The A-Z's of Active NBA Players' Signature Shoes

In recent years, the signature shoe market in basketball has undergone a significant transformation. Once exclusively reserved for the game’s most prominent stars, these shoes have now become accessible to a wider range of players who possess marketable appeal. This shift has made it increasingly challenging to keep track of the ever-expanding array of signature shoes on the market.

To put this evolving landscape in perspective, the Hypebeast team has compiled a comprehensive list of every active NBA player’s signature shoe from the 2022-23 season. It’s important to note that the list only includes “new” signature models, which we define as a shoe released no earlier than the tail end of last season — therefore, models like Joel Embiid’s UA Embiid 1, which debuted in 2020, would be excluded. There are also no player exclusives (PEs) on this list.. Below is the complete list of this season’s signature shoes — starring contributions from Nike, Jordan Brand, adidas, New Balance, PUMA, 361 Degrees, Li-Ning, Peak, Under Armour and Anta.

Aaron Gordon – 361 AG 3 PRO

Aaron Gordon has been the recipient of several signature shoes from Chinese brand 361 Degrees. Most recently, they introduced the 361 AG 3 PRO version, which has supported Gordon throughout his successful run to the NBA Finals with the Denver Nuggets. Backed by 361’s latest tech — including a PRANA WEAVE upper and ENRG-X midsole — the shoe emphasizes lockdown to ensure snugness while still offering responsiveness to put away high-flying dunks with ease.

Andrew Wiggins – Peak AW1

During the 2021-22 NBA Playoffs, Andrew Wiggins set aside his standard kicks from Chinese brand Peak to rock Nike Kobes (that he covered the branding of) through the NBA Finals. Wiggins later claimed that the shipment of his Peak shoes was delayed and he needed several games to break them in before proper usage. However, this year, Wiggins debuted his signature shoe with Peak — the AW1 — and continued to wear it throughout the playoffs. Its low-top design blends his personal branding with Peak’s as the brand’s signature Taichi & Surging dual technology backs this futuristic pair.

CJ McCollum – Li-Ning CJ2

One of three players on this list who hasn’t made an All-Star appearance yet, CJ McCollum originally signed with Chinese sportswear brand Li-Ning in 2017. The 2021-22 NBA season presented McCollum his first opportunity to wear a signature shoe designed, in part, by him. This season, he elaborated on this with Li-Ning by introducing the CJ2.

Damian Lillard – adidas Dame Certified

Damian Lillard, one of the senior members of adidas’ roster, released a budget-oriented model — the Dame Certified — this season in lieu of continuing his main signature series, which is currently on the Dame 8. During All-Star Weekend, he and the adidas Basketball team revealed what’s next for the star guard, but they have not declared a release date. Priced at $95 USD, the Dame Certified is one of the least expensive signature shoes on the market, while still carrying modern technology like a BOUNCE midsole.

Donovan Mitchell – adidas D.O.N. Issue #4

Donovan Mitchell debuted the adidas D.O.N. Issue #4 — his fourth signature sneaker with the Three Stripes and lightest model yet — at an approachable $120 USD price tag. Mitchell’s “determination over negativity” mindset spotlighted on the D.O.N. Issue #4 shined this year, supporting Mitchell in his record-setting 71 point game against the Chicago Bulls. Similar to Lillard, the D.O.N. Issue #5 is locked and loaded for release next season after appearing at an adidas Basketball showcase at All-Star Weekend.

Giannis Antetokounmpo – Nike Zoom Freak 4

Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo incorporated a reverse Swoosh into his design language with the introduction of the Nike Zoom Freak 1, and revisited the moniker on his low-top Zoom Freak 4 this season. Antetokounmpo and Nike have treated fans to an expansive range of looks this time around — from prehistoric themes to autumnal shades. Although the Zoom Freak 4 wasn’t enough to carry him past the first round of the playoffs, the “Greek Freak” is poised to make a run next year with the recently-leaked Zoom Freak 5.

Gordon Hayward – Anta GH4

Chinese brand Anta first collaborated with Gordon Hayward on the Anta GH1 at the start of 2020. Now, in 2023, the duo has arrived on its fourth silhouette with the GH4 revealed in April. Drawing inspiration from sports cars, the sneaker is packed with Anta’s latest technology, including a new traction pattern at the outsole, anti-slip detailing and more.

Ja Morant – Nike Ja 1

One of the most interesting storylines within the signature shoe space has been Ja Morant and the Nike Ja 1. First, Morant was seemingly rushed into the limelight as a replacement for the controversial Kyrie Irving. Amidst this, Morant’s own off-the-court problems popped up one after another, pinning Nike in yet another sticky situation. Despite this, the show has gone on and the Nike Ja 1 has been met with a hot streak of sold out drops. Regardless of whether his time with the Swoosh is coming to a premature end due to his off-court actions, Morant has made an impressive start in the footwear industry.

James Harden – adidas Harden Vol. 7

James Harden didn’t make the All-Star Game this season. However, his latest adidas shoe — the Harden Vol . 7 — has been receiving the all-star treatment from fans of his line. Drawing YEEZY comparisons when revealed, the puffer jacket-inspired design blends retro and modern aesthetics. Moving forward, Harden looks to be sticking to a sock-like construction based on early leaks of the upcoming Harden Vol. 8.

Jayson Tatum – Jordan Tatum 1

Leaks of upcoming projects run rampant nowadays and Jayson Tatum’s first shoe was not immune to this. Despite Tatum denying that a leaked look at the Jordan Tatum 1 was his pair, the Tatum 1 ended up matching the much-critiqued design. Tatum introduced his first signature shoe during All-Star Weekend, and managed to debut it in style — breaking the game’s scoring record with a total of 55 points, winning the All-Star MVP award and leading Team Giannis to a victory over Team LeBron.

Jimmy Butler – Li-Ning JB1

Although he has appeared in six All-Star Games, Jimmy Butler only introduced his own signature shoe this season. Butler left Jordan Brand in 2020 to join Li-Ning and finally introduced the JB1 as his first pair of kicks. Having now reached the NBA Finals as the leader of an eight seed, it’s likely that Butler will elaborate on the shoe’s slick design with the introduction of the JB2 during next season.

Kawhi Leonard – New Balance KAWHI III

The sole New Balance representative on this list, Kawhi Leonard launched his third sneaker with the brand — the KAWHI III — in February of 2023. However, the model has since disappeared from shops due to concerns regarding its structural integrity, particularly at the eyelets. The first basketball sneaker to utilize Energy Arc technology, the KAWHI III’s brief lifespan on shelves will hopefully resume once the brand sorts out its design issues.

Kevin Durant – Nike KD 15

A veteran in the footwear industry, Kevin Durant issued his fifteenth entry in the Nike KD series this season. Familiar presentations like the “Aunt Pearl” rendition made a return while the lengthy forward collaborated with some of the music industry’s most talented producers — 9th Wonder, Cardo and Boi-1da — for various themed looks. Rounding things out, a special “What The” pair brought together ten of his colorways into one mash-up. It’s safe to say that there’s much more to come from the duo as Durant already revealed the KD 16 prior to his Phoenix Suns falling to the Denver Nuggets in the second round.

Klay Thompson – Anta KT8

Klay Thompson brought forth the Anta KT8 as the eighth iteration of his signature line with the Chinese brand. Designed to make anyone a sharpshooter like Thompson, its lightweight construction emphasizes stability and support while achieving a balance of durability and breathability. A unique feature of the pair is its collar system that can collapse to lower its profile.

LaMelo Ball – PUMA MB.02

Following up on an explosive first year with PUMA, LaMelo Ball iterated upon the MB.01 with the launch of the MB.02. While he has yet to release a low-top version of the shoe, as he did with the MB.01, the shoe has donned a variety of looks, including a follow-up collaboration with Rick & Morty, a “Slime”-themed Nickelodeon pair and a Lunar New Year homage in “Jade.”

LeBron James – Nike LeBron 20

Second to only the long-retired Michael Jordan, LeBron James has released an incredible range of footwear with Nike. After being relentlessly pursued by brands prior to ever playing in the NBA, the Swoosh managed to lock him down and there’s no question that he’s lived up to the near-insurmountable hype. His new LeBron 20 drew many comparisons to the Kobe line due to its low-top build that is noticeably less bulky than typical LeBron shoes. Its stacked lateral Swooshes further set the shoe apart while the duo has released countless colorways — from an Art Basel tribute to various homages to his legacy — throughout the season.

Luka Dončić – Jordan Luka 1

Another rising star who made his signature shoe debut in the 2022-23 season was Luka Dončić. After signing a five-year deal with Jordan Brand in 2019, Dončić finally launched the Jordan Luka 1 as his inaugural signature release. Backed by a new IsoPlate system and Formula 23 foam, the slick pair was spotted on-foot throughout the NBA season, until Dončić revealed the upcoming Luka 2 on-court in April.

Paul George – Nike PG 6

Riddled with injuries throughout his time with the Los Angeles Clippers, Paul George’s presence in the NBA has diminished. However, his signature shoes continue to shine, ranking high in usage amongst active players from Al Horford to Kevin Huerter. Though the PG 6 released at the end of last season, not at the start of this one, it remains a staple in the Nike Basketball lineup. Rumors have it, however, that this will be George’s last signature release with the Swoosh.

Russell Westbrook – Jordan Why Not Zer0.6

Russell Westbrook introduced his sixth signature sneaker this year, continuing his uniquely-named Jordan Brand line with the Why Not Zer0.6. Matching this unorthodox naming, the shoe’s build takes on a distinctive form with a zip-up layer encasing the interior tech. A woven mesh has been placed next to various overlays that take form in suede, leather and textile materials, depending on the colorway.

Spencer Dinwiddie – 361 DVD/SD 1

Spencer Dinwiddie teamed up with 361 Degrees this season to launch the 361 DVD/SD 1. Making his debut in the footwear space, Dinwiddie’s design arrives in low-top form with an ENRG-X midsole and a padded collar. Like many other sneakers, a TPU plate is also included within the sole unit for increased stability.

Stephen Curry – Under Armour Curry Flow 10

Stephen Curry’s explosive presence on NBA courts has been supported by Under Armour for over a decade, and the Curry Flow 10 is the latest look from the duo. Comfort in the sneaker is provided by UA Flow and UA Warp 2.0 technology while the leading colorways look to Curry’s iconic looks and achievements.

Trae Young – adidas Trae Young 2.0

Building on the success of his initial model, Trae Young and adidas Basketball brought forth the adidas Trae Young 2.0 with a mix of new and returning elements. BOOST appeared once again for ample cushioning while a new ultramodern lacing system allows Young to stay agile.

Zion Williamson – Jordan Zion 2

Unveiled several months prior to the season’s commencement, Zion Williamson’s Jordan Zion 2 quickly gained attention due to its unique themes such as the “Voodoo” presentation that later covered the Air Jordan 1 Low. Focusing on power and speed, three main elements were designed for Williamson: the heel for impact resistance, midfoot for security and toes for comfort.