The Top 10 Signature Sneakers in the NBA

Ranking the top ten signature sneakers among active NBA players.

It may have flown under the radar for many, but this week marked the beginning of media days for individual NBA teams. The event feels more like the first day of school, with fresh haircuts, clean uniforms, and new faces all around. However, the real work will soon start with training camps.

Every season brings plenty of new highlights and iconic sneaker moments. That is why today is the perfect time to take stock of the current footwear landscape in the league. Below is FanNation Kicks' list of the ten best signature sneaker lines among active NBA players. 

1. LeBron James

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It should be no surprise that LeBron James tops our list among players with the best active signature sneaker lines. James signed a historic footwear and apparel contract with Nike shortly after graduating high school in 2003. The two partners eventually agreed to a lifetime sneaker deal in 2015 worth more than $1 billion.

James has played for three different organizations over the past two decades, but fans have been able to consistently rely on the league's all-time scorer night after night for far longer than any other player.

Just as hoops fans tune in every night to watch James play, sneakerheads closely follow his footwear (remember "LeBron Watch"). With 21 signature sneakers and several budget models, James is head and shoulders above his peers. Fans can shop the LeBron James collection on Nike's website.

2. Kevin Durant

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Another player who is not afraid of change is Kevin Durant. While Durant's skill level stacks up against anyone, his career is full of what-ifs. What if he suffered fewer injuries, what if he didn't change teams so frequently, what if he never picked up Twitter?

While hoops historians can debate Durant's legacy, no one can argue that he has had anything other than an excellent sneaker career. The "Slim Reaper" signed with Nike in 2007 and launched his signature sneaker line in his sophomore season. In April 2023, Durant and Nike agreed to a lifetime sneaker deal.

At 35 years old with 15 seasons behind him, Durant is in the twilight of his prime. But his signature sneaker line shows no signs of slowing down. Athletes and fans can shop the Kevin Durant collection on Nike's website.

3. Stephen Curry

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Not only did Stephen Curry change the game for good by bringing outside shooting into vogue, but he has been an important figure in the basketball sneaker world. Curry started his career with Nike, but an infamously bad meeting soured the Golden State Warriors point guard on the brand.

Nike's loss resulted in a major victory for Under Armour. Curry signed with Under Armour in 2013, and the two partners launched Curry Brand in 2020. In March 2023, Curry and Under Armour agreed to a long-term contract extension, which has the potential to become a lifetime deal.

However, it has not always been smooth sailing for Curry's signature line. Some of his earlier models received ridicule online for being "dad shoes," but judging by the current landscape; Curry got the last laugh. Online shoppers can choose between Curry's new and retro models on the Under Armour website.

4. Damian Lillard

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Coming out of Weber State, no one could have predicted the impact Damian Lillard would have on the league and the sneaker industry. After his sophomore season, Lillard agreed to a ten-year, $100 million footwear and apparel contract with adidas in 2014.

With one year left on his adidas deal, it is safe to assume that the 7x NBA All-Star will have no problem negotiating another contract with the German company. Lillard has cultivated a loyal following thanks to his play, authenticity, and fire footwear.

Lillard has eight signature models plus a budget-friendly line with adidas and recently invested in the sneaker platform KICKS CREW. At 33 years old, Lillard's legacy in the sport and sneaker community is beyond reproach.

5. James Harden

In many ways, James Harden is the fun-house mirror version of his peers. He has just as many, if not more, individual accolades than other top players in their mid-30s but no championships to show for it.

But Harden's bad luck in the postseason cannot take away from his sneaker legacy. After starting his career with Nike, Harden signed a 13-year, $200 million signature sneaker deal with adidas in 2015. 

After seven signature models, the adidas Harden line has a solid body of work that cannot be ignored. Inspired by his fashion and unorthodox play style, Harden's sneakers always stand out from the crowd, which is a breath of fresh air for sneakerheads. Fans can shop the James Harden collection on the adidas website.

6. Giannis Antetokounmpo

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There is not a single player in the NBA with a more unique and inspiring journey than Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Milwaukee Bucks forward's real-life rags-to-riches story is a tale that makes it impossible to not root for his success.

Antetokounmpo is incredibly loyal to his family, fans, and team. Also, he has one of the most reliable signature sneaker lines in the league. After starting his career in Nike, Antetokounmpo agreed to a long-term contract extension which included a signature line.

Since the "Zoom Freak" line launched in 2019, it has not missed with any of its five installments. They may not be the most hyped basketball shoes, but they're never ridiculed or clowned online. Athletes and fans can shop the Giannis Antetokounmpo collection on Nike's website.

7. Donovan Mitchell

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Adidas did not hesitate in giving Donovan Mitchell a signature sneaker. The first installment of Mitchell's sneaker line launched during his sophomore campaign and has not looked back. 

Mitchell's sneaker line resonates with younger fans thanks to its affordability and exciting designs. We have seen several collaborations inspire unique colorways for the "D.O.N. Issue" line that have only been outshined by their namesake's performance on the court.

At 27 years old, Mitchell is entering the prime of his career. With his fifth signature model on the way, fans can expect both Mitchell and his footwear to reach new heights in the coming years. Online shoppers can check out the Donovan Mitchell collection on the adidas website.

8. Kawhi Leonard

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It is going to be a fun challenge for hoops historians to contextualize the career of Kawhi Leonard. But the sneaker legacy of the "fun guy" is straightforward - Leonard did things his own way, and it paid off.

Leonard started off his career with Jordan Brand before souring on the partnership. In 2018, Leonard signed a five-year sneaker deal with New Balance, which included a signature line.

There have only been three installments for Leonard's signature line, but he helped put New Balance back on the map in the NBA. Leonard became the first of several All-Stars to sign with the Boston-based brand. 

9. Trae Young

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Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young is another player which adidas invested heavily in at an early point in his career. Adidas' bet on Young paid off quickly. The polarizing point guard debuted his first signature sneaker during a raucous playoff series against the New York Knicks in 2021.

The adidas Trae Young 1 would quickly become a part of hoops history, as its namesake became the second player in NBA history to lead the league in points and assists. Young put together the impressive body of work while flashing a plethora of colorways of his first signature model.

Young's third signature sneaker launched this month and will surely be another favorite among hoopers of all ages (especially adidas-sponsored college teams). Fans can shop the Trae Young collection on the adidas website.

10. LaMelo Ball

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Sure, LaMelo Ball had his own signature sneaker in high school, thanks to his family business. But Ball made it to the big leagues when he entered the NBA and signed a signature sneaker deal with PUMA in 2020. 

The Charlotte Hornets point guard debuted his first signature model during his sophomore campaign, and it did not disappoint. Over the past three years, the flashy point guard has stood out in his equally bold footwear.

If Ball's game was not enough to show fans that he is a rare talent, his sneakers should let them know that he is truly not from here. Online shoppers can check out the LaMelo Ball collection on the PUMA website.

Other players receiving votes: Derrick Rose, Luka Doncic, Russell Westbrook, Klay Thompson, and Zion Williamson.

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