Basketball fans and fashionistas alike find basketball shoes interesting. They have become part of our culture along with the game. Here are the most iconic basketball shoes of all time.
The Converse Chuck Taylor All-stars
These traditional canvases with rubber soles lay a claim to launching the basketball shoe market into profitability. These shoes came with a Chuck Taylor signature on the converse patch around the ankles. When they came out in the 1910s, they were excellent basketball shoes. In reality, these shoes are more suited to fashion requirements as they offer no cushioning for the high level of impact that can be seen from jumping in a basketball game.
Nike Air Jordan I
When the Nike Air Jordan came out, they were black and red hue. This combination led to a ban by the NBA, which only made the shoes more popular. Michael Jordan was fined every time he wore the boots. He would always pay the fines and proceed to wear them again. The NBA eventually gave up on trying to restrict him from wearing them. In their simplicity, Nike realized they could use the Jordan brand name to sell basketball shoes for over 100 dollars, and they capitalized on this to launch an ever-growing shoe market.
Nike Air Force 1
This shoe is easily the most popular basketball shoe of all time. Air Force 1s have permeated every aspect of pop culture, with a song even written about them. They were the first Nike shoes to use their Air Technology in the soles and come in numerous color combinations, although the all-black and all-white are the most popular. They also come in high tops, mids, and low tops to suit every buyer’s taste.
Air Jordan XI
The Jordan XI would make a good case for being the most iconic Jordans. The shoes were introduced after Michael Jordan came back from his baseball retirement. He went on to win his fourth championship ring in them. They came with sleek leather covering the whole shoe. More than being fashionable, they announced the king’s return in grand style.
The Question by Reebok
After Allen Iverson donned these shoes in his epic Michael Jordan Cross Over, their iconic status became etched in stone. The front and rear bubbles in honeycombs gave the shoe a classic distinct. They are also very famous for being one of the most comfortable shoes with many color combinations.
Adidas KB8
The three stripes were Kobe Bryant’s first signature shoe. They came out in his second year playing in the NBA. They became famous because of the unmistakable bulge around the shoe, which gave solid support for actual basketball play. The high tops signified Kobe’s ascension into the greatness he became.
Nike Air Zoom Generations
While LeBron might not be as big as the Jordan brand, these shoes deserve mention. The Air Zoom Generations was LeBron’s first shoe and Nike’s attempt to recreate the Jordan effect. This low-top shoe might not be as popular as others on this list, but it signifies the start of King James’ legacy.
All the other Jordans also deserve to be on this list because the brand sells. Simply put, Nike runs the basketball shoe market, and it is not changing in the nearest future.