The 5 Best Sneakers Worn in NBA Christmas Day Games

Which NBA player had the best sneakers from the 2023 Christmas Day games?
The 5 Best Sneakers Worn in NBA Christmas Day Games
The 5 Best Sneakers Worn in NBA Christmas Day Games /

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Just as traditional songs, stockings, and unwrapping gifts are an essential part of Christmas Day, so is the five-game slate of NBA games. With the entire basketball world focused on the hardwood for one day, all the major sneaker companies bring the heat on the winter holiday.

As always, there was no shortage of nice sneakers worn on the court during yesterday's action. We saw a healthy mix of new, retro, and custom kicks during the games. It was not easy, but our picks for the five best hoop shoes worn during the 2023 NBA Christmas Day games are below.

The 5 Best Sneakers from NBA Christmas Day Games

The top 5 sneakers from the NBA's 2023 Christmas games.

Jordan Luka 2

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic's red and gold Jordan Brand sneakers.
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic.

Shoe: The Jordan Luka 2 in an unreleased holiday-themed colorway.

How to Buy: Online shoppers can choose between several colorways of Doncic's signature sneaker on the Nike website.

adidas Dame 8 EXTPLY

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard's white, red, and black adidas sneakers.
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard.

Shoe: The adidas Dame 8 EXTPLY in a custom colorway by Stadium Custom Kicks.

How to Buy: Athletes and fans can shop all of Lillard's signature collection on the adidas website.

Nike Freak 5

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo's white, red, and gold Nike sneakers.
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Shoe: The Nike Freak 5 in a player-exclusive 'Christmas' colorway.

How to Buy: Athletes and fans can choose between multiple colorways of Antetokounmpo's signature sneakers on the Nike website.

Nike LeBron 21

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James's red and gold Nike sneakers.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James.

Shoe: The Nike LeBron 21 in an unreleased holiday-themed colorway.

How to Buy: Online shoppers can shop all of James' new and retro sneakers on the Nike website.

Jordan Tatum 2

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum's green and black Jordan Brand shoes.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum.

Shoe: The Jordan Tatum 2 in the 'Vortex' colorway.

How to Buy: The Jordan Tatum 2 launches in March 2024. Until then, online shoppers can choose between multiple colorways of Tatum's first signature sneaker on the Nike website.

Receiving votes: Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (Curry 11), Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (ANTA KT9), Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (Nike KD16), Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (Rigorer AR1), and Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (New Balance TWO WXY v4).

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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.