The Top 10 Sneakers Worn in the NBA in May

All of the major sneaker brands took center stage in the NBA Playoffs.
The Top 10 Sneakers Worn in the NBA in May
The Top 10 Sneakers Worn in the NBA in May /

Basketball was at its best throughout May. The later rounds of the NBA playoffs exemplified the most talented players in the world and the top sneakers in the industry. With the entire country tuning into every game, brands brought their A-game every night.

Before we begin our coverage of the NBA Finals (which tips off Thursday, June 1), we must take a look back at this month. Below are the top ten basketball shoes worn during NBA games throughout May 2023.

Nike KD 16

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant falls to the court during a game.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant did not get much time to show off his unreleased shoes in the playoffs. Nevertheless, the Nike KD 16 still made a strong first impression.

How to Buy: Nike has not yet officially launched Durant's 16th signature sneaker. However, it is safe to assume the Nike KD 16 will hit shelves later this summer. Fans can purchase Durant's latest shoes at a discount on the Nike website.

Nike LeBron 20

Anthony Davis' green and tan Nike LeBron shoes.
© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Los Angeles Lakers power forward Anthony Davis fully embraced his teammate LeBron James' shoes this season. Davis wore the Nike LeBron 20 'Olive Green' and 'Liverpool' colorways throughout the playoffs.

How to Buy: The Nike LeBron 20 is available in 13 colorways, many of which are at a discounted price, on the Nike website.

Nike LeBron NXXT Gen

View of LeBron James' grey and white Nike shoes.
© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Los Angeles Lakers point forward LeBron James wrapped up a historic 20th season in an unreleased colorway of the Nike LeBron NXXT Gen. 

How to Buy: The Nike LeBron NXXT Gen is available in four colorways for $160 in adult sizes on the Nike website.

Curry FloTro Low 2

View of Stephen Curry's pink and blue shoes.
© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry just completed his 10th season with Under Armour, and it did not disappoint. Curry finished the year in the Curry FlotTro Low 2 'Mothers Day' colorway.

How to Buy: Fans can purchase Curry's new and retro basketball shoes (including his Mother's Day kicks) on the Under Armour website.

NB TWO WXY v3

View of Jamal Murray's brown New Balance shoes.
© Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray has worn the New Balance TWO WXY v3 in some seriously fire colorways all season. Murray battled the Lakers in an unreleased bronze colorway.

How to Buy: Luckily for fans of Murray, some of his player-exclusive colorways and other general release versions of the TWO WXY v3 are available for $120 on the New Balance website.

Nike Kobe 6

Philadelphia 76ers forward P.J. Tucker shoots the ball.
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Player: We all know that Philadelphia 76ers forward P.J. Tucker is the NBA's sneaker king. The veteran outdid himself by reprising the Nike Kobe 6 'Barcelona Mango.'

How to Buy: The Nike Kobe 6 'Barcelona Mango' was released in January 2011 for $130. The shoes now have an average resale price of $1,216 on StockX.

Nike KD 4

Philadelphia 76ers forward P.J. Tucker defends Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum.
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Player: P.J. Tucker was not done grabbing headlines when he wore the Nike KD 4 'Nerf' in the last game of the 76ers season.

How to Buy: The Nike KD 4 'Nerf' was released in December 2011 for $125. They currently have a resale price of $1,301 on StockX. Luckily for fans, Nike is bringing back the legendary shoe later this year.

Jordan Tatum 1

View of pink and blue Jordan shoes.
© Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum has impressed fans with several player-exclusive and general-release colorways of his first signature Jordan Brand shoe. The Jordan Tatum 1 'Pink Lemonade' might be the best yet.

How to Buy: The Jordan Tatum 1 'Pink Lemonade' is expected to release on June 20 for $120 on the Nike website.

Air Jordan 37 Low

View of Bam Adebayo's pink and purple Air Jordan shoes.
© Allison Farrand-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo always hoops in a clean pair of Air Jordan sneakers. Adebayo wore a player-exclusive colorway of the Air Jordan 37 Low in the Eastern Conference Finals.

How to Buy: The Air Jordan 37 Low is available in five colorways, some of which are discounted, on the Nike website.

adidas Harden Vol. 7

Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden signs his shoes for a fan after a game.
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Player: Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden hit a game-winning shot against the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Harden then gifted his adidas shoes to John Hao, a recovering victim of the Michigan State shooting.

How to Buy: The adidas Harden Vol. 7 is available in seven colorways for $140 on the adidas website.

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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.