The NBA's best sneakers

Nothing brings the worlds of sports and fashion together quite like some great looking kicks. While uniforms are... well... uniform in nature, a player can

Ryan Wong | Dec 3, 2014

The NBA's best sneakers /

Nothing brings the worlds of sports and fashion together quite like some great looking kicks.

While uniforms are... well... uniform in nature, a player can really express himself through his footwear (as long as they're of the team's colors). Some players get an added perk that comes with the territory of being an NBA star - their own signature sneaker.

Michael Jordan's imprint on the sneaker game can still be seen on any basketball court, but the NBA's current best and brightest have nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to their own shoe game.

Without further ado, here's some of the best sneakers currently being worn in the NBA.

Derrick Rose - The D Rose 5 Boost

Rose always looks clean when he steps out onto the court (or collapses onto it with a knee injury) thanks to his own signature shoe with adidas.

Kobe Bryant - The Kobe 9 Elite High

The Kobe 9 Elite High debuted for last season, but Kobe's injurise prevented him from reallyl showing off the striking Nike model. He's making up for that now with the 9 Elite High's extra-high top look.

Russell Westbrook - Air Jordan XX9

Westbrook has become the de facto face of Jordans, and his combination of speed, explosiveness and toughness is matched well with the Air Jordan XX9. This is the first Air Jordan to feature a woven upper to help with comfort and performance. The shoe also sports a pretty clean look that is hard to miss, given the large jumpman on some colorways and Jordan Brand's famous elephant print on others.

LeBron James - The LeBron 12

LeBron has returned to Cleveland, and while his Cavs didn't get off to the start that Cleveland residents had hoped for, James' shoe game is as strong as ever. While the 12s aren't as flashy as the Lebron 11s or 10s, the introduction of mesh to the LeBron line gives his shoe a sleeker look. And unlike last year's signature model, LeBron is actually wearing the 12s on the court.

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Stephen Curry - Under Armour ClutchFit Drive

Under Armour may not have many signature athletes signed under its brand, but they've definitely treated Stephen Curry right with his kicks. The colorways unmistakable belong to the Warriors, and the detailing on the high-top upper is very unique, qualities which always make for a great on-court shoe.

Kevin Durant - KD 7

Sure, Kevin Durant has only played in one (disappointing)game thanks to a foot injury that sidelined him before the season began. That doesn't stop the KD 7 from being one of the better looking shoes to debut this year. The midfoot strap is an instant attention-grabber that pays homage to some of Durant's past signature shoes and it immediately sets it apart from its contemporaries.

Dwyane Wade - Li-Ning of Wade

Chinese sneaker brand Li-Ning made waves when they were able to sign Dwyane Wade away from Jordan Brand (Jordan Brand!), but the decision appears to have paid off for both sides. Wade's kicks rarely look like anything else on an NBA court, and that sort of individuality speaks to Li Ning's relative obscurity in sneaker circles and their bold design choices for Wade's kicks.

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Damian Lillard - adidas D Lillard 1

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These won't debut until 2015, but Lillard's first signature shoe certainly comes correct. The reptile-like print and sleek shine make the black pop, and the detailing on the sole is sure to stand out while Lillard blows by defenders on the basketball court.

Whatever Nate Robinson is wearing

It's impossible to discuss great kicks without mentioning Air Jordan retros, and there are few who consistently bring as much Jordan heat as Nate Robinson. His collection is HUGE, and he's been spotted sporting some of the best Jordan retros that His Airness has ever had to offer this year.

He's also been spotted sporting some uh... less appropriate footwear:

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Ryan Wong is a writer for Next Impulse Sports

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Athletes and Their Sneakers

LeBron James

The Wall Street Journal reported in its Tuesday editions that the LeBron X shoe, scheduled to hit stores this fall, will retail for $315 (with a toned-down version selling for $190). In honor of this milestone, SI presents a gallery of athletes and their sneakers including this 2009 shot of James holding up the LeBron VII shoes during a charity event in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.