The Best Shoes of March Madness After Two Rounds
The first two rounds of the 2023 NCAA men's basketball tournament were nothing short of legendary. Even if your brackets went down in flames or your favorite team was upset, there is no denying it was a great four days of hoops.
Even better, all of the players brought some serious heat on the court with their sneaker choices. Below is our list of the ten best basketball shoes worn on the court from the first two rounds of the Big Dance.
10. Nike Air Zoom G.T. Cut
Kylan Boswell dribbles the ball.
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Player: Arizona Wildcats guard Kylan Boswell.
Shoe: Boswell wore the Nike Air Zoom G.T. Cut in the 'Think Pink' colorway.
How to Buy: The first installment of Nike's Air Zoom G.T. Cut series was a success. So much so that all of the shoes have sold out online. Fans can shop for the Nike Air Zoom G.T. Cut 2 on the Nike website.
9. Nike Kyrie Flytrap 6
Tyson Walker dribbles to the rim.
© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Player: Michigan State Spartans guard Tyson Walker.
Shoe: Walker wore the Nike Kyrie Flytrap 6 in a player-exclusive 'Michigan State Spartans' colorway.
How to Buy: Kyrie Irving's time with Nike is officially over. However, his shoes remain a favorite among hoopers across the country. Fans can purchase shoes from Kyrie's line at a major discount on the Nike website.
8. adidas Harden Vol. 7
DJ Horne reacts after a play.
Michael Ciaglo-USA TODAY Sports
Player: Arizona State Sun Devils guard DJ Horne.
Shoe: Horne wore the adidas Harden Vol. 7 in a player-exclusive 'Arizona State Sun Devils' colorway.
How to Buy: It is only fitting that James Harden hooks up his alma mater with his new shoes in an unreleased colorway. Fans can choose between several versions of the adidas Harden Vol. 7 on the adidas website.
7. Jordan Tatum 1
Darrion Trammell dribbles the ball.
Russell Lansford-USA TODAY Sports
Player: San Diego State Aztecs guard Darrion Trammell.
Shoe: Trammell wore the Jordan Tatum 1 in the 'Zoo' colorway.
How to Buy: It is such a flex to wear a pair of Jayson Tatum's first signature shoes before they even release. The Jordan Tatum 1 is launching in the 'Zoo' colorway on April 7. Fans can monitor Jayson Tatum's section on the Nike website for updates.
6. adidas Dame 8
View of Norchad Omier's shoes.
© Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Player: Miami Hurricanes forward Norchad Omier.
Shoe: Omier wore the adidas Dame 8 in a player-exclusive 'Miami Hurricanes' colorway.
How to Buy: Damian Lillard's eighth signature shoe has been the go-to hoop shoe for most adidas athletes. Unfortunately, the green and orange colorway will never release to the public. However, fans can choose between several versions of adidas Dame 8 on the adidas website.
5. Curry Flow 10
Demetre Roberts passes the ball.
© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Player: Fairleigh Dickinson Knights guard Demetre Roberts.
Shoe: Roberts the Curry Flow 10 in the 'Splash Party' colorway.
How to Buy: Under Armour supplied Fairleigh Dickinson players with the latest colorway of Stephen Curry's tenth signature shoe. Fans can shop the Curry Flow 10 on the Under Armour website.
4. Jordan Luka 1
Dylan Andrews dribbles past a defender.
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Player: UCLA Bruins guard Dylan Andrews.
Shoe: Andrews wore the Jordan Luka 1 in a player-exclusive 'UCLA Bruins' colorway.
How to Buy: Luka Doncic's first signature shoe has been a stunning success. College and professional players alike have fully embraced the low-cut hoop shoe. Fans can choose between several colorways of the Jordan Luka 1 on the Nike website.
3. Nike KD 15
Josiah-Jordan James and Jacob Grandison compete for the ball.
Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Player: Tennessee Volunteers guard Josiah-Jordan James and Duke Blue Devils guard Jacob Grandison.
Shoe: Several players from Tennessee and Duke's team wore the Nike KD 15 in player-exclusive colorways.
How to Buy: Kevin Durant's signature sneaker line has always been a favorite among athletes and fans. However, the 15th installment took the line to new heights thanks to its blend of top-notch technology and exciting colorways. Fans can shop the Nike D 15 at a discount on the Nike website.
2. Nike LeBron 20
Malachi Smith celebrates after a play.
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Player: Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Malachi Smith.
Shoe: Smith wore the Nike LeBron 20 in the 'Liverpool FC' colorway.
How to Buy: LeBron James' signature sneaker line with the Swoosh turned 20 this year, and it is arguably the best installment yet. Fans can choose between several colorways of the Nike LeBron 20 on the Nike website.
1. Air Jordan 11
Sean East II dribbles the ball.
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Player: Missouri Tigers guard Sean East II.
Shoe: East wore the Air Jordan 11 in the 'Cool Grey' colorway.
How to Buy: The Missouri Tigers are technically sponsored by Nike, not Jordan Brand. While there is some grey area between the two brands that can often be confusing, we cannot deny the coolness of East's Air Jordan 11 'Cool Grey' sneakers.
The retro hoop shoes were last released in December 2021 for $225. Fans can purchase the shoes above retail price on the sneaker resale website StockX.
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