There’s a compelling argument to be made that the signature basketball shoe market is more interesting than ever. Though the likes of LeBron James and Kevin Durant are still pillars of the hoop shoe industry, the in-between is more rich and compelling than ever before too, thanks to rising superstars such as Jayson Tatum and Luka Dončić, plus fan-favorite everymen like Austin Reaves and promising rookies like Scoot Henderson. That’s not even mentioning the superstar ladies such as Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, who are carving out their own exciting path. Just like King James and KD, Nike and adidas are still leading in market share, but there’s plenty of room for innovation too, like PUMA’s wild, in-your-face designs that have garnered an avid following among Gen Z hoops fans and the clever creations of Chinese brands, from ANTA to Rigorer.
We put this shift in perspective last year by reviewing all of the signature shoes from active players across the NBA — outlining 23 players and their 23 pairs — and have done so once again for the 2023-24 season, adding kicks from the WNBA as well. A record-high total of 26 players with active signature shoe lines was reached this year in the NBA, with five new partnerships kicking off while two (Paul George’s Nike line and Russell Westbrook’s Jordan Brand line) rode off into the sunset. As for the WNBA, it had two players release their own sneaker. Looking past player exclusives and inactive lines — those without a new release since 2023 — we’ve assembled a complete list of this season’s signature shoes.
Aaron Gordon: 361 AG 4
While the NBA has yet to recognize Aaron Gordon as an All-Star, Chinese brand 361 Degrees honored him when he received his first signature shoe several years ago. 361 and the newly crowned NBA champion brought forth the AG 4 for the slam dunk expert’s 10th season in the league. The shoe utilizes the brand’s SOAR SYSTEM, proprietary cushioning, and support via a Qu!kCQTECH midsole and SOAR PLATE, allowing Gordon to fly higher than ever.
Andrew Wiggins: Peak AW2
Hot off the introduction of his first signature shoe last season, Andrew Wiggins reconnected with Peak to create a sequel: the AW2. Landing on shelves last November, the sneaker notably features Peak’s latest version of its signature TaiChi cushioning system — offering strength in each step while being backed by anti-slip and wear-resisting elements.
Anthony Edwards: adidas AE1
Anthony Edwards is a highlight machine each night he steps on the court, and adidas made sure to match his dynamic presence with the creation of the AE1, his first signature shoe. Its ventilated TPU upper is instantly recognizable and the combination of BOOST and Lightstrike technology at the midsole ensures that the wearer has access to the exact same explosive tech that Edwards does. Topping off his impressive debut year, Edwards’ commanding charisma has been spotlighted throughout the shoe’s viral “Believe That” campaign.
Austin Reaves: Rigorer AR1
Austin Reaves became one of the youngest players in the NBA to get a signature shoe when Rigorer tapped into his cult following by launching the AR1 ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season. Its Showtime foam at the midsole emphasizes the silhouette’s low-cut build by providing immediate energy return while the cocoon-inspired woven upper balances breathability and lockdown.
Breanna Stewart: PUMA Stewie 2
Breanna Stewart proved that the sky’s the limit for her PUMA Stewie line as the new Stewie 2 backed her MVP-winning season. Built specifically for women’s feet, the Stewie 2 boasts a NITROFOAM-infused midsole joined by targeted PWRTAPE reinforcement in high-pressure areas to provide both responsiveness and durability. There’s more in store from the duo as they just revealed the Stewie 3 this past week, which Stewart is expected to wear throughout the 2024 WNBA season this summer.
CJ McCollum: Li-Ning CJ3
For the third season in a row, Li-Ning connected with CJ McCollum to create a new court-ready sneaker. This year’s result is the CJ3, which revisits colorway themes from its predecessors such as the eye-catching “Great White Shark.” As for its performance, a full-length Boom midsole serves as the sneaker’s foundation — transferring energy throughout its Phylon foam and carbon fiber plate to support McCollum’s sharp cuts.
Damian Lillard: adidas Dame 8 EXTPLY
Damian Lillard and adidas brought forth the Dame 8 in 2021 and, in lieu of continuing the series, issued the budget-oriented Dame Certified in 2022. The partners then iterated upon the Dame 8 by introducing the Dame 8 EXTPLY for this season, while also taking the time to reveal the Dame 9, confirming that a proper sequel is still en route. Maintaining its same Bounce Pro midsole found on the original version of the Dame 8, the EXTPLY notably added a midfoot strap and swapped to a consistent textile upper while again featuring an internal sock construction for comfort.
Devin Booker: Nike BOOK 1
Stepping into the signature shoe game, Devin Booker and Nike Basketball sought to combine three legendary silhouettes — the Air Force 1, Blazer and Air Jordan 1 — to create the BOOK 1. Positioned as a design that can be worn on and off the court with ease, its retro influences are notable, though aren’t overbearing with their presence. As for its technical features, a workwear-inspired canvas offers ample durability at the upper while a top-loaded midfoot shank and plastic sidewall cage emphasize stability. However, it’s the top-loaded Zoom Air unit placed at the heel and the herringbone-inspired traction pattern that enable Booker to amaze with his sharpshooting prowess and mesmerizing ball-handling skills.
Donovan Mitchell: adidas D.O.N. Issue #5
Donovan Mitchell and adidas revealed the D.O.N. Issue #5 in the days leading up to Mitchell’s 40-point performance during the 2023 NBA All-Star Game. Prepared with a Lightstrike midsole and elevated traction pattern, the D.O.N. Issue #5 is designed for swift guards like Mitchell to race across the court with ease.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: Nike Zoom Freak 5
Despite sharing the spotlight with his new Bucks teammate Damian Lillard this season, Giannis Antetokounmpo has continuously reminded fans why he’s known as the “Greek Freak.” His unparalleled athleticism has been backed by the Nike Zoom Freak 5 this season, leveraging its top-loaded Zoom Air unit at the forefoot, internal containment system and foam midsole to drive past the opposition.
Gordon Hayward: ANTA GH4
Gordon Hayward may not be the same threat he was when he earned his first and only selection as an All-Star in 2017, but his injury-ridden recent seasons haven’t stopped him from delivering solid performances when provided the opportunity. This year, while he saw a change of scenery to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Hayward stuck with his ANTA-designed GH4. While the GH5 was just revealed this month, the sports car-inspired GH4 has served as Hayward’s go-to this season with its Harness Line dynamic lacing system and NitroEdge-backed midsole.
Ja Morant: Nike Ja 1
Ja Morant built up a significant amount of momentum last year with the release of his first signature shoe, the Nike Ja 1 — a model that was set to become one of the game’s most exciting silhouettes this year. However, he’s faced multiple setbacks this year as off-the-court problems led to a sizable suspension at the start of the season, and after just nine games, Morant faced a season-ending shoulder injury. While sneakerheads await a sequel to the Ja 1, the silhouette continues to debut in new colorways each month and remains a fan favorite line amongst the industry’s newcomers.
James Harden: adidas Harden Vol. 8
Building off of the Harden Vol. 7’s success, adidas and James Harden brought forth another ultramodern design earlier this year: the Harden Vol. 8. Equipped with full-length JETBOOST cushioning and a textile base, the fashion-forward sneaker doesn’t compromise on performance while its layered build has offered ample space for the duo to bring forth bold colorways.
Jayson Tatum: Jordan Tatum 2
When Jayson Tatum introduced the Jordan Tatum 1, his first signature shoe with Jordan Brand, he did so in spectacular fashion — scoring 55 points in the 2023 NBA All-Star Game. For the Tatum 2, he took a similar approach by bringing out the kicks during his Christmas Day game against the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 25 points in the team’s win. Crafted with a lightweight, flexible construction, the Tatum 2 offers ample energy return for players to bring the same tenacity Tatum does on the court.
Jimmy Butler: Li-Ning JB2
Hot off of a surprise run to the NBA Finals, Jimmy Butler reconnected with Li-Ning to expand his newly-introduced signature shoe line by presenting the JB2. Inspired by his love of tennis, the sneaker takes on a slimmer build than its predecessor while upgrading its carbon fiber plate at the midsole, joining Li-Ning Boom cushioning and a ground control unit. From there, Butler’s lively personality was sprinkled in with his “JB” logo appearing at both the tongue and heel.
Kawhi Leonard: New Balance KAWHI IV
Kawhi Leonard is known to keep his presence lowkey, though his most recent signature shoe — the New Balance KAWHI III — took that to the extreme by disappearing off of shelves shortly after its introduction due to supposed quality control issues. While its successor has not released to the public just yet, look for the duo to make up lost ground soon as Leonard has been spotted throughout the year rocking a model that’s presumed to be the KAWHI IV.
Kevin Durant: Nike KD 16
Kevin Durant revealed the Nike KD 16 around this time last year, and while we eagerly await the impending unveiling of the KD 17, the lengthy superstar continues to put away jumpers in the KD 16. Ostensibly referencing the Air Penny 2 with its upper, its multilayered mesh is lightweight, matching the Air unit that works in tandem with the forefoot’s Zoom Air unit.
Klay Thompson: ANTA KT9
Klay Thompson is one of four active players on the Golden State Warriors with a signature shoe, having released the ANTA KT9 before the season’s start. The lightest entry in the series to date, the KT9 utilizes a one-piece midsole stabilizer with its carbon fiber plate and heel TPU frame. Its SMART S.A.M system provides shock absorption as a multidirectional anti-slip grip offers further stability.
Kyrie Irving: ANTA KAI 1
After his relationship with Nike ended in December of 2022, Kyrie Irving became the most sought-after sneaker free agent in the league. Eventually, he inked a deal with ANTA, later becoming the brand’s chief creative officer in 2023. This year, he finally dropped his first signature shoe with the brand, the KAI 1. The aerodynamic sneaker has been met with open arms as ANTA’s most successful debut yet — flying off of shelves worldwide. Key features include a carbon fiber midfoot plate, a TPU sidewall at the lateral and responsive midsole cushioning while its hieroglyphic-inspired detailing draws from themes of inspiration and encouragement.
LaMelo Ball: PUMA MB.03
LaMelo Ball has been a potent threat in the NBA as a playmaker. However, his bleak injury history has kept him from reaching the heights he is capable of. While he finished with a career-high 23.9 points per game this season, he was only active for 22 of his team’s 82 games. Despite this, he’s found great success with his signature shoe line with PUMA, introducing the world to the MB.03 at the start of the season. Its eye-catching upper hosts slime and claw mark detailing, offering ample room to craft vivid colorways that suit Ball’s energetic playstyle.
LeBron James: Nike LeBron 21
The longest-running signature shoe line for an active player belongs to the NBA’s oldest star, LeBron James. King James teamed up with Nike Basketball for his 21st entry in the series as the season rolled around. Combining its agile build with a new pearl theme, the two built off of the success he found with the low-top LeBron 20 by once again earning praise as one of the market’s top performers with the LeBron 21.
Luka Dončić: Jordan Luka 2
Luka Dončić stepped into the league and quickly became a star, landing his first signature shoe with Jordan Brand in 2022. Since then, he unleashed the Jordan Luka 2 on the league for this season, and even went ahead and unveiled the Jordan Luka 3 earlier this week. While we remain uncertain as to which sneaker he’ll be rocking come playoff time, the Luka 2 was his sneaker of choice throughout the regular season. Equipped with this signature Isoplate and full-length Formula 23 cushioning, the design suits Dončić’s crafty play.
Sabrina Ionescu: Nike Sabrina 1
Sabrina Ionescu joined her teammate Breanna Stewart in sporting her own signature shoe last year by creating the Nike Sabrina 1. It quickly became a fan favorite amongst hoopers thanks to its combination of on-court performance and slick style. On the technical side, a full-length React foam core is paired with a top-loaded Zoom Air unit to ensure Ionescu can sink one 3-pointer after another.
Scoot Henderson: PUMA Scoot Zeros
Only 10 NBA rookies have ever received their own signature shoe, with Scoot Henderson being the latest to do so. Unveiling the PUMA Scoot Zeros before he even hit the floor this season, Henderson may not have lived up to the hype as the third pick of the draft, but his kicks have been met with plenty of success as one of the least expensive signature shoes on the market at a price of $100 USD. Combining its accessible price point with playful pairs like his Cheetos collaboration and a strong end to his debut season, Henderson is in a position to make plenty of noise next season.
Spencer Dinwiddie: 361 DVD 2
Spencer Dinwiddie has moved throughout the league this year, though his footwear allegiance has remained the same. Following up on his debut sneaker with 361 Degrees last season, Dinwiddie dropped the DVD 2 as a speed-oriented sequel. Its Qu!kCQTECH midsole centers around responsiveness while the Qu!kWRAP lacing system emphasizes lockdown and flexibility with its fit.
Stephen Curry: Under Armour Curry 11
As the face of Under Armour’s basketball division for over a decade now, Stephen Curry returned with the futuristic Curry 11 this season. The swift sharpshooter selected a breathable UA IntelliKnit layer to serve as the upper with UA Warp technology that enhances comfort. Its sole also plays a key role in backing Curry’s electric playstyle as a dual-density UA Flow cushioning system works harmoniously with an internal midfoot shank, Forefoot Pebax plate and a molded sockliner.
Trae Young: adidas Trae Young 3
Trae Young returned to the lab with adidas in search of something fresh, ultimately landing on the Trae Young 3. Leaving BOOST behind, the two instead favored a sizable Composite Foam midsole that joins an asymmetrical Torsion System to give Young the ability to jab and cut with ease. Its FUTURENATURAL upper is presented with a seamless design that mirrors these swift movements as well.
Zion Williamson: Jordan Zion 3
Zion Williamson and Jordan Brand had three elements they wanted to focus on with his third signature shoe: “containment, court feel and impact protection.” For the Zion 3, its combination of Formula 23 foam and a forefoot Zoom Air unit addressed the cushioning necessary for Williamson to put away high-impact dunks. Its stack height was lowered and paired with a new rubber herringbone pattern for precise traction. Though its most notable feature is the splatter detail found across the upper, created via a 3D imaging of Zion’s foot last launching through mud and a reference to him feeling as though he’s “made it out of the mud.”
