most skilled guard of all time, Kyrie Irving is really a wizard with the basketball. His handling and scoring ability is elite and his Nike shoe has been a staple for many NBA players. Many players that like to take defenders off the dribble have used this shoe. Nike specifically created a shoe that helped keep ball handlers gain traction to the court; making them more shifty. Many playmakers and scorers wear Kyrie’s to create space and really anyone can wear Kyrie’s. It is a high top shoe that favors a lot of ankle movement for shifty players. Think of players like Donovan Mitchell and Chris Paul are examples of shifty undersized guards like Kyrie himself.
