Some sneakers are just sneakers. Others? They have history. Legacy. They’ve been laced up in Game 7s, broken in on hardwood battlefields and immortalized in highlight reels. The best basketball shoes aren’t just worn; they’re studied, obsessed over and, inevitably, sold out.
If you want a pair that’s seen real action — on the feet of Steph Curry, James Harden or LaMelo Ball — you’ll need to move fast. These sneakers, including those from Nike, Adidas and Under Armour, don’t sit around waiting for you to make up your mind. Here’s where to find them before they disappear. Unlike running sneakers or walking shoes, you’ll likely miss your chance if you don’t move quickly.
In honor of the regular NBA season coming to an end and playoff season about to begin, we rounded up pairs loved by some of the best NBA players of all time. Check them out below.
SKIP AHEAD How we found the top NBA sneakers | Exclusive NBA sneakers to shop | Why trust NBC Select
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How we found the top NBA sneakers
To round up the most exclusive NBA sneakers, we focused on styles frequently worn by some of the best basketball players in the league — like James Harden and Steph Curry. The sneakers below are all considered “signature shoes,” which means they were designed in collaboration with certain athletes to aid in their performance on the court. You’ll also notice that all the shoes featured are from top shoe brands known for athletic wear and shoes.
Exclusive NBA sneakers to shop
Adidas Harden Volume 9
James Harden, a shooting guard on the Los Angeles Clippers, is often touted as being one of the greatest scorers in the history of the NBA — and these are the sneakers he frequently wears on the court. The sneaker, currently in its ninth iteration, was created in collaboration with Harden and Adidas. The unisex shoe is lightweight and has a rubber sole for traction. It features a synthetic and textile upper with flashy metallic details for style.
Under Armour Curry 4 FloTro
These sneakers were created by Golden State Warriors point guard Steph Curry, and he frequently wears them during games. The high-top style fits like a bootie, which gives the wearer ankle support, according to the brand. There are also strategic perforations for breathability and a flexible outsole that allows for quick pivots, according to Under Armour.
Nike Kobe 8 Protro Basketball Shoes
Thought to be one of the greatest ballers of all time, Kobe Bryant frequently wore a version of these Nikes. Many basketball players have carried on that tradition and can also be seen wearing them on the court. They have a breathable mesh upper and additional traction on the soles at the forefront and heel, where you naturally plant your foot, according to the brand. The black sneaker also has gold and purple accents to represent the Lakers, the team Bryant played for.
Nike Giannis Freak 6
You can’t miss these sneakers on the court. The style is a collaboration between Greek-Nigerian player Giannis Antetokounmpo, who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks and has been named “Greek Freak” thanks to his style on the court. The unisex shoe has extra traction on the sole for easy starts and stops and additional forefront cushioning for comfort, according to Nike. It is available in three bold colors — pink and green, purple and green or red and black.
Puma x LaMelo Ball MB.03 Lo Team
Available in both women’s and men’s sizing, these sneakers have Puma’s proprietary NitroFoam cushioning for support and comfort, according to the brand. The mesh upper is breathable, and the grooved sole provides good traction on the court. The shoes were created for Charlotte Hornets player LaMelo Ball, who wears them often during games.
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Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle.
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