The beating heart of sneaker culture, basketball shoes have been evolving since Michael Jordan laced up his eponymous Air Jordan 1. In books, photographs, and film, the journey has been well-documented for nearly four decades, marked by technological advancements and continually shifting tastes and trends.

In its burgeoning years, basketball shoes were generally conceived as high-tops. However, they have undergone a radical transformation since, with plenty taking on a lower profile. A trend widely accepted as being introduced by the late Kobe Bryant. Yet, the appeal of retro models, particularly those from the era of His Airness, continues to find a place in people’s palates.

Their once-revolutionary technology may seem antiquated in comparison to their contemporary counterparts (think Air Jordan 1 vs. Nike GT Cut 3), but their appeal to the new generation isn’t based on their utility anymore. With the nostalgia of basketball’s golden age embedded in their DNA, these shoes have evolved into “artifacts,” signifying athletic prowess, old-school grit, and, sadly, a bygone era.

Nonetheless, the early aughts saw performance basketball shoes cross over the fashion sphere again by way of streetwear. A movement championed by Wale—constantly seen in Nike Air Foamposite Ones—and the rest of hip-hop. Once the exclusive domain of athletes, the sneakers became statement pieces in an ensemble of the most thriving labels of the time. To this day, vibrant colorways eclipse the relatively austere palettes of the 1990s and early 2000s.

And it has remained so ever since. These modern models are all designed with consideration for their aesthetic appeal as much as their performance on the court. As footwear technology develops, the wider the color spectrum seems to get. So we narrowed down the ones that have both in their pedigree: Breaking ankles on the hardwood and turning heads on the asphalt.

Without further ado, we present the best basketball shoes on SNKRDUNK:

Nike LeBron 21

As the undisputed centerpiece of Nike’s roster, LeBron James commands a level of privilege and access his contemporaries may not. Thus, his latest signature, the Nike LeBron 21, represents the pinnacle of Nike Basketball’s innovation and design.

While the LeBron 21 continues to excel on the court, it has also embraced a more flamboyant aesthetic, surpassing its predecessors in ostentatious colorways. This departure from the traditional, understated colorways often associated with performance basketball shoes reflects a shift in preference and the increasing influence of fashion on athletic footwear.

Nike GT Jump 2

The GT (“Greater Than”) series epitomizes Nike’s performance basketball division. Comprising three categories—Cut, Run, and Jump—it leverages cutting-edge science to elevate athletic performance. The GT Jump 2 is designed for those who “play in the air.” But much as the aerial acrobatics it was designed to support, the GT Jump has been walking on clouds and towards the rainbow when it comes to its color choices.

Nike GT Cut 3

As a sibling to the aforementioned GT Jump 2, the GT Cut 3 is ideal for the modern, positionless basketball player. It is engineered to cater to agile, quick-footed athletes reminiscent of Allen Iverson and Derrick Rose. Shake and bake, slice and dice—this is for the court chefs cooking their opponents and serving them a taste of defeat. Flashy shoes for the flashy handles.

Nike Sabrina 2

The landscape of women’s basketball has undergone a transformative shift, with female athletes finally receiving the recognition and support they long deserved. This evolution is exemplified by the growing number of signature footwear lines dedicated to prominent female players, including Breanna Stewart, Elena Delle Donne, and of course, Sabrina Ionescu.

The Sabrina 2, in particular, has garnered significant attention this year. Notably, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White opted to wear the Sabrina 2 during the Paris Games. As one of the most sought-after on-court silhouettes of the season, the Sabrina 2 boasts a diverse array of colorways, catering to a wide range of preferences and styles.

Air Jordan 38

Astonishingly, the mainline Air Jordan catalogue has reached its 38th iteration, signifying nearly four decades of impact, innovation, and influence. Throughout its storied history, Jordan Brand has consistently demonstrated a commitment to advancing footwear technology, remaining a tour de force in basketball.

adidas Harden Vol. 8

James Harden is a polarizing figure both on and off the floor. Despite his undeniable talent, his idiosyncrasies and off-court antics have frequently dominated headlines, serving as a double-edged sword that has both captivated and challenged public perception. Regardless, the Beard’s flamboyant fashion sense mirrors his scoring prowess, attracting attention and reinforcing his enigmatic persona. His choice of footwear, in particular, reflects the audacity he displays in all facets of his life.

adidas Dame 9

Damian Lillard’s signature footwear line has, perhaps unfairly, been overshadowed by other prominent basketball silhouettes. But the Dame 9 may turn its fate around, boosted by the various collaborations ahead. We bet this A BATHING APE collaboration has left many considering it as an official on-court option. Go for it, you’re one button away.

adidas AE1 Low

Anthony Edwards is the future of the league. Or at least one of it. Whether you think he’s hard to hate or easy to love, he talks the talk in his commercials and walks the walk in the Playoffs. Check out the shoes that might give you some of that aura.

PUMA MB.03

LaMelo Ball is the customer profile for the basketball-obsessed Gen Z-er. To resonate with this youthful demographic, PUMA has designed the MB.03 to reflect the overt tastes and preferences of the most confident generation yet. The MB.03 boasts a range of colorways, and even the most subdued palettes feature striking accents.

ANTA KAI 1

Since joining ANTA, Kyrie Irving’s light has shone brighter than Nike’s umbrella can contain, proving that the Chinese sportswear brand was right to give him creative carte blanche.

Although this is only their first effort together, his recently unveiled Hélà collection already seems like a building block to a sneaker empire. It can potentially establish ANTA as a formidable force in the global sportswear market, leaving Nike to ponder the consequences of their decision to part ways with the eccentric, recalcitrant, but infinitely talented and visionary point guard.

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