Sneakers are an intrinsic part of basketball. Each NBA game features colourful, stylish, and unique shoes that captivate and influence fans. The game has significantly impacted sneaker culture, as shoes no longer solely serve a functional purpose and are now symbols of fashion, pop culture, and identity.
Sneaker culture has a rich history which has evolved to encompass countless styles and brands. According to Kix Stats, the 2023-24 NBA season saw 293 different models of basketball shoes. How do the top 10 most worn sneakers rank?
Ranking the Most Worn Basketball Shoes of the 2023-24 NBA Season
10. Nike Zoom Freak 5
The 10th most-worn basketball shoe of the 2023-24 season is the Nike Freak 5, chosen by players 652 times. They are the fifth series in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s signature line, released in 2023. Many of the shoes in the collection emphasize the story of his journey to becoming a star in the NBA and pay tribute to his family. This includes “Ode To Your First Love,” “Thanks For Sharing,” “Made in Sepolia,” and “Keep It A Buck.” They come in many unique colourways and differ from some previous Freak models, which feature a backward swoosh. The kicks are equipped with a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot and are built to handle the explosiveness of the NBA champion and two-time MVP.
9. Nike Air Zoom GT Cut 2
The “Greater Than” line initially launched in 2021, but the Nike Air Zoom G.T. Cut 2 debuted the following year. Drawing on some elements from Kevin Durant’s line, the “Bred” style was the first colourway unveiled. The Cut 2’s have some upgrades over the previous model, with improved traction, a heel Zoom Air unit, a full-length Zoom Air Strobel, and a React foam sock liner. Numerous styles are available, ranging from vibrant to simple colours, with some having patterns on the mesh. Additionally, Devin Booker released his own pair of the Cut 2s before receiving his first signature shoe, the Book 1.
8. Adidas Harden Vol. 7
The Harden Vol. 7 is the lone Adidas shoe on the list, but it stands out for other reasons. Unlike other shoes, this model’s upper resembles a puffer jacket, which James Harden is known for wearing. The star’s fashion sense inspired the design of his seventh signature shoe, which blends his style with his on-court performance. Launching in 2023, some aspects of the shoe include a Jet Boost midsole, lightstrike cushioning, a knit bootie, and padded panels. Featuring sharp colourways like “Impact Orange,” “Scarlet,” “Crew Yellow,” and “Core Black,” the kicks come in a variety of colours and materials with a unique shape that creates an eye-catching look.
7. Nike Kobe 8
The Nike Kobe 8s were launched in 2012 and are the eighth installment in the late Kobe Bryant’s signature line. Inspired by the Los Angeles Lakers legend’s love for soccer, the model has a light, low-cut profile resembling cleats. The snakeskin upper nods to Bryant’s nickname and “Black Mamba” mentality and has captivating colour schemes and patterns. Moreover, it has a full-length Lunarlon midsole for cushioning and was the first basketball shoe with engineered mesh. However, the kicks are most notable for being the shoes Bryant wore when he hit two free throws after tearing his Achilles. The timeless Kobe 8’s were later relaunched in Preulde form in 2014 and Protro in 2023.
6. Nike Kobe 5
The Nike Kobe 5 debuted in 2009 on Christmas Day. Like many other models in the line, Bryant’s fifth signature shoe was based on cleats, coming from his love for soccer. He believed that cleats enhanced players’ performance and movement due to their low profile and lightweight form. Ergo, the model is light and low-cut, which differed from traditional basketball shoes at the time. It also sports a heartbeat pattern for traction on the outsole, a synthetic upper, and Flywire and Zoom technology. The “Bruce Lee” is one of the most popular colourways, and the model was revived in Prelude and Protro forms in numerous more catchy looks.
5. Nike KD 16
The Nike KD 16 marks the 16th signature shoe in Durant’s line, debuting in 2023 during the first round of the playoffs against the Los Angeles Clippers. Initially unveiled in three colourways, the model expanded to include concepts that tribute significant aspects of the Phoenix Suns star’s life. This includes “Aunt Pearl,” NY vs. NY,” “B.A.D.,” “Wanda,” and “Slim Reaper.” Many of the styles have vibrant colours with zebra patterns covering the mesh. The shoes sport a sleek look and are equipped with a multilayer mesh upper, a Nike Air Zoom unit, a TPU cage system, and Zoom Air cushioning.
4. Nike LeBron 20
NBA superstar and sneaker icon LeBron James is just one of two people to have 20 signature shoes (the other being Michael Jordan). The Nike LeBron 20 is James’ 20th model, released in 2022 to commemorate his 20th year in the league. Their roots lie in family, being inspired by James’ sons, Bryce and Bronny, and designed to empower the next generation. Between the clean and vibrant colours and the fresh look of the shadowed/double Nike swooshes, the shoe is a unique one. Nike pivoted from heavy shoes to a lightweight model and the first low-top in James’ collection. The King notably rocked a pink pair of the LeBron 20 when he made NBA history by becoming the league’s top scorer.
3. Nike Kobe 4 Protro
While the Nike Kobe 4 was launched in 2008, the shoe was re-released in a Protro form in 2019. The first colourway to drop was the Charlotte Hornets-inspired “Draft Day,” the team that initially drafted Bryant in 1996. Since then, “Girl Dad,” Mambacita,” and “Philly” have been popular releases. Once again, Bryant’s love of soccer inspired the original Kobe 4s. But, the Protos pay homage to his Mamba Mentality and family while connecting his legacy with his past. The model only has minor differences from its predecessor; it was upgraded with modern performance technology while still having that timeless feel.
2. Nike Sabrina 1
Sabrina Ionescu made her presence felt in the NBA through her first signature shoe. The Nike Sabrina 1 quickly became a popular choice across the league, with Jrue Holiday being the first NBA player to wear the kicks in a game. While other WNBA players have sneaker deals, the New York Liberty guard was the first woman in over 15 years to have a Nike signature shoe. Launched in 2023, the shoe has a simple yet elegant design inspired by Ionescu’s Romanian heritage. With mesmerizing patterns and plenty of easter eggs, the silhouette has captivating colours that make the swoosh and her logo pop. Some of the top colourways are “Ionic,” “Spark,” “Oreo,” “Magnetic,” and “Dedication.”
1. Nike Kobe 6
Nike Kobe 6 was the most worn basketball shoe of the 2023-24 NBA season for a reason. Chosen 2,823 times, this style features the iconic Christmas-inspired green “Grinches.” This model and its famous colourways have captivated the NBA and sneaker world for years, often dubbed the best Kobe shoes of all time. Other popular styles include the “Italian Camo,” “Imperial Purple,” “Think Pink,” “BHM,” “ASG West Challenge Red,” and “3D Lakers.” The shoe was released in 2010 to honour Bryant’s Black Mamba mentality. Like the older models, the Kobe 6 is a low-top and lightweight silhouette with a snakeskin textured upper and also built with Zoom Air technology. The Kobe 6 Protro was later launched in 2020, with the red “Reverse Grinches” headlining the series.
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