Grades for Every Sneaker Brand's Start of the NBA Season

Report cards for every sneaker brand after the start of the 2023-24 NBA season.

Pat Benson | Nov 9, 2023

Grades for Every Sneaker Brand's Start of the NBA Season /

We are more than two weeks into the 2023-24 NBA season, and the In-Season Tournament has already begun for some teams. Slow starts can no longer be ignored, and hot streaks are worth noting at this point in the new campaign.

As a son of two public school teachers, I get the sense that time is time for evaluation. Every major sneaker brand brings the heat for the start of each season, and now is the perfect time to grade their performances thus far. Below is the FanNation Kicks' report card for every major sneaker brand after two weeks of action.

Adidas

Brand: adidas

Grade: A

Highlights: Donovan Mitchell sinking a game-winner on Opening Night and James Harden introducing his newest model in his Clippers debut is a start that most brands can only dream of. Also, we cannot forget how Anthony Edwards declared war on opposing players' sneakers.

Needs Improvement: We are ready to hit the panic button on the future of Damian Lillard's signature line. Will the Milwaukee Bucks guard receive a 9th signature sneaker? Online shoppers can check out all of the brand's hoop shoes online.

Jordan Brand

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Brand: Jordan Brand

Grade: B+

Highlights: Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum's first signature sneaker picked up where it left off last season with plenty of fire colorways. Additionally, Luka Doncic and Russell Westbrook continue to cook while Zion Williamson has remained healthy. Not a bad start to the season for Jumpman. Fans can shop the collection on the Nike website.

Needs Improvement: The Air Jordan 38 has flown under the radar through two weeks of action. We need more colorways to stoke excitement for the brand's flagship model.

New Balance

Brand: New Balance

Grade: A+

Highlights: Jamal Murray accepting his NBA Championship ring on Opening Night was a signature moment for New Balance. Even better, Kawhi Leonard's signature model and the Fresh Foam BB are back on track. As always, the TWO WXY line remains exciting.

Needs Improvement: We need more colorways of the New Balance KAWHI III to drop. Online shoppers were just treated to a Clippers-inspired colorway, but the model is too good not to push out more styles. Fans can check out the entire collection online.

Nike

Brand: Nike

Grade: B

Highlights: The mix of new and retro sneakers from LeBron James and Kevin Durant's signature lines are perfect for fans of all ages. Online shoppers can choose between several styles on the Nike website.

Needs Improvement: Ja Morant serving a suspension detracts momentum from his signature line, and Devin Booker revealing that the launch colorway of his first signature sneaker will be extremely limited is disappointing.

PUMA

Brand: PUMA

Grade: B+

Highlights: LaMelo Ball's sneakers are anything but boring, and we are excited about the upcoming launch of Scoot Henderson's signature line. Online shoppers can check out the entire PUMA Hoops collection online.

Needs Improvement: We hate to see Terry Rozier leave PUMA, but it is a sign of the second phase of the brand's reemergence in basketball.

Skechers

New York Knicks forward Julius Randle dribbles past Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. — Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Brand: Skechers

Grade: A

Highlights: Skechers stormed onto the scene by signing Julius Randle and Terance Mann. Even better, they quickly launched performance models online so fans can see what all the hype is about.

Needs Improvement: We are patiently awaiting the reported signing of Joel Embiid. Once Skechers signs the reigning NBA MVP, then the brand will truly be formidable in the league.

Under Armour

Brand: Under Armour

Grade: B+

Highlights: Stephen Curry remains dominant, and his 11th signature sneaker has been selling fast on the Under Armour website. Plus, De'Aaron Fox becoming the first signature athlete of Curry Brand helps Under Armour.

Needs Improvement: Losing Joel Embiid to Skechers would hurt Under Armour. The brand has signed a lot of great, young talent in the WNBA. It just needs to replicate that strategy in the NBA.

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Published Nov 9, 2023

PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Kicks On Sports Illustrated. 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.