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Ranking the 10 Best Sneakers of the NBA Regular Season

Listing the ten most important sneakers worn during the 2023-24 NBA regular season.

After a seven-month marathon, the 2023-24 NBA regular season came to a conclusion on Sunday. With all 30 teams in action, it was the final chance for many players and their respective sneaker brands to show off some heat before the summer.

There was no shortage of spectacular sneakers worn on the court this season. Whether you are a fan of the classics or the newer models, there was something for everyone this year. Unfortunately, that makes narrowing down a list of top sneakers very challenging.

But with the regular season in the rearview mirror and the Play-In Tournaments not starting until tomorrow night, it is the perfect time to take on the daunting task of listing the top ten sneakers worn during the NBA regular season.

10. Nike Book 1

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker's orange Nike sneakers.

The Nike Book 1.

Player: Phoenix Suns shooting guard Devin Booker.
Why We Love It: The Nike Book 1 was polarizing, controversial, and impossible to ignore.
How To Buy It: Online shoppers can buy the Nike Book 1 on the sneaker resale website StockX.

9. Nike LeBron 21

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James' black and white Nike sneakers.

The Nike LeBron 21.

Player: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James.
Why We Love It: The Nike LeBron 21 was a step back from its predecessor, but it's fire colorways kept it in the conversation all season long.
How To Buy It: Online shoppers can shop James' sneaker catalog on the Nike website.

8. Air Jordan 38

New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram's black and red Air Jordan sneakers.

The Air Jordan 38.

Player: New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram.
Why We Love It: The most important sneaker line in history is closing in on 40 and has never looked better.
How To Buy It: Online shoppers can choose from multiple colorways of the Air Jordan 38 on the Nike website.

7. PUMA MB.03

Toronto Raptors forward Chris Boucher's purple and green PUMA sneakers.

The PUMA MB.03.

Player: Toronto Raptors forward Chris Boucher.
Why We Love It: Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball missed most of the season again, but even injuries cannot slow down his out-of-this-world sneaker line.
How To Buy It: Online shoppers can choose between multiple colorways of Ball's sneakers on the PUMA website.

6. Jordan Luka 2

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic's blue Jordan Brand sneakers.

The Jordan Luka 2.

Player: Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic.
Why We Love It: Maybe Doncic's second signature sneaker got a bump because of the handwritten messages to his daughter, or the player-exclusive colorways for Jordan Brand schools, or because of his MVP-caliber play. Either way, when you add it all up, it is an unforgettable sneaker.
How To Buy It: Online shoppers can choose from multiple colorways of Doncic's sneakers on the Nike website.

5. Jordan Tatum 2

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum's animal-print Jordan Brand sneakers.

The Jordan Tatum 2.

Player: Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum.
Why We Love It: Just like his play, Tatum's signature sneaker line went up a level this season. The Jordan Tatum 2 was debuted late in the season and made a strong push.
How To Buy It: Online shoppers can choose from multiple colorways of Tatum's sneakers on the Nike website.

4. Curry Flow 11

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry's multicolor Under Armour sneakers.

The Curry Flow 11.

Player: Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry.
Why We Love It: Overlook Curry's play or his sneakers and he will put you to sleep. Curry Brand's fire collaborations with the Bruce Lee Foundation and NBA Jam were some of the better highlights of the season.
How To Buy It: Online shoppers can shop Curry's sneaker catalog on the Curry Brand website.

3. Nike Kobe 8 Protro

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Marcus Morris Sr.'s white and teal Nike sneakers.

The Nike Kobe 8 Protro.

Player: Cleveland Cavaliers forward Marcus Morris Sr.
Why We Love It: Nike has produced Kobe Bryant's retro (or Protro) sneakers for years, but his eighth model continues to stand the test of time.
How To Buy It: Online shoppers can buy the Nike Kobe 8 Protro on StockX.

2. adidas Harden Vol. 8

Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden's silver and black adidas sneakers.

The adidas Harden Vol. 8.

Player: Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard James Harden.
Why We Love It: Harden's signature sneaker line continues to age like fine wine while maintaining that futuristic aesthetic that only adidas seems capable of capturing.
How To Buy It: Online shoppers can buy Harden's sold-out adidas sneakers on StockX.

1. adidas AE 1

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards' blue and green adidas sneakers.

The adidas AE 1.

Player: Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Anthony Edwards.
Why We Love It: Edwards' reign of terror began with an aggressive marketing campaign in which he and Adidas called out other players' signature sneakers. From there, adidas hooked up Edwards with a never-ending supply of amazing colorways perfect for his countless highlights this season.
How To Buy It: Online shoppers can buy Edwards' sold-out adidas sneakers on StockX.

Further Reading: Interview with Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic about his travel habits, secret aliases, and sneakers.

In This Article (3)

Sneakers
NBA
nike
adidas
Jordan Brand

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