10 Basketball Sneakers We're Thankful For This Thanksgiving

Highlighting ten new basketball sneakers that fans and athletes are grateful for this Thanksgiving.
10 Basketball Sneakers We're Thankful For This Thanksgiving
10 Basketball Sneakers We're Thankful For This Thanksgiving /

Late November can easily be overlooked as people begin shopping for next month's holidays. But Thanksgiving still matters to us. It is always good to voice your gratitude for different people and things in your life (pick up the phone and call someone to let them know how you feel).

While sneakers are far from the most important part of life, they do spur passion among many people worldwide. Therefore, we want to highlight ten new performance basketball shoes we are grateful for this year. Everyone loves the classics, but the following new models deserve some praise.

10 Sneakers We're Thankful For This Year

Ranking ten sneakers we're giving thanks for in 2023.

Adidas AE 1

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards' blue and black adidas shoes.
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards.

Why We Love It: The first shoe on our list has not even been released yet. However, that has not adidas and Edwards from declaring war on opposing brands' sneakers in a series of provocative new ads. The design and marketing of this shoe have been remarkable.

How to Buy It: Athletes and fans must wait until December 2023 to buy the Adidas AE 1.

Adidas D.O.N. Issue 5

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell's blue and black adidas sneakers.
© David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell.

Why We Love It: The fifth installment of Mitchell's signature adidas line is a bold departure from previous models. Mitchell and adidas took risks with the design, and it paid off with a slick silhouette.

How to Buy It: Online shoppers can choose between three colorways of the Adidas D.O.N. Issue 5 on the adidas website.

New Balance TWO WXY v4

Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray's green and yellow New Balance shoes.
© Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray.

Why We Love It: New Balance has a strong roster of young NBA stars and always promotes them to the fullest. The brand's flagship model, the TWO WXY v4, is a significant upgrade over last year's version (which we already loved!).

How to Buy It: Online shoppers can purchase the New Balance TWO WXY v4 for $120 on the New Balance website.

PUMA MB.03

LaMelo Ball's purple and green PUMA sneakers.
© John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Charlotte Horners guard LaMelo Ball.

Why We Love It: You cannot say basketball shoes are redundant or boring as long as Ball's signature sneaker line with PUMA exists. The newest installment is the flashiest yet, which is perfectly fitting for Ball.

How to Buy It: The PUMA MB.03 is available for $125 in adult sizes on the PUMA website.

Nike LeBron 21

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James' purple and gold Nike sneakers.
© Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James.

Why We Love It: At this point in his career, what is left for James to conquer? The answer is everything. The Nike LeBron 21 builds on James' prior success and is ready for the next generation of hoopers.

How to Buy It: Online shoppers can choose between multiple colorways of the Nike LeBron 21 on the Nike website.

Nike KD 16

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant's orange and purple Nike sneakers.
© Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant.

Why We Love It: Durant is a serious sneakerhead, and it shows in all of his shoes. The Nike KD 16 draws inspiration from other iconic models in the brand's history but is perfect for getting buckets in today's game.

How to Buy It: Athletes and fans can choose between multiple colorways of the Nike KD 16 on the Nike website.

Nike Sabrina 1

Brooklyn Nets forward Trendon Watford's white and black Nike sneakers.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Player: New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu.

Why We Love It: Next month, you will see a lot of outlets name the Nike Sabrina 1 as the best hoop shoe of the year - and they are not wrong. The first installment of Ionescu's signature line has taken the WNBA and NBA by storm.

How to Buy It: Online shoppers can choose between several colorways of the Nike Sabrina 1 on the Nike website.

Jordan Tatum 1

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum's white and orange Jordan Brand shoes.
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum.

Why We Love It: It is hard to believe, but the Jordan Tatum 1 is nearly a year old. The first installment of Tatum's signature line has kept our attention thanks to its countless fire colorways.

How to Buy It: Athletes and fans can choose between multiple colorways of the Jordan Tatum 1 on the Nike website.

Skechers SKX Resagrip

New York Knicks forward Julius Randle's white and pink Skechers sneakers.
Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Player: New York Knicks forward Julius Randle.

Why We Love It: Skechers is disrupting the performance footwear industry. After starting in MLB, Skechers made several splashy signings to start the new NBA season. Best of all, the brand's two new performance models are deserving of the hype.

How to Buy It: Online shoppers can choose between multiple colorways and styles of Skechers' new basketball shoes on the Skechers website.

Curry 11

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry dribbles the ball during a photo shoot.
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry,

Why We Love It: The tenth installment of Curry's signature line felt like a victory lap with all of the fan-favorite colorways. Meanwhile, the Curry 11 is ready for another decade of dominance. The hoop shoe is among the best on the market.

How to Buy It: Athletes and fans can choose between multiple colorways of the Curry 11 on the Under Armour website.

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Anthony Edwards' Sneaker Ad Draws Comparisons to Michael Jordan


Published
Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.