The Best Shoes Worn in NCAA Conference Tournaments
With the NCAA men's basketball conference tournaments on our brackets for the big dance. But before hoops fans turn the page on conference play, we must take one final look back at the best shoes worn in the tournaments.
It should come as no surprise that the blue blood programs and the major sneaker brands dominated the competition. Below is our list of the top ten basketball shoes worn during the 2023 NCAA men's basketball conference tournaments.
Jordan Zion 2
Tyger Campbell passes the basketball.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Player: UCLA Bruins guard Tyger Campbell
Shoe: Jordan Zion 2 in a player-exclusive 'UCLA Bruins' colorway.
How to Buy: Zion Williamson's second signature shoe with Jordan Brand has been a hit among college players. The UCLA-themed colorway will never release to the public. However, fans can choose between several discounted colorways of the Jordan Zion 2 on the Nike website.
Nike PG 6
Dereck Lively II dunks the ball.
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Player: Duke Blue Devils center Dereck Lively II.
Shoe: The Nike PG 6 in a player-exclusive 'Duke Blue Devils' colorway.
How to Buy: It appears that the end is near for Paul George's signature sneaker line with Nike. The silver lining is that fans can still purchase a pair of the Nike PG 6 on the sneaker resale website GOAT.
adidas Dame 8
Jalen Hood-Schifino celebrates a play.
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Player: Indiana Hoosiers guard Jalen Hood-Schifino.
Shoe: adidas Dame 8 in a player-exclusive 'Indiana Hoosiers' colorway.
How to Buy: Damian Lillard has enjoyed a career year, and so has his eighth signature adidas shoe. Fans can choose between several colorways of the adidas Dame 8 on the adidas website.
Nike Kyrie Low 5
Robert Allen warms up before a game.
© George Walker IV / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK
Player: Ole Miss Rebels forward Robert Allen.
Shoe: Nike Kyrie 5 Low in a red team colorway.
How to Buy: Kyrie Irving's time with Nike is officially over. Luckily for athletes and fans, his signature collection of shoes is deeply discounted on the Nike website.
Nike Zoom Freak 4
Jalen Bridges and guard Adam Flagler celebrate a play.
Amy Kontras-USA TODAY Sports
Player: Baylor Bears forward Jalen Bridges and guard Adam Flagler.
Shoe: Nike Zoom Freak 4 in a player-exclusive 'Baylor Bears' colorway.
How to Buy: The fourth installment of Giannis Antetokounmpo's signature line is his best yet. Fans cannot buy the Baylor-themed colorway, but they can choose between several colorways at a reduced price on the Nike website.
adidas Trae Young 2
Cameron Matthews dribbles the basketball.
Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Player: Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Cameron Matthews.
Shoe: adidas Trae Young 2 in the 'black and white' colorway.
How to Buy: Trae Young's second signature shoe with adidas is slowly growing on fans. The adidas Trae Young 2 has been released in multiple colorways, and online shoppers can purchase them at a discount on the adidas website.
Nike Kobe 11
Noah Carter dunks the ball
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Player: Missouri Tigers forward Noah Carter.
Shoe: Nike Kobe 11 Elite Low in the 'Tinker' colorway.
How to Buy: Kobe Bryant's final signature shoe (the AD series doesn't count) went out on top. The Nike Kobe 11 sold out in every colorway a long time ago. Fans can purchase the Nike Kobe 11 Elite Low 'Tinker' colorway on the sneaker resale website StockX.
Air Jordan 37
Armando Bacot hops off the court.
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Player: North Carolina Tar Heels forward Armando Bacot.
Shoe: Air Jordan 37 in a 'UNC Tar Heels' player-exclusive colorway.
How to Buy: It has been almost 40 years since Michael Jordan's signature sneaker line took flight. The Air Jordan 37 has been released in multiple colorways and is currently on sale on the Nike website.
Nike Kobe 5 Protro
Kerr Kriisa celebrates a play.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Player: Arizona Wildcats guard Kerr Kriisa
Shoe: Nike Kobe 5 Protro in the '5 Rings' colorway.
How to Buy: The Nike Kobe 5 Protro '5 Rings' appears to be a favorite among the Arizona Wildcats basketball team, and we cannot blame them. Fans of the shoes can purchase them on StockX.
Nike KD 15
Will Richardson grabs the basketball.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Player: Oregon Ducks guard Will Richardson.
Shoe: Nike KD 15 in a player-exclusive 'Oregon Ducks' colorway.
How to Buy: Kevin Durant's 15th signature shoe lends itself to so many amazing colorways thanks to its design. Luckily for frugal shoppers, several colorways of the Nike KD 15 are available at a reduced price on the Nike website.
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