Kobe Bryant Still Has the Most Popular Shoe Among NBA Players

While it’s been well over a year since Kobe Bryant retired from the NBA, his legacy still lives in the form of his sneaker. Courtesy of Versus Reviews, we’ve learned that the Nike Kobe AD is the most popular sneaker among NBA players. The silhouette which helped mark the Black Mamba’s retirement is worn by 33 players while the second place Nike Hyperdunk 2016 is worn by 25. Rounding out the top 5 sneakers worn by NBA players are the Nike PG1 (20), adidas Crazy Explosive (19) and Nike KD 9 (18). Kobe’s sponsored sneakers in general also beat out Michael Jordan and LeBron James as the most popular athlete sneakers in the league with 58 players wearing them compared with 50 and 32 respectively.

In terms of brands worn by players, Nike outclasses adidas nearly three-to-one. 334 players wear Nike models while only 92 players wear adidas. Coming in third is Jordan Brand with 51 players lacing up in the G.O.A.T’s sneakers. The Eastern Conference wears more sponsored shoes than the Western Conference with 65.32% compared to 52.19% while Guards (64.42%) and Guard/Forwards (61.11%) wear the most sponsored kicks and Center/Forwards (46.94%) wearing the least.

Check out the charts on Sneaker Freaker and let us know which player’s kicks you rock to ball. Also, Lakers fans will be happy to know that both of Kobe’s numbers will be retired at Staples Center on December 18.