Ranking Every New Signature Basketball Sneaker of 2023

Which professional basketball player had the best new signature sneaker line of 2023?
Ranking Every New Signature Basketball Sneaker of 2023
Ranking Every New Signature Basketball Sneaker of 2023 /

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Fans of sports and sneakers are often nostalgic for the past. But we are living in a great era of basketball, and arguably the best time for sneakers. Technology has made it easier than ever to make purchases online, and competition among brands is keeping prices reasonable.

Even the sheer number of brands is higher than ever before. In 2023, seven professional basketball players launched new signature sneaker lines. That has to be a record that will not be broken anytime soon. Now it is time to measure which new signature sneaker line made the most noise in 2023.

Ranking 2023's New Signature Sneakers

Ranking the best debut signature sneakers of 2023.

7. Nike Book 1

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker's purple and black Nike sneakers.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker has a lot of hype surrounding his soon-to-be-launched signature sneaker line. Unfortunately, there have been some missteps out of the gate. The orange 'Clay' colorway will only be released in 500 units, which earns its spot at the bottom of our list.

How to Buy: The Nike Book 1 will released in extremely limited quantities earlier this month, but the production numbers will increase to meet demand beginning in early 2024.

6. PUMA Scoot Zeros

Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson's pink and green PUMA shoes.
Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson made history by becoming the tenth player in NBA history to have a signature sneaker in his rookie season. Even better, PUMA cooked up a slick silhouette in a fire debut colorway that pays tribute to his Georgia roots.

How to Buy: The PUMA Scoot Zeros officially launched on December 15 for $100 in adult sizes on the PUMA website.

5. adidas AE 1

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

Player: Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards put the entire NBA and sneaker industry on notice with his brash adidas commercials. The war of words has escalated in recent weeks to take down Kevin Durant on social media. Luckily, the futuristic design of the adidas AE 1 is built for pressure.

How to Buy: The adidas AE 1 officially launches on December 16 for $120 in adult sizes on the adidas website.

4. Rigorer AR1

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves' purple and teal sneakers.
© Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Austin Reaves was an unlikely candidate for a signature sneaker line, and most hoopers in North America had never heard of the Chinese brand Rigorer. But the Rigorer AR1 made a strong debut in the 2023 FIBA World Cup and has been a smash hit, thanks to its exciting colorways.

How to Buy: Online shoppers can choose between five colorways of the Rigorer AR1 on the KICKS CREW website and app.

3. Nike Ja 1

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant's purple and orange Nike sneakers.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant had one of the most highly anticipated sneakers of the year. But his off-court drama resulted in a delayed release, altered colorways, and even a few minor boycotts. The Nike Ja 1 is still a work of art and is loved by fans of all ages.

How to Buy: Online shoppers can choose between several colorways of the Nike Ja 1 in full-family sizing on the Nike website.

2. Jordan Tatum 1

View of Jayson Tatum's pink and green Jordan Brand shoes.
© Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum debuted his first signature sneaker with Jordan Brand during his MVP performance at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game. Thanks to a steady stream of exciting releases, the hype never died down. The Jordan Tatum 1 is ultra-lightweight, affordable, and loved by hoopers at all levels.

How to Buy: Online shoppers can choose between multiple colorways of the Jordan Tatum 1 in full-family sizing on the Nike website.

1. 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's first signature sneaker took over the WNBA and the NBA. The Nike Sabrina 1 was so hot this summer that MLB players were wearing it, and Ionescu's game-worn pairs were being stolen. Luckily for fans, the model features a fresh design and is easily customizable online. In addition to looking good on the court, the shoe performs at the highest levels.

How to Buy: Athletes and fans can choose between several colorways of the Nike Sabrina 1 in full-family sizing on the Nike website.

The 10 Best Basketball Sneakers of the 2023 Holiday Season


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.